Happy Solar New Year

This blog will return in 2017. Until then we hope you have a happy and very prosperous solar New Year!!

New Phones for 2017

The year is coming to end and while the list of favorite smartphones is now out, leaks around what 2017 will offer in the mobile world continue to take place. There’s no doubt that in 2017 there are great expectations from the smartphone industry; we’re hoping to see new designs, faster phones, and innovation that will be useful.

Plus old favorites are planning a comeback, with Nokia getting ready to re-enter the market in 2017. Samsung will focus on a virtual assistant with the Galaxy S8, and the next iPhone promises to usher in a big design change. Here’s a look at the top expectations from the smartphone world in 2017.

Apple is expected to bring a major upgrade to its 2017 flagships. The iPhone 8 has already been the center of many leaks, with some reports suggesting the upcoming iPhone will finally get an OLED display. Apple might also do away with the aluminium casing in favour of an all-glass body, similar to iPhone 4/4s series.

An iPhone 8 with a bezel-less display and no actual physical home button is also rumoured. The 2017 iPhone could also bring wireless charging to the mix, a feature that has been long awaited.

Following the untimely demise of the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung’s next flagship will be closely watched. The Galaxy S8 will make an appearance in February 2017, though some reports suggest April, and it is likely to be the first smartphone to have Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 835 chipset.

Latest rumors suggest Galaxy S8 have a 6-inch display version packed with 8GB of RAM. Samsung is expected to do away with the 3.5mm headphone jack and introduce a USB Type-C port for charging.

Levitating Speakers from LG

They may seem a bit magical, but levitating Bluetooth speakers have been around for years, often looking as outlandish as the idea sounds. However, LG is the first major electronics brand to throw a product in the ring, and is doing so with its classy-looking, albeit blandly named, "Levitating Portable Speaker," which will be unveiled to the public at CES in January.

The plain, white, somewhat egg-shaped speaker hovers over a round base, which LG calls the Levitation Station. The latter houses electromagnets that create the floating effect, and a subwoofer for deep bass. In addition to looking cool, the speaker also promises 360-degree sound and 10-hour battery life. It's rated IPX7 for water resistance so you can listen to it outdoors, even if the heavens rain on your parade. When it runs out of juice, the floating unit automatically descends to the base station to recharge.

Although LG's Levitating Portable Speaker is not the first to market, its battery life and classy looks set it apart from its rivals. LG has not yet shared pricing information, but most other such devices cost in the range of $150 to $200, so the new speaker should cost about the higher end of that. We'll likely find out more next month when LG shows off what this gadget can do

Body Heat??

Is it possible, a smart watch that is powered by body heat?

Wearable healthcare and fitness monitors are expected to be important IoT applications.

But manufacturers are just scratching the surface of what wearables can do, and often compromise one consumer demand for another.

So one interesting announcement at CES 2017 exhibition next month will come from Ambiq Micro, which specialises in low-power ARM processors.

Ambiq Micro says it has a design-in for a smartwatch that can run on body heat.

According to the company, this is possible because of is very low power processor technology, which operates at sub-threshold voltages.

Its latest ARM Cortex-M based processor is being presented as an IoT device with a power consumption of under 10µA/MHz.

CES Preview - Part 3

By Robert Sanborn

Oticon, industry leader in advanced audiology and hearing aid technology, will showcase Oticon Opn™ at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 5-8, 2017 and at CES Unveiled Las Vegas on January 3.

Oticon Opn is the world’s first hearing aid to connect to the Internet via the IFTTT network. The small, discreet hearing aid can be programmed to talk directly with doorbells, smoke detectors & other smart devices via the Oticon ON App. In its core function as a listening device, Opn overcomes a challenge the most advanced hearing solutions can’t solve: the ability to handle noisy environments with multiple

Dainese’s participation at CES 2017, where the Italian brand will be exhibiting D-air, the industry-leading wearable airbag technology for use in motorcycling, mountain biking, winter sports and equestrian applications through a wireless, intelligent platform.

about LEMON Tech's solar powered speakers showcasing at CES Unveiled and CES. Unlike other wireless speakers out on the market, the California Roll is the only green tech speakers that will fit comfortably in your hand. You can take it with you on any outdoor adventure like a hiking trip or event like a bonfire. There's no need to rely on an electrical outlet. No matter where you go or what you do, the solar panels attached will keep the music going.

SolPad Makes Energy Accessible to Everyone Everywhere — Completely Changes Face of Sustainable Energy with First-of-Their-Kind Adaptable, Integrated, Intelligent and Personalized Products  

Power anything anywhere with intuitive, simple-to-use, built-in energy storage system and an Internet of Energy smart home platform—SolPad is a personal energy solution for global use.

CES Preview - Part 2

By Robert Sanborn

BewellConnect, a leading French health tech company has been breaking new ground in the smart healthcare device industry for 10 years. Returning back to CES, they will feature their series of B2B and B2C devices, as well as debuting a never-before-seen, all-in-one product!

BewellConnect has an existing line of 9 health and wellness gadgets which will soon be available for purchase in the US beginning in January 2017. The medical-grade devices allow consumers to “DIY” and self-monitor their vitals and pre-existing conditions. Each device is connected within the Bewellconnect “ecosystem,” a single app that houses data from all the devices in easy to read charts and reports that can instantaneously be shared with doctors.

Olly is a brain-inspired AI engine and uses deep learning to provide accurate speech and emotion interaction. Moreover Olly is the first smart lifestyle assistant that actually develops a personality based on its owner’s moods and preferences, making daily communications with Olly unique and enjoyable.

Olly, the first robot with personality. We won four CES 2017 awards: Smart Home, Drones and Unmanned Systems, Home Appliances and Home Audio/Video Components and Accessories. Heyolly.com

We're excited about the launch of the new range of JYRO electric rideables - like the amazing JYRO Roll. But perfection takes patience - so you'll have to wait just a little bit longer. Jyro

The Naztech Volt Portable Charger is the world’s most compact, versatile and powerful portable outlet. Power and charge anything, anywhere with this 30,000mAh battery via the integrated 110V AC outlet and three fast-charging USB ports. Carry wall power with you and redefine mobile living.

Merry Christmas

We would like to wish a Merry Christmas to all. We'll be back after the joyous Holiday.