CES 2015: Connected Kitchen Gadgets Proliferate With Scales, Food Printers, and Coffee Makers [iOS Blog]

2015’s Consumer Electronics Show is just getting started, and one of the major themes this year appears to be connected smart gadgets for the kitchen. While some of the devices shown off this week have been around for some time already, their focus on a hassle-free kitchen experience is a major presence at this year’s show.

Pure Imagination showcased its smart scale device, the Perfect Bake, to start off the week. Already available from a number of retailers such as Brookstone, the device is a smartphone-connected scale that uses weight adjustments to correctly measure recipe requirements without use of a traditional measuring cup.

Including three mixing bowls of varying size, an oven thermometer, and a tablet/phone stand, the Perfect Bake can not only be used with personal recipes, but its iOS/Android app comes pre-loaded with hundreds of new baking ideas for users to try out. The comprehensive app allows recipes to be scaled to quantity, pan size, and even adjusts the ingredients in real time when you accidentally over-pour a particular ingredient. The Perfect Bake can be purchased now, most notably from Brookstone, and retails for $69.99.

Elsewhere in the show, XYZPrinting unveiled its new Food Printer that turns various ingredients into uncooked food. XYZ focused on showing off how ingredients like chocolate or dough can be printed into cookies or decorations for cakes, all of which require the need to be baked before consumption, of course.

As noted by CNET, XYZPrinting’s Food Printer has a touchscreen that allows users to choose pre-set design shapes for their food, with additional options available for download. Customers can even upload their own design makings via USB. Though the food printers have received a bit of coverage in recent months, XYZPrinting appears to be one of the early entrants: the company says its Food Printer will be available as early as the second quarter of 2015.

British-based startup Smarter is announcing its latest take on a smart coffee machine, following 2013’s iKettle, with the simply titled Smarter Coffee machine. Billed as “the world’s first bean to cup, wifi enabled coffee machine,” the device syncs with a free iOS/Android app that, amongst other things, wakes users with a pre-scheduled morning cup of coffee, sends a reminder when it needs a refill, and, thanks to a “Welcome Home” mode, can ask a user if they want to start a pot going when arriving at their house.

The machine, which can sync with various fitness bands and adjust the strength of morning cups of coffee alongside a user’s overnight sleeping data, also allows customers to adjust coffee strength manually within the app. The carafe that comes with the device can be used for up to 12 cups and allows for single-mug use as well. The Smarter Coffee machine will cost £129.99 and is set to be released next month, although no confirmation on release outside the UK has been given.

CES 2015: Otterbox Reveals 2,600 mAh ‘Resurgence’ Power Case for iPhone 6 [iOS Blog]

Today at CES, Otterbox announced the iPhone 6 version of its Resurgence Power Case series. The case comes with 2,600 mAh of battery power and military-grade drop protection. The previous version of the Resurgence case featured a 2,000 mAh battery.

Resurgence boasts 2,600 milliamp hours (mAh) of battery power, providing more than two-times the battery life of the iPhone 6. The two-piece snap design simplifies case assembly and removal. Resurgence is made up of a specially formulated polycarbonate to improve impact resistance and absorb energy from drops and bumps. The case is rigorously tested to meet MIL STD 810G-516.6, a third-party test that drops the case on all faces, edges and corners from four feet.² The new design incorporates compact advanced circuitry, resulting in a smaller profile.

The case also has auto-stop technology, which shuts off the case when the phone is fully charged, allowing users to save battery power from the case for when it’s needed. It also supports wireless and wired syncing without removing the case and a headphone jack extender, as the case adds length to the bottom of the phone.

The pricing and availability of the Resurgence Power Case for iPhone 6 is currently unclear, though Otterbox says its website will have further information in due time. Pricing may mirror the cost of the iPhone 5 and 5s version of the case, which retails for $99.95. However, Otterbox has not yet revealed plans for an iPhone 6 Plus version of the case.

CES 2015: Hexoskin Debuts Line of Connected Biometric Shirts for Kids and Teens [iOS Blog]

Biometric shirt manufacturer Hexoskin today announced its new line of smart shirts for kids and teenagers at CES 2015, allowing coaches and parents to track physical metrics in real-time through an iOS app.

The Hexoskin Junior features built-in sensors inside of a lightweight, water-resistant shirt, with an optimized fit for regulation of moisture and heat. The sensors themselves can track a number of metrics including heart rate, step count, sleep duration, and calories burned, along with advanced statistics like heart rate recovery, acceleration, breathing volume, and sleep.

All of the metrics can be analyzed on Hexoskin’s free mobile app for iOS, which can provide a look at aspects like a user’s heartbeat in real-time, or a running session with GPS data to measure distance. The app and the Hexoskin shirt can also be used to measure an individual’s VO2max level, which is the maximum volume of oxygen that can be used.

