A new robot to tackle UK’s STEM skills gap.

Danish company Shape Robotics has premiered its latest educational teaching robot Fable Spin at BETT, the world’s biggest education technology event 23-26 January, this week. Designed to make it easy to teach STEM skills and for students to become creators of technology, the new Danish robot aims to inspire students to engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics to alleviate the shortage of qualified candidates that is estimated to cost UK businesses £1.5 billion per year.

Danish company @ShapeRobotics has premiered its latest educational teaching robot Fable Spin at @Bett_show this week
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Fable Spin is the latest offshoot from the Fable System from @ShapeRobotics which gives everyone the fantastic feeling of being able to programme a robot
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“We have chosen London for the world premiere of Fable Spin, which makes robot technology widely accessible and inspires imagination while teaching multidisciplinary skills in the classroom. Fable Spin is the latest offshoot from the Fable System, which gives everyone the fantastic feeling of being able to programme a robot. The Fable System ensures successful programming, innovation and creativity in teaching and is robust enough for rough treatment in the classroom,” says David Johan Christensen, CEO of Shape Robotics

Originally developed in 2011 by a Ph.D. student and an associate professor at the Technical University of Denmark this clever system was launched as a start-up business in 2015. Shape Robotics, located in Copenhagen, where the robot parts are assembled after having been produced all over the world.

The Fable Spin has strong magnetic joints, can easily be clicked together and has no wires or cables, so it is fast to get ready and clear up, leaving more time for teaching. The programming is easy, and the unique open-ended system can be extended with LEGO® and your own 3D-prints. Fable Spin has 4 available connectors, 2 rotating connectors, 360-degree rotation, 3 colour sensors, 3 ambient light sensors, 3 distance sensors, 3 gesture detection sensors and 2-meter long IR communication.

The @ShapeRobotics Fable Spin has strong magnetic joints, can easily be clicked together and has no wires or cables, so it is fast to get ready and clear up, leaving more time for teaching
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From small children to geeks

The Fable System assists learning at all levels, from the comprehension of technology in primary and secondary school, through to the teaching of more advanced mathematics and informatics in vocational training programmes in industry and construction. After just 18 months in the market, the Fable System is used by more than 200 schools and educational institutions in more than 20 countries.

“We were thrilled when Fable arrived, and we found it easy to get started. It is really well made and easy to put together. We also loved the blocky editor and found it easy to navigate round. It complimented the other work on blockly we had been doing.” Said Karen Fleming, Keble Prep School, UK. “We set it up and got a few pupils to try it out. They got Fable to monitor movement, then wave and smile. The best thing though was the discussion between the pupils. The problem solving and thinking skills were a joy to witness.”

Pupils can easily programme the Fable Spin to move, play football, tidy up, dance, wrestle, monitor rooms, be social or transport items from A to B
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Pupils can easily programme the Fable Spin to move, play football, tidy up, dance, wrestle, monitor rooms, be social or transport items from A to B. Fable Spin has wheels and a number of integrated sensors that allow it to avoid obstacles, perform search and rescue missions and navigate by lines. The Fable System invites anyone from the age of three through to grown-ups to get to grips with the programming languages Blockly or Python.

“Due to its ease of use and applicability, Fable can be used to teach everyone – from inexperienced children to robot scientists. Its resemblance with professional robots also means that it can be used at vocational training programmes for training programming, automation, computer vision, CAD design and artificial intelligence. Fable covers the entire spectrum and is designed for 21st century learning,” explains Moises Pacheco, CTO and co-founder.

Shape Robotics’ system is already widely deployed in Danish schools, helping to sustain the country’s position as one of the most advanced nations for robotics and automation. It is hoped that widespread adoption in the UK help it shake off its undesirable status as the least automated G7 country and the only one with a robot density below the worldwide average.

@ShapeRobotics system is already widely deployed in Danish schools, helping to sustain the country’s position as one of the most advanced nations for robotics and automation
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The Fable System invites anyone from the age of three through to grown-ups to get to grips with the programming languages Blockly or Python
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This innovative system enables teachers and pupils to be innovative and creative by solving real-world problems. It is composed of three types of modules: function modules, build modules and extension modules. The build modules can be purchased or 3D-printed in various formats so that they can be integrated with both simple and complex robots.

The extension modules make it possible to combine Fable with other systems such as a smartphone running Skype, a robot hand, a 3D-printed robot head or a laser pointer.

