Earin’s latest wireless earbuds tout AirPod-like controls

Fancy the subtle tap-based controls of Apple’s AirPods, but want something that’s not quite so conspicuous (or conspicuously targeted at iPhone owners)? Earin wants to talk. It’s introducing its second set of wireless earbuds, the M-2, and they promise a taste of AirPod-like control in a subtler design. You only have to tap an earbud to pause your music or answer a call — no reaching for your phone or fiddling with buttons. It’s not as sophisticated as the AirPods (you won’t be talking to Siri as easily), but the simplicity remains a big deal.

The M-2s are also more ergonomic than their cylindrical ancestors. Battery life hasn’t changed much, though: you can expect 3 hours on a charge, and the magnetic charging capsule will give you a total of 12 hours of listening. This is more for your workout than a long flight, in other words. Earin hasn’t divulged pricing, but the new earbuds should hit shelves near the end of the first quarter.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2017.

Source: PR Newswire

CES 2017: Kingston Debuts World’s Largest USB Flash Drive With 2TB Storage

Kingston Digital has introduced the DataTraveler Ultimate GT, the world’s largest USB flash drive with 2TB of storage space and USB 3.1 Gen 1 speeds.

The DataTraveler Ultimate GT has double the capacity of Kingston’s DataTraveler HyperX Predator 1TB flash drive released in 2013.

The flash drive is bulkier than average, but it is still much smaller than a full external SSD. The stick is designed with zinc-alloy metal casing for shock resistance.

DataTraveler Ultimate GT ships in February and will be available in 1TB and 2TB capacities. Pricing was not disclosed, but well above $1,000 is likely.

Tag: CES 2017
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CES 2017: iDevices Unveils Wireless Wall ‘Instant Switch’

iDevices today announced the latest product in its smart home lineup, debuting the iDevices Instant Switch, a remote wireless wall switch. Designed to pair via Bluetooth with existing products, the Instant Switch works with HomeKit and Alexa-enabled accessories.

iDevices has designed the Instant Switch to work anywhere with either a built-in Command adhesive backing that allows it to be attached to any wall or an iDevices wall plate that allows it to fit over any standard two-screw wall plate.

Because it’s peel and stick, it can be put on any wall, and it includes two CR2032 coin cell batteries that allow it to run for two years without needing to be charged.

When paired with an iDevices’ Wall or Dimmer Switch, the new Instant Switch enables a three-way control configuration. Instant Switch can be set up to control any device, like lights, from any room in the house.

“The whole point of a smart home is that it’s customized to your life and intended to make it easier,” said Chris Allen, CEO of iDevices. “Instant Switch gives users the ability to choose how they want to lay out control points in their home, regardless of where original outlets or switches are located. Our belief is you shouldn’t have to permanently modify your home to get the control you desire.”

iDevices is showing off the Instant Switch at CES this week. It will launch to the public in mid-2017 and it will be priced at $49.95.

Tags: iDevices, CES 2017
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Google Home Wish List 2017

Here’s how I’d like to see Google Home improve.

Google Home is quickly growing more capable as a connected home accessory. New features are being added at a steady pace, and now that third-party developers are able to extend their services onto the platform we’re going to see an exciting ramp-up in capability moving into the next year. I’m excited to see what third-party teams bring to Google Home, but I’d also like to see Google add some unique features of their own to really help this platform stand out.

Here’s my Google Home wish list for 2017.

Intercom Mode

The first thing you do when setting up a Google Home is tell Google what room you have the speaker in, which means the Google Home app knows where all of the speakers are in your house. I’d like to use that as a communication tool across the house, and I think Google Home is well built for the feature.

I’d like to be able to ask my office Google Home to connect to the Play Room Google Home so I can check in on the kids, or have my spouse call to me from the bedroom if the puppy has made a mess in the hall (again). Few people have multiple Google Homes, so this may not be a priority for Google, but it’d be pretty useful nonetheless.

Better app control

Being able to access Google’s apps on my Google Home is expected, and awesome. The limited control I currently have, however, is not awesome. I would like to see Google dramatically expand the capabilities of their own apps through Home.

Google Keep, for example, should give me access to all of my lists and not just the grocery list. My to-do list is a big part of my Keep usage, and being able to check things off without grabbing my phone would be a great use case for me.

The same goes for Google Play Music. Being able to link all of the speakers to play music through the house is awesome, but more often than not the people in the house don’t all want to listen to the same thing. I need my Hamilton Mixtape while I’m in the kitchen, and the kids would rather listen to something else in the Play Room. Right now you can’t do that, unless you specify YouTube Music for one of the speakers. Do better, Google!

Show me on my screen

If apps that have a visual component could interact with Google Home through either the Chromecast with the Google Home app installed, it’d be incredible. I’d probably use this every day.

Someone taps my Ring Doorbell and I get a notification through Google Home, I’d like to be able to say “show me” and have the video from Ring shot straight to the Chromecast in my office. If I get a notification about motion from my Nest camera, I’d like to be able to say “on screen” and have that app load on my tablet. Google Home could truly connect my house this way, and it seems like that would be useful to a lot of people.

