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News

PC Building Simulator Game

Man, I used to love building PCs from scratch. In fact, the best PCs are the ones that you build yourself. Being able to choose your own components and installing them, gives you a PC that is right for you. Forget the specs that PC makers want to give you, build it how you want. It’s been way too long since I built a computer from the ground up. I just don’t have the extra time. You know what? I kind of miss it. Some of you know what I’m talking about. And for those people, check out this cool PC Building Simulator Game. It lets you build and assemble PCs virtually. This is also handy for folks who want to build PCs, but lack the knowledge because it will teach you some valuable skills. It’s all here: screwing and unscrewing various nuts and bolts, inserting power supply...

Games / News

The Walking Dead: Our World Augmented Reality Game

Remember the phenomenon that was Pokemon Go? Pokemon Go was a location-based augmented reality mobile game that had players trying to catch them all in the real world. Everyone was getting out and getting some exercise while catching monsters. Then the craze died down and I haven’t seen crowded streets since then. Well, it could be that the streets are about to get crowded again, but this time they won’t be hunting Pokemon. Instead they will be protecting the world from zombies. The Walking Dead: Our World is a new game that is similar to Pokemon Go, but with an undead twist. Sure, there are plenty of zombie-hunting games that you can play, but zombies in Augmented Reality should be extra terrifying since it offers a new level of realism. Players will encounter zombies in real-world locations after all. It’s the next best thing to VR. The app...

Podcast / review

Orbi AC3000 First Look (RBK50)

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSAt CES, I got to talk with Netgear about the popular Orbi satellite system. Since then, Netgear has sent an Orbi AC3000 for review, which I’ve been checking out for the last few weeks. I have been using similar “Bridge” networking options by Netgear so my Wifi signal covers my whole house. What is Orbi AC3000 Satellite System? This is also called “Mesh Networking”, the initial RBS50 device is the router, with 4 – 1GB LAN ports, and a USB 2.0 port for external storage. The router itself has 6 antennas, and an Internet speed of over 150 Mbps (if available by your service provider). Add the Satellite Router (RBRS50) While the router can give you 2,500 square feet of coverage, adding a single repeater can double that coverage. The satellite also has 4 – 1GB LAN ports, and 1 USB...

Music Tech / Podcast / SXSW

ModMic 5 Gaming Microphone for Your Favorite Headphones

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSModmic is an accessory for your favorite headphones that don’t have a microphone attached. While at SXSW, I talked with Antlion – the company behind the ModMic 4 and ModMic 5. What is ModMic? This is a microphone that can be affixed to many headphone combos to turn into a headset. Using a neodymium magnet and an adhesive attachment for the headphones, you simply let the two click together. ModMic 5 is switchable between a uni-directional microphone, and a Omni-directional. With a single flip of the switch, you can go from high-quality voice recordings, to noise-cancelling goodness if the surrounding environment is a bit noisy. The microphone is modular, with an extension cord, and a mute switch adapter. With the additional adapter, you can plug your ModMic 5 and headphones into your smartphone to take a call. A USB converter is...

News

Magnolia Audio Fest Brings Audio Gear of Your Dreams

Looking to upgrade your sound? Maybe a new home theater soundbar, or some studio speakers to help mix down your podcasts or music sessions. The Magnolia Audio Fest is remarkable deals on premium audio gear. From speakers, to receivers, along with wireless gear, including headphones, and more. Upgrade all your speakers around the house or studio. Weekly savings on some amazing offers, this AudioFest will give you products at incredible prices. Such as a new Samsung 3.1 Channel Soundbar system, or a Sony Core Series 10″ 115W Active Subwoofer for your Core series speakers. And while it’s also a good time to upgrade your video devices, audio is the heart of Magnolia. It brings emotion in what you watch, play, and envision. This premium selection of audio brands will help you fill your walls with great sounds, and powerful speakers. Sony Shelf Systems, LG Shelf Systems, turntables for...

Podcast / SXSW

Bose AR is Audio Augmented Reality in Your Headphones, Glasses

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSWhen you think of AR/VR, you might first think of video. Bose AR wants to change that with a new idea of Audo AR. The Bose AR system is a prototype that we got to see this year at SXSW. The idea is to give you a full experience without blocking your ears from important sounds. How Bose AR Works We got to experience two forms of it – in a pair of sunglasses, and with in-ear headset. The device would get information on something you are looking at – whether a product, or landmark – and bring back important information. If you get to work, it can change playlists for you, and even turn on noise cancelling features (for headset units). You can go on Virtual tours, where the device will direct you by using Binaural audio. If you need...

