Home

Tag: Electronics

  • 5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    It’s 2018 folks, and the future is here. Astronauts are driving Tesla’s through space and the Reese’s company is doing some really innovative stuff with popcorn. With all this technology around us, it’s easy to take it all for granted and we sometimes don’t get all the use we can out of it and take advantage of smart home gadgets.

    And the most important place you can use all this cool tech to your advantage is right in your very own home. Here are some amazing new smart home gadgets to make your life easier…

    1. The iRobot Roomba

    Ever since it’s inception in 2002, the Roomba vacuum has been an integral piece of smart home tech. With the ability to program this round robot to vacuum your home 7 days a week it can be a real time saver. With the latest 980 Model, the Roomba is more advanced that ever. With cutting edge mapping technology and dirt detection programs, this “set it and forget it” vacuum is a must have! For dog or pet owners life myself, I can stress it’s value enough. I have a lot on my plate and one thing I don’t to concern myself with is the daily sweeping thank to “Roger the Roomba”. Yes I named my Roomba, he’s family, folks. Word of advice…there are several competitors is the robot vacuum department, do yourself a favor and stick with the iRobot Roomba. You may a little more, but in this case “you get what you pay for”. This was been probably the best $900.00 I’ve ever spent.

    2. The Nest Thermostat

    Coming in at a price tag of $279.00, the Nest Thermostat is well worth the extra cost. Thanks to it’s smart and adaptive AI, the Nest knows when your home and learns your work schedule to monitor the A/C usage. You can also control the thermostat right form your Nest App on your mobile device to fine tune your A/C needs. For a native Floridan like myself, A/C usage and consumption is a real beast you have to tame. In the summer months, electric bills can soar thanks to primitive thermostats. There is nothing like a thermostat shutting down for the day knowing your at work, and then turn on a half hour before you get home so you don’t walk into a hot and muggy house. It’s just bliss. Once I had installed the Nest, I noticed an immediate 50% drop in my A/C consumption and a large drop in my electric bill respectively. This is a must have in your home.

    3. Brilliant Light Switch

    With the ability to control your homes, light, music, ambiance, and even take pictures with voice commands, the Brilliant light switch is a 2018 must have gadget for your home. Brilliant light switch also connects to several of your home’s smart gadgets such as Nest, Alexa, Sonos Speaker, Ring doorbell system, and more. Starting at $200.00 per panel, Brilliant Switch is a costly addition but this innovative new gadget gives your home a brain.

    4. Amazon Echo and Echo Dot

    This smart home “must” is quickly finding it’s way into every home, world wide. Alexa and Echo Dot, is a voice-controlled system that used to play music, make calls, send and receive messages, read the news, set alarms, and even order and Uber or takeout! With the capability of syncing up to Amazon-Fire, Apple Music, Audible, Pandora, and more, you easily find usage and justification for this piece of smart tech in your home. At a price tag of $150.00, the Amazon Echo has many uses to help in your home and is a fantastic smart home gadget. Word to the wise, Alexa has a built in microphone for consumer purposes that is ALWAYS LISTENING…Use responsibly. 

    5. The Ring II doorbell system

    The Ring Video Doorbell, provides you with the capability to see who is at your door from the safety and comfort of  your bed or couch. It lets you accept or deny visitor calls if you’re not home, and uses motion detection to alert you of activity on your doorstep even when the bell hasn’t been rung. By working off your home’s Wifi and mobile data, the 1080HD  camera will alert your smart phone of any activity at your door step day or night. For an extra $3.00 a month, you can pay for cloud storage and have all moments video recorded for later purposes if desired. The newest model also has a 2 way intercom system, and infrared night vision. For that extra bit of security at a relatively inexpensive cost of $199.00, this doorbell is the must have for any smart home.

    The Conclusion

    With so many smart gadgets available, some better than others, these products can make our homes better, safer, and more convenient. 2018 is going to be a big tech year and the “smart home” business is growing evermore advanced daily. If you can pick-up just one of these items this year, you’ll be headed in the right direction. I’m still anxiously awaiting the release for Rosie the robot maid, but I may have to hold my breath for awhile.


  • 5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    It’s 2018 folks, and the future is here. Astronauts are driving Tesla’s through space and the Reese’s company is doing some really innovative stuff with popcorn. With all this technology around us, it’s easy to take it all for granted and we sometimes don’t get all the use we can out of it and take advantage of smart home gadgets.

