Steve's Blog

Innovation Insider Steve Greenberg shows Hoda and KLG some HOT gadgets for coping with the COLD weather on NBC’s Today Show:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29054368/ns/today-kathie_lee_and_hoda/#46013718

Check out my segment on Dr Oz– 3 Gadgets Under $30 that will Transform Your Health
http://bit.ly/zv0mtM

For a wrap up of some of the cool gadgets I found at CES2012 check out
http://bit.ly/ysSVfo

CES is the world’s largest consumer tech trade show—1.8 million sq feet=37 football fields and 15 miles of carpeted aisles– I’ve teamed up with just a few tech companies to show you some of the new products on the show floor

Last year Samsung launched a camcorder that was able to switch grip perfect for lefties and righties—this year they added a new feature to the QF20 –  VERTICAL Switch Grip—so you can use the camera sideways now. With 1080i Full HD recording, 20x optical zoom, and creative functions in a slim and portable form, the QF20 also offers Wi-Fi capability to users so they can quickly upload their contents and Auto-Backup to the selected PC.

Now most of the televisions here at CES allow you to access internet content through the TV—but LG has come up two devices that will upgrade your existing television so that you can access video over the web on ANY existing TV!

With LG’s Streaming Media Player ($100) you can watch all sorts of web content including Netflix and YouTube on your TV.  And with LG’s Smart TV Upgrader ($180) you have access to LG’s full smart TV platform which includes tons of APPs, Facebook, Pandora, and so much more—and the Smart TV Upgrader is controlled with this “gesture-based magic motion remote” –making it super easy and fun to operate.

Check out this notebook—super thin, super light (less than 3 lbs!), but has all of the power of standard size notebook—this PC was featured in the Microsoft keynote at CES this year. It’s the Acer Aspire S-3 ($899, web $800)—and it runs on Windows-7—it’s a great example of the new PCs that are coming out this year. It’s fast and great for everything from gaming to office work to entertainment.

This week here at the show, Nokia launched their first Windows smartphone on ATT’s fastest 4G LTE network. It’s the Nokia Lumia 900.  It has Nokia’s biggest screen (4.3 inches), cool design—comes in two colors, 8 megapixel camera, easy to use—lots of built in apps and perfect for social networking with one touch buttons to go to Facebook or Twitter

And finally to protect your tech—check out 3M’s Natural View Screen Protectors (starting at $15) for tablets, phones and eReaders such as the Kindle Fire.  AND to keep the information on your screen for your eyes only—check out 3M’s new Privacy Screen Protectors—(start at $15) perfect for smartphones and tablets—especially when you don’t want someone reading off your screen.  Both films prevent smudges and scratches—and both are easy to apply in just a few seconds without a spray adhesive—no bubbles and just as easy to remove without leaving a residue.

And for more information on any of these products and much more—check out my blog on GadgetNation.net

Let’s face it—guys don’t want shirts or ties for the holidays—they want tech. BUT that can be hard to shop for—

Here are some suggestions—

If your guy likes to travel, ski, backpack—check out the award winning DeLorme inReach 2-way Satellite Communicator ($249) 90% of the world does not have cell phone coverage—with this device you can stay connected anywhere on the planet for under $250.  This is the first affordable device that allows for true 2-way satellite communication.

For those men with  cell phone coverage— bigger is better—and this HTC Titan has one of the largest smart phone screens—which means a bigger keyboard—better for bigger fingers. And better for gaming and watching ESPN.  This is a Windows Phone, so it has some unique cool features including the People Hub—so it’s easy to keep up with friends on Facebook and Twitter without launching lots of apps.

Looking for a Windows-7 PC for that special guy in your life to help keep him connected with friends and family?  There are so many to choose from—one way to find the perfect PC for those on your gift list is to check out PCSCOUT.com This website lets you put in your personalpreferences and it narrows down all the specific options—from low end low price point to this baby—this one is for the guy who loves high-end entertainment—it’s the Asus NX90 ($2500)—it was designed for Asus by multiple award-winning designer David Lewis, has full high definition 1080p 18.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit display, and even Bang & Olufsen speakers with oversized resonance chambers that are ten times larger than those found on regularnotebooks.  This will satisfy that hard to please techie guy who loves his music and movies.

If the man in your life is looking to upgrade from a point and shoot camera to something more versatile —BUT also doesn’t want to lug around a huge SLR—then this is the perfect gift—it’s the NIKON 1-J-1 ($650 on web under $600). It is super portable, has 10.1 megapixels, interchangeable lenses, fast autofocus, and full 1080p HD video.

No matter which video camera your guy gets—send him to Vimeo Video School.  It’s a free online service that takes every want to be videographer to the next level.  It’s a fun place for anyone to learn how to make better videos, no matter what their skill level. The Free online program is a one-stop-shop for Vimeo Lessons and user-made video tutorials about a variety of video-making topics.  http://vimeo.com/videoschool

A great gift idea—The Wahl Lithium Ion Grooming Kit—This is the first facial hair trimmer that uses Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries— that means a longer lasting charge, more power andtwice the torque—helping avoid snagging or pulling.  For courser hair, Wahl has the T-PRO Trimmer—it has something called bump-free technology—meaning it prevents uneven cutting that can lead to in-grown hairs.  Both trimmers are under $40.

