Ballistic Unveils New Rugged “Shell Gel Maxx” Cases For The Samsung Galaxy S III

The Samsung Galaxy S III is quickly turning into the most popular Android phone in the world. This follow up to the highly popular Galaxy S II and original Galaxy S III has features that every Android enthusiast (and some iPhone enthusiasts) have been dreaming about. It’s also a  pretty expensive piece of hardware if it’s not subsidized. So now you need a case worthy of holding the precious Galaxy S III. That case is the new Shell Gel Maxx from Ballistic Cases.

Ballistic Shell Gel Maxx,Samsung Galaxy S III, Otterbox, Samsung Galaxy S III Case,Mobile,GearThe Shell Gel Maxx provides maximum protection without the immense bulk of a case like the Otterbox. Not only is your Samsung Galaxy S III going to be protected from corner to corner but Ballistic has revolutionized the screen protection on the case as well. Rather than having a thin overlay film cover like an Otterbox case Ballistic has equipped that Shell Gel Maxx with a molded screen protector.

The Ballistic Shell Gel (SG) Maxx is a beefed up version of the original Shell Gel. Similar to the original, this case integrates an outermost layer, which is made of soft rubber (TPU) for shock absorption, a second layer which is crafted with impact resistant polycarbonate, and a third layer built with soft outer TPU. The Maxx collection, however, “ups the ante” by incorporating stronger corners for increased drop protection, a horizontal holster, and integrated port covers.

The Ballistic Shell Gel Maxx is available now for the Samsung Galaxy S III and coming soon for the iPhone 4/4S. You can get one today by clicking here.

 

Chicago Techweek: Michigan Startup TechSlinger Harnesses Technology VIDEO INTERVIEW

One of  the first great startups we ran into at TechWeek 2012 in Chicago was actually not from Chicago at all but rather, just outside of Grand Rapids Michigan. TechSlinger General Manager Tresha Davis told us they were excited about launching and excited to support the thriving tech community in Chicago.

TechSlinger is actually a hardgoods/accessory startup. They manufacture the TechSlinger which is a way to hold your gadgets, underneath your coat that’s both comfortable and functional.

The TechSlinger consists of two under arm pouches that are kind of reminded me of gun holsters. One of the pouches holds your tablet. The other one can hold your phone, accessories, even your wallet, credit cards and other important items.

The TechSlinger is a great accessory for traveling business people. It’s also a great accessory for those who need access to their gadgets throughout the day where a backpack may appear a bit out of place or even unprofessional. You can wear a nice Brooks Brothers suit on top of the TechSlinger and No one would notice the difference.

In the video below we talk with TechSlinger CEO and creator Nathan in the video below. The idea came up when he realized he was traveling so much and needed to find something better than a traditional backpack or messenger bag that still permitted great functionality.

TechSlinger comes in a variety of colors and sizes as well. It supports all major e-readers including the Kindle and the Nook and even most Android tablets. They are anxious to get their hands on a new Microsoft Surface tablet to design a TechSlinger or it as well.  The best part is that TechSlinger is made in the USA.

They are also working on TechSlingers to support up to the 13″ Macbook pro. The 11″ Macbook Air fits snuggly in the iPad TechSlinger without any casing.  Even my “New” iPad with a Griffin Survivor case on it fits in the TechSlinger. I can’t wait until they are ready to ship review units I have to try one of these things out.

It’s very lightweight and would totally hide your electronics from plain site under a jacket or sport coat.

a-Jays One+ EarBuds Ridiculous Sound, Even More Ridiculous Packaging

This would be the review that you’ve been looking for. If you’ve met me or seen me in the last six months, since CES 2012 in Las vegas I’ve probably told you about the most amazing pair of earbuds I’ve ever heard, the a-Jays One+ ear buds.

The earbuds are great and I am NOT an earbuds guy. I am a Sony MDR-7506 lover and I also have a pair of over the ear headphones that I love from House of Marley.  However one pair of earbuds were going to change me into an earbud believer. Those earbuds would be the a-Jays One+ EarBuds.

Boy was I happy when I received an overnight from the office at the hotel I am staying at with the a-Jays One+ earbuds in them.

Here’s why you’re not seeing that review though. It’s the worst ever consumer packaging in the world. In over 10 years of having some sort of position involving researching or reviewing consumer electronic products and accessories I’ve never seen packaging as bad as this. Heck the boys who used to rip off Sam Goody in my High School to get cassettes had better luck cracking open the theft deterrent system.

