During IFA 2016 we watched the Parrot Mini Bop Drone Dance. These outdoor devices bring out the kid in me.
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Parrot Drone Dance
Category: Technology
Technology has changed the world. Everyone has a device these days. We cover the tech world with news and interviews on the latest gadgets.
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iPhone 7 impressions
I went to the Apple store to see the latest releases. They look sleek. they feel good in the hand. They perform the way one would expect, but given the level of expectation for the new iPhone 7, after playing with the latest version of the iconic smartphone, I left the store feeling like the hype was over blown.
Do not get me wrong, the iPhone 7 has plenty of merit. Performance wise it is a smooth operator. There are so many features including: water resistant, longer battery life, camera and the most obvious missing detail: the headphone jack.
The Black iPhone looks good. The larger Plus model I did not like. The larger iPhones seem awkward.
While at the table I felt the dazzle of previous Apple products was missing. People (not as many as past product launches) were playing with the phone but not so many inquiries. That I could actually play with the all the display models on the first day of sales speaks volumes.
I am waiting to see and test the earbuds.
This go round Apple has replaced inspiration with something one step above constant.
The Apple Watch Area of the store was empty. Need I say MORE!
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DXO One Camera Coming Soon
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CNET on Smartwatches
I am a frequent CNET reader. I likes this article from the site.
These are the top five reasons smart watches don’t sell. There’s a brand new Apple watch. Yay. That sums up most people’s responses. Pretty much any smart watch. The time has arrived to dive into the five. At number 5, small screens. How much functionality can you cram into a tiny screen? Let’s look at what happened with phones, shall we? Phones started out with tiny displays. They grew and grew. Then smartphones got huge. Do people need huge wrist cuffs like Leela on Futurama? Not necessarily and that brings us to number 4. Interfaces aren’t there yet. How do you interact with a watch? That you read the swaps, reach gestures a better the turn to select things maybe you tops it. All of those are ways to use Mola watches today. And that the problem, there’s still A great way to use these things. And number three, battery life. The purpose of any watch is to tell you the time. Whenu’re concerned your smart watch could die on a daily basis, the function of the watch part of the smart watch comes into question. At number two, they’re pricey. Smart watches suffer from high prices for several reasons. First, it’s not cheap to put a touch screen computer on a light weight wrist wearable device. Secondly, it costs money to make them look not cheap. Is there a magic price point for a smart watch where all the flaws can be overlooked. Maybe. But there’s still just one giant problem. There’s no killer app. This is the simplest reason why smart watches haven’t taken off like smart phones. Smart watches lack a true compelling reason to exist. When the majority of the functions can be replicated by the other devices that most people carry all the time, their smartphone. Go check out more Top 5’s at TOP5. CNET. COM. I’m Iyaz Akhtar, I’ll see you online.
If you would like to see the video please go to:CNET.com
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Gear S3 from Samsung
At IFA 16 Samsung unveiled its latest smartwatch, the Gear S3. My verdict: NO! Still not compelling enough or stylish to warrant a purchase.
I got a personal demonstration, then had hands on time.
Coming in two styles, the first is based on an elegant classic design style. The second is a sportier, rugged design for the urban adventurer.
What I noticed immediately was the size of the round display/face; 1.3 inches in thick steel casing, light. You can swipe the display to change the face looks and access widgets. When I tried it on, the watch dominated my wrist, a bit too noticeable for my taste. I asked why the bigger display, I was told their customers desired a larger screen size because it was easier to read and navigate applications. Samsung is clearly positioning this device for male users as a hi-tech wearable.
The Gear S3 uses Samsung’s TIzen OS with 4 gb of eternal storage space. All can be controlled by either the Home Button, Back Button, or Rotating dial. It was easy to control after a few tries.
Battery life has been improved for up to 3 days without recharging. There is a microphone and speaker for making calls. Waist bands are standard sizes, enabling the user to change colors and styles.
I did not hate the Gear S3 but I could give myself a valid reason for wanting it. I was unconvinced.
I did not get a launch date for the Gear 3 so check for local release dates.
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IFA
IFA16 Highlights
Bang and Olufsen
Futuristic minimalism in the shape of a cone from Bang and Olufsen, always known for superior sound quality, the brand played to its strength by introducing two wireless 360 degree speaker designs, the small BeoSound 1 and larger BeoSound 2. Both are rechargeable with a battery life of 16 hours. The shining models stuck out but I liked the softer toned ones.