    And the most important place you can use all this cool tech to your advantage is right in your very own home. Here are some amazing new smart home gadgets to make your life easier…

    1. The iRobot Roomba

    Ever since it’s inception in 2002, the Roomba vacuum has been an integral piece of smart home tech. With the ability to program this round robot to vacuum your home 7 days a week it can be a real time saver. With the latest 980 Model, the Roomba is more advanced that ever. With cutting edge mapping technology and dirt detection programs, this “set it and forget it” vacuum is a must have! For dog or pet owners life myself, I can stress it’s value enough. I have a lot on my plate and one thing I don’t to concern myself with is the daily sweeping thank to “Roger the Roomba”. Yes I named my Roomba, he’s family, folks. Word of advice…there are several competitors is the robot vacuum department, do yourself a favor and stick with the iRobot Roomba. You may a little more, but in this case “you get what you pay for”. This was been probably the best $900.00 I’ve ever spent.

    2. The Nest Thermostat

    Coming in at a price tag of $279.00, the Nest Thermostat is well worth the extra cost. Thanks to it’s smart and adaptive AI, the Nest knows when your home and learns your work schedule to monitor the A/C usage. You can also control the thermostat right form your Nest App on your mobile device to fine tune your A/C needs. For a native Floridan like myself, A/C usage and consumption is a real beast you have to tame. In the summer months, electric bills can soar thanks to primitive thermostats. There is nothing like a thermostat shutting down for the day knowing your at work, and then turn on a half hour before you get home so you don’t walk into a hot and muggy house. It’s just bliss. Once I had installed the Nest, I noticed an immediate 50% drop in my A/C consumption and a large drop in my electric bill respectively. This is a must have in your home.

    3. Brilliant Light Switch

    With the ability to control your homes, light, music, ambiance, and even take pictures with voice commands, the Brilliant light switch is a 2018 must have gadget for your home. Brilliant light switch also connects to several of your home’s smart gadgets such as Nest, Alexa, Sonos Speaker, Ring doorbell system, and more. Starting at $200.00 per panel, Brilliant Switch is a costly addition but this innovative new gadget gives your home a brain.

    4. Amazon Echo and Echo Dot

    This smart home “must” is quickly finding it’s way into every home, world wide. Alexa and Echo Dot, is a voice-controlled system that used to play music, make calls, send and receive messages, read the news, set alarms, and even order and Uber or takeout! With the capability of syncing up to Amazon-Fire, Apple Music, Audible, Pandora, and more, you easily find usage and justification for this piece of smart tech in your home. At a price tag of $150.00, the Amazon Echo has many uses to help in your home and is a fantastic smart home gadget. Word to the wise, Alexa has a built in microphone for consumer purposes that is ALWAYS LISTENING…Use responsibly. 

    5. The Ring II doorbell system

    The Ring Video Doorbell, provides you with the capability to see who is at your door from the safety and comfort of  your bed or couch. It lets you accept or deny visitor calls if you’re not home, and uses motion detection to alert you of activity on your doorstep even when the bell hasn’t been rung. By working off your home’s Wifi and mobile data, the 1080HD  camera will alert your smart phone of any activity at your door step day or night. For an extra $3.00 a month, you can pay for cloud storage and have all moments video recorded for later purposes if desired. The newest model also has a 2 way intercom system, and infrared night vision. For that extra bit of security at a relatively inexpensive cost of $199.00, this doorbell is the must have for any smart home.

    The Conclusion

    With so many smart gadgets available, some better than others, these products can make our homes better, safer, and more convenient. 2018 is going to be a big tech year and the “smart home” business is growing evermore advanced daily. If you can pick-up just one of these items this year, you’ll be headed in the right direction. I’m still anxiously awaiting the release for Rosie the robot maid, but I may have to hold my breath for awhile.


  • 5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    It’s 2018 folks, and the future is here. Astronauts are driving Tesla’s through space and the Reese’s company is doing some really innovative stuff with popcorn. With all this technology around us, it’s easy to take it all for granted and we sometimes don’t get all the use we can out of it and take advantage of smart home gadgets.

