Tobii Glasses 2 introduces wearable eye-tracking technology

With the rise in wearable technology and expected growth in glasses that'll act like computers, the tracking of eye movements is the next logical step for researchers and software developers to learn more about consumer behavior when viewing media and other forms of communication.

That's where the Tobii Glasses 2 will come in with a "first of it's kind wearable eye tracker" for research and the development of consumer applications.



Manufactured by Tobii Technology, a Swedish company recognized as a global leader in eye tracking and gaze interaction, the Tobii Glasses 2 package offers a wireless video stream of exactly what a person is looking at, which can viewed on a Windows 8 tablet or Windows 7 or 8 computer.

The 1080p wide-angle scene camera and four eye cameras give the wearer complete freedom of view, along with what the company calls "true view" to participants, as well as a peripheral view for activities such as driving.

The company expects the eye-tracking platform to open up possibilities to sync data from other wearable devices and foster applications for research, sports, gaming, automotive, medical and other consumer technology areas. A software development kit will be available for the new platform.

At this point, the Tobiil Glasses 2 are targeted for the research and development community, with package options starting at around $14,000 for a Live View package to $29,000 for a Premium Analytics package. A 12-month subscription package is also available for $800 per month.

If you're itching to get your hands on a pair of Tobii Glasses 2, orders can be placed now, with shipments expected in October.

The wearable technology and the array of devices coming down the pikes is growing fast and is likely to be the next big thing in the consumer technology arena.

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LeapFrog unveils the LeapBand activity tracker for children

The fitness band craze is heating up and even children will be able to join the bandwagon.

Leapfrog, known as a leader in educational entertainment for children, is rolling out the LeapBand, their first wearable activity tracker for young techies. This device will encourage playful activities with 50 different challenges to earn points to unlock additional games and earn virtual toys.

The LeapBand comes with eight virtual customizable pets that include a cat, dog, dragon and a monkey, that can have their own color and name. As the child becomes more active, LeapFrog's Learning Team is hoping they will develop habits for physical exercise and healthy lifestyle.

"We understand that helping a child reach their potential not only includes making sure they are versed on the ABCs and 123s but they are encouraged through play to establish healthy habits and get the exercise they need every day," said Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos, director of LeapFrog's Learning Team. "LeapBand is a great way to get kids up and active and help them develop a strong foundation for healthy lifestyles."

A free downloadable companion called the Petathlon will be available for the wireless LeapPad Ultra, as well as iOS or Android devices. The app will allow kids to as compete as their virtual pet in games such as archery, surfing and bobsledding.

Taking design cues and inspiration from adult wearables, the LeapBand includes a built-in accelerometer, a high-resolution color screen, a rechargeable battery and water-resistant design. The activity tracker is targeted for children 4 to 7 years old and will come in green, pink and blue.

It is expected be available in August and cost around $40.

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Retailer iQ to bring new features to digital coupons, digital receipts

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The checkout experience is going to change for shoppers and retailers in the near future.

Coupons have already gone digital and Coupons.com, a digital promotions platform that connects brands and retailers with customers, is taking another step to make this trend even more enticing with their Retailer iQ platform. which is a targeting and analytics interface for grocery, drug and mass merchandisers.

By using digital receipts, which are available as an option at more and more checkout counters, retailers hope to engage consumers and learn more about their shopping behavior. Then we'll start to see personalized recommendations for products, discounts, integrated shopping lists and other digital media experiences.

Walgreens, which is listed as the largest drug retailing chain in the United States, is already on board and began rolling out Retailer iQ earlier this year to more than 8,000 stores. With more than 100 million Balance Rewards members, they now offer Paperless Coupons and digital receipts. Customers also have the capability to clip digital offers and redeem them by swiping their Balance Reward Card at the checkout counter.

The digital receipts will be the key component in the power of the Retailer iQ and as more and more customers elect to receive them, a connection will be established between the e-receipts and digital coupons that can be added directly to the customer's account.

According to Coupons.com, the implementation of Retailer iQ is expected to be announced for four other retail partners before the end of this year.

