Tag: wearable

Categories
Technology

APPLE 2018


It is the middle of September, the annual roll out of Apple’s new devices is upon us. All eyes are on Cupertino.

Apple Watch is the #1 Smartwatch in the world. It is like taking sand to a beach. Apple Watch is the #1 watch in the world. I’ll be the JUDGE OF THAT! It is ugly. Who wants this thing? The redesigned screen and display is a step above. It is still a niche watch. All the new gimmicks, ECG, heart monitors, Fall Detection. Is this device for an EDERLY HOME? FDA and American Heart Association clearance. The term “complications” being used for the Apple Watch. Sounds like a winning product for the insurance companies. An 18 hour battery life. If your heart stops during the other 6 hours, you are out of luck! I stopped paying attention after the battery specs, no clue about the price.

The new iPhone is becoming a device for everything, gaming, video, and picture.

iPhone 10s, 2 displays 5.8 and 6.5 inch display.

iPhone 10 X SMax. Is a creative smartphone. OLED display. Fast response. Face ID for data protection. The 12 Bionic chip and Neural Engine. It got too technical for me but it is a powerful handset.

Able to process 5 trillion operations per second with a number of Siri shortcuts This phone is about engagement from sun up to sundown.

7MP front camera

The camera is impressive with BROKEH and depth of field benefits.

Battery life 90 minutes longer than the previous devices.

Dual Sims.

Premium prices for all models.

The brand has a sustainable , recycle, give back programs

iPhone 10R Edge to Edge LCD Display A cheaper smartphone for 750 euros.

Haptic Tech. I am not a fan.  It reminds of being hit with a ruler at school. 

Will I buy the iPhone? The price tag puts me off a bit. I can wait. I do not take selfies. I see myself in the mirror everyday.  

Categories
Fashion Technology

An IFA 2018 Highlight

A Headset Conversation

Sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung 

I had an interesting conversation at IFA 2018 with a audiophile. This journalist writes about audio products, in particular headphones. German audio group Beyerdynamic just introduced a new entry level in ear set for 25 euros. It is a curious move for the high-end label which retails headsets at 1200 euros. The bottom to middle range market is competitive. This move was about introducing the brand to a younger crowd in the hopes of attracting long term loyalty. Saying they are aimed at a young group with their bright orange color as well the sound range is meant for pop music.

Going Youthful and colourful

At the top end clients tend to be loyal to one brand, expecting a very specific sound quality.

I have not used the new in ear set yet. The audio writer gave the Beyerdynamic pair a good review, “well designed” and “comfortable”. .

We started talking about the ear buds. Many brands have new models. Our discussion turned to Apple AirPods. His review was than stellar, saying they lacked real sound quality. This is coming form a guy working on a MacBook attached to iPhone with an iPad in the bag. CALL THE STEVE JOBS POLICE! A fan is going ROGUE on an Apple product. I proceeded with caution in my questioning, trying to hide my shock. The story I was told at the press table, “people are buying into the concept”, not the quality of the product or the sound. Walking down the street with white plastic dripping from the ears looking “ultra in” at 180 euros a pop, the price you pay for being a part of tech first adapter. A pair of 20 euros headphones with cord will do a better job or even a lower price cordless set. You learn something new everyday, especially at IFA.

I will let you know what I think of my new in ear Byerdynamic headsets shortly.

Categories
Fashion Technology

Sportswear Fabulous!

ISPO in Munich is a major sportswear fashion trade fair where leading and start up brands come together to show off their latest collections and wares ranging from snowboards to fitness and extreme sport apparel. This year there was an emphasis on sustainability and womenswear.

 Anouk Groen is a technology trend forecaster living in The Netherlands. 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Technology

Black and Paper Christmas List 2016 AfterShockz

Tech Q&A Review from Black and Paper 

aftershockzThe AfterShockz Wireless Trekz Titanium Headphones are connected via Bluetooth to smartphones and other listening devices.  They are good for running, and other exercise.

What did you like about the AfterShockz Wireless?

While I am riding my bike using the headsets I can hear everything around me, in traffic this is important for safety. I can use wear them with my helmet.  Because the sound travels along the jawbone my ears are free.  The headsets are easy to connect to different devices.  I wore them around the house while doing other things they were very comfortable, the fit was snug.

When I was in the room I could listen to two different sources. I am the type of to have a conversation and listen to my audio book.  I listened to football games while sitting on my terrace.

Was there a disadvantage with wireless technology?

The sound quality dropped a bit with music.

How was the battery charge?

Fine, I managed to listen to a hold game and then some on one charge.

Would you recommend AfterShockz Headset?

Yes, my work colleague asked me about it.  He bought one for himself and his girlfriend.

On a scale of 1 to 10 what would you score the device? 8.5

AfterShockz Wireless Trekz Titanium Headphones are available in stores and online.

Categories
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.

Categories
Technology

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.

 

Categories
Technology

Dreaming of Tech Silk

The Age of Wearable Technology is upon us. REALLY?!

 

Wearable Technology, also known as wearables and wearable tech, is a mobile, non-stationary computing device fitted for the body providing communication, interaction, and information to the user. The two main categories of wearables are smartwatches and smart clothing. Wearable technology will affect our appearance as well as public interaction. The potential market for wearable technology is massive but questions remain: Is there a real need for wearable technology or is it just the latest tech hype looking for the next Big Thing? Are wearables a form of futurism that may never come? As of 2016 wearable tech feels more like concepts or unfinished blueprints rather than solid products. In order for wearable devices to become successful brands should consider combing the wearer’s needs, desires, social status, and usefulness instead of focusing on technical possibilities or the next killer application compatibility aspects. So far tech and style are still struggling to meet the challenges of personalisation, obtrusive size, wearer needs, and the strange user public interaction.

Reasons for Doubt

Technology is accepted for two reasons, first, they create a new need. Secondly, the performance of the device is overwhelmingly better than others. So far, neither of these criteria’s have been met in the wearable fields. Better, faster, and smaller are the ethics for devices.The continued miniaturization of technology means smart devices, in particular smartwatches, will get smaller but usage issues remains. Who can forget the image of Apple Watch user holding his device to his ear or Google Glasses required the wearer to blink or motion the head for a command a function. In public these interactions look embarrassing. Wearable Technology involving direct connection to the body, biological upgrading with technology of blending physical with digital will connect all. Man and machine interfacing as one. Motion detected clothing reacting to movements and gestures as well as data collection to make the wearer a more efficient person are new possibilities with intelligent fabrics that change colors and patterns are also on the horizon. Big tech companies are aspiring for looks integrating technology with clothing. Results have not been positive. Buyers appear hesitant, a lack of excitement. Their expectations and desires have not been met by what is currently available. Could wearable technology become the next Betamax or Segway? Time, design, style, and consumer taste will tell.

The authors of this article do not suffer from techophobia nor are they anti-wearable, just two people waiting for a compelling reason to buy something wearable.

 

Categories
Technology

Tech Meets FASHION

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Philip from Viva Models Shoes: Melvin and Hamilton Pants: PME Legend Shirt: Valentino Jacket: G Star Raw Smartwatch by Alcatel Marta B. from Viva Models Shoes: New Balance Skirt: Silvian Heach Shirt: G Star Raw Smartwatch Alcatel,   Razer Nabu X Smartband