CES 2012 Recap

I’ve posted two appearances to my radio page. The first show published is my report from the most recent CES show that took place in Las Vegas, NV. I went to the show to scout out products for travelers and featured 5 products that are also discussed in a detailed blog post as well.

Apple iPhone 4S for Travelers

Secondly, I’ve posted a show from October in which I discuss the Apple iPhone 4S from a travelers lens. Is the improved camera and Siri worth the upgrade?  Listen in and find out!  :)

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New Radio Shows Posted

On Saturday, Rudy Maxa recently had me on his radio show to talk about the best products and services for travelers.

First of all, this was the biggest CES ever, with new records being broken: 153.000 people attended more than 1.86 million net square feet of exhibitor space being taken up…amazing!
The coolest products I saw: the AR Drone 2.0

• It’s a helicopter with 4 blades. comes in an outdoor model and an indoor model – indor model is about the size of a small pizza box.
• can hover and is controlled by your iPhone, iPad or Android device
• New model has a High def 720p camera which plays back on your phone or can be recording.

The new model also has a pressure sensor to improve altitude control, and new electronic assistance for better navigational control than what was available in the original model.

Costs $299

Jawbone Jambox

In short, it’s an amazing speaker to pack in your overnight bag.

• is 2.25 inches high, 6 inches wide, and 1.5 inches deep.  - if you were to cut a brick in the half long-ways, it’s about that big.
• bluetooth enabled and has a cord to connect with your computer, phone or iPod while on the go
• has AMAZING bass
• Is quite loud
• can also be used as a noise-cancelling bluetooth speakerphone.
• Amazon for about $180

In short, it’s a backpack that has a built-in battery pack for all your gadgets to charge, simultaneously!

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CES Radio Show: Top Traveler Gadgets

Last week, the NPD Group, a research firm, released a study that states of all photos taken in 2011, 27 percent were taken on smartphones, up from 17% a year ago. Traditional cameras took 17 percent of the photos, down from 53% the year before. The fact is – as cameras on smartphones continue to advance in image and lens quality, packing around that Canon camera is becoming less common these days.

For me, the smartphone camera revolution happened back in 2007 when I first utilized the Nokia N95. This phone, advanced for its time and still impressive today, had a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens, resulting in great images and fluid 30 frames-per-second video. Today, I carry a Nokia N8 which has a 12 megapixel shooter and xenon flash (the same you find on your traditional point and shoots) which takes HD quality video and also can send and receive phone calls too.

Unit sales of cameras are down overall, but it’s not all bad news for camera manufacturers. SLR-type cameras with detachable lenses are seeing an upswing in sales. Also, I’m seeing some folks shun using their smartphone as a camera because they want the battery life to be saved for actually making calls and sending messages.

How about you – are you a smartphone picture taker?  Sound off below in the comment!

(Photo credit: liewcf)

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Study: Smartphones Killing Camera Sales

Nokia has finally taken wraps off their first Windows Phone device for the United States. Coming in January 2012, the Nokia Lumia 710 will be available for T-Mobile customers.  This phone is an entry level phone, but a very well equipped one.

The Lumia 710 comes in white and black (I’m hoping to get access to a white one) with covers that go on the back. Additional colors will be available from select retailers in the future.

The Lumia 710 sports a 3.7 inch ClearBlackDisplay, which means they have some wicked technology that produces vibrant colors and deep, deep blacks. I have a Nokia N9 is also a ClearBlackDisplay and the colors and color depth is astounding.

Back to the 710, it is capable of T-Mobile’s 4G speeds and runs Windows Phone, a new platform for many, including me. I adopted Windows Phone back in November and I can’t look back. Between People Hub, which brings all your social networks and friends from them in one central place, Bing Search, Local Scout (which shows you food, shops, and experiences around any location from within a map) and the smoothness of Windows Phone 7, I’m totally sold on the platform.

Affordable Phone and Affordable Plan

One facet to this phone that makes it astounding to me is the price. The Nokia Lumia 710 will only cost $50 on a two-year contract and will be available to be on a $50/month plan from T-Mobile that will give you voice minutes and mobile data.

This is intended to convert existing feature phone owners (the vast majority of phones in America) to smartphone owners, of which Nokia says there are 150 million in the States.

Looking at the specs

For those wanting to know what this phone can do specs-wise, let’s do the run-down:

The Lumia 710 features a 3.7-inch WVGA display with Nokia’s ClearBlack technology; 1.4GHz single core SnapDragon processor with 512MB of RAM, and 8GB of storage; HSPA Category 10 at 14.4Mbps down and 5.76Mbps up, Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi, and GPS. It has a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus, LED flash, and video capture at 720p HD.

[Full Disclosure: I write for Nokia Conversations and am a paid contributor there.]

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Nokia Announces Lumia 710 for T-Mobile US

I have come across a new item that I need to make room in my bag for…although not too much room as this is a very small product. PlugBug is an innovative power adapter for your Macbook laptop (regardless of which MacBook model you have) that can also power and your charge your iPod at the same time.

