Author Archives: David Berkowitz, Editor in Chief.

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Tech Revew 2.23.2013 of the Ballistic Hard Case for the Samsung Galaxy S3

I ran into Ballistic at CES 2013, and now had the opportunity to test out their Hard Case for Samsung Galaxy S3. The cases are great for outdoor enthusiasts and those into extreme sports.

Here are 2 overview videos from their website–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

Watch this video on YouTube.

I did 2 video reviews of the products as well–>

Part one a product hands on review–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

Part 2 with a brief comparison to the Trident AMS Kraken case.

Watch this video on YouTube.

I was quite impressed by the Ballistic Hard Case. It is solid, seemingly unbreakable and a great value as well.

I liked the cover over the screen, the rubber and solid feel as well. The only thing I would change might be to make the kick stand for media viewing metal and offer more colors like camouflage green.

Here are specifications of the case from Ballistic’s website–>

We know how much the GS3 lovers LOVE their phone, so it’s only right we keep if protected for you. Introducing the much anticipated, highly requested, Ballistic Hard Core Series Case for the Samsung Galaxy S III.
Advanced five layer protection
Layer 1 – Built in screen protector
Layer 2 – Ballistic shock absorbent polymer
Layer 3 – Tough impact resistant polycarbonate
Layer 4 – An additional layer of our Ballistic shock absorbent polymer
Layer 5 – Optional outer layer of silicone
Built-in videostand
Button and port covers are built right onto the case, not the silicone
Includes an durable holster with swivel clip
Equipped with water resistant mesh to cover all speakers

Here is a link to Ballistic’s website and the Samsung Galaxy S3 Hard Case–>

http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-ballistic-hard-core-series-case

I spent 6 years in the Army National Guard 1/221st Armor Company, and this type of case would have been great in a tank or in the field during military exercises.

Here are some product images:

 and 

and for the ladies or those who love pink–>

I would like green or blue personally.

Overall I am impressed by Ballistic’s Products and their quality of design.

Here is a photo of the parts to the case before it is assembled. Overall it is a great value for the money and quite a nice case for those wanting to protect their smart phones with style.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Ballistic Hard Case

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Tech Review 2-22-13–> Trident AMS Kraken for the Samsung Galaxy S3

I had the recent opportunity to try out the Trident Kraken AMS Modular Case for the Samsung Galaxy S3.

First, here are 2 overview videos on Trident and their AMS line of Cases:

Watch this video on YouTube.

and one from the uses in a class room:

Watch this video on YouTube.

Here are 2 videos and my impressions of the case:

Part One–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

and Part Two–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

I did a brief comparison of the difference between Trident’s and Ballistics ruggedized cases as well.

Here are some images of the cases as well:

 

  

and

Back View of Inner Case
Trident AMS Kraken Samsung Galaxy

Front View of Inner Case

Trident AMS Kraken Inner cover

Comparison with Ballistic Case

Samsung Galaxy S3 and Ballistic case for comparison

I am quite impressed by Trident’s AMS Case for the Samsung Galaxy. I am especially impressed by the design, as well as the metal prop up device for media.

Here are details from Trident on the Kraken AMS Case–>

ADAPTS TO YOUR LIFESTYLE
FEATURES

Shock-absorbing silicone
Hardened polycarbonate plastic shell
Scratch-resistant, self-applicable screen protector
Built-in, and removable, media stand
Dust filters over microphone and speaker bays
Silicone plugs over port openings
Convenient belt clip/holster
Accessorize with Kraken A.M.S. attachments
Charm attachment

and Detailed Specifications:

Here is a link to the product specifications pdf sheet–>

http://www.tridentcase.com/images/spec-sheets/AMS-I9300-COLOR-COMBO.pdf

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Product Feature 1/17/2013 GIGAFLASH Unique and Custom USB Drives

According to GIGAFLASH–>

Do you want to enhance your corporate image and the popularity of your brand name?

At the digital era, information is flooding and we only can read the information selectively. How can
we attract our target to read your message specifically? It is our aims to provide the solution.

