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Nebo by MyScript makes my iPad feel like my long-lost Newton

I’ve written quite a few articles for various publications in the last 30 years or so. All of them were typed on some sort of keyboard, until this one. I am writing this on my iPad Pro 12.9″ with an Apple Pencil using a software app called Nebo from a company called MyScript.

Twenty years ago, I had a Newton from Apple. It was larger than the iPhone 8 plus I carry now, but the handwriting recognition was quite good. Sure, the first generation text translation made a lot of goofs, but with the second generation, they learned not to only translate from a dictionary. This reduced the incidence of “Egg Freckles” translations to a statical zero.

Now that I have a replacement for that technology, I am eager to see Apple add pencil support to the iPhone! I think as an option, pencil enhanced text input would catapult the handwriting desires of a few into high gear.

Those using digital ink technology today still are hampered with two things: transcribing the ink to an editable format, and then making sure what is deciphered actually is what the original writer meant. You’ll notice above the hand-written text in the screenshots, the text is being translated and spell-checked in real time. This allows the writer to pause and be sure of the spelling, intent, and word choice. Or, after full conversion to text, to edit traditionally with a keyboard.

This section is added using my Mac keyboard as I’m posting the screenshots and text pulled in from Nebo:

The Nebo software is available for $5.99 on the Windows 10 Store, GooglePlay store, as well as the Apple AppStore for iOS. Check the stylus requirements. I know the iOS version requires Apple Pencil, the other two have similar limits. If you have the hardware, though, this thing is a treat!

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Nebo by MyScript makes my iPad feel like my long-lost Newton originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 14, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Airfree P2000 – Filterless Air Purifier may just be the answer to clean air!


Over the past few years, I have been back and forth to the pediatrician with my kids who have been suffering with allergies and asthma. After much testing, they were put on daily medications to help to control the effect of their allergies, which if not addressed would eventually trigger a full-fledged asthma attack.

In an effort to address the issue of pollutants within the home, I have invested in several air purifiers, with mixed results, and I continue to research these devices always looking for better technology and hopefully better results.

Today, I was reading about the Airfree P2000 – Filterless Air Purifier. This device claims to have “patented Thermodynamic TSS Technology”, that “destroys mold, dust mites, bacteria, viruses, pollens, pet dander, tobacco and other organic allergens”. It also claims to reduce harmful ozone levels within the home. I have heard about air filters that “boast” about this type of ability, and I have been very intrigued by these claims. They claim to be perfect in areas that may contain mold, and to be the best current solution for asthma and allergy sufferers. The coverage each one of these units claims to provide, is adequate for most small to medium sized rooms, and unlike my current air purifiers, they are filterless and completely silent. Since I spend quite a bit of money replacing filters, this would be a welcomed feature. In addition, as a photographer/videographer, the ability to clean the air so that my expensive camera equipment and lenses are in a better environment both for storage and operation is a plus.

If you would like more detailed information on the Airfree P2000 – Filterless Air Purifier or you would like to purchase one, head over to Amazon, or B&H Photo Video or Adorama, and check it out. It is available for purchase from any of these retailers for $269.

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Airfree P2000 – Filterless Air Purifier may just be the answer to clean air! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 14, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Now you can tell Alexa to unlock your Schlage smart door lock

Schlage announced on May 9, 2018 that their  Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect™ Touchscreen Deadbolt can now be unlocked with Alexa via voice commands.  This new unlock function is an addition to the current ability to verbally lock or check the status of the Schlage door lock via Alexa-enabled devices.

You’ll need to log in to your Alexa app to enable the voice-unlocking feature (disabled by default for security), and you’ll need to create a unique PIN while you’re in the app.  Afterwards, you’ll be able to unlock the Schlage lock by speaking the PIN; three incorrect attempts will disable the voice-unlock feature.

Of course, the Schlage locks will need to be connected to the internet for Alexa to unlock them.  The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt will require the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter (no monthly fee required). The Wi-Fi Adapter allows iOS and Android smartphone users to gain remote access to their lock through the Schlage Sense app. The Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt requires a Samsung SmartThings or Wink hub for connectivity.

