Your Tech Ticker For December 2013

David Pogue
·Tech Critic
Updated
Your Tech Ticker For December 2013

Every day, the world’s tech companies bombard us with announcements of new products. Some we’ll review, some we ignore. But some are right in the middle: products that we won’t be evaluating, but you, the tech-loving public, might find worth knowing about.

We’ve invited the PR people who sent us those pitches to rewrite them as 300-character, buzzword-free micro-blurbs. We present them here for your consideration.

  • Decibullz Custom-molded Earbuds. Similar to molding a mouthguard, you heat the molds in the microwave for two minutes, and allow them to cool until slightly above room temperature before molding them to your ears for a perfect fit. Now funding on Kickstarter for $39.

  • Speek. Super-simple, free conference calling with a personal link. Click the Speek link to start or join a free conference call. See who’s on the call and who’s talking, share files, chat, use call controls, and more. Browsers & iPhone/Android/Windows. Extra features are $10/month.

  • Lively. Using sensors placed around the home, Lively gives older adults who live on their own a better way to share their daily activities. Demonstration video on Lively’s homepage. $150.

  • Walking with Dinosaurs – Runis the new mobile running game where all of your beloved dinosaurs from the BBC’s “Walking with Dinosaurs 3D movie” come to life. $1 from the App Store.

  • Koomkey. It’s like an online tip jar. Sign into Facebook or Twitter from the Koomkey site and send Kashkeys from your balance. This is real money that can be cashed out by the recipient. Build your social networking base and expand your sphere of influence.

  • Goji Play. Founded by the co-creators of Guitar Hero, Goji Play for iOS includes two wireless controllers that strap to cardio equipment, a wearable activity sensor, a Goji Play app to track activity, and games. Your workout affects gameplay for an interactive cardio session. $100.

  • D-Link DNR-202L mydlink Camera Video Recorderlets you upgrade older surveillance systems and remotely view/manage up to four mydlink-enabled IP cameras anywhere, anytime. The DNR-202L provides direct access to view, record, play back, and store video using the mydlink website, the NVR’s web interface, or the View NVR app. $110.

  • Bookboard. Bookboard is an ebook library of over 400 brand-name children’s books, curated by a real-life librarian. Parents, unlock great books with your children and inspire in them a life-long love of reading. For iPad, Mac, and Windows. Unlimited books starting at $5/mo.

  • Panasonic Portable Wireless Speaker SC-NA10. Longest playback time currently available on a wireless speaker (20 hours). Unrivalled sound quality, smart networking, and elegant, portable designs. NFC, Bluetooth, built-in microphone. $200.

  • Locus Workstation. An ergonomic adjustable standing desk designed for working in the digital age. It adjusts to every move you make, maintaining equilibrium between your back and core muscles for increased circulation. The workstation can be used as whole unit or separate pieces. $690 - $1,290.

  • Beamz by Flo. This holiday, give the gift of interactive music. Connect to your iPad, iPhone or PC and quickly begin making music by striking four laser beams to create hundreds of instrument sounds including vocals. Record and share your favorite mixes. $200.

  • 3iWave SmartWatch. Glance at the LED display on your wrist to check calls, texts, stocks, track your motion, etc. Send out your GPS location or a text message (“I’m driving and can’t get to the phone”) with the push of a button. Water-resistant and durable; long battery life. For Apple/Android, $145 preorder, coming mid-2014.

  • TripWeather. Plan your trip by creating a custom weather forecast. Add waypoints for your trip on a map. TripWeather shows the forecast for your route at the time you’re expected to pass through. Change start time to find the best times to travel. For iPhone/iPad, $1.

  • Notegraphy. Tired of how drab your Facebook or Twitter post looks? Then pimp your post and share it with style. It’s ridiculously easy and free. Just write, customize, and share, in 3 simple steps—like an Instagram for text. Available for iOS and Web. Free.

  • ThunderRush. Gamers help the ThunderDog find his family before he is overcome with anxiety. Available at the Apple App Store and Google Play. Net proceeds are donated to Petsmart Charities, which supports initiatives related to helping homeless pets nationwide. For Android/iPhone, $1.

  • Skydog Smart Wi-Fi Router + Web App lets parents easily monitor and manage their family’s Internet use and help their kids make smart choices online. Group devices by user, then set each child’s watchlist, policies and schedule. Prioritize bandwidth for movies and games. $150.

If have a product to announce, and you’d like it to be considered for inclusion in the PR Tech Ticker, send your 300-character blurb to Jason Gilbert, TechTickerPR@yahoo.com. Submissions containing buzzwords, jargon, or hyperbole will be tossed.