
Power and control. Light and heat. Sun and fire. This episode features clever technology you can use to harness the world's two most epic energy sources, creating brilliant outdoor escapades whether you're backpacking off-the-grid, camping with friends or kicking back in your own backyard.
Guest 1 - Dig It Apparel
https://digitapparel.com/
Guest 2 - BioLite
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/
Direct link to this episode, for easy sharing with friends and family:
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-2w3vz-1000146
Microphone used to record it:
https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti-x/
Timely tech announcements, reviews and events:
https://twitter.com/the_family_cto
Products mentioned, with time stamps and direct links:
(6:36) UV detection stickers
https://spotmyuv.com/
(15:06) compact, electricity generating wood camp stove
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/collections#campstove-family
(20:20) efficient portable wood and charcoal burning firepit
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/collections#firepit-family
(26:43) portable solar light
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/sunlight-100
(27:54) personal, clippable lantern
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/travelight-135
(28:26) string lights
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/sitelight-string
(28:51) compact, overhead string lighting
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/sitelight-duo
(28:58) packable fabric lantern
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/sitelight-lantern
(29:54) fast USB-C Power Delivery powerbank
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/charge-20-pd
(30:13) lightweight, rechargeable headlamps
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/collections#headlamps
(36:21) solar panel with sundial and on-board battery
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/solarpanel-5-plus
(40:26) video showing BioLite's global mission
https://youtu.be/mV1MRlhLnWQ
Apr 7, 2021
43 min

Recorded March 19th, this special episode delves into how technology can help create, serve and improve the beer, wine, cocktail and blended drinks we enjoy responsibly. Co-hosts Scott (Founder, The Family CTO) and Chris (Editor-in-Chief, TheSpoon) discuss everything from robots to countertop appliances to jaw-dropping automated wine vaults. If you're a fan of innovative technology and enjoy being social and relaxing with a good drink, you'll want to hear this show!
Chris's articles:
https://thespoon.tech/author/chrisalbrecht/
TheSpoon's upcoming ArticulATE Food Robotics Summit:
https://10times.com/e1zh-h300-9fhs
Links to other products (with when in the show they were mentioned):
(2:45) countertop smart oven
https://juneoven.com/
(3:50) drone food delivery service
https://www.manna.aero/
(5:44) robot bar in Las Vegas
http://thetipsyrobot.com/
(5:47) maker of that robot bartender
https://www.makrshakr.com/
(6:03) Icelandic bionic food and drinks bar
https://www.glacierfire.is/ice&fries/index.php
(6:20) mixed drink vending machine
https://thespoon.tech/rotender-is-a-drink-making-robot-built-for-high-volume-bars/
(8:22) pod-based home cocktail making appliance
https://bartesian.com/
(9:13) Keurig's version of the cocktail appliance
https://www.drinkworks.com/
(11:07) conveyor belt automatic cocktail machine
https://thebarsys.com/
(12:09) teabag-based cocktails
https://steeptcocktails.com/
(12:28) DIY cocktail machine/app
https://mybar.io/
(17:19) defunct beer appliance
https://www.picobrew.com/
(19:19) automated countertop craft brewer
https://beermkr.com/
(21:57) home beer dispenser
https://www.fizzics.com/
(23:50) LG's HomeBrew machine
https://www.gearpatrol.com/tech/a539806/lg-homebrew-ces-2019/
(24:42) wine preservation system
https://www.coravin.com/
(26:38) automatic wine keeper and server
https://plum.wine/
(27:50) connected wine aerator
https://www.aveine.com/
(28:25) robotic wine collection kiosk
https://winecab.com/
(29:33) Vegas restaurant with 4-story wine tower
https://mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/aureole.html
(30:38) comprehensive platform for wine discovery, education and purchase
http://pix.wine/
(43:40) quiet, futuristic, portable blender
https://getmillo.com/
(46:51) wine, beer and liquor delivery service
https://drizly.com/
Mar 26, 2021
50 min

