Almond+ Looks To Reinvent The Router

Routers are like printers. With technology advancing at a blazing pace, they remain some of the most difficult, expensive, and frustrating pieces of gadgets we still use. Securifi is a company that is working to redesign and rethink the way we use wireless routers with the Almond+.

The Almond+ is roughly the size of an iPad and uses a 2.8 inch TFT screen to control all of its functions. Gone are the days of configuring and setting up your wi-fi via your PC or Mac. Plug it in. Follow the on screen directions and you’re set to go. It's as easy as that and your parents will love it. On top of being a router, it comes with ZigBee and Z-Wave, technologies that allow you to control lights and lock/unlock your door wirelessly. Check out the tech specs below for more information.

• 802.11ac + n Dual Band Concurrent
• 2.4GHz 2x2 MIMO - 300Mbps
• 5GHz 2x2 MIMO - 867 Mbps
• 2.8” TFT Touchscreen
• Linux 2.6.36
• 1+4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
• 1 USB 2.0
• ZigBee (2.4GHz)
• Z-Wave US (908MHz)
• Z-Wave Europe (868 MHz)
• 620MHz Processor
• 128MB RAM

If you’re tired of setting up and managing your parents wireless problems or you’re just looking for a modern answer to the router, you can pick one up on Kickstarter for $95.

IK Announces iLoud, A Portable Speaker With Studio Monitor Sound

Mobile speakers tend to invoke feelings of sound or build quality questions. IK Multimedia has built their entire business on high quality multimedia equipment for musicians. Today they announced their latest products in the iLoud and iLoud MINI, both being mobile speakers with studio monitor quality.

The iLoud comes powered with 40W RMS of power while the MINI comes with 12W. They are designed to produce accurate reproduction of all genres of music ranging from rock and hip-hop to classical and acoustic. Not only can you use it to listen to music, you can use it to play music as well by connecting a guitar, bass, or microphone. It can also work in conjunction with their AmpliTube and VocaLive apps for realtime vocal effects.

The iLoud is about the size of an iPad while the MINI is roughly the size of an iPad mini and can fit easily in a laptop bag. Both come with a Li-Ion rechargeable battery and work via Bluetooth along with a stereo 1/8” mini-jack. The iLoud will be priced at $299.99 and the iLoud MINI $199.99 with both being available in the second quarter of this year.

Jabra Announces New Mobile Speakers In The Speak 510 Series

Typically known for their bluetooth headsets, Jabra announced yesterday the Speak 510 Series of devices for the mobile worker. The Speak 510 was designed for people who need audio conferencing on the go. The device can be plugged in via a USB cord or used wirelessly using Bluetooth for your smartphone or tablet. The 510+ cuts the cord and uses a USB dongle to wirelessly connect devices. Both come with 15 hours of talk time, a travel case and work on PC’s and Mac’s alike. The 510 is now available on Amazon for $149.99 with the 510+ coming out later this March for $179.99.

Microsoft Announces Surface Windows 8 Pro Availability

Today Microsoft announced the availability of their Surface Windows 8 Pro (Really? This is the best name a $68 billion company can think of?). This will be the upgraded version of their Surface with Windows RT with the difference mainly being the ability to install third-party applications on the Pro version. If you’ve been dying to get your hands on this version, your wait is almost over. You will be able to purchase one starting Feb 9 at all the Microsoft stores, their online store, Staples, Best Buy and a number of locations in Canada.

The Surface Windows 8 Pro is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, comes in 64GB and 128GB versions and a Surface Pen, which is basically a fancy stylus. If you’re looking to get the entry level version of the Pro, be ready to fork over $899 (without the keyboard cover). The Surface Touch Covers go for $119 by the way so you’re looking at around $1,100 for the whole package. In addition to the availability of the Pro, the RT will be available in 13 new markets with a new standalone 64GB version available without the Cover for $599. Mark your calendars and empty your savings account, Microsoft is ready to double theirs come Feb 9th.

Petite Square: A Sleek Wooden Bluetooth Speaker

Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen, you can find them everywhere and it becomes increasingly hard to discover one that stands out. A new project on the crowd sourcing website, Indiegogo, looks to change that. Petite Square is a new type of Bluetooth speaker that is made of a 50,000 year old wood found only in New Zealand.

Ancient Kauri is said to be the oldest workable wood available and is used to craft violins, furniture and now, the Petite Square. Each speaker is a handmade 2 inch square with a pair of them being able to produce stereo quality sound. The Bluetooth enabled speaker lasts 15 hours on each charge and comes in over 10 different colors. Currently in their working prototype phase, they look to raise enough funds to begin mass production this April. The Petite Square starts at $59.

ViVAX, A Case Worthy Of Your Laptop

So you bought a $3,000 MacBook Pro and are trying to figure out how to protect it short of just leaving it at home. Take a look at ViVAX, a military grade case that is waterproof, shockproof, and crushproof. Currently still raising funds on its Kickstarter page, ViVAX is an Italian made laptop case that looks like something from a James Bond movie. The outer shell is made of material similar to crash helmets with the interior lining being “shockproof techno-polymer.” This is all sealed with a special Neoseal rubber that’s waterproof and allows it to be unsinkable. 

If you’re still having doubts about the quality of this case, they ran it over with a car and the case, and more importantly, the laptop was just fine. £59 (about $95) gets you a case and £85 (about $137) gets you the case and the backpack carrying system.

Parrot Flower Power, Keep Track Of Your Plants With Real Time Data

Bring 21st century technology to gardening with Parrot’s new Flower Power sensor. Using the bluetooth enabled bio dongle, you can receive real time data on your plants soil moisture, temperature, sunlight, and fertilizer. Along with this information, you will get push notifications to remind you of your plant’s needs. The device is as simple as setting it into the soil of your plant. That’s it. Now you can check your plants data and see what it needs with the companion app for your phone. With over 6,000 plants in their database, you can be sure that it will be tailored towards your needs. No availability or price yet but expect it come out sometime this year.