Momfluential Media » Cell Phones

iPhone 4 Hits the Stores. Did you Get One?

momfluential — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:17:47 +0000

I have to admit it. I have a certain fondness for waiting in line and being the first to get a new product. It brings me back to the days when I waited in line for concert tickets. While I don’t have the time or patience these days, I waited in line for the first iPhone and I get it. These days if I want a new phone, I will have to wait a little longer to get it though! I’m soooo jealous of those who got their phones today!

I really enjoyed this whrrl story by OC Marisa who stood in line intrepidly this am for the new iPhone 4.

Cyber Clean is a Traveler’s BFF

momfluential — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:50:55 +0000

Shortly before I left for CES a manila envelope arrived. Inside the envelope was Cyber Clean and a note that wished me a safe trip. It urged me to avoid getting sick by using cyber clean on my plane tray, hotel remotes, etc. They did not have to ask me twice. I’m already skeeved by hotel phones and remotes. Doubly so in Vegas. So I packed it. That pitch might have been the best one I’ve seen all year in terms of getting me to respond. They spoke my language!

I snapped some pics in my hotel room when I unpacked the Cyber Clean. Turns out to be eerily similar to what we used to call “slime” back in the day… Except now the slime is the clean stuff. It’s uh… fun. Stretchy and flourescent and flubbery. What’s not to love? Everyone should have Cyber Clean in their travel kit.

Top Mom Friendly Products at CES 2010

momfluential — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:01:04 +0000

I spent a whirlwind two days this week at the 2010 CES International Consumer Electronic Show. I was gobsmacked with trends and inundated with goods. In the end, a few things stuck to the walls of my brain like perfectly cooked spaghetti. Was it the best stuff? I think only time will tell us which products are the real winners. In the meantime this was the stuff that I liked. In no particular order:

Candella Flameless Candles. Note: also odorless till they introduce the optional cartridge that I would not want, but yay if you like your candles smelly, you’re all good too. These are not the same as the “flickering” LED candles that don’t really fool you. These candles use an illusion pioneered at Disney (in the haunted mansion to be specific). The realistic effect involves a chaos engine, which sounds futuristic and almost pyrotechnic. They are eco friendly, rechargeable and safe around kids and pets.
Headphonies from Mobi. They sound great with an ipod. They are adorable. They even make your speakerphone sound good. Did I mention they are adorable. They remind me a little (but not enough for anyone to think lawsuit) of Tokidoki qees. Also of the new line of Japanese graphic inspired Disney Collectibles. Our kids are so much hipper than us. Damn.
Pure Sensia – The Sensia is a gorgeous “personal internet devices” that solve the problem of trying to precariously balance your laptop on top of your alarm clock/radio. In the future, all devices will do it all, my friend. Wake up and smell the apps!
Sony 3d TV. I’m not actually sure I am ready for this. I don’t love wearing the glasses and the games made me feel like I might puke at times. But in a “WOW, that was so awesome, like being on a theme park ride that pushes my limits” kind of nausea. It’s a novelty that’s going to be mainstream, sooner than you think. Sony is my pick as the safest bet for early adopters. They do everything well.
Optoma gaming projecter. This small, portable (comes in a backpack you can wear to a friends house) projector can deliver high quality HUGE images from a distance of only 5 ft. And it does it in 3d too. Dorm dwellers rejoice. No magic needed. Even pre Hogwarts Harry Potter could conjure another world in his room under the stairs.
P-Flip charger from Dexim. I was on the fence between a free standing and a “case” style backup battery pack for my iPhone. Battery packs are so boring when they don’t do something extra. Oh look. A battery. I just want them to do MORE. P-flip definitely is upping the ante with a hinged easel that turns your iPhone into a mini monitor.
Click Free automatic back up system. I’m lazy about back ups. They made it way easier. Thanks!
iWave earphones. I’m gaga over the $2500 Swarovski ones and bling is not usually my thing. Just SO over the top. On the other end of the spectrum, their affordable recycled “Grass Roots” wood phone cases and earphones are also things of beauty available for under $30.
The Orb by Hybra. This blurs the line between bluetooth and jewelry. The Orb is a ring that sort of flips open and becomes a headset. The downside is I would likely lose it. It’s too small for someone like me that fidgets all the time. I’d be tempted to wear it as a necklace like some people do with their wedding rings. Regardless… I love it. The whole concept is cool A digital display scrolls across your finger to let you know who’s calling. May bring new meaning to phrase “Giving him the finger”
MyFord Touch System. While other auto manufacturers are scrambling to catch up with the Ford’s SYNC system, Ford has climbed up to a whole new level with MyFord Touch. One that will bring options like internet radio, email and websurfing to vehicles purchased by everyone, not just the elite. I appreciate Ford’s common sense dedication to letting me bring my own phone, apps and my music to their car, seamlessly, rather than selling me on expensive options that price my connectivity and entertainment needs so high as to no longer be “practical” for a vehicle. They’ve nailed it with their onboard tech. I feel taken care of by MyFord technology. Rare and important for a mom.

Honorable Mention: Cyber Clean. This stuff reminds me of the green “slime” that we used to get in the 80s. They sold it in little garbage cans and it came in the colors of toxic waste. The smell was so distinctive, and I recognize it in Cyber Clean putty. I’ve seen similar putties, gaks, and flubbers sold to kids over the years but not as a germ killing cleaner. It works great at picking up the ick from crevices in your phone, keyboard, remotes and car. Brilliant! Kudos too to the marketing team that sent out press samples before CES, advising us to use Cyber Clean on our flights and in our hotel rooms. That was genius.

iPhone Apps for Supermoms

momfluential — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:58:02 +0000

Why is it that iPhones are primarily marketed at men and students? Everyone knows that noone works an iPhone like a mom. I’m not leaving the house without my phone all packed up with these killer apps. They are my superpowers, turning this ordinary mom into supermom!