About 50 years after the first invisible fence was invented to help keep dogs safe without having to construct actual physical fences, one company's changing the way you let your dog know where it's safe to go. According to them, this high-tech collar will give you much more functionality, flexibility and peace of mind than its 20th century counterpart. You'll want to listen in to hear:
the tragedy that inspired two innovative brothers
how they got a world famous dog trainer involved as a founding partner
how this collar will help you "speak dog"
why it will keep your dog safe no matter what the terrain, wherever you go
"ruffly" 20 other gadgets to help you feed, train, clean and communicate with your favorite furry friend
Our guest:
https://www.halocollar.com
Invitation to our March 19th live Cocktail Hour Gadgets event:
https://www.podbean.com/lsw/eLjPhVzixV
Articles by the fabulous Chris Albrecht, our co-host for that event:
https://thespoon.tech/author/chrisalbrecht
Direct link to this episode, for sharing with friends and family:
https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-zvxtd-fd8d92
How to catch timely announcements, reviews and events:
https://twitter.com/the_family_cto
Other products mentioned, with time stamps and direct links:
Note: Pasting the following URLs goes to the main page, but actually clicking them takes you right to the respective product page.
(26:59) automatic feeders
https://www.wopet.com
(27:37) cook them yourself dog treats
https://bydash.com
(28:03) hydrating leash attachment
https://www.spleash.com
(28:45) Wi-Fi temperature and humidity monitor
https://tempstick.com
(29:19) cellular temperature and humidity monitor
https://mywaggle.com
(29:54) FitBark 2 activity tracker
https://www.fitbark.com
(30:21) Animo activity tracker
https://www.surepetcare.com
(30:48) Separation Anxiety treatment system
https://www.calmerk9.com
(31:53) wirelessly connected play-for-treats system
https://puppod.com
(32:30) Wicked Ball toy
https://www.cheerble.com
(32:49) Wicked Bone toy
https://www.cheerble.com
(32:57) Sphero, robotic/educational toy pioneers
https://sphero.com
(33:15) remote-controlled flag chasing game
https://www.swiftpaws.com
(33:45) microchip-detecting automatic pet door
https://www.surepetcare.com
(34:46) smart, secure sliding glass door
https://wayzn.com
(35:48) customized smart door for pets
https://www.wannagooutside.com
(36:48) grooming brush
https://www.dyson.com
(37:10) portable, all-in-one deep cleaning system
https://www.bissell.com
(37:59) visual aide for pet pics
https://poochselfie.com
(38:32) action camera mounting harness
https://gopro.com
(38:56) video calling button for your dog
https://petchatz.com
Mar 14, 2021
41 min

Veteran audio and video consumer electronics product rep Adam Weissman joins us to discuss what you should look for in earphones, headphones, speakers and projectors. And we continue the audio/visual theme, offering over a dozen extra suggestions of cool yet affordable gadgets to get for fans of music, movies, photography and videography.
AS DISCUSSED IN THE SHOW
The Family CTO
Invitation to our March 19th live Cocktail Hour Gadgets event:
https://www.podbean.com/lsw/eLjPhVzixV?lsid=PXpKjuoduWK
Direct link to this episode:
https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-shzsm-fc8fa1
How to catch timely announcements, reviews and events:
https://twitter.com/the_family_cto
Anker
Audio products:
https://us.soundcore.com/
100 speakers wirelessly connected:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmDAIeWDqt0
Projectors:
https://us.seenebula.com/collections/
Other products mentioned, with time stamps and direct links:
(25:11) Nike x Kevin Durant collaboration headphones
https://www.masterdynamic.com/pages/master-dynamic-nike
(25:47) open-ear bone-conduction headphones
https://aftershokz.com/us/products/xtrainerz
(26:48) collapsible portable speakers
https://powaudio.com/pages/collections
(27:42) outdoor projection screen
https://elitescreens.com/products/yard-master-2-series/
(28:46) super-affordable mini soundbar
https://www.majority.co.uk/product/bowfell/
(29:25) high-resolution digital audio player
https://www.activostyle.com/product
(30:36) high-res audio streaming service
https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/about
(31:02) tiny portable amp series
https://www.audioquest.com/page/aq-dragonfly-series.html
(31:39) holographic portable amp
https://us.creative.com/p/super-x-fi/creative-sxfi-amp
(32:49) smartphone camera accessory kit
https://www.pictarworld.com/products/pictar-home-studio-pro-kit
(33:36) full color mobile lighting accessory
https://lumecube.com/products/panel-pro
(34:14) tiny wearable action camera
https://www.insta360.com/product/insta360-go/
(34:57) electronic gimbals for stable video
https://www.feiyu-tech.com/
(35:28) camera grip and wireless audio rig
https://www.movophoto.com/collections/handheld-video-stabilizers/products/movo-sevenoak-micrig-w1-wireless-microphone-grip-handle
(36:04) virtual drumkit
https://www.senstroke.com/
Mar 4, 2021
38 min