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Real estate deals could go all digital for buyers and sellers

The process of buying and selling a home has always involved a big stack of forms and the famous "closing meeting" where you sign your livelihood away for the next 15 to 30 years.

But a company called Homevana Inc. is striving to simplify this process through the use of "For Sale By Owner 2.0," a free online platform to allow buyers and sellers to complete the deal with "zero commission." Buyers will submit offers online and work the deal with sellers right on up to executing the contract using an electronic signature.

According to Homvana officials, it is possible to sell your home and complete the deal without a real estate agent and for free, with no commission. All of the paperwork and tools needed are available online to close the sale and have complete control of the process from your own computer. Buyers and sellers are connected to each other worldwide - offering a vast collection of potential real estate deals.



Homevana was rolled out in California and partners with Retopia, a national real estate brokerage firm that would like for you to enter into an agreement with them or other Homevana partners for certain services, such as listing your property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The twosome offers a website and videos for instructions on how to get started using the platform.

Homevana's website makes it clear in the "terms and conditions" that they are not a real estate agent, broker, attorney, or have the authority to give legal advice regarding real estate transactions. They will not give a customer any advice. The California corporation is simply a platform for bringing sellers and buyers together in the digital world for real estate deals.

If this catches on in more locations around the country, buying and selling a home might become just another Internet transaction with our digital devices.
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Real estate experts not sold on online services

As more and more of our daily activities are able to be done online, such as banking and buying vehicles, selling or buying a home is no exception.

Although websites are emerging that promise to streamline the process of real estate transaction, some real estate experts say "not so fast" and that sellers should resist the urge of trying to save on a realtor's commission.

The Lubbock Association REALTORS is reinforcing all the things that a good realtor would handle, such as staging your home, showing it a moment's notice, handling marketing and negotiating an offer. The association also warns online customers about the possibility of listing your home for the wrong price and missing out on additional profits.

Because of the large list of contacts and extensive multiple listing service (MLS), the association says as a seller, websites simply can never replace having a real expert working directly for you, especially if the buyer is using one.

Any money that is saved by using an online service might be lost when negotiating against a trained professional.

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SmartSoles offer tracking technology for Alzheimer's patients

If you have a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or autism, and who has a history of wandering, the Smartsoles technology might be the one thing to offer some peace of mind.

The Bluetooth SmartSoles is a footwear system that consists of an embedded Bluetooth chip. The SmartSoles look like regular insoles and are designed to fit nearly every size shoe, as they can be trimmed to fit. An email or text message is sent to a caregiver when a wearer leaves a pre-set area, such as a room or building. They can be used in a personal home or assisted living facilities.

In addition to a tracking portal for desktops, laptops and tablets, a free Smart Locator mobile app will available for Android and Apple devices. The cost is expected to be under $50, with a rechargeable battery that'll last up to five days on a single charge and is rated to last over a year before needing to be replaced.

The SmartSoles are manufactured by GTX Corp., a developer of wearable technology, and are expected to be available in the second quarter of this year.

According to the company, this technology could be the solution for tracking loved ones with cognitive memory disorders.

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Jackery Leaf extends iPhone 5, 5S battery with on-the-go charging

If you're like me and have been having problems making it through a full day without having to recharge your iPhone battery, then I have the solution for charging on the go.

I've been testing the Jackery Leaf for the past few weeks and I no longer dread the mid-afternoon battery run-down saga, which was just like clockwork every day. Now I'm able to use my iPhone until bedtime with no worries about a weak battery.

The Jackery Leaf is an integrated rechargeable battery and spiffy case that provides plenty of extra juice for iPhone 5 and 5S devices. According to the Santa Clara, California-based technology company, a maker of portable batteries for smartphones and tablets, the Leaf gives users up to 50 extra hours of operational time, depending on the types of applications and tasks that are running.

The Leaf accomplishes this feat with an Apple certified micro-USB Lightning connector converter built into a rechargeable 2400 mAh Li-ion battery, which also slips into a stylish case to make one compact unit. The device can be charged as one unit with the iPhone or separated and the battery charged while the case is still on the iPhone.

