Our impressions of the Vivitek Novo Pro Presentation Collaboration Device

Our impressions of the Vivitek Novo Pro Presentation Collaboration Device

a.Vivitek-NovoPro We recently had the opportunity to test and review the Vivetek Novopro Presentation and Collaboration device.

According to Vivitek, it is:
NovoPRO is a wireless presentation and collaboration system designed to support highly interactive and collaborative meetings or classroom learning activities. Meeting participants, instructors, teachers and students can interact and share digital content via their PCs, tablets, Chromebooks and smartphones — a true BYOD device.

NovoPRO supports true screen mirroring from iOS and Android devices. It features screen preview/moderator control, 4-to-1 projection, video streaming, instant response system (IRS), file sharing, and access to cloud-based resources. Built-in, whiteboard-interactive features encourage meeting or classroom participation, and all Novo’s can be managed remotely over the network. The built-in Ethernet port allows for dual-network connection to accommodate Corporate/Guest or Student/Faculty networks.

The NovoPRO can also be optionally equipped with the Launcher; a USB-connected device with software preloaded that, with the insertion and click of the Launcher, displays the computer screen. A true plug-n-play-to-display solution.
Request for demonstration. within your facility by a Novo Specialist. If you are a corporation, university or school region/district looking to standardize your BYOD infrastructure, click the link below:
– See more at: http://www.vivitekusa.com/productdetail.php?product_id=151#sthash.CGO0C3BF.dpuf
We tested our demo unit from a few devices and in few ways. I used an Android Laptop and an Ipad to do a presentation and wirelessly sent it to an older DLP television. After a bit of set up and a brief learning curve I was able to get it to allow me to show a presentation from the 2 tablets on the tv. I also tried streaming video from the TV and the 2 tablets as well. As long as the presentation software recognized the codec of the video then it worked rather well. It did not play all the videos we tried to stream but it did work well most of the time. The device would be great for educational and business applications.

Here is an image of the devices ports and connections:

 

 

In summary it is a devices which is:

A Pro Presentation and Collaboration System Output: HDMI (1080p, 4K 60FPS) Integrated wired network capability Works with LauncherPro Connectivity: Up to 64 users can simultaneously connect; Up to 4 users can simultaneously present on the screen Compatability: Windows, Mac, ChromeBook, iOS, Android Features: Voting, Annotation, Whiteboard, Wireless hot-spot for up to 8 devices, Capture screenshot, Works with Dropbox and Google Drive. It would fit well in business and education as well as religious environments!

We were also sent the Vivitek Launcher tool which allows several users to collaborate and share video together during an education or business or other event. We tested it with a number of devices and it worked well and allow sharing of video and presentations between multiple users. It is a nice and productive business and educational tool.

 

The NovoPRO’s built-in Ethernet port and Wi-Fi module allow for standard dual network support so that both a wired and wireless connection can be accomplished to accommodate, for example, both guest and corporate networks. To make operation simple, the optional Launcher buttons allow for instantaneous screen sharing though this USB connected device. In a collaborative setting, the Launcher also has placement buttons for the four screen quadrants to provide an easy selection of multiple display devices. Lastly, the Launcher has the software preloaded, which makes it truly plug-n-plug to PCs or Macs. (No software installation is required.)

We found both devices to be rather easy to use, and they do what they are supposed to do and work rather well.

We liked the design of the devices, the ease of use, how well built they are, as well as their small size. They are really small and ought to fit in your bag to take with you and use on the go. The only improvement is there needs to be support for video types and codecs.

We appreciated the opportunity to test and reviews these fine Vivitek Products.

Our interviews with Barry Bostwick & Patricia Quinn–Wizard World Comicon Las Vegas 3/2016!

Our interviews with Barry Bostwick & Patricia Quinn–Wizard World Comicon Las Vegas 3/2016!

We are attending Wizard World Comicon in Las Vegas as Press. We met a few famous folks at Wizard World Comicon Las Vegas March 17, 2016!

We met and interviewed Barry Bostwick see–>Barry Bostwick from IMDB Barry Bostwick Picture

Our interview:

We also met Patricia Quinn also known for the Rocky Horror Picture Show as well as tons of other movies, plays including Lady McBeth recently. A link to her IMDB–Patricia Quinn! Patricia Quinn Picture

Our interview:

An a video of Victor Dandridge from Blue White and Red All Over, a blog of note!

 

MOTA JETJAT™ Nano-C Preview

MOTA JETJAT™ Nano-C Preview

We are going to be reviewing a tiny but interesting drone from Mota Soon.