In fitting with the gadgets we've rounded up for this fun yet practical gift guide, John Wu (CEO of Gryphon Online Safety) joins us to talk about:
The worst place many people choose to put their Wi-Fi router
How Renaissance statues like David inspired their router's design
Why you shouldn't fiddle with your router's antennae
The great tech equalizer between parents and kids
How a home router can protect your Internet even when you're traveling
More info about Gryphon's Tower and Guardian routers, plus their new Homebound app to make Wi-Fi safe while traveling:
https://gryphonconnect.com/
The Family CTO will be hosting a fantastic live Cocktail Hour Gadgets event on March 19th. So mark your calendars now!
Follow our new Twitter channel for important updates:
https://twitter.com/the_family_cto
Other products mentioned in the show, with time stamps and direct links:
(24:55) iPad Desk Stand
https://hecklerdesign.com/products/ipad-desk-stand
(25:16) Laptop Tower Stand
https://www.obvus.me/products/laptoptower
(25:43) HiRise Pro display stand
https://www.twelvesouth.com/products/hirise-pro
(27:15) custom wooden charging station
https://leftcoastoriginal.com/collections/apple-watch-docks/products/wireless-charging-station-iphone-apple-watch-and-airpods
(27:41) wireless marble charging pads
https://www.einova.com/shop/wireless-charging-stones/
(28:10) desklamp/charging stand
https://thelumicharge.com/products/lumicharge-ii-prelaunch
(28:42) 12-in-1 power/media dock
https://www.anker.com/products/variant/powerexpand-12in1-usbc-pd-media-dock/A8390111
(29:14) driver-less docking station
https://www.accellww.com/collections/hubs/products/accell-driver-less-dock
(30:01) colorful, connected, lighting panels
https://nanoleaf.me/
(30:29) colorful clusters of connected lights
https://www.twinkly.com/whats-new/
(30:52) smart buttons
https://flic.io/
(32:01) 360-degree security camera
https://nooie.com/pages/nooiecam360
Feb 17, 2021
34 min

