Posted on July 20, 2015 by David Berkowitz, Editor in Chief.

Our Pleasant experience with the Mbot by Makeblock.

We recently received a Blue wee robot called the Mbot from Makeblock. I assembled it with of one my teen aged sons. It was a fairly simple process and would be a great science project for Middle School or Elementary school or possibly high school science or computer classes.

After the robot was assembled we put it through its’ paces.

I also took it to a local autism organization and let the young folks there play with it too.

They kids liked the remote controlled operations and the follow the line on paper modes.

I also tried some programming with it and it performed well in that mode too.

In term of design the device is mostly made of metal, has nice solid wheels covered in rubber, and was a really amazing little device. It operated well on concrete, tile floors and carpet as well. I wish we would have such excellent devices when I was a kid in the 1980’s.

The young folks, autism educators, my teen aged sons and daughter and I were quite impressed with the Mbot.

We would love to test and review some of their cool robots too especially the ones with treads.

according to Makeblock–>

mBot is a low cost, easy-to-run robot kit for kids to get hands-on experience about graphical programming, electronics, robotics. It is an all-in-one solution for robotics learning and designed for STEM education.
Cute shape with easy assembly is our goal. mBot contains only about 45 pieces in total, so it is easy to have a sense of achievement for kids to assemble in 10 mins quickly.

I would definitely agree we really liked the wee robot.

For those who want to learn how to program:

Since Scratch2.0 is very popular in teachers and students as a graphical programming software, it has almost been proved to be the most easy-to-use graphical programming tool. So based on Scratch 2.0, we develop a new software mBlock to use Scratch-style coding to program Arduino and robots.

They offer a free download too of the software download link

Here is a link to Makerblock’s site to take a look at the mbot and learn more about these cool devices–> site link

We are huge fans of Makerblock and their educational learning tools.

Posted on February 23, 2015 by David Berkowitz, Editor in Chief.

A New innovative bluetooth Padlock!!

The Quicklock Padlock is the smartest and most capable electronic padlock in the world. It ditches easily-lost keys and forgotten combinations in favor of NFC and Bluetooth technologies. SafeTech Products is launching a new evolution of safety and security through its NFC technologies, and with built-in data tracking, the Quicklock Padlock is more than just a smart lock—it can even be used as a portable inventory management or entry solution.

One phone can be used to control multiple padlocks. Because a number of different NFC-enabled wearable tech items can be used to unlock the padlock as well (including fobs, rings, and keycards), the need for multiple keys is eliminated. AND, a single Quicklock Padlock can store up to 50 NFC fobs/tags with rights unlock it.

Here is an interesting video of the padlock in action:

Watch this video on YouTube.

Posted on May 24, 2013 by David Berkowitz, Editor in Chief.

Tech Reviews:IK Multimedia announces iKlip 2 and iKlip Studio for iPad mini now available

For Immediate Release:

IK Multimedia announces iKlip 2 and iKlip Studio for iPad mini now available Now positioning any iPad or iPad mini on stage, in the studio, in the office or at home is easier than ever

May 16, 2013 – IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music-creation apps and accessories, is shipping the new range of its smart iPad holders for stage, studio, office or home. The new iKlip™ 2 for iPad, and for iPad mini, are enhanced versions of the most popular iPad microphone stand holders for musicians and presenters, while iKlip Studio for iPad mini completes the range of IK’s practical tabletop stands for 7” tablets.

All the new iKlips are made in Italy from durable-but-light thermoplastic, and sport a sleek industrial design. Although the new ergonomically designed iKlip models were created with musicians in mind, they are also perfect for business presentations and speeches; educational, video and camera applications; health or kiosk-type information systems and everyday use in the office, at home or on the road.

Here are the new models:

iKlip 2 is designed to securely hold an iPad 2 (and later) or an iPad mini on a microphone stand or other vertical or horizontal “pole” up to 2.1”/30mm in diameter. It secures to the pole in seconds with a sure-grip tightening system, leaving the threaded end of the stand open for other uses. iKlip 2 features a new ball-joint design that gives it amazing flexibility for infinite multi-angle adjustment and positioning with a simple touch. It can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally to find just the right viewing angle, and can be quickly rotated between portrait and landscape mode. The new iKlip 2 is available in two models: for the regular iPad and for the new iPad mini.

The new iKlip 2 adapters offer the ultimate in safe, secure holding of iPad and iPad mini at the optimum required viewing angle, and they are perfect for hands-free viewing and use with any type of apps and accessories, leaving all the iPad buttons and ports free from obstructions.

Sing with iRig Mic and VocaLive on your iPad attached to iKLIP 2

iKlip 2 applications are countless, and range from holding iPads for musicians on stage to teleprompter-style presentations on boardroom podiums; from securing the iPad anywhere for video and camera applications to mounting it as a multimedia display; from keeping the iPad on hand for order taking or form entry to using it in health care environments, as well as a multitude of other uses.

iKlip Studio for iPad mini is a new tabletop stand that follows in the footsteps of the iKlip Studio for iPad, a tabletop multi-angle holder for iPad and other 10” tablets. It offers the same great features and design, including an easily adjustable viewing angle, support for portrait or landscape mode, and the ability to fold up flat for total mobility. iKlip Studio for iPad mini can also hold other 7″ tablets such as the Kindle Fire, Galaxy Tab, and Nook, plus it can host a device with or without a case or protective cover.

iKlip Studio for iPad mini offers 8 viewing angle options in 10° increments: from a near vertical orientation to near horizontal, making it the perfect companion for any flat-surface application. It provides quick and easy set-up in seconds, and features non-slip feet that prevent unwanted movement of the device — securely holding it in place even when used with the most rigorous tap-intensive apps such as those used in music making or gaming.

iKlip Studio for iPad mini folds flat and fits easily in briefcases, carrying bags, backpacks and gig bags. With the line of IK microphones and apps like iRig MIC, iRig MIC Cast and iRig Recorder, any tablet can become an audio-capture-and-editing suite for podcasts, classroom lectures, boardroom meetings and presentations. When used with a wireless Bluetooth keyboard, the iKlip Studio for iPad mini is the perfect mobile workstation for tight spaces like airplane seats, crowded cafes, restaurants, lecture halls and library kiosks.

Pricing and Availability

The iKlip 2 for iPad and iKlip 2 for iPad mini are available now at electronic and music retailers around the world, and are both priced at $39.99 / €29.99 MSRP (excluding taxes). The iKlip Studio for iPad mini is priced at $29.99 / €24.99 MSRP (excluding taxes).

For more information, please visit:

www.ikmultimedia.com/iklip
To watch a video for iKlip 2, please visit and share this link.

Warm regards,

Starr Ackerman USA/CA/SA PR Manager 954-846-9101
IK Multimedia. Musicians First.
About IK Multimedia: IK Multimedia is a computer music technology company that offers a diverse range of affordable and easy-to-use music production tools with great sound quality and a realistic look and feel. With over one million installations worldwide, the IK range has been adopted by musicians of every level, from beginners to professionals, to gain access to high-end, studio-quality gear from their computers or mobile devices. iKlip 2 for iPad®, iKlip 2 for iPad mini® and iKlip Studio for iPad mini® are trademarks property of IK Multimedia Production. All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with IK Multimedia. iPad®, and iPad mini®, are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.