Consumer Electronics Daily News

Cougar Mountain Software Announces New Specialty Store Software Packages

Cougar Mountain Software has announced the availability of two retail (point of sale) accounting packages for specialty retail stores. The packages provide the accounting modules necessary for new and growing smoke shop and specialty retail stores. The Specialty Denali Basecamp and Summit Accounting packages include the Point of Sale, Inventory, and Accounts Receivable modules along with the Specialty Shop module, which enforces age verification at the time of purchase. The package prices are based on the need for a single cash register or multiple cash register / location licenses.

A hardware bundle of a computer, monitor, receipt printer, cash drawer, and scanner can be included with each package.

You can purchase additional Denali modules as your specialty store grows. You can integrate the Denali Basecamp and Summit Accounting solutions with the following additional modules: 

•     General Ledger - for financial reports
•     Accounts Payable – to manage your vendors
•     Bank Reconciliation - to mange your bank, credit cards, and investment accounts
•     Purchase Order - to manage your inventory stock orders and supplies
•     Payroll - to run payroll in-house

The Specialty Denali Basecamp and Summit packages might also be applicable for smoke shops, cigar, and gift shops retail stores, according to the company.

Adonit Introduces Fine-Point Stylus for iOS Devices

Adonit introduced its new stylus technology, Pixelpoint™, during Evernote's EC3 Conference on Thursday. The first stylus to be powered by Pixelpoint, the Jot Script, is already on sale and the company announced plans for future Pixelpoint™ models including Jot Touch and Adobe's Project Mighty hardware.
"We've developed Pixelpoint to sit at the center of our next generation of styluses. As touch screens evolve, Pixelpoint is a platform to power styluses with the ability to work from my tablet, to my computer, to a collaborative wall," said Kris Perpich, CXO and Co-founder of Adonit. "Styluses sit at the center of visual creation. Until now precision has been the barrier to creating and capturing ideas intuitively in a mobile digital age. Through key partnerships with Evernote and Adobe, we look to build tightly integrated stylus experiences that change the way you use your touch screen."
Pixelpoint technology has enabled the first fine point stylus on the market with a 1.9 mm tip, which is 70 percent smaller than all other iOS styluses. The Bluetooth LE, accelerometer, and Adonit's SDK work seamlessly to place the ink point directly under the tip and improve the overall control on the screen. Pixelpoint™ technology will guarantee precision in every line, letter and signature.
While fingers and rubber styluses feel more like markers or crayons, Pixelpoint helps create a true digital pen. The tip's material was hand-picked to mimic the drag of a pen on paper, giving you more control and better expression in every stroke.
The technology works by detecting the unique capacitance signature of each iOS screen, and inverting the signature when the stylus sends its signal back. This allows users to quickly turn on the stylus and begin writing or note-taking without much setup.
Pixelpoint is compatible with all iOS devices, but the precision improves when using an iOS app that has integrated Adonit's SDK. The contact detection switch relays angles and coordinates through the accelerometer to the app, providing you unsurpassed accuracy on Bluetooth 4 devices.
To learn more about Pixelpoint technology, visit http://adonit.net/pixelpoint. To learn more about Jot Script, visit http://adonit.net/jot/script.

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LG Announces Speaker System for Home Entertainment Centers

LG Electronics USA today announced the LG SoundPlate™, an innovative new speaker system that features a minimalist design and provides a big audio boost for the home entertainment center. Shown for the first time in the United States as the 2013 Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo kicks off here today, model LAP340 helps usher in a new generation of home theater audio systems optimized for today's flat-panel HDTVs.

"The tradeoff for the ultra thin TV design has been smaller speakers, which has led to a surge in demand for supplementary home audio devices," said Jay Vandenbree, Senior Vice President, Home Entertainment, LG Electronics USA. "We're augmenting our already robust line of soundbars with the LG SoundPlate to give consumers yet another alternative for powerful home entertainment sound in a compact, attractive design."

Sound Quality and Design
The LG SoundPlate provides high-quality audio while maintaining a minimally obtrusive aesthetic. Despite a profile only 1-3/8 inches (35 millimeters) high, the LG SoundPlate is equipped with a robust 4.1 channel sound system complete with dual built-in subwoofers.

Its 120W output is boosted by a unique internal structure and LG's proprietary acoustic tuning system, which makes it easier to hear dialog and other discrete sounds when watching TV shows or movies. To further enhance sound quality, this unit features LG's Bass Port system, which reduces harmful vibrations from within the speaker enclosure. LG's Cinema Mode feature optimizes the LAP340's surround sound capabilities, creating an immersive field of multidirectional audio.

