Techstination

Mado Dynamic has wrapped up a successful campaign on Kickstarter and will be producing a reimagined type of smart solar window shade. What's so different? Co-founder and CEO Andrew Einaudi chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.   A new fraud report from AARP points out that many of us aren’t doing nearly enough to lessen the risks.   64 percent of adults reuse passwords across multiple accounts.   Similar numbers don’t use VPNs when on public WiFi.   AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Programs, Kathy Stokes says the battle is getting more difficult all of the time...with AI presenting even more dangers…“It really is.   I refer to this new artificial intelligence as the ..sort of the industrial revolution for fraud criminals.   It just give them so much more to work with.”All the more reason to be skeptical of links in emails, text messages and Web sites.   Find more at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.    Has it really been 20 years since the first videos were uploaded to YouTube.    Time flies when you are watching cute puppy or cat videos.    And the platform has turned into a whole lot more over the years.   Many of us have turned to YouTube to learn how to fix things around the house.      Beyond that…there are all of those famous creators.   YouTube’s Maddy Buxton…“I think the thing with creators today is that they’re using YouTube as a launchpad for their businesses and seeing it as the way to build their brands.  You look at someone like Mr. Beast and he’s really built a massive business empire, through his YouTube channel.”And the platform has branched out into a wide range of entertainment including podcasting…where you can check us out too.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.    The top awards for EVs and hybrids are out from U.S. News & World Report and Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 was named Best Electric Car and the carmaker’s Ioniq 5 was listed as Best Electric SUV.  Autos Editor Alex Kwanten…“I have to say that Hyundai has devoted a lot of attention to focusing on what its customers want and also distinctive design.  Obviously our emphasis here is on MPGe and miles per gallon and fuel efficiency and range.  But we also factor in all the other atrtributes that buyers look at in vehicles.”  The Lucid Air topped the luxury category while the Ford F150 Lightning was named best electric truck.  Kwanten says Tesla’s falling re-sale value played a role in the judging.   For more…visit cars.usnews.com.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Sunseeker adds to a versatile line of wire free robotic mowers. Details? Dir. of Sales Matt Moore chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.  Jscreen is the name of a non-profit that is focused on genetic and cancer screening to save lives.   And it can all be done through a test kit sent by mail….and follow up counselling via telemedicine.   The CEO is Dr. Matt Goldstein, who lost a daughter to tay sachs…a hereditary disease after testing had failed to disclose that he was a carrier.   So, he says Jscreen…“Provides a super high quality, high touch, service.  So educating patients, communities, families about what this screening can do, why you need it, when you need it.  And then  providing access to get that testing done in a very easy way.”It can detect a wide range of genetic diseases.   Learn more at Jscreen.org.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

The numbers are staggering when it comes to cyber-fraud. How to protect yourself? AARP Director of Prevention Programs Kathy Stokes chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