Sphero
Star Wars Fans will have hours of fun with the motion controlled BB8 droid. The wrist band enables the user to push and pull the droid with arm gestures. The app describes in details how to full use the small robot. I saw a demonstration. It could get addictive, connective toys are the future.
Aedle
Designed and made in Paris, Aedle headphones are for those looking for a subtler but higher style quality with headphone gear. Constructed with fine leather and other materials there are two choices to choose, over ear or in-ear, both are elegant. When I travel to Paris I will interview the team behind the brand.
Philips
The consumer brand giant had two products we liked. The new Innergizer blender can mix anything in a moment. The second appliance we played with was the Air Cooker, no grease, or oil is needed, all is done by recycled hot air even French Fries.
ZTE
Affordable high end smartphone from the ZTE with Axom 7 mini, a smaller version of the company’s flagship phone but still packing a punch using Android 6.0 OS featuring a 5.2 inch screen, all metal body and curved designed. it delivers a number of good features without breaking the bank including Dolby Speakers and a 16 megapixel camera.
Huawei
I handled the phone, it is smooth and stylish but what attracted me the most were the colors blue and red. It is slim and light with a Leica camera. I have not tested the device yet but soon.
Honorable Mentions
SkullCandy
Skullcandy’s New Crusher Wireless headphones looked nice. A good accessory for the street wear looks. Check back here for a review.
AfterShockz
I am testing their new sportswear wireless headsets, so far so good. Check back for the full review.
Xtorm
A better source of mobile recharging, the company improved the capacity of this year’s power bank models while retaining an attractive design. (See our upcoming video)
Samsonite
Added new class to their collection with a slim wireless power bank fitted for a 15 inch laptop integrated into a travel backpack.
Dbramante1928
Affordable leather carrying cases designed in Denmark for every tech device. The material is sourced from India.
Fossil
A company introduced a number of wearables this year to track and monitor all activity. We are using one now. See the upcoming review.
Keep checking back for more reviews and interviews on tech.
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Apple’s Latest
I have not seen the phone, this post is based on my reaction from the iPhone 7 press conference.
I still think the Apple Watch is a Hula Hoop of technology. A dated piece of hardware before you unbox at home. If you have $369 or 319 euros invest in a watch that will last more than a season or you will look as stylish as polyester bell bottom pants.
The iPhone 7. Is this product beginning to show its age? The brands strategy is an upgrade here and one there will be enough to please devotees. There are two categories of phones, the higher price 7plus with souped up cameras armed with 32 GB or 256B it feels like emotional blackmail to spend more money. Water resistant, dual speakers are nice features, the latter more so because the new smartphone has no headphone jack, comes with an headphone adapter, but $180 for the Apple wireless earbuds/Airpods is steep.
I know Apple is a cult of coolness with many faithful followers but this time I feel like the loyalty is being taken for granted. The more expensive iPhone 7 phone feels like a tacky status symbol, a parody of what it once was.
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IFA 2016
IFA 2016 Highlights
YEVO
An intriguing product was the Yevo 1 smart wireless headphones. These small, futuristic earbuds reminded me of Lt. Uhura’s ear piece from Star Trek, with touch control, 20 hour battery life and a microphone. There is a noise cancellation feature. We did not test them but I will keep you posted.
MONSTER (Showstoppers)
New generation of headphones and a modern take on the 70’s Boom Box, with the Monster Blaster was on display this season from Monster. The on ear head devices are equipped with hi resolution audio, Bluetooth, swipe control, and direct digital capabilities. Monster Blaster has 24 hour battery life built, in microphones. It is good for indoor and outdoor settings.
TCL
Another interesting take on a tablet entering the market has been introduced by TCL. The Aess is an Android tablet/pc hybrid with either 15.6 or 17 inch screen capable of being positioned in four angles. Easy for Multi-tasking with voice, gesture control and stylus.
UVIFY and Vuzix (Showstoppers)
Connected to the Vuzix VR helmet the Uvify racing drone is made for the ultimate leave your body experience. It looks veracious. Camera, detachable arms, and fast battery charge are included.
