Digital X in Cologne hits September 18th. The latest news in innovation and digital technology will get our attention this season.
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Digital X GO
Tag: digital
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Social Distancing, Not Alone
Are we a little confused about “Social Distancing”? How does one interact with “new fun friends” in the grip of Coronavirus Pandemic? I have a suggestion or two.
Let’s face it. We are all a bit paranoid. Everyday the headlines read like a science fiction film. If your fun partner has a cough, should you hesitate? If in the back of your head you are having thoughts of hesitation, YES! Or have plastic wrap ready.
This new virus makes Grindr, Tinder, and all the quick hook up sites a bit risky. A person may require a one week health screening record before getting to 2ndbase. In China there is now a mandatory health rating app for citizens. I get the feeling this will soon come to dating sites.
WELL,, but the old fashion ways are still around. Being hyper connected to a mobile phone means digital fun at your fingertips. Portable, able to move from room to room. For those of us like long sessions, the drawback with mobile phones is the battery life. Second, only able to use one hand.
Skype never left, it just got regulated to the second tier technology level. Back in the day, this platform was considered a safe encounter space with a camera for visuals and good sound quality. The full picture is available, handsfree. Just get in a comfortable place with your laptop or tablet, relax, then cyber fun take you away.
Stay tuned for the next Men Reloaded Podcast.
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IFA 2018 Final
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 Berlin Continues
IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung
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In with the Old, Out with the Smart.
The best way to avoid all the issues of data collection and privacy matters, go retro. A classic is always in style. Are smartphones falling out of fashion? The more we learn about data gathering, the answer is becoming clearer. In the Age of Hyper Connectivity, digital arms length is looking like a safer option. Do you need to check Instagram, Messenger, What’s App every 2 minutes to get the latest news on people you do not know?
Another aspect of the feature phones is the battery life, many can go for days without a recharge. No need to carry around a power bank or search for a plug.
The writer has a smartphone but loves his old Nokia phone for its elegance, simplicity, and lack of addictive qualities.
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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.
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IFA Day 3
IFA Day 3
Is Blackberry making a comeback? The sleek and sexy smartphone brand was looking good in the form of the KEYone.
Livall has a smart tech helmet for cyclists with many features including hands free phone use, smart lighting, and speakers. The BH51 style comes in many colors.
Urban ears mixed Scandinavian minimalism with the latest technology. The Baggen connected speakers work on many style levels whether you want the fashionable black color or the eco-green, the sound delivery is sharp.
The Amazon AI system “Alexa” is making inroads and showing this year. Amazon has start-up funding for voice interaction technology initiatives.
Advance active wear ear buds from Jabra. Not only do the ear pieces record the sports users activity but the hi-tech devices act as a digital motivated.
Chic Fashion Tech from Batband, a bone conduction system band that rests on the head. Features are controlled by touch control.
Stay tuned for more from IFA 2017 in Berlin.
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IFA 2017 Coming Soon
Counting down to IFA 2017 has started. The latest consumer electronic trends from connected homes, drones, smartphones, and vr are on the agenda.
Coverage starts September 30th from Berlin.
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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.
Acer has an interesting product line up this season from the ailing tech company, the brand introduced devices ranging from interacting toys for pets to a hyped up gaming pc.
The Pawbo is for pets lovers all over the world who feel guilty about their four legged friends alone. An interactive gadget is designed for pet interaction that can be controlled from a smartphone while away from home. It even offers treats.
The Xplova is a smart cycling computer with built in camera. It monitors speed and fitness levels.
Staying to its core strength, the brand introduced a new gaming pc, Predator 21 is with a curve monitor, is impressive.
New gaming technologies include infinite screen, eye tracking technology and intuitive sensing.
High-end home appliance maker Bosch’s theme is “Home Connected”. The man inside the refrigerator now has company, a camera. No more guessing what is on the self. Just check via a smartphone app. All appliances from the brand are locally produced with tight quality control procedures. If you buy a home appliance from the brand in the US. It was produce in the US.
Panasonic is investing in “Future Living” and smart cities as the company has become involved in sustainability eco-friendly services and technology on city size scale. In Berlin there company is involved in building a smart city in the Aldershof District with an emphasis on people and connectivity.
Laundroid is a appliance device that washes, dry, and folds clothing. Available soon!
Samsung proves why it is still the top brand in the android world. The Galaxy 7 smartphone is impressive with pen and user interaction. Very smooth interface and great camera. There is also a retina scan ID feature.
The new Gear 3 smartwatch comes in two styles, one classic, the other is sporty, using Tizan Operating System, has 4GB internal storage with battery life of up to 4 days depending on usage. There are two buttons, the home and back with a rotating bezel for scrolling and navigating applications, also different digital faces with a continuing display. The display/face is 1.3 inches. The casing is a bit thick. There is an option to change bands.