Consumer Tech for August

Trade Show Reviews

By Joseph Babbitt and Richard M. Sherwin

Welcome to another Digital Family Advisor summer update. First up, very interesting news! JD Power has released a new study saying that problems with cell phone networks (internet issues, dropped calls, and call quality) have improved for every major carrier.

Verizon Leads, U.S. Cellular Right Up There

According to the study, wireless carriers are making significant investments in their infrastructure as they get ready to start the broader rollout of 5G networks, and “Those continued investments are paying off in clear-cut quality improvement across all aspects of the wireless user experience, from phone calls to streaming media to app use, and it’s happening on a nationwide basis with every brand in our study.”

Verizon Wireless ranks highest in all six regions covered in the study and achieves the lowest network quality problems per 100 connections (PP100) in call quality, messaging quality and data quality in each region. U.S. Cellular ranks highest in a tie with Verizon in the North Central region.

The 2019 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, Volume 2, is based on responses from 33,401 wireless customers. Carrier performance is examined in six regions: Mid-Atlantic, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West. In addition to evaluating the network quality experienced by customers with wireless phones, the study also measures the network performance of tablets and mobile broadband devices. The study ran from January through July 2019.

Click here to read more from JD Power.

https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2019-us-wireless-network-quality-performance-study%E2%80%94vol-2

TCL Launches New TV And Headphones

Headphones

I was impressed by the design of the headphones and the wide variety of options that TCL, the Chinese multinational electronics company demonstrated.

TCL’s ACTV series headphones have been designed to give those who rarely miss a workout the extra boost they need to stay moving. The ACTV in-ear headset is crafted with an over-the-ear hook to ensure they stay comfortably secure in your ear. They also offer an easy-to-adjust cable length control system, so you’ll have less cord dangling as you exercise. Plus, with integrated IPX 4 waterproof technology, you can work up a sweat without any damage to the headphones.

ELIT series headphones have been designed with premium sound quality. Using precision-engineered 8.6/12.2/40 mm audio drivers, the ELIT series headphones deliver deeply powerful, thumping bass with crystal clear audio fidelity — all without drowning out any of the finer sounds and instrument details within your music.

6-Series TV

This TV combines stunning 4K HDR picture performance and the award-winning Roku TV smart platform in a bold, brushed metal design. Dolby Vision delivers greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. TCL’s Contrast Control Zone technology individually optimizes the image across up to 120 zones to yield striking contrast between light and dark areas.

The 6-Series models’ iPQEngine™ provides precise color replication while HDR (High-dynamic-range imaging ) ProGamma significantly improves HDR performance in any setting. It also features Wide Color with Photon technology for even more realistic colors and performance. It also has the Roku OS with a wide variety of streaming content and seamless access your cable box, Blu-ray player, gaming console, and other devices without flipping through inputs or complicated menus. An enhanced remote lets you use your voice to quickly find your favorite movie titles, launch or change channels, and even switch inputs.

BALDWIN ®HARDWARE INTRODUCES ‘EVOLVED’ TO THE LUXURY MARKET

Baldwin®Hardware, a leading brand of the Hardware & Home Improvement (HHI) division of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. has released a new premier collection of smart locks. I am very impressed with Baldwin Evolved, a premier collection of beautifully-crafted electronic smart locks that seamlessly integrate luxury design and smart security solutions.

Users can easily lock and unlock doors via their smartphone and the Kevo, a new smart lock technology mobile app. The easy-to-use app provides eKeys for remote access, real-time access history, and remote unlocking. “The luxury home technology market is booming,” says PJ Rosch, senior brand manager for Baldwin Hardware.“ Consumers want luxury furnishings and home elements that are smart, streamlined, and beautiful… Evolved’s streamlined design easily conceals the technology in a smart, sleek interior design that is 60 percent smaller than other electronic products on the market. By leveraging Bluetooth technology, Evolved offers an easy Touch-to-open™ solution in 18 handsets, three deadbolts, and three interiors. Customers can select from 17 finishes. Fobs are sold separately and are available in three finishes.

For more information, please visit https://www.baldwinhardware.com/evolved

Walabot

Walabot uses a technology that helps to detect PVC and metal pipes, conduit and electrical wires and cables. including an Android app that makes it easier to do home wall and design work. We like the features but our Apple IOS people couldn’t use it as IOS support is not provided yet.

Here are some features provided by Walabot:

· Lath & Plaster support (Wooden stud detection).

· Smooth scanning strips

· Enhanced product casing

· Detects Wooden studs, Metal studs, Pipes, Wires, and movement

· Works on Drywall, Concrete and Lath & Plaster

· Can see 4 in /10 cm deep into your walls

· Provides 3 different sensing modes: Panoramic, Images and Expert

· Maps large areas allow snapshots for offline analysis

· Works with Android phones running Android 6.0 and above with USB on-the-go (OTG)

· Not compatible with iPhone devices

Juno AI Light

DFA really enjoyed the Juno AI Speaker Light with Alexa Built-In which allows consumers to control smart home devices such as thermostats, doorbells, vacuum cleaners, garage doors, as well as play music, control lighting, get the weather, and more through simple voice commands. It integrates Amazon Alexa and a JBL® speaker into a Juno® LED downlight which offers all of Alexa’s features plus more in a downlight strategically located in the ceiling.