News

SXSW 2018: Razer signs first mobile eSports team, talks future of competitive gaming with Skillz

Mobile eSports dominated SXSW Gaming this year with a number of tournaments sponsored by Razer Phone, including Arena of Valor Collegiate Showdown and Clash Royale Super Magical Cup Kings of the Hill. On a panel on the state of the industry that I moderated with Razer’s GM of Mobile, Tom Moss, and Skillz’s Director of Developer Relationships, David Mok,  Razer made a surprise announcement that it had just signed Team Queso to Team Razer, its first mobile esports team. “2018 is the year that mobile esports will explode. Cannot stem the tide, there is already such a massive base playing. By far the biggest gaming platform in the world with 2 billion phones, mobile makes up 80% of industry revenue. When PUBG launched in China, there were more players on mobile than PC.” said Moss, “Expect to see multimillion dollar prize pools, dedicated mobile event spaces, even documentaries...

Music Tech / Podcast / SXSW

Sound Devices MixPre multi-track: I Record a Song at SXSW

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSSound Devices is a good ole Wisconsin company that works in sound. These are high-end audio devices that are used in pro recording of music, video projects, and more. If you know what a Dead Cat is, you probably have heard about Sound Devices. But they decided to travel to SXSW and show everyone else what their new MixPre multi-track recorders do. What is MixPre-3 6 and 10? Small, lightweight, and can record up to 10 audio tracks. That is the MixPre-10T in a nutshell. Weighing in at under 2 lbs, the 10T can be placed under a DSLR camera, or attached to a mixing board to record interviews, panels, live concerts, and more. Sound Devices will be bringing out the 10M if you need to sync time code with video. Each MixPre comes with Kashmir microphone preamps inside. This gives...

News / SXSW

SXSW 2018: Comfort Bots Steal Show Floor

Meet Chappet, the talking yellow button with a voice babies must love. It can be affixed to any object and allows you to communicate remotely, or it can communicate for you. When sensing a baby is crying, Chappet will start playing lullabies to soothe it, and parents can talk to the baby through the iOS and Android app. Black Mirror applications include spooking friends at a party or bugging a meeting in states where wiretapping is legal. Battery life is 1.2 hours and the app is compatible with iOS 9.0 and Android 55.0+. Available on Amazon for $54.99. I have yet to try the one the company gave me but was able to get this demo at the booth: Japan-based comfortbot, Qoobo, the pillow with a tail, was also on the show floor, featured here playing with Sony’s robot dog, Aibo. Qoobo with Sony’s Aibo, photo credit: Qoobo Geekazine...

Podcast / SXSW

Petting the Aibo Robot Dog at Sony Wow SXSW, Xperia Hello, Air Hockey

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSOnce again, Sony Wow pop-up shop at SXSW gave us a look into the future of entertainment, functionality, and AI with some inventive products. I also got a chance to spend some time with Aibo – the robot dog – to see how it interacts. Sony Xperia Hello Robot Coming into the WoW Experience, I saw a fun little group of robots dancing to song. This is the Xperia Hello. It’s a smart speaker that can respond to your voice, gesture, and facial expressions. It’s more than just a speaker, as it can take photos or video, play photos or video, check weather and traffic, news, and many other functions through the add-on apps. The Hello is a little pricey at $1,300, and isn’t out in the U.S. right now. Virtual Air Hockey I am pretty good at air hockey. This...

News

SXSW 2018: Waymo on self-driving cars and safety

At SXSW last week, optimism abounded for the rise of autonomous vehicles. Tesla’s Elon Musk announced self-driving will encompass all modes of driving by the end of next year, saying it will make it 100-200% safer than a person driving. Waymo CEO John Krafcik added, “It’s here now. It’s on public roads now” and announced that eventhough we can’t yet buy true self-driving cars where the driver doesn’t have to pay attention, “we are deploying it as a ridesharing service.” Waymo was founded in 2009 as the Google Self-Driving Car Project and is currently a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet. Krafcik defined Waymo as a technology company working on building the world’s most experienced driver, and installing that driver into cars and trucks to make the roads safer and save lives. “1.25 million people die every year in car accidents around the world. It’s like 140 people...

Music Tech / Podcast / SXSW

Cabot: I Play with the Cajon Robot Drummer

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSCabot is making a MIDI device you can attach to your Cajon drum. The result – a robotic drummer for your solo gigs. A device that is fun to watch, along with fun to play with. I know – I played along with it at SXSW. How Cabot Works The Robot drummer is controlled via app on your iOS device or via PC using your favorite MIDI software. You can create the rhythms through the app, then send to the device to play. A pedalboard is available to start, stop, and transition the drummer for your need. Cabot is Crowdfunding Soon The prototypes are now set, Cabot will be launching their crowdfund very soon. To get on the list, simply Go to Cajon-Robot.com and choose “News” and “Subscribe”.