Wi-Fi management

Many new routers let you give individual devices nicknames, and control when they are connected to the network. I think controlling that with your voice would be a powerful parenting tool.

If I’m in the bedroom winding down the day and want to check and see if any of my kids are active on the network when they shouldn’t be, it would be cool to ask Google Home “Who is awake?” and get a reply with active device nicknames. It would also be nice to be able to say “quiet time” or “dinner time” and have Google Home restrict Wi-Fi access to an approved list of devices.

What do you want from Google Home?

So what do you think? What feature would you like to see Google Home add? Are you more about music and movies, or should Google Home be the gateway to full house control? Share your thoughts with us!

Google Home

• Google Home review
• These services work with Google Home
• Google Home vs. Amazon Echo
• Join our Google Home forums!

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Linksys sets sights on Google Wifi with the Velop mesh router

The Velop is a mesh router that connects to Amazon Alexa.

Over the course of the last year, we’ve seen mesh networking gain momentum thanks to the likes of Eero and Luma. Google also joined the fray with the Google Wifi, and now Linksys has launched its own mesh networking solution called the Velop. The modular system is made up of invidiaual nodes that you’ll have to place around your house to maximize coverage.

Each Velop node is a tri-band AC2200 class device with 2×2 802.11ac Wave 2 MU-MIMO and three Wi-Fi radios that can cover up to 2,000 square feet, but you’ll ideally need more than one to get coverage throughout your house. Standalone nodes can function in four modes — router, range extender, access point, and bridge — and can be configured through Linksys’ Android app.

The system switches between the three radios to find the “optimal path” from the modem to each individual node. The system also supports Amazon’s Alexa platform, allowing you to enable or disable the guest Wi-Fi network with your voice. Each node has two Ethernet ports, which are hidden at the bottom along with the power connector.

Linksys is selling the Velop as a standalone unit for $200 or in packs of two or three for $350 and $500 respectively. The pricing makes it costlier than the $299 retail price for a three-pack of Google Wifi. That said, Linksys has been in the networking game for far longer, and the hardware itself is a notch above what Google is offering.

The Velop system is now up for pre-order on Amazon, Best Buy, and direct from Linksys, and will be up for sale starting January 15 from Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, Fry’s, Newegg, Microcenter, Staples and Linksys.

See at Best Buy

This $7 car charger will look like it is built into your car

Right now you can pick up Aukey’s 2-port USB car charger for just $7 with coupon code AUKCARS7. This car charger, unlike many others, sits pretty flush with most of the cigarette adapters, so you won’t really even notice that it is there. Being relatively flush, there is less of a chance that you’ll knock it out or bang it around by accident while moving in your car, and being able to charge two devices at the same time is a great feature.

Remember, you need coupon code AUKCARS7 to get the discount here. Odds are it won’t last long at this price, so be sure to act quickly if you want one!

See at Amazon

Xiaomi Mi Mix review: Lose The Bezel

Bezel. It’s a mainstay of phones everywhere. Heck, you need it to put in things like an earpiece, right? Or do you? (dun dun dun!) The Xiaomi Mi Mix has figured out a way to push its display all the way to the edge. Is it worth it?

MrMobile brings the Xiaomi Mi Mix to the U.S. and sees what it’s like to live life all the way to the edge. How will it respond to our networks here? Does it do more than provide a flashy screen? Can Michael Fisher find a private place to talk on the phone? Hit that play button to learn all this and more.

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Best Wallet Cases for the Google Pixel

What are the best wallet cases for my Google Pixel?

Wallet cases offer and elegant and functional way to keep your phone, cards and cash around in one place while cutting down on the amount of stuff one needs to carry around.

The cases we’ve assembled here are for the 5-inch Pixel, so you won’t want to get one of these if you’ve got the larger Pixel XL.

• BELK Retro Slim Wallet Case
• Procase Flip Cover Card Case with mirror
• Abacus24-7 Pixel Wallet Case with RFID Blocking
• Abacus24-7 Pixel Slim Wallet Bumper Case

BELK Retro Slim Wallet Case

This stylish option features a slightly weathered look for the polyurethane leather on the outside, and is available in six colors to match your style. Simply snap your phone into the TPU case on the inside and enjoy the full protection that a wallet case such as this provides.

There are three slots for your cards and ID, along with a pocket for storing folded bills or receipts. The front cover is held into place with a magnet to complete the look.

See at Amazon

Procase Flip Cover Card Case with mirror

This wallet case from Procase features a little makeup mirror on the inside of the cover, making this a great case for women on the go. The mirror takes up a spot where a third card slot or ID holder would be, but you still have two slots and the cash pocket for carrying things.

This is arguably the most stylish option on this list, available in four color options, each coming with a matching wrist strap.

See at Amazon

Abacus24-7 Pixel Wallet Case with RFID Blocking

This case is made from vegan-friendly synthetic leather and offers protection for both your phones and your cards. The interior TPU case keeps your phone safe and secure while ensuring access to the headphone jack, charging port and fingerprint scanner on the back, while the front cover blocks out RFID scanners to keep your cards secure from skimming attempts.

