Wanting to get a new phone-T-Mobile may make it easier to swallow the cost.

If you are a technology geek like me you are always looking for new product that makes your life easier and more enjoyable and… you just want the newest stuff! If t-Mobile’s service will work for you, then their offer to pay your early termination fees if you jump from a rival carrier might make that move a lot less painful in your wallet.

The bold move is the next phase of T-Mobile's so-called "Uncarrier" strategy. The company says it will pay early-termination fees for customers when they trade in their devices with T-Mobile and sign up for T-Mobile wireless service. T-Mobile said the total value of the trade-in offer to switch carriers could be as high as $650 per line.
Read more: http://www.cnet.com/8301-35284_1-57616868/switch-he-said-t-mobile-will-take-the-penalty-for-you/#ixzz2pwMZqWMd

Take a look at the article cited above but this really sounds interesting and makes one wonder how much longer the other carriers will continue with the overpriced/outdated services.

Audi shows integrated Android tablet at CES

Audi already integrates Google Earth into its navigation system. The Open Auto Alliance means a lot more Google technology will arrive, and at GM, Honda, and Hyundai, too. Audi showed a 10 inch Android based tablet in their console that would control both vehicle services and entertainment. The OAA is dedicated to using a common platform that will drive innovation and make technology safer and easier to us for everyone.

Audi did not provide details as to availability or cost, but the demonstration worked seamlessly. The tablet will likely coincide with the new TT model, which does away with a central LCD in favor of a virtual instrument cluster showing gauges and infotainment functions. The TT cockpit does not allow for a passenger to control infotainment functions, making the tablet a perfect adjunct.
Read more: http://www.cnet.com/8301-35289_1-57616809/audi-shows-integrated-android-tablet-to-ces-2014-crowd/#ixzz2pwImG0AQ

With an open environment like Android the case can be made for easier innovation to be delivered easy and quickly to your automobile. This will allow you to pick those applications that make sense for your use case, and make you car driving experience even more personal and enjoyable.

The partnership also could help pave the way for incorporation of Google's self-driving car technology. Even if that technology doesn't use Android itself, the OAA is a tight technology partnership for essential computing services, and that could make it easier to rely further on Google technology.
Read more: http://www.cnet.com/8301-35289_1-57616662/google-joins-with-gm-honda-audi-for-android-powered-cars/#ixzz2pwISjeSn

Scanadu–CES 2014

I have a medical background so anything that hints of futuristic health care devices catches my attention. The small device shown in the picture to the right takes 10 seconds to provide a quick vitals workup. This device plans to give you the ability to keep up on your personal health easily. The information is planned to be captured and be available to you over a period of time allowing you to track changes in these readings and compare them to your life changes. This would then give you the ability to see some cause and effect situations that might not be captured otherwise.

They wanted this device to be as easy to use as a thermometer but to give you real information. Watch Engadget’s interview from CES 2014 to get more in depth information.

http://www.engadget.com/video/5min/518078359

The new Linksys is looking a lot like the old one…

It is hard to believe that it is a full year since Belkin purchased the home networking division of Linksys from Cisco but there it is…

At CES this week Linksys is showing a version design of its WRT1900AC dual band WiFi router that appears to be inspired by the original WRT54G. The planned retail price of this unit is $299.99 and is updated from the old series of routers to support 802.11ac. It has four antennas now with a faster 1.2GHz processor, eSATA and USB 2.0/3.0 connectivity ports and four gigabit LAN ports. Maximum throughput will be 1.3 Gbps on the 5GHz band and up to 6700Mpbs on the 2.4GHz band.

The WRT1900AC is also the first Linksys router to include a Network Map feature designed to provide a simpler way of managing settings of each device connected to the network. Linksys VP Mike Chen justified the $300 price tag by saying in the announcement that the WRT1900AC "will be the most powerful router in its class on the market. We have spared no technology expense to make this router a prosumers’ dream."

Toshiba Chromebook

Now Toshiba is getting into the Chromebook market with a 13.3” Haswell system. Proposed price is $279 and will sport a dual-core Celeron, 2GB of RAM, dual-band 802.11n WiFi, (2) USB 3.0, (1) HDMI, (1) card reader port and 16GB SSD which puts its specs on the same level as most of the Haswell Chomebooks on the market at the moment. Some other models have up to 4GB of RAM but since Chrome is not a memory intensive operating system having a little less probably won’t matter. Rated at 9 hours of battery life will make this a very useful during a hardworking day.

Toshiba is hoping to differentiate itself from their competitors by offering a 13.3 inch screen as compared to most of the other units at 11 inches. The display resolution will be about the same, 1366x768, a larger screen will probably help with productivity. You know, as we get older, the bigger the characters the better. Weight is in between 11 inch and 14 inch systems being just over 3 pounds. If you are looking at purchasing a Chromebook this might be a good option. Should become available around February 16th.

Garmin shows off HUD concept at CES

Part of the I can hardly wait category of products that are floating around CES this week is this concept only item from Garmin. As reported by engadget yesterday this item looks like something that you may want in your next vehicle purchase…

Garmin's been on a real heads-up display kick as of late. Back in September, the company showed off a bit of dash-mounted hardware for $150 a pop. Now the navigation giant's looking, ahem, ahead a bit, with a concept targeted specifically toward automakers -- meaning that you likely won't be installing this on your own car after purchase. Instead, the system works with with a proximity sensor and buttons built into a steering wheel, letting you activate routes, check traffic info, change stations or start a call, all without having to take your eyes off the road in front of you.

