Heads up displays are always cool in cars and etc, but what about one that’s literally on your head? Google Glass is basically a computer, camera, and screen built into a glasses frame. Voice commands allow you to take pictures, record video, search the web, translate your voice, share what you see live, get gps directions and more. You’ll have to apply to be a “Glass Explorer” by Feb 27th, get excepted, and cough up $1,500 to get one.
where we’re going, we don’t need roads…
The Square Mobile Card Reader will allow you to swipe credit cards into your smartphone or tablet, and the Square Register App makes it super easy to turn your device into a customizable checkout register. Perfect for the traveling businessman or even a chain of retail stores swapping out oldschool registers for iPads, Square Register accepts all major credit cards and has a simple pricing plan – either 2.75% per transaction or a flat $275 monthly fee. Compatible cash drawers and receipt printers are also available.
For those pining for an iPad, but in need of more transportability – welcome the iPad Mini. With the same 1024×768 resolution of the iPad 2, the 7.9″ screen of the iPad Mini can be held in one hand. Working universally with existing iPad Apps, the iPad Mini is powered by Apple’s A5 chip and features two cameras (one for FaceTime video chatting and the other for 1080p HD video recording and 5 megapixel stills). Available with wi-fi or a data plan, the iPad Mini is also the cheapest iPad ever – starting at $329 for the 16GB wi-fi model.
I know that Frachelli recently did a sunglasses feature, but it’s summer and I got some new ones! I am absolutely loving my Ray-Ban Tech sunglasses and have been receiving many compliments. I went all out with this pair; they have polarized lenses and carbon fiber temples making them lightweight, comfortable, and great to look through. They were a bit expensive for a working stiff like me, but sometimes it’s better to look like a million bucks than to have it.
The release of the much anticipated and discussed Apple iPad is around the corner. What at first glance is a giant iPhone or iPod touch, many are questioning what is the point of this thing? As an iPhone game developer and avid user, I can tell you that the large 9.7 inch screen is going to add even more gaming capabilities to the already awesome iPhone platform. I also foresee myself using the device as a portable media player and using more advanced applications than that on my iPhone. While the small size of the iPhone is ideal for travel, I picture myself updating spreadsheets and whizzing through emails on an iPad while riding a commuter train. The iPad is also going to be a direct competitor of e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle. There have always been skeptics of Apple’s products and I believe that the iPad doubters will be eating their words within a few years. Apple has surpassed Wal-Mart as the largest retailer of music and has already obtained 19% of the mobile gaming market. I’m willing to bet that they’ll sell a few books on the iPad too.
You can pre-order an iPad on www.apple.com with free home delivery. Prices range from $499 for the 16gb model with Wi-Fi to $829 for a 36gb w/ 3G.