DigiDame and the Innovation Insider

There are thousand upon thousands of blogs out there–in fact you’re reading one now–but there’s only one that truly tries to explain the world of technology to those who are not so tech savvy–the blogger is Lois Whitman and in the blogisphere she is known as the DigiDame  http://digidame.wordpress.com/ and on twitter at @DigiDameLois

The DigiDame explores everything from cool apps you should know about to audible.com, kick starter, 0hours, and so much more.  She explains Twitter and Facebook– and she does it with style and most importantly, she does it so EVERYONE can understand the concepts.

As we get older, its so easy to become less relevant.  Technology is overwelming and frankly, its just easier to sit back and say “who cares.” But as long as we live in this world, its critical that we understand it.  Technology is a big part of our world and we all need to care about this ever changing aspect of civilization.  Lois Whitman is providing a service.  She is explaing technology to a segment of our society that many are very comfortable ignoring.  Seniors are the fastest growing demographic in the US–to ignore them is a huge mistake.  The DigiDame is educating them and keeping them relevant.

So whether you’re a senior–or just someone who feels disconnected from the digital world–follow the DigiDame.

Check out the promo for the show:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/invention-hunters-premiere/97807.html

Drop Stop– is a neoprene (wet suit material) flexible wedge that blocks that annoying and frustrating yet ever so dangerous gap between your car or truck seat and center console.  No more lost change and hard to retrieve cell phones.  But most importantly, Drop Stop prevents driver distraction by keeping your eyes on the road, not in the gap.  Drop Stop fits any car or truck—from the smallest of gaps (1/4 an inch) to the widest ones (3 and 1/2 inches).  Neoprene is very durable making Drop Stop last the life of your car, and future ones to come.  Neoprene is also stain resistant so whatever you spill on it you can simply wipe it right off or use a damp cloth and it is good as new.  Drop Stop blends with any color interior as the gap between the center console and seat is ALWAYS a dark black shadow so once you install it, you won’t even know it is there until it Stops The Drop.  Drop Stop slides back and forth with the seat when you move or adjust your seat.  A set of 2 Drop Stops, one for the driver side and one for the passenger side (as the product is universal and works on both gaps) plus an LED Credit Card Light as well as Slide Free Pad for $19.99.  For more information go to http://www.BuyDropStop.com

Mastrad–Mastrad TopChips Chips Maker– allows for the creation of fat-free chips using the microwave in just a matter of minutes! Requiring no oil or grease, simply slice the desired fruit or vegetable with the handy mandolin, place chips on the non-stick silicone tray, put them in the microwave and voila! The result is crispy, flavorful, guilt-free chips. The cost is $19.99 at: http://www.shopmastrad.com

Mastrad Silicone Mitt–The essential kitchen must-have, Mastrad’s Silicone Mitt offers style, protection and comfort for both the amateur cook and expert gourmand. Complete with a non-slip grip, removable cotton lining and made of non-staining, non-blackening silicone, this item offers versatility and quality all in one.  Cost $14.99 at  http://www.shopmastrad.com

Crucial.com –If your computer isn’t running as responsive as you would like—the problem could be that your RAM isn’t large enough.  Crucial.com has a FREE service—just go to their site and hit the “Scan My System” button.  That triggers a free evaluation of your computer and a suggestion of the proper RAM upgrades.  A memory upgrade is an inexpensive way to overhaul your computer.  It’s easy to do and the cost is around $30-80.  Visit www.crucial.com for more information.

TripIt  App – makes getting there easier, by organizing all your trip plans in one place. It’s a new way to travel smarter, by having everything with you on-the-go. TripIt creates an itinerary in seconds – just email all of your airline and hotel confirmations to plans@tripit.com and TripIt puts together an itinerary and can add the information into your calendar. TripIt will also organize other activities like restaurant reservations and concert tickets.  Ultimately, you’ll get more out of each trip, because TripIt puts your itinerary to work for you. TripIt is easy to use and it’s FREE—get more information at http://tripit.com or m.tripit.com from any mobile device

Roamz App –is a location-based application that helps people find out what is happening at places around them in real-time. With so much unfiltered noise in the social web, it’s extremely difficult for individuals to make sense of the activity that is happening around them, much less things they are actually interested in. The application intelligently curates social activity from multiple networks and seamlessly integrates it with content contributed from the Roamz community, giving users a holistic view of what is buzzing nearby. It’s like social goggles for the real world, showing you places and activities according to your personal interests and preferences. The more you use Roamz the smarter it gets, so no matter where you are you will get the inside word from those in the know, and never miss out on local gems again.  Best of all—Roamz is FREE. For more information check out www.roamz.com or via iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/roamz/id459343660?mt=8

2 Cam Shoot App –let’s you utilize BOTH cameras on your iPhone so that you can take video recording to the next level.  Let’s face it–just about every video would be better with you in it.  2 Cam Shoot let’s you switch between the iPhone’s front and back cameras while recording video. Without this app, the only way you can record a video that showcases yourself and something else is by attempting to swing the phone around, losing sight of the screen, and just guessing what image is being recorded.  Certainly not a smooth option.  2 Cam Shoot ends that awkward bumpy camera move.  By using this app, you are able to simply switch between the front and back cameras by just touching the icon on the screen.  Video recording on your iPhone will never be the same.  Put yourself into the video and make every shoot a 2 Cam Shoot.  App fee 99 cents.  You can get it for FREE by registering at www.2camshoot.com

Re-Pillable Card–is the first and only wallet pill carrier card.   You can carry up to 5 life saving Aspirin or pills, over the top credit card, without taking up wallet space.  There is an open space at the top of all wallets and we invented the Re-Pillable Card to fit in this space. Aspirin is recognized as helping during a heart attack and with the Re-Pillable Card, “your aspirin is just a wallet reach away.” Available at www.repillable.com, a 2 pack sells for $4.

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

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

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!!!

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

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