 

Nano-C

MOTA JETJAT™ Nano-C

 

The world’s smallest and lightest camera drone is merely a pint-sized 32 x 32 x 22 mm. Travel sized and 1/10 the size of an actual camera, the Nano-C delivers aerial camera capabilities so you can get those hard-to-capture shots. Video recording is made simple with an easily accessible SD-Card but the fun doesn’t stop there! Agile and nimble, the Nano-C can perform flips and stunts only daredevils dare to attempt. For a little drone that merely weighs .6 oz, the Nano-C epitomizes stable flight, video capturing and coins the term ‘pocket drone’. Tiny fun for the little ones, agile and powerful for hobbyists, and video capabilities for growing professionals; fly indoors and out without worry.

 

n  The world’s smallest and lightest video drone is merely gumball sized!

n  Built-in camera and micro SD card so you can record everything but your favorite TV series.

n  WOW your neighbors – This pocket sized design has a flight distance of up to 80 ft, LED lights for night flight and flying high over houses!

n   With the latest 6-axis Gyro hardware and videogame style 4-Channel Controller, experience amazing flight control.

n  Play with your pets around the house or shoo away flies before dinner; Nano-C does it all!

n  Upgraded high-capacity battery gives you extended flight time with shorter charge time. USB charging cable included has a light to help you identify charge status.

We are looking forward to checking out the wee beastie.

Please check out their website for more info JETJAT!

Our initial impressions of AMX3d Filament

Our initial impressions of AMX3d Filament

We recently were sent samples of Amx3d’s white and black pla.

amx 3dThey are located at AMX3d.

An Overview on AMX3d:

AMX3d provides 3D printing supplies of the highest quality to customers demanding the best!

We are passionate about 3D printing… but how did we get here?

Every company has a story… this is the AMX3d story… technology, Robert, the wedding & 3D Printing…

For us, when we started and how it started began in the summer of 2015…

Our founders were tech savvy entrepreneurs before Rep Rap (the birth of much of the technology we use today for 3D printing) was conceived. A father and son team they had formed a mobile technology company located in the Chicago suburbs mostly as a hobby. The son kept his job in technology, the father was a consultant in the financial industry by day. Android and IOS apps kept them busy during the evenings (you can find their apps on Google Play and Amazon appstore if you are curious- search Gen3 Software)… late evening calls when everyone else in the family was asleep were the norm. In general, the conversations were technical talks about APIs, UX, the next opportunity in mobile, the latest IPO. Just what you’d expect father and son tech geek talks to be.

One evening, the topic was a little different. The son was getting married. His Aunt had just called to tell him that she and his Uncle would be unable to attend the wedding due to a very serious health condition with which the Uncle had been recently diagnosed. Upset, disappointed and concerned that his Aunt would be unable to attend, it was boldly proposed that they work together evenings to build a telepresence robot so his Aunt could “attend” the wedding.

Some father son teams go fishing or hunting. This team built technology. Build a robot? Challenge accepted! They attacked this project like they did any new project on a short deadline and fast became familiar technologies that were new to them… robotics, Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, solenoids, relays, voltage converters… and of course, enlisting the expert artistic touches where needed…

We were impressed by the filament, we tested on Seemecnc’s Delta Orion printer and an Eistart S from Shining 3d. It worked well on both Printers:
amx3d.BlackPLa_71f51f8c-e737-4cea-abef-669973ab1672_grandeWe received a sample of White and Black pla. We used it at 210 to 220 degrees and the quality was quite nice. We used the filament at a range from an unheated and heated bed and it worked well. On the Einstart -S we used a glue stick to help the adhesion, on the Seeme CNC, I used a heated bed at about 45 degrees Celsius.

I was also impressed with the lack of smell from the filament while it printer as well–>
WhitePLA_grande

Reviews-DJI Phantom 3, Cel Robox 3d Printer and Seemecnc Delta Orion 3d Printer!

Reviews-DJI Phantom 3, Cel Robox 3d Printer and Seemecnc Delta Orion 3d Printer!

In our efforts on the web to do reviews and help autism too, now after 5+ years on the web we are starting to get somewhere to get technology to use to to review, and help autism and stem education too.

We were donated a DJI Phantom 3 Standard, loaned an Amazing Cel Robox 3d printer, and a really nice Seemecnc Delta Orion printer too.

dji-phantom-3-standard

cel-robox-dual-head-3d-printer-6-large (1)

seemecnc orion delta

We are in the process of testing and reviewing these devices and intend to use them for autism events in the near future too!

