Posts tagged tech
Type Anywhere With The Jorno Tri-Folding Keyboard
Recently when I was on a plane I was trying to get some work done. I had my laptop with me. Being sandwiched in the middle seat wasn’t the most conducive place for my laptop. I would have loved to have worked on my tablet, but I hate the touch keypad. I wanted to be able to use a keyboard like the one on my laptop. For me that is the best way to type at my normal pace.
Thankfully I found out about the Jorno tri-folding keyboard. Jorno provides the ultimate level of mobility. It easily folds up to a compact size so you can be productive while on the go. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect Jorno wirelessly to your mobile device so that you can place the keyboard anywhere you like. This connectivity even works with your desktop or tablet. 
The protective case for Jorno doubles as a stand that securely holds your device in either portrait or landscape orientation. It adjusts to the perfect viewing angle just for you. The keys on Jorno are just 9% smaller than standard keys. These nearly full size keys offer ease and accuracy in long form typing, word processing, blogging, emailing, and note taking. There are now tablet for note taking to make things better.
The Jorno tri-folding Bluetooth keyboard comes with a full standard QWERTY key layout for smartphones and tablet, one integrated case/stand and one micro-USB charging cable. It usually sells for $99.00 and will be worth every cent if you are looking to be able to work productively anywhere you go.
Right now Jorno is offering a special introductory price of $79 for a limited time only, using discount code “JORNO” at checkout, with free shipping anywhere in the United States.
Apr 19th
Nike Takes Us to (Hyper)School
This week I was invited to go back to school. Now some might cringe to think about going back to school, but this was a very cool campus. It was Nike’s Hyperschool. The curriculum was taught by Nike’s finest tech guys and gals. There was even a surprise guest, who shared his thoughts on why he loves playing in Nike gear. It was Atlanta Falcons running back, Steven Jackson. Here is a fun fact. Did you know that Steven was an intern at Nike? Well believe it or not he was.
And like Steven Jackson many athletes not only wear Nike sneakers, but the clothing from Nike. The technology and research that goes into Nike’s sneakers and clothing is tremendous. Parker Mangum is the Product Lead for Nike Pro Combat. I spoke with him about the development of the clothing and how they talk with athletes to improve their gear. Usually it is about a two to three year process from the initial talks to the finished product.
The Hyperschool went over a few items from their Nike Pro Hyperstrong, Nike Pro Combat Baselayer, and Hyperwarm Flex lines.
Over the past two years, Nike partnered with Stats, Inc. for an unprecedented analysis and look inside football’s significant uptick in pace and contact across all levels of the game. Using a proprietary database, historical play frequencies and balance charts were created to help analyze how the game is changing. In addition, countless hours of game film were used to quantify and specify contact – both in frequency and location.
Stats, Inc looked at a cross section of NCAA teams over the course of the 2012 and 2013 seasons, as well as six areas of an athlete’s body: shoulder, chest, hip, knee, thigh and back.
Over the years athletes have said that they want lightweight padding that isn’t distracting – without sacrificing speed or performance. Pads have gone from “big and bulky” to “fast and flexible,” just like the athletes. Originally launched in 2009, Nike Pro Combat Hyperstrong is ergonomically designed to provide sport-specific protection to athletes without restricting flexibility or speed. Today, Nike has re-engineered its Nike Pro Combat HyperStrong collection to be stronger, more breathable, and 30 percent lighter than before. Hyperstrong is designed to integrate seamlessly into the football uniform as a lightweight extension of the body.
Here is a breakdown of some their products.
•The Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm Flex Tight is engineered for warmth and moisture-wicking. Dri-FIT pods are strategically placed for zoned warmth where you need it most. Breathability-variant mesh areas provide strategic ventilation for optimal thermoregulation. Seamless knit construction adds mobility and flexibility while also eliminating distraction in cold-weather conditions.
•The Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm Dri-Fit Max Shield Fitted Mock keeps out rain and wind through a stretch-woven overlay in the chest and sleeves. Dri-Fit Max fabric wicks sweat for comfort in the cold. Mesh back pods increase airflow to keep you cool.
•The Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm Dri-Fit Max Mock implements a Dri-FIT Max twill interior to accelerate the pull of moisture away from the skin’s surface, keeping the body dry and eliminating the chilling effect. Side mesh gussets allow for extra breathability and full range of motion, while lightweight jersey panels help reduce bulk and lock in warmth.
•The Nike Pro Combat Hyperstrong 3.0 Compression 4-Pad Top and ¾ Pant is part of Nike’s sport-specific range that includes strategically placed padding for impact protection. With newly-designed, ultra-flexible 7mm DeTech foam padding at the shoulders and ribs, it provides maximum protection and less bulk than its predecessor. Dri-FIT fabric wicks away sweat as four-way stretch material provides enhanced range of motion and optimal breathability when the action heats up.
