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TYLT

Built to TYLT. They looked at the car charger cable, and wanted to make it look cool. That is what the TYLT charger is all about.

They have cables for all devices, with tangle-free cords.

TYLT also has a 1800 mA battery charger for your on-the road charger. Plug in the built-in cable and charge up.

The Power Plan is a 5200 mA  plug that can charge an iPad up to 30%. These can replace those wall warts that you plug your USB device into. So you use this like you would plugging your phone or iPad into the wall, but it also charges the internal battery so you can continue to charge while looking for another outlet, or on the go.

TYLT also has iPhone cases with a lens cover for your iPhone. The Cush is a designer case.

The Power charger products are available now at their website.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

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PrivacyStar

Privacy Star blocks your phone numbers from any type of solicitors, including pollsters. The PrivacyStar app will control and monitor your mobile device.

Smart Block will crowdsource the top 25 numbers, then block those numbers for the week. They also have a caller ID function, which will tell you who is calling.

With the Do Not Disturb mode, all unblocked numbers will be forwarded to a custom text message.

Most important, you can file a complaint if the caller is harassing you, right from the phone.

This app is for Android or Blackberry users. iPhone launch will be Q2. They are also looking at VoIP solutions.

Seven day free trial, $2.99 a month after (credit card or direct charge on phone).

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

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Parrot

Parrot first came into our CES radar back in 2009 when their AR Drone spun off on the TPN Backchannel. Parrot is back with the AR. Drone Mark 2. The Mark 2 is controlled by a smart phone or tablet with one button launch.

Once launched, the Mark 2 will sit and hove until command. The AR. Drone Mark 2.0 can fly up to 150 feet in the air. Stabilization and pressure sensor technology are built into the Mark 2.0.

There are two cameras – front is an HD camera and back has a standard def camera on the bottom, which you can record or stream.

The AR. Drone Mark 2 should be available according to Peter George of Parrot in the second quarter of 2012 for about $299.00

Parrot also introduced the Parrot Zik . This is a pair of noise cancellation stereo headset. With a sensitive touchpad on the side, you can swipe on the side to skip tracks, and change volume. With multi-microphones, you can take a call. Bluetooth, and a design by Phillipe Starke.

You get 5 hours of playback, but if the battery dies, plug in the cord and continue to listen.

The Parrot Zik will be released later in the year.

These are two of seven products being released by Parrot. There are other bluetooth items for the car.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Don Baine The Gadget Professor of Geek News Central

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Recon Instruments

A heads up display in your goggles for skiers? That is what Recon Instruments is working on.

These goggles won a CES innovation award. It’s a pair of goggles, but it tells you a lot more.

“This is our Mod Live.” Mark says. “It’s an Android based unit. It provides skiiers, snowboarders, snowmobiles, anyone with real time data – speed, vertical decent, distance traveled, altitude.”

Find Recon Instruments through Amazon

Mod Live also ships with a variety of apps, including buddy tracker, navigation, points of interest. It has caller ID, and playlist to know what you are hearing. The GPS data keeps you informed. There is even a vitals monitor for you to check your heart rate of that last jump.

They don’t make the goggles – they make the technology. They have some manufacturers, and are soon partnering with others.

The are two versions: Android based for $399 and Non-Android version is $299.

For more information go to reconinstruments.com

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Roku-Birds

In this world of over-the-top television, there are a lot of different choices. If your TV does not have a “smart” feature, you end up having to purchase a third-party solution. And with many boxes to choose from, it’s a tough decision at times.

However, Roku is working to make that decision very straightforward. At CES, Roku debuted their Roku streaming stick. Ed from Roku joins Todd in showing off this little dongle that connects up to your HDMI port on your TV.

Since the Roku stick plugs directly into the HDMI port, there is no need for extra cables, or even a power cable. Therefore, if you have your TV mounted to a wall, there are no extra ugly cables to go with it.

Further, this new Roku connects wirelessly (just like the previous versions), so you can stream your shows through your wireless connection.

since this is a prototype stick, there was no mention whether angry birds was available on this model. In fact, all details will be forthcoming.

of course in the Roku has over 400 channels. Everything from tech, to news, local, international, sports, fitness, live events, recorded events, and everything in between.

Roku-Streaming-Stick

The Roku streaming stick will not be out until fall of 2012. The stick will run between $50 and $100 depending on its model.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast network.