We appreciate the opportunity to work with DJI, Cel-Robox and Seemecnc!

Check out our partners and their awesome products:

DJI–drones link

Cel-Robox–3d Printers link!

Seemecnc–Orion Delta Link!

Deadpool Movie Review: David Berkowitz-Technewszone.com

Deadpool Movie Review: David Berkowitz-Technewszone.com

deadpool-trailer-2

Film Review: ‘Deadpool’

I had the opportunity to attend the screening of Deadpool recently in Las Vegas.

I went with 2 of my teens. My 15 year old daughter and my 19 year old son.

My 19 year old son is a huge fan of Deadpool, he really loved the movie.

After seeing the movie, I realize that my daughter is too young to have seen the movie. I kept having to tell her to “oh, close your eyes quick during the movie.”

The movie had me laughing during most of the screening. At the age of 47, I am more of a fan of traditional Super Hero movies, such as Guardians of the Galaxy, which was quite funny and a great movie, Ant Man which was funny and a bit irreverent. However, Deadpool took it to a whole new level. I think for the young folks from teens to maybe 25 years old it would be perceived as an awesome movie and they will love it. It kind of seems like they merged a Marvel movie with a script for Family Guy or South Park.

It definitely earns its’ R rating, there were a few sex scenes that we quite edgy especially for a super hero movie or in this case antihero.

Overall I would give the movie a C, not the worst movie ever, but not The Avengers or Iron Man either.

My 19 year old son loved it, and would give it an “A.”

In terms of the special effects, cinematography and that type of thing, I was rather impressed. The music, sound effects were nice as well.

I liked the breaking of the 4th wall per se’, whereby Ryan Rynolds, who did a nice job in Guardians of the Galaxy, talks directly to the audience. I am definitely a fan of things that are different and this movie definitely fit that profile; it was different, interesting and compelling in a sort of Raunchy, a bit nasty way. Overall the movie should appeal heavily to male teen age folks to early 20 something males as well.

That is not to say that other people will not like it as well.

The movie seemed to be in the same genre as movies like Kickass, and Beavis and Butthead but in a well filmed, really funny sort of way.

According to IMDB and 20th Century Fox:

This is the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.Written by 20th Century Fox

It definitely lived up to that description, as a humorous, dark, twisted, but at times funny on a sarcastic level. I am not sure about the “Feel the love Valentine’s day tagline, but you will have to see the movie to find out for yourself as to your thoughts and perceptions of the movie.

deadpool poster.

 

Reviewed at AMC Townsquare, LAS Vegas. MPAA Rating: R. Running time: 107 MIN.

Production

A 20th Century Fox release and presentation, in association with Marvel Entertainment, of a Kinberg Genre/the Donners’ Co. production. Produced by Simon Kinberg, Ryan Reynolds, Lauren Shuler Donner. Executive producers, Stan Lee, John J. Kelly, Jonathan Komack Martin, Aditya Sood, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick.

Crew

Directed by Tim Miller. Screenplay, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick. Camera (color, Panavision widescreen), Ken Seng;editor, Julian Clarke; music, Tom Holkenborg; music supervisor, John Houlihan; production designer, Sean Haworth; art director, Nigel Evans; set decorator, Shannon Gottlieb; set designers, Randy Hutniak, Sheila Millar; costume designer, Angus Strathie; sound (Dolby Atmos), David Husby; supervising sound editors, Wayne Lemmer, Jim Brookshire; sound designers, Craig Henighan, Lemmer, Ai-ling Lee, Warren Hendriks; re-recording mixers, Paul Massey, Will Files; special effects coordinator, Alex Burdett; visual effects supervisor, Jonathan Rothbart; visual effects producer, Annemarie Griggs; visual effects and animation, Digital Domain, Atomic Fiction, Weta Digital; visual effects, RodeoFX, Luma Pictures; stunt coordinators, Robert Alonzo, Philip J. Silvera; associate producer, Thane Campbell Watkins; assistant director, James Bitonti; second unit director, Robert Alonzo; second unit camera, Roger Vernon; casting, Ronna Kress.

With

Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller, Gina Carano, Leslie Uggams, Brianna Hildebrand, Karan Soni, Jed Rees, Stefan Kapicic, Randal Reeder, Isaac C. Singleton Jr.

