At CES on Tuesday, Plugable announced their new USB-C 7-in-1 hub, following the work-from-home trend of bringing Ethernet and 4K video to users in an easy-to-pack form factor (to use at home now, and for when we can go places again!). In addition to two 5Gbps USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 4K HDMI, SD and microSD card slots, the Plugable hub includes a USB-C Power Delivery charging port capable of up to 87W of USB-C pass-through charging for your laptop and USB devices. Shipping now, this hub is available at Amazon for $34.95 at the time of publication.
Digital Library Book Readers Borrowed 430 Million Books in 2020
Book sales, both digital and physical, increased in 2020. Book borrowing did too, with OverDrive reporting 430 million ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines browsed in 2020. This is a 33% increase over 2019.
The most significant genre growth in 2020 was children’s and YA fiction and nonfiction because of remote and hybrid learning. In addition, more than 2 million checkouts occurred through Public Library CONNECT partnerships and the Sora student reading app. More public library and school partnerships than ever enabled students to use their school credentials to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from both their school and local public library.
CES 2021: PopSockets Launches PopPower Charger, Supports iPhone Fast Charging Mode
PopSockets announced the PopPower at CES 2021. It is a Qi-certified charger, and is compatible with all Qi-certified devices. It supports the Qi standard’s new Extended Power Profile (EPP), providing continuous delivery of up to 15 watts of wireless power. It costs US$60 and supports fast charging mode on Apple (and Samsung,) products.
CES 2021: Disruptive Technologies Launches Second Generation of Temperature Sensor
Disruptive Technologies launched the second generation of its Temperature Sensor at CES 2021. The company said the sensor can deliver over 15 million data points – 30 times more than the previous generation while maintaining the same form factor and size. It also has the same 15-year battery life. Data generated by the sensor is end-to-end encrypted. It is €49 ($USD 59.60), or €39 per sensor if you order 25 or more, with deliveries starting in May.
Apple Releases iOS 12.5.1 to Fix COVID-19 Exposure Notifications on Older Devices
Apple released iOS 12.5.1 on Monday to fix an issue with COVID-19 Exposure Notifications on older devices.
Apple and Hyundai to Sign Electric Car Production Deal by March
Apple and Hyundai will sign a deal to partner on autonomous vehicles by March, according to reports from South Korea.
Samsung Robots, Kelly vs Ringing iPhones – TMO Daily Observations 2021-01-11
Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Butts join host Kelly Guimont to discuss some announcements from CES, and Kelly’s quest to answer calls hands free.
CES 2021: LIVALL Rolls Out New Smart Cycle Helmets
Smart cycle helmet brand LIVALL unveiled its latest products at CES 2021, and will launch the BH60 Neo range with various safety features.
CES 2021: Otterbox Debuts Mobile Gaming Accessories
Otterbox a smartphone mount for your console controller, an Xbox controller shell, an iPhone gaming case, and a privacy screen protector for CES 2021.
Biogen and Apple Launch Cognitive Health Study With Apple Watch, iPhone
Apple has teamed up with Biogen on a new health study to monitor cognitive health using an Apple Watch and an iPhone as tools.
