Moving Pictures – Technotraveler

Review: Kwilt® Shoebox Personal Cloud Gateway

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Rex Suba

Posted in App-etite, Conferences, Events, etc., Internet, Schminternet, Moving Pictures, Music la la, Phones – Smart and not, Still Life, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

Want an alternative to One Drive or Dropbox? Don’t want to pay for monthly or annual fees just to have access to your images and videos? Want to have control about the amount of storage you have in the cloud?

The Kwilt Shoebox is one solution that positively answers these questions. A personal cloud, scaled by you.

From September 2017, the Kwilt® Shoebox Launch Video:

With just a few small pieces of equipment, apps, USB storage and a WiFi connection that is under your control, you can create your own cloud. There are no additional costs beyond the cost of the Kwilt Shoebox unit (the retail price at press time was $69 US).

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox box front

Kwilt Shoebox, box back

Paper bits, including a fabulous K sticker, inside the Kwilt Shoebox box

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox, equipment before unboxing

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox, equipment spread out

Kwilt Shoebox: mini-HDMI port, micro-USB for storage, micro-USB for power

Kwilt Shoebox: all plugs occupied

Kwilt Shoebox: only power brick plugged in

Only power and USB adapter plugged in

At press time, there was little reason to use the HDMI output. An expected feature called KwiltCast will allow you to view videos and photos accessible by your Kwilt account to a connected television. Your Kwilt app will act as your remote control.

HDMI port adapter and HDMI port (not yet functional at press time)

The last thing I did before proceeding with app acquisition, WiFi setups and testing, I plugged in a small USB drive.

Kwilt Shoebox: USB drive plugged into USB port adapter.

The point of the Kwilt Shoebox is you may turn single or multiple storage devices into your personal cloud. Your iOS or Android smartphone device is your computing and management tool for this. Your actual drive or drives are the storage medium for your cloud, something you can physically managed and control. Beyond your personal connectivity costs, media costs and the Kwilt Shoebox unit cost, you should not be worried about the (additional) monthly or annual fees you pay Dropbox or other services. Even then, you can integrate Dropbox into your Kwilt workflow if you already have it.

I started with this small SanDisk USB drive and then later tried out system with the addition of a powered USB 3 hub with multiple ports.

Kwilt app in the iOS App Store

The first network activity is to connect your mobile device directly with the Kwilt Shoebox.

Kwilt Shoebox: Talking to the box via the app

You will eventually connect your setup to your WiFi network. This works as expected with you are able to provide ID and password access to the device, like a typical home WiFi setup.

Kwilt Shoebox: naming and securing your setup

Kwilt Shoebox: an initial view of my iPhone photos before copying or transferring

If you have a large enough storage setup, you can copy or even offload your phone’s videos and photos to the Kwilt Shoebox. This means that you worry less about running out of built storage on the device. iPhone HEIC photos should be more fully supported by the time you read this. As press time, the Kwilt app could read HEIC photos and videos already on your iPhone or iPad. You could even transfer them to your Shoebox. Once there, though, the Kwilt app was not able to render or read them.

I found that WiFi connections worked well while my 4G and LTE connections were less peppy.

If you switch on the included KwiltKeys photo Keyboard for iOS, you can locate any image and place it in an app that takes keyboard input by.

KwiltKeys – custom keyboard input for images in collection

Beyond the basic backup and external storage functionality, Microsoft Office 365 apps can access your Kwilt app-acknowledged content, including your Dropbox account, if you so choose. These additional apps – Kwilt for Office 365 and Kwilt for Outlook – are available from the Office store.

KwiltKeys in Microsoft Word on my iPhone, looking for image to insert

Inserting photo of Jerry, one of my Birman cats, via the KwiltKeys feature

Following the instructions, I had no significant difficulties getting all of the expected features to work.

The main quirk encountered so far was navigating in and out of videos.

At about 59 seconds into the recording, the Kwilt app seems to quit or exit rather than return me to the file menu.

An alternative method for accessing videos is through the Kwilt app interface itself, rather than depending on this folder-based interface I demonstrated.

As mentioned earlier, the KwiltCast feature was not ready at press time. When I last connected the Kwilt Shoebox to my Sony HDTV, I see this screen.