Podcast / SXSW

Westworld Experience at SXSW: Walk Through Sweetwater With Me

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSWhen I’m at a major conference, I try not to take on anything that consumes 4-5 hours of my time. Of course, I make exceptions – which you have to do from time to time at SXSW. Long lines for movie premieres or major events are a common thing. When I found that Westworld was going to have an experience at SXSW, I knew I couldn’t pass this up – no matter how long it took. The end result was an event I will never forget. How HBO Built Westworld at SXSW About 30 miles northwest of Austin sits the J. Lorraine TX Ghost Town. A theme park open year round and host to many different events. Therefore, it would make sense that HBO and Westworld would use this to set up the town of Sweetwater – the main town in...

News

HAL 9000 Replica With Amazon Alexa

I don’t know about you, but 2001: A Space Odyssey is one of my favorite sci-fi films of all time. It’s a shame that Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke couldn’t make more movies together. As you know, the HAL 900 AI computer was the highlight of the film. Well, if you’ve ever wanted to have your very own HAL 900, this is as close as you are likely to get in this lifetime. This prop replica from Master Replicas Group includes a real AI. While we don’t have any pricing info yet, we do know that this replica will have working displays, functional voice recognition, and Amazon Alexa integration. That’s right, a real HAL 9000 that you can actually talk to and control with your voice. It can control things in your home, order you a pizza, potentially even refuse to open the pod bay doors. Hopefully,...

CES / News / SXSW

SXSW 2018 Interview: CTA’s Gary Shapiro on The Road Ahead for Self-Driving Cars

Gary Shapiro, CEO and President of the Consumer Technology Association, producers of CES, was in town at SXSW for CTA Innovation Policy Day, sharing insights from his New York Times bestseller, Ninja Innovation: The Ten Killer Strategies of the World’s Most Successful Businesses. Geekazine had a chance to talk with Shapiro on the future of mobility and the timelines provided by Tesla’s Elon Musk and Waymo’s John Krafcik at the show, in which Musk said 18 months from now self-driving will encompass all modes and will be up to 200% safer than a person driving, and Krafcik said “It’s here now. It’s on public roads now,” as he showed off video of the first rides with no driver at the wheel in the Waymo Phoenix Early Rider Program. Krafcik also announced the program will be rolling out to other cities soon, including those in the Bay Area, and predicted that...

SXSW: Elon Musk Dates Mission to Mars, Early 2019

News

SXSW: Elon Musk Dates Mission to Mars, Early 2019

Elon Musk has been making quite a splash at SXSW this year, crashing yesterday’s Westworld panel, dropping in on the Westworld theme park with his kids, and partying late night with Snoop Dogg. The visionary billionaire has five companies, six sons, and just shot his Tesla Roadster into outer space. He’s got a lot to say and  surprised fans by taking the stage this morning with his long time friend, Westworld’s Jonathan Nolan. “We are building the first Mars, or interplanetary ship, and will be making short trips the first half of next year,” he announced. “The goal is a base on the moon and a city on Mars.” He described creating a space colony that has essentials like a propellant power station and iron foundries, but also includes fun places to hangout like pizza joints and nightclubs. “We need great bars on Mars. Mars Bars!” Musk joked. He...

Podcast / SXSW

I Sat in the Justice League Batmobile at SXSW DC Popup

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSThis is a once in a lifetime opportunity as I was at the DC press event at SXSW. Even top artist Jim Lee was excited to do this. But I got to say, It’s not easy getting into a Batmobile… DC Panel at SXSW The press was invited to sit with top DC names to learn about 80 Years of Superman, along with the new TV show, Krypton on Syfy. Moderated by IGN Executive Editor Laura Prudom, we heard from Dan Jurgens, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Brian Michael Bendis, Cameron Welsh, Nadria Tucker, and Lina Patel. About Krypton: The Making of a Legend Nadria and Lina are working on the show Krypton. The show focuses on Superman’s grandfather, Seg-El, who has to fight for his family’s honor as the House of El was shamed over false claims with Superman’s great-great grandfather. About the 80th...

News

Fan Tone Ceiling Fan Cleans And Cools The Air

These days, people are spending the majority of their time indoors, so that means there are more bad things in our air that we need to get out. There’s already an assortment of products to help clean the air in our homes, but they are usually stand-alone devices that look out of place no matter where we put them. The Fan Tone concept design combines air cleaning with something you already have: A ceiling fan. It will save you some space and keep your air clean at the same time. A ceiling fan with a built-in air purifier seems like a great idea since all of the air passes through your fan already. It will keep you feeling cooler, while also passing air through its HEPA filter system. This will make sure that your home is as healthy as possible, without the need for standalone purifiers that likely...

