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Canary Smart Home Security Device

Voon — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 00:12:10 +0000

I’m getting hooked on looking at Kickstarter and Indiegogo sites. These funding sites have a lot of great tech that is up and coming. I love looking through all the cool new gadgets, and honestly, I just can’t help but pre-order things. I came across the Canary Smart Home Security Device (much later than a lot of people I guess as they’ve already achieved their first funding goal and are on their way to the next one). This device is basically an IP Camera that can do much more. Besides a camera, it has a built in microphone, night vision, motion detection, a siren, temperature, air quality, and humidity sensors. All this of course connects to your Wifi and then onto an App for your phone. You can set up alerts based on different parameters. Although you can buy an IP camera that can do the camera and sound bits, I really like the design of this and the way its being pitched to integrate with your smartphone. Comes in 3 color options. I was sold and ordered 2! I just wish I didn’t have to wait till next year for delivery.

Canary Device

Canary color options

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Google Chromecast

Voon — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 23:35:11 +0000

Google announced the Chromecast, a dongle that attaches to a HDMI port on your TV and allows you to stream content from a mobile device (like a Smartphone orTablet) to your TV. All for a small price of US$35. While I do think it’s innovative and could see reasonable demand given the price, I’m not sure I would get one. Isn’t this similar to WiDi, DLNA, Samsung’s All Share, or Apple’s Airplay? While I get the distinction of how the content is downloaded (Apple’s Airplay still relies on the device to download content whereas Chromecast actually gets the content itself), I’m still not sold. I’m not sure there is content on my device that I need to project on a TV and even then, I do have other options. Hmm.

Google Chromecast

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New Google Nexus 7

Voon — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 23:05:17 +0000

Google has announced the next generation of its Nexus 7. As a previous owner of the original Nexus 7, I’m curious to see what this new device will bring. From the specs, this looks like a fairly good upgrade: HD screen, back camera and faster processor. I still wish it had a micro-SD card slot, but I guess we can’t have it all. The 16GB version will cost US$229.99 which isn’t bad for an entry price. As I remember, I paid more for the original Nexus 7 16GB version when it was available so this sounds reasonable. Still, there is plenty of options out there and I’ll be curious to see how this one stacks up against so many others. As this is made by Asus, the company has both the Asus Fonepad and the Asus MeMo Pad (though neither have as good a screen as the Nexus 7). It does look sleek and thin, but for me right now, the Xperia Z tablet (although that’s a 10″; there is a the 6.4″ Z Ultra though that is more of a phone) with its thin design and great screen seems like the one to beat.

New Nexus 7

New Nexus 7 back

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GlassUp Eyeglasses

Voon — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 04:24:03 +0000

GlassUp getting highlighted today on Yahoo and caught my attention, not for the technology, but for the price comparison (with Google Glass). GlassUp has a similar glass device, that like Google Glasses, creates a heads-up display of sorts that can show, among other things, incoming messages, etc. While it doesn’t do the same display as Google Glass which actually presents an image, GlassUp is more of a HUD that creates what they call an “augmented reality”. That sounds pretty interesting to me. They’ve launched a start-up funding page via Indiegogo that allows you to secure one for delivery sometime next year. Starting at US$299, this is a pretty interesting alternative to Google Glass and does actually sound pretty cool. But from the demo video of Google Glass, because it actually throws up a full image onto the glass, I actually much prefer that and am looking forward to buying one. Still, I’m tempted to throw down for a GlassUp just to give it a go and to show my support for technology!

GlassUp

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Leapmotion arrives!

Voon — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 05:39:56 +0000

More than a year ago, I heard about Leapmotion, this new device that would give you a novel way of controlling your computer. By using hand gestures, you can control and use your computer just by waving your hands. It sounded and looked so cool, I was totally sold. So I went to their site and ordered one. Well, its been a long time since and earlier this year, the company had issued an email that stated the device would be delayed. Well guess what I just got in the mail… my Leapmotion! Yeah, I’m excited.

Leapmotion Box

Unfortunately, the device needs to be activated and some softwared downloaded before you can use it. When I went to the website, it said the launch would not happen until July 22 (2 days later).

Leapmotion Setup

So I guess I’ll just wait to see how it works. A review will follow at some point.