Kwilt Shoebox: KwiltCast Coming Soon

When I happened to unplug the device and plug it back in when the television was still tuned to the Shoebox, I got this display. Seems that the TV identified it as a Raspberry device.

Raspberry code/instructions from the Kwilt Shoebox output

At press time, the release of the KwiltCast feature is expected for the early part of the second quarter of 2018. The Android app, in beta form as of this posting, is expected to be in its official form by the end of March 2018.

All-in-all, the Kwilt Shoebox meets all features available at press time. Its easy setup and ease of use, while limited to your 4G/LTE or WiFi Android and iOS devices (i.e. no wired Ethernet connection), is buoyed by the modularity of your storage options and the non-requirement of a subscription fee. While the KwiltCast feature will be interesting to play with, its lack of availability is not yet a major concern for me. The Kwilt app is clean but needs some refinement, like the navigation issue shown in my demonstration video. I experienced this each time I wished to move among my video clips.

I rate the Kwilt Shoebox a strong 9 out of 10.

Whoosh! Screen Shine: A 10 out of 10!

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Rex Suba-Anderson

Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Conferences, Events, etc., Moving Pictures, Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

Whoosh! Duo package as shown on website. What Steve and I purchased.

Whoosh! is a new cleaner for use on device screens, particularly those we have to touch to use. Before Whoosh! I was going through lens cleaner packets at the rate of at least two per day (just being practical, not necessarily fastidious). Whoosh! is a spray-on cleaner which comes with at least one anti-microbial cloth, has no awful odor and is touted to “miraculously” resist fingerprints. The product was one of many that were honored as 2014 CES Innovations and Engineering Design winners.

It doesn’t require electricity, yet it is among the most useful of the CES 2014 items I have put to use so far. Despite having received samples of this amazing cleaner at CES, Steve and I each purchased the Duo+ package at our local Frys. That’s how good this cleaner is.

First, it does an amazing job just getting rid of fingerprints and other smudges. I’m one of those people who can’t stop messing with hair or face so my electronics get greasy quickly.

Demo of Whoosh! Screen Shine from Rex Suba on Vimeo.

The part that is stunning beyond the amazing is that, like its press, resists subsequent fingerprints well. It doesn’t prevent them but I have to clean less often.

Now, you only need to use one cloth: spray the Whoosh! product (no ammonia smell!) on one side of the cloth, wipe in circles gently until all of your prints and smudges are gone. Go back over with the dry side of the cloth to dry and buff. With two cloths and a large device, I like to use one for the application of the product and the other one, which was dry, to do the drying and buffing.

That’s it.

Does what it is touted to do simply and well. After using Whoosh! for two months straight before committing to this review, I’m absolutely sure this is a 10-out-of-10 product!

3D Videos of CES 2014

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Rex Suba-Anderson

Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Conferences, Events, etc., Destinations and Departure-Points, Fashion Forward, General Site News, Internet, Schminternet, Moving Pictures, Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

The videos are gradually being completed. For every successful edit and render, I have had four or five incomplete attempts.

The footage was shot with a Sony stereoscopic video camera, is being edited on an i7 Sony VAIO with 12 gigabytes of RAM and a 2-gig nVidia video card with the Sony Movie Studio Platinum but the system just seems to struggle.

If you want to have access to the entire collection when it is ready (Days 1, 3 and 4), please try this link.

I am compiling ideas for posting here and on our companion blog, rexonline.us. Our notes here will be portable- and mobile-focused

Review: The LaunchPort System

Posted on April 12, 2013 by trbqueen_blogger

Posted in Conferences, Events, etc., Moving Pictures, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

Reviewed by: Timothy Barnett-Queen, PhD

Want to be able to do group presentations and teach classes from your iPad and not worry about your battery running low? Does the thought of maximum flexibility and mobility (i.e., being able to sit or stand at your podium/desk or walk around the room) excite you? If so, then the Launchpad’s LaunchPort may be for you.

