Consumer Electronics Daily News

KidzControl Volume Limit Headphones Wins a 2013 National Parenting Publications Gold Award (NAPPA)

Kidz Gear™, the award-winning Grown-up Performance, Built for Kids! brand, announced today that it has been named a 2013 National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA) Gold winner, recognized for its KidzControl™ Volume Limit Headphones.

NAPPA’s independent, expert judges and parent testers evaluated hundreds of submissions for their innovation, safety, quality and the degree to which they make parenting easier. After weeks of stringent testing, 25 products were selected to receive the coveted Gold Award, while 60 received Silver, and 41 were chosen as Honors.

 
The perfect travel accessory for keeping children quiet and happy during long trips away from home, Kidz Gear headphones feature the proprietary KidzControl Volume Limit Technology.  The technology works by “limiting” the volume to approximately 80 percent of the maximum volume output capable from audio devices in the market today.  KidzControl Volume Limit Technology delivers a safe volume limited listening experience for children of all ages. Ergonomically designed with soft padded child-sized ear-cups and high-quality audio components, the KidzControl Volume Limit Headphones available in a variety of colors are value priced at only $19.99, available immediately from U.S. retailers, such as Target, Brookstone and InMotion Airport Stores.  They are also available directly at www.GearForKidz.com, Amazon.com and other fine online retailers.

A complete list of all 2013 NAPPA Parenting Resources winners is available at www.NAPPAawards.com.

PRNewswire

Paradigm, MartinLogan, and Anthem Announce Senior VP of Global Sales and Marketing

Following a recent change in the company’s organizational structure, Paradigm Electronics Inc., an international leader in speaker design and manufacturing, has announced the appointment of Paul Grove to the position of Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Paradigm, MartinLogan, and Anthem brands globally.

To date, Paul has been overseeing North American sales of the three brands. His expanded sales and marketing responsibilities will also include a leadership role in product development planning for all brands.

On a personal note, Paul says: “Great things are happening. I truly appreciate this portfolio of brands— their strong heritage, the high recognition they enjoy within the consumer electronics space and the exceptional customer loyalty they inspire. My role is to make sure we continue to deliver strong sales support to our strategic retailers and partners. Our efforts in developing new sales and marketing initiatives will be ever more finely tailored to take into account the needs of our partners outside as well as inside North America. As always, we will listen closely to what our partners need in order to respond with high-quality programs and products that satisfy those needs.”

The CE industry is always an exciting place to be. Within the space, specialty audio/video retailing demands special attention. That is why we are very pleased to have Paul involved as we carve out a path for the future growth and continuing success of the Paradigm, MartinLogan and Anthem brands.

 

PRNewswire

Keek Launches Social Video App for Windows Phone 8

Keek announced yesterday that it has released its app for Microsoft's mobile platform. Those who have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Keek on Windows Phone 8 can now create and share videos worldwide with the popular social video network.

Keek is the first official social video app available in the Windows Phone Store. The app provides users with many of the features found in its iOS, Android and BlackBerry counterparts, although it delivers a user experience that is unique to the Windows Mobile OS.

"We've received many requests to support Windows Phone devices," states Isaac Raichyk, Founder and CEO of Keek. "We are excited to be able to bring the Keek experience to yet another audience."

Keek continues to grow exponentially as it launches on different platforms. The launch of Keek on Windows Phone 8 provides access to an entirely new community, adding to its current network of over 50 million users. In the last 6 months, Keek has been the number one social networking app in 70 countries. During the month of May, the social network had more than 186 million visits, served over 3.5 billion pageviews and over 632 million videos were watched.

The Keek app is available for download now in the Windows Phone Store.

For more information on Keek, please visit http://www.keek.com/about

PRNewswire

Dog Disasters, Cat Catastrophes: SquareTrade Study Shows Pets Cost Owners More Than $3 Billion in Damaged Devices

SquareTrade^®, the #1 rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers, today revealed new research about Americans and their pets. The study shows that American pets have bitten, chewed, licked, drooled upon, and otherwise damaged more than eight million devices, which adds up to more than $3 Billion in repair and replacement costs. The most commonly damaged device is the smartphone, which accounts for one third of all devices damaged. The study also found that 3 out of 4 devices damaged were not covered by insurance or a protection plan.

"After seeing so many claims come in that involved pets, we decided to look into the data and see just how big a problem this was. And the results were pretty astounding," said Ty Shay, CMO at SquareTrade. "Using an $800 smartphone as a chew toy is a pricey slipup, not to mention it's the device most of us can't live without."

The types of accidents caused by our four legged friends are as diverse as the breeds we collectively love. While ultimately forgiven, the top animal accidents are: 

• Chewing:  Two-thirds of the accidents are caused by the pet putting the item in their mouth.
• Causing owner to drop: 21 percent of accidents happened while the owner was using the device.
• Vomiting / peeing: About 1 in 6 cat or dog owners say that one of their pets has thrown up on or gone to the bathroom on one of their electronics.