    And the most important place you can use all this cool tech to your advantage is right in your very own home. Here are some amazing new smart home gadgets to make your life easier…

    1. The iRobot Roomba

    Ever since it’s inception in 2002, the Roomba vacuum has been an integral piece of smart home tech. With the ability to program this round robot to vacuum your home 7 days a week it can be a real time saver. With the latest 980 Model, the Roomba is more advanced that ever. With cutting edge mapping technology and dirt detection programs, this “set it and forget it” vacuum is a must have! For dog or pet owners life myself, I can stress it’s value enough. I have a lot on my plate and one thing I don’t to concern myself with is the daily sweeping thank to “Roger the Roomba”. Yes I named my Roomba, he’s family, folks. Word of advice…there are several competitors is the robot vacuum department, do yourself a favor and stick with the iRobot Roomba. You may a little more, but in this case “you get what you pay for”. This was been probably the best $900.00 I’ve ever spent.

    2. The Nest Thermostat

    Coming in at a price tag of $279.00, the Nest Thermostat is well worth the extra cost. Thanks to it’s smart and adaptive AI, the Nest knows when your home and learns your work schedule to monitor the A/C usage. You can also control the thermostat right form your Nest App on your mobile device to fine tune your A/C needs. For a native Floridan like myself, A/C usage and consumption is a real beast you have to tame. In the summer months, electric bills can soar thanks to primitive thermostats. There is nothing like a thermostat shutting down for the day knowing your at work, and then turn on a half hour before you get home so you don’t walk into a hot and muggy house. It’s just bliss. Once I had installed the Nest, I noticed an immediate 50% drop in my A/C consumption and a large drop in my electric bill respectively. This is a must have in your home.

    3. Brilliant Light Switch

    With the ability to control your homes, light, music, ambiance, and even take pictures with voice commands, the Brilliant light switch is a 2018 must have gadget for your home. Brilliant light switch also connects to several of your home’s smart gadgets such as Nest, Alexa, Sonos Speaker, Ring doorbell system, and more. Starting at $200.00 per panel, Brilliant Switch is a costly addition but this innovative new gadget gives your home a brain.

    4. Amazon Echo and Echo Dot

    This smart home “must” is quickly finding it’s way into every home, world wide. Alexa and Echo Dot, is a voice-controlled system that used to play music, make calls, send and receive messages, read the news, set alarms, and even order and Uber or takeout! With the capability of syncing up to Amazon-Fire, Apple Music, Audible, Pandora, and more, you easily find usage and justification for this piece of smart tech in your home. At a price tag of $150.00, the Amazon Echo has many uses to help in your home and is a fantastic smart home gadget. Word to the wise, Alexa has a built in microphone for consumer purposes that is ALWAYS LISTENING…Use responsibly. 

    5. The Ring II doorbell system

    The Ring Video Doorbell, provides you with the capability to see who is at your door from the safety and comfort of  your bed or couch. It lets you accept or deny visitor calls if you’re not home, and uses motion detection to alert you of activity on your doorstep even when the bell hasn’t been rung. By working off your home’s Wifi and mobile data, the 1080HD  camera will alert your smart phone of any activity at your door step day or night. For an extra $3.00 a month, you can pay for cloud storage and have all moments video recorded for later purposes if desired. The newest model also has a 2 way intercom system, and infrared night vision. For that extra bit of security at a relatively inexpensive cost of $199.00, this doorbell is the must have for any smart home.

    The Conclusion

    With so many smart gadgets available, some better than others, these products can make our homes better, safer, and more convenient. 2018 is going to be a big tech year and the “smart home” business is growing evermore advanced daily. If you can pick-up just one of these items this year, you’ll be headed in the right direction. I’m still anxiously awaiting the release for Rosie the robot maid, but I may have to hold my breath for awhile.


  • Cutting-Edge Tech You Can’t Have Yet

    Cutting-Edge Tech You Can’t Have Yet

    If there’s anything we love, it’s new cutting-edge technology. Crowdfunding sites are a great place to look for new, up-and-coming gadgets that push the bar ever higher. If you’re like us, you love to check these cool new gadgets out. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the game in the world of tech, this article is for you. Today, we’re looking at the coolest cutting-edge tech you can’t have yet!

    Coolest Cutting-Edge Tech You Can’t Have Yet

    Masterkey 4.0

    If you’ve ever watched hard science fiction films, you’re familiar with the concept of projection keyboards. In fact, they’re readily available in our own world. The idea is that the projector casts a keyboard onto your desk, and then uses sensors to tell what key you’ve pressed. The lack of tactile feedback and the presence of your fingers blocking the projection are stumbling blocks for the technology, however. That said, we’re still interested in Masterkey 4.0.

    Instead of being simply a projection keyboard, the Masterkey 4.0 is a full projection computer. It uses its front lens to project the display onto a wall, while the back lens projects a keyboard. While it’s not the most practical thing ever, it’s decidedly cool. For those who need an extremely compact computer, this isn’t the worst solution. It can fit in a pocket and could be an answer for those who need a computer smaller than the smallest netbooks.

