Rocki WiFi Music System picks up first Distributor
It would be pretty hard, and next to impossible, for you guys to not have seen the Rocki blow through one of your feeds. They have become a pretty big deal across the social channels. Heck, their goal was only $50,000 and they blew past that and are sitting at $213,355 right now. If you haven’t backed it yet and want too, you still have time. The Kickstarter project ends tomorrow. Back to the topic here though, the Rocki team has just announced that they have picked up their first distributor today.
Why is that good news? Well, because with a distributor lined up we know that Rocki won’t end up being another cool gadget that gets delivered and then doesn’t make it to store shelves.
We took the time to write this Update to tell you backers about this great news because distributors play a very important role in the next phase of ROCKI growth. Once we start-up, get the ROCKI’s shipped to backers, we would need that continued sales to build a strong ROCKI with sustainable growth. Having supportive distributors who understand what we are doing will be crucial. With their support, we would be able to spend less time (and resources) on the sales part and more on making awesome products, making ROCKI great and telling everyone about ROCKI.
Rocki has been very good about keeping their backers informed of what is happening. Not to mention giving general supporters news and the chance to participate in naming the next color, what music streaming software to add and chances to win goodies. I have a feeling we are going to see a lot of things happening with Rocki even after the Kickstarter is over.
So who picked them up first? No one in the U.S. of course. The first distribution partner is Real Solutions Haarlem B.V. They will cover Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg (collectively known as Benelux). It is a great start. Once the kickstarter ends Friday the 20th, they will begin working on the next phase, “Life after Kickstarter”, and start getting global distribution up and running.
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m pretty excited, and happy, to see Rocki get moving. Check out the Kickstarter page if you haven’t done so, and give them a shout out on G+, they like that.
Magtron brings POGO charging cables/cases to Galaxy S4
When I first saw the email I had dumbfounded look on my face and my brain didn’t want to register what I was reading. Then I saw the video, which you will also see in a minute, and it clicked.
So here is the skinny that you need to know. Magtron has released what is called the Magnector POGO cables and cases. See where my confusion came from. POGO is means you don’t have to “plug” in your device, rather you just set it on a dock or stand that has the POGO connectors available. This readily available on Nexus devices and some other model devices out there. It is nice and can ultimately save your charging port from failing on you. There is the limitation of it having to be in a dock, not to mention the limited availability of devices that sport it. Magtron is changing that with the Magnector series.
The Magnector series is a line of cases that you can slide your Android device into, currently the Galaxy S4, and then you are free to use the POGO charging cable that is magnetically attracted to the bottom right side of the case. Viola, that is it. You are up and charging and you didn’t even have to fumble with flipping the usb cable over or searching for the hole. Take a watch of the video, it will make more sense.
“For the past 10 years, our core value has been providing customers with new and exciting products that maximize their experience with cell phones and tablets,” said David Byun, President of AccessoryGeeks.com. “The magnetic attachment concept that allows high-speed charging and data sync capabilities is a paradigm shift that benefits everyone. We are proud to offer the line of Magnector products as the exclusive North American partner.”
Pretty sweet really. They also have a Magnector cable for the Nexus 10 if you are interested. I know the video showed the Galaxy SIII and the Nexus 7 first and second gen tablets as well, but I am not seeing them up on the site to purchase just yet. You can get one ordered for your Galaxy S4 and your Nexus 10 though. Head over to Accessory Geeks to take a look.
Booq Viper Hardcase 11 slim travel case for your Chromebook [Review]
While we are an Android site, we also have a number of other Google products. Chromebooks being one of them. We also know many of our Android constituents also have Chromebooks, so this still fits into our realm of coverage. Keeping our Chromebooks safe and secure during travel is just as important as keeping our phones and tablets safe. Booq has quite the nice little slim travel case to help you on your journeys, the Viper hardcase 11.
The Overview
Im sure some of you are loving the photo above. Yes, this is created and marketed for a MacBook Air (is listed for Chromebooks online too), but works just as good for the Acer Chromebook and anything else that is similar in size. Heck, it would be a great product for your tablets too. The Viper hardcase has a number of features that make it more than just another zipper case product to tote around.
The outer casing is 1680-denier ballistic nylon with a water-repellant coating. That doesn’t mean you can dunk the whole thing underwater, but it will give you some protection for those trips through the rain or those accidental spills.
The case zips up with two long-lasting YKK premium zippers. It is nice to have the dual zipper function. All too often you find a single zipper product and always end up looking on the wrong side first. It isn’t a critical addition, but a nice one none the less.
Inside you have a series of neoprene pockets. On the left is where you can slip your Chromebook or tablet. On the right you have 3 pockets. Two smaller ones for battery packs, pens, business cards, power cord or whatever. Behind that you have another full size pocket to slip a magazine or some important documents if you need to keep them handy and safe as well.
What we think of the Viper Hardcase 11 by booq
An Acer Chromebook fits just fine inside and I was able to pack in the charging cord. However, it did feel ‘bloated’ a little bit. The exterior hard shell is flexible and bends. While it is technically a hard shell, I wouldn’t beat on it with a hammer. After all, the MacBook Air is 0.68″ and the Acer Chromebook is 1.09″. Just shy of double its thickness. This is clearly made for the the Samsung Chromebook which is much thinner and comes in at 17.5mm (0.68in). That is MacBook Air size.
The look and feel of the Viper is nice. There is a leather binding cover on the fold with the booq branding and makes it look a little more professional. The three raised bumps on either side of the covers gives the whole thing a rugged look and displaces pressure when setting on a flat surface. I poured some water over it to make sure no liquid penetrated the outer shell and am pleased to say the interior was dry.
It does have one very important component missing in my book that would make this a real hit. There is absolutely no handle. That may or may not be important you, but it is to me. While I can zip my Chromebook or tablet inside and toss it inside the laptop bag for double protection, it would make life a bit easier if there was a simple little handle on the back binding or a double strap type that was attached to either side of the flips and folded over the zipper area.
Overall
If you are looking for a slimmer, but safer, way to transport you Chromebook, tablet or other similar sized tech devices, the Viper Hardcase 11 is a pretty great little addition to your life. Even missing a handle it beats carrying things around without it. You can pick up a booq Viper Hardcase 11 directly though booq if you choose. They are also available on Amazon
Free Fold N’ Play speaker from OrigAudio, 48 hours Only
OrgiAudio’s small foldable speaker, the Fold N’ Play, is up for FREE for the next 48 hours. The little speakers are made from 70% post consumer recycled material and works with anything that has a headphone jack. It offers up a set of 1 watt speaker for some mobile tunage. For FREE it isn’t a bad deal. Check em out in this little video.
You do need to pay for shipping, but thats a small price to pay for a cool little stocking stuffer for someone. Hit the link to go get your FREE Fold N’ Play + shipping now before the freebie offer is over.
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AIVAnet 