Combining function, build and extension modules gives pupils untold possibilities to create different types of robots, a key feature which is in great demand in the industry right now
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Combining function, build and extension modules gives pupils untold possibilities to create different types of robots that are able to walk, drive, see, throw, use laser or ‘pick and place’, i.e. to pick things up and place them correctly, which is in great demand in the industry right now. The system can be used for various subjects other than comprehension of technology and informatics such as innovation. More information available here.

Tom Atkinson is a Digital Producer & Photographer at R3Digital and Reviews & Dep. Editor at Tech Trends. Connect on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter @R3Digital

The post The Shape of Things to Come appeared first on Tech Trends.

Littlebits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit

Littlebits makes all manner of modular STEM kits and solutions for teachers and parents but this one is possibly the coolest educational toy ever! It includes some Lego-like construction, a bit of electronics and some easy-access coding so kids can modify and personalise their super hero glove as they wish. Including the ability to control the colour and strobing of lights, a movement and speed sensor plus an awesome stealth mode ability – I won’t spoil that one for you. Littlebits draws kids into playing with and learning basic STEM while playing at being their favourite Marvel superhero.

Littlebits draw kids into playing with and learning basic STEM while living as their favourite Marvel superhero.
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I can’t recommend this enough and only wish my hands were smaller! You can pick one up for only $105 here thanks to Littlebits’ 30% off Black Friday deals.

BlitzWolf® AmpCore BW-TC4 3A Braided USB Type-C to Type-C Charging Data Cable 3.33ft/1m

These are really lovely cables. Braided cables have long been my favourite but they can often be a bit thicker than is useful, however, these AmpCore cables from BlitzWolf are pleasingly thin and very well made.

Braided cables have long been my favourite but they can often be a bit thicker than is useful, however, these AmpCore cables from BlitzWolf are pleasingly thin and very well made
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Each cable rolls up small and the Gold-plated heads are really slim so should fit in USB sockets hidden in the narrowest crooks and crannies. Under testing, they stood up to their quoted speeds and quickly charged several phones. As you can see in the video below they are also stronger than the Hulk, just in case you need that. More info on each cable below.

Each cable rolls up small and the Gold-plated heads are really slim so should fit in USB sockets hidden in the narrowest crooks and crannies
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These cables have data transfer speeds of up to 480MBps and also support charging during data transfer
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BlitzWolf® AmpCore BW-TC4 3A Braided USB Type-C to Type-C Charging Data Cable 3.33ft/1m

56kΩ Standard Resistor is included to ensure that your device will not drain extra power out of the power source, which may lead to over-heating and serious issues. Supports 3.6-12V fast charging at up to 3A current, compatible with Qualcomm QC2.0, QC3.0, MTK Pump Express Plus and other fast charging technology. Data transfer speeds of up to 480MBps and also supports charging during data transfer. Compatible with most Type-C port digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, PDAs, digital cameras/camcorders, hard drives, e-readers, power banks and portable game players.

Premium Quality Materials: Nickel-plated reversible connector heads and 1m/3.33ft durable braided wire sheath with 22AWG power and 30AWG data tinned copper wire cores can be bent over 5000 times with no change in performance.

Specification:
Brand: BlitzWolf®
Model: AmpCore BW-TC4
Plug: 56kΩ standard resistance USB Type-C Male to USB Type-C Male, Nickel-plated Reversible Connector Heads
Materials: Double Color Injection Molding + TPE Cover & Polyester Fiber Jacket
Wire Core: 30 AWG(Data) + 22 AWG(Power)
Output: 3.6-12V, up to 3A
Data Sync Speed: Up to 480Mbps
Length: 1m/3.33ft
OD: 4.0mm
Color: Red & Grey

BlitzWolf® AmpCore Turbo BW-TC9 3A Braided Durable USB 3.0 to Type-C Charging Data Cable 3ft/0.9m

Fast USB 3.0 Type C: data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, more than 10 times faster than USB 2.0. cables. Internal Resistor: Type C cables without an internal resistor can overheat or damage your device. Ampcore Type C cables have a built-in 56kΩ resistor that provides smooth and safe charging. Supports 3.6-12V fast charging at up to 3A, and is compatible with Qualcomm QC2.0, QC3.0, MTK Pump Express Plus and most other fast charging technologies. Compatible with most Type-C digital devices such as smart phones, tablets, MP3 players, digital cameras, camcorders, hard drives, e-readers, power banks and portable game players.