Two-thirds of the accidents happened while a pet was unsupervised.

Animal accidents are not just due to mischief or unruly behavior. The SquareTrade research investigated what pets are most risky and what human behavior increases the rate of accidental damage.

Are you at higher risk than other pet owners?

• Male pets: Male pets are 50% more likely than female pets to damage your devices.
• Peeved pets: 17% of pet owners believe that their pet damaged the device because it was angry with them.
• Overweight pets: 72% more likely to have a pet-related accident.
• Overprotective pets: 2x more likely to have a pet-related accident.

The survey also found that if you let your pets sleep in the bed with you or ride in your lap while driving, you are 2-3x more likely to have a pet-related accident.

Today, about half the nation's households include a dog or a cat, and 15% of Americans will buy a costume for their pet-- to the tune of $370 Million. But even more shocking is the toll our animals take on their electronics budget.

To improve pet owners device protection, SquareTrade offers the following tips for an accident free household:

1. Give your pets the attention, training and exercise they need so they have less interest in your gadgets.
2. Leave your devices high up and out of reach of curious dogs and cats.
3. Never charge devices at floor level or with exposed power cords.
4. Don't leave your device next to liquids of any sort.
5. Always use a protective case.

PRNewswire

Cricket Wireless Rewards Consumers with 'Random Acts of Half' Savings Events in Cities Nationwide

Cricket Communications, Inc. announces a new nationwide multi-city tour that will reward consumers with 'Random Acts of Half' savings events. In celebration of the recently launched 'Half is More' messaging campaign encouraging consumers to switch wireless carriers and pay half with Cricket, compared to AT&T and Verizon¹, brand ambassadors will be popping-up in markets across the country.  Cricket will be paying half the tab at popular locations including coffee shops, restaurants and gas stations to show consumers how paying half is more.

During these 'Random Acts of Half' surprise visits to local establishments, Cricket will be asking consumers the fundamental question of why they would pay more for the same thing. And while the acts are random, the message is clear: consumers should reconsider their contracts with postpaid wireless phone providers AT&T and Verizon and instead make the switch to Cricket's prepaid, no contract solution for half the price.

"At Cricket we want our customers to know we are committed to offering them the most competitively priced wireless services with the best devices on the market," said Tyler Wallis, senior vice president of product and marketing at Cricket Wireless. "After all, if you had the choice, you wouldn't pay double for anything, so why are consumers still doing it on AT&T and Verizon, when you know if you switch to Cricket, you can pay half?"

Cricket will be launching the 'Random Acts of Half' events throughout the summer in: Chicago, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Las Vegas, Denver and San Diego.

Cricket's prepaid wireless service is available nationwide with no contracts, allowing for greater choice and flexibility. Cricket also offers the latest devices like the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4 with unlimited, no-contract smartphone rate plans starting as low as $45 a month². Additionally, Cricket's new family plans include two no-contract smartphone lines for $80 and each line has its own full speed data allowance with unlimited talk, text, music and 3G data (4G in select markets).

Shift in Consumer Sentiment by the Numbers:
According to a recent Cricket Wireless survey³, 57 percent of postpaid wireless phone subscribers feel they overpay for their monthly wireless phone bills, while 53 percent also report feeling they have no control over their wireless phone spending. As a result, this postpaid subscriber sentiment is a driving force behind a shift that is occurring in the consumer spending and purchasing paradigm.

Cost-conscious consumers are challenging the way we pay for everyday services and this is especially true in the wireless industry. In fact, a majority of postpaid wireless subscribers (51 percent) say they are more apt today to switch to a prepaid wireless service than they were two years ago, if they could cut their bill in half – and paying half is Cricket's commitment to its customers.

PRNewswire

LifeProof Introduces First Waterproof and Shockproof Smartphone Cases Without a Screen Cover

 LifeProof, the award-winning maker of all-protective, everyday cases for smartphones and tablets, today announced LifeProof nüüd for Apple iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy SIII-- the first waterproof, all-protective smartphone cases without a screen cover. The LifeProof nüüd lets users touch the actual screen while their smartphones stay totally protected from water, drops, sweat, dirt and other hazards of daily living. By providing a completely uncovered screen, the LifeProof nüüd design gives users the ultimate touch-screen experience.

The Apple iPhone 5 case, the first nüüd smartphone case offered, will be sold at Best Buy and on the LifeProof web site beginning on July 7 for $89.99. The nüüd case for the Samsung Galaxy SIII will soon follow.