If you’re looking to be the life of the party—check out the Xmas Tree Hat  ($14)—it’s from www.Stupid.com

And of course—a great stocking stuffer for gadget lovers is my book GADGET NATION—available on-line at Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble

Happy Holidays!!!

Here are some tech gift ideas—

If you have a PlayStation-3 and you want to take it to the next level—this is a must-have: PlayStation’s 3D Display and 3D Glasses ($499—extra glasses $69.99)  It’s an incredible addition for any dorm room or man cave.  These glasses are light weight and rechargeable—and this package which includes a display and a pair glasses also comes with the hot car game “MotorStorm Apocalypse.”  For more info go to: www.Playstation.com

Now, for that gamer looking for a new phone—check out the new Sony Ericsson X-peria Play 4G, the first PlayStation-certified smartphone ($49.99/mo with 2-year ATT contract). It comes with all the bells and whistles of an Android smartphone with a built-in, console-like game controller that slides out,  a docking station, 7 pre-loaded games, and 4 free downloads of some of EA’s hottest games such as Battlefield: Bad Company 2. For more info go to: http://www.sonyericsson.com/Xperia

For the family wanting to bring their small screen to the big screen, check out the new Epson MegaPlex 850-HD ($799). Besides being an impressive projector with powerful built-in speakers—this projector also has a built-in docking station—so you can plug in your iPhone, iPod or iPad –and take the movies, photos, YouTube videos, anything and project it up on the big screen.  There’s also an input so that you can hook up any DVD player, laptop, gaming system or smartphone to this projector.  It’s perfect for home, work or even outdoor use.  For more info go to: www.epson.com

Now you have a great projector, you need great content—Disney has an ever growing movie library (each about $30).  Many of their titles are now available as “Combo Packs.” — that means in one package you can get the film in up to 4 formats—DVD, Blu-ray high definition, digital download and some in Blu-ray 3-D. Perfect for a gift, since you don’t need to know what format the family uses.  For more info go to: www.disney.com

And finally, you can’t forget about pets when talking about the family.  So check out this must-have tech gift for dogs—this is Tagg—The Pet Tracker ($99.95 for master kit including all hardware and 1^st month of service, then $7.95 fee for monthly service) — a GPS system that keeps track of any furry friend by attaching to the dog’s collar.  If the pet leaves a pre-determined safe zone – like a yard – an email or text is sent to the pet parent’s smartphone. Owners can then locate and track the lost dog online or with the mobile app.  The Pet Tracker is great peace of mind for anyone who has a four-legged friend.  For more info go to: www.Tagg.com or www.PetTracker.com

Ho Ho Ho–its that season again

I’ll be wearing– Christmas Tree Hat—Nothing says the holidays like a Christmas tree on your head.  This towering pinnacle of metallic green tinsel, lights, and decorations looks massive and absolutely eye-popping at any holiday event. It stands 17 inches high and requires two AA batteries. It’s $14.99 from www.stupid.com

Oregon Scientific Barbie Fashion Tablet –The compact and colorful Barbie Fashion Tablet from Oregon Scientific offers young girls their very own touch screen mobile device!  Featuring 30 activities including writing, music, spelling and design, additional game content can be downloaded via PC or Mac through an included USB cable to continue the learning fun! For ages 4-6 $49.99  www.us.oregonscientific.com    

Spy Net Stealth Recording Video Glasses—is for capturing secret video evidence in plain sight with the high tech and stylish sunglasses that stealthily record video through the built-in video cam in the middle of the frame. Records up to 20 minutes of real video, 3 hours of audio and 2000+ photos. Built-in USB allows you to upload your evidence to www.SpyNetHQ.com For ages 8 and above.  $39.99  Available at Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, Kmart, Amazon, and other stores

Dropcam Echo Wi-Fi video monitoring camera system—it’s the easiest way to use video to check in on the things you care about from anywhere, any time, on any device, such as a smart phones or a laptop. This small camera streams live video 24/7, letting you effortlessly keep an eye on your home, kids, pets, vehicles in the garage, a second home and everything else you care about.  Dropcam is the only Wi-Fi video camera with the ability to record live video minute by minute for up to 30 days and everything is stored on the cloud so you don’t have to worry about your feed being stolen or lost. The cost is $279  www.dropcam.com

Eye-Fi Connect X2 –This SD card gives any camera the ability to send hi-res photos wirelessly to your computer, tablet or Smartphone—then you can store the photos or email them or post them on Facebook. Connect X2 replaces your existing SD memory card and works with your existing camera. Makes any camera you get for the holidays wireless. No more dealing with cables.  Connect X2 has Endless Memory and lets you share just the photos you want with only the people you want through email or on sharing sites like Facebook.  It’s $49.99 and you can learn more at http://www.eye.fi/  