We always focus on developing custom made USB flash drive. All of our USB flash drive is custom made with specific shape or printing. When this USB flash drive is arrived your target hand, your target can get your company image or your message at the 1st sight. This 1st image will give a deep impression to your target and enhance your corporate image. Additionally, some information can be pre-stored inside the USB flash drive. It is a new way to distribute your advertising material to replace printed material. It is cost effectively and environmental friendly. If you think that it is not enough, we also can use power from mobile internet to level up your advertisement, the promotion power will be increase extraordinary.

Boost your company popularity, enhance corporate image and save the environment will be always our goal. Let’s “Image
extension”.

I recently ran into GIGAFLASH at CES 2013. They manufacture and design unique and interesting flash drives.

I found them to be quite intriguing and a great promotional product potentially.

I contacted them as was sent an 8gb spark plug thumb drive. I found it to be well crafted, and it attracted quite a bit of attention as well.

If you ever need a unique and interesting thumb drive for a gift or for marketing, these products are definitely worth considering for their fine and uniquely designed products.

They can be located at –> http://www.zida.com/ <--- Here are some images of the spark plug shaped product that I had the opportunity to test and evaluate. It would be a great product to sell in an auto parts store or a big box retailer. Product Image -->

giga spark plug

Packaging Image #1–>

Packaging Gigaflash

Packaging #2–>

SAM_0758

Packaging #3–>
SAM_0759

Spark Plug Thumb Opened to use as a thumb drive–>

Product Unscrewed

Spark Plug Thumb Opened to use as a thumb drive another view–>
SAM_0768

They are new to the market but offer very nice products. I hope for the best for them and their excellent products.

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Review: Tubus Bluetooth Speaker by Omicron International

Our first review of the day is of the Tubus Bluetooth speaker system by Omicron International whose website can be accessed from the link below. I ran into the company at CES 2013 and was quite impressed immediately with their products.

http://www.omicroninternational.com

omicron International
omicron International

To begin here is a product video from youtube with regards to the Tubus Bluetooth Speaker system:

Watch this video on YouTube.

Here are the specifications of the product as well as the included accessories–>

Tubus Portable Bluetooth Speaker and Handsfree Device
Description:
The Tubus multifunction speaker is a unique and powerful speaker system for your iPod product. Providing 5.2W
of power, the speaker gives rich sound quality. It is perfect for home, office and travel use. It charges your iPod
while it’s docked and plugged into the AC adapter; and 4 AAA batteries give you freedom from power outlets for hours
at a time!
The full function remote allows you to operate your Tubus Speaker from up to 10 feet without ever having to leave your
seat!
• Unique space saving shape, built-in digital amplifier, and optimized equalization settings enhance your
listening experience.
• Charging and playing capabilities for any device with bluetooth capability
• Finer bass quality than other portable speakers 5.2W
• Loud and Clear sound
• Volume Control
• Power On/Off switch
• Interchangeable faceplates for all iPod models
Technical Specs:
Frequency Response 100Hz-20kHz
Power Output: 5.2W (2X2.6W)
Line In Sensitivity: 600mv
Power Adapter: A/C 110v-240v (50Hz-60Hz)
S/N: 55dB
Channel Balance- + 1dB
Dimensions: 7 3/8in (L) x 1 7/8in (W) x 1 7/8in(H)
Power Supply: 9 VDC or 4 AAA batteries,
Remote Control Distance: 10 ft
Certificate: FCC, CE
Patent No.: US D570,847S

What’s in the Box?
Tubus Speaker System
AC adapter
User Manual
Remote Control

Our overview–>

If you are a retailer who are considering products for inclusion in your store or online site, the packaging is quite nice as see by the photos below:

Packaging view #1

Tubus by Omicron packaging 2

Packaging View #2

Packaging #3
Packaging #3

I was very impressed with the initial experience of opening the box, and setting up the product.

The Tubus blue tooth speaker is very nicely designed and it has great sound quality. It is also very easy to use and set up.

It includes a remote control to adjust the functions of the device as well. The speaker can be plugged into the wall or it also can be operated on Triple A Batteries.

It also includes a line in cable to directly connect the device to a mp3 player or any other device with a headphone jack.

Pictures of the product:–>

Product View # 1–>

SAM_0726

Product View # 2–>

SAM_0727

Product View # 3–>

Tubus Bluetooth speaker #3
Tubus Bluetooth speaker #3

Product videos:–>
Video #1–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

Video #2–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

 

Wrap up and Conclusion:

I would like to thank Omicron International for the opportunity to review this fine product.

