Manifest Tech Blog

Streaming Media East 2012 in New York

2012-05-14T02:40:00Z

The Streaming Media East conference is back in New York for the 2012 edition. It's held at the New York Hilton Hotel in the heart of the city (6th Ave. between West 53rd and 54th Streets). While there's lots going on -- this year's show has some 100 speakers in up to four parallel sessions, and 50 exhibitors -- at the same time there's also time to chat with other few thousand attendees, as well as the speakers and exhibitors. The show kicks off on Monday with half-day pre-conference Seminars, on Streaming Delivery, Live Webcasting, Online Video Deployment for HTML5 and Flash, and Jan Ozer's annual update on Encoding for Flash, Mobile, and HTML5. As a bonus, several of the presentations are already posted online. The main Streaming Media East conference then runs for two days on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 15 and 16. The technical program opens with a keynote by Matt Frost, Senior Business Product Manager for Google Chrome. The presentations and panel sessions range from technical (HTML5, Flash, MPEG DASH, live streaming, encoding, video quality) to strategic (YouTube, Facebook, and social media, Internet TV, enterprise to higher ed). On Tuesday, conference organizer Dan Rayburn from StreamingMedia.com will compare and demo connected TV platforms, and Jan Ozer is back to help with Encoding Video for HTML5 (see post and book from last year). And the exhibits are open as usual on Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm. This is a great opportunity to spend time with a broad range of the key players in streaming production and delivery. See the StreamingMedia.com site for show coverage.

Just Mobile AluPen Pro Stylus & Pen

2012-05-11T23:00:00Z

Fingers are great for sliding and flicking and picking, but when you want to do some more extensive or precise work (or really go to town in Draw Something), a stylus can be a real help. But the stylus needs to be comfortable to hold and manipulate -- not too small or light or slippery. So Just Mobile has another interesting and elegant design idea to offer (see previous post) -- the Just Mobile AluPen Pro Stylus & Pen. The AluPen is made from aluminum, with a soft rubber stylus for the iPad and other capacitive touch screens. Its chunky design provides the bulk to hold comfortably and securely, like a solid pen. The AluPen stylus is available in a range of bright colors for around $18. Or the AluPen Pro is a combination stylus and pen, including a retractable Pelikan ballpoint with twist mechanism for around $36 in silver or black. After all, you don't always need a stylus when using your iPad, but when you do, doesn't it make sense to use a special tool for the job? See my Portable Accessories 2012 article for more on portable storage, audio, power, cases, imaging, and other accessories. Find the Just Mobile AluPen on Amazon.com

Just Mobile Slide Elegant iPad Stand

2012-05-08T03:05:00Z

Just Mobile has a fascinating collection of accessories for portable devices that they view as "design objects." These include stands and chargers and styluses. The Just Mobile Slide is a beautiful example of this approach -- simple, elegant, and functional. The Slide is a stand for your iPad, striped to basics. It's made from a single piece of high-grade aluminum, with a cylindrical support at one end, which flows into a flat surface, with a lip at the other end to hold your tablet. The magic comes from a rubber cylinder stowed in the tubular support, which you pull out and roll down the surface to position your iPad at the desired viewing angle. The base is only around 5 x 3 1/2 inches, but with the solid metal construction and friction from the rubber cylinder it can hold the iPad firmly, and in both portrait and landscape positions. The Slide is indeed a crafted design object, and is available for around $34. See my Portable Accessories 2012 article for more on portable storage, audio, power, cases, imaging, and other accessories. Find the Just Mobile Slide on Amazon.com

Sony Vegas Pro 11

2012-04-16T03:45:00Z

This past year, video editing tools have been adding flashy features including 3D video editing, but the real focus has continued to be on the underlying machinery -- taking advantage of both today's 64-bit architectures to work efficiently with large clips in memory, plus leveraging GPU (graphics processing unit) hardware to significantly speed up video processing. For example, Vegas Pro 10 from Sony Creative Software was released last year with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and with GPU acceleration for rendering to AVC format. Now Sony Vegas Pro 11, provides full-up GPU acceleration that supports both NVIDIA and AMD hardware for video processing, effects, and rendering, providing speed-ups across editing, playback, and output. Besides the under-the-hood improvements, the Vegas 11 also enhances editing with workflow improvements including Sync Link to keep child events associated with the main track, and technology upgrades including advanced video stabilization for all three axes of camera motion. And it provides deeper support for editing 3D material including 3D Titler Pro. Sony Vegas Pro is a classic and comfortable vehicle for video editing. Version 11 adds some nice refinements with the same comfortable feel, but the real action is under the hood with a significant turbo-boost from GPU acceleration that makes this a welcome upgrade. It's available for $599 online, or via upgrade for $199. See my full article in Videomaker Magazine - Sony Vegas Pro 11 Advanced Editing Software Review See summaries of video applications and versions in my Video Editing Software Gallery.