BandLab Adds Android Pro Mix Editor, Web MIDI Editing and New iOS and Android Explore Features

BandLab Adds Android Pro Mix Editor, Web MIDI Editing and New iOS and Android Explore Features

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11, 2016—BandLab, the first free, cloud-based platform (iOS, Android and Web) where musicians can capture ideas and create new songs in collaboration with musicians and music fans everywhere, today announced the launch of its Pro Mix Editor for Android. In the coming weeks, BandLab will release other new features, including a more helpful way to discover categories of music on iOS and Android, and a new Web MIDI Editor. All these updates will be available by downloading and signing up for BandLab (for free) on iOS, Android and Web.

ANDROID PRO MIX EDITOR

When Android users click the Pro Mode button on their BandLab recording screen, a 12-track Mix Editor now opens. Android users can now further explore their creativity by importing audio and adding vocals, instruments and ambient sounds to take their music to the next level—wherever they are. Having 12 tracks also makes it easier for other BandLab users around the world to add their own ideas to tracks and collaborate on songs.

THE NEW EXPLORE ON ANDROID AND iOS

There are also changes to the way Android and iOS users can explore and get inspiration from BandLab. User content is now sorted by categories, making it even easier for musicians and fans to find the kind of music they like, as well as new collaboration opportunities with other artists.

WEB MIDI EDITOR

BandLab’s new MIDI Editor turns every note played into a square on a musical grid. These squares can then be placed correctly on the timeline—either manually or using BandLab’s automated quantization tool. The notes can also be deleted, moved, stretched or have their velocity increased or decreased to change their sound. Once the notes are in place, users can also change them to a different MIDI sound bank (like changing a piano part to drums or guitar), providing even greater musical possibilities.

The BandLab MIDI editor will automatically detect when a MIDI device like a keyboard or a pad controller is connected. Users can also play the onboard instruments to create MIDI music directly from the desktop.

“These are all major updates for BandLab, and we’re very excited to be releasing them all in the same month,” said Meng Ru Kuok, BandLab’s CEO and Co-founder. “Together, the Android Pro Mix Editor and the web-based MIDI Editor (in addition to our existing cloud storage) make BandLab the first truly cross-platform, multi-track DAW. So now musicians can express their creativity and collaborate on songs—wherever they are. While the new Explore page on iOS and Android will make it even easier for musicians to find the music they love, the inspiration they’re looking for and new opportunities to collaborate.”

The BandLab Android Pro Mix Editor officially launches worldwide today, with the MIDI Editor and the new Explore feature for iOS and Android coming soon. Musicians, bands and fans can sign up for FREE at bandlab.com or download the FREE BandLab mobile app from iTunes or Google Play.

Pro_ME_nexus

iOS - Discover Musicians_1

About BandLab
BandLab is a new cloud platform (iOS, Android mobile apps and Web) where musicians can capture their ideas and create and produce new songs with unprecedented levels of collaboration with other musicians and even fans anywhere in the world. Musicians and bands can sign up for FREE at bandlab.com or download the FREE BandLab mobile app from iTunes or Google Play.

Synek hopes to change the world, at least for Beer Lovers!!

Synek hopes to change the world, at least for Beer Lovers!!

We ran into Synek a year or so ago and did an article on them and their new innovative beer brewing system. Now they are gaining momentum, and becoming an impressive force in the industry! They make an incredible device for beer lovers which allows them to have the best quality and best tasting beer from home.

They first launched on Kickstarter in 2014, see link kickstarter!

 

SYNEK

They have now made 3 huge advances to their brewing device:

1) A Growler Adapter so you’ll be able to use the dispenser both with the company’s specifically designed bags and with the big glass jugs that bars are more used to filling.
2) Redesigned bags that can hold more pressure. This will help homebrewers who want to carbonate their beer in the bag.
3) A pliable sling for participating bars that will help them distribute beer while introducing less oxygen.

They are like the Keurig or Nescafe of beer, allowing folks to enjoy the best at home.

We have not tried their beer or device so far, but if given the opportunity to test and review the device we would love to and then we can tell our perceptions of how good it really is compared to other ways of partaking of beer.

Please take a look at their exciting new overview video seen here–>

 

KICKSTARTER GRADUATE, SYNEK, ANNOUNCES NEW INNOVATIONS

FOR RELEASE: FEBRUARY 4th, 2016 10:00AM CT

(ST. LOUIS) After raising $650,000 on Kickstarter and a subsequent $3.1 million in initial funding, SYNEK (“sin-eck”) announces three major product innovations that will further expand the quality and variety of beer to its customers.

“We’re not a one trick pony,” said Steve Young, SYNEK founder and CEO. “Delivering the last preorder is just the beginning of our quest to make great beer available to all.”