Premium Quality Materials:
-Gold-plated reversible connector heads won’t corrode over time and provide unrivalled long-term conductivity.
-Flexible and strong braided wire sheath can be bent over 5000 times with no change in performance.
-Engineered with 22AWG power and 32AWG data tinned copper wire cores for fast charging and data transfer.

Specification:
Brand: BlitzWolf®
Model: BW-TC9
Material: Protective Tinned Copper Mesh + Aluminum Foil Shielding + Environmental Flexible Braided Jacket
Plug: Standard USB3.0 A Male to USB Type-C Male, Gold-plated Reversible Connector Head
Wire Core: 32 AWG(Data)*3 + 22 AWG(Power)
Output: 3.6-12V, up to 3A
Data Sync Speed: Up to 5Gbps (USB3.1 Gen1)
Length: 0.9m/3ft
OD: 4.0mm
Colour: Red Cable & Black Metal Plug

Take a look at all BlitzWolf’s products here on the wonderfully named banggood.com or pick up the USB-3 to USB-C here for £3.17 and the Type C – Type C here for £4.36

Naked Nutrition Protine Powders & Supplements

We have been looking at wellness products here at Tech Trends and seeing innovation everywhere in this booming market. In September we tried out Soylent Meal Replacements and this month it’s the turn of Naked Nutrition. From Grass-Fed Whey Protein to Pea Protein Powder to Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder, Naked Nutrition provides the “purest supplements”. They claim their powders are loaded with essential amino acids and no artificial sweeteners or colours and commit to offering the best protein powders and supplements including Powdered Peanut Butter, Casein Protein, Creatine Monohydrate and many more.

We are looking at health and wellness products here at Tech Trends and are seeing innovation everywhere in this booming market
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We tested out their Collagen Peptides Powder, the Powdered Peanut Butter and the mindboggling Branched Chain Amino Acids, WTF? Well, this last one claims “the highest pharmaceutical grade, fastest dissolving, and rapidly absorbed Branch Chain Amino Acids available”. OK, so that does what? Naken Nutrition says studies have shown that BCAA supplementation improves strength and muscle development, speeds recovery, and increases endurance for men and women at all fitness levels. I am afraid all I can say is that it tasted OK but as a slothful couch potato I can’t speak to its powers of recovery or muscle boosting powers. I might be the wrong person to review these…? Anyway the Powdered Peanut Butter next!

Naked PB is a vegan peanut butter protein powder made exclusively from peanuts grown on US farms. Our powdered peanut butter is made from slow-roasted, non-GMO peanuts that are mechanically pressed to remove fat and oil. The result is a peanut butter powder that is over 40% protein. Gain the nutritional benefits of powdered peanut butter and enjoy its flavor by using it in recipes from cakes and muffins to smoothies. Naked Nutrition is committed to shortening the steps between our farms and you.

Studies have shown that BCAA supplementation improves strength and muscle development, speeds recovery, and increases endurance for men and women at all fitness levels
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If you love peanuts and crave protein then this is for you, but not me. Now, this next one I can relate to. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and a major component of connective tissues in tendons, ligaments and having a long-term knee injury I can recommend others with joint problems regularly consume collagen and this supplement is as good a way as any to do that.

Consuming collagen provides health benefits including joint health, youthful skin, healthy hair, protecting cartilage and bones, and workout recovery. Our hydrolyzed collagen powder is sourced from European cows that are pasture raised. Highly soluble and tasteless, use our grass fed collagen peptide powder in hot beverages such as your morning coffee, cold sports drinks, tea before sleep or as an unflavored protein base in pre and post-workout smoothies.

I have taken Glucosamine for a few years and this should provide similar benefits without struggling to swallow those enormous horse pills
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Now, this tub will stay on my counter and I’ll keep myself topped up to ease pain and stiffness in my knee. I have taken Glucosamine for a few years and this should provide similar benefits without struggling to swallow the enormous horse pills I used to take. Check out Naked Nutrition here and sample some of their range of 21st-century health supplements.

BlitzWolf BW-BR4 Bluetooth V5.0 aptX 2 Way HD Music Receiver & Transmitter

I have tested one-way Bluetooth transmitters and receivers but not a two-way device and this BW-BR4 from BlitzWolf is one nifty little gadget for anyone who loves music and fiddling with tech. That’s all of you I hope! Set up is super simple if you have a basic need to transmit both ways between two devices but I took it a bit far and made a mess. However, the BW-BR4 performed exactly as it should and the Bluetooth 5.0 sound quality was excellent.