    Viable Straw

    Straws aren’t the sole culprit when it comes to environmental issues but reducing their usage will certainly cut back on plastic waste. Products like Viable Straw are a great alternative that can help reduce the impact we have on the environment. The nifty little straw is telescoping and fits in a handy carrying case. Even one of these straws can prevent hundreds of plastic straws from being thrown away. That’s a pretty big deal, and nothing to scoff at!

    Vector

    This tiny AI robot is really quite interesting. It promises to recognize the faces of distinct individuals and react to its environment. The tiny robot companion has tons of unique animations and can respond in ways that seem natural and endearing. It’s a charming little device that is not dissimilar from science fiction robots like the Droids of Star Wars. It even functions as a walking Amazon Echo-style smart speaker, responding to and answering questions. We’re very interested to see where this kind of technology goes.

  • 5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    It’s 2018 folks, and the future is here. Astronauts are driving Tesla’s through space and the Reese’s company is doing some really innovative stuff with popcorn. With all this technology around us, it’s easy to take it all for granted and we sometimes don’t get all the use we can out of it and take advantage of smart home gadgets.

    And the most important place you can use all this cool tech to your advantage is right in your very own home. Here are some amazing new smart home gadgets to make your life easier…

    1. The iRobot Roomba

    Ever since it’s inception in 2002, the Roomba vacuum has been an integral piece of smart home tech. With the ability to program this round robot to vacuum your home 7 days a week it can be a real time saver. With the latest 980 Model, the Roomba is more advanced that ever. With cutting edge mapping technology and dirt detection programs, this “set it and forget it” vacuum is a must have! For dog or pet owners life myself, I can stress it’s value enough. I have a lot on my plate and one thing I don’t to concern myself with is the daily sweeping thank to “Roger the Roomba”. Yes I named my Roomba, he’s family, folks. Word of advice…there are several competitors is the robot vacuum department, do yourself a favor and stick with the iRobot Roomba. You may a little more, but in this case “you get what you pay for”. This was been probably the best $900.00 I’ve ever spent.

    2. The Nest Thermostat

    Coming in at a price tag of $279.00, the Nest Thermostat is well worth the extra cost. Thanks to it’s smart and adaptive AI, the Nest knows when your home and learns your work schedule to monitor the A/C usage. You can also control the thermostat right form your Nest App on your mobile device to fine tune your A/C needs. For a native Floridan like myself, A/C usage and consumption is a real beast you have to tame. In the summer months, electric bills can soar thanks to primitive thermostats. There is nothing like a thermostat shutting down for the day knowing your at work, and then turn on a half hour before you get home so you don’t walk into a hot and muggy house. It’s just bliss. Once I had installed the Nest, I noticed an immediate 50% drop in my A/C consumption and a large drop in my electric bill respectively. This is a must have in your home.

    3. Brilliant Light Switch

    With the ability to control your homes, light, music, ambiance, and even take pictures with voice commands, the Brilliant light switch is a 2018 must have gadget for your home. Brilliant light switch also connects to several of your home’s smart gadgets such as Nest, Alexa, Sonos Speaker, Ring doorbell system, and more. Starting at $200.00 per panel, Brilliant Switch is a costly addition but this innovative new gadget gives your home a brain.

    4. Amazon Echo and Echo Dot

    This smart home “must” is quickly finding it’s way into every home, world wide. Alexa and Echo Dot, is a voice-controlled system that used to play music, make calls, send and receive messages, read the news, set alarms, and even order and Uber or takeout! With the capability of syncing up to Amazon-Fire, Apple Music, Audible, Pandora, and more, you easily find usage and justification for this piece of smart tech in your home. At a price tag of $150.00, the Amazon Echo has many uses to help in your home and is a fantastic smart home gadget. Word to the wise, Alexa has a built in microphone for consumer purposes that is ALWAYS LISTENING…Use responsibly. 

    5. The Ring II doorbell system

    The Ring Video Doorbell, provides you with the capability to see who is at your door from the safety and comfort of  your bed or couch. It lets you accept or deny visitor calls if you’re not home, and uses motion detection to alert you of activity on your doorstep even when the bell hasn’t been rung. By working off your home’s Wifi and mobile data, the 1080HD  camera will alert your smart phone of any activity at your door step day or night. For an extra $3.00 a month, you can pay for cloud storage and have all moments video recorded for later purposes if desired. The newest model also has a 2 way intercom system, and infrared night vision. For that extra bit of security at a relatively inexpensive cost of $199.00, this doorbell is the must have for any smart home.