For additional functionality, LG's Sound Sync, which is driven by Bluetooth® capabilities, enables users to pair the device with other compatible devices, such as phones, so consumers can wirelessly stream music when in range. As an added bonus, this feature helps reduce cable clutter in the living room by pairing a compatible LG TV to the SoundPlate wirelessly.

From an aesthetic perspective, its low profile and sleek matte finish make it an attractive choice for any home theater set up. It is primarily meant to act as a pedestal, ideal for 32 to 55-inch class TVs, but is compact enough to fit in shelving units or TV stands.

The LAP340 LG SoundPlate is expected to be available through U.S. retailers beginning next month. For more information, visit www.lg.com.

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Delta to Equip 11,000 Pilots with Microsoft Surface 2 Tablet Devices

Delta Air Lines is equipping its 11,000 pilots with the Microsoft Surface 2 tablet, which will be used initially as an electronic flight bag to replace heavy paper-based flight kits containing navigational charts and aircraft operating and reference manuals. Device rollout to pilots flying the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 fleets will start later this year and all Delta cockpits are projected to be paperless by the end of 2014.
The Surface 2 will run on the Windows RT 8.1 platform and provide flight crews easy access to essential tools and the most up-to-date flight-related resources, including navigational charts, reference documents and checklists while saving the airline $13 million per year in fuel and associated costs.
"Delta's electronic flight bag running on Surface 2 continues the technological strides Delta has been making to give our crews the best tools to keep them flying safely and efficiently," said Capt. Steve Dickson, Delta's Senior Vice President – Flight Operations. "This intuitive device puts key information at our pilots' fingertips right when they need it. By eliminating paper, we'll reduce clutter and minimize time spent looking for flight information, allowing our pilots the opportunity to develop greater situational awareness in the air and on the ground."

Electronic flight bag to support real-time access to resources

Delta's electronic flight bag will leverage Jeppesen's industry-leading FliteDeck Pro application built specifically for the Windows platform. The interactive software gives flight crews quicker and more efficient access to key, real-time information and resources such as dynamic charts and navigation utilities that help them better manage the safe operation of their aircraft.
"Delivering digital flight information through FliteDeck Pro on the Surface tablet platform will increase situational awareness and improve operational efficiency for Delta Air Lines," said Tim Huegel, Director, Jeppesen Aviation Portfolio Management. "This EFB integration program highlights a successful collaboration between Delta, Microsoft and Jeppesen and we congratulate Delta on the digital transformation of their flight deck operations."
With the Windows RT 8.1 operating system, pilots will be able to open two applications side-by-side, offering, for example, the opportunity to assess weather information alongside proposed flight paths. The Live Tile user interface in Windows 8.1 can feed up-to-the-minute information to crew members while the Surface 2's true high-resolution 1080p touchscreen display adds detail to maps and other resources.
Delta expects to receive approval from the FAA to use the tablets during all phases of flight next year, a process that follows an extensive period of testing on board Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 aircraft. Approvals for all subsequent fleet types are expected by the end of 2014. The Surface tablets fully integrate handheld technology in the flight deck, streamlining organization of necessary materials and ensuring continuity of information accessed by pilots while giving them the latest tools to drive operational and cost improvements. The reduction of paper in the cockpit also reduces clutter and allows pilots to spend more time focusing on flying the aircraft as they will benefit from an intuitive user interface that features functions to find information faster, without having to hunt for appropriate manuals in flight bags or page through paper documents.
"The integration of the electronic flight bag is part of Delta's broader move to upgrade flight deck equipment, deploy technology enhancements and take advantage of airspace modernization efforts," said Dickson. "With these improvements, we're able to reduce the airline's environmental impact while providing a great deal of flexibility to continue to add mobile technology solutions into our flying operations."

