Most consumers can live with, even thrive, with older versions of their favorite hardware and software.

By Richard M. Sherwin, Bob Plunkett, Jennifer Auspitz, Ted Mayo, Amy Eller, Richard Macias and Susan Davis

There are some useful gadgets, software and Apps that actually prove their worth over time even if their basic technology moves on and up. Like fine wine or vintage sports cars, the basic version of these products can be enjoyable, productive and maybe safer, even if you still have version 1 and the manufacturer is on version 6. And the majority of send their and fourth generation product features and hardly ever used by consumers….either because of confusion or lack of interest

• In a recent survey of fellow reporters and columnists, industry analysts and industry influencers, by our sister company Grand Concourse Media, only 1 in 20 was using Microsoft’s latest version of Word and Office.
• Similarly, only 4 in twenty ever upgrade their computer, tablet or smart phone’s operating system and, even then, only if the machine won’t work at all under the old operating system.
• In a more private interview with TV manufacturing executives, our team estimated that 5 out of ten execs didn’t even use some of the new features that their next generation Smart TVs included.

Technical consultants, also interviewed by our staff, who guide retail stores and businesses and, in many cases, are required to perform upgrades and do installs to comply with rules made by Microsoft, Apple, Google and the hardware makers, hardly ever upgrade on the manufacturer’s schedules in their own homes.

“We see the upgrades and how they adversely affect both hardware and software and telephony products so we don’t want to deal with them at home until maybe a year or two later when the software and hardware makers get it right,” says a prominent New England Microsoft, Apple, Google and Samsung licensed installer/trouble shooter.

“In order to keep our licenses with these firms we  have to upgrade and update products, but when we have trouble with those maneuvers,  we have almost as much trouble as the average consumer to get a straight answer from Microsoft, Google or the big PC and TV makers.”

The best advice this award winning installer says is, “ Yes, in many cases version six or the 2015 edition might be faster, more colorful or lighter and leaner, but the basic usefulness or value should not be downgraded because CNET, Consumer Reports or Bill or Bonnie the blogger get overexcited that he or she got the latest model.”

Bytes and Pieces: Here are some products that we think will hold up or have held up through the upgrades and redo’s:

• While Apple’s IPad’s have been consistently highly regarded as the BMW of the Tablet business, we found that LG’s new line of Tablets (8.3 inches and 10.1) run faster, have better battery life and run most Apps even five years into their lifespan.

• Panasonic has upgraded its 2-line and cordless Blue Tooth phones infrequently because their four year old devices are as reliable as they were when first introduced.

Brand new, but simple enough for most users, Petcube keeps people connected with their pets, offers a free mobile app for iOS and Android devices as well as a Petcube Camera – an interactive pet monitor. The Petcube Camera is the first product that allows pet owners to watch, talk and play with their pet from their smartphone, no matter where they are. While this device could use a little upgrade for Android users, it’s basic concept of being able to view your pet from anywhere and anytime through this WIFI based cube will be around a long time.

You can spend $10,000 on your Apple Smart watch or you can spend under $200 on your Android (not Google) watch or the even more stylistic Martian Watch. the Martian watch gets “smart”, and does everything you will need a smartwatch to do at a very attractive price point starting at just $129.

A Martian Smartwatch is a great way for iOS and Android users to keep hands-free, while still being able to keep up with what is going on via their smartphone (including calls, texts, calendar alerts, reminders, ESPN notifications, Uber, fitness alerts, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, CNN, Bloomberg, and an almost endless list of apps that provide notifications).

The watches come in two styles, the voice command line that includes a mic and speaker and the Notification line that provides individualized notifications (an industry first) via customized vibration alerts for each type of notification, so you know if it is something you need to take your phone out to respond to or if it can wait until later.

One of our favorite exercise watches is the Magellan Echo, MRSP $129.99 or $179.99 with Heart Rate Monitor. Echo Fit (the accompanying App), adds activity and sleep tracking capabilities while continuing to solve the biggest problem of participating in a sport with a smartphone – conveniently viewing and controlling your favorite sports apps without interrupting the flow of a workout.

With the phone safely tucked away Echo Fit leverages Bluetooth Smart technology, turning it into a powerful display for important real-time streaming app data on the individual’s wrist, while acting as a remote control for the app and your digital music. This feature can even saving smartphone battery life. Whether it’s running, hiking, cycling, golfing, or other sports activities, Echo Fit’s deep integration with apps makes it customizable to meet the unique needs of each individual.

MORE NEW RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

LG’s Netflix Recommended TVs

• LG has announced that they will be among the first to release “Netflix Recommended” LED 4K UltraTVs – meaning the streaming giant considers LG’s new line of televisions to be prime streaming equipment.

• LG notes that this designation applies to the LG EG9600 4K UHD OLED Smart TV and UF9500, UF8500, UF7700 and UF7600 4K UHD LED Smart TV series. Additionally, many of LG’s 2015 releases will satisfy Netflix’s intense program criteria – namely the EG9600 Art Slim Curved 4K UHD OLED TV.

• Netflix also recently joined LG to launch the electronics company’s new OLED TVs – many of which also garner the Netflix recommendation. Netflix supported LG as it launched the EG9600 – UHD OLED, UF9500 – Prime UHD TV, UF8500 Series – 3D UHD LED with Cinema Screen, UF7700 Series – UHD LED, UF7600 Series – UHD LED, EC9300 Series – Full HD OLED and UltraWide Monitors.