    The Conclusion

    With so many smart gadgets available, some better than others, these products can make our homes better, safer, and more convenient. 2018 is going to be a big tech year and the “smart home” business is growing evermore advanced daily. If you can pick-up just one of these items this year, you’ll be headed in the right direction. I’m still anxiously awaiting the release for Rosie the robot maid, but I may have to hold my breath for awhile.


  • 5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    5 “Smart Home” gadgets every house should have…

    It’s 2018 folks, and the future is here. Astronauts are driving Tesla’s through space and the Reese’s company is doing some really innovative stuff with popcorn. With all this technology around us, it’s easy to take it all for granted and we sometimes don’t get all the use we can out of it and take advantage of smart home gadgets.

    And the most important place you can use all this cool tech to your advantage is right in your very own home. Here are some amazing new smart home gadgets to make your life easier…

    1. The iRobot Roomba

    Ever since it’s inception in 2002, the Roomba vacuum has been an integral piece of smart home tech. With the ability to program this round robot to vacuum your home 7 days a week it can be a real time saver. With the latest 980 Model, the Roomba is more advanced that ever. With cutting edge mapping technology and dirt detection programs, this “set it and forget it” vacuum is a must have! For dog or pet owners life myself, I can stress it’s value enough. I have a lot on my plate and one thing I don’t to concern myself with is the daily sweeping thank to “Roger the Roomba”. Yes I named my Roomba, he’s family, folks. Word of advice…there are several competitors is the robot vacuum department, do yourself a favor and stick with the iRobot Roomba. You may a little more, but in this case “you get what you pay for”. This was been probably the best $900.00 I’ve ever spent.

    2. The Nest Thermostat

    Coming in at a price tag of $279.00, the Nest Thermostat is well worth the extra cost. Thanks to it’s smart and adaptive AI, the Nest knows when your home and learns your work schedule to monitor the A/C usage. You can also control the thermostat right form your Nest App on your mobile device to fine tune your A/C needs. For a native Floridan like myself, A/C usage and consumption is a real beast you have to tame. In the summer months, electric bills can soar thanks to primitive thermostats. There is nothing like a thermostat shutting down for the day knowing your at work, and then turn on a half hour before you get home so you don’t walk into a hot and muggy house. It’s just bliss. Once I had installed the Nest, I noticed an immediate 50% drop in my A/C consumption and a large drop in my electric bill respectively. This is a must have in your home.

    3. Brilliant Light Switch

    With the ability to control your homes, light, music, ambiance, and even take pictures with voice commands, the Brilliant light switch is a 2018 must have gadget for your home. Brilliant light switch also connects to several of your home’s smart gadgets such as Nest, Alexa, Sonos Speaker, Ring doorbell system, and more. Starting at $200.00 per panel, Brilliant Switch is a costly addition but this innovative new gadget gives your home a brain.

    4. Amazon Echo and Echo Dot

    This smart home “must” is quickly finding it’s way into every home, world wide. Alexa and Echo Dot, is a voice-controlled system that used to play music, make calls, send and receive messages, read the news, set alarms, and even order and Uber or takeout! With the capability of syncing up to Amazon-Fire, Apple Music, Audible, Pandora, and more, you easily find usage and justification for this piece of smart tech in your home. At a price tag of $150.00, the Amazon Echo has many uses to help in your home and is a fantastic smart home gadget. Word to the wise, Alexa has a built in microphone for consumer purposes that is ALWAYS LISTENING…Use responsibly. 

    5. The Ring II doorbell system

    The Ring Video Doorbell, provides you with the capability to see who is at your door from the safety and comfort of  your bed or couch. It lets you accept or deny visitor calls if you’re not home, and uses motion detection to alert you of activity on your doorstep even when the bell hasn’t been rung. By working off your home’s Wifi and mobile data, the 1080HD  camera will alert your smart phone of any activity at your door step day or night. For an extra $3.00 a month, you can pay for cloud storage and have all moments video recorded for later purposes if desired. The newest model also has a 2 way intercom system, and infrared night vision. For that extra bit of security at a relatively inexpensive cost of $199.00, this doorbell is the must have for any smart home.

