Despite their generally overwhelming combat prowess, many large US naval vessels remain vulnerable to small, fast-moving speedboats. But with the latest iteration of Raytheon’s multi-role precision missile, that won’t be a problem for much longer.
Griffin Technology has taken the step to introduce an upgrade to its PowerMate device, by throwing in wireless connectivity in the form of the Griffin PowerMate Bluetooth. This is stylish power tool for both the novice and pro computer user, where one might take a glance at it and wonder just what the heck does it do. I suppose you are able to describe it to be a clickable knob, as the PowerMate Bluetooth can be programmed for it to execute a wide range of key commands in virtually any application. Apart from that, users are able to streamline routine tasks including editing home movies like a pro, scroll through long (and hopefully not boring!) documents, or creating audio masterpieces.
The PowerMate Bluetooth will function beautifully as a convenient volume knob and mute button for Bluetooth 4.0 enabled Mac computers, but that would just be scratching the surface. PowerMate has been preset to play nice with iMovie and GarageBand right out of the box, which would make editing a painless and quick affair.
It will not remain within the confines of the multimedia department though, since users will also be able to follow the easy instructions in order to add custom commands within their preferred applications. You can opt to spin PowerMate like a wheel so that you can move through large multimedia files in a jiffy, in addition to spreadsheet and word processor documents, or opt to click it like a mouse to select text or perform commands.
The PowerMate Bluetooth has a gleaming brushed aluminum exterior, where it will sport a soothing blue glowing base. You will be able to take control of the behavior of this pulsing LED in order to know the current system status at a glance. Multiple PowerMates can be paired using Bluetooth connectivity, hence kissing goodbye to entangled wires and the ilk. Expect the PowerMate Bluetooth to arrive later this summer for $59.99 a pop.
Press Release
[ Griffin PowerMate Bluetooth takes the wireless route copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Have you heard of ShopKeep POS before? They happen to be the cloud-based point of sale platform which was specially designed by retailers for retailers, and you know when an initiative like that happens, it is more often than not a solution that works like a charm. After all, who else better to know the issues that retailers face than retailers themselves? Well, ShopKeep has just announced the ShopKeep Mobile, which happens to be a handheld point of sale device which will run on Griffin Olli hardware alongside the ShopKeep POS app.
Jason Richelson, Founder & CEO, ShopKeep POS, shared, “This is a complete handheld POS that is connected to the cloud. It’s everything you need to run your store – in your pocket. It also removes one of the worst parts of the retail experience for shoppers, which is waiting in line; and creates a more personal customer interaction by removing the counter as a barrier. This is groundbreaking technology that will bring the customer experience you get in the Apple store to small businesses everywhere.”
Specially designed for the iPod touch, ShopKeep Mobile will boast of an encrypted credit card swiper as well as a high speed laser barcode scanner that will be able to ring-up sales directly from the showroom floor. Stores that can use this range from clothing boutiques to specialty retailers, where it is capable of being a game changer, maximizing revenue per square footage simply by removing their counter as well as providing customers with a better shopping experience.
Apart from that, the ShopKeep Mobile will also be accompanied by a full range of reports, inventory management and QuickBooks integration via the BackOffice, customer database, emailed receipts, rapid item search, discount by $ or %, ability to turn tax on or off, ability to ring-up ad-hoc sales, printer support, unlimited customer care and an offline mode. Right now, ShopKeep Mobile remains in production beta.
Press Release
[ ShopKeep Mobile POS announced, targets small businesses copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Griffin has started to ship their Merchant Case + Square Reader after making a successful announcement of the device over at the recently concluded CES 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In fact, the Merchant Case is touted to be the first protective solution of its kind that has been specially optimized for the spanking new Square Reader. According to a certain J. Curtis, who is the Director of B2B Product Development at Griffin, “We’re extremely excited about the enthusiastic response to the Merchant case. Our case, combined with a Square Reader, is a perfect solution for business on-the-go.”
It might not sound like big news to some of us, but the Square reader could come in handy down the road if this particular technology is adopted across a wider scale among the masses. As for the Merchant case itself, it will come across as a custom-molded chassis which will be able to secure the Square Reader in place, all the while doing away with any kind of excess strain on the iPhone’s headphone jack when it is connected. There will also be a groove that runs across the bottom which will align with the Square Reader, enabling credit cards to slide through it easily and consistently.
Made out of a durable silicone, the case itself will protect the handset from knocks as well as unexpected drops, while the case’s non-slip material would make it a snap to hand over for customers’ signatures. Apart from that, there is also a built-in slot that is located on the back of the case which will be able to conveniently stash the Square Reader away whenever there is no need to use it.
The Merchant Case + Square Reader will play nice with the Square Register, where it is the free point of sale app that allows anyone, anywhere, accept credit card payments and run their business. Sporting a customizable checkout flow, smart business analytics, and digital receipts, Square Register would be able to assist businesses regardless of its size and type. Expect to pick up the Merchant case + Square Reader for $19.99 a pop.
Press Release
[ Griffin Merchant Case + Square Reader starts to ship copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
According to Griffin, its PowerMate knob and button gained a “dedicated user base.” I don’t know whether that’s one thousand or one million users, but apparently that base is dedicated enough that Griffin was compelled to release an update to the PowerMate Bluetooth, which now connects to OS X 10.8+ computers via NFC. Just kidding. It uses Bluetooth. I was testing you. You passed.
Out of the box, you can use the PowerMate Bluetooth to adjust the volume or mute your Mac. It also has preset controls for iMovie and Garageband. But it also comes with a companion software where you can add commands for various programs and manage multiple units. Griffin also gave a few instances where the device was hacked. People used it as a MIDI controller, as a gaming display and an audio visualizer. Mike Flaminio checked out the PowerMate Bluetooth at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES):
The PowerMate Bluetooth will be available this summer for $60 (USD). Honestly I think the Palette will get you more bang for your buck, but if you really want a wireless setup then the PowerMate Bluetooth may be what you’re looking for.
[via Griffin]
When you’ve created a product that you’ll be presenting a CES 2014 that’s as simple as the Griffin case we’re having a peek at today, it’s not entirely easy to … Continue reading
Griffin has just outed a revamped, redesigned, and slightly more limited incarnation of its popular PowerMate dial control. Eschewing USB cables for a Bluetooth 4.0 connection, the new PowerMate Bluetooth … Continue reading
Griffin has brought the old PowerMate rotary controller back from the dead, snipping off the USB cable for the Powermate Bluetooth, a wireless version. Intended for video editors, digital artists, … Continue reading
Last year, Square debuted Stand, a piece of hardware that turns a merchant’s iPad into a card-swiping register. The idea was to provide a simple and elegant way to allow merchants to accept Square for credit card processing and swiping via their iPad. In news announced today at CES, Square is extending this ease of use to iPhone users of its card readers, via a new partnership with hardware developer Griffin Technology.
Until now, Square hasn’t debuted any accessories for its card case reader. Third-party developers have created key chains and cases for the readers, but these haven’t been part of the Square ecosystem. Square and Griffin are announcing a new Merchant case for iPhone 5s and iPhone 5, which is a protective case optimized for a Square Reader and a companion iPhone. The Merchant case, which also includes a Square Reader, is available to order for $19.99 here (current orders shipping within 2 weeks).
Square is also announcing a new initiative called Works with Square, which allows developers to build accessories for Square businesses. The inaugural partnership is the one being announced today with Griffin, and Square says it actually partnered with the hardware accessories developer to design the Merchant case to enhance both performance and convenience for merchants selling on the go with Square.
The case itself is custom-molded to secure the Square Reader when connected. A groove in the bottom of the case aligns with the Square Reader to guide a credit card to a frictionless, consistent swipe. The case is made from silicone, and aims to protect the phone from bumps and drops. Additionally, the merchant case features non-slip sides and corners so it’s easier to hold the phone and to hand over for customers’ signatures. And when merchants are not using the Square Reader, the hardware can be detached and stored in the back of the case. Aesthetics wise, the case is no beauty, but it seems to be solid and functional.
It’s unclear what percentage of Square’s merchants use the iPad vs. iPhone for readers, but it’s probably safe to assume that many merchants who are on the go (i.e a massage therapist, tutor, taxi driver) would use their iPhone over an iPad. The case provides a pretty easy way to use your iPhone for personal and professional use when accepting payments. Square decided to develop this case for iPhones, and has not yet developed any sort of external accessory or stand for the Android (although its reader does work with Android).
In terms of the Works With Square program, Square is expanding its ambitions beyond just providing point-of-sale hardware into providing accessories that are optimized for the Square experience. This could mean that the company starts partnering with the developers of receipt printers, kitchen printers, cash drawers and barcode scanners to create a more connected experience for merchants. We asked Square whether there is a revenue-share agreement with developers in this program, and did not receive an answer. But the company did say that products in the Works with Square program can use the Works with Square badge on their packaging, and in certain cases, can include Square readers as part of their packaging.
As Square prepares to potentially go public, it’s clear the company is creating an ecosystem of sellers and developers around its payments products and hardware. Square just debuted an API for the first time in December and also launched a marketplace for its merchants to be able to sell online as well as in-store. Works With Square could be another channel through which Square’s brand and readers are promoted.
A trip to the toy store is supposed to be about finding gifts for all the kids on your Christmas list, but we all know at least one grownup who’s considered an adult in age only. So here are some perfect ideas for anyone who still professes to be a kid at heart, even if they’re old enough to be paying off a mortgage.
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