Smart Things

Smart Things

The current problem that most devices have is that they function as a standalone being, and it require effort for tech competitors to actually partner with each other and build products that can truly connect with each other. SmartThings is here to make your every device, digital or non-digital, connect together and benefit you.

With SmartThings you can get your smoke alarms, humidity, pressure and vibration sensors to detect changes in your house and alert you through your smartphone! Imagine the possibilities with this.

You could track who’s been inside your house, turn on the lights while you’re entering a room, shut windows and doors when you leave the house, all with the help of something that only costs $500! Feel like a tech lord in your castle with this marvel.

Eye Tribe

Eye tracking has been actively discussed by technology enthusiasts throughout these years, but it’s really challenging to implement. But Eye Tribe actually did this. They successfully created the technology to allow you to control your tablet, play flight simulator, and even slice fruits in Fruit Ninja only with your eye movements.

It’s basically taking the common eye-tracking technology and combining it with a front-facing camera plus some serious computer-vision algorithm, and voila, fruit slicing done with the eyes! A live demo was done in LeWeb this year and we may actually be able to see it in in action in mobile devices in 2013.

Currently the company is still seeking partnership to bring this sci-fi tech into the consumer market but you and I know that this product is simply too awesome to fail.

Polarized Zip Printer

Polaroid Zip Printer Is A Mobile Printer That Can Print Small Sized Photos

With the technological advances, we have all gone digital and old classic stuff seems to be a thing of past. Well, not anymore. Polaroid has introduced yet another mobile photo printer by the name of Polaroid Zip that allows users to print pictures taken from their smartphones. It prints a small color print out in about a minute. The printer can print 5x8cm pictures by using Zero Ink Paper that comes from Zink Imaging.

Zink Paper doesn’t require ink since it makes use of dye crystal and comes as a formulated paper that has beenspecially designed and is embedded with dye crystals. The printer works by heating up particular areas of paper for a specified amount of time and up to a particular temperature. The next stop involves the release of dyes and an image is created. According to Polaroid, the result qualifies as ‘full-color, high quality, long-lasting and smudge-proof images without ink cartridges, ribbons or toner.’

The gadget measures 7.4x12cm and has a weight of 186g. It gets power from an internally incorporated and rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can print 25 pictures on a full single charge. The printer connects to the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth or NFC and can be operated with ease through a companion app that is compatible with iOS and Android. The device comes with a physical power button on it and that’s about it as far as the physical control goes.

The app allows users to select and edit images for printing. Users can adjust settings such as brightness and contrast, choose from 12 different filters to apply, create collages and add stickers and emojis to their images. It is also possible to print business cards from ready-made templates and print in a “secret view mode” that prints a unique QR code and only reveals the image when viewed from the app

The Polaroid Zip will be available to buy in the first half of this year and will retail for US$129.99. 

15 Amazing Gadgets

15 Amazing Futuristic Gadgets That You Can Buy Today

Many of us think that technology has been developing at a slow pace in the past few years. On the contrary, the latest tech to come out of labs around the globe is quite astonishing. Here are some examples of technology gadgets that seem like they are a long way from reality but are just as real as the screen you are reading this on.

15. Solar Power Socket

This socket attaches to your window and generates solar power to allow you to charge your laptop or smartphone before the battery runs out. You won’t have to run around the house looking for a socket to charge your gadgets thanks to this little device. The solar powered window socket requires 5-8 hours to charge completely and lasts for 10 hours. That should give you plenty of time to get your work done and enjoy the view outside of your window.

14. Google Glass

This is the gadget that has boosted Google’s reputation since last year. The internet giant is making a move into the world of tech toys and it’s quite a splash. Glass comes equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth and a camera that is capable of recording 720p videos. The Explorer Edition, worth $1500, was shipped to 8,000 lucky winners of the Google Glass competition and the general-release edition will hopefully be available this year with a price tag of $200-600.