There’s a transparent slot for your ID, with two other slots for your credit and bank cards, along with a cash pocket. This case is available in three colors as well.

See at Amazon

Abacus24-7 Pixel Slim Wallet Bumper Case

If you’re looking for a more minimalistic wallet case, you might want to consider this option. Forgoing the typical front cover found on other wallet case options, this bumper case features a card slot on the back that you might be able to squeeze two cards into if you try really hard.

It’s available in four color options, with the black case featuring stylish red stitching.

See at Amazon

What’s in your wallet case?

Did your favorite wallet case not make our list? Let us know in the comments!

Samsung Family Hub 2.0 American style fridge could steal the CES crown again

Samsung introduced the first generation of “smart” fridges at CES 2016 and this year its back with an even bigger lineup as part of its Family Hub 2.0 series. The number of fridges in the range has risen from four to 10 and comprise 3-door, 4-door and 4-door Flex models.

• CES 2017: All the announcements, TVs, laptops and more to expect from the show

As with the previous generation, all new Family Hub 2.0 refrigerators can show you what’s inside by way of internal cameras so you don’t even have the open the door to see what you need to buy on your weekly shop.

The Family Hub 2.0 fridges give you access to the Groceries by MasterCard app to order food through, as well as AllRecipes to find cooking inspiration and show a recipe on the built-in 21.5-inch display.

But a brand new feature for the new models is a redesigned user interface and the ability for each family member to create their very own personal profile with an avatar. Each profile has its own digital bulletin board where you can share photos, calendars and memos by connecting through the Family Hub app for smartphones.

• Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator comes with giant 21.5-inch screen and camera to spy on your food

Samsung has also added support for more apps including Spotify, iHeartRadio, Grubhub, Glympse and Ring and can understand voice commands to deliver news updates, weather and add products to a shopping list.

What is 4K Photo? Panasonic’s camera tech explained

Panasonic has feature on its cameras called 4K Photo, something that it invests a lot of time into promoting – even offering a dedicated button for 4K Photo on some of its cameras. 

However, there’s plenty of scope for confusion around what it actually is. So, to clear things up, we’re diving into 4K Photo to quickly explain exactly what it is and what it isn’t.

4K is about video, right?

If you’ve heard about 4K before it’s likely in terms of video. There’s 4K gaming, 4K Blu-ray and 4K televisions and yes, that’s all about displaying video. 

But in the case of Panasonic’s 4K Photo function, it’s not a video that you end up with, it’s a 4K resolution photograph, which is about 8-megapixels.

Normally, on your TV, that 4K resolution would be 3840 x 2160 pixels because of the 16:9 aspect, although in some cases you can capture 4K Photos in a different aspect, like 4:3 or 3:2, which are more common to photography.

So is a 4K Photo actually a video? Yes, a 4K video is captured, but the end result is a photograph that is 4K resolution.

How does 4K Photo work?

4K Photo is really a form of burst shooting. This differs from the “continuous” or “high speed” capture offered by Lumix cameras which is often around 12fps – because that function is using the full resolution of the sensor, for example, 16 megapixels. 

What 4K Photo offers is faster capture at 30 frames a second, which is much more impressive and able to freeze fast moving action in a way that 12fps can’t. Take for example people jumping – 4K Photo is a better option, because you’re much more likely to freeze the action in that scene.

That’s because it’s using 4K video capture to work this magic and then presenting you the option to save the perfect image as a photo.

The options you get differ from camera to camera because you’re governed to some extent by the power on offer, but ultimately, 4K Photo works the same way across all models, using 30fps for capture and presenting an 8-megapixel image to save at the end.

Why use 4K Photo?

High speed shooting is good fun and produces some great results and it’s what you’ll pick if you want to capture something in action, like freeze a moment in motorsports or just your dog shaking water out of its fur. While you could take a single shot with a fast shutter speed, you’ll probably miss the moment.

In these instances faster is better, so 4K Photo’s 30fps capability is a real advantage to get the photo you want. 

The downside, of course, is that you’re only getting an 8-megapixel photo at the end and that has some limitations if you want to zoom and crop. For that reason, 4K Photo is best suited to very deliberate scenes where everything fits well into the frame, for example, your dog, child, that classic exam results jumping in the air shot. 

So is 4K Photo really just a clever marketing term?

Shhhh, don’t be so negative. Well ok, yes it is. 

Everything related to “4K” immediately brings to mind the latest tech and 4K Photo is no exception – it sounds advanced in a way that “8-megapixel Photo” wouldn’t. After all, your smartphone camera probably has greater than 8-megapixel resolution on the back, so the message would get lost.

The real message is that 4K Photo is about grabbing the perfect moment in fast moving action giving you a great sharp shot, perfect for sharing.

• Panasonic Lumix G80 review: Affordable foray into 4K
• Panasonic Lumix GX80 review: Small in scale, big on features
• Panasonic Lumix GX8 review: Viewfinder victory for 20MP compact system camera