Author, speaker and entrepreneur Markos Kern (Founder and CEO of Fun With Balls GmbH) joins us to talk about:
The mission and journey of his company's Limbic Active gaming system
How your brain is programmed to get hooked on this sort of play
Why major sports are in danger of dying out if they don't evolve
How this system can help boost real-world cognitive and physical skills
How to get free games for life
And after that interview, you can hear about more than a dozen highly giftable health-minded gadgets. So it's a great episode if you're into sports, health, fitness, and/or video games.
SHOW LINKS
Limbic Active system's recent crowdfunding campaign:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/limbicactive/limbic-physical-activity-unleashed
(The video for it looks fun, right?)
Our new Twitter feed (for podcast episode and other gadget updates):
https://twitter.com/the_family_cto
All the products mentioned, along with time stamps and direct links to more info:
(22:19) Wilson connected basketball
https://www.wilson.com/en-us/explore/basketball/connected
and connected football
https://www.wilson.com/en-us/explore/labs/connected-football-system
(22:52) Stealth
https://trystealthnow.com/
(23:19) BoBo
https://bobo-balance.com/products
(23:45) Crossrope
https://www.crossrope.com/pages/lp-crossrope-quiz
(24:47) Theragun
https://www.theragun.com/us/en-us/compare-theragun-percussive-therapy-devices
(25:09) Hypervolt
https://hyperice.com/stories/compare-hypervolts
(25:40) Baby Shark brush
https://britebrush.com/
(26:23) Wavee
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/wavee-presents-the-w-1-toothbrush-speaker-system#/
(26:46) LectroFan Micro2
https://www.soundofsleep.com/product/lectrofan-micro-2-portable-bluetooth-sleep-sound-machine/
(27:20) Mind Travel Sleep
https://www.mindtravel.com/mindtravel-sleep
(27:50) Healium
https://www.tryhealium.com/#about
(28:32) HoMedics SoundSpa Sunrise
https://www.homedics.com/soundspa-sunrise/
(29:05) Ember
https://ember.com/
(29:43) HyperChiller
https://hyperchiller.us/
(30:12) Hidrate Spark
https://hidratespark.com/products/hidratespark-steel
(31:00) BlendJet2
https://blendjet.com/
Jan 30, 2021
33 min

With outdoor and travel in mind, we welcome guest Scott Jordan, the charistmatic CEO and Co-Founder of highly successful travel-tech lifestyle clothing company SCOTTeVEST. In a candid interview, he reveals the:
Core SCOTTeVEST feature he may get rid of
Huge compliment Guy Kawasaki paid him
Biggest misconceptions about the pockets
Mistake (in hindsight) that made him infamous
New TV show that'll feature a lead character wearing SCOTTeVEST
As a courtesy, time stamps are listed for when particular products from the gift guide were mentioned in the show, along with direct links to where you can get more information about them:
(22:30) Qalo silicone rings
https://qalo.com/
(23:08) Trova personal smart safe
https://www.trovaofficial.com/
(23:39) Ekster Parliament recycled wallet
https://ekster.com/products/recycled-parliament
with trackability
https://ekster.com/pages/worldwide-trackability
(24:16) Pitaka Mag EZ Wallet UE
https://www.ipitaka.com/products/magez-wallet-ue
(24:53) Luno Air Mattress 2.0
https://lunolife.com/collections/products/products/luno-air-mattress-2-0
(25:25) Biolite portable firepit
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/firepit
and lighting solutions
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products#lighting
(26:14) Meater+ wireless thermometer
https://store-us.meater.com/products/meater-plus
(26:40) GoSun Brew
https://gosun.co/products/brew
(27:00) SPOT Gen4 satellite messenger
https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/products-services/spot-gen4
(27:26) GL iNet Beryl travel router
https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-mt1300/
(27:48) Eggtronic Power Bar
https://www.einova.com/shop/power-bar/
(28:35) Goldenerre smartwatch bands
https://goldenerre.com/collections/bands-for-the-apple-watch
(28:53) Mujjo insulated touchscreen gloves
https://www.mujjo.com/touchscreen-gloves/insulated-touchscreen-gloves/
(29:26) ACBC zip apart travel shoes
https://acbc.com/
(30:12) Link Flip-shoe
https://link-shoes.com/
(30:40) Loop earplugs
https://www.loopearplugs.com/
(31:17) Nanobag 4.0
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/nanobag-4-0-the-ultimate-reusable-shopping-bag#/
Dec 23, 2020
33 min