13. Color 3D Printer

The ProDesk3D is the world’s first full-color 3D printer. The appliance alone looks beautiful and futuristic but it’s capabilities are more than skin-deep. The printer has a unique five-color cartridge system which mixes shades to produce the exact color you want. The printer produces high quality 3D prints using its 25-micron dual extruder head and uses a tri-fan system to maintain constant airflow in the casing.

12. Portable Drum Kit

Designed by Kevin Depape, the Y-Drum is the future of drum sets and the greatest learning tool for beginners. Air drums are ancient history compared to this amazing technology, as Y-Drum comes with a relatively portable carrying case that has built in speakers which make drumming a lot easier at any party you go to. The system can be connected to a computer for song recording and editing purposes

11. Rotating Flash Drive

Despite cloud storage, flash drives are still in high demand. The SanDisk Cruzer Orbit is a spinning flash disk available in 4GB to 32GB capacities, with the 32GB version costing only $40. The affordable price makes it accessible to the masses and its donut-shape means that it can be stored in any key ring, ring-binder or a lanyard without the fear of losing your precious data. Just as a flash drive should be.

10. Tunnel Toaster

The Arzum Firrin tunnel toaster saves your fingers from getting burnt every time you pull the toast out of it. The toaster allows you to toast bagels, croissants and of course, bread and prevents any crumbs from accumulating at the bottom. Users can monitor their food from the open sides and pull the tray out once the desired level of toasting has been achieved. The Arzum Firrin toaster costs $72 and available in green, orange, magenta and silver colors.

9. Futuristic Candelabra

Designed by Note Design Studio, the Teluria Candelabra presents an old form of lighting in a futuristic way. The device looks as if it’s from another planet and was inspired by the Tellurion device which is used to show the movement of planets. At 18-inches tall, the device is available in a variety of colors from a wood-finish to a glossy baby blue and antique brass. A great mod-decoration piece.

8. Transparent Faucet

The 1limit faucet, besides having an amazing design, is an amazing way to conserve one’s water consumption. The see-through part of the faucet casing holds exactly 1-liter of water, which is considered substantial to wash one’s hand. The lever on the faucet is used to turn it on or off. After the 1 liter of water has been used, the faucet must be turned off so that it can fill up before it is used again.

7. Futuristic Grand Piano

The Poul Henningsen Grand Piano was actually designed in 1931 by Poul Henningsen when a Danish Jazz pianist told him how he could not see the bass player during performances due to the solid lid of his piano. This futuristic grand piano has a transparent lid which allows you to see through it and also gives you a glance at the amazing working going on inside the instrument.

6. Single-Stack Kitchen

The modular island kitchen is designed by Massimo Facchinetti and is the future of kitchens. The kitchen not only conserves space but also energy. The green kitchen module is powered by solar panels and the water from the sink is filtered and reused in the dishwasher. The module includes a cooking range, microwave, a space to store the coffee machine and a vertical herbal garden where you can grow your own herbs.

5. Manual Coffee Grinder

The body of this bean grinder certainly looks futuristic, and the cost of $900 would make people think that this is more than just an average coffee grinder. But the HG-One coffee grinder is a hand-powered, conical burr grinder. The fact that it uses no electricity makes it a ‘green’ product. The machine is also 95% recyclable by weight. The finishing and beautiful design are amazing and partly justify the insane price tag.

4. UHD-TV

The days of HD televisions are limited now that Ultra HD TV’s are here. The Samsung S9 is the world’s largest production television and uses technology which give it a four times better picture than regular HD televisions. The 85-inch giant costs $40,000. The price may be reasonable to those who have compared watching the television to looking through a window.

3. Transparent LCD Television

While Samsung is going for large and grand, the people at Haier are going for something a little more innovative. Haier’s Designer Series Transparent TV is a completely transparent LCD TV. You have to make sure that there is nothing behind the screen when watching TV so it doesn’t show up on the screen, but if you want to be a little more interactive with the program on TV, this device will let you do just that.