Podcast / review

Samsung S9+ Unboxing and First Look Exclusive

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSThis morning I unboxed the Samsung S9+ phone, which I got from Verizon (a returnable press review model, but all opinions are of Geekazine). I had the phone for the last 24 hours, and I will be taking it to SXSW with me to record video, create social posts, and more. This is a first look of the device. About the Samsung Galaxy S9+ This phone is all about the camera and it’s features, but it also has a powerful phone behind it. Some settings vary between the S9 and S9+, so check the specs page (and the slideshow) for more information. The camera is only 12 MP rear, 8 MP front, which is no different than the S8. Samsung did add super slow mode (960 fps) in 720p. They also added live focus and Bokeh features (overlays and Augmented Reality...

Music Tech / NAMM / Podcast

Relish Swiss Modular Guitars

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSWhile at NAMM, I talked with Sylvan at Relish Guitars about their modular options. The Mary, Jane, and Mary Aluminum guitars are a different way to think of building and repairing guitars. What is Relish Modular Guitars The guitars can be opened simply through a magnetic back. Inside, you can easily change out the pickups, change batteries, or add new hardware, then snap on the back and continue to play. The guitars are built using moulded wood veneer in a “Sandwich” construction. The fingerboard is made of Bamboo, with a Maple neck. The pickup touchpad works just like a toggle switch to move back and forth. Some models will have the touchpad, others with the toggle. All guitars are produced in Lucerne, Switzerland, and held high in Swiss craftmanship standards. Guitars will start at $2,500 and will be available in May....

News

SXSW 2018 Twitter Guide: Who To Follow

SXSW is one of those shows where you can be at the hot party and still miss that it’s Elijiah Wood DJing the set. There are so many things happening all at once that the only real way to guard against severe FOMO is to sketch out a general plan, respect yourself for being human, and let serendipity be your guide. A quick read of my SXSW 2018 Guide: Top Panels, Parties, Performances will give you a sense of the exciting things to do while in Austin, March 8 though 18. After that, you’ll want to start following the 500+ key influencers who will be at the show. Here is my SXSW 2018 Twitter Who To Follow Guide which you can subscribe to on Twitter @contentnow, and below are their individual handles. Tweet adds to me @contentnow. Enjoy! Brad Abrams, Google Assistant, @brada Dan Ackerman, CNET, @danackerman Byron Acohido, Third Certainty, @byronacohido Sandra Adair, Boyhood/Dazed and...

Music Tech / NAMM / Podcast

New Features from Avid Pro Tools

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSI got to talk with Avid at NAMM about Pro Tools updates. I also sat in on a very interesting demo on MIDI drums. I talked with Adam Lebowski about those new features. What is in Pro Tools HD 2018 Seven new feature sets to help creators make music. Retrospective MIDI record allows you to add a MIDI performance into your timeline so your not distracted. Track Presets allow you to build sessions on the fly. You can create a chain of Effects that you may use on a regular basis. A vocal chain with light compression, and EQ for male or female vocals, a drum chain, a guitar chain, and even an overall chain. Improved MIDI editing with keyboard commands. Nudge a note left, right, trim, and transpose with a keystroke. Of course, Avid is also improving session data with...

Music Tech / NAMM / Podcast

aFrame Drum from ATV

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSElectronic Hand Drums can add a lot of new sounds and feels to music while keeping their roots in hand drumming. ATV has come out with a fun drum in the aFrame – a $1,599 device that matches that of a frame drum. About the aFrame Frame Drum To begin with, this drum is diamond shaped. This makes it easier to not only hold and position when you put on the drum strap, but also get different tones by where you strike the drum. The frame is Bamboo, with a polycarbonate surface. On the back is the drum module, with multiple buttons, USB, and microSD card support. The aFrame can be placed on a snare stand when you want to sit. The strap also can hold a battery if you want to be as portable as possible. Simply plug in a...

Music Tech / NAMM / Podcast

Playing the Yamaha Clavinova CVP-709 with Piano Room

Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSWhile at NAMM2018, I was able to try out the Clavinova CVP-709 digital piano. A fun piano that has many options including the Piano Room – giving you options for sounds and backline for practicing. About the CVP-709 A wood key keyboard gives this digital keyboard a realistic touch response. Being a digital piano, you can choose from many voices on the keyboard. Piano Room This is a dedicated area where a player can go in to play. The new features include 2 world-class CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand pianos, along with many vintage electric pianos. You can also enter into “jam” mode to play with a virtual band. The band allows you to perform and practice with 40 different musical styles. The Yamaha Clavinova CVP-709 starts at $14,499 and is available now. Check out Yamaha for a retailer.

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