The Hexoskin Junior is available by itself for $149.99 or in a starter kit for $379.99 that contains a Bluetooth recording device and USB cable. The Hexoskin recording device is not required to track metrics with the Hexoskin shirt, but it does allow users to store 150 hours of data with low power consumption and is Apple Made for iPhone (MFi) certified. On its own, Hexoskin’s Bluetooth recording device sells for $230.00.

Apple to Begin Offering Unlocked, SIM-Free iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Models in the U.S. Tomorrow

Apple will begin offering unlocked, SIM-free versions of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus starting tomorrow on its online store and at its retail locations, reports 9to5Mac.

Pricing will remain the same alongside the other unsubsidized iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models, with 16/64/128 GB versions of the iPhone 6 selling for $649/$749/$849 respectively, while the 16/64/128GB versions of the iPhone 6 Plus will be available for $749/$849/$949.

Notably, many of the carrier-specific iPhone 6 models sold by Apple have been unlocked since launch when purchased at full retail price, although the company has not been specifically marketing them as such. As with other unlocked devices, the unlocked versions of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus will allow users to insert a nano-SIM card from a compatible GSM network for cellular voice, texting, and data connectivity. Apple launched unlocked versions of the iPhone 5s last year in November, which followed the release of carrier-specific models in September.

CES 2015: Shure Announces Line of Portable Digital Microphones for iOS and Mac [iOS Blog]

Audio electronics company Shure today announced its new line of MOTIV digital microphones, which are intended to make it easy for users to record audio both at home on their computer and on their iOS devices.

Portable plug-and-play no longer means sacrificing sound quality. From the brand trusted with music history’s greatest moments, MOTIV™ features intuitive controls, smart technology and retro design. Capture your music, podcasts, videos and stories at the level of sound quality that honors your vision.

The MV88 is a digital stereo condenser microphone that connects to any iOS device with a Lightning connector. The microphone is mounted to a 90-degree hinge that rotates and allows for users to put the microphone in multiple positions for both audio and video applications. The ShurePlus Motive Mobile Recording App allows the microphone to record with five preset modes for voice and instruments.

The MV51, a digital large-diaphragm condenser microphone, comes with headphone output and a kickstand that’s compatible with any mic stand. A touch panel on the front allows users to access gain, mute and headphone monitoring volume adjustments. The MV51 also features seamless 24-bit / 48 kHz digital recording that Shure says delivers “unmatched” audio results. It includes cables that can connect it to PCs, Macs, Android and iOS devices.

The MV5 digital condenser microphone is more of a standard microphone that comes with a detachable stand and in two different colors that are regionally dependent. This microphone also has headphone output for realtime monitoring and is available with either cables for PCs and Macs or iOS devices.
From left to right: MV88, MV51, MV5, MVi.
The MVi digital audio interface allows users to connect any XLR microphone or 1/4-inch for guitars, bass or keyboards into any iOS device, Mac or PC. The device comes with a touch panel that allows “easy, real-time access” to volume, gain and mode selection. It also has five preset modes and Shure says it offers the convenience of a professional studio in a portable package. Like the MV5, it’s available with either cables for PC and Macs or iOS devices.

Finally, Shure unveiled the free ShurePlus Motiv Mobile Recording App, which allows users to select between five preset modes, adjust microphone gain, compression, equalization and stereo width control. The app also allows users to share audio files via email and text.

The MOTIV Digital Recorders will launch in summer 2015. However, it’s currently unknown how much the devices will cost.

CES 2015: Adonit Debuts New Jot Pro and Jot Mini Styluses with Improved Grip, Carrying Clip [iOS Blog]

Adonit today unveiled its new Jot Pro and Jot Mini styluses at CES 2015, which feature grip enhancements and new color options while carrying the same “Precision Disc” ball point design that allows for more precise writing and sketching as opposed to rubber tipped styluses.

The new Jot Pro comes with a carrying clip and and an etched grip for enhanced comfort, along with an improved cushion tip for quiet writing. Meanwhile, the new Jot Mini also comes with a carrying clip and features the same aluminum and steel body that weighs 13 grams. Both styluses are now offered in in black or silver. Adonit’s new Jot Pro (left) and Jot Mini (right) in silver
The new Jot Pro and Jot Mini are available today from Adonit’s website for $29.99 and $39.99, respectively.

‘CES Unveiled’ Hints at 2015’s Hottest Categories: Sensors, Cameras, and Wearables

The Consumer Electronics Show doesn’t officially kick off until Tuesday, but some of the craziest and most interesting products were already on display on Sunday at CES Unveiled, a media-focused pre-event that traditionally highlights many of the best products coming out at CES.

I was on-hand at CES Unveiled to represent MacRumors and managed to navigate through the madness of food and drink booths and throngs of press to get a look at some of the neatest products you can expect to see across 2015.