PR: Belkin WeMo Products

WeMo LED Lighting, WeMo Maker to launch this spring alongside the Crock-Pot® Smart Slow Cooker with WeMo

Playa Vista, Calif. – January 06, 2014 – Continuing to evolve the WeMo platform of simple, ingenious connected home products, Belkin today announced a slate of new WeMo devices including the WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set and WeMo Smart LED Bulbs, the WeMo Maker Kit, and Crock-Pot SmartSlow Cooker. Also on tap for the WeMo line at CES is a revised Android and iOS app offering improved functionality and enhanced lighting features. Belkin’s new WeMo line-up will be on display at PepCom's Digital Experience!, on January 6, 2014 at the Mirage Hotel and Casino and will be on display at the Belkin’s booth, South Hall 3 #30451, from January 7-10, 2014.

“Since first launching at the 2012 International CES, WeMo has become a major player in the connected home thanks to its simple, scalable, and affordable nature – words not typically associated with the connected home,” said Ohad Zeira, director of product management for WeMo. “As the most approachable entry point into the Smart Home, we are excited to introduce new products and app upgrades in 2014 that will continue that trend, as well as grow our business with Jarden Consumer Solutions and future partners to expand WeMo’s presence throughout the house.”

Belkin's new LED Lighting Starter Set and WeMo Smart LED Bulbs allow you to control, schedule and dim your smart LED bulbs from anywhere. As easy as replacing a standard light bulb, the WeMo Smart LED Bulbs work through the WeMo Link and are controlled via Wi-Fi and the WeMo app. The long-lasting bulbs are 60-watt equivalent with 800 Lumens and 3000 Kelvin for a bright, pleasing warm white light. Fully dimmable, WeMo Smart LED Bulbs can be controlled individually or in groups. The WeMo LED Starter Set includes two LED Smart Bulbs and a WeMo Link, which can support up to 50 individual Smart bulbs. Individual WeMo Smart LED bulbs also will be sold separately.

WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set (F5Z0489) - $129.99
WeMo Smart LED Bulbs (F7C033) - $39.99

• Turn lights on/off or schedule from anywhere
• Fully dimmable
• 60W equivalent bulbs last up to 23 years
• Vacation mode automatically turns lights on/off to simulate occupancy
• Dim to sleep – gradually dim lights to fall asleep more naturally
• Warm white light similar to incandescent bulbs
• Works with the WeMo app, available for Android or iOS

The WeMo Maker empowers DIYers to build their own WeMo solutions by adding Internet connectivity to any device controlled with a DC switch, such as research robotics, motors, sprinkler systems, antennas, and more. A small module that wires into low voltage devices, WeMo Maker also lets you monitor and manage a wide range of 5V DC sensors from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet. WeMo Maker is controlled via the same free WeMo app as existing WeMo products and integrates seamlessly within the WeMo ecosystem, allowing you to create schedules or automatically control the WeMo Maker with sensor inputs. Deactivate your sprinkler system if moisture is detected or open the blinds at sunrise from Monday to Friday. WeMo Maker also works with IFTTT, which lets you create specialized recipes bringing the Internet of Things to your fingertips.

Also debuting at the 2014 International CES, the WeMo-enabled Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker is the first WeMo equipped product stemming from Belkin’s collaboration with Jarden Consumer Solutions, a family of household appliance brands. The Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker is the first smartphone controllable slow cooker, which allows you to adjust the cooker’s settings from anywhere giving you greater flexibility and control over life’s unexpected moments. Receive reminders, change the cooking time, adjust the temperature or check the status of your dish while you are away through the WeMo app and come home to a perfectly cooked meal whenever you want it, even if you have to work late or practice runs over schedule. Additional Jarden Consumer Solutions co-branded products on display at the Belkin booth include the Mr. Coffee® Smart Coffee Maker enabled with WeMo, the HOLMES® Holmes Smart Console Space Heater enabled with WeMo, the HOLMES® Smart Console Humidifier enabled with WeMo, and the HOLMES® Holmes Smart Air Purifier enabled with WeMo.

Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker enabled with WeMo - $99.99

• Turn on/off, change temperature or time settings from anywhere
• Receive reminders
• Timer calculates cook times and process
• Works with the WeMo app for iOS or Android
• Manual control option

Aside from growing the WeMo product family in 2014, Belkin also will upgrade the award winning WeMo app to include a customizable long press gesture for the WeMo Light Switch, enhanced sunrise/sunset rules to select a time before or after sunset/sunrise, a simulated occupancy or vacation mode setting and a countdown timer.

Availability
The WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set, WeMo Smart LED Bulbs Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker enabled with WeMo and WeMo Maker Kit will be available in spring 2014. The latest version of the WeMo app with the upgraded features will launch in February for both Android and iOS.

Belkin at CES
Visit Belkin at the 2014 International CES in booth #30451 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center or on the Web. To schedule a booth tour or an appointment with a Belkin representative, please call Leah Polk at 202-213-4464.

About Belkin International, Inc.
To learn more about Belkin, visit http://www.belkin.com/aboutus/. Like us on Facebook atfacebook.com/belkin, and follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/belkin.