Recently I attended CES. I’m a part-time device reviewer for technotraveler.com and a full time university professor. During my 3 day visit to Las Vegas, of all the exciting new products I found, this one caught my attention. For years I have taught higher education classes of all sizes using the latest computer and Internet-based technologies but have done so primarily immobilized at my electronic podium in front of the classroom. Using a university supplied desktop computer, my own laptop or lately an iPad, connected to a VGA LCD projector, even if I am lucky enough to have a remote control, I was still pretty much confined to the podium, especially if I was switching between applications (say for instance, jumping from Powerpoint to Video to Internet browser).

Launchport Mounting Magnet/Transducer in Brushed Aluminum, iPad in foreground

Right: Launchport side-view; Left: iPad in Launchport Sleeve

The LaunchPort System is a sophisticated solution to the group presentation mobility problem (among others). First, the Base Station ($199) is a beautiful, sturdy (weighs 3.6lbs) and compact (4.5”x5.0”x5.9’) piece of equipment consisting of a brushed aluminum stand that looks much like the metal Apple uses for its iMac stand (a Wall mount is also available but is not reviewed here). It is shaped as a 45-degree platform made to sit firmly on a table, stand or desk (its packaging is sturdy enough to be used for storage if necessary). Tucked inside the Base Station is an induction and charging node which provides connection to the Sleeve (in which your iPad is inserted). The Base Station can be locked to the presentation stand (lock is an accessory) so it can remain in a public place without being removed. The current Sleeve ($149) fits the iPad 3 only but I am assured by the manufacturer (and web-site) that soon a sleeve will be available for the iPad 4 and iPad mini.

Sideview: iPad Mounted in Sleeve; power attached in rear

Sleeve interior, separated for iPad Insertion

Sleeve exterior; Mounting magnet/transducer in center

There is a strong magnet in the Base Station which holds the Sleeve (with iPad in it) firmly to the Station. When connected by supplied DC power adapter, the transducer in the Base Station charges the battery of your iPad any time the Sleeve and Base Station are joined. However, when it’s time to move around the room, grabbing the sleeved iPad is simple and easy. When you return, just place the Sleeve near the center magnet on the Base Station and it grabs it from you and immediately begins charging. All this without the need for the 30-pin cable (or lightning cable on forthcoming Sleeves).

Launchport-mounted iPad on instructor desk

iPad in sleeve, separated from LaunchPort

The connection to your LCD projector requires a couple of accessories. You will need the Apple TV ($99) and a $59 HDMI to VGA Adapter (such as the Kanex ATV Pro or Belkin’s adapter) if you use, like most classroom instructors, a VGA LCD projector. The iPad in the Sleeve can then be streamed to Apple TV using AirPlay. I tested this set up in my classrooms for about 2 months. The rooms I primarily teach in can seat up to 50 participants. Regardless of my location, the AirPlay connection between my iPad and Apple TV was maintained. I then was able to switch between applications with a touch of the screen. I teach multiple sections of my classes, back to back which means I’m using my iPad for 3-4 hours without a break. I do not have to worry about the device losing power since each time I return to the instructor podium I simply re-connect the Sleeve to the Base Station and battery charging begins immediately.

Mounted iPad with Apple TV & HDMI-VGA Adapter in foreground

Mounted iPad image Projected via Apple TV & HDMI-VGA Adapter

If you go to the Launchport website you will see that the company markets primarily to commercial, residential and medical facilities. Elementary classrooms are also highlighted, but primarily so teachers can stay in touch with students, if each student has a Launchport system and iPad. My vision of the use of this system, while currently and unfortunately requiring some additional technology (i.e., Apple TV and HDMI-VGA converter), solves a long standing problem higher education instructors have had to contend with when using multiple technologies in the classroom. Compared to replacing an out of date desktop computer/monitor in the classroom and/or a VGA LCD projector, the cost of the Launchport System with these 2 accessories is far less expensive and much more flexible. I will be watching to see if Launchport picks up on this idea and includes connectivity technology in future versions of its LaunchPort system. I certainly hope they do, but regardless, I will continue to use the system “as is” in my classrooms.

iPad in Sleeve mounted on LaunchPort connected to LCD Projector and Computer Monitor via Apple TV (and remote) and HDMI-VGA Adapter

Our technotraveler.com rating: 9.5 out of 10.

Review: BlueWi Nighthawk Bluetooth Microphone Combo System (from CES 2013)

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Rex Suba-Anderson

Posted in Accessories make the traveler, App-etite, Conferences, Events, etc., Fashion Forward, Internet, Schminternet, Moving Pictures, Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!