Ooma Telo –It lets you say goodbye to expensive monthly phone bills and enjoy free calling throughout the U.S.  Simply connect Ooma to your high-speed Internet and your existing phone, and that’s it. With the just launched Ooma Telo Air wireless adapter ($49.99), the Ooma Telo can now be placed anywhere in the home within range of your home’s Wi-Fi network. Ooma was ranked as the #1 home phone service of any type by Consumer Reports (May 2011). The Ooma Telo is $199.99. For more info check out http://www.ooma.com/products/ooma-telo

The MicroVision collection by Foster Grant –features a full-size folding compact reader with telescoping temples and spring hinges for comfort. The compact readers, packaged in stylish travel cases for him and her are perfect for those on the go. The Gwendolyn style for her features bright, colorful cases and a flip-up mirror. Retail prices start at $24.99 and are available at CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid. Visit www.fostergrant.com for more information.

Isotoner® smarTouch® gloves let you operate your touchscreen while wearing gloves.  The smarTouch gloves are made with signature stretch fabrics for fit and flexibility and conductive thread technology on the index finger and thumb to allow typing in the cold.  Gloves are available in multiple sizes, styles and colors for women and men, and are compatible with most touchscreen devices, including smartphones, mp3 players, GPS units and more. Most styles are sold for $42 or less at major department stores and mass merchants nationwide and online. For more information, please visit www.smartouchgloves.com

Check out my Ghoulish Gadgets segment on this morning’s Today Show

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29054368/

Products the aid in the care of You, Your Home, Your Pet and Your Technology

Fitbit Ultra—is a wearable, wireless activity monitor that tracks steps taken, flights of stairs climbed, distance traveled, calories burned and sleep quality to give you a 24/7 picture of your health. Online you can log food, weight and other physical activities and also connect and compete with friends and family to track progress and meet goals.  www.fitbit.com  $99.95

Itron OpenWay Centron—is the future of energy meters—it gives a safe, accurate two way communication between your home and the energy utility.  The outside smart meter sends a signal to the “In-Home Display” –giving real time date on energy usage AND the actual costs.  As the Kilowatt/hour rate changes throughout the day—homeowners see those changes—so really know how much energy you’re using and what it is really costing you.  This smart meter empowers you to manage your life accordingly to save energy and money.  www.Itron.com  

EcoSmart Eco-11 Tankless Hot Water Heater—it’s the only patented electric self modulating tankless hot water heater—meaning there are no electric spikes or changes in temperature—it calculates how much power is needed  based on the hot water demand at that moment—making it the most energy efficient electric hot water heater on the market.  It’s also the only electric tankless hot water heater with a remote control so you can adjust the water temperature from anywhere in the house including the shower. By going tankless you can save up to 60% on your hot water heating costs—for a family of four it could be as much as $200/year in savings. http://www.ecosmartus.com/   $269.00

Energizer Universal Double USB Car Charger—our cars have become the place to charge so many of our tech toys. This new product from Energizer lets you charge two tech products at once in the car, perfect for charging your smartphone and GPS at the same time  http://www.energizer.com/products/usb/Pages/usb-charger.aspx    Under $20

Skinny Fitted iPad Case—cool thin case with auto on/off front cover that automatically wakes up the device and puts it to sleep and it’s foldable front cover folds for both typing or viewing positions.  The Skinny is complete protection for the iPad 2.  http://www.stmbags.com/catalog/bags-for-ipad/skinny-ipad2/  $40  

DC-41 Animal Vacuum—it’s the newest vacuum from Dyson—just out this week—it’s does all surfaces without turning a dial or touching a button.  It automatically adjusts from thick carpet to hard floors in home and car.  Specifically designed to pick up pet hair and dust, and by significantly reducing allergens in the carpet and floor—it improves the air quality in the home and car.  http://www.dyson.com/store/product.asp?product=DC41-IRSPU   Under $600

Litter Robot– is the only automated, self-cleaning litter box product made in the USA.  The Litter-Robot makes life easier for cat owners by eliminating the daily hassle of litter box scooping. It also reduces smells and works with any type of clump-able litter.  http://www.litter-robot.com/  $340.00

The Callet- is an all in one– smart phone case and wallet for your iPhone of Blackberry.  Made from durable and flexible, high quality Gel-Polymer.  Perfect for protecting your phone and holding your cash and cards.  Comes in 4 colors include Pink, Blue, Black and White.   Available at www.thecallet.com  for $19.99

Met with Joel Simkhai –the inventor of the new social media app Blendr
It’s a very cool app that helps you meet other people with similar interests. Walk into a restaurant, bar, anywhere and meet other app users who are interested in the same things you are–biking, cooking, French speaking–whatever–so far 200 interests–and more being added everyday. Check it out.