I wanted to stream music from my phone to my amplifier in receive mode and transmit the audio from my Playstation 4 to my Skullcandy Bluetooth headphones using the transmit mode.
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I wanted to stream music from my phone to my amplifier in receive mode and transmit the audio from my Playstation 4 to my Skullcandy Bluetooth headphones using the transmit mode. That means I was using the BW-BR4 as a hub between four devices! Long story short, the hub worked fine but I got in a terrible pickle when managing the four connected devices. Duuuuh!

I kept switching on the wrong device at the wrong time and then getting confused when pairing the phone or the headphones in the right order.

That means I was using the BW-BR4 as a hub between four devices! Long story short, the hub worked fine but I got in a terrible pickle when managing the four connected devices. Duuuuh!
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The BlitzWolf BW-BR4 performed exactly as it should and the Bluetooth 5.0 sound quality was excellent
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I got it to work after much shouting but decided the hub was smarter than my brain so abandoned that crazy config. It has the ports for this, though, and I think most audiophiles will be happy with the connectivity on hand here.

Features:

• Transmitter and receiver 2 in 1
• Transmitter mode: Turn your TV/Computer/Laptop into a Bluetooth-enabled device. You can listen to the audio from your Bluetooth headset and watch a movie or play a game without interfering with anyone.
• Receiver mode: Connect the BR4 to your home speaker system/car stereo/headphones and turn it into a Bluetooth audio device. You can then connect your smartphone or other Bluetooth device and play music wirelessly.
• CSR BC8675 Bluetooth Chip. The CSR BC8675 chip gives you Bluetooth V5.0 and optical audio output for a truly universal wireless solution.
  328 ft Wireless Connection Range
• Built-in antenna, up to 100 meters (328 ft) long range and stable transmission to share your audio from indoors to outdoors.
• Optical Fiber Transmit
• Gives you the option of digital connection to your playback device for maximum audio quality.
• Long Standby Time
• With a built-in 600mAh battery, you get up to 17 hours working time and 175 hours standby time.

Take a look at all BlitzWolf’s products here on the wonderfully named banggood.com or pick up a BW-BR4 here for £31.79

Piper Educational Computer Kit

So In my honorary role as the eternal child at Tech Trends, I gleefully rolled up my sleeves and got stuck into building my own Piper Raspberry Pi computer. Even for someone used to building awesome toys, this was really something, combining ultra-slick presentation and a very tactile, approachable and play-focused functionality and aesthetics. The Minecraft theme also makes it instantly approachable for kids of all ages, even those in their late 30s.

 

Overall this is an excellent product as it is, but the Piper team are not exactly resting on their laurels, as they’re constantly expanding and evolving their storylines and adding new games and challenges so be sure to keep your Piper Computer updated when it’s connected to the Internet, as the fun certainly doesn’t end when you complete your first mission. In fact, that’s just the start of your adventure.

Get your hands on one for only $249 here with a holiday discount.

Take a look at all BlitzWolf’s products here on the wonderfully named banggood.com or pick up a BW-AS1 here for £63.59 and save with this Holiday 15% off coupon code AS1:15AS1

This mains powered high speed charger is an excellent travel companion
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It provides six fast charging USB outputs from one mains connection and comes in a variety of standard international plug configurations
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Ever wonder why your smartphone charges faster from some charging ports and slower from others? Often, it’s not just the power that your charger can offer. Instead, it comes down to compatibility. Some ports simply don’t speak the right language to open up your device to full speed charging. Try plugging an iPhone into an Android adapter, or vice versa, and your charge time could be double so the BWS4 gives you six standard USB outputs, all connected to the same 50W power supply, all pumping out the same high-speed charge.

Features :

• 50W of Power – Enough to full-charge multiple devices simultaneously.
• 6 Ports Optional – Enough charging ports to handle a family’s worth of gear.
• 3S Power Technology – High-speed charging of up to 2.4A per port. Safe charging and multi-channel protection.
• Portable & Convenient – Creative two-side holder design, provides convenient charging. Compact and light design, ideal for home, work, holidays and wherever else you may go.

Take a look at all BlitzWolf’s products here on the wonderfully named banggood.com or pick up a BWS4 here for £15.89

The post November BLACK FRIDAY 2018 Product Reviews appeared first on Tech Trends.

Camsoda’s interactive Cardi-Bot talks, twerks, dances and shimmies at your command.

