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Technology

Parrot Drone Dance

During IFA 2016 we watched the Parrot Mini Bop Drone Dance.  These outdoor devices bring out the kid in me.

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Technology

DXO One Camera Coming Soon

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Technology

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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Technology

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

 

Categories
Music Technology

Headphones + Lux = Pryma

 

The Black and Paper Q&A with Pryma

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Coffee and Cream

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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Technology

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.

Categories
Fashion

IFA Day 1

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 inFuture 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.

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Fashion Technology

Tech Meets Life

Looking forward to IFA16, the world’s biggest consumer tech show, in Berlin we decided to produce a spontaneous shoot at the NHow Hotel Berlin.  Technology is a part of everyday life.   How did we survive without it?  These are the basic necessities of life.

Images by Gita Kurdpoor shot at the NHow Hotel on a sunny day by the Spree River.