LifeProof’s patent-pending Screenless Technology uses a compression lock system that forms a waterproof seal between the case and the device touchscreen – delivering complete four-proof protection while maintaining perfect clarity and touch. The first of its kind, the LifeProof nüüd case is screen-free, yet is still waterproof, with an IP68 rating for submerging 6.6 ft./2m underwater for one hour. The new case is also built to survive a 6.6 ft./2m. drop and exceeds military specifications for shock, drop and vibration protection.

“The LifeProof nüüd design is ground-breaking and offers an entirely new level in waterproof protection that has never been done before. Now smartphone users can get perfect visual clarity and touch experience on their phone, without worrying about dropping it or getting it wet,” said Gary Rayner, LifeProof founder. “The LifeProof nüüd case for iPad launched last year with a similar design has already proven that you do not need a cover on the screen to offer full protection.”

LifeProof nüüd for Samsung Galaxy SIII and iPhone 5 offer these benefits:

• First screen-free, all-protective case on the market
• Thinnest and lightest all-protective case available
• Fully submersible and completely waterproof
• Totally sealed from dirt and dust
• Complete access to all buttons, ports, functions and features
• Maximum sound output and clarity
• Anti-reflective optical glass camera lens

PRNewswire

Can a Startup Show Facebook and Others the Way to the Future?

Grindr does it for homosexual men, Blendr for heterosexuals, OK Cupid hints at it, Skout relies on pictures, Highlight is Facebook compatible only, and then there is Come Together: the straightforward meetup app for all people—no profile pictures, no obscure hints, no exclusion of groups of people. The user simply selects what they are looking for, let the app do the work, and Come Together with other users face to face.

The exclusion of profile pictures is one of Come Together's most unique features. Founder and CEO of Red Pike LLC Jens Van Poucke explains: "the idea is that people meet up and get to know each other face to face. Nowadays, by providing pages of personal information and pictures online, there is no such need anymore".

The simple interface lets the user select their preferences and search radius in just a matter of minutes. The app is intended to be left in the background and work for its user—when there is a hit, the user has the option to chat with the person and the idea is to then meet up face to face.

Come Together is tight on the security aspect—a PIN code login, no email address, no personal info, firm security settings, and an age restriction of 18+ only.

Come Together aims to bridge the gap between the virtual and real worlds across all social groups. It is a one-stop shop for everyone: those looking for a friend, date, fishing companion, biking buddy, running mate—the list goes on. "The fact that people are more social than ever before, albeit only on a virtual level is a frightening thought. Depression and anti-social behavior is on the rise. Young people now resort to online help for social interaction. All that is needed is a bridge to close that gap, and we strongly believe Come Together is that bridge!" says Van Poucke.

Come Together effectively eliminates the social barrier that creates that awkward phase in which a person is unsure of another's reaction. There is no easier way to approach a total stranger, already knowing he or she is looking for the same exact thing as you.

Van Poucke adds: "Western society seems to have lost that feeling of discovering a person; nowadays we know everything about each other before ever having met; people feel no need to leave that safe bubble and meet people face to face, and we want to change that."

The app is Android and IOS based and is free: http://www.app.lk/cometogether

PRNewswire

BubblePod Captures Kickstarter Community and Moves Into Production

Today, the BubblePod, a smartphone accessory that creates flawless 360º images in seconds, has quickly reached its funding goal on Kickstarter thanks to 997 strong backers with 12 days remaining. Now available at £20 ($30.50), the BubblePod captures the entire scene around the phone with perfect high-res 360º media.

The BubblePod is a stylish clockwork turntable that easily grips and rotates your smartphone, whilst the accompanying free BubblePix App works with your smartphone camera to create a beautiful high-res 360º photograph. With total funding now secured before the end of the 30-day period, BubblePix can focus on delivering to their backers in October along with some exciting stretch goals. The team has already announced a wide-angle camera lens stretch goal, which can pair with the BubblePod for incredible 360º x 125º image capture.

Tom Lawton, Inventor of the BubblePod, explains: "People are increasingly using their smartphones rather than traditional cameras, and the BubblePod [makes] high quality images without having to break the bank. We are astounded by the positive response, and it's fantastic that we've hit our funding target so quickly."

Whether out with friends, photographing a property for potential buyers, or travelling around the world, the BubblePod's lightweight and portable design provides an exciting way to capture the world around its user. The BubblePod's base even features a wine bottle insert mount - ideal for those 'round the dinner table' moments - and the app records an audio clip to totally capture the atmosphere of a scene.

"When stitching apps create panoramic photos", explains Pete Corke, Head of Business at BubblePix, "they do so by merging together the separate images as you pan across a scene. But it's not possible to keep your phone exactly level as you do so; creating an inherent variation in the final image. The BubblePod keeps the rotation perfectly level, and uses multiple high-resolution frames for perfect full 360º every time".

The BubblePod is compatible with the latest iPhone, Android and BlackBerry smartphones, and the photos, or "Bubbles," can be shared with friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Its smooth mechanical rotation results from one simple turn of the device and the sleek, pocket-sized design means that you never have to miss a photograph opportunity.