•The Nike Pro Combat Hypercool Fitted Sleeveless 3.0 Top features open-mesh zones for ventilation and Dri-Fit fabric to help keep athletes dry and comfortable. Warp-knit material in the back creates tear-resistant durability.
•The Nike Pro Combat Recovery Hypertight is designed to be worn during active recovery, in between competition. The graduated compressive design strategically targets different zones of the leg at different pressures to reduce muscle swelling — firmest at the ankle where swelling can be the most severe. Foot stirrups are integrated for a secure fit. Dri-FIT material assists in keeping athletes warm and dry.
Nike designers, researchers and developers start with athlete insights in order to determine their needs. From there, they unlock these athlete insights in the Nike Explore Team Sport Research Lab by looking at athlete performance data. These insights help inform next steps in apparel innovation such as materials testing, fit and flexibility analysis, and more, in order to help designers create the best apparel to protect and prepare athletes for any condition.
To that end, Nike Pro Combat baselayer apparel keeps the body regulated for inclement weather through thermoregulation, breathability and a body-contoured streamlined fit. Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm and Hypercool apparel provide an optimal fit with added mesh in high-heat zones for ventilation and comfort.
To dive a little deeper and better understand extreme weather conditions, Nike took a look at the traditional NFL “strength of schedule” from a very different perspective – the weather.
Although every team will face their share of formidable contenders this season, athletes will also compete with their external environment – extreme cold and heat, snow, rain and wind. As such, if extreme weather is considered, it requires a different level of protection and preparation – both in training and when it comes to baselayer. To that end, Nike explored the previous 10 years of Farmer’s Almanac weather data as well as the 2014 temperature predictions for every NFL game and team this season.
Leading into the 2014-2015 NFL season, it was predicted that the Oakland Raiders would have the toughest strength of schedule, while the Indianapolis Colts were perceived to have the easiest. But when looking at the schedule only through the lens of “predicted weather and temperature” it’s a very different story. The Green Bay Packers have the most extreme cold weather predictions, Seattle Seahawks have the mildest schedule, and the Miami Dolphins have the hottest.
Oct 7th
MANjr’s Gift Guide Part 2
So if you missed the first MANjr. gift guide from last month, well we have another guide to help you out. These will make great gifts for you to put on your wish list or for those you need to shop for.
Griffin Technology’s Case Creator 
Griffin Technology, one of the world’s foremost creators of innovations for everyday life, introduces Case Creator, a custom case designing web application. Just in time for the holidays, Griffin’s new online Case Creator offers a simple and easy way to create personalized iPhone cases from your computer or mobile device.
I got one of these cases for someone on my list and I was VERY impressed with the quality of the case. I am not just talking about the quality of the case, but the image that was on the phone case. The image was as clear and crisp as it was on my computer. I know that my friend will love their case for Christmas.
If you can imagine it, you can turn your idea into a durable custom case for iPhone. Upload your favorite picture from your computer, Facebook or Instagram, or create your own design using several artistic options.
There are six layout options to arrange colors, patterns and photos. You can choose from millions of color options for an individualized look. Edit your uploaded photo with filters including black and white, sepia and color inversion. Add a personalized message with over a dozen fonts in an array of custom colors.
Users can select from two types of cases offering different levels of protection: a slim, impact-resistant polycarbonate shell, or a premium two-piece case with a polycarbonate shell surrounding a shock-absorbing silicone lining. Each case uses dye sublimation printing and heat-cured inks to create a long-lasting, scratch-resistant case.
Case Creator, regularly $29.99 and up, launches today with special holiday pricing starting at $19.99 through the end of 2013. Case Creator is now available for iPhone 5/5s and iPhone 4/4s, and will be available soon for Samsung Galaxy SIII and Galaxy S4.
Kinivo: BTX350 Wireless Compact Bluetooth Speaker
Conveniently portable and stylishly compact, this lightweight speaker system streams powerful audio from any Bluetooth enabled device. Enjoy rich, full-bodied sound and dynamic bass from virtually any device with the option to wirelessly stream via Bluetooth, or connect your favorite gadget with a standard 3.5mm plug. Measuring just eight by three inches, this speaker system features a rechargeable battery that lasts for 5-6 continuous hours, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes anywhere, anytime. Easily charge your device while listening to music through a built-in USB port while the speaker is connected to an AC power source. For more info on the BTX350 check out the Kinvio website.