Find Sony Sony Vegas Pro 11 on Amazon.com

TRTLBOT TRTL Stand iPhone Case

2012-04-10T00:15:00Z

We often think of cases for our mobile devices in terms of protection -- from scratches and drops. But you may not be inflicting hostile actions on your device, but instead may be more interested in using it as a communicator and and a viewer, for exploring the web and social media sites, and for enjoying media clips and longer-form movies. When your focus is experiencing, rather than protecting, a case can serve multiple purposes, especially as a stand for propping up your device so you (and others) can view it hands-off. This is the simple design idea behind the TRTLBOT TRTL Stand for the iPhone 4 / 4S. The case snaps on the back of your iPhone, and has a built-in pop-out bottom stand that can hold your device in three positions: portrait (for FaceTime video), landscape (for watching videos), and tripod (vertical for timer photos). The TRTL Stand is made from recycled plastic bottles, and is available for around $24 in five colors. TRTLBOT also offers the KidSafe iPhone case which flips around to block the Home button for around $24, and the Minimalist case with pop-out bottom slot for credit cards for $29. See my Portable Accessories 2012 article for more on portable storage, audio, power, cases, imaging, and other accessories. Find the TRTLBOT TRTL Stand iPhone Case on Amazon.com

iCat Lanyards for iPhone / iPod

2012-03-22T01:15:00Z

If you use your iPhone a lot, you want it to be easily accessible -- like parked in a front pocket instead of buried in your pants pocket or in a bag. But keeping your phone within easy reach also exposes it to the risk of damage from slipping out when you're not looking. The iCat Lanyards for iPhone and iPod use a clever design that lets you hang your device securely around your neck or wrist or on your belt so it's close at hand. The simple idea is to take advantage of the standard Apple connector. You already have experience with how some connectors hold very tight and need to be pressed to release, while others are very loose. The iCat products simply clamp extra tight within the metal edges of the connector on your phone or player, so your device can hang securely. You can choose from a variety of iCat designs with detachable buckles and in a profusion of colors for around $24, including the Wrist It with adjustable slider, the Hang It with carabiner for belt loops, purses or backpacks, and the Neck It nylon rope lanyard. And if you're still queasy about leaving your iPhone dangling, you can still use these as anchors to more safely secure your phone in a pocket or bag. Find the iCat Lanyards on Amazon.com

G-Form Extreme Cases for iPhone / iPad

2012-03-18T20:05:00Z

You know those flexible turtle-shell-like pads that bikers and skateboarders wear to protect their knees and elbows from the ravages of extreme sports? So, if they are good enough to shield your skin and bones, wouldn't they be good for protecting your electric devices? This is what the G-Form Extreme line of cases has done, extending from body guards to protective sleeves and portfolios for the iPhone and iPad. The G-Form material is designed to stiffen on impact, and absorb over 90% of the energy when you (or your device) take a hit. Yet it's soft and flexible, so it can flex with your body or conform to your phone or tablet. To prove the point, G-Form has a collection of ridiculous videos for you to enjoy, including an iPhone surviving a hockey slap-shot, and iPad surviving a hit from a bowling ball, and,if you want a more extreme test, an iPad surviving a 100,000 foot fall from a balloon at edge of the atmosphere. For sporting, G-Form offers a collection of body pads starting at around $49 up to full shirts and shorts ranging to $99. And for your electronic gear, there's the iPhone case for $39, and the Extreme back wrap Edge, zippered Sleeve, and folding Portfolio for tablets ranging from the Kindle starting at $34 to the iPad and other 10" tablets up to $89. These should make you more comfortable when transporting your devices in less gentle conditions, although it's still not a good idea to go around deliberately dropping them. See my Portable Accessories 2012 article for more on portable storage, audio, power, cases, imaging, and other accessories.