Canon supports Digital Learning with EOS C100 Mark II Tutorials

• Canon has partnered with “Film Riot,” a YouTube-based filmmaking school to show off how to create short sci-fi films with Canon’s EOS C100 camera. Film Riot uses Canon’s second-generation video camera to display how blossoming filmmakers can hone techniques for lighting, camera movement and effects.

Nextbook Ares 11 2-in-1 Tablet Launching at Wal-Mart

• E FUN has announced that it is launching its new tablet, the Nextbook Ares 11 2-in-1, at Walmart. The new 2-in-1 is an 11.6-inch tablet, paired with a detachable keyboard – aiming to be the fusion between tablet and laptop at a reasonable price.

• The Nextbook Ares 11 is available at Wal-Mart now for $197. E-Fun, the fast rising tablet maker also has the hottest selling Windows 8 based device on the market with its recent introduction of a 10.1 inch fully operational PC that converts to a Tablet. This new PC/Tablet with an Intel Atom chip, is the first Windows 8 product outselling any Android product because of its speed and features.

Samsung Brings Curved Soundbars to the Living Room

• Samsung is bringing curved soundbars to the market – further adding to the affect of the company’s curved 4K TVs. Samsung’s latest releases, the HW-J8500 ($1,299.99), HW-J7500 ($799.99) and HW-J6500 ($549.99) aims to match the sleek design with the clear audio that the company has become known for.
• Topping that – all models come with a wireless subwoofer to cut down on those obscene wires that no-doubt plague your entertainment center. All models are available now.

VOXX Brings Android to Headrests

• VOXX has announced that the company’s Custom Headrest Line – complete with an 8-inch Android headrest with DVD players built in – is now shipping. VOXX’s new headrest options allow the backseat to finally have some fun by offering multiple monitor configurations and more than 1,000 vehicle applications to make long rides a little more bearable.
• All systems feature 8-inch monitors with digital LED back-lit panels that deliver a vibrant picture with a resolution of 800 x RGB x 480; have certified HDMI/MHL inputs, USB input with charging support, and a secondary A/V input and output – and of course – headphone options.
• While the headrests are shipping now – there are dozens of pricing options based on what the user is looking for. Find out more and order on VOXX’s site.
• LG TAKES HOME NINE AWARDS AT MWC 2015
• LG took home nine awards at this year’s Mobile World Congress. Awards include best smartphone, for the LG G3, and several other awards for the LG Watch Urbane and LG Watch Urbane LTE.

Panasonic Introduces the LUMIX G 30mm MACRO and 43.5mm Portrait Lenses

• Panasonic has announced some new additions to the company’s LUMIX family with two new lenses: The LUMIX G 42.5mm/F1.7 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) (equivalent: 85 mm) and the LUMIX G Macro 30mm/ F2.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (equivalent: 60mm) lenses.

• The LUMIX G42.5mm aims to incorporate optical image stabilization with full time autofocus – thereby eliminating those obnoxious blurry pictures. The marriage of lenses also allows the camera to output stunning vistas, as well as intimate close-ups.

• The LUMIX G MACRO 30mm allows for infinite detail with sharp, high contrast image rendering with a wide angle and a high speed F2.8 aperture. Utilizing 1x life-size magnification, deep depth of field, and a focusing distance starting at just 4.13 inches, the lens offers excellent performance when shooting true-to-life macro shots.
• Both lenses are available now from Panasonic for $399.

Sling Brings TV Without the Cords

• Sling TV announced that it is introducing cord-free television all over the U.S. Sling is Hulu on steroids, offering dozens of channels starting at at only $20 per month – with no long term commitment and a 7-day free trial.

• Sling is now available on current generation Roku players, Roku TV models, iOS, Android, Mac and PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Xbox One, and will soon be coming to some Samsung TVs and other smart televisions.

Epson introduces another small in one

• Epson has introduced the ultra-compact, sub-$100 Expression^® Home XP-420 Small-in-One^®, a complete wireless solution designed to meet busy families’ and students’ printing, scanning and copying needs – at home or on the go with Epson Connect. The feature rich XP-420 also enables users to edit, scan and share photos directly to Facebook™ or other popular cloud services all in one single workflow.

The Future of Wearables

Withings Reveals Range of Colorful Analog Watches with Built-in Activity Trackers and Fashion Forward Design

Withings, a leader in the connected health revolution, has introduced a new face of activity tracking with Activité Pop – an analog watch with a built-in, sophisticated activity and sleep tracker. Following on the heels of the Withings Activité watch, Activité Pop combines fashion and mobile technology in a nice and easy to use Smart Watch.    

The Activité Pop analog watch features a lightweight and fun-to-wear design that extends across the specially-coated watchcase and the smooth silicone strap. The watch comes in 3 distinctive “Pop chic” colors (Azure, Shark Grey, Sand) and a set of soon-to-come playful wristbands.  Activité Pop features two hand dials, one showing the time and a sub dial showing percentage progress of specific activity goals. The objective (e.g.: 10,000 steps) is set within the application and, throughout the day, the user knows where he stands. When the goal is achieved, the watch vibrates.  The watch also automatically recognizes and tracks swimming and running. Worn at night, it monitors sleep quality and wakes the user up with a gentle vibration.

Activité Pop syncs automatically with the free Withings Health Mate application, named one of Apple’s Best Apps of 2014.  Health Mate acts as a coach to help users achieve personal goals and includes an interactive leader board, personal “data insights,” smart reminders and achievement badges. It is integrated with 100+ partners whose services add up to the 360° wellness experience (GPS running, food logging…).  Activité Pop is available for both iOS and Android users.  Activité Pop is available now in the US exclusively at Best Buy stores nationwide and online at Withings.com for $149.95.