On Thursday’s episode of Digital Trends Live, we discussed trending topics such as a new Motorola flip phone, and a Russian startup’s plans to put billboards in space. We were also joined by senior editor Caleb Denison and writer Ronan Glon to discuss the world of tech post-CES 2019. We also welcomed Rick Reichmuth, founder of Weatherman Umbrella, to the show.
With the rise of foldable screen technology in smartphones, Motorola is looking to bring back a flip phone in a modern format. While there is no actual product or release date available yet, Motorola is claiming its phone will feature an OLED screen as well as a heated central hinge to remove any imperfections that come from folding the screen. It’s expected to cost $1,500. While that may seem a lot for a smartphone for the novelty of watching it fold up, by comparison, Samsung is rumored to have a $2,500 folding phone.
We also discussed the possibilities of billboards in space. Russian startup StartRocket hopes to launch constellations of tiny satellites into the night sky and secure corporate clients by 2020. The satellites would reflect light from nearly 300 miles in the atmosphere back to earth as different messages that could last for up to six minutes at a time. Some of the examples in the concept video released by StartRocket include a McDonald’s logo as well as a brightly lit message from KFC.
We also welcomed founder and CEO of Weatherman Umbrella, Rick Reichmuth, to the show talk about his company’s smart umbrella. Every Weatherman umbrella comes with a corresponding app that can detect what the weather is like in your area and remind you to bring your umbrella when the forecast calls for rain.
Weatherman’s umbrellas have met with great success and have repeatedly sold out. Alongside its collapsible umbrellas, Weatherman also offers stick umbrellas, as well as two sizes of golf umbrellas. The firm has also created special additions of its smart umbrella for the Ladies Professional Golf Association and Folds of Honor.
Digital Trends Live airs at 9 a.m. PT from Monday through Friday, with highlights available on demand after the stream ends. For more information, check out the DT Live homepage, and be sure to watch live for the chance to win occasional prizes.
We shouldn’t fall into the easy trap of passing the new MagSafe for iPhone technology off as merely a branding exercise dripping in nostalgia to titillate long-term Mac fans. There are two reasons why. First, it may become one of the most interesting and innovative “Made for iPhone” official accessory ranges we’ve seen since the beginning of the program itself.
Second, we should also remember it’s the latest weapon in Apple’s ecosystem arsenal, designed specifically to keep you buying the iPhone for years to come, possibly including one of the most controversial rumored iPhones on the horizon.
What is MagSafe for iPhone?
What does MagSafe do? It’s a new way for chargers and accessories to attach and talk to your iPhone. The simplest accessory is Apple's own MagSafe Wireless Charger, a $39 charging plate that looks a bit like a thinner, oversized Apple Watch charging plinth. It uses magnets to clamp itself tightly against the back of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models, securely keeping it in place for accurate charger positioning.
On this Digital Trends Live, Greg Nibler hosts a look at the top trending tech stories of the day, including the continuing battle between developers and app stores, Amazon’s palm payment method, the first foldable PC, NASA's Crew Dragon Capsule launch, and more.
On this Digital Trends Live, host Greg Nibler discusses the top tech stories of the day, including TikTok's latest win, Roku’s new product, Prime Day dates, food service robots, and more.
Javier Botero