Issue link: http://osercommunicationsgroup.uberflip.com/i/439814
C o n s u m e r E l e c t ro n i c s D a i l y N e ws M o n d a y, J a n u a r y 5 , 2 0 1 5 1 2 MARTIAN WATCHES GOING DEEP INTO VOICE AND NEW DESIGNS FOR 2015 Martian was the first company to put voice command technology on a smart- watch, with its initial product launch in 2013 being named a Best of CES finalist. This week at the 2015 International CES ® , building on a successful sales year for its Notifier smartwatch, Martian has returned to voice and is debuting four new series of smartwatches featuring voice command technology. All of its new designs will allow the wearer to use spoken commands to direct their smart- phone's voice command feature, allow- ing the user, for example, to navigate to a destination, read a text message or answer a phone call even if that phone happens to be in a pocket or purse. The four new series include two for men and two for women, with each avail- able in high-end stainless steel or a nylon/resin case that's offered at a lower price point. While the Martian Notifier was an entry-level smartwatch for young adults, these new Martian Voice Command series are designed to appeal to users ranging from rugged adventurers to the style-conscious urban professional. With advances in smartphone voice technology coming rapidly, these watch- es now have the capability to control a full range of the smartphone's functions on both iOS and Android smartphones. "With improvements in voice command, next year you'll be able to say, 'Secure the home,' to your wrist, and your phone will know to dim your lights, lock your doors and lower the thermostat," says Stanley Kinsey, President of Martian Watches. Martian's watches also feature a unique smart alerts system of distinct vibration patterns for eyes-free aware- ness of what's arriving on their smart- phone, and a tap-glass feature that allows a quick recall of the most recent alert. A dozen other features include an electronic tether app that will alert the user when he walks away from his phone, leaving it behind on a restaurant table, perhaps, and the watch can even activate the shut- ter on the phone's camera for a group photo that's not limited to arm's length. The four series being debuted this year include, for men, the Martian Commander and Martian Aviator series. The Martian Commander features a ruggedized design for outdoorsmen in a 43mm watch. "It's a very masculine design, and especially with its rugged nylon/resin black body, will appeal to first responders, tradesmen and outdoors- men; people who work in the field and might find communication easier from the wrist than by pulling out their smart- phones," Kinsey said. The Martian Aviator series' 41mm watch features a design that's a little more retro and would be suitable for either casual or dress wear. Both are offered in either stainless steel or a black nylon/resin case. For women, Martian offers the Martian Monarch, an elegant and upscale 40mm diameter watch with a jew- eled bezel, and the women's Martian Electra series, also 40mm, which is a sportier but still classic women's design for all occasions. These come in stainless steel or a white nylon/resin case that has a ceramic look to it for the lower end. These watches are intended to retail for approximately $299 to $399 for the stainless steel cases and for about $199 to $249 for the watches with the resin/nylon case. They will be available for shipment in April 2015. For more information and a chance to win one of 150 Martian Watches that will be given away along with thousands of other prizes, visit booth #70843 in the Sands. After the show, find out more by visiting www.martianwatches.com or calling 949-727-4288. FIVE EASY STEPS FOR OVERSEAS SHIPPING Whether you're sending a package to a friend in Albania, family in Australia or business partners in Argentina, it's important to know what is required when you send a package internationally to ensure it gets to its destination safely and quickly. Several U.S.-based shipping companies, like the U.S. Postal Service, have global shipping solutions that can meet most any business and personal shipping needs. Here are five simple tips for interna- tional shipping from the U.S.: 1. Make Sure You Can Ship It Many items can be mailed international- ly, but there are specific restrictions – and it's important to check the policies of your destination because each country has its own rules. You can check shipping restrictions by country via this site: http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/ab_toc.htm. Generally, items that cannot be shipped include lithium batteries, cigars, medical devices and medicine or drugs. For a complete list, please visit: www.usps.com/ship/international-how- to.htm. 2. Pack It Up Choose a box with room for cushioning your contents. If you don't have one, you can pick up a free, flat rate box at any Post Office™ location, or order them online. Cushion your items with bubble wrap, foam, newspaper or even shredded paper. Then, tape your box shut and rein- force the seams with 2-inch-wide pack- ing or paper tape. Don't use string – it can get caught in sorting machines. 3. Address It Accurately A complete and correct address can speed up deliv- ery. It is recommended to print the complete address in all caps on your package. Note that in some coun- tries, the postal code goes before the city or town. 4. Weigh and Measure the Package Most shipping services don't accept pack- ages – domestic or international – that weigh more than 70 pounds; however, the destination country where you're sending your package might have even lower weight limits. To check the size, measure the longest side of the box. Then, measure the distance around and add the two measurements. Finally, check your total against the size limits for the destination country, which can be found at h t t p : / / p e . u s p s . c o m / t e x t / imm/immpg.htm. Remember, if you use a Flat Rate Box, you can skip this step entirely. 5. Complete a Customs Form You can usually print international postage and custom forms online. The U.S. Postal Service offers a tool called Click-N- Ship, which creates the customs forms for you (https://cns.usps.com/cfo/Shipping InformationAction_input). When you fill out a customs form, list the contents of your shipment completely and accurately; otherwise, your package might be delayed or even returned. When you're done, insert your forms into a plastic envelope and place on the package where it can be easi- ly seen. Visit USPS at booth #30777. For more information, go to www.usps.com or www.usps.com/knowyouroptions. OPOBOTICS INTRODUCES SOPO, THE PERSONAL ROBOT Opobotics Inc. designs and develops per- sonal robots and programs. It is a compa- ny that believes in bringing people together, one robot at a time. It has embarked upon an adventure with endless possibilities, the extension of the personal com- puter. The complex trip from concept to consumer has been guided by a dedicated group, all working toward the same goal: a personal robot that everyone can enjoy. With the technology available today, Opobotics has begun to develop high-quality, affordable robots which will soon be helping us at home and in our schools. To start things off, the company has developed a robot plat- form that is entertaining, educational, easy to use and can be connected to your computer, phone or tablet. Opobotics wanted this robot to have a place in the home, schools, and among friends and family. The first generation of per- sonal robots from Opobotics Inc. is here, introducing Sopo. Sopo was developed to inspire children as well as adults to learn more about programing, without the need to worry about compli- cated coding. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) software, from EZ- Robot, enables Sopo to easily be pro- grammed by anyone. Sopo is a robot you can really personalize! Opobotics Inc. was founded in 2012 and is based in Rocky Mount, N.C. Visit Opobotics at booth #72243.