    The Conclusion

    With so many smart gadgets available, some better than others, these products can make our homes better, safer, and more convenient. 2018 is going to be a big tech year and the “smart home” business is growing evermore advanced daily. If you can pick-up just one of these items this year, you’ll be headed in the right direction. I’m still anxiously awaiting the release for Rosie the robot maid, but I may have to hold my breath for awhile.


  • IFA 2018 Rumor Roundup

    IFA 2018 Rumor Roundup

    IFA occurs yearly in the German capital, rounding up tons of new types of consumer technology. Everyone who’s anyone in the world of technology will be there, and we can expect to see tons of new types of tech. From smartphones to smart home speakers to anything else you could think of, it’ll all be there. Today we’re rounding up the rumors and news slated to come through at IFA 2018. Who are some of the big names we can expect to see?

    Big Names to Watch for at IFA 2018

    Sony

    Sony is an oddball in the world of consumer electronics. While they offer a ton of premium electronics, they’re actually terribly unprofitable in this sector. Sony is currently afloat only thanks to their video game division. As such, there is tremendous pressure on this wing of the company to begin to turn a profit. Sony’s showing at IFA 2018 is expected to show off their smartphone range. Their Xperia XZ3 and XZ3 Compact are expected to make a big showing, given Sony’s dedication to their smartphone line. Also, likely to appear is the LF-S50G, Sony’s smart home speaker. Attempting to break into the smart home market in 2018 is incredibly difficult, but Sony seems like they’re really trying to hack it.

    Samsung

    While Samsung’s Note 9 has already been unveiled, the company is likely to show off their Galaxy S4 tablet. Tablets are struggling to break even in the tech market at the moment, as phablets and smartphones edge them out. In a similar vein to that, wearables have been underperforming recently but may be a focus of Samsung’s show at IFA 2018. The Gear S4 watch, perhaps under the name Galaxy Watch, could be making an appearance. Oddly, we may even see the Gear Fit 3 fitness tracker alongside the more smart-functionality focused Galaxy watch.

    Acer

    Computer maker Acer is expected to come into IFA 2018 with new gaming-focused PC rigs. PC gaming has seen an explosion in popularity in recent years, and Acer is certainly looking to cash in on this wave. The recent downturn in cryptocurrency values and growing uncertainty around them has led to decreased prices for GPUs. This, in turn, has further increased popular attention and demand for PC gaming. Acer showed off a number of exciting new gaming rigs at IFA 2017, and is expected to show off a similar lineup this weekend.

    Lenovo

    Chinese computer maker Lenovo will almost certainly be talking VR this year. Last year they introduced their Lenovo Explorer VR headset. While it caught a great deal of attention, it didn’t exactly catch in the crowded and underhyped VR market. This year they’re likely to focus on their more affordable Mirage Solo that was announced recently. Another potential point of focus for Lenovo may be a new version of their ThinkPad laptop, perhaps geared to go head-to-head with the Dell XPS 15.

  • Ten Coolest Pieces of Star Trek Tech

    Ten Coolest Pieces of Star Trek Tech

    When the original Star Trek first hit airwaves in the late 60’s, it was concerned ahead of its time. While it boasted social understanding and politics that were ahead of its time, it also showcased awesome technology. Some experts even claim that the show may have helped inspire technological advances in the real world! Today, we’re counting down the ten coolest pieces of Star Trek tech we wish we could use. While some of these have come to exist in the real world in some capacity, others are still science fiction. Let’s get into it at Warp 9! 

    Hypospray 

    Photo Credit: PCMech 

    A unique intravenous delivery method for medicine was introduced in the original series, called hypospray. Hypospray is a liquid that is shot at a very rapid speed through the skin of the patient, thus forgoing the need for a hypodermic needle. In the real world, technology like this actually exists now! It’s very sanitary and safe, since foreign objects don’t need to enter the body. It’s also great for people with phobias of needles, and children! The real-world hypospray is shot into the body at Mach 0.7 in order to safely penetrate the skin. A great example of sci-fi predicting real-world technology! 

    Universal Translators

    Photo Credit: Memory Alpha 

    In the Star Trek universe, universal translator technology is essentially a way for the writers to hand-wave why all the aliens speak English. It’s much easier for the audience to pick up on tone and meaning when actors just speak normally. It’s also a pain to create a unique-sounding language for every alien race on the show. As such, the universal translator is more of a cool piece of trivia than a critical plot point in most episodes. However, such technology would be pretty awesome in the real world.  

