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Novothink)
The greening of homes and gadgets is a growing consumer trend, and many exhibitors will debut their eco-friendly products at CES 2010. Last week, we highlighted the Electronic Houskeeper and the PICOwatt, two devices that monitor in-home energy use. Today allows us to highlight the Surge, an iPhone and iPod Touch case with solar panels.
Solar chargers like Solio are chunky and need to be carried around. But the Surge solar case is sleek, ergonomic, and certified by Apple. Two hours of sun exposure power 30-60 minutes of talk time. The Surge features an LED battery-level indicator.
The charger is manufactured by Novothink, a company that vies to pair solar technology and portable devices. The California-based company is focused on creating solar chargers for devices in high demand, as the mission is to allow consumers to live off the grid easily.
The Surge may seem like a gimmick on the face of it, but it might be a perfect solution for Apple iPhone and iPod owners on the go. Emergency chargers are available, but those are often cumbersome, especially for men, who generally don't have the luxury of a purse for portable storage.
Alternatively, the option to replace a dead battery with a backup is impossible for Apple device owners, as the battery isn't (easily) removable.Those looking to harness the sun's energy will have to fork over $70, but it could be the right investment for consumers on the move. Novothink has already released the Surge for the iPod Touch and will make it available to iPhone users on December 15.
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Root Four Imagination)
Maurice Tuff, an electrical engineer from Newfoundland, is the brainpower behind a technology that will deter teenagers from reckless driving. Root Four Imagination, Inc. will be showcasing the Safe Driving Monitor, a device that monitors a driver's speed, distance traveled, and braking habits.
The company recently received $25,000 from the Provincial Government of Canada to better their marketing through an e-commerce enabled website, promotional materials, and possibly attending CES 2010.
Safe Driving monitor consists of two simple parts: a sensor that plugs into the car's diagnostic port (easily accessed underneath the steering wheel), and a keychain sensor that digitally displays the car's activity.
The device is marketed to parents of teenagers who may be concerned with their child's driving risks. Root Four realizes there is a trust issue within the concept, but the device is a preventative device rather than a spying tool. If the driver knows that he or she is being watched, they more likely to practice safe driving habits.
Why distance, speed, and sudden braking? Maurice Tuff explains that 80 to 90 percent of accidents care caused by driver error like speeding.
Tuff previously co-founded Blue Line Innovations, a high-tech company which sells energy tracking devices. Its most successful device, The PowerMonitor, tracks a home's electricity costs in real-time.
The Safe Driving Monitor is available now on Amazon.com for $95.
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Ditto Book)
Though Amazon and Barnes and Noble are grabbing headlines with e-readers aimed at consumers, Ditto Book--a CES 2010 exhibitor--is marketing its device for niche markets.
The $249 e-reader doesn't compete with Nook and Kindle specifications, as it is not wireless, has a 6-inch screen in four shades of gray, and doesn't support the standard ePub format yet.
Its focus is on customization; companies interested in ordering the e-reader in bulk can add a logo, brand name, color, and welcome screen. A unique option is to load the e-readers with bundled content.
Ditto is a subsidiary of Macrotron Systems, a Silicon Valley company that offers design, engineering, and manufacturing services. By targeting corporations, nonprofits, and possibly education agencies, the company might be able to stand alongside its larger competitors.
The device is also available to consumers, but customization requires a 250-unit minimum. According to business developer Hentry Jebasingam, Ditto Book's goal is to support many formats, including ePub within the next few months.
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Acousticom)
Acousticom manufactures audio communication equipment utilized by the Department of Defense and leading aerospace companies. The company is well-known for its flight helmets, but it is coming to CES 2010 with something almost everyone can enjoy--the Sound Egg.
The egg chair is back, but with a 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound system and an intimate media experience not intended for sharing. The chair can be connected to a television or computer and its unique foam insulation means no more complaining from your significant other. Go ahead, play Call of Duty all you want--he or she won't hear a thing.
The Sound Egg was initially manufactured as a demonstration tool for trade shows. Although this is still a marketed use, Acousticom is making it available as a consumer electronics item. The $1,450 seat is not for everyone, but audiophiles might call it an "investment."