2. Hybrid Computer

The B-Membrane hybrid computer was designed by Won-Seok Lee and the inspiration came from spaceship designs. The device lets users type, surf the internet and do other tasks they would on their conventional computer, all while projecting the screen onto a flat surface. Unfortunately for this design, the concept died after it was unveiled in 2008.

1. Flexible Smartphone

Samsung’s Youm is the world’s first flexible and bendable smartphone. This groundbreaking technology uses OLED’s that are flexible and almost indestructible. The phone features a Windows operating system and is the first of its kind. This doesn’t come as a surprise since Samsung controls 90% of the market’s OLED supply. The Youm is the first in a new generation of smartphones that will be more discreet and available in more forms than the traditional candy-bar layout.

Apple's New MacBook

The next version of USB is the key to Apple's new MacBook

Is Apple finally making a cheaper laptop?

Apple appears to be working towards a thinner and totally redesigned MacBook. A curiously timed report from 9to5Mac, just as the Consumer Electronics Show opens today with lots of thin and light Windows laptops, claims Apple’s next notebook will be a 12-inch MacBook Air without full-size USB ports. That particular point has surprised many, but perhaps it shouldn’t.

This could finally be the inexpensive Apple laptop that so many have been clamoring for — cheap enough to compete with low-end Windows laptops and Chromebooks, but with hopefully fewer compromises.

There are two pieces of technology that Apple would need to get there: USB Type-C  and a processor that runs cool enough to help achieve a thin design without a fan. The most important is probably USB Type-C, the smaller, faster, and reversible cable that will help make gadgets thinner in the future. Importantly, it can also serve as the power cable and display for devices, so you only need a single small port to do nearly everything you would want on a laptop. 9to5Mac’s report claims the future MacBook will be thinner and lighter than existing MacBook Airs, and that it will eliminate all ports except for USB Type-C.As it turns out, Apple has been heavily backing USB Type-C. Documents detailing contributorsto the USB Type-C specification reveal that Apple assigned 18 engineers to help build it alongside companies like Lenovo, Dell, and HP. That engineer count is second only to Intel (with 24 people) and just above Microsoft’s 16 assigned engineers. Apple significantly surpasses the amount of engineers assigned from Google (10), Dell (5), and HP (6).

Some of the engineers also work on interoperability inside Apple, which could suggest Apple may seek to use USB Type-C across its product lines in the future. It could raise questions for the future of both the Thunderbolt and Lightning: USB Type-C is similar in shape and size to Apple’s existing Lightning connector, and has similar capabilities to Thunderbolt. The idea of Apple dropping either sounds far-fetched right now, but the company confidently scrapped FireWire from fifth-generation iPods with video, and started to kill it from MacBooks in 2008 to much dismay at the time. If the rumored 12-inch MacBook Air arrives this year, Lightning will be celebrating its third birthday, and possibly awaiting its fate at the same time. For all we know, the same situation might apply to Thunderbolt, Apple’s current version of the one port to rule them all.

It’s not unusual for Apple to be heavily involved in forming hardware specifications — the company fought against Nokia to finalize the nano-SIM standard just in time for the release of the iPhone 5 — but the employees assigned from the company suggest Apple may well be planning to use USB Type-C on a future Mac. At least two employees work inside Apple’s Mac hardware group and Mac systems architecture group, and the rest are a mix of cable experts, product designers, and pure software / hardware engineers.

After USB-C, the second thing Apple would need to pull off this laptop is the processor. Laptop makers are launching laptops with Intel's latest Broadwell processors this week, but the chip still runs hot enough to need a fan — something a super-thin 12-inch MacBook would probably do without, given the rumored dimensions. Instead, Apple could use the Intel Core M processor to keep things cool and make sure battery life is sufficient, something the company has been investing in with MacBooks for years now. A Core M would mean that this MacBook would be super-thin, light, and small, but perhaps not a very powerful machine. The Core M would be able to power the MacBook's rumored high-res screen — such screens are standard on most mid-range and even some low-cost laptop this year — but it wouldn't be a screamer. Instead, it would be a great little machine for browsing, video watching, and anything that involves typing.