Vuzix Iwear has a high level of video and audio performance. The headgear is lightweight with options for complete immersion. A high pixel number means images are sharp with good resolution. Sound is clear. I watched Kung Fu Panda.
The UVIFY cockpit and Vuzix headsets were connected when I tested them. I wanted to FLY!!!!
LIFEPACK (Showstoppers)
A Solar Powered, anti-theft backpack, Lifepack, from Swedish brand Solgaard integrates a Solor bank, lock in a rugged, sleek carry bag. The solar powered battery can be recharged in the sun, for a full charge, 4 hours is needed. Intelligent features include; Bluetooth speakers retractable locks on the zippers, drop proof laptop storage, work and personal zone and rain cover.
Stay tuned for more updates
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Headphones + Lux = Pryma
The Black and Paper Q&A with Pryma
How does the brand fuse fashion without sacrificing sound quality?
Sonus faber has been handcrafting the finest loudspeakers in the industry for almost 40 years.
Sound quality is our heritage, and elegance is in our DNA.
Every single one of our speakers was designed with a unique design and unparalleled sound quality.
The same applies with PRYMA, the same taste, the same meticulous details and craftsmanship have been applied to the headphones, being assembled by hands at the Sonus faber, Italy.
For audiophiles, what is the top feature Pryma?
From an audiophile standpoint, PRYMA headphones are very efficient since they can be driven by any sort of devices. If you want to get extra performances you can attach it to HP amplifier.
The sound quality is as pure as it gets. PRYMA headphones translate the way the artist intended the music to sound.
What are the materials used for the headphones?
Our headphones are composed of Italian leather (the headbands) and Italian aluminum (the shell), sourced from the nicest luxury and fashion material providers in Italy.
Then, the ear cups are either composed of Premium carbon fiber or acoustically tested polycarbonate.
With comfort being so important for the wearer is there a lot of adjustment needed for your headsets?
Sonus faber and Pryma designer, Livio Cucuzza, made sure that the headphones look as good as they sound. And like an Italian tailor made suit, they are perfectly fitted for the wearer’s ears.
One of the nicest features is the fact that they are extremely modulable, and the user can adjust the headbands with a unique buckle and clasp system, an elegant solution.
Are there any plans to expand to the model collection?
Yes, PRYMA is now a big part of The McIntosh Group, and will grow even bigger in the future!
We are already working on many exciting projects that I am sure you will have the chance to see soon in the Luxury and Fashion world.
Pryma headphones are available in luxury stores including Colette Paris and Barney’s New York City.
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IFA 2016
IFA Highlights
Geneeo
Alex Feriotto is the designer behind the stylish Geneeo Genius Backpack, Italian style designed to be a portable power bank for all recharging needs. Equipped with a 7000 mAh battery the bag can simultaneously charge 3 devices at once using hub ports. The outside battery indicator signals power level. The bag’s external charging cable can be plugged into an electric outlet, making it convenient for multi recharging in one space.
Alex is a graduate of the prestigious IED University of Milan. He wanted to create a bag that is both stylish and practical. Splash proof, made of nylon and rubber details, inside there are three compartments, large enough for a 17 inch laptop.
Illy
Retro. Stylish. Flair. For the twentieth anniversary of the illycaffe, Illy presented new bespoke capsule café machine, the X1 has an eye catching retro design along with colors. Red, Black, and Almond colors are available. If you wish to order a tailored machine, you can go their website. Coffee never looked so good.
Parrot Pot
You never have to worry about watering the plants again when you are away from home. Parrot gives flower loves the best gift, a smart flower pot, plant sitter, that monitors the soil. The pot holds 2.2 liters of water with self-watering capability. An app monitors the plant’s health and gives advice on care. Additionally, there is a database of 8000 plant suggestions.
Lenovo (from Showstoppers)
Lenovo went to the future with a Halo keyboard for the brands sleek, new Yoga Book. Foldable, with Android and Windows versions the new devices is equipped with a stylus pen. The strong Graphic interface means letting the creative juices flow.
Panasonic
Available in 2018. The tech giant will soon release a machine we have all been waiting for, no more folding clothes. The Laundroid will wash, dry, and fold clothes.
Stay tuned for more coverage and check out our Instagram Account.