IFA coverage sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung
Stay tuned for for more highlights and round up from the world of tech.
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IFA 2018 Final
Tag: connected
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IFA 2018 More and More
IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung
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IFA Berlin Continues
IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung
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IFA 2018 NEWS from Twitter
IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung
#IFA news, #Travelling with #R2D2. #Luggage that goes where you go. #Traveller #ttot #travelnews #passport #tech #wearable #connected #Passport #gadget #airport #travel pic.twitter.com/G4JTNd29kj
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) September 2, 2018
@IFA_Berlin report, #sex in the 21st century from @mysteryvibe with the ultimate #wearable for men. This is #digital #viagra. You can leave to get a cafe and still be involved in the act. OH MY! #TechNews #IFA2018 #relationships #menswear #mensfashion #connected #coinnovation pic.twitter.com/SDyd0matuG
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) September 2, 2018
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IFA 2018 Goes On
The Connected Home is the central theme of IFA 2018, voice activated or app controlled devices. Google is everywhere this year. The Silicon Valley titan with its Android Assistant system has decided to take control of the world by marching into the home.
Appliance technology continues to surprise me. While not as glam glam as smartphones or car tech this plays an important part in our lives. The user can ask an appliance a question for a smart response.
Hoover has a washer that is voice activated without needing an operating system. Sister brand Candy went all out for style with a new washer machine series designed by Lapo Elkann named “Bianca”. Who would think a metal box could be so CHIC.
Can blenders be connected and smart? Philips proves “YES!” A kitchen appliance can be personalized to match the needs of the user. The Smart Connected Blender is like a person trainer on the counter top.
Electrolux SHOCKED ME! The brand person told me you can wash and dry wool in their new machines. I had to stop to think about this. The amount of money I have spent on sweaters. NO WAY I would chance this. The new 9000 series is a very advanced wash and dry home appliance. I saw the results, I admit the differences were amazing. Am I ready to test the “no shrinkage” claim? First, on a cheap item from Zara. If it works, my dry cleaning bill will be less.
English maker Magimix with its series of less noise appliances deserves attention. I have a Hamilton Beach blender from 1978 that still work but,,, it is loud. Let’s say I need noise cancellation headphones during the time it takes to make a smoothie. During the demonstration I was shocked how quietly the blender mixed the ingredients.
In the age of Samsung and Apple does a new smartphone brand have a chance? Do not tell this to entrepreneurs who are giving it a try. The start- ups are offering new devices for sale either with or without carriers.
Staying with the subject of phones, Nokia returned to IFA. I had a feeling of nostalgia. The once mighty Finnish brand showed off the new version of the Banana phone made famous from “The Matrix”. I liked the design but not the material of the phone.
By the way, this writer prefers a stupid home to a smart one.
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IFA DAY 4
Simply #Gorgeous! @HooverUSA stand @IFA_Berlin for their #connected #kitchen presentation was incredible, many #stylish surprises from Italy. #TechNews #IoT #IFA2018 #IFAtechnews #appliances #coinnovation #berlin pic.twitter.com/F5QXFV6jRC
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) September 1, 2018
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IFA Berlin Day 3
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IFA DAY Day One
IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera (WERBUNG)
A day full of surprises at IFA. The market for consumer electronics is going strong. Many brands are becoming design focus as technology moves into every room of the modern house.
I was in a state of shock when an IFA colleague told me the new Blackberry is good. is there a need for Blackberry in the age of Apple and Samsung? According to him, “YES”!
Polaroid, the vampire device that cannot be killed is moving into the digital era with it iconic point and shoot camera. I was waiting for Partridge Family to roll up riding a Psychedelic Colored bus.
It is all about streaming and talking to a device, audio. Google Google Everywhere! The wave of the future is voice activation. Google Assistant is going to be in your living room to obey and serve. At the same time Amazon’s Alexa is preparing to take control of life as we know it. It feels like a war is brewing between the two tech titans. Personally, I am ready for VO in my house. I still get up to turn off a light.
Bang and Olufsen introduced a small but powerful motion censored audio device, the Edge. It did not wow me like last years sound wall. The circular speaker detects movement in the room and can be controlled by a touch or movement. The specs and materials are what a buyers expects from the high end Danish Brand, all top notch and cutting edge.
Acer unveiled new devices including a light weight laptop and new VR headgear. The VR gear scared me a bit. It look liked a lot of tech packed into a headgear. I will test it later.
Asus surprised me. I liked the look and specs of the Asian brands new PC’s, A new design DNA. Look for more details later.
Images made with Canon G3X.
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Marshall Major III: A Tech Review
Headphones are objects of tech popularity. Black is the new Black with centered white letters is the latest style trend in my fitness circle. While at the gym I noticed a number of members using Marshall’s. The connected fit sect has moved on to a new brand. Bold colored head devices with a stylized “b” are not longer favored judging by my daily observations on the treadmill.
The Marshall Major III Bluetooth over ear headphones look good. On the box it says “30+ hours of wireless playtime.” Does it live to the hype? It was hard for me to disprove. I used the headphones without charging for 24 hours. When the device is low on power, there is an audio tone. The recharging time was fast. A red light on the right ear pad indicates charging. A white light means full.
A high tech device but simple to use. The left side gold colored button the left side controls volume, bluetooth connection, change tracks, respond to calls. Connecting to Bluetooth was easy, the connection was constant, no problems or interruptions, whether wearing them while walking around my flat or roaming a large workspace.
On an aesthetic level the Major III is designed with comfort for long term use. The weight is 180 grams or 6.28 oz.The square shaped ear cups feel nice, each side is labeled “LEFT”, “RIGHT”.
The sound quality is good in wireless mode. A cord, with microphone, are included for connected activity. As well, there is a charging cable. 
If you have been following me, you know I am not a fan of overt branding on items I wear. I am not being paid to be a walking billboard. But with headphone gear, wearing branded devices over your ears represent you are a part of a club The cursive logo brand “Marshall” is on the ear cups.
Overall, I understand why the Marshall III is popular at my gym. The headset is a combination of dependability and style.
Price is $79 dollars online at www.marshall.com
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Toodles, Facebook?
Given the current crisis involving Facebook and CA, Black and Paper has decided to place its Facebook account on hold, no more postings for the moment. Although no laws have been broken, we feel the current level of trust is eroding on the social media platform. Why? It was an open secret about the Data Collection, a price all paid for using a free website, but Facebook continued to push the line and then crossed it without thinking of the consequences of its actions. Hubris has a funny way of biting the butt, even if you are tech giant with 2 billion followers. Facebook’s fatal mistake, taking its users for granted. Zuckerberg’s disarming “Everyday Joe” gray t-shirt cannot cover the fact his creation has become a bit of the creepy neighbor who leers through the peephole when you leave the apartment. Privacy for this company has become an inconvenience. Facebook has evolved into a neo-surveillance operation or serial stalker, wanting or desiring every detail of your life for the sole purpose of selling the information to the highest bidder.
Will we return to Facebook? We are monitoring the situation. Currently, we are looking at alternative sites, stay tuned.
Mark Zuckerberg is schedule to appear before US Congress regarding the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica Affair. The Federal Trade Commision and United Kingdom Authorities have opened investigations concerning its handling of personal data.