January 2014 – Mattina Technology

Prescription Glasses meet Google Glass

Today Google announced that there are more Frames available for Google Glass. It is now possible to wear Google Glass with prescription glasses. In the past the only way to wear Google Glass was if the user had contacts or 20/20 vision. It is amazing that Google is allowing users with prescription glasses the opportunity to use Google Glass. I can’t wait till Google Glass is released to the public. Right now the only way to get Google Glass is through Google’s explorer program. The company is also releasing shades that can be used with Google Glass.

Source: Google

-MT

Nintendo Plans to bring Mini Games to Mobile

It has recently been revealed that Nintendo plans to bring some of their iconic characters to smartphones. However Nintendo has made it clear that they are not releasing full fledged games on smartphones. They plan on making mini games or “demos” for mobile devices. This is a bold move for Nintendo. The mini games will be completely free and will be created to draw players in. I think this is a smart move for Nintendo and a good way to market their first party titles.

-MT

iPhone 6 Rumored to have Bigger Screens

It is rumored that the next iPhone will have larger screens. The iPhone 5 has a screen size of four inches. The iPhone 6 is rumored to have a 4.8 inch display. I don’t understand why cell phones have to get any bigger. Soon my cell phone is going to be as big as laptop. If it was up to me I would make the next iPhone smaller and more compact.

Source: IGN

-MT

Google is Testing Smart Contacts

Google recently revealed that they are testing Smart Contacts. The Smart Contacts will not be used to take pictures or surf the web. Google revealed that they will be used to check glucose levels. Each contact lens will have a wireless chip and glucose sensor built into it. The Smart Contacts are in early development and Google is talking about the technology with the FDA. This technology could make it easier for those that have diabetes.

-MT

The Pebble Steel Smartwatch

Pebble revealed their new smartwatch at CES this year. The new Pebble Steel is crafted with Stainless Steel and Corning Gorilla Glass. The new smartwatch is waterproof. A user could go swimming with it if they wanted to. The new smartwatch focuses on notifications and applications. Pebble also launched their own App Store for iOS. This is going to make it easier for users to download apps. The Pebble Smartwatch originally came out because of a Kickstarter campaign in 2012. I think it would be great to own a smartwatch. I hope that Pebble has color displays in 2015. The Pebble Steel is currently selling for 249 dollars and the battery lasts 5 to 7 days.

-MT

3DS and 3DS XL Comparison

In this video I compare the Nintendo 3DS to the Nintendo 3DS XL. The Nintendo 3DS XL has screens that are 90% larger then the original 3DS. This is the main reason I wanted the 3DS XL. The system is also a lot easier to hold onto. Some of the other differences include the speaker quality, the 3D slider and the home/start/select buttons. The stylus on the 3DS and 3DS XL are also in different places. It is easier to use the stylus on the 3DS XL because it is placed on the right hand side of the system. Overall, the 3DS XL is a better system than the original 3DS.

-MT

Roku Smart TV

Roku introduced their first ever Smart TV at CES 2014. The interface is similar to the Roku set top box but also features input buttons for Blue Ray players and Cable TV. When the user first boots up the Roku Smart TV they will see a home menu where the user can access their favorite applications such as Netflix. The Roku TV will come out later this year and it will ship in 32 inches and 52 inches. I think Roku has an advantage over other Smart TV’s because of the Roku set top box. They already have an established TV product that has done well.

Source: Roku Blog

-MT

Toyota iRoad

Toyota showed off their new iRoad car at CES 2014. It looks very futuristic and it only has three wheels total. I really like the futuristic look and I also like how it tilts when it is turning. Unfortunately the Toyota iRoad isn’t coming to the United States anytime soon. It is set to be released in Japan and France. The Toyota iRoad gets about 30 miles before it needs to be recharged. If it came to the United States I would definitely take a look at it. What do you think of this futuristic car and would you buy one?

-MT

Playstation Now

Yesterday Sony announced a new service called Playstation Now. Playstation Now will allow users to play Playstation 3 games on various devices using the cloud. Playstation Now will be available on the Playstation 4, Playstation 3, Playstation Vita and select Sony T.V’s to start off with. Playstation Now is coming to the United States this Summer. Sony is able to leverage this technology with Gaikai. I am excited to try out this new technology because I missed out on the Playstation 3. Gamers have the ability to rent specific titles or to buy a subscription to the service.

Source: Sony

-MT

Thirteen Steam Machines Revealed at CES

It looks like there are going to be a lot of Steam Machines in 2014. Thirteen different companies are releasing Steam Machines in 2014. The Steam Machine is a computer that uses the Steam OS to play Video Games. I think there should be five central Steam Machines instead of thirteen. I believe that having too many Steam Machines will confuse the consumer.

Every Steam Machine is different and each Steam Machine has different specifications. Each Steam Machine will come with the unique Steam controller. The thirteen Steam Machines were revealed at CES on January 6th, 2014. Some of the new Steam Machines include Alienware’s Steam Machine, iBuyPower’s SBX and the CyberPowerPc Steam Machine.

-MT