As frequent travelers know, power outlets can often be hard to come by. Also, if you have two devices to charge, such as your MacBook computer plus your iPad, who wins?

With the PlugBug, both devices can win as the PlugBug just snaps in to your MacBook power supply and provides you with a 10 watt USB powered plug suitable for any device (Apple or otherwise) that can charge via USB.

There are similar products on the market that provide a ‘powered’ USB outlet, but the iPad is unique that it needs a full 10 watts of power, with the PlugBug supplies.

For those wanting to check it out, the PlugBug is available for $34.99 at many locations, including Amazon.com,

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Apple Fans: PlugBug Is Your New Best Friend

The iPad is an amazing device that has changed my opinion of portable computing forever.  Navigating and using a full touch experience has been amazing and fun all in thebreath.

However, sometimes I don’t want to utilize my fingers. There are times, whether when I’m cooking and have dirty hands from working outside where a pen-like device would be great. Also, if you’re taking notes in a meeting or drawing notes where a stylus would be very handy.

Targus makes a Stylus that drew my curiosity. I chose the Targus Stylus for iPad to try out, my thoughts follow.

Touch and feel

The Targus stylus is 5 1/8 inches long and has a nice soft rubberized tip that won’t scratch the screen. One thing I like is that this stylus works on any touch screen device, including your touch screen mobile phone, an iPod Touch.

This Targus stylus feels good in the hand – it’s made of aluminum and is solid. It has a balanced weight that is perfectly suited for writing and using on the iPad.

To test out the Stylus, I downloaded a few drawing apps from the, most notably the Wacam application that allows me to write freely. I liked drawing notes, thoughts and flow charts on my iPad in full color.

The Targus stylus is a perfect compliment to my iPad and is a very good Stylus. One thing I noticed about the Targus stylus is that the weight is heavy enough so you don’t feel it necessary to rest your palm on the iPad while you’re writing.

Bottom line

The Targus stylus is perfect for writing, sketching, navigating and drawing down your paper notes. I highly recommend this device if you’re seeking a stylus for your iPad. Even though it’s only $15, this stylus is a premium product.

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Review: Targus Stylus for iPad

However, I like to carry my PlayBook with me when I go out to coffee shops, during travel and just generally on the go. I constantly worry about the PlayBook getting scratched or damaged while in my backpack.

PlayBook has a soft pouch of a case it comes with, but I like to cram phones, books and notebooks into my bag, along with the PlayBook, making it a somewhat hostile place for my PlayBook.

When I decided to look for cases, the OtterBox line came recommended from my Twitter followers, so I decided to give the protective case a go. Enter the OtterBox Defender Series for BlackBerry PlayBook.

The Defender series is one that provides a high degree of protection for your device, while preserving it’s style and function. The Defender offers three layers of protection, including a silicon cover that surrounds the device, a shield that protects the touch screen from scratches and nicks and a plastic outer core that gives a little more protection and completes the look of this case.

Suiting your PlayBook in the case

Installing the Defender case on your PlayBook will take only a minute or two. The first step is to put the PlayBook in the plastic casing that the PlayBook fits in perfectly. Then you can wrap the PlayBook in the silicon outer shell. Simply pull the silicon shell around the corners of the PlayBook and then tuck in the sides so it fits in properly, then you can attach the other pieces.  The process is fluid and goes very quickly.

Cases getting in the way

On mobile phones, sometimes I avoid cases for devices because a) they add bulk to the device unnecessarily and b) they inhibit operation of the device, hindering my ability to access buttons, headphone jacks and cameras, for example.

In OtterBox’s case, the company has carefully engineered the Defender case for PlayBook to not be in the way. You have full access to buttons and the headphone jack is easily accessible by simply removing the door. The Defender case is protective and functional at the same time.

A stand built in, too

OtterBox has solved another usability issue with this case that plagues tablet owners. That is, if you’re on a plane or trying to view your PlayBook on a tabletop, how do you do it if you don’t want to hold it constantly?

The Defender case has a snap on piece that, at first glance, looks like it merely protects the front of the device. However, snap it off and pull out the built-in stand for a usable display stand for the PlayBook. The display angle is perfect for watching movies or showing otherwise using the device to surf the web or send email.

Wrapping up

The Defender by OtterBox will protect your BlackBerry PlayBook protected and looking sharp all at the same time. At around $70 list price (currently around $40 on Amazon.com), the Defender case will protect your beloved PlayBook against drops, dings, scratches and any other force that would injure your tablets beautiful exterior.

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Review: OtterBox Defender Case For BlackBerry PlayBook

As a Roku user, I  was already used to the idea of streaming Amazon and Netflix content to my TV, which is great.  Google TV was supposed to take the experience a bit further by bring the Internet to into my living room.

I have enjoyed having a browser on my 47″ Vizio TV, but other than that, Google TV has offered no advantage for me over the Roku devices. In fact, I was just about to rip the GoogleTV powered Logitech Revue box out of my entertainment system over the weekend.