The setup is a breeze to install. Just slip the iPhone into the case and then slide the iPhone/case onto the Lightning connector built into the base of the charger. Everything fits snugly with a unique hook that is hidden from view when everything is fitted.

The Leaf charger uses a micro-USB cable and it takes about five hours to fully charge the battery, which can monitored by a three-color LED indicator light on the back of the charger unit. It starts out blinking red and progresses to blue and finally green to indicate a full charge.

Once the Leaf's battery was fully charged during my test, my iPhone stayed charged for several days, with me only charging the iPhone/Leaf charger each night at bedtime, like I normally would do. I finally depleted the Leaf's battery after about two-weeks of use, but I still had enough to juice to use my iPhone while the Leaf was charging.

The Leaf is not as fussy as say, the Mophie Juice Pack charger, which has similar technology, but uses a combined case and charger. With the Mophie, a switch on the back of the charger turns the charging feature on when needed and a button controls a row of indicator lights to indicate the charging strength of the battery unit. But with the Leaf, charging seems to be automatic, as my iPhone's battery indicator stayed green the majority of the time.

In the Leaf box, you'll find the extended battery, snap-on case, a Micro-USB charging and Sync Cable, Audio Extension Cable and a second colorful orange case in you don't like black. The Audio Extension Cable is needed for headphones, since the design of the Leaf unit causes the headphone port to be recessed on the iPhone. There are also cutouts for the iPhone's speakers at the bottom of the charger unit.

Because of the matte black finish on the Leaf, it is more susceptible to fingerprints and smudges than the Mophie, but they wipe off easily. The Leaf is also slightly heavier at 3.4 ounces than the Mophie, which is listed at 2.44 ounces.

With the Leaf's larger battery capacity at 2400 mAh, compared with the Mophie's 1500 mAh battery, the Leaf is the better buy at around $60. I like the features, the two cases and the extended battery capacity the Leaf provides for my iPhone.

The Leaf unit gives a nice, quality feel to an iPhone and I don't mind the extra bulk. It's the extra battery capacity that counts.

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Google Glass invitation costly, but quite a honor to join program

It was a typical day, with what I thought was a typical inbox of emails to filter through, until I spotted an email from "Glass Support." The subject line simply said "Earnest, so you want Google Glass?"

The day was no longer typical. I was surprised, thrilled, and honored, along with several other emotions as I contemplated what all this meant. In a nutshell, I had been selected to purchase an early version of Google's hi-tech eye wear that is fitted with a high resolution display that has the possibility of changing our lives and how the world uses information technology.

I remember signing up to be considered for a pair of Google's latest technological wonder awhile ago, but never thought I would actually get an invitation.

The concept for Google Glass was being kicked around in 2012 and even grabbed the "best invention of 2012" by TIME magazine. It gained traction in 2013 with the Explorer Program, where a few lucky developers also received invitations to purchase Glass and begin to think about what applications would be great to be developed for the device. The possibilities are endless – from the medical field to sports to research and beyond. The display of mobile information right above the wearer's right eye has the potential to be revolutionary.

Because of the conspicuous voice-commands interface expected to be used in Glass, the scrutiny and privacy concerns has already started, with a few cases popping around the country with tickets being given for "distracted driving" violations. In some states, it is against the law to drive a vehicle if a video monitor of any sort is located in the vehicle and visible to the driver.

In another case involving Google Glass, concerns were raised in a movie theater over a Glass wearer recording the show. I imagine the emerging wearable-technology arena will foster a new category of laws and restrictions for when, where and how it can be used.

Nevertheless, as a technology enthusiasts, I am excited about the potential Google Glass will bring and the bevy of similar technology from other manufacturers, such as Samsung and Apple Inc. I'm sure they will be right on Google's heels with Galaxy Glass or iGlass.

Google Glass is still not available to the general public and may be rolled out later this year. In the meantime, for us invitees, the cost is $1,500 to join the Explorer Program and become a part of a truly interesting experience.

Let's just hope the price is lower before Glass hits the store shelves.

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