SOUL® Electronics Combat+ Over-Ear Headphones
SOUL® Electronics is turning up the volume on athletic training with their new Combat series athletic performance headphones including the new Combat+ Over-Ear Headphones – the first-ever over-ear headphones built for athletic performance. The Combat+, inspired and rigorously tested by SOUL ambassadors Usain Bolt and Tim Tebow, was designed to deliver premium-performance comfort and superior audio to help athletes and fitness buffs get and stay in the zone during even the toughest workout.
These headphones feature Comply™ body heat activated, breathable memory foam ear pads provide perfect fit and comfort. There is an additional pair of breathable, washable mesh ear pads and breathable wide grip headband provides secure fit during exercise.
The interchangeable ear pads make for easy cleaning. The noise canceling feature is for improved concentration and it is also sweat-resistant with a compression fit. The Combat headphones sell for $199.99. SOUL is also introducing the fashion forward Loop series, a perfect gift for a girlfriend who is as passionate about great music as she is about style.
Waterpik® Complete Care
Waterpik’s new Complete Care combines superior Water Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush technologies in one product and is up to 70% more effective than Sonicare® FlexCare. Now all of your brushing and flossing needs can be accomplished with one convenient device that saves counter space and power outlets. So don’t just brush, go complete. This model offers an easy and more effective alternative.
The Waterpik® Water Flosser is clinically proven to be significantly more effective than traditional dental floss and Sonicare® Air Floss for reducing plaque, gingivitis, and gum disease and was proven to remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas. Waterpik® Complete Care is ideal for anyone with braces, implants, crowns, bridges, or periodontal pockets.
Fulton & Roark’s Cologne
Cologne stinks, well, sort of. For as long as anyone can remember, cologne has been part of a man’s daily 
grooming routine. Most colognes serve their purpose of smelling good. Even so, for many men, the risk of a leaky or broken bottle, confiscation at the hands of the TSA, and even the embarrassment of over-applying can make cologne not worth the hassle.
Fulton & Roark’s new solid wax-based cologne solves all the downsides of cologne through a total rethinking of what a men’s fragrance should be. The solid metal case means there is nothing to break, and the ultra-concentrated formula means that even though it lasts as long as many bottles of conventional cologne, it is carry-on approved. Additionally, the wax formula allows for a more controlled application, which makes it easier for men to apply just the right amount of cologne precisely where they want it.
The solid cologne is designed to go anywhere, from a gym bag to the pocket in a favorite pair of pants, and comes in three distinct fragrances.
Tybee: a clean light musk accented with notes of cedar and rosewood
Hatteras: a fresh take on a men’s classic, with notes of vetiver and light spice
Shackleford: a sophisticated blend of sandalwood and warm amber
Dec 8th
Ditch The Cord With PocketPlug
Prong LLC recently brought the PocketPlug to the tech market. It is the world’s first case with an integrated charger. The PocketPlug is designed to provide protection and charging capabilities for the iPhone. Users can abandon their cords and chargers and rely entirely on their PocketPlug.
The PocketPlug is unlike any other device on the market, designed with retractable prongs to double as a case and portable charger. When not in use, the prongs conveniently retract allowing the PocketPlug to transform into a sleek carrying solution with optimal pocket-ability. The durable case is made out of high-grade polycarbonate, protecting the iPhone from drops and scratches.
The prongs easily deploy allowing the case to connect to an outlet for direct charging, without the need for an additional adaptor or cable. PocketPlug has a micro-USB port built in for times when you’re in your car or have a cord handy. From your pocket to the socket, the lightweight PocketPlug provides the only all-in-one protective case and charging solution.
The PocketPlug’s slim and portable design allows for easy storage in a carry-on, backpack, purse, or pocket. The minimalistic case makes the perfect travel companion, eliminating the hassle of digging through your bag in search of a charger. The PocketPlug is also designed to enhance both the smartphone’s speakers and microphone by redirecting sound to the front of the phone for louder and clearer audio.
Available in black or white, the PocketPlug for iPhone 4, 4s and 5 can be purchased at goprong.com for $59.99 to $69.99. Learn more about Prong by visiting goprong.com.
Oct 10th
Improve Your Athletic Skills with these Gadgets
Golf is a game that can mess with your mind. When you think too much about your backswing you ball goes nowhere. When you have a few cold ones you game is on point. So the why not pull a Caddyshack II and use some tech to help your gold game. A company called Zepp Labs created an app called GolfSense to improve your game.
Also for those who love to play hoops there is a cool gadget for you too. A company called Wireless Sports unveiled its Hoop Tracker, which is the world’s first basketball watch to analyze and record real-time shooting percentages. Here is a rundown of each new piece of tech to help you step up your game.