The BubblePod can be used with the existing free BubblePix app, available on iPhone, Android and BlackBerry 10. It's the same App that already supports the BubbleScope, meaning that BubblePod backers will benefit from the features already being used by BubbleScope customers by sharing the same existing app.

BubblePod's features:

• A universal silicon phone grip holds a wide variety of smartphones.
• There are no batteries and no noise.
• A universal tripod mount in base is rubberized for maximum grip to surfaces.
• "Bubbles" captured can also record a scene for posterity, promotion or formal record. Walking behind the smartphone as it spins means you avoid being a part of the image.

You can still pre-order the BubblePod on its Kickstarter page here.

 PRNewswire

ISG Announces 2013 Americas Sourcing Industry Conference

Information Services Group, a leading technology insights, market intelligence, and advisory services company, today announced that the sourcing industry's premier event, the 2013 ISG Americas Sourcing Industry Conference (SIC), will be held September 9-10 at the Westin Stonebriar in Dallas, Texas.

The theme for the event will be Disruption Integration Growth. Keynote speaker Erik Brynjolfsson, co-author of "Race Against the Machine: How the Digital Revolution is Accelerating Innovation, Driving Productivity, and Irreversibly Transforming Employment and the Economy," will discuss the opportunities and challenges created by today's dynamic technology environment.

At SIC 2013, participants will discuss the requirements of today's client, how they are rapidly changing, and what they can do to keep up. Key themes include:

• The impact of labor automation and other disruptive trends.
• The growing importance of service integration in an age of multi-sourcing and specialization.
• Ensuring compensation for value rather than effort.
• Dealing with a changing world of new buyers, new technologies and new delivery models.

Participants will have time to connect one-to-one with ISG thought leaders, peers and guest speakers from all disciplines of the sourcing industry.

"SIC 2013 will provide a glimpse of the future of our industry through enlightening talks, thought-provoking panel discussions and multi-format networking opportunities," said David Whitmore, Vice Chairman, ISG, and President, ISG Americas. "We are looking forward to an exciting and informative conference."

To register for the 2013 ISG Americas SIC or for more information, please visit http://www.regonline.com/ISG_SIC_2013.

PRNewswire

3D Printing 2013-2025: Technologies, Markets, Players

Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: 3D Printing 2013-2025: Technologies, Markets, Players.

3D printing has received much attention in the press over recent years. Hyped as the technology to bring about a third industrial revolution, 3D printing was in fact invented in the late eighties-- and since then it has seen steady, if unspectacular, growth. After 2009, however, changes occurred which have seen the fortunes of the 3D printing world take an abrupt turn for the better. Manufacturers of 3D printers are reporting a surge in demand and markets for 3D printing are growing rapidly across a number of application areas as new materials development open up new opportunities.

The common feature of 3D printer technologies is the generation of a 3-dimensional physical object from a digital model. The process is additive in nature: materials are laid down only where needed, and this results in significantly less materials wastage than traditional manufacturing techniques. Each of the technologies is suitable for use with a different range of materials, which in turn defines the suitable applications of the printer.

Originally used for the rapid production of prototypes for form and fit testing, applications are transitioning towards also functional testing of prototypes under working conditions, and further, the manufacture of final products.

While 3D printing of final products is relatively slow compared to traditional manufacturing methods, new, more complex design avenues have opened up to enable the economic production of lighter components that are critical to the aerospace and automotive industries. Applications are also emerging in the medical and dental fields, where the opportunity afforded by cheap customisation is allowing surgeons to replicate a patient's body based on MRI and CT scans in order to practice difficult invasive procedures. In addition, medical and dental implants are fully customised to a particular individual.

This report will be useful to any organization currently considering how 3D printing might be of value to them but are unsure of the right technology to employ. It will also be of value to any organization already familiar with 3D printing, but wishing to seek either a broader overview, or a more detailed and up-to-date knowledge of the field and its development.

This report gives forecasts to 2025 for the following sectors:

- Aerospace

- Automotive

- Consumer Product

- Medical/dental

- Jewelry, architecture and the design arts

Applications are detailed for:

- Rapid prototyping

- Final product manufacture

- Tooling

 

The medical/dental sector has strong growth potential. Currently valued at $141M, it will grow to $868M by 2025 led by dental applications and increasing use for the manufacture of orthopaedic implants. Growth will also be rapid in the jewellery, design arts, and architectural sectors which will see a combined compound annual growth rate of 20 percent for the period.

When significant penetration has occurred into the above markets, 3D printing will lock into the capital expenditure cycles associated to the aerospace and automotive industries, and, as is the case for CNC machines, periodic fluctuations in sales will occur- growth will not be steady and monotonic.

 PRNewswire