It’s not crazy to imagine Apple trying to capitalize on the growing popularity of the MacBook Air with a model that’s more reasonably priced. Apple shipped faster and cheaper versions of the MacBook Air in April, and even created a new ad celebrating "the countless ways people love the MacBook Air" in July. Microsoft is clearly alarmed at the popularity of the MacBook Air as the software maker has compared its Surface Pro 3 tablet to Apple’s laptop non-stop since its launch. A cheaper MacBook could put huge pressure on laptop makers like Lenovo, HP, and Dell.

Windows 10's New Browser

This is Windows 10’s new browser and dark theme

Things are about to get dark

Microsoft is preparing to unveil a new browser in Windows 10, codenamed Spartan, and leaked images are providing an early glimpse at the Internet Explorer successor. Chinese site Cnbeta has published screenshots showing the simple interface of Spartan and the Cortana digital assistant integration. It was revealed yesterday that Spartan will include digital inking support to share and annotate web pages, and deep Cortana integration in the address bar and throughout the browser.

Cnbeta’s screenshots also reveal Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 10 user interface. Sources familiar with Microsoft’s Windows plans tell The Verge that the company is planning to build light and dark themes with color accents for Windows 10. The look and feel will be similar to that of the existing user interface for Windows Phone, and these leaked screenshots provide an early look at an internal Microsoft concept and the aim for the final UI. They do not represent the final interface as Microsoft will be tweaking it a number of times over the coming months. Some of these user interface changes have started appearing in recent builds of Windows 10, with the new dark task bar surfacing in a leaked version last month. Microsoft is also tweaking its built-in apps to match the new color schemes, with a new Xbox app that hints at what the company is planning for the final version of Windows 10.

Microsoft is expected to unveil these user interface changes and a mobile version of Windows 10 for tablets and phones at a press event on January 21st. The software maker will also likely detail its plans for the Spartan browser across PCs, phones, and tablets.

Andromium OS

ANDROMIUM

The next evolution in Computing

Our smartphones are becoming more and more a part of our daily lives and we can’t do much without them. Imagine being able to turn your smartphone into a full working desktop computer! A new product is coming out in the market that will do just that – it’s called Andromium and it can turn your Android device into a computer.

This is the evolution of computing. The Andromium dock is sleek looking, combining the best of Apple and Samsung’s aesthetics. The dock has three full-sized USB ports for all the accessories you would need on a desktop computer, including gaming devices. It connects to your screen using an HDMI cable and has an integrated power cord, so your phone is always charged. Andromium is a portable device and the best thing is its affordability.

Andromium seamlessly turns your Android device into a desktop computer. It’s affordable, and devilishly easy to use; simply install the app, and plug your phone into the dock.

Hardware: 

The Andromium dock embodies sleek, clean design. It’s a combination of the best aesthetics: beautiful, ergonomic, and pleasing to use. We built the Andromium dock with you in mind. We included three full-sized USB ports for all the accessories you would need on a desktop computer, including gaming devices. We’ve also integrated a port for a power cord, so your phone is always charged. 

We specifically designed the dock with portability in mind. We’ve given it a light, durable, travel friendly design with a flip cover to protect it during transport. On top of this, the dock has been designed so to fit your device without having to remove its slim, protective case.

And Andromium comes in any color. So long as it’s white. 

Software:

Much of Andromium’s appeal is its software. Gordon – previously a Senior Engineer at Google – left the company to pursue his dream of making handheld desktops a reality. He built an incredibly sophisticated Android application and complete Operating System, that has turned this dream a reality. The Andromium OS works in synergy with the dock to turn your phone into a full-fledged desktop computer.  