The touchscreen console also features music, VoIP, streaming television and other downloadable apps.
(Credit: Electronic Housekeeper)Surprises can be fun, but not when it comes to bills. Electronic Housekeeper, a CES newbie, has made it possible for homeowners to monitor their water, gas, and electricity. Knowing which devices are draining the most energy and who's taking the long showers might be the first step toward lower energy bills.
After selling its products in Europe and the Middle East, Denmark-based Electronic Housekeeper will bring its innovations to North America. The company has created a wall-mountable console that communicates wirelessly with electronics, appliances, heating, air conditioning, as well as water and electricity meters.
Monitoring household appliances and devices is familiar, like the Tenrehte PICOwatt, but this technology is one of the first to give consumers regulation of all utilities.
The touch-screen console gives users the ability to review their utility usage, but also energy consumption of devices plugged into "Switchkeepers." The Switchkeepers communicate wirelessly with the main console, allowing consumers to set on/off times for their electronics. There is also the option of controlling and monitoring utilities through a computer, as the system works on the home's wireless network.
Electronic Housekeeper can also be used for entertainment--VoIP, text messaging, access to email and the web, satellite radio, and other add-on services are available for download from what seems like an application store.
The company began development in 2005 and has already sold thousands of units worldwide. Following its success, Electronic Housekeeper will move its headquarters to the United States while maintaining wholly owned subsidiaries worldwide.
Other initiatives include integrating its technology in offices, real estate companies, construction firms, federal agencies, and universities.
Leave it to the Scandinavians to create headphones that stand alone as works of art. Urbanears is a start-up from Stockholm, Sweden, that designs aesthetically pleasing headphones--but dig a little deeper and you discover a company with a greater mission.
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Urbanears)
Zound Industries, Urbanears' parent company, realizes the integration of fashion and technology and sees that headphones can strengthen a brand. It's not the first, as the rise of mobile devices has encouraged the creation of unique, personalized headphones. SkullCandy did this by creating hundreds of one-of-a-kind headphones recognizable from a distance.
But Zound is doing something different. Besides developing the Urbanears brand, it has partnered with Marvel, Hello Kitty, Fame, and Star Wars to design headphones that fans might wear as a reflection of their personality. Moreover, these brands are stronger by selling a product that seemingly everyone needs--headphones more exciting than the ol' earbuds.
At launch, Urbanears will sell only three headphones. The Plattan is a sleek, classic headphone that folds down to the size of a fist. Its best feature, though, is the Zound Plug on the ear cap; your friend can plug in and listen to your music. The Tanto is an over-the-ears headphone reminiscent of the 80s style, with no special features but good sound and practicality. The third is Medis, an in-ear headphone with a fabric cord and structure that anchors the earpiece securely. Go ahead, jump as much as you want--they're staying put.
The Scandinavian team worked for the last 18 months around the clock and finally brought Urbanears public two weeks ago. Plans for Zound Industries include concept stores and mobile booths.They have agents in 16 countries, but the brainpower comes from eight young men who say "yes, we could use more women around here."
Look out for the release of Urbanears in early December 2009. Until then, you may drool over the headphones in the catalog.
Many companies are investing in the green market by creating energy efficient appliances, but those new devices tend to be pricey. Besides, why replace something that still works? Tenrehte Technologies, a start-up located in Rochester, NY and Austin, TX, would like to help people reduce the power consumption of products they already own.
The PICOwatt looks like a small extension cord. Nothing complicated about it.
(Credit: Tenrehte Technologies Inc. )PICOwatt, Tenrehte's first product, allows consumers to turn off any appliance with just a few clicks. Appliances plugged into the device are controlled by the consumer via Wi-Fi. Energy usage, timers, and power are all controlled with a smartphone or computer. For example, instead of using appliances during peak hours, a timer can be set-up for your dryer to run in the middle of the night.