Dexim Visible Green Animated Cables and Chargers

2012-03-14T04:50:00Z

Dexim has an impressive collection of accessories for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad, especially with power chargers and adapters/cables (see earlier post). But the Dexim Visible Green product line goes beyond usefulness and practicality to add some flair. These literally animate the charging process as the cable glows to indicate the power flowing to your device -- fast during the initial charge, slower as your device reaches capacity, and then stopping at full charge so you know your device is ready for use. How cool is that? The Visible Green action is available in Charge & Sync Cables for Apple or microSD (around $19), and bundled with Chargers (around $34 to $39). So power up your devices with a little extra motion and flair. See my Portable Accessories 2012 article for more on portable storage, audio, power, cases, imaging, and other accessories. Find the Dexim Visible Green Charger on Amazon.com

Mohzy Loop Fashion USB Cable

2012-02-25T04:55:00Z

You may think of USB cables as functional and not fashion, but the Mohzy Loop USB Cable may change your mind. The cables are flat and come in a variety of bright colors and patterns. The flat design is easier to carry and store, and doesn't tangle. The ends are magnetic, so they snap together so you can clip it on a bag or wear it as a wristband. Or you can use the cable to clip papers up on your cubicle or fridge. The base cable connects USB to microUSB so you can use it with smartphones, Bluetooth headsets, and other devices. Mohzy also includes a microUSB to Apple adapter so you use it with your iPhone, iPod, and iPad devices. The Mohzy Loop is a clever approach for a easily portable cable. It's available by international order for around $12. Between this and the Qmadix 3-in-1 Cable (see previous post), you can see the broad range of creative ideas even for basic cables. See my Portable Accessories 2012 article for more on portable storage, audio, power, cases, imaging, and other accessories.

Qmadix 3-in-1 USB Retractable Charging/Sync Cable

2012-02-18T04:35:00Z

The good news is that most of our portable gadgets now use USB connectors for both data connections and charging, which means we don't need to worry about keeping track of device-specific cables and connectors. But that still leaves us with three connectors to carry around -- microUSB, typically used for small devices including USB headsets and Android phones, miniUSB, typically used for slightly larger devices such as digital cameras and external batteries, and, of course, the Apple dock connector for iPods, iPads, and iPhones. Or you can use just one cable, the Qmadix 3-in-1 USB Retractable Charging/Sync Cable. This is a USB cable at one end, with three interlocking connectors at the other: miniUSB, microUSB, and Apple. The pieces all nest together to bring power out to the Apple connector, or they can unplug and swivel to the side to access the micro or mini USB connectors. As a bonus, the cable also is retractable for storage, or extend it to the full 2 1/3 feet as needed to charge or sync your device. So if you find yourself with managing or carrying too many cables, the Qmadix 3-in-1 Cable is a nice answer to simplify the problem. It's available for around $24. See my Portable Accessories 2012 article for more on portable storage, audio, power, cases, imaging, and other accessories. Find the Qmadix 3-in-1 USB Retractable Cable on Amazon.com

Wrapsol Non-slip Grip Pad for Tablets

2012-02-07T03:40:00Z

The Apple iPad is a wonderful tool -- Just turn it on and off you go. But sometimes a full-size tablet can be tricky to get comfortable with, when you are leaning it on your legs, or trying to prop it up on a table. You can try various supports or stands, but sometimes the simplest solution also can be the most elegant. In this case, the simple answer is the new Wrapsol Non-slip Grip Pad, an elongated oval of gripping material that you can attach to the back of your iPad for a more secure hold. The micro-textured material then holds your tablet in place, so it won't slip on your legs, and stays in place when positioned on slanted surfaces. The Grip Pad is $14.95 for the iPad and other large tablets (8.25 x 3.75 inches), or you can trim it to fit other devices. See my article on Portable Accessories 2012 for more on portable audio, portable power, cases, and other goodies.

Toddy Gear Smart Cleaning Cloth

2012-02-04T05:45:00Z

Icky-poo! Smudges and smears, fingers and grime on our beautiful touchscreen devices. What to do? You don't want to just wipe them with your shirtsleeve, or put them in the washer. There are nice microfiber cloths for cleaning lenses, but the Toddy Gear Smart Cloth line goes a couple steps further. One side is a more coarse plush microfiber material to attack the grime, and the other is a smooth patterned silk microfiber for the final buffing. Plus, the Toddy cloths have an antimicrobial coating to protect you and the cloth from the spread of those icky germs and bacteria. They're also machine washable. These are available in a variety of vibrant designs and patterns, with 5x7" cloths for $9.99, and 9x9 for $14.99. See my article on Portable Accessories 2012 for more on portable audio, portable power, and cases.