At first I followed the instructions explicitly pushing the button that was behind the little round sticker.

To no avail.

I then borrowed a pair of scissors from the front desk.  Nope didn’t work out

Next I tried a flat head screw driver. Still nothing

Then I tried I gigantic steak knife trying to both pry the packaging open and then slicing through it, still no avail.

The last thing I tried was to light the mother f*cking packaging on fire… Still to no avail.  I guess they had their packaging made by the same people who make Otter Boxes and Griffin Survivor series cases.. I can’t imagine the frustration that actual customers will experience with this crazy packaging.

One things for sure Im going to get these B*tches open to do the review at some point because they are indeed the best sounding earbuds I’ve ever heard, and then, I’m going to store my iPhone in the packaging.. move over Otterbox.

Normally we only let Brent set things on fire.

Florida Startup: Bellco’s Ion Air Mouse Computer Glove Preparing For Holidays

This is going to be a great holiday season. We are expecting to see new Retina display MacBooks introduced this week at WWDC, there will be a ton more ultra books and of course traditional PC laptops. In anticipation of that, a hot new startup from Central Florida called Bellco, will also see stock piles of their Ion Air Mouse Computer Glove, hopefully fly off the shelf.

Now that smartphone adoption has come to record heights, and tablets are flying off the shelves as well, people are growing more and more accustom to using their fingers for navigation. Sure you can do it on a track pad but it’s not the same familiarity as your tablet or smartphone screen.

I’m sure I’m not the only one that has tried to swipe across the screen of their MacBook Pro. (see you laughed) that’s where the Ion Air Mouse Computer Glove comes in.  It’s a glove that fits around your hand snuggly, has a comfortable charging port (via micro usb) and a wireless dongle that attaches to any computer.

Once the glove is on you can use it your hand/finger as your pointing device. Admittedly it’s still not the same as the gestures that you’re used to with your smartphone but it’s effective. The glove also leaves your fingertips free for typing.


Now not only is it an effective peripheral but it’s also effectively priced. While the new startup behind the Ion Air Mouse Computer Glove, Bellco, could probably get away with selling it in the high $100 range, it comes in at just $79.99 making it priced the same as some of the more serious mice available today.

Bellco reports that the glove comes in gray and black and works with Windows, Linux,Mac and Android. Bellco encourages users to try it by setting up your computer via HDMI to a big tv for a “Wow” worth of experience.

Linkage

Itching to know more about it, go to their website here

Nibletz is the voice of startups “everywhere else” here’s more stories from “everywhere else”

get your startup covered email startup@nibletz.com

New Power2U AC USB In Wall Outlet Wins Award Because It’s Great

At this day in age you’d be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t have some kind of device that charged via a USB outlet. iPods, iPads, iPhones, Android Phones, Blackberry’s, dumb phones, digital cameras, portable game systems, tablets, even some video cameras charge off of usb. USB is a convenient way to charge because you can charge devices through your computer, a wall charger, car charger and even a power bag.

Now there’s a new way to charge your USB powered devices, and if you’re the least bit handy you’ll be able to install it yourself. The product is called the Power2U AC/USB wall outlet and as you can tell from the name (and the picture above) it’s a USB outlet that takes the place of your standard wall outlet. When you install the outlet you have access to two regular three prong AC outlets along with two USB outlets that can charge everything from a phone to an iPad and everything in between.

The Power2U AC/USB outlet is easy to install and it installs in under 20 minutes. They even have an easy to follow instructional video here. It will install in any 15 amp circuit with a 16 cubic inch electrical box. In case you were wondering, that is the typical wall outlet in your home.

The Power2U AC/USB outlet has just received the Handyman Club Member Tested and Recommended Seal of Approval.

“A 92 percent member approval rating for the Power2U outlet is an excellent test result, and Newer Technology should be very proud their innovative product scored so well,” said Ross Tanner, Product Test Editor, HANDY magazine.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that the Power2U was overwhelmingly approved and endorsed by Handyman Club of America members,” said Grant Dahlke, Brand Manager, Newer Technology, Inc. “These testers are very hands-on and demand excellence from the products they choose for their home improvement projects. As such, the typical homeowner can buy the Power2U with full assurance they can install it and enjoy it hassle-free.”

