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Showing posts with label Smart Luggage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smart Luggage. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

The Gadget Guru is Back with Accessories for Travelers on the Go

As always, your gadget guru is on the lookout for the newest and coolest travel products.
Here's a link to this week's TravelTuesday segment on Great Day Washington. Below, details on the items showcased.

Likely the most unusual one that has come to my attention recently is the MTS Multi Threat Shield. Sure, this case looks like your average black laptop bag. And you can fit some small electronics and personal items in the pockets. But the reality is, this is a Maxwell Smart contraption that converts into a ballistic shield protecting you against knife and gun attacks. I kid you not. The MTS Multi Threat Shield from the Force Training Institute can be unfolded in an emergency situation, revealing a three-foot long shield with Kevlar technology inside. Of course, in the case of this case, safety doesn't come cheap. The MTS Multi Threat Shield costs $899.00.
Image Courtesy Security Magazineor



A less alarming, and less expensive, way to protect yourself is with a Travelon Door Knob Stick. Put this $12 gizmo on your hotel room door knob and it will vibrate or sound an alarm if the door is touched or opened. It’s key to remember you are using the device--especially if you are prone to midnight sleepwalks in hotel corridors.


Another user-friendly product is the Rolling Mobile Pro for LiteGear. This carry-on converts from backpack to roller bag. It's designed to comply with all of the newfangled airline baggage rules. What's more, now that some airlines are planning to charge for overhead bin space, Rolling Mobile Pro owners will be comforted to know that this bag fits under almost any seat. For $129.95, you get separate pockets for water bottles, smart phones and laptops, inline skate wheels, a padded air-mesh and a padded telescoping handle.

A more conventional carry-on, although hardly conventional, is the Barracuda number. Sure, there are other collapsible bags on the market, but I find this one folds flatter and is sleeker in other ways as well. First, the collapsible frame offers several storage options, including under the bed or hanging in the closet. The Halo Handle System lets you twist and turn the handle, saving those delicate muscles in the wrists and hands from cramping. A built-in tray provides a portable desk for beverages and laptops. There's also a USB charger, a location tracking and proximity device and a mobile scale included. A TSA-approved lock is built into the case. All of these features don't come cheap. The Barracuda costs $349.00.


The Ventev Chargestand 3000c is a nifty two-in-one portable charger and phone stand that can be used either horizontally or vertically. It comes in quite handy when you are shooting video, as it can serve as a tripod and a continuing power source. As a portable charger, it can add about 12 hours of additional talk time on your battery for only $49.99.


Tuesday, April 7, 2015

CNN: Smart Luggage and Innovative Travel Accessories


Here's my newest story for CNN--coverage of Travel 2.0. After attending the Travel Goods Showcase in Las Vegas, I discovered some amazing innovations in luggage and travel accessories. 

Smart luggage is here: 7 ground-breaking travel accessories



(CNN)What do you get when you combine a suitcase with the latest digital technology?
Smart luggage.
What can smart bags do that your usual luggage can't?
All sorts of cool stuff, according to discoveries made at this year's Travel Goods Showcase in Las Vegas.
In many cases, smart luggage links to your mobile phone via an app, which manages most of the bag's features.
For instance, you can unlock your bags remotely with your phone or track them wherever and however far they may get away from you.
In some cases, high-tech features are built right into the bag.
    For example, you can use your suitcase to recharge mobile devices or to get a party started -- several feature speakers that transform a suitcase into a boom box.
    The examples below prove innovative travel accessories can combine brains and beauty in one package.

    Planet Traveler SpaceCase 1

    The people who developed The Planet Traveler SpaceCase 1 say it'll be the most technologically advanced suitcase available when it goes on the market in November.
    Features include a biometric lock that opens with a fingerprint, global tracking, a Bluetooth speaker and lithium power pack.
    A digital scale sensor is based in the wheels, so you don't actually have to lift the case to weigh it.
    A downloadable app controls all features and is designed to serve as a PTA -- personal travel assistant.
    When it hits the market later this year, Planet Traveler SpaceCase 1 will cost $700 for a full-size bag and $600 for the carry-on.

    Andiamo iQ

    The Andiamo iQ has its own USB battery charger.
    The Andiamo iQ is expected to hit the market this fall.
    Among its many smart features are a USB battery charger, removable mobile power pack, remote lock and unlock function, digital scale and an anti-theft system that alerts you via your mobile when the case moves 30 meters away from you.
    Available only in carry-on size, the Andiamo iQ will be priced at $599.

    LugLoc

    If the only smart feature you want is the ability to track your bag, save some money and buy aLugLoc.
    All you have to do is purchase the tracking gizmo, which combines GSM and Bluetooth technology, for $70 and put it in your suitcase.
    Then, download a $7 app, which comes with five free traces.
    With a tap on the app, a map will appear showing the location of your suitcase, regardless of where in the world it is.
    If it's in close range, maybe at the baggage carousel, the Bluetooth will kick in and let you know your luggage awaits.

    Samsonite GeoTrakR

    Another option is to buy a suitcase with the locator already integrated.
    The Samsonite GeoTrakR, coming this summer, has built-in LugLoc technology that allows owners to track a piece of luggage's location anytime, anywhere.
    Like LugLoc itself, the device shuts off in flight and doesn't interfere with avionics.
    Samsonite will offer both carry-on and full-size options, ranging from $280 to $400.
    A Samsonite GeoTrakR includes 30 free traces for the first year.

    Benga 2S Duo 2

    Transformation is a popular trend in travel goods this year.
    It's easy to see why the Benga 2S Duo 2 was voted one of the most innovative products at this year's Travel Goods Showcase.
    It's two suitcases for the price of one.
    The Benga 2S transforms from one four-wheeled hard-shell suitcase into two two-wheeled rollers, each sporting one hard side and one soft side.
    Each separate bag has its own retractable telescopic hand and a TSA-compliant lock.
    As one piece, it fits most carry-on specs.
    There's always the option of checking in half and carrying on half.
    Expected for summer release, the price tag will be in the range of $400.
    The LeTrav Convertible Carrying Case.

    LeTrav Convertible Carrying Case

    The LeTrav Convertible Carrying Case takes you from the bike path to the boardroom.
    It easily converts from an elegant leather briefcase into a water-resistant backpack.
    Amazingly, no matter which inside pocket you put items, contents remain intact and easy to access even after the conversion.
    LeTrav cases range from $359 (made with ballistic nylon and leather trim) to a fully tricked out high-end leather briefcase for $895.

    TAB Seatback Pocket Organizer

    WALTER + RAY's TAB Seatback Pocket Organizer helps save passengers from having to deal with nasty airplane seatback pockets, which unbeknownst to many are one of the germiest areas of an airplane.
    The TAB Organizer solves that problem by tucking right into the pocket.
    Designed in both zip sleeve and messenger bag style, the organizer contains six device-sized spaces to hold all your gadgets while inflight.
    There's also a magnetic flap that folds over the outside of the pocket so you don't forget the TAB upon deplaning.
    Harnessing the power of crowd funding, WALTER + RAY raised $17,000 on Kickstarter to fund development of the accessory.
    It costs $50 to $150, depending on the material.




    The link to the full story is below.


    Andiamo's iQ is just one line of  "smart luggage"
    coming out this fall.




    LeTrav converts from a backpack to a briefcase 
    in a few easy steps.