Leapmotion Device

Interesting that in the box, there are two cables: what appears to be a long and a short USB3.0 cable.

Leapmotion Cables

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Sony Xperia Z Ultra 6.4″ FHD Smartphone

Voon — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 11:33:48 +0000

Sony has announced that it is now taking pre-orders for the Xperia Z Ultra, a 6.4″ FHD handset. While I think it’s a novel design, and certainly will be the new “king” of the big screen handsets (especially considering its a full HD screen), I’m not sure this has enough appeal for most people. I love the Xperia Z for its ultra thin design and more importantly, it’s water-resistant capabilities. But a 6.4″ handset might be a little too big for most. Have a look at this image I saw online of someone “using” the handset:

Sony Z Ultra in Use

Plus, Sony is actually launching 2 versions of the Z Ultra, a 3G version you can order now for delivery soon and a 4G which it won’t launch till September. Why the wait? I’m guessing the previous issues I had with the Xperia Z over battery life is still a major problem and isn’t going to be helped by a larger screen running 4G with just a 3,000 mAh battery. I’m not sure this will be able to challenge the rumoured 6″ Galaxy Note 3 that is expected.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra

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Microsoft Surface RT price drop

Voon — Sat, 13 Jul 2013 04:05:15 +0000

Microsoft have announced a roughly 30% price drop to the Surface RT. I’ve actually owned the Surface RT and I can tell you that it’s a decent device to have as a tablet for work use. Office is actually usable as opposed to Android/iOS options. Still, it’s no PC. But the size, screen and that clever cover/keyboard make it a very attractive option. The price drop will certainly make it more interesting. I do though agree universally that the limited apps and the fact that some important programs that I want cannot run make it a very niche option to many. Still, I have found a use for it and it works well for meetings and the like in an office environment. Just my 2 cents.

Surface RT

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LG Optimus G Pro arriving

Voon — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 07:04:59 +0000

LG is launching the Optimus G Pro, expected on June 14. I’m excited because for all purposes, this phone is exactly the same as the Samsung Note 2, except that it has a Full HD screen. The Note 2 is one of my favorite phones – I love the big screen and the size of the device. But it’s not FHD. And once you see one of the FHD screens, you know you’re getting shortchanged. So I’ve been switching between different devices. The Optimus G Pro though has all the characteristics that I love in the Note 2 with a FHD screen. Can’t wait to see it in person.

LG Optimus G Pro

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Sony Vaio Pro 11/13

Voon — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:07:51 +0000

Sony has launched a new line of their Vaio laptops called the Pro 11/13 (a 11″ version and a 13″ version) which it touts as the lightest Ultrabook in its class. That’s excellent timing! I’m potentially in the market for a new laptop for work and want it to be light, first and foremost. I have a natural bias to Sony products so this Vaio might sway me if it is as impressive in real life as it is on paper. The 11″ version is probably ideal for travel and could replace the Macbook Air that I had which is now just too slow and not capable enough for my needs.

Sony Vaio Pro

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HTC One vs Samsung S4

Voon — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:06:36 +0000

I’ve been getting lots of questions regarding which one I would choose. As a mass consumer of smartphones (I pretty much buy with my own money the newest handset when it comes out), people have been asking which I would choose. For me, I like “new” things – new concepts, new designs, new innovation. In that regard, the HTC One is a big win and the S4 a major fail. I agree with many other comments that the S$ really isn’t a new phone, and for me its just and upgraded S3. I like that some people have called it a S3s. In many ways, I agree – the S4 is just a minor upgrade from the S3 (akin to what Apple did with the iPhone 4). A better screen, improved camera, and some new features do not in my opinion warrant enough of a change to call it a new handset. They were trying to cut down on costs, in my opinion, by not bothering to redesign the handset and for me that’s just unappealing. I know they will still probably sell a ton, but didn’t they learn anything from Apple?

Instead, look to HTC to come up with a different design. Yes, some of the HTC One is just software tweaks, but putting it in a fantastic metallic body design, with a completely new camera sensor, HD screen and 2 speaker boxes – now that’s something I can get excited about and can’t wait to try.

Bottom line: I have the option on which to pre-order and I chose the HTC One. At least it will be something new and exciting to use, not just a refreshed Samsung S3 that has been around for more than a year.

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HTC One vs Samsung S4 pic

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