In November 2012 – just weeks before the Consumer Electronics Show – a CES 2013 Design and Engineering Honoree award was given to BlueWi for their product: the Nighthawk Bluetooth Microphone Combo System. This product goes takes the now-ubiqitous Bluetooth earpiece or headset to the next level. Courtesy of Julie Oien, BlueWi’s Business Development Manager, we had the privilege to test and review this product. This modular, multi-location, audio package really has a number of possibilities that a mere headset can only dream of addressing. To say we were impressed would be an understatement.

Nighthawk Bluetooth Microphone Combo System

The features, as stated on BlueWi’s website:

Nighthawk Bluetooth Multifunction Microphone on the road (from the passenger seat!)

Longer talk time
Greater clarity.
More comfort and safety.
From on-person to hands-free.
Control MP3 Bluetooth devices.
Free recording app for smartphones.

What was in our starter package:

A removable earbud
The multifunction, clip-on, microphone unit
An external speaker attachment
USB cable
Wall charger unit
Instructional pamphlet

External Speaker Attachment (BlueWi Nighthawk Microphone Combo System)

Removable Earbud (BlueWi Nighthawk Microphone Combo System)

Available for separate download directly from the BlueWi website is a free recording app.

The reason I stated “starter package” is that the Nighthawk system can also be combined with some additional pieces that really make this a great package for extended hands-free talking for those who are doing customer service, law enforcement and other mobile/conversational tasks.

At the center of the Nighthawk experience (I’ll refer to the unit by this name, from this point on, to make references shorter) is the multifunction wireless microphone unit. It appears to be the most substantial, multi-faceted part of the system package. The form factor feels sturdy and finished; no rough or sharp edges.

Microphone Unit with External Speaker Attachment (BlueWi Nighthawk Microphone Combo System)

There is a combination power/pairing button at what is the bottom of the unit. When you are playing music, you can use it as a “play/pause” button. You press this same button to accept and hang-up on telephone calls. Pairing was simple and straightforward (I always read my instructions anyway); worked as expected the first time.
Two buttons on the front of the unit serve as volume controls when held; they serve as “advance/reverse track” buttons when tapped.
There is a USB power connector on the right side. According to the instructions, it takes up to three hours to fully charge the unit. The instructions specify a 150-hour standby time and 12+ hours of talk time.
On the top of the unit are the embedded microphone and the 3.5 mm port. You can plug in the provided earplug, the provided external speaker attachment (which looks like a large black vitamin with a 3.5 mm plug) or any other output device that has a 3.5 mm plug.
For future applications is a “PTT” (push-to-talk) button on the left side of the unit.
On the back of the microphone unit is a clip that swivels. This was most important so that I could click the microphone to the air vents in my Honda Accord.

Here is a video with a basic demonstration of the microphone in use with the external speaker attachment and with the AUX-in in my car:

The provided earbud is decent for a start but most users who will be also listening to music or audiobooks in addition to speaking will have more substantial listening accessories. One reason to be thankful for the earbud is the length of cable, or rather, the lack of length. The cable is only 14″ long and so (for clipping on to a shirt collar or pocket) there was just enough length to provide a comfortable looseness between the microphone unit and my ear.

Using the Nighthawk with the provided earbud.

Using the unit during a 35-minute exercise walk provided a useful test of the connectivity. I connected my Sony over-the-ear headphones while I listened to an audiobook and walked. I didn’t enjoy having the extra cabling of the Sony headset, so I really appreciated the relative shortness of the cable on the provided earbud.

Using the Nighthawk with a wired stereo headset.

There was a bit of interference when I got started with the walk. As the walk proceeded, I could easily adjust and manipulate my iPhone 5 wirelessly (it was in the pocket of my sweats), as described in the instructional pamphlet. The sound passed through was quite good and was almost as crisp and clear as the direct wired connection using Apple’s provided earphones.

The provided external speaker attachment caused a bit of feedback at the other end of a call when I had the microphone unit at full volume. Lowering the volume reduced the amount of feedback received at the other end of the call but then I couldn’t hear the speaker as well over the road noise (a Honda issue more than a Nighthawk issue). Connecting an extension cable significantly reduces the feedback but then I have the added worry about where and how to elegantly secure the speaker unit when moving about.