While hundreds of breweries already partnered, introducing the Growler Adapter will expedite their vision of perfect access by tapping into the industry standard. For the first time, this expands SYNEK’s capabilities to the increasingly popular nitrogen infused beers.

To optimize for the strong homebrewing community, the newly redesigned SYNEK cartridges now tout a 50 percent higher pressure rating. The reinforced design allows homebrewers an easier, safer and cleaner way to package and pour their own brews.

A vast majority of the beer industry currently uses vented faucets. While common, these faucets introduce beer killing oxygen with every pour. By creating a simple pliable sling, these taps can be upgraded to provide higher quality and longer lasting beer whether enjoyed in a pint glass, growler or SYNEK cartridge.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel, just beer,” Young said.

All of these innovations are currently being tested by select breweries and will be available mass market in Spring 2016.

ABOUT SYNEK

Born on Kickstarter, SYNEK pours your favorite beer on draft, at home. By filling a simple cartridge from any tap, the dispenser keeps your beer chilled, pressurized and at perfectly captured quality for 30+ days. Now, every brewery is available at home. Craftsmanship deserves to be shared. Learn more at www.SYNEK.beer

Please check out the link on Engadget.com –>Engadget Synek Article

And their article on Cnet!–Synek Article on Cnet!

 

 

Our Initial Impressions of Aftershokz Titanium Bluetooth Headphones

Our Initial Impressions of Aftershokz Titanium Bluetooth Headphones

We ran into Aftershokz at CES 2015 and 2016. This year they sent us a sample to review after the show. aftershocks 3 colors

We have had them for a day or so and are impressed. They sound good for playing music, listening to movies. I also tried them to talk on with my smart phone and they work rather well. To check out their website and products out go to–> AFTERSHOKZ

According to Aftershokz:
THE AFTERSHOKZ WAY

Bone conduction is a natural part of the hearing process—sound travels through our eardrums and bones simultaneously. We’ve taken the concept to the next level through development of a suite of proprietary audio technologies and design patents. The result: headphones that deliver unrivaled situational awareness and comfort.

HOW THEY WORK

Transducers guide mini vibrations through the cheekbones to the inner ears, delivering sound without plugging or covering them

Bone_conduction_copy_large

They come in 3 colors, we received the black or dark gray ones and are impressed by their style, design and the quality seems nice.

aftershoks logo

They seem to be rather innovative and interesting and are great for talking on the phone while driving which is safer than holding the phone, during sports like running and biking. Aftershokz headphones are sturdy and sweat resistant as well.

We would definitely recommend them to people that do outdoor activities or for conversations on your smartphone or for use at the gymnasium.

Here is an interesting graphic showing the internal design of the awesome Aftershokz headphones:
a1 Feature_2_7aeaa891-b346-49a9-87f8-aeb126042767

About Aftershokz:

AfterShokz brings patented bone conduction technology, initially developed for military special operations and law enforcement by Voxtech in 2001, to sport, mobile and Bluetooth® headphones designed and priced for everyday use. Through a suite of proprietary audio technologies and the only completely open ear design, AfterShokz headphones deliver premium stereo sound and a promise of safety and comfort that is second to none. Since its inception in 2011, the company has been committed to innovating unconventionally and making situational awareness a priority. Learn more about how the brand inspires users to #beopen and #hearitall at aftershokz.com.

zzz black_27dafb53-f21e-4f45-aa07-c68e71f39baa_large

Our Review of Toughtested’s USB Cable and Charger!

Our Review of Toughtested’s USB Cable and Charger!

tough logo

We recently ran into the folks at Tough Tested, a Mizco company, at CES 2016. They sent us 2 products to test, and are sending us some Bluetooth headphones soon as well. We recently received a rugged usb cable and a usb wall charger for usb devices.

Not only are the products nice, I really like their rugged packaging as well. The cable for usb is strong, and flexible and seems well made and rugged. It is a nice product.

tough cable boxtough cabletough charger

The wall charger is also solid, rubberized and seems to be well made. We were impressed by both. In my perception, anyone that needs rugged accessories, speakers and headphones ought to heavily consider Toughtested’s products. We had also tried a set of their wired in ear headphones too last year, and they are also very nice. They sound good and stay in the ears very well. One can also use them with their built in Microphone to talk to people and do conference calls as well. If you need nice, rugged devices or know someone that works in construction, the military, Law enforcement or a Fire Department, I would recommend Toughtested’s products. We love them and would love to test more devices.

 

For more information go to Toughtested’s website or Amazon.toughtested headphones