    While there are, of course, translator apps and technology, they’re all pre-programmed with languages and meanings. The Star Trek version is capable of learning and translating languages at lightning-speed. Typically, by the time the viewer has realized the speaker is an alien, the translator has already done its thing. While this is highly improbable, it’s still super cool. With the advent of artificial intelligence in our world, maybe such learning translators will be a reality someday! 

    Phasers

     

    Photo Credit: geek.com 

    Phasers are truly iconic Star Trek tech. “Set phasers to stun” is synonymous with “let’s kick some butt” in nerd circles. Likewise, “set phasers to kill” is shorthand for “things just got real.” However, in the real world, phased array projectiles are still a long way from being a reality. The portable, hand-toted phasers in Star Trek would simply draw too much power to be practical in our world. While some very large burst-array laser weapons exist in prototype form, it seems unlikely we’ll see true phaser weaponry anytime soon. Until then, boring old ballistics remain the weapon of choice.  

    Tablets

    Photo Credit: Memory Alpha 

    Savvy watchers may have noticed that Star Trek predicted the iPad. In the Next Generation series, personal access data devices, or PADDs, are owned by pretty much every crew member. These devices have essentially all the same functions as modern-day smartphones and tablets. While the PADDs are a minor detail on the show, they show just how inventive and forward-thinking the writers were. One wonders if maybe the fictional PADDs served as inspiration for Apple when designing the iPhone and iPad! 

    Tractor Beams

    Photo Credit: Big Think 

    A common plot device in Star Trek is the presence of an enemy ship using their tractor beam to anchor the Enterprise on the spot. The crew then has to stand and fight against a better-equipped foe. Or, an away vessel gets caught in a tough spot, so the Enterprise uses her tractor beam to pull them out. Tractor beams, which are hypothetical attenuated linear graviton beams, are theoretically quite possible! While the technology to use them on the scale seen in Star Trek doesn’t exist, smaller versions do. Lab testing has shown the ability to catch small objects in place and manipulate them with acoustic tractor beams! Such technology has a promising future helping with surgical procedures. Non-invasive beam-based surgery sure sounds like a Star Trek tech future! 

    Food Replicators 

    Photo Credit: Memory Alpha 

    If you’re like me, you hate cooking. Personally, I hate the cleanup that follows cooking more. Even if you love cooking, you’d have to admit that having a replicator would be awesome. Hungry for some sushi? Tell the replicator! Want an ice cream sundae? Computer, sundae! More than just convenience, replicator technology could help alleviate world hunger.  

    In the real world, the analogous technology is 3D-printable food. There have been great strides in that field recently, with 3D printers capable of creating actual edible food! There’s also been a great deal of progress in the realm of neuroscience regarding flavor, like programmable glasses. A programmable glass can make tap water taste like any cocktail imaginable by messing with your taste buds. How cool is that? 

    Voice-Activated Computers

    Photo Credit: Mashable 

    Characters calling up commands by shouting at the computer is a quintessential Star Trek move. Having voice-controlled computer functions sidestepped the issue of having characters explain what they’re doing with a computer. You’ve certainly seen other shows where a character at a keyboard has to explain to another character what it is they’re doing. Sometimes this is fine, other times it feels weird and forced. Star Trek just used high-tech voice commands to communicate effectively and move scenes along. 

    In our world, of course, voice-activated assistants are commonplace and used every day. In fact, Amazon recently updated Alexa to answer to “Computer,” letting fans feel like Kirk or Picard in their own home. This is one piece of Star Trek tech that has become reality with no caveats! It exists in our world precisely as it does in theirs. 

    Artificial Intelligence

    Photo Credit: StarTrek.com 

    Advanced artificial intelligences like Data and his brother Lore are a central plot point in The Next Generation. Villains like the Borg also embody a darker side of artificial intelligence. In our world, we’re pursuing true artificial intelligence that can grow and learn like Data. While we’re still a few years from self-aware computer programs, learning systems are a reality right now. Systems that learn habits and can be trained are advancing by leaps and bounds every day. The big breakthrough that leads to true intelligence in a computer program is just around the corner. One has to think that fictional artificial life like Data in some ways gave life to the desire to pursue such technology. 

    Warp Speed

    Photo Credit: ScreenPrism 

    In order to follow individual characters, and not their lineages, as they explore space, we have to have a faster-than-light drive. Warp speed is the technology used in the Star Trek world to propel ships faster than the speed of light. It’s the technology that makes the shows deep-space exploration possible. Pretty much any sci-fi story that deals with interstellar travel has some variation on an FTL drive to propel the ships as well as the plot. However, according to our current understanding of physics, such drives are impossible.  