It has been 20 years since the first video was uploaded to YouTube! And the platform is bringing back some memories to mark the occasion. YouTube trends expert Maddy Buxton joins Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.   Zoner Photo Studio X is a versatile and pretty affordable tool for editing images and even videos.   And now , with the spring update, there are more AI tools to assist.   Zoner is a trusted brand that has been around for decades.    The company’s Thomas Urban…“The next sort of iteration of AI we’ve done is that we’ve done AI masks now to make selections faster.  So all local adjustments can now be applied to masks and easily can be subtracted and added as needed.  And so, of course you can detect the objects, subjects in a photograph, skies, backgrounds.”Zoner Photo Studio X costs under 60 dollars a year….and you can try it for free for the first week at Zoner.com.  If you love pictures and photography…we suggest that you give it a try.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Audien Hearing has become a disrupting force in offering over the counter, low cost hearing assistance. How? Co-founder and CEO Ishan Patel chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Ancestry.com is bringing more AI tools to assist in building family trees. And there's a special coming for Mother's Day! How does it work? Ancestry Genealogist Crista Cowan chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.   The statistics surrounding distracted driving in the U.S. are staggering.    In 2023 it claimed more than 32 hundred lives and injured one hundred times that many.   Technology can help in some instances with automatic emergency braking and cameras to watch the driver.   But GM Safety Engineer Dan Glaser says we can take action on our own…“What people need to do is have a mind shift when they first get into the vehicle.  Hopefully, they buckle up, should always buckle up, but then to just zip up, without much thought about what do I need during this drive.  What can I do to make this drive more relaxing?  Think about the things you might want.  So cue up your navigation, get your favorite podcast going.”We’ve got lots of full interviews including this one for you.   Find more at GM.com.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.    A new versatile power bank from Anker.   Michael Sommer, from our product reviews staff, has had a look at the new Laptop Power Bank from Anker.  His review:“While more and more large airports are adding extra power outlets, why fight over an only sometimes working outlet when you want to charge your laptop, phone or tablet?  The new Laptop Power Bank from Anker offers not only a 25 thousand mAh battery, but includes two built in cables.  Combined with the three USB-C and 1 USB A ports, it means you can literally charge your lapotop, phone, tablet and earbuds at the same time.  Maybe the most convenient part is the color screen that indicates battery life and how much power each device is using.   Learn more at Anker.com.”You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.    The demand for battery storage and batteries for electric vehicles continues to rise and nearly all of the lithium carbonate needed to produce those batteries comes from overseas.     GeoFrame Energy, however, aims to change that.  It is breaking ground this summer on a lithium carbonate production facility in East Texas.   CEO Bruce Cutright…“The U.S. uses about 60 thousand metric tons of lithium carbonate today in battery manufacturing, predominantly.  We’ll be able to meet that demand, plus about 20 thousand more metric tons above the demand today.  Now in three years or five years,  the demand is expected to grow.”With AI data center energy needs being a key driver along with  EVs.   Learn more at GeoFrameEnergy.com.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.       Just in time for the outdoor season, BioLite is out with an expanded line of Luci Solar Lights.   We’ve been fans of the Luci line for years .    The basic Solar Lantern is inflatable….powered by the sun….and is a great way to illuminate a patio table or tent.    Also in the line are the Luci Charge 150 and 360, which add mobile charging capabilities, the Luci Candle and Luci Emergency.    These are waterproof…they can even float….and collapse down to just an inch thickness.    We’re also fans of the Solar Flexlight…for great versatility.    Also lots of fun are the white or color Solar String Lights in either 18 foot or 44 foot lengths.    There’s plenty more too.  More info?   The site is BioLiteEnergy.com.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

First unveiled at the 1964 World's Fair in NYC, the Ford Mustang is turning 61. And it still has plenty of muscle! Brand Manager Joe Bellino chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

The 2025 rankings for top EVs and Hybrids are out from U.S. News and World Report. Which vehicles topped the awards and why? Managing Editor for Autos Alex Kwanten chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.     Endgame is the name of  a social media dating app created by a group of women entrepreneurs….including licensed therapist, Dr. Baxlee Bynum.   She is an educator and practitioner focused on behavioral health.  And using that expertise in creating a dating platform can be valuable…“So we are using a visually based questionnaire to help understand people and their ultimate goals in dating using a unique algorithm to match with other people who are most similar in their communication styles, life goals, lifestyles, inherent personality traits.”Which Bynum says can identify highly compatible matches … hopefully leading to healthy dating and perhaps long term relationships.   The site is www.endgame.dating.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Inspired by his father, Spanish inventor Pablo Marinosa has created an AI parrot companion for older adults. Onorato AI is coming to Kickstarter. What can it do? Marinosa and project coordinator Liliana Villagomez chat with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.     The SOLIX EverFrost 2 electric coolers from Anker are new for this outdoor season and the company has engineered a better design…providing cooling from the top and bottom.   That can be important when camping with perishable food…or for a day at the beach.   The coolers have dual batteries that can keep the EverFrost 2 powered for more than four days.  There is app control….letting you set the temperature.  You can cool or freeze with ease.  And there are no worries transporting ice cream…  Anker’s Emeline Bonnefoy…“You can select the temperature, let’s say, on the way to the grocery store at 32 or 30, if you know that you’re going to buy that ice cream. Go purchase it and then just put it in your car and everything is already at the right temperature.”There are several sizes available … check out AnkerSolix.com for moreYou can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin

The distracted driving statistics are staggering. What can be done? GM safety engineer Dan Glaser has some suggestions in this interview with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Emporia Energy is out with a new Pro EV Charger, level 2, that features PowerSmart technology. How can it help EV owners? CEO Shawn McLaughlin chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.      It doesn’t take long for mosquitos to make their appearance in the yard this time of year…and for months to come.  The folks at Thermacell have a new weapon for this season… the rechargeable E65 repeller.   Executive Director of Product Development Adam Goess..“The E65 builds on the success of former Thermacell products that came before it by really giving you convenience of recharging, including a rechargeable dock that really makes it easy to be ready whenever you need it to be.  We’re seeing a lot of that new Asian tiger mosquito make its way north.”The Thermacell Rechargeable E65 is priced at about 40 dollars…and a 2 hour charge gives you more than six hours of protection in a 20 foot zone.   Learn more at Thermacell.com.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.      The 2025 edition of the Ford F-150 Lightning arrives with improvements in charging speed..now up to 500 DC fast charging amps..and a screen that shows NACS charging stations through Apple Maps EV Routing in CarPlay.    Ford has begun providing adapters enabling use of Tesla’s Supercharging network.   Product Marketing Director for EV Trucks Jason Mase…“We’re excited to bring in some enhancements to our Blue Cruise hands free driving technology.  Something we heard from customers was they wanted more control when going around curves, smoother operation in centering in the lanes.    They wanted some appearance changes.  So we’ve entered a Dark Elements package, which is basically black ovals, black badging, black wheels, black interiors.  Kind of give a pop of color against lighter colors.”You can check out the full new Lightning line up at Ford.com.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

GeoFrame Energy is on the fast track to begin filling the U.S. battery needs for lithium carbonate in East Texas. How? The impact? CEO Bruce Cutright chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.     Here comes the long awaited Switch 2 from Nintendo.  The video gaming giant says the new gaming system will arrive on June 5th at a suggested retail price of about 450 dollars.   Of course…there will be a Mario Kart World Bundle available for fifty dollars more.   Among the new features… GameChat, where players can talk while they play…from anywhere.  Even video chat with an add on camera.  Kids will need a parent or guardian to approve their use of GameChat through a parental controls app.   The Switch 2 will have a 7.9 inch full HD screen and more powerful processors that will enable better graphics.  Storage capacity will be boosted to 256 gigabytes….8 times bigger than the original Switch. You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