This all changed with a recent blog post from Google this morning.  Finally, after waiting all summer, a new version of Google TV software is being pushed out. This weekend and next week, Revue boxes will receive a much-needed revamped user interface along with Apps from the Android market.  According to GigaOm, there will be close to 1,800 applications available at launch time.

The update will include a simplified programming guide, in the form of a TV and movies application that offers access to live TV listings as well as online sources for content.  That is, search for “Mary Poppins” and the app will show you live listings (if they exist at that time) and the ability to stream it from sources such as Amazon or Netflix.

Also, GoogleTV will be receiving an updated YouTube client that will replace the very awkward client that currently exists on the platform.

Android Market is coming and will include apps from sources such as QVC for Google TV, AOL HD, Fox News, Wall Street Journal Live, Pandora, Clicker and Twitter. But there will be the ability to install apps from the general Market as well.

Please Google TV, please make my cable TV experience suck less now.  :)

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Much Needed Google TV Update Coming

Nokia Conversations – Nokia’s corporate weblog

• Porting Guides for Windows Phone 7
• Appstravaganza: American Football apps for Nokia
• Productivity apps for Nokia-carrying professionals

CMSWire: Social Media Minute weekly column

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Blogging Elsewhere

When it comes to traveling or being constantly on the go, one problem we constantly face is keeping our gadgets charged. When I attend a conference, I often have a few devices on me, including an iPad, my mobile phone (often 2 or 3) and even an iPod. Since I’m constantly using the phone to call, take photos, shoot video and the iPad to do every-day computing, these devices’ batteries drain early and often.

I’ve carried around battery packs before such as the Zagg Sparq 2.0, which has a monster battery and two USB ports for charging more than one device at a time. However a new product popped on the market that got me very interested: a nice looking backpack that will not only carry everything, but charge multiple devices simultaneously with an integrated battery system.

Overview

The Powerbag Deluxe Packpack looks like a mainstream backpack. The black bag has numerous pockets and a nice padded strap with suspension for added comfort. What sets this backpack a part is this nice slide-in pocket for up to a 16″ laptop and lots of small pockets for pens, notebooks and other accessories you need while traveling about.

However, the star of this show is the removable and surprisingly lightweight recharable 6,000 mAh battery on board. This honking battery can charge a smartphone such an iPhone up to 4 times. Also, Powerbag has included 4 connectors to the battery, including one specifically for Apple devices such as an iPhone, iPod Touch a mini-USB connector and a micro-USB connector. It’s possible to charge multiple devices at one time, including an iPhone and an Android device. There’s a USB port custom designed for high-capacity devices such as an iPad or other tablet.

There’s a one-touch battery level indicator and a weather-resistant AC adapter charging port on the side, meaning you actually plug the backpack into the wall to recharge.

Use and Capabilities

To give this bag a real-world trial, i used it over the last week. I am constantly on the go and with me I routinely carry a bunch of devices including my 15″ MacBookPro, an iPod Touch, an iPad, my mobile phone and sometimes a BlackBerry Playbook.

The Powerbag Deluxe Backpack, by itself, is stylish and surprisingly light. I had a premonition that the battery pack would make this a heavy bag, but the company has managed to avoid this completely. When I loaded the bag with my gear, it was comfortable to wear and looked good too. I like that this bag is an unassuming black backpack, which is perfect for travel as to not call attention to itself and prospective thieves.

The power connectors on the bag are located in a nice little side pocket where you’d expect them to be. There are three connectors in that side pocket, one for an Apple device and one micro-USB and one mini-USB. Tablets (such as an iPad) go in a separate pocket in the front, which is a very nice touch.

Testing

To test out charging capability, I first hooked up my mobile phone and found it’s charging rate to be very similar to having it plugged into the wall, based on the battery level indicator on the phone. Even when I simultaneously plugged in my iPod Touch, both devices charged at a very acceptible rate.

When I then added to the stress test by plugging in an iPad, the charge ratees descresed and chages took considerably longer, which is to be expected. I would say it’s best to charge just two devices such as a phone and iPod or two phones. Adding an iPad or other tablet is just too much on the PowerVine system on the backpack.

The backpack itself is very easy to use. I love the LED-indicator on the front of the pack that shows current battery level. With one look, I can see how much juice I have left throughout the day. The power connector for the backpack is weather-resistant and withstood some Oregon Autumn rain this weekend, which goes along way in my climate.

The battery, at 6000 mAh, is plenty strong to power your device array throughout an entire day. There’s another model, called the  Messenger, from Powerbag that only has a 3,000 mAh capability, which I don’t think would be good for heavy all-day use.

Conclusion

The Powerbag Deluxe Backpack is an amazing functional backpack that gives me a much-needed advantage when traveling: constant power for my power-hungry devices. It’s nice to not have to think about finding an outlet while I’m traveling about.

The Powerbag Deluxe Backpack is available for about $120 on Amazon.com. If you travel with devices in tow, this high-quality bag is worth the price and should be at the top of your list if you’re on the hunt for a bag. Powerbag offers a variety of bags including a larger backpack (for business travelers), messenger bags and more.  See their site for more details.

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Review: Powerbag Keeps Your Devices Juiced While On The Go