    That said, NASA has been working on a theoretical technology called the EmDrive that may be a real-world counterpart to Impulse Drives. The technology is confusing and works by effectively defying physics. The no-fuel, hollow drive has been much criticized but recent findings show that it inexplicably works. If the EmDrive proves to be reliable at starship scale, maybe it’s humanity’s ticket to space exlporation. 

    The Coolest Star Trek Tech: Teleportation

    Photo Credit: Maxim 

    Star Trek’s most well-known fictional technology, point-to-point teleporters are often used to save the characters from sticky situations planetside. Access to teleporters in the real world would be absolutely amazing. For one thing, you could get to work in the blink of an eye; so long, traffic! For another, the cost of shipping would become zero on pretty much every object ever. Amazon Prime’s two-day shipping would become two-second shipping.  

    While real-world teleportation is likely a sci-fi dream, it could eventually become a reality. Quantum mechanics could prove a window into understanding ways to teleport things across vast distances. Entanglement and wormholes are two avenues of research that could yield promising results. Until then, we’ll have to be content watching Jim get beamed up! 

  • The Best Beach Gadget: Which Ones Should You Pack?

    The Best Beach Gadget: Which Ones Should You Pack?

    Who doesn’t love the beach? Well, fragile electronics, to be honest. Between sand, sun and sea, there are countless ways your favorite beach gadget could be damaged on a fun vacation. With that in mind, we’ve got a roundup of our favorite gadgets that can survive a trip to the beach! 

    Olympus Tough TG-5 

    Nothing beats a fun beach trip, and there’s no better way to keep your memories of it than by snapping photos. The Olympus Touch TG-5 is a fantastic camera for fun in the sun: it’s waterproof, durable and can survive a seven-foot drop! It’s fast shutter and 4K recording are all the more impressive when considering how tough the Olympus Tough is! It’s a touch expensive, though, retailing for around $400.  

    JBL Charge 3 

    If you’re chilling on the shore and wishing you had some tunes, you’re wishing you had a JBL Charge 3. Sporting amazing, huge sound for its small size, great battery life and strong performance, it’s a great speaker. Even better, it’s rated IPX-7, which means it’s water resistant and perfect for the beach. 

    Fitbit Versa 

    The Versa is a fantastic fitness tracker/smart watch hybrid for the beach! This handy device sports a waterproof body and awesome tracking functionality. Want to track your swimming or jogging on the beach? The Versa is the beach gadget for you! 

    Our Favorite Beach Gadget: Amazon Kindle Oasis 

    Picture it: you’re lying on the beach, reading a book, the waves lapping against the sand. Then a big wave comes up and knocks your book out of your hands, soaking it and ruining it. That’s a buzz kill! Our suggestion? Bring an Amazon Kindle Oasis! It’s totally waterproof and reads well in sunlight. Even better, it sports physical page-turn buttons, letting you turn the pages even with wet hands. 

  • Memorial Day Sales: Which Items to Watch Out For!

    Memorial Day Sales: Which Items to Watch Out For!

    Memorial Day is more than just the start of summer: it’s a great time to find some awesome deals on technology! Which items are going to be on the best sales? Which ones should you be on the lookout for? Let’s get into it! 

    TV Deals 

    A more traditional Memorial Day item, TVs are more affordable than ever before, and even more so when on sale. LG and Samsung TVs will certainly be found for great prices during the holiday weekend. Look for 4K Smart TVs to be dropped in price to nearly two-thirds their MSRP. Awesome to consider for Father’s Day, or just for hosting the Memorial Day cookout! Look for deals from Amazon, or retailers like Best Buy and Target. 

    Best Laptop Deals 

    Keep your eyes peeled for great deals on laptops. While this one might not seem like a normal Memorial Day deal, there are certainly great buys to find. HP and Dell laptops are often found at great discounts during this time of year, and models like the HP ProBook 440 GS can even be found for less than half price! Great for graduation presents or just for upgrading if you’ve been looking for a new laptop! As with TVs, stay on the lookout for deals from Target and Wal-Mart. Don’t forget Amazon or Best Buy, too! 

    Biggest Memorial Day Sales: Appliances 

    The biggest savings to be had are almost always on appliances during Memorial Day. Refrigerators will be nearly half off at places like Home Depot. Sears will be having some pretty great deals on dishwashers and stoves. While this is hardly exciting, if you’ve been meaning to do some home improvement, Memorial Day weekend is a great time to do it!