The spring update to Zoner Photo Studio X brings new AI tools to the affordable photo editing package. Such as? Zoner's Thomas Urban chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.      Some new tech for your front door.   The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max is packed with innovation.  It features accurate palm vein recognition…but there is also a keypad and a hidden standard key lock.  There is a built in camera and doorbell.   You can use an app to respond…or there is a built in screen on the inside.    We’re impressed as well by the ease of installation and set up.  About that palm vein security,  Eufy’s Brett White says..“Palm vein recognition has actually been shown to be the most accurate and fastest biometric technology out there.   In fact in our testing, it’s accurate I believe, up to 99.9999 percent.”The FamiLock S3 Max arrives in about a week…but if you are a current Eufy customer and order in advance there are significant discounts.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Motivated by the loss of their first child, Dr. Matt Goldstein and his wife have endeavored to help others. He is now the CEO of jscreen.org assisting with genetic screening and awareness. The importance? Dr. Goldstein chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.     Call it a mechanic in your pocket.   A company called Sparq, launched by two entrepreneurs who started tinkering while they were in high school together in Vermont,  is offering a free diagnostic device and app that puts AI to work to keep your car healthy.   There is no subscription attached….and shipping and handling comes to about twenty dollars.  The system is iOS only for now. About the vehicles supported, co-founder Daniel Nieh says…right now 2010 and newer…but…“In the next few weeks we are planning to expand into 2008 and newer vehicles and soon, probably within the year, it is part of our plan to expand it all the way down to 1996.”The app connects to the OBD 2 device through Bluetooth and lets you have an ai conversation about what is going on with your car.  You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.   Other World Computing or OWC is at it again bringing new cutting edge technology to creators and other professionals at this week’s NAB gathering in Las Vegas.  OWC founder and CEO Larry O’Connor is displaying new Thunderbolt 5 gear that can make use of the speed it offers like the new Envoy Ultra portable SSD…“It is the very first Thunderbolt 5 portable SSD ever produced and provided.  That drive hits speeds of over 6 thousand megs a second.  And sustained reads, it’s very high speed for writes and takes full advantage of what Thunderbolt 5 can do.”We’ve long been fans of OWC’s  commitment to quality, customer service and style too in both the consumer and professional categories.   It’s a brand with a well deserved great reputation.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.      With Mother’s Day approaching, we thought we’d put our two cents in for some of fun tech ideas…even for non techie moms.    The Klydoclock is a digital clock….with a digital pendulum and chime and a face that displays a wide range of art styles that change every day.   The beautiful wood finish looks great too.  The price…about 300 dollars at Klydoclock.com.   For an older Mom or Grandmother,  JubileeTV is a set top box designed to make watching streaming services and everything else much easier.   And friends and relatives can use an app to assist from anywhere when needed.  On top of that…it can display photos and the camera, with a privacy cover, enables video conferencing too.  And finally, for the kitchen, the Brava oven is a marvel that offers convenience and safety…cooking with light.  You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.   Like the idea of having clean drinking water in your home captured from the air.   Spout Water is the name of a company using atmospheric water generation technology founded by inventor Reuben Vollmer…“So there’s water vapor in the air all around us, this invisible gas.  And what we’re able to do is filter the air and then we use a clay wheel to absorb the water vapor and then we use heat to drive the moisture out of that clay wheel.  And then we condense that moisture and then filter that essentially and then store it in our pitcher.  The pitcher can hold about a half gallon of water and has a UV light in it so it will keep the water fresh for you without any preservatives or chemicals.”Up to two and a half gallons a day.  Check out our full interview for more info.    And find the company at spoutwater.com.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.    BirdBuddy…the pioneer in smart birdfeeders with cameras continues to branch out.   The company has delivered higher quality cameras with the Smart Bird Feeder Pro.   Beyond that, CEO Franci Zidar says …get ready to explore more of the natural life in your yard..“We’re working on a new camera product called Petal, which is effectively, you can think of it like a nature camera for your home.  Put it anywhere you have nature..that can be a flower bed, it can be a vegetable garden, it can be a couple of plants in your home, right.  And we’ll add life to it.  We’ll let you give a name, we’ll tell you something has visited, when something has changed.  We’ll tell you right before something flowers or buds and you’ll be able ot go check it out or we’ll send you a beautiful photo.”Zidar says it will use AI to identify and understand the surroundings.  Stay tuned.   Meanwhile…head to www.BirdBuddy.com for more.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Thermacell is creating innovative buzz this spring with the E65 rechargeable mosquito repeller. Questions? Executive Director of Product Development Adam Goess has the answers in this Techstination interview with Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.     Have to admit there is some sadness around here at the bankruptcy of pioneering home genetic testing company 23 and Me.    It has been nearly 20 years since the company’s founding….and it unlocked so much information about health and heritage…getting many folks interested in genealogy and perhaps improving medical outcomes too.  But what it couldn’t do was continue to attract new customers….and without recurring revenues…a fancy word for subscriptions…the business model didn’t hold up.  Ancestry.com…which became a DNA testing competitor, has long been a leader in the genealogy space using a subscription model.    Meanwhile… California’s Attorney General has reminded consumers of their right to delete their genetic data from 23andMe if they choose.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

What were the leading search trends during March? Of course, there was Madness, the blood moon and more. Google's Nick Burns chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.    A better night’s sleep is something a lot of us strive for.   A small electronic device that is seemingly silent …called the SleepVibe…uses binaural beats that are designed to help.  It goes under or near your pillow but does need to be plugged in.   We have found that it does seem to have a positive impact…even doing a test without someone not knowing the SleepVibe is there.  Founder James Marsh..“It puts out a proprietary, mostly magnetic field that helps people fall asleep quicker.  If they wake up at night, they fall back asleep and wake up feeling deeply rested over time.”Other sleep tracking devices seem to confirm the improvement.   The price, not inexpensive, comes in at 450 dollars…but the device is HSA/FSA eligible.   Find more at www.thesleepvibe.com.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Here is the latest weekly Deep Dive Techstination Wrap Up podcast generated using AI from Google's Notebook LM. Enjoy!