Find the Toddy Gear Smart Cloth on Amazon.com

Mighty Dwarf Resonating Speaker with microSD

2012-01-30T01:05:08Z

Small speakers were quite visible at CES (see earlier post), with mini boxes and cylinders that can come along in your bag to boost the sound of your smartphone or tablet. At a couple inches in size, however, while these do better than built-in speakers, they really aren't particularly powerful. One nice way of getting more sound from small speakers comes from vibrating designs that have you position the speaker on a flat surface so the sound can resonate to give you 360 degree omni-directional sound (see earlier post). You can get amazing sound from surfaces like wood, glass, metal, walls, mirrors, and cardboard, especially if they have an enclosed air gap like a desk or even a simple cardboard box. The Mighty Dwarf 5W Vibration Speaker is a nice example of this kind of approach, with some very interesting bonus features. It's a small cylinder, 2.25 inches tall by 2 inches in diameter, and chunky at 11 1/2 ounces so it makes strong contact with the surface. For even better resonating action, the Mighty Dwarf has a sticky gel pad on the base to temporarily adhere to the surface. It also has has a screw mount on the base that can attach to accessories for a more permanent connection, including a glass mount (suction cup) or wood mount (woods screws). To hook up to your portable player, the Mighty Dwarf comes with a dual-purpose cable with a miniUSB connector at one end to plug into the speaker, and the other end split into both a 3.5mm stereo audio jack and a USB jack. Plug the audio jack into your device to play music, or plug in the USB jack to recharge the internal battery. There's also a LED to warn when the battery is low. But there's more -- The Mighty Dwarf also has a microSD slot, so you can insert a memory card with MP3 music files, and use the speaker as a stand-alone media player. The final addition is the play controller -- push to stop/start play, flick to skip forward/back to the next song, and press and hold to adjust the volume. The Mighty Dwarf 5W speaker is available for around $49. There's also the Mighty Dwarf 26W model with external amplifier, and a Bluetooth speaker coming. See my article on Portable Accessories 2012 for more on portable audio, portable power, and cases.

Find the Mighty Dwarf 5W Vibration Speaker on Amazon.com

Adobe Premiere Elements Goes To 10

2012-01-25T03:00:00Z

The tenth edition of Adobe's best-selling consumer video and photo editing products, Premiere Elements 10 and Photoshop Elements 10, continues Adobe's focus on providing deep technical power to create impressive results, but packaged behind a friendly interface and extensive automated assists (see post on previous version). Both Premiere Elements and Photoshop Elements include a separate common Organizer tool, used to import media files from various devices and then organize and tag them. You can also apply basic photo fixes and create photo albums, and share photos and videos directly online. Then you can launch the individual applications for more extensive photo or video editing. The applications prove a consumer-friendly interface with tabs for different processing steps, plus how-tos and Guided Edit support. Plus, they apply enhanced technology from professional editing, including People Recognition in photos and the Three Way Color Corrector for video. However, these Elements applications are not for the casual user. They are designed for photo and video enthusiasts interested in investing effort to organize and manage your media with the assistance of automated analysis. This investment then pays off as you can leverage the media information to do a better job of finding the right clips and enhancing your productions. See my full article in Videomaker Magazine - Adobe Premiere/ Photoshop Elements 10 Editing Software Review See summaries of video applications and versions in my Video Editing Software Gallery.

Find Adobe Premiere Elements 10
and bundle with Photoshop Elements 10 on Amazon.com

Premiere Elements 10 - Autotone effect

Newer Tech NuTouch Gloves to Touch in the Cold

2012-01-22T04:55:00Z

Baby it's cold outside -- But when you're wearing your mittens you can't control your iPhone or even answer a call. Today's touchscreens use capacitive screens, which detect your finger because your body is an electrical conductor. But mittens and gloves are insulators, so the screen does not respond when you're wearing them. The answer, then, is to weave conductive tread into the fingers of your gloves. For example, the Newer Tech NuTouch Gloves have conductive fiber woven into all ten fingertips -- and all around the finger, not just for the finger pad. You then can freely use your touch screen devices in the cold, and tap, swipe, scroll, and type with the tip or side of any finger. The NuTouch gloves are made from a soft cotton mix (52% cotton), and are relatively thin, so you also can use as liners with heavier gloves. They're available in a charcoal color for $19.99 ($13 street), sized from small to extra large. See my article on Portable Accessories 2012 for more on portable audio, portable power, and cases.

Find the Newer Tech NuTouch Gloves on Amazon.com