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt were graded Best in Residential Security, Durability and Finish from the Builders Hardware Manufactures Association (BHMA).  These locks enable homeowners to never worry about losing, hiding, carrying or forgetting keys.  Features include:

  • Create and delete up to 30 unique access codes so trusted friends and family can enter using their code at the lock’s touchscreen
  • Schedule access codes so guests can only enter when you allow
  • Pair with a smart-home hub (Schlage Connect) or Wi-Fi Adapter (Schlage Sense) to check on the lock’s status from anywhere, so you never have to wonder if the front door was left unlocked
  • View past activity to see which codes have been used and when
  • Update settings and check battery life

Rob Martens, futurist at Allegion, the maker of Schlage locks says:  “Schlage has been at the forefront of the Internet of Things industry since launching the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt.  This new integration and functionality is a testament to our ongoing commitment to raise the bar for innovation, convenience and security.”

Visit the Schlage website to learn more.  The Schlage Sense ($229), Schlage Connect ($188.95), and Schlage Wi-Fi Adapter ($69.99) are available now on Amazon.

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Now you can tell Alexa to unlock your Schlage smart door lock originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 13, 2018 at 3:00 pm.

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The Zoom F1 Field Recorder seems to be another Zoom success


Some time ago I wrote a news story on the Zoom H6 audio field recorder, which is my favorite portable audio recorder. Zoom makes great audio recorders, with the only caveat being their proprietary microphones for direct attachment. Over the years I have purchased both Shure and Sony Lavalier microphones (with base units), and while I have been able to plug them into my Zoom H6, I have continued to look for additional versatile recording options.

Just recently, Zoom released its new Zoom F1 audio recorder, and at first glance, I love this device. This 2 channel field recorder can be used with a Lavalier microphone, or it includes the built-in interface for the zoom proprietary microphones so that it can be mounted on a camera with something like my favorite Zoom SSH-6 shotgun stereo mic. It has a built-in belt attachment, a micro USB port, a 1/8 stereo mic/line input with plug-in power, and a 1/8 stereo phone/line output jack with volume control. It accepts up to a 32GB micro SD or micro SDHC card, to record 24-bit/96kHz wav or mp3 audio files. It has an onboard Limiter, low-cut filter, and auto-level control. It can be powered by three AAA batteries, or an AC adapter, which unfortunately is not included and must be purchased separately. It also has a nice clear display, so that all of the required functions and settings can be easily seen with a quick glance.

If you are a fan of Zoom audio recorders like I am, and you would like to check the Zoom F1 out, you can head over to Amazon or B&H Photo Video and get more details. If you would like to purchase one, you can pick it up with a couple of options starting at $199.99 for the recorder and Lavalier mic.

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The Zoom F1 Field Recorder seems to be another Zoom success originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 13, 2018 at 2:16 pm.

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The Sand Drink Holder keeps sand where it belongs – on the beach

As I sit here looking out my window at another cool, rainy spring day here in the Midwest my thoughts start to wander to warmer summer days relaxing at the beach or lake. One essential for this kind of day is a cold beverage. But where do you place that cold beverage when sitting on a blanket or in your favorite lawn chair?

Spiker has the answer. Anchor it, with the Sand Drink Holder.

Instant cup holder

The Sand Drink Holder is a made in the USA beach cup holder. Its spiked base anchors into the sand and keeps the top elevated, so your beverages stay clean and dry. And it also keeps your COLD drink out of the HOT sand.

This cup holder isn’t just for drinks. Measuring ( 8″ x 4” in diameter) it’s large enough to hold things like your keys, sunscreen, sunglasses, phone and other essentials keeping them off the ground and at hand. And because it’s dishwasher safe keeping it clean is easy too.

The Sand Drink Holder from Spiker is sold individually for $9.95 or you can get a set of four for $24.95. FYI, the individual holder is only available in gray so if you want to add some color the four-pack is the way to go.

You can purchase both at thegrommet.com.

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The Sand Drink Holder keeps sand where it belongs – on the beach originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 13, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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