Zepp Labs, specializing in delivering sport specific products using real-time motion sensor data announces a major update to the world’s bestselling mobile swing analyzer system called GolfSense. GolfSense is a system (wearable motion sensor + free mobile app) that helps you analyze and improve your golf swing. The new GolfSense 3 application makes the entire GolfSense experience even more helpful and easier to use. Available for download now at the App Store and Google Play for free.
For the first time in golf history, now you can evaluate the quality of your swing using a single metric called the “SwingScore”. This revolutionary feature tells you how closely you’re achieving your personal swing goals. You can choose goals based on your skill level or use your own best swings or a coach’s swing as your benchmark. GolfSense also makes it easy to see what aspects of your swing you need to work with the all new color-coded dashboard.
Some of the Golfsense 3.0 features include SwingScore where you get to evaluate the quality of each swing based on your personal goals. There is a dashboard to help easily identify what you’re doing well and what you need to work on. Their “lab reports” analyze and track your trends for each hitting session. These reports can be shared via email, Facebook and Twitter.
The app has focus screens to isolate a single aspect of your swing to focus your practice. There is even a way you can check out your club head and hand speed. See estimated club head and hand speed at the point of impact to work on timing.
There is the backswing position where GolfSense provides the golfer with an exact club shaft angle measurement at the top of their backswing. The Plane Comparison feature instantly compares how closely aligned the backswing and downswing planes are. Golfers can work to achieve their ideal swing plane by finding what works best for their swing goals. Lastly there is a way to check out your wrist release speed. It is a key component of the swing is wrist release, or how fast the golfer’s hands move the club through the ball impact zone. GolfSense delivers actual speed measurements to help improve speed.
GolfSense 3 is available for download from the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or from Google Play for Android mobile devices for free. The GolfSense sensor can be purchased in stores at Apple and Best Buy retail locations within the United States and at Apple retail locations in Europe. In addition, online at www.zepp.com.
Wireless Sports, an entrepreneurial tech company specializing in wearable sports technology, announces Hoop Tracker, the world’s first basketball watch to deliver in-depth analysis of your shooting percentages. Data obtained from each shooting session can be easily uploaded to Hoop Tracker’s software to analyze and improve shooting performance.
“Practice is the key to success in a sport like basketball, and since it’s impossible to have a coach on standby 24/7, having a tool like Hoop Tracker can be invaluable for tracking progress and improving overall technique,” says Wireless Sports CEO Jason Duke. “We have high hopes for Hoop Tracker and are currently pursuing strategic partners to bring it to market.”
How does it work?
The Hoop Tracker has two components that work to develop in-depth analysis of each shot: the lightweight watch is worn on your non-shooting wrist, while the shot detector is attached to the rim using the mounting pole. The watch and rim detector work simultaneously to identify the make or miss of every shot taken. Data recorded includes where the shot was taken and if the basketball hit the backboard, rim, or activates the internal lever. The only shot not automatically detected is an air ball. In this case, the player pushes the air ball button located on the side of the watch, recording the attempt as a missed shot. All statistics are later uploaded to the Hoop Tracker software for further analysis.
Hoop Tracker Software
Although instant data is displayed on the watch, these measurements are only the beginning of unparalleled insight into a player’s shooting development. Through HoopTracker.com, players can create a free account and upload watch data from each shooting session. The homepage “dashboard” will show a half court diagram displaying the player’s shooting performance, similar to viewing a professional player’s box score. With a variety of modes players can observe their strengths and areas for improvement from every major shooting area on the court.
“Basketball is the #1 team sport played in the Unites States with over 23 million participants,” Duke reports. “Despite the rapid growth of wearable technology, Hoop Tracker is the first of its kind to provide instant feedback, making training or shooting around more fun, competitive and productive.”
Dashboard Hoop Tracker data includes:
• Number of shots taken
• Overall shooting, field goal, free throw and 3 point percentages
• Short, medium and long range distance accuracy
• Left, right and center courtside accuracy
• Consecutive shots made and missed
• Points scored
• Duration of shooting session
• Calories burned
Analysis Different modes for different occasions:
• Design your own unique shooting program to track your progress over time
• Select training mode with goals for improving areas of weakness
• Coaches can customize and monitor shooting performance for up to 15 players using Coach Mode
How do you compete?
With every sport comes the competition factor. Through HoopTracker.com, players can download games and compete with friends for awards and trophies. Every milestone achieved and award given will be sharable through Facebook and Twitter. For additional information on Hoop Tracker, check out the video or visit HoopTracker.com. The Hoop Tracker will later retail for $199 and is expected to ship Q1 2014.
Sep 2nd