I am impressed by it overall. The Tubus Bluetooth portable speaker offers nice sound quality and design, plus it is quite easy to operate. I played a variety of media through it and was quite impressed overall. The design is quite nice as well.

One thing that would be a nice add on in the future to the product would be a mini subwoofer or rechargeable batteries.

I would definitely recommend use of the product with a tablet, ipad, iphone, Blackberry or Android device for use in the office for a presentation or in the class room for the educational user.

If you or anyone you know wants to purchase on of the fine devices here is a link from Amazon–>

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=tubus%20by%20omicron

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your faithful aspie editor, David J. Berkowitz 2-15-2013

If you would like us to review your products please contact me.

We also need sponsors and donors to help us to help autism.

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The first Autism Light post of 2013 about Joel Manzer From Autisable!!

 

I am a huge fan of Autisable. I saw a nice article on Autisable and Joel Manzer on Newsle today.

Here is a highlight and summary that is quite nice.

Joel Manzer writes this about the mission and origins of Autisable.

When my son was diagnosed with autism, we searched online for an open source blogging community that we would show daily life with autism.  By open source, I mean one where someone didn’t have to sign up to join to read information.   I’ve been blogging on Xanga.com for many years, and one day I was in a discussion with the people at Xanga.com and through that was birthed Autisable.com. Our mission is rather basic, to promote discussion of autism. We don’t take a stance on a specific viewpoint or concept about it, but want to provide an environment where people can share their ideas and journey. Like our tag line says, “Real blogs from people tackling the puzzle of autism” (Source).

A link to the original article–>

https://newsle.com/article/0/54894845/

 

A Video by Mr. Manzer from Youtube–>

Watch this video on YouTube.

autisable another fine blog
autisable another fine blog

http://www.autisable.com

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CES 2013 The Best in relation to potential benefit for autism Education!!

KIDZ GEAR WINS 2013 LEARNING® MAGAZINE TEACHERS’ CHOICE AWARD

 

Wins for Excellence in Classroom Products

 

January 16, 2013, El Dorado Hills, CA — Kidz Gear www.GearForKidz.com, the award-winning Grown-up Performance, Built for Kids! brand, announced today that KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids has won the 2013 Learning Magazine’s  Teachers’ Choice Award  for Excellence in Classroom Products.    

Kidz Gear Wired Headphones - Colors

Learning Magazine recognized the Kidz Gear KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids as one of the most outstanding classroom recommended products of 2013 in the “School Supplies Category.”  Kidz Gear won the award because it is a perfect tool for helping teachers in the multimedia educational process of all children.  Compatible with audio devices that use a 3.5mm (1/8”) audio jack, the Kidz Gear headphones work with MP3 players, iPads, iPods and even standard DVD and CD players – all of which are playing a larger role in classrooms today.

 

The Choice for Teachers Nationwide with Kidz Gear Gear Up For Education! Purchase Program

 

“We are honored to win the Teachers’ Choice Award for our KidzControl Volume Limited Headphones,” said Jack Peterson, VP Sales and Marketing, Kidz Gear.  “Combined with our Gear Up For Education! Purchase Program, we have certainly become a new choice for teachers nationwide.  Along with excellent teachers, children need good equipment and Kidz Gear is here with the goods!”

 

KidzControl Volume Limit Technology

 

All Kidz Gear headphones feature the proprietary KidzControl Volume Limit Technology.  The technology works by “limiting” the volume to approximately 80% of the maximum volume output capable from the audio devices in the market today.  KidzControl Volume Limit Technology delivers a safe volume limited listening experience for children of all ages.  Ergonomically designed with soft padded child-sized ear-cups and high-quality audio components, the KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids are value priced at only $19.99.

 

Kidz Gear is the Brand Adults Want and Kids Love


Kidz Gear headphones are not “toys,” but adult products built for kids.  Manufactured with the same high-quality, high-performance consumer electronics components found in adult headphones, Kidz Gear headphones are designed to solve the never-ending battle between a child’s desire for his or her parent’s things and the parent’s fear of them destroying an expensive item.   KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids are available immediately, priced at $19.99, from U.S. retailers, such as Target and InMotion Airport Stores.  They are also available directly at www.GearForKidz.com, Amazon.com and other fine online retailers.