Maximizing efficiencies for environmental benefit

Rolling out the Surface 2 tablets across the entire fleet and eliminating paper in the cockpit means the carrier will remove traditional 38-pound pilot flight bags maintained on board aircraft for each pilot. That critical weight reduction is expected to reduce fuel usage by an estimated 1.2 million gallons per year which translates to a 26-million-pound reduction in carbon emissions — the equivalent of taking more than 2,300 passenger cars off the road. Additionally, the tablet will cut the airline's paper usage by 7.5 million sheets annually and save an estimated 900 trees each year.
In the coming years, Delta plans to expand the functionality of the EFB equipment and increase the efficiency of the operation by providing pilots with electronic dispatch and flight release information, access to real-time weather forecasts, up-to-the-minute operational information and dynamic communication with aircraft technicians on the ground.
"We set out to make Surface the most productive tablet, so we couldn't be more excited to help Delta pilots be more productive and help the environment," said Brian Hall, Surface General Manager at Microsoft. "This announcement demonstrates Delta's absolute commitment to bringing the best in technology innovation into their flight operations. The full HD Surface screen and 10-hour battery life will be perfect for flights where Delta pilots will get seamless real-time data and visualization in a variety of lighting conditions. And then they can be productive off the plane with Microsoft Office and our click-in keyboard. We look forward to seeing how Delta amazes us with its Surfaces."
The move to a paperless cockpit follows Delta's industry-leading launch of handheld devices for its 19,000 flight attendants that runs on Windows Phone-based software. Delta flight attendants began using the Nokia Lumia 820 in August and are able to access customer and flight information while using Dynamics for Retail technology for easy onboard customer purchases.

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Sherwin Williams Hops on the Google Glass-Wagon

For decades, Resource, the largest independent digitally-led marketing agency in the country has connected consumers with brands using next-gen technologies, and today the agency is releasing a Google Glass application for a major consumer brand.

ColorSnap® Glass developed by Resource for Sherwin-Williams, North America's largest single-source supplier of high-quality paints, lets consumers instantaneously act on color inspiration by adding a digital layer right before their eyes. Resource developed ColorSnap Glass as part of Google's Explorer program; an exclusive group of innovators selected by the company to shape the future of Glass. Still in beta and available for download at www.colorsnapglass.com, the new application joins a suite of award-winning digital tools developed by Resource for Sherwin-Williams that has fundamentally changed the way consumers discover and select color.

"Resource Lab is a technology accelerator that ideates and fast-tracks breakthrough consumer experiences using the latest digital technologies. We're enthusiastic about the possibilities that Google Glass gives our clients to connect with consumers in unobtrusive ways," said Dan Shust, Vice President of Innovation at Resource. "Wearable technology is the next frontier in mobile computing and ColorSnap Glass and other consumer-focused applications will play a large role in the acceptance and adoption of the new technology."

For seven years, Resource and Sherwin-Williams have successfully launched numerous digital and personalized consumer experiences using the latest technology. Most notable is the 2009 launch of the original and highly-successful ColorSnap mobile application. Named by Advertising Age as one of the Top 10 Branded Apps of the Decade, the application has been downloaded more than one million times. And while ColorSnap Glass is also designed to help consumers explore color, the new application streamlines the original version, elevating features best suited for wearable technology.

"We're committed to harnessing the latest in technology in order to create superior experiences for our customers," said Ellen Moreau, Vice President of Marketing Communications at Sherwin-Williams. "Cutting edge applications like ColorSnap Glass elevate our brand and keep us top of mind with consumers by bringing color inspiration to life in a fun and engaging way."

As part of the test and learn approach to developing Google Glass applications, Resource and Sherwin-Williams will be seeking consumer feedback about ColorSnap Glass at www.colorsnapglass.com. Resource CEO Kelly Mooney says it's an essential part of the development process.

"We're steadfast on breaking new ground that uniquely empowers and inspires consumers, which means we have to make them a part of the conversation," said Mooney. "Digital innovation is part of our DNA and we'll continue to be pioneers in the space."

 

Paragon Offers Software Tools for Incompatibility Issues

Paragon Software Group (PSG), the cross-platform technology leader in mobile device and embedded system solutions, announces the launch of a portal hosting a comprehensive selection of essential free or inexpensive tools for users of multiple devices seeking to solve incompatibility issues on consumer electronics.

Users of PCs, smartphones, audio and video equipment, TV sets, DVD players, digital cameras, and camcorders increasingly need to interchange data content between various incompatible systems.To solve the interoperability issue, Paragon Software has developed eight essential tools (seven drivers and a converter) to guarantee full high-performance read/write access to volumes of the most popular file systems (NTFS, HFS+, Ext2/Ext3/Ext4, etc.) under various platforms (Android, Windows, Mac, Linux) where these file systems normally are not supported. 

Paragon Software’s cross-platform tools are based on the company’s exclusive Universal File System Driver (UFSD) technology and enable any device to communicate and share files regardless of its operating system. Beyond access, the tools provide the highest data throughput speeds possible — equivalent to, or exceeding, native performance.

In an engaging, interactive way, the new portal invites visitors to pick two platforms. The portal then suggests the right software to solve the incompatibility issue and gives the user an opportunity to download it.

The cross-platform tools:

NTFS for Mac OS X provides OS X with full read and write access to NTFS with the same high speed as native HFS+ files.