There are two benefits that truly make the Nighthawk something special. In addition to be able to easily transition the sound use from in-car to indoors to exercise, there is the BlueWi app which, when paired with your smartphone, turns the Nighthawk into a wireless lavalier microphone.

Setup screens for/of BlueWi app for iOS:

[SlideDeck2 id=1838]

BlueWi app – what it looks like when in action (iOS)

Here, I have left the car with NPR playing. The installed BlueWi app is running while I record my video, so the audio from the radio (that the Nighthawk is picking up with the embedded microphone) is my soundtrack. I walk away from my parked car and the sound is cleanly recorded until I return the car and conclude the recording.

For a real-world example, we have Julia Oien using the Nighthawk as a mobile lavalier microphone in the “What are Parents saying” video on her animemomnow.com blog and website.

Another real-world example of the Nighthawk in use is this law enforcement demonstration, provided on the BlueWi site:

The sturdy form factor, the 12-hour talk time/150 hour standby time and the transitional usage of an audio product would be useful “as is”. But a convenient app for mobile recording of audio for your smartphone video (or audio only) enhances this product and adds up to a 10 out of 10. Clear documentation and detailed instructions (provided with the unit as well as on the BlueWi website) make use clear and set-up a breeze. A truly versatile product for those of us on-the-go!

CES 2013: It’s A Wrap!

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Rex Suba-Anderson Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Conferences, Events, etc., Destinations and Departure-Points, Fashion Forward, General Site News, Moving Pictures, Normal Computing, Phones – Smart and not, Still Life, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

Our team is major tired but exhilarated! We have many products that generous vendors have provided for review already. Over the next six weeks we will reveal details and our thoughts on these details on newer products.

Alice Swift looking at custom cases with Trexta’s Kerem Zaglul.

Steve Anderson thanking the representative in the Samson booth about their discussion of their Meteor Mic.

Canon Rebel T4i: packaging 2 (From Canon)

Posted on January 5, 2013 by Rex Suba-Anderson Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Destinations and Departure-Points, General Site News, Moving Pictures, Still Life, Video & Television

This is the stuff in the Rebel T4i box itself

Canon Rebel T4i: packaging 1 (HSN)

Posted on January 5, 2013 by Rex Suba-Anderson Posted in Accessories make the traveler, General Site News, Moving Pictures, Still Life, Video & Television

This is what came from HSN.

Less than two weeks until 2013 CES

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Rex Suba-Anderson Posted in Conferences, Events, etc., Destinations and Departure-Points, General Site News, Moving Pictures, Still Life, Video & Television

Getting ready for the show! Alice Swift, Steve Anderson and Timothy Barnett-Queen have their new technotraveler.com business cards for sharing with vendors at the exhibit halls.

Among the ways I expect to be ready for the show is with a new Canon Rebel T4i DSLR. Back in 2004, I bought the original Canon Digital Rebel (EOS 300D). I still use it, despite its relatively low maximum resolution of 6.3 megapixels. Photos taken with it have more depth (pun intended) than those of digital cameras I have purchased in the last few years.

Canon 300D (Digital Rebel)

Sadly or gladly, depending on your point of view, it will be retired to make room for its successor. Waiting for HSN’s announced special offering (until closer to the end of the month/payday…), I ordered today:

Canon EOS T4i on HSN

Part I: Basic HD video with JVC GZ-E10

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Rex Suba-Anderson Posted in Moving Pictures, Video & Television

I have been finding some interesting deals on HSN, QVC and ShopNBC. My latest acquisition is the JVC HD Everio GZ-E10. The deal was for $169.99 which seemed to be about 25% less than what the device is being sold elsewhere (of course the list price is so much higher).

Initially, I can say that for personal video recording it is more than adequate. One of the draws was the 40X optical zoom. In Part II, I’ll include video samples and links to raw footage.

For now, here are some starter images of the product:

Length of JVC HD Everio GZ-E10

Width of JVC HD Everio GZ-E10

View of the viewfinder and inside buttons (JVC HD Everio GZ-E10)

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