PLUGHITZ Live Presents (Video)

Fitness and healthy eating are on the mind of many people around the globe, with technology a major player in helping those to reach personal goals. Spun utensils are just the latest tool aiming to assist consumers in tracking what they are putting into their bodies.

Spun utensils are designed to take calorie-counting apps to the next level. After taking a picture and identifying the food on your plate, the smart utensil tracks calories and nutrients with each bite rather than just calculating the whole meal. This means you can cut your portion short should you reach your calorie limit before the plate is cleared. The app also allows for things such as monitoring seconds between bites and you can even select profiles that will offer tailored recommendations towards reaching your personal goals.

For an expected retail of $74.99, a Spun starter pack will come with the intelligence handle along with two different spoon size plug-ins as well as a fork attachment. A stylish carrying case is also included with the product. Founder Umar Bakhsh said the utensils will launch in beta form in March of this year with a hopeful release in June.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Not all of the technology being shown off at CES is designed to give consumers convenient and faster access to the latest forms of information and entertainment. Some of it is created with the idea of making certain tasks just a little bit easier.

That's the thought behind Somabar, a fully robotic bartender that can create and mix a beverage without so much as the unscrewing of a cap. The app-controlled drink mixer uses six different pods to blend together over 300 different cocktails, or the user can program their own creation into the app. Following feedback from its Kickstarter campaign, Somabar also comes with a full water-flushing system for automatic cleaning.

Inspired by CEO Dylan Purcell-Lowe's travels to Japan, where he witnessed prepackaged rum and Cokes being served from a machine, Somabar is set to be released in July and will retail at $449. The robotic bartender can be purchased at http://www.somabarkickstarter.com.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

A great maker community deserves a great advocate in the wider community. In the Tampa Bay Area, we have the Eureka! Factory. This organization is responsible for events like Gulf Coast MakerCon, Roboticon Tampa Bay and others. They are also responsible for helping libraries create their makerspaces - sometimes by taking surveys and group chats, sometimes by designing the actual space.

Terri Willingham, a Creative Partner, came by near the end of the event to talk about the success of the event. We talked about the diversity of the event, the responses from the early attendees and what we can look forward to in the future.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

With the proliferation of makerspaces, such as Tampa Hackerspace, Makerspace @ SPC and Faulhaber FAB LAB, one of the items that is in high demand is 3D printers. Sometimes these things can cost thousands of dollars in entry, with extra cost in printing supplies and part maintenance.

That is where FreeFab 3D comes in. Joel Porter came by to talk about the company's existing and upcoming models, which are far less expensive than many other models on the market. In addition, much of the machine is built with 3D printing techniques itself, meaning that you could theoretically print your own replacement parts if something goes wrong.

One of the great things about buying a FreeFab 3D printer is that included with the purchase comes 2 hours of training. This allows the company to pass on its communal knowledge, such as do not use the printer in front of an open window or under an air-conditioning vent.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

As the maker movement continues to grow, places for these new makers to bring their visions to life is increasingly important. We have seen libraries take on this challenge at a quick rate, but not every library has the foresight or budget to bring their own visions to fruition.

Located in Sarasota, the Suncoast Science / Faulhaber FAB LAB is a makerspace with the benefit of being part of a science center. Jennifer Holt came by to talk about the facility, which features many tools that are common to makerspaces, such as 3D printers, soldering irons, etc. In addition, this facility offers lesser-known or less available tools, such as laser etchers and CNC machines.

The facility event offers open house events to allow the outside world experience the wonders of the space and learn about the tools and learning opportunities available.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

When tablet makers design their next generation, it often involves making them thinner and lighter. While that design process might make things better me, who travels with at least 3 in my computer bag, it doesn't necessarily make it more usable for others.

For example, as people age, holding a thinner tablet might actually become less convenient. Because of this issue, Roseanne Clementi has created the Pad Go Round. This product serves as a tablet case, while also providing handles on the sides to make holding it far easier. It also allows for wearing the device around your neck, both providing an easy carrying option, but also serving as an extra level of protection in case it falls.

The Pad Go Round is currently in a prototype phase, but is working on a release to the world through a crowdfunding campaign

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

Electronic waste is a huge problem. With computers, phones and tablets replaced at a fairly rapid rate, lots of electronics end up needing to be disposed of. Unfortunately, lots of people simply throw this stuff away. Electronics have all kinds of toxins in them which, when disposed of improperly, can end up in drinking water.

Tony Selvaggio from Scrap On Spot came by to talk to us about their Destruction Zone at Gulf Coast MakerCon, as well as the company's recycling program. The company takes in old electronics and, working with partners, breaks them down for their hazardous and reusable pieces. Many precious metals, such as gold, are common on circuit boards, and some rare elements, such as neodymium magnets, can be reused in other products.

In addition to their display at MakerCon, the company also help raise money for organizations, such as churches, youth groups and robotics clubs, through their recycling drives. It is definitely a pleasure to see a company help protect the environment and give back to their community.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

At a maker event, you never know what you might get to see. One of the surprising products we were introduced to is the Flap Top Comforter. Created by Minda Cameron, this product is designed to help make the process of making the bed easier and less cumbersome.

A full bed set has a comforter with decorative pillows, sheets and sleeping pillows. The problem is always what to do with the pillows and comforter, which you don't want in the bed while sleeping. The Flap Top Comforter solves this problem by turning your regular pillows into a more decorative pillow during the day.

While this might not immediately seem like a problem that modern adults have, consider your last stay in a hotel. Chances are there were a number of pieces on the bed that you had to find new homes for - usually the floor. This product eliminates the need to search for that at home.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

A common trend in libraries is adding makerspaces. In the Tampa Bay Area, the best-known is likely The Hive at John F. Germany Library, but many other libraries are involved in the community. One such space is Innovation Lab (Makerspace @ SPC), located at the Seminole campus of Saint Petersburg College. Chad Mairn came to speak to us about this space, which is used in conjunction with classes, but also holds non-class events as well.

Although the space may not be as large as some of their neighbors, they pack a lot of activity into the space. They have 3D printers, electronics tools and more. They focus on workshops and collaborative learning, which makes sense for a library at a college. There are activities happening all the time, keeping the maker community in Pinellas County engaged.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

"Innovation comes from things that suck" brought us another product: the Pami Pocket. Created by Pam French, this product is designed to give women the ability to carry their phones and essentials without needing a full purse. This can come in handy especially at the beach, theme parks, etc.

Designed with a smartphone in mind first, these pockets give small, simple portable storage. Coming complete with either blank or designed front pockets, these pockets are currently available directly or through several retailers in the Tampa Bay area, including some Walgreens. Pam says her ultimate goal for the product is to license Disney character designs.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.