HFS+ for Windows provides full read/write access to HFS/HFS+ partitions on any type of disks (GPT, MBR) under Windows.

NTFS & HFS for Android enables users of Android-based smartphones, handheld media players, digital video and other portable products to utilize storage media formatted by Mac OS and Windows operating systems.

ExtFS for Windows is a free utility designed to eliminate barriers between Linux and Windows operating systems by granting full read and write access to Linux-formatted partitions.

ExtFS for Mac OS X grants full read and write access to Ext2/3/4 partitions under Mac® OS X.

NTFS & HFS for Linux Express grants full read and write access to Mac OS X and Windows partitions under all latest Linux versions.

NTFS & HFS for Linux Pro includes all functionality of the Express edition and additional advanced utilities to create NTFS and HFS+ volumes.

NTFS-HFS Converter is a Windows utility that converts NTFS volumes to HFS+ volumes, or HFS+ volumes to NTFS. This utility consists of a wizard that lets the user select the desired volume for conversion, gives the option to back it up, and then quickly performs the conversion.

The launch of the portal is the latest initiative in Paragon’s support of users of multiple devices seeking the fastest and most reliable software to access data on the otherwise incompatible systems.

Availability:

The portal is available at http://www.paragon-drivers.com

VGT Premieres XSpin at Casino, Global Gaming Expo

Video Gaming Technologies, Inc. (VGT), a top manufacturer of gaming equipment, has announced its first field trial of the new XSpin™ gaming system at the River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Okla. First day results for the new XSpin games Frankenstein™ and Lizards on the Loose™ have far exceeded any other new game launch in the 22-year history of VGT.
"River Spirit is happy to be the trial site for the XSpin platform," said Jerry Floyd, General Manager of River Spirit Casino. "Customers seem to like the new video product … As an operator, we are pleased with the initial results and are ready for additional new and exciting products from VGT in the future."
The XSpin gaming system offers players an entirely new level of brilliance in visual experience and animation in gaming. Fitted with dual 21.5" high-definition video monitors, an ergonomic design and an enhanced sound system, XSpin was created to increase player comfort and provide a gaming experience that is unparalleled in the industry.
XSpin utilizes the latest technology and is housed in a sleek cabinet designed to provide for ease in maintenance, including faster currency drops and ticket paper changes. Driving next-generation gaming on VGT's player-proven Live Call® Class II system, XSpin introduces a Class II gaming device with appeal beyond that of Class III gaming.
"The XSpin gaming system is the largest multi-year development initiative in VGT's history, and we think XSpin™ is perhaps the best Class II gaming system in the world today for casino operators," said Jon Yarbrough, founder and CEO of VGT. "Our development teams pulled out all of the stops to deliver this system to our customers, and we're excited to be able to showcase it at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E®). The debut of XSpin is just the first salvo in what we expect to be an incredible new round of Class II gaming manufacturing by VGT."
James Starr, Senior Vice President of Sales, added, "XSpin is the best game launch I've experienced since joining VGT. As soon as they were turned on, the games were being played non-stop. Excitement about XSpin™ is spreading among casino operators across Oklahoma, and there have already been inquiries from operators about getting our new games, Frankenstein and Lizards on the Loose, onto their casino floors. XSpin is going to be a game-changer for VGT."