Tenrehte has been selected as a finalist for many competitions, in recognition of the fact that its innovative technology allows consumers to cut costs, reduce power consumption, and control their carbon footprints. CEO Jennifer Indovina says that despite the "interesting" economy, the company has found creative ways to keep moving, and focus on the end result. Her team is mostly composed of engineers with backgrounds in start-ups.
The PICOwatt will be available on Earth Day (April 22, 2010) for $79.99. It's expensive, but Tenrehte suggests that it will pay for itself in about two months, and save consumers 10 percent off their annual energy bills thereafter.
Can you say "ahhhhh"?
(Credit: Bluelounge)Until all gadgets go wireless, you'll have cables to deal with. Bluelounge--an LA-based design studio--realizes every device comes with a cable (or two), so it's created products that organize cables that help to defeat their everyday annoyances.
Bluelounge studio's Melissa Sunjaya and Dominic Symons do more than design furniture and accessories. The internationally recognized artists have designed Web sites, interiors, footwear, fashion accessories, and other products that benefit from a contemporary look. Their designs are distinct and inspire clean and happy feelings.
Minimalists will enjoy the StudioDesk, a work space with a cubby to conceal unattractive wiring. Most desks come with a hole to shove wires out and into an outlet, but the StudioDesk runs just one wire from the desk to the wall. Bluelounge's other items that carry the same utilitarian feel include sleek charging stations and portable cable organizers.
The anticlutter movement may just be the beginning for Bluelounge. Check them out at CES 2010 to find out what's on the drawing table for this first time CES exhibitor.
Iron Will Innovations, a small, Canada-based company, has spent the last five years dedicated to the development of something it believes will not only transform the way consumers interact with their computers, but may contribute to military technology as well. This year at CES, Iron Will is exhibiting a technology it calls The Peregrine.
Though WASD keyboard commands come second nature to most gamers, Peregrine is this year's contender in the race to replace the keyboard. Peregrine is an elastic, military-grade glove that can recognize up to 30 customizable hand gestures. Wires are threaded throughout the glove and communicate by user-defined hot spots. For example, touching your index finger and thumb draws your weapon and you're ready to fight.
The pod breaks away quickly, thanks to its magnetic connection.
Ideally, the glove would be wireless, but the Peregrine is wired via a USB-connected pod that attaches to the glove. Because the pod connects to the glove magnetically, users can quickly rip off the pod and switch to keyboard use without removing the glove. It may not be suitable for everyone, but intense gamers worried about sweat will be happy to know the glove's fabric is breathable.
Iron Will Innovations is marketing the glove as a gaming accessory, but the company is also developing the device for military use.
The Peregrine is set to cost $129 and includes a customizable faceplate for those who might want to personalize their pod. At that price, the glove may be best for dedicated gamers, or those looking for a new experience. Such an innovation deserves a hands-on test, so we can't wait to see it in action at CES 2010.
Lenovo smartbook: Smaller than a Netbook, or a smartphone in a different body?
(Credit: techtickerblog.com)Remember how we said new Netbooks were coming for CES? We might as well expand that statement to include smartbooks. The new terminology, coined to describe laptop-style devices running sub-Atom processors (Snapdragon from Qualcomm being one of them), is rapidly gaining in fashion lately, especially in relation to cell phone carriers. Packaging these types of extremely small and cheap smart devices in with cellular data plans seems like a match made in gadget heaven.
We've seen prototype smartbooks from Nvidia featuring the Tegra processor (the same that's in the Zune HD), but the Lenovo smartbook unveiled ever-so-briefly at a Qualcomm event Thursday is new and intriguing, and is the first smartbook to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon. Reports say that it runs a variation of a Linux OS (Windows 7 stops at Netbooks) and has an HD-supporting screen, although it's not clear whether HD video can actually be played.
On Tegra smartbooks, we know that the answer to that question is yes, since the Zune HD can easily handle HD video. Our other question--one we've asked before--is: if this essentially has a smartphone processor in a laptop's body, would you simply prefer a smartphone instead? The picture's fuzzy, but which would you want most, a smartbook, Netbook, or smartphone?
More details should be forthcoming at CES, which is only two months away.
(Via Liliputing)