Adult entertainment webcam platform CamSoda has a very particular style of tongue-in-cheek innovation where it comes to product releases: From Dickometrics to PayPhal, they have made language learning sexier and even allowed people to monitor their cryptocurrency investments through their genitalia. Their latest development – dubbed the Cardi-Bot – follows along the same vein, claiming to be the world’s first sex robot that clients can interact with over the Internet – and apparently, it’s for free.

“With the popularity of HBO’s Westworld, and advancements in robotics and AI that have garnered international headlines for the likes of RealBotix and Sophia the Robot, robots over the past year have become all the rage,” says Daryn Parker, VP of Camsoda.

From Dickometrics to PayPhal, CamSoda have made language learning sexier and even allowed people to monitor their cryptocurrency investments through their genitalia
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Taking that appetite for sexbots to a new dimension, CamSoda seized the opportunity to extend their sex tech innovation skills by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) as part of their sexy repertoire in order for clients to interact more fully with new tech – live on the Internet. CamSoda promise that “Cardi-Bot can not only mimic human-like behaviour but also get down and dirty, all with the quick click of a button.”

By using Natural Language Processing technology and machine learning, CamSoda claims that Cardi-Bot will also be able to converse with users and engage in ‘dirty talk’ – live in real time on webcam over the Internet for free once a week. This gives users who would not otherwise be able to afford it, the chance to experience this titillating Turing test, with camming sessions accessible on both desktop and mobile devices via the CamSoda website.

In order to experience this free show, clients will enter a public chat room where they will be prompted by tip menus and a ‘Spin the Wheel’ game of chance so that conversations or specific movements can be requested. Clients can also take Cardi-Bot for a more intimate and private one to one session where the Robot will perform tasks, also activated by tips.

By using Natural Language Processing technology and machine learning, CamSoda claims that Cardi-Bot will also be able to converse with users and engage in dirty talk
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This seems all very exciting, but in order for twerking to be successful for example, surely there must be some sort of wobble or jiggle factor programmed into the erotic movement which Cardi-Bot in its current form may be missing out. The appropriation of Raunch Culture by makers of robots is an interesting one because of the chosen context and type of dance movements and appears to follow on from the commodification of African-American vernacular dance further developed within the sex industry and now in robotics.

In order for robot twerking to be successful for example, surely there must be some sort of wobble or jiggle factor programmed into the erotic movement which Cardi-Bot in its current form may be missing out
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Not only is this a way at looking at the sexualisation of dance, but could also identify specific moves for specific types of arousal. There are also practical design elements to consider because if the robot was not attached to a pole of some sort for stability, for example, it would probably fall over whilst having a good twerk.

VIRP

CamSoda claims that in the near future with machine learning Cardi-Bot will be able to react to more detailed instructions and be able to converse more intelligently. This would probably depend on the quality of conversation by the client, however. It is also hoped that the pole-dancing robot will be fitted with teledildonics in the future, which should enable an “unprecedented experience that mimics real-time sex”.

It is also hoped that the pole-dancing robot will be fitted with teledildonics in the future, which should enable an “unprecedented experience that mimics real-time sex”
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Perhaps to counteract the gleaming harsh metal look of the robot, CamSoda has suggested that they could eventually offer a hybrid interactive robot that is not only fitted with teledildonics but with a more human style artificial flesh covering – like those used to create the “Real Doll” phenomenon for example.

CamSoda like to think of this as ‘VIRP’, short for “Virtual Intercourse with Real People”. This could help with the wobble or jiggle factor mentioned earlier, possibly giving a more realistic experience for the client. This concept strangely sounds more like encouragement for the robot to interact with real people than promoting real people to interact with the robot.

This concept strangely sounds more like encouragement for the robot to interact with real people than promoting real people to interact with the robot
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The Future?

Perhaps Cardi-Bot is part of the evolutionary design process of sex robot development, where research and experiment combine not only with haptics, movement and what is erotic but also with machine learning. Perhaps new tech responses learnt through entertainment robots such as Cardi-bot would determine things like how we perceive a smile or say, an eyebrow twitch in relation to attraction and empathy.

How and if Cardi-Bot creates a knock-on effect in real-world relationships will be interesting too
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There is also potential for learning about power and submission and expectations both real and unrealistic. The uncanny valley will apply to eroticism here and how learned responses will affect the ego of a client. How and if this creates a knock-on effect on real-world relationships will be interesting too.

Nonetheless, it does mean that we will need to up our knowledge of dance moves – with the launching of Cardi-Bot we will definitely need to think about how we shimmy, jiggle and twerk our way into the future.