Whether you're just curious to discover cool tech items or actually shopping for that special grandparent, kid or pet in your life, you'll want to listen to this targeted gift guide episode--especially if you have a tween or teen on your list. Because they likely have a cellphone on their list, you'll want to hear the story of how real-life mom and Gabb Wireless brand ambassador Anne Marie McDonald gave her son a phone that actually unzombified him. In addition, we discuss 20 or so super-fun gadgets they'll definitely go crazy for (in a good way):
WowWee PowerTreads https://powertreads.com/
Educational Insights Circuit Explorer https://www.educationalinsights.com/circuitexplorer
SpinMaster Mealtime Magic Mia or Maya https://www.spinmaster.com/en-US/brands/mealtime-magic/
Thames & Kosmose Mega Cyborg Hand https://store.thamesandkosmos.com/products/mega-cyborg-hand
Zing Gogo Bird https://zing.store/products/gogobird
Abacus Brands VR Magic kit https://www.abacusbrands.com/products/professor-maxwells-vr-magic-virtual-reality-magic-trick-set-for-kids
Airfort https://www.airfort.com/product/air-fort/
Accutime Avengers Interactive Kids Watch https://www.walmart.com/ip/Avengers-iTime-Interactive-Kids-Smart-Watch-40-MM/650969237
Thumbs Up Ulla speaker https://www.thumbsupuk.com/us/Products/Unicorn_Speaker
Puro Sound Bluetooth Headphones https://purosound.com/collections/bluetooth-headphones
V-Tech KidiZoom Creator Cam https://www.vtechkids.com/product/detail/19539/KidiZoom_Creator_Cam
Razor electric rides https://www.razor.com/products/electric-rides/
Robosen T9 robot https://robosen.com/shop
Sony WS1 https://www.sony.com/electronics/televisions-speakers-speaker-grilles/srs-ws1
Sennheiser Flex 5000 https://en-us.sennheiser.com/wireless-tv-earphone-headphone-stereo-flex-5000
Independa https://independa.com/
Hexbug https://www.hexbug.com/pettoy
PetCube Play 2 https://petcube.com/play-2/
Fable Pets The Game https://fablepets.com/collections/shop/products/the-game
iFetch https://goifetch.com/products/
West & Willow phone case https://westandwillow.com/products/custom-pet-portrait-phone-cases
Dec 11, 2020
29 min

This holiday season will likely test our resolve more than most. But perhaps tech can play a role in offering us at least some peace of mind. In this episode of The Family CTO, serial entrepreneur Christopher Allen (CEO of iCleanse) and Dr. Jim Malley (professor from University of New Hampshire's Environmental Research Group) each offer their perspective about the roles, benefits and limitations of UV-C technology, as they help us to answer the questions:
What is UV-C (ultraviolet light) capable of?
How safe and reliable are UV-C sanitizing devices?
Can they actually kill the Covid-19 virus?
What's the difference between the devices being used by businesses and consumers?
And how can we avoid a false sense of security in them?
Companies and products discussed in this timely episode:
iCleanse
University of New Hampshire
HoMedics Sanitizer Bag
Mophie UV Sanitizer with Wireless Charging
Otterbox antimicrobial phone cases and screen protectors
Whoosh screen cleaner
Dec 2, 2020
42 min

Although being well lit meant something very different back in college, nowadays it speaks to our ongoing need to actually be seen while attending video conference calls. And to our ability to create compelling, stylized, artistic photos and videos. With both of those in mind, we explore the science of lighting as we chat with a revolutionary company called Lume Cube that's been producing highly portable lighting solutions for several years. This is a great episode to hear if you want to:
Understand the terms and common misconceptions behind lighting
Improve your image on video conference calls
Take your photography to the next level
Differentiate the pros and cons of ring lights, box lights and those fancy umbrellas
Figure out which lights best suit your particular use case(s)
In addition, we discuss a whole slew of new and cool gadgets to help you find balance, stay productive and keep your sanity as you get work done at home:
Logitech C920s webcam
(By the way, Logitech's site offers a cool configurator tool that asks you questions about you and your setup to help determine which desktop accessories fit best for you.)
Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ Executive
Humanscale Quickstand sit/stand converter
Accell's power accessories
HP S430c ultrawide monitor
Vissles and SideTrak portable monitors
Pixel Eyewear clear lens blue light blockers
Anker and Beyerdynamic portable conference speakers
Jabra Evolve2 65 headset
GuruNanda Tower XL 2.0 Essential Oil Diffuser
Nov 19, 2020
41 min
Load more