Win a PlayStation 4 at Taco Bell

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) and Taco Bell® today announced a co-branded, six week "Play the Future First" promotion, beginning Sept. 26, that will give away PlayStation®4 (PS4™) computer entertainment systems to winning participants.
The "Play the Future First" promotion runs in the U.S. from Sept. 26 to Nov. 10, and gives fans the chance to win the highly-anticipated PS4™ system before it hits stores nationwide on Nov. 15. During the promotion, each PS4 branded Taco Bell $5 Buck Box or Big Box – which includes a Cheesy Gordita Crunch or Crunchwrap Supreme®, a Burrito Supreme®, a Crunchy Taco and a medium fountain drink – will provide a unique code for consumers to text in for a chance to win a PlayStation 4 prize pack. The prize pack features one PS4 system, one copy of the exclusive PS4 game, Knack™, and a one-year membership to PlayStation Plus (PS Plus).
"Our fans enjoy gaming, and gamers eat Taco Bell, so teaming up with PlayStation for the second consecutive year to give consumers first access to the next generation system before it hits retail was an exciting decision for us," said Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer, Taco Bell Corp. "We strive to give our customers a little more, each and every day, in everything we do. Through the 'Play the Future First' promotion, we are delivering on our promise to Live Mas – and now play mas – with a gaming experience like no other."
SCEA and Taco Bell partnered in 2012 to give fans the chance to win a PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system, before it launched in North America on Feb. 22, 2012. With the upcoming launch of the PS4 system, the "Play the Future First" promotion kicks off a multi-year partnership between SCEA and Taco Bell that will continue to bring innovative gaming experiences and craveable food to fans across the U.S.
"Following the positive response from the gaming community for the PS Vita campaign last year, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Taco Bell to tap into the excitement as we prepare to launch PS4 on November 15," said Guy Longworth, Senior Vice President, brand marketing at SCEA. "PlayStation and Taco Bell both have some of the most loyal fans in the world, and this promotion rewards them by providing an extraordinary opportunity to get their hands on a PS4 before it hits stores."
The PS4 system will launch in North America on Nov. 15, and will be available at major retailers for $399 (MSRP). The PS4 system delivers rich and immersive gameplay experiences that feature powerful graphics and speed, deeply integrated social capabilities, and innovative second-screen features.
Consumers can also request a code without purchase by mail or online. Prize packs will be shipped on or around Tuesday, Nov. 12. PS4 branded $5 Buck Boxes or Big Boxes will be available at participating locations while supplies last.
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. Promotion begins at 12:01 AM (ET) on Sept. 26, 2013, and ends at 11:59:59 PM (ET) on Nov. 10, 2013. Promotion open to legal residents of the United States or D.C. (excluding Hawaii); consumers must be 18 or older to win. See Official Rules at www.tacobell.com/winps4 for details on how to enter, free method of entry, prize details, restrictions, and terms and conditions of participation. Message and data rates may apply for each text message sent and received. Check wireless plans for details.

Thup Games launches Monkey Preschool Fix-It

Thup Games, creator of popular children's early learning apps, is announcing the release of Monkey Preschool Fix-It on Apple App Store.

Fix-It is the fifth offering to star Thup's loveable Monkey character, carrying on the design philosophy of empowering kids to learn and play on their own. The first game in the series, Monkey Preschool Lunchbox, is the most downloaded game for preschoolers in the U.S. iOS App Store.

This installment takes the Monkey out of the jungle and into a busy workshop environment, with lively interactions like hammering nails, sawing wood, drilling bolts, and fixing toy cars. This toddler-friendly app features a collection of minigames that reinforce early childhood lessons including shape recognition, letter and number identification, and matching puzzles.

"Monkey Preschool Fix-It's stages are built around classic early childhood lessons - ABC's, 1-2-3's, and shape and pattern recognition," said Jim Nichols, co-founder of Thup. "It incorporates play styles that are interactive motor skill driven actions. We think it's a great addition to the Monkey Preschool experience."

Casio Debuts Outdoor Watch for PRO TREK Line

Casio America, Inc. announced today the release of a new addition to the PRO TREK line of outdoor watches. The PRG270 combines high performance and operability, and comes in five color options: black, black/dark gray, blue, black/orange and black/light gray.

PRO TREK is a line of outdoor watches equipped with One-Touch Triple Sensor functionality for determining compass bearing, atmospheric pressure/altitude, and temperature.

"Casio is excited to expand its PRO TREK series with the addition of the PRG270," said Shigenori Itoh, Chairman and CEO of Casio America, Inc. "An ideal timepiece for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the PRG270 offers precision and reliability without compromising rugged outdoor style or comfort."

The new PRG270 features significantly improved usability, thanks to the adoption of Casio latest Triple Sensor Ver. 3, offering greater measurement accuracy. In addition to extending the compass bearing continuous measurement time from 20 to 60 seconds, the time required to measure altitude has been reduced from five seconds to one second, and the altitude measurement unit has been improved from five meters to one meter. An alarm function has also been added to warn of a sudden rise or fall in atmospheric pressure, ensuring the wearer can be informed the moment that weather conditions begin to change.

The enhanced usability of this outdoor watch is also apparent in its ease of operation. The large light front button and the "direct buttons," for displaying compass bearing, atmospheric pressure/ temperature, and altitude, can be operated without removing gloves. Furthermore, the readability of the watch has been increased with the addition of directional and differential markers around the large LCD dial, useful for taking a compass bearing or measuring differences in atmospheric pressure.

Equipped with the Tough Solar power system, the new PRG270 offers the functions and operability needed by those who enjoy outdoor adventures. The PRG270 will be available in September 2013 at select retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $180. For additional information on Casio's PRO TREK series of timepieces, please visit www.PROTREK.Casio.com.