There were multiple different wearable devices on display, ranging from traditional activity trackers to Belty, a smart belt that expands and contracts to fit your waistline, but a couple of new options stood out. Withings’ new Activité Pop, for example, is an analog-style smart watch that you’ll actually want to wear on your wrist.

Though it looks like a traditional watch, the Activité Pop, like the first Activité watch, can track steps and sleep. It’s also water resistant, so it’s one of the few activity trackers that can be used while swimming, and its eight-month battery life means there’s no need to hassle with charging on a daily basis. This new version is lightweight and feels great on the wrist, though the watch face itself is a bit thick, especially on small wrists like mine.

The first Activité watch was prohibitively expensive at $450, but the new Pop version is just $149, making it a viable competitor to existing offerings like the Jawbone UP and Fitbit for those who want activity tracking in a traditional-looking watch form.

I also had an opportunity to check out the Zensorium Being, a rather bulky wrist-worn wearable device that tracks heart rate, activity, and sleep, like many other trackers. The Being goes above and beyond existing activity trackers though, promising to track mood much like an old 80’s-style mood ring.

There wasn’t a working version available, but it supposedly measures mood using a combination of factors like heart rate and blood pressure, mapping it into “zones” that include Distress, Excited, Normal, and Calm. The Being’s design wasn’t the greatest (and it seems a bit too thick to be worn comfortably during sleep), but the long list of unique features made it one of the standout wearables at the show. Info on battery life was a bit nebulous, with two to three days promised, but if you’re really into the mood tracking, you can pre-order today for $169.

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CES 2015: Volkswagen Adding CarPlay Support in Late 2015 [iOS Blog]

Car manufacturer Volkswagen today revealed that it would add support for CarPlay and Android Auto to its vehicles at the end of the year, bringing Apple’s in-car experience to the popular car brand. It’ll debut alongside VW’s new in-car infotainment system, referred to as MirrorLink.

Later this year, VW will introduce the second generation “modular infotainment platform” (MIB II) in the United States. Along with the new infotainment system, MirrorLink™ will also be made available for the first time, integrating the apps and operating layout of numerous smartphones (including Samsung, HTC, LG and Sony) into cars. When MirrorLink™ is introduced, two other interfaces will also be launched under the App-Connect label: CarPlay™ (Apple®) and Android Auto™ (Google®). Simultaneously, VW will also launch CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ in the European market.

When CarPlay was first announced, Volkswagen was one of the few major car brands not involved. The company isn’t listed on Apple’s CarPlay partners page on its website either. However, the CarPlay integration debuting alongside VW’s new infotainment system indicates the German manufacturer may have been waiting until it sorted out the future of its in-car technology before committing to Apple’s.

While VW cars in both Europe and North America will get CarPlay support in late 2015, it’s unknown how much VW’s new infotainment system will cost.

Apple to Announce Q1 2015 Earnings on January 27 [Mac Blog]

Apple updated its investor relations page today to note that it will announce its earnings for the first fiscal quarter (fourth calendar quarter) of 2015 on Monday, January 27. The quarterly earnings statement will be released sometime 1:30 PM Pacific/4:30 PM Eastern, with a conference call to discuss the report taking place at 2:00 PM Pacific/5:00 PM Eastern.

The earnings release will likely provide a look into initial sales of the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 during their first quarter of availability as well as sales of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus throughout the holiday season. Apple reported a record $182.8 billion in sales for fiscal 2014, with a record 169.2 million iPhones on the year.

MacRumors will provide coverage of both the earnings release and conference call on January 27.

Google Launches ‘Google Cast’ for Audio Streaming as AirPlay Alternative With a Twist [iOS Blog]

Google today announced Google Cast for audio, a new music streaming technology in the vein of Chromecast that lets users stream sound from their smartphone, tablet, or Chrome-based web browser to Google Cast-ready speakers.

The service uses pre-existing apps like Pandora, iHeartRadio, and Google Play Music, amongst a sizable list of others, to play a user’s songs on a selection of speakers from companies like Sony and LG. With the long list of supported apps and sites, Google Cast supports a wide variety of input devices from iPhone, iPad, Android Phones and tablets, to any Mac or PC with a Chrome browser.

While Google Cast at first glance appears similar to Apple’s AirPlay in that it is a standard available to speaker manufacturers to ensure support for wireless audio streaming, Google Cast speakers stream content from the cloud rather than directly from the control device. As a result, Google promises users will receive the best sound quality and can multitask on their devices without disturbing the streams.

The company promises the first Google Cast-ready speakers from Sony, LG, and HEOS by Denon will be made available this spring. Alongside the promise of a wider array of brands supporting the service with their own speakers throughout 2015, Google states that these devices will accompany “a growing Google Cast ecosystem,” which plans to include Android-based TVs, gaming consoles, and even set-top boxes.