For more information on the Power2U visit this link

Plantronics Introduces Back Beat Go BlueTooth Headphones At CTIA 2012

Plantronics, a trusted name in audio headsets and devices designed to make business and communication easier, has released a new product at the CTIA 2012 show in New Orleans last week. The headphones that go by the name Back Beat Go, connect to any Bluetooth enabled device for up to 4.5 hours of listening pleasure.

With the Back Beat Go BlueTooth headphones by Plantronics there’s no wires and no hassles. They easily fit into your pocket, purse or backpack and provide full on stereo sound. Now you can listen to music, chat with your friends, and watch movies on any BlueTooth enabled device, be it your tablet, phone or computer.

In addition to the 4.5 hours of listening time the Back Beat Go headphones have up to ten days of standby time. They also give you maximum room to move allowing you the freedom to be up to 33 feet away from the BlueTooth enabled device. Best of all they go from dead to fully charged in 2.5 hours.

Other features include:

• Amazingly light, incredibly small wireless stereo earbuds with Bluetooth® technology

• Compact design easily slips into your pocket, and tangle-free cable keeps things simple

• Enjoy your favorite music or movie with up to 4.5 hours of listening and talk time

• Three sizes of cushioned eartips and optional stabilizers make the fit custom, secure, and comfortable

• Inline controls make it easy to take calls, skip tracks, and adjust volume

• Bluetooth® technology lets you connect to smartphones or tablets for music, movies, and calls

• Big sound in a small package – sound isolating buds for rich stereo

• Headset battery meter automatically shows on screen for iPhone® and iPad®

• Download the Plantronics MyHeadset™ app for a battery headset meter on Android 3.0 tablets, and Android™ 4.0 phones and tablets

Pairing the Back Beat Go BlueTooth headphones is a cinch!

For more info on the BackBeat Go headphones click here

 

Gear: House Of Marley Stir It Up Headphones Review


Last Month we showed you the House of Marley, Conquerer Mist Ear Buds, quite possibly the best ear buds I’ve ever listened to music with. Since then, I’ve been trying out the House of Marley “Stir It Up” over the ear headphones.

As I said in my last review, the House of Marley products aren’t just some licensing agreement with another company, they are designed, distributed, and marketed by Bob Marley’s family, spear headed by Marley’s son Rohan Marley.

Rohan Marley isn’t trying to make a quick buck off of his fathers name by plastering their family name on audio products. The House of Marley is actually a movement that brings attention to social causes around the world. The Marley family and the House of Marley volunteers use the proceeds from their audio lines to fund their outreach missions. You can also bet with the Marley’s musical background playing real instruments that the sound that comes out of the House of Marley line is exceptional.

More after the break
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What’s In Your Bag: Michael Neal

Michael Neal a photographer out of Maui, after seeing another What’s In Your Bag contacted us, and I’ve been in talks with him ever since and couldn’t wait for him to show us what was in his bag. After seeing some of the photos from his site I knew his gear was going to just be as crazy as his photos, and he didn’t disappoint.

I’m a freelance surf and nature photographer based on Maui,Hawaii. I have been shooting professionally for 7 years. My surf photos focus on the many talented surfer here on Maui, with an emphasize on the big waves of Peahi (Jaws). These images regularly appeared in magazines and websites in the USA, Europe, South Africa, and Brazil.

Maui is an awesome place and I love capturing the beauty of nature found here.

My print work in sold through many of the fine galleries on the island. Maui has some of the most endangered creatures on the planet, I work regularly with conservation groups here documenting their work.

These images are being used by the Nature Conservancy,Haleakala National Park, the Maui Ocean Center and others to promote the incredible work being done here.

Read More…

Nikon Introducing A New Camera Tomorrow

Nikon is introducing a brand new camera to their line up on Wednesday at noon eastern time. They haven’t said what this new camera will be. We don’t know if it will be one for their point and shoot or “cool pix” line or a new form of DSLR. Nikon seems to have an enormous presence in both arenas.

Nikon has a teaser site set up here. It features nothing but a countdown timer.

It’s widely believed that the camera will be a mirror less camera beating rival Canon to the punch.  Samsung, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony all have mirror less cameras already however none of those companies have the digital prowess that Nikon has.

UK based Pocket-Lint points out that nowhere does it say Nikon on the site however the fonts and coloring are an exact match to the current Nikon branding.

We’re wondering if Ashton Kutcher will be part of this big announcement, stay tuned!

Source: iamcomings.com via pocket-lint