Google Glass Gets Fashionable, Offers Prescription Lenses

Google really wants their new Google Glass connected eyewear to be for everyone - even fashion conscious users and those who have to wear prescription eyewear. A prescription option was the most requested feature since it launched the device last year and now it's going to be available in new stylish frames when it's released to the public at the end of this year. Each of the prescription Google Glass lenses will cost $225 each, with the new Titanium line including four frame shapes called curve, split, thin and bold. The outside of the frames is gray but the four options will each have subtle accent colors inside the frames. Google also plans to add three sunglasses options that will be designed by Maui Jim for $150 each. The actual Google Glass hardware (that can shoot video and projects Internet content will remain the same) for now.

Google hopes that people will be so comfortable wearing their connected eyewear that they won't want to choose between their regular glasses and Google Glass. But this might pose a small problem since they're not welcomed everywhere (yet), leaving those with no other prescription glasses handy either blind or isolated from certain places. Also, driving while wearing them isn't exactly legal or allowed. But Google is still confidant that these issues will soon be fixed as they become more common with users.

And Google Glass lenses can't quickly pop off one frame and onto another because it required undoing a small screw, which is easy to do, but the system is still not meant for frequent frame changes. And because prescription glasses are pricy without insurance, Google has a deal with Vision Service Provider to add coverage to those who want the new specs, but insurance reimbursements will only be available for the frames and prescription and not the Glass device itself (it costs $1,500).

REVIEW: Logitech ConferenceCam CC3000e

Having the right conferencing system can significantly increase communication quality throughout and organisation, especially when your enterprise is split across continents or you have customers abroad.

Today Logitech has introduced a new conference system which offers an improved video and voice conferencing environment at a reasonable starting price of £699.

It's not abnormal to step into a conferencing room five minutes before a meeting is due to start and then have to call in an engineer to show you how to use the equipment. The CC3000e is so simple to use, however, that you'll never need to get helpdesk involved again.

The ConferenceCam allows you to control the call using your PC, meaning that you can use whatever communications software you would usually use. It has plug-and-play capabilities so should support calls made through any available software, and is Skype, Cisco Jabber, Vidyo and Microsoft Lync certified, so you can choose whatever software you're used to in order to make a call.

The video quality is extremely clear and doesn't suffer at all from lag or pixilation. The room I saw it demoed in had brightly painted patterns on the wall, which were displayed beautifully on the on-screen image, which would be great for sending visuals of graphs, slideshows or whiteboards if using the conferencing system for presentations. The device supports 1080p HD video and high-quality audio that is clear even if you are sitting quite a distance from the speakerphone, working up to 20-feet away.

It also has similar capabilities to the portable Logitech P710e speakerphone; it can pair smartphone devices using Bluetooth or NFC to allow hands free communication.

When making a call, the contact you are communicating with is displayed on the central console. The camera features a 90-degree field of view with remote controlled 260-degree panning and 10 times lossless zoom. A 'home' position for the camera can also be set so that when using the camera for conferencing you can return the camera to the correct position by pressing a single button.

Although this system is slightly less portable than previously, it is still movable and could be transported and easily set up in a different location if your usual conferencing space is not available. It comes in three parts; a camera, the speakerphone unit and a central hub that is used to connect all of the devices (including your PC) together.

This device is simple to use, very affordable, and perfect for any small to medium sized enterprises in need of reliable conferencing equipment.

Parrot Introduces New Drones, Sumo and MiniDrone

Parrot is known for their Bluetooth products, but they're transitioning into the drone market and revealed two new drones at CES earlier this month. Both are new smartphone-controlled bots: The Sumo and the MiniDrone. The Sumo is a rolling and jumping bot that features two wheels and moves around the ground. It features a camera and a foot built in that allows it to stop instantly (like the company's bigger AR Drone) and can leap up in the air to 80 cm. It's a pretty rugged drone that's ready to tackle your adventurous lifestyle.

The MiniDrone is a smaller version of the AR Drone and can fly and roll. It's only about a tenth of the size of the bigger version, which allows you to slide it in your pocket. Because it's small in size and portable, it doesn't have a camera but adds removable, large wheels that allows it to roll on the ground or run along the wall or ceiling. So far, no ship date has been announced, but the company did promise that they'll be available soon.

Microsoft Clearing Out Refurbished Surface RT 32GB at $170

Remember when Microsoft wrote-down a giant $900 million charge due to Surface RT inventory adjustment? (AKA they have too many inventory of unsold Surface RT left that they'll have to sell at reduced price). Apparently the same applies for the refurbished models because Microsoft's Outlet store on eBay is selling them at a massive discount - refurbished 32GB Microsoft Surface Tablet is now only $169 with free shipping.

Early spring cleaning? Why not, even if we're still in the Winter months. Microsoft had attempted to unload these during 2013′s Black Friday weekend at the $199 price point to minimal success (number of units sold didn't break the 10,000 mark on the eBay store count). Another 25% off for a flagship device from just about a year ago? We're not sure if that's a good thing for Microsoft, but you can now experience Windows 8 RT on the cheap.

The Windows 8 RT Surface originally debuted on October 26th 2012 for $499. Sales fell stunningly short as mentioned. Now with the successor Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 in place since Ocotober 2013 (and currently at harder-to-find stock level), it's probably time to clean house on the original under-performing unit.

At $169 it's a good price to bite at. Not only is it the lowest ever by $30, but it's significantly cheaper than buying for $279.99 at Best Buy in brand new condition. The units they're selling today have been restored into fully working condition from the manufacturer and one of the rare part is that it includes a 1 year warranty from Microsoft (most refurbished goods will have a 90 day warranty only).

Is $170 the price point to move the Surface RT off the shelves? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Korg Gadget packs 15 synthesizers and drum machines into an iPad app

Fancy feeding your music production hobby with a slate rather than a collection of pricey gadgets? If so, Korg has added to its iPad-based offerings with the Gadget app. The software for Apple tablets bakes in 15 different sythesizers and drum machines (called Gadgets) that can be combined any way you'd like to construct those beats. Ranging from the Kiev digital synth to the Chicago tube bass machine, the app's instrument arsenal (which can be previewed here) covers quite the sonic spectrum with drum and synth sounds a plenty. Keeping the orientation vertical, the UI is divided into two sections that allow for dual control at all times. This is aimed at making both track and instrument adjustments quick and easy. If you're concerned about your lack of musical skill, there's a scale function helps you avoid hitting a wrong note whilst getting your feet wet.

Already splurged for the latest iPad? Korg says you'll be able to run more than 20 of the instruments at the same time, thanks to its beefed up chipset. Once those audio files have been tinkered with enough, options for sharing to Facebook, SoundCloud and Twitter or beaming them to Dropbox for safe keeping are all built in. There's also access to GadgetCloud for showing off projects with fellow users of the software -- complete with its own ranking system. The app is a bit pricey at $38.99, but if you commit before February 23rd, you can snag a $10 discount at that second source link below.