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.     Google is out with some of the top trends in spring cleaning.   Decluttering …no surprise…is one of those leading trends….from closets to kitchens…to kids toys.   And on the digital side…Google’s Robert Ferrara says…there can be a lot to declutter too..“Always a top trend when we see spring cleaning.  Folks trying to get themselves kind of readjusted.  Whether it’s cleaning out your calendar, putting in new routines and reminders so you’re staying true to anything you’re putting forward.   Also a lot of email hygiene as well, clearing out that inbox, organizing into folders, all really great things you can do easily with our Google Workspce Tools.  Whether it’s calendar, tasks, your Gmail, all very easy to do.”Using AI with Google’s Gemini as well.  You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

The EverFrost 2 from Anker Solix improves on the company's first generation versatile electric cooler. How? U.S. PR Manager Emeline Bonnefoy chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

https://www.techstination.com/interview.jsp?interviewId=5460 The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning is arriving. What is new and different? They've listened to customers, says Product Marketing Director for EV Trucks Jason Mase. He chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.    An AI companion comes to the GrandPad.   The tablet designed for older adults, helping them stay connected with family and friends through games and video chat now has a feature called Grandie Chat.  When opened…it greets you in a friendly, customizable voice, with today’s weather.  I like that it isn’t always listening, you have to tap on a Talk to Grandie button to respond by voice.  CEO Scott Lien..“Grandie is like that wise friend that you can just have a conversation with.  It has a safety layer built in so it’s not going to give any medical advice or anything that could be harmful.  And it just is very, very empathetic.  It cares and listens and can help people.”GrandPad standard pricing is is 65 dollars a month paid annually…which includes the device and service. Learn more at www.grandpad.net.You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

They started tinkering as high school friends in Vermont. Now Daniel Nieh and Codrin Cobzaru are out with Sparq, a device that works with an AI app to diagnose your car. And early users can get it for free with no subscription needed! How? The founders chat with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.     From this month’s red moon lunar eclipse to the long delayed return of two stranded astronauts from the International Space Station…to the trials and tribulations of Starship….there’s been lots of space news of late.   At NASA, Andrea Jones works with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission that launched 16 years ago..“This is an amazing mission that is helping us really reshape our understanding of our nearest neighbor in space.  So we’re watching the moon changing before our eyes.  We’re seeing new impact craters form.  We’re monitoring water moving on the surface of the moon.  So not much …but little bits…and we can see them move throughout the lunar day.  We’re also seeing the solar wind interacting with the lunar surface.”Water?  You heard right.   You can search for photos online from the mission…and there’s always more at NASA.gov. You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

What should you know about Thunderbolt 5? With new gear arriving at OWC, you've come to the right place. Founder and CEO Larry O'Connor chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.   The latest exhibit at SeaWorld in San Diego is using both the digital and physical worlds to immerse guests in the alien like worlds of jellyfish.   Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish Experience opened this month.   There’s a deep sea digital adventure, a ten foot tall archway of moon jellyfish and interactive habitats as well.  Manager of Education and Conservation, Mike Dunn..“You can see all around me…it is not only filled with various species of jellies, but also LED screens that really give guests a chance to get an idea of these fascinating creatures and their lifestyle and their lifecycle.”Some are capable of reproducing with or without a mate.  Check out the video of our full interview to learn more.    You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Techstination, your destination for gadgets and gear. I’m Fred Fishkin.   If you like versatility and power in a laptop computer, the latest, Zenbook Duo from Asus will give you lots to cheer about.   The dual OLED screens can be used horizontally or vertically….or you can opt for a single screen with a physical or virtual keyboard.   The physical keyboard detaches.  Great for creators, gamers…and road warriors who need to share a screen with clients.  Once you get used to the extra screen real estate…it is tough to go back.   Speaking of tough…it is rugged as well.  We’re talking military grade certification.  Product manager Eric Krondak..“I don’t think any end user of consumer would think about doing this, but we put our notebooks in freezers and freeze them. And when they’re frozen, we take them out, thaw them out and they work.”How cool is that?  Very.  More info…head to www.asus.com. You can find us at Techstination.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.

Newday INFORM launched to offer personal value engagement, involvement and investment opportunities. The story behind it? Newday Impact CEO Doug Heske chats with Techstination's Fred Fishkin.