 

About Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice Awards

 

For 19 years, the Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice Awards have heralded the very best in classroom-tested, teacher-recommended products.  Each year, a nationwide panel of teacher-judges names the standouts in books, classroom supplies, educational games, websites, and more—everything you need for your classroom.  For more information, see: http://www.theeducationcenter.com/tec/afc/learning/lrn_tca_class_home/go.do

 

About Kidz Gear

 

Incorporated in 2001, San Ramon, California Supply and Beyond, LLC is the exclusive manufacturer of the Kidz Gear brand of products and accessories.  The Kidz Gear brand was created by founder and mother Laurie Peterson with the purpose of developing a line of products and accessories with adult features, performance and quality but with ergonomic and economic sizes, styles and prices for children.  The Kidz Gear product line has received rave reviews and awards from various Mother’s Group Organizations and industry publications.  The company is continually focused on bringing more products to market that support the company’s mission – Grown-Up Performance, Built for Kids! 

For more information visit www.GearForKidz.com, email: [email protected] or phone: (877) Kidz-Gear.

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BEST OF CES 2013-REPLAYXD AND THEIR EXCITING HD CAMERA’S A PREVIEW!!

Replay XD
Replay XD

While I was at CES 2013, I spent 3 days trying to find products that really impressed me in their quality and design.

I really liked ReplayXD’s products!!

Here is a video highlighting their products:

Watch this video on YouTube.

Here is a second video of their products in action!!

Watch this video on YouTube.

Here is a video from our friends at Engadget–>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/replay-xd1080-promises-to-capture-your-exteme-activities-without/

 

 

Replay XD!!!
Replay XD!!!

So far I am very impressed by the company, their people and their products. I am looking forward to testing and reviewing their products for real.

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An anthem for Autism from Youtube by BJ McKelvie and he talks about autism as well.

Watch this video on YouTube.

This one sums it up, even though I am high functioning it speaks to the feeling of being lost, confused that many feel!!

This one is nice too from BJ McKelvie!!

Watch this video on YouTube.

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How to Use Art to Break Down Barriers When Teaching Autistic Children

Help via the arts!!
Arts for people with autism
Working with autistic children presents an array of challenges for both therapists and parents. However, certified art therapists can really help these individuals. Their methods are not techniques that just anyone can employ though, as art therapists know a great deal about development, health, psychology and art. These techniques are not just for anyone to try, but learning about what these professionals do can be extremely beneficial to those of us who have loved ones living with Autism. Here are some common methods.

House Tree Person
House Tree Person, otherwise known as HTP, is a method that many art therapists use to analyze the drawings of their clients. Essentially, children draw a house on one piece of paper, a tree on a second piece of paper and a person on another piece of paper. From the details or lack thereof used to create these drawings, art therapists can analyze their lives.

Collage Projects
Another popular method employed by art therapists is the construction of collages. Some therapists will provide a certain medium and specific themes that the youngsters must use. For example, an art therapist might ask children to use items found in nature – pine cones and leaves for example, to create a representation of their favorite playground or their backyard at home. Other therapists will provide a range of mediums and tools while asking young ones to create any picture that they wish.

Free Drawing
Here is a method in which, as the name implies, the autistic children have a lot of freedom when it comes to what they would like to draw. Basically, art therapists provide them with paper and tools for drawing, and then the children create a picture in a specified amount of time. Now, you might assume that the therapist analyzes only the actual images put on the paper. However, the therapist will also look at how color was used or how accurately the drawings represent reality. When it comes to art therapy, it’s not about a one-size-fits-all method that works for everyone.

Group Work
Building teamwork skills is an important part of art therapy, and it’s really crucial for autistic children. They tend to have problems when it comes to social development, so any opportunity to work with a group is really excellent. In group settings, they might all be contributing one piece to the drawing. Depending upon the functioning level of the children and their age, a leader might be helping them out with the process. At the end, the art therapist has accomplished his or her task by breaking down walls that the youngsters might have built up toward one another. They can see that teamwork actually has some really positive outcomes, and they need not always be fearful or anxious about working with others.

Megan Ryan writes about health, human development and more. A home nurse, her proudest piece is on the Top 10 Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs.