Technically Speaking - Episode 13

We know being in the control seat is important to you. Not only will tech expert Andru Edwards get you there, he’s going to keep you there with these latest gadgets!  In every episode of Technically Speaking, Andru highlights one of his favorite products in each of three categories that will make your life easier: speed, choice and control. Here are his picks this episode:

Speed: GeniCan

What it is: Smart sensor for your garbage can
Available at: www.genican.com

Your garbage just got a whole lot smarter with the GeniCan. Preload your favorite food items into the sensor with a quick scan and then clip the sensor on any standard garbage or recycling bin. When you throw away your empty container, the GeniCan scans the bar code and automatically adds the item to your grocery list in the GeniCan app on your smartphone. To make your shopping process even faster, the GeniCan partners with Amazon to instantly place your order for easy delivery of your list of products directly to your home or office.  

Choice: Invoxia NVX 200

What it is: Docking system that turns your smartphone into a desk phone
Available at: www.invoxia.com

The Invoxia NVX 200 instantly turns your mobile phone into a desk phone. The docking station provides instant control of your mobile calls, allowing you to answer, dial, browse contact lists and speed dial.The audio quality is perfect for conference calls. You can throw away all of those charging cords, too, because the Invoxia NVX 200 docking system charges your phone for you and even replaces your speakers.

Control: Satechi USB Portable Humidifier

What it does: Provides instant relief from dry air with any cup of water   
Available at: www.satechi.net

The Satechi USB Portable Humidifier is a lifesaver at home or on the road. It is simple to use; all you do is fill an empty bottle or glass with purified water and place the humidifier into the opening of the container. After plugging it into any USB port, you can instantly control your environment no matter where you are. It is lightweight and 100 percent portable.

How do Andru’s picks hold up in everyday life? Three National Emerald Club road warriors tested out Invoxia NVX 200 in their daily lives and gave us their feedback.

“I've been using the device at my desk at work as an easier way to use my tiny iPhone 5 for long phone calls. The call clarity is excellent. Many auxiliary devices have an echo or delay and I have not seen that with this device. The handset is infinitely more comfortable against my ear for an hour than a hot phone. I don't have to worry about my hair being down and messing with my signal strength or the heat of the screen irritating my ear after a long conversation. I like that it charges my smartphone, as well, and I can use it with my work iPhone or my personal Android phone. This is a great alternative for in the office.”

- Brandy B., Bartlett, Tenn.

“Often times, when I'm on a conference call, I have to lay the phone down and put it on 'speaker,' especially if I need to do something on the computer or others are participating in the same room. It makes my life easier when working from my home office because the phone can be charging while I'm working, and I only need to push the silver dial to answer a call versus fooling with touching the mobile phone itself. It's small enough that it doesn't take up a lot of space on my desk, but works well enough that I can use it 'hands-free,' which I really like. I could conceivably pack it and take with me when I travel, should I feel a need to have a better speakerphone for conference calls while in my hotel room. I would recommend this for anyone who multi-tasks and relies on/uses their mobile phone while doing so.

- Michael K., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

“My first impression was why would you take the mobility of your smartphone and tie it to a desk phone with a plug and a hand cord? After one day of use, the speaker on the phone is phenomenal and allows for better sound quality than anything my smartphone can provide. In a work-from-home office, I am frequently on conference calls and meetings. The speaker on the NVX 200 is phenomenal for both playing Pandora while I work and for conference calls or meetings when they come through. NVX 200 brings me  instant control of my mobile calls.”

- Tracy P., Emmaus, Penn.