Trudy Barber is an expert in Cyber/techno/robot sexuality and SexTech correspondent at Tech Trends. Give her a poke on LinkedIn or Twitter @TrudyBarber

The post Dancing with Sex Robots? Yes You Cam! appeared first on Tech Trends.

From your very own Einstein to an awesome Virtual Reality HMD, and some solar panels to keep them powered up on the go. Tech Trends has your back in the gear department. 

Professor Einstein

I bring out the magic and fun of astronomy, physics, biology, geology and much more. Want to know the weather in Capetown? What is a quark? The exploits of Isaac Newton? Just say “Hey Professor…?” and ask away.

RRP $249

Penclic K2 Wireless Keyboard

Swedish company Penclic have a mission to reduce your RSI and we have tested several of their products here on Tech Trends and can vouch for their effectiveness. Today we are testing their latest version of their wireless keyboard the K2 which retails for €69 or £62. This new version has a slightly nicer feel to the keys but is still not as nice to use as the fractionally more expensive, minimalist KB3 Bluetooth keyboard they make. Overall the K2 is a comfortable keyboard to use and the small size and low profile do keep my arms relaxed when typing and my only mild frustration is that the wi-fi only works within a radius of about a meter from the computer, probably not an issue for most users but something to bear in mind.

RRP: €69.99

BioLite SolarPanel 10+

Fans of hiking, kayaking, camping and outdoor pursuits in general still need their mobile devices and when they’re miles from the nearest power socket and need their GPS to get them home, they often let them down at the worst possible time.

Enter the BioLite SolarPanel 10+ a super thin and lightweight smart power device. The two High-efficiency monocrystaline solar panels will suck 10 watts of power from the sun and fill up the built in 3000 mAh rechargeable battery for charging all your essential devices, tablets and phones. BioLite’s Optimal Sun System includes a built in sundial for aligning the panels to the sun’s rays and a 360 degree kickstand to simplify positioning on uneven terrain. When you are done, simply fold the 10+ up and pop it in your rucksack or you can charge on the move by hanging it from you backpack and keep going. Oh and it’s splash proof, so go ahead and jump in those puddles!

RRP: $129.95

DigiBit

A Kickstarter funded, funky new wearable motion capture device, DigiBit gives you responsive in-game control for VR and non VR environments on iOS and Android (Marshmallow and above) devices. Control your in-game movements and actions with smart sensors that attach to the hands or feet for a gaming experience like never before!

These elegant little wearables are the creation of DigiBit Founder, Colt Correa and his family. This is one of those great stories of an engineer who, when disappointed by commercial products, knew he could do better, and with the help of a Kickstarter campaign plans to deliver an affordable product even the big games and console manufacturers would be proud of. DigiBit is an open platform and includes an open source Air Hockey game, a free Unity3D plugin and an open Bluetooth API. The patent-pending wearable motion and communication technology captures your body movement for responsive in-game control in VR and non-VR environments.

Read Tech Trends full review here

RRP: $79 (Super Early Bird Pledge)

TouchPoints

TouchPoints Basic are another crowdfunding success story. Founded in 2015 by Neuropsychologist Dr. Amy Serin and executive child advocate Vicki Mayo, these cunning little gadgets are a non-invasive, wearable devices that use patent-pending neuroscience to relieve stress in as little as 30 seconds.

Using quantitative electroencephalogram data, existing neuroscience research and archival data, Dr Amy Serin determined the device produced significant and quantifiable brain changes after just seconds of use. TouchPoints use Bi-Lateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile (BLAST) stimulation to give the user a gentle vibration that affects the brain and alters the body’s fight, flight or freeze response.

Read Tech Trends full review here.

RRP: $119

Avid Media Composer First

Media Composer First is a very limited version of the full programme, currently MC 8.5, but it aims to give you the basic cutting experience, plus some key functionalities of its big brother. We consume most of our video content via the web these days and Avid gets this, offering very basic options for exporting your finished video via Quicktime in the web friendly H.264 or their propriety DNxHD codec or even better, publish directly to YouTube or Vimeo. Yes you can edit 4k video in First but only downscaled to HD, output is also limited to HD but again this is still the most web friendly format and to make your 4k files work for you Avid retain the awesome FrameFlex from the pro version.

Read all the details and specs in the full review here.

RRP: $FREE

Tom Atkinson is a Digital Producer & Photographer at R3Digital and Reviews & Dept. Editor at Tech Trends. Connect on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter @R3Digital

The post July 2017 Tech Trends Product Reviews appeared first on Tech Trends.