The application integrates seamlessly with your phone, and can be entered and exited simply. While in desktop mode, your phone can still receive calls, text messages and push notifications - so you keep its complete original functionality.

The User Interface is receiving a completely updated redesign to make it even friendlier. We’ve built out all the functionality, and we’re ecstatic with how it works. We’ve teamed up with some of the best User Interface and User Experience designers in the industry to take Andromium’s aesthetics up to the quality of its performance. Adopting the best elements of Windows 7 and OSX UI paradigms, we’re creating a sleek, intuitive experience that highlights Andromium’s functionality and power.

Why Andromium is perfect for you:

In our modern world, many people own multiple computers. It’s not uncommon for someone to have a work laptop, a home desktop, a home entertainment system, and a smartphone. Up until now, this may have been necessary. However, with the power of Andromium, everything changes. 

You can now watch movies, edit spreadsheets, create PowerPoints, and do your work, all from your phone! And, you can do all of this without sacrificing the efficiency and usability of a full screen desktop interface, or wasting money on buying extra computing hardware. As the power of smartphones evolve, the home is evolving with it.

“With the power of Andromium, everything changes”.

What you can do on Andromium:

Andromium turns your smartphone into a personal desktop computer. No catch. Play your favorite games with friends – Super Smash Bros, GTA, or Legend of Zelda. We can’t promise Andromium will get you past the water temple in OOT, but it will certainly allow you to try. 

Make your work entirely mobile. Any time, anywhere there’s a TV/Monitor and your smartphone, you have your entire desktop, OS, and files there with you. Create, edit, or collaborate using all of the programs of the Office suite. Andromium is optimized to allow you to use powerful and sophisticated programs without a worry, and without the limitations of a five inch screen. 

Devices compatible with Andromium:

Andromium is designed for the most popular series in Android phones, the Samsung Galaxy. It works with both the Galaxy S and Note series (S3 - 2GB RAM version, S4, Note2, Note3, Note4). Currently S5 does not fit in the dock due to the USB port cover, but rest assured - we are supporting S5 also, via Chromecast.

Update (12/20/2014): To our backers, we heard you! We are expending our supported devices list: HTC One M8, LG N5/G3, Motorola Nexus 6, and One Plus One will be supported via Chromecast (see http://andromiumos.blogspot.com/2014/12/andromium-os-chromecast-nexus-6-support.html for more information on Chromecast support). We are also in the process of designing a new docking station for LG N4, HTC One M7 phones that can also be used for the devices listed above. (We are designing a new docking station because Samsung HTC/LG/Moto devices all uses different and incompatible USB video-out connectors, so 2 new dock design is required). Andromium OS will be Chromecast ready for our Late Jan 2015 Andromium OS Playstore release. We are targeting summer 2015 (July timeframe) to ship out the new docking stations for the LG and HTC devices, for user who want to use docking station instead of Chromecast.

Future Goals

Internet is the great equalizer of the modern world. 

Our driving motivation and key medium term goal is to bring Andromium to developing nations where it can have the largest impact. This year, an estimated 224 million smartphones were sold in India alone. 92% of those sales were made to people who had never owned any computing devices before. Due to their relatively low cost, broad distribution and multi-purpose functionality, smartphones have proliferated throughout the developing world at rates much faster than traditional computers. 

Most families in these nations share a single entry level smartphone for their internet access. Their children are at an educational disadvantage. We want to empower those families to access a higher grade of technological opportunity at marginal costs. By making it possible for families to hook up their device to existing TVs, Andromium unlocks the full power of the Internet, computers and the opportunities these provide.

We hope we can extend this equality to families, providing them with access to powerful platforms to work, learn and play; natural extensions of desktop computing that the developed world takes for granted. We want to empower the billions of people who will own entry-level smartphones to access a higher grade of technological access at marginal costs.