The premium speakers and Alexa are hidden in the light, making them virtually invisible, and eliminating the need for tabletop units, pucks and other multifunctional devices with Alexa, and allows users to do more with less. Combining three advanced technologies into one product, Juno AI provides total lighting control, features dimming capabilities, tunable color temperature, and programming to set your mood, and seamlessly connects to each product within the Juno AI portfolio.

Great Microphone Bundle

The MXL APS Podcasting Bundle offers three standout hardware components for first-time podcasters. Together these products provide the essential hardware components you need to start a high-quality audio podcast:

· MXL BCD-1 Live Broadcast Dynamic Mic delivers warm, rich tones with a built-in shock mount to negate vibrations and unwanted noise

· MXL BCD-Stand with articulating hinged arm makes for easy mic placement and professional look and feel. (Clamp and swivel mount options available).

· MXL Mic Mate Pro provides high-quality XLR-to-USB adaption with professional quality mic preamp and control for gain and headphone volume.

DFA had this bundle up and running in ten minutes, but make sure your PC or Mac downloads the device driver. In most cases just plugging the Mic into your USB drive will activate the Mic and its active controls. All these products look and feel like real pro devices and the $295 bundle is well worth it.

Green Kid Crafts Encourages Creativity

Green Kid Crafts is the perfect way to help your child learn while also helping the planet. It encourages creativity, literacy, and learning through monthly delivered-right-to-your-doorstep STEAM learning boxes (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) that are designed to foster a generation of creative leaders. They’re made in the USA, are carbon neutral, and one tree is planted for each online order!

It’s as easy as letting your child (ages 2-10+) play with your cell phone but builds creativity, literacy, and problem-solving skills. Designed by educators and child development experts, each month has a different theme and includes all materials for 4-6 activities plus an educational magazine with games and puzzles.

Green Kid Crafts 3 Month Gift Subscription

Award-winning eco-friendly STEAM boxes with 4-6 kits/box

3 months for $83.85 (free shipping)

Green Kid Crafts STEAM Starter Subscription

One new award-winning STEAM activity/month

12 months for $99.95 (free shipping)

Green Kid Crafts 3-Box STEAM Packs

Choose from Animal Science, Art or Ecosystem Packs

3 box set for $79.95 + shipping

Green Kid Crafts 2019 Special Edition Boxes & Ornament Kits From $9.95 + shipping

Choose from Holidays Around the World, Gingerbread Village, and Ornament Kits and more

Como Audio Introduces Speakeasy in Rainbow Colors

SpeakEasy with the Google Assistant built-in is for those who want to enjoy the highest quality sound in music and access all music content with the simplicity of voice command technology controlling compatible devices around the home, planning a day and managing tasks.

Simply say, “Hey Google, play jazz in the kitchen” or “What’s the weather today?” or “Turn up the volume” or “Dim the lights.” It’s all done through the free Google Home app for iOS and Android.

SpeakEasy Color is expected to be at market in fall 2019. It is suggested to retail for $499 in Fashion Colors with a 2-year warranty.

Como Audio also Introduces Its First Streaming Turntable — Designed for Playing Records Wirelessly All Over The House

As vinyl records a resurgence among music lovers of all ages and tops the popularity charts, Como Audio introduces its first streaming Turntable by Tom DeVesto. All over the world, music lovers are discovering (or rediscovering) the satisfaction of operating a turntable, dropping a needle and playing albums providing the greatest bandwidth for enjoying music as it was intended to be heard.

“Vinyl is making a comeback and sales are soaring,” says Tom DeVesto, Designer and CEO of Como Audio. “If you ever listened to a master recording on vinyl, it is hard to go back to digitally recorded music, plus once you start collecting vinyl – you won’t want to stop. With the addition of our streaming turntables, we can now support all forms of content delivery. You can play records in one room and stream them all over the house to all our products.”

A heavy 300mm diameter metal platter provides smooth rotation with decreased resonance. The 8.6” tonearm is fitted and specifically optimized for an Ortofon magnetic cartridge. The low-noise AC synchronous motor and ultra-precision frequency DC-driven AC generator provides speed stability without adding vibration. The time-tested belt-driven design offers motor decoupling, and the speed is selectable at 33 or 45 RPM.

A black felt mat, removable dust cover, and 15V/0.8A, 110V 60Hz or 230240V 50Hz external power supply is included along with a two-year warranty, not including the stylus.

The Como Audio Turntable retails for $399 and is available in limited stock at www.comoaudio.com.