Technology incubators in Augusta become reality
Over the past couple of years, we’ve heard a great deal from community leaders about technology incubators and such. Most of it has been just talk. I guess our so-called leaders haven’t been able to figure out if they have the political capital to follow through. Fortunately, in a free society, all it takes is an individual with a dream to make something happen. Eric Parker is such an individual.“The last two years of my life has been spent pursuing a dream of revitalizing downtown Augusta through the creation of a very broadly encompassing coworking space, inventor’s workshop, education center and think tank,” he said. “Together with the help of a great many contributors from our community, we are making that dream a reality at theClubhou.se”
theClubhou.se opened its doors last Friday. At the beginning level, theClubhou.se is a place where like-minded technologists can get together and share ideas. The area provides resources, either natively or through other members, not typically found outside commercial environments. Whether drafting, prototyping or other R&D, theClubhou.se accelerates the transition from conceptions to delivery. Eric likes to think of the space as Leonardo Da Vinci’s Inventors Workshop re-imagined for the 21st century.
Watch the website for technology events at theClubhou.se. And stop by anytime! (816 Broad Street, across of Augusta Common.) Tech Gifts — Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t sense the same frenzy for tech gadgets as we’ve seen in years past. Don’t get me wrong… they are out there, no doubt. The Wii U looks to be a nice follow-on to the Wii. There’s the iPad mini along with 23 other versions of tablets. But there is nothing that really redefines the market… nothing that I can point to and say, “That changes everything.”
So here’s what I suggest… Bluetooth speakers. As we all know, the native speakers on mobile devices are horrible. At best, they perform as a lousy speakerphone. You can’t blame the manufacture… speakers which produce good acoustics require a little bit of space, and mobile device makers aren’t yet interested in trading battery life for sound quality. External speakers connected via Bluetooth are designed to provide that hi-fi boost.
Yes, I