Category Archives: New Products & Gadgets

Highlighting new gadgets, tech innovation, products and services.

HBO to launch streaming service to those without cable in 2015

HBO Go

The media company confirmed it will launch a standalone service for streaming its programs starting in 2015 that will not require a cable subscription. It is unclear what they will charge subscribers at this time, but chances are it will be in line with what current subscribers of cable pay so they do not undercut their own existing TV deals. 

HBO’s move in this direction will be watched closely by the other networks who are probably going to follow them. 

Let the cord cutting begin. 

via USA Today

Jibo: The World’s First Family Robot

jibo

Meet Jibo, the smart personal assistant, cameraman, video portal and educator. Created from the brains at MIT this might be the most human robot yet, and it’s coming to your home soon.

http://youtu.be/3N1Q8oFpX1Y

via

Worlds first glass-bottomed plane

Virgin has created another world-first with the introduction of the technology required to produce the worlds first glass-bottomed plane.

Virgin_Atlantic_Little_Red_Glass-bottom_plane_A320_exterior-17683-530x330 Virgin_Atlantic_Little_Red_Glass-bottom_plane_A320_cabin-17684Read more

 

Japanese Toilet Invention

Stop a toilet from backing up mid-clog.

net-toilet-gadget

Nissan working on car that never needs to be washed

Washing a car can be a chore – and a costly one at that. In response, Nissan has begun tests on innovative paint technology that repels mud, rain and everyday dirt, meaning drivers may never have to clean their car again.

Foap Faux Pas

foap

Like many others, I saw the ABC News story about Foap. Introduced as a way for anyone with a smartphone to make money off the photos we take everyday, I agreed the idea was genius. I quickly downloaded the app and started the process of uploading images I thought might have some commercial appeal.  

This is when the problems began. The review and approval process of the uploaded images was clunky and took FOREVER, but after nearly a week and half, most of my images were approved. A few days later, I decided that I wanted to remove a few of my images from the marketplace after-all and no longer offer them for sale. There was no option to do this in the app or online. No delete button, no remove, no nothing. 

I contacted them via email support and did not receive a response for a week. When they did respond, it was to inform me of updates to the service and hype new advertising challenges they were promoting for their brand partners. The email from Foap support did not address my question at all. I replied explaining this, and I have not heard anything since. That was 3 weeks ago.

Out of frustration, I have since sent one last request for them to close my account, but am pretty sure they won’t notice it. 

I like the idea of the Foap app and hope they work out the kinks. I am sure the press they received has overwhelmed them, but it’s still no excuse for poor service. Maybe they have some language barrier issues too seeing that they are based in Sweden? Who knows? 

My recommendation to you, is to avoid the app until they get their poop in a group. If you are a brand looking to partner with these guys, proceed with serious caution. You don’t want to link your brand with a new app that is creating a poor customer experience.

What experience have you had with Foap? I’d like to hear from you.

Read reviews on Foap here.
Another blogger’s opinion of Foap.

 

Lyft Ridesharing Service Gaining Popularity in the Twin Cities

lyft

Did you pound too many Grape Apes at the bar and don’t feel like riding home in a smelly cab? Want to avoid paying through the ass while parking your car at the airport? Don’t own a car, but need a quick ride someplace? Lyft is your friend with a car whenever you need one. Lyft has arrived in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Just download the app, tap a button and a friendly driver will be on the way. You get to see a picture of the car and driver, and watch from your phone as the Lyft approaches your location. Passengers sit in the front seat where they can charge their phone and choose the music. There’s also a built in rating system to maintain good service. You’ll also never have to worry about having enough cash because all payments are made with a credit card in the app.

lyft MPLS

HOW IT WORKS
– Download the Lyft app HERE
– A teal balloon on a map shows where you are
– Black cars on the map show drivers near you
– Request a Lyft and get connected with the closest available driver

Unlike a taxi there’s no set fees, but rather a suggested donation at the end of the ride.

Right now, readers of Duck Duck Gray Duck in any city where Lyft is can receive a $25 credit just by entering code “DUCKDUCK”. That’s worth a share and a like right?

Fridge Locker

Secure your food, tubby.

fridge-locker

Shop here

Beach life hack

Use a fitted sheet to reduce sand getting all up in your business.

fitted sheet beach

via

Original Lego Patent

Filed by G.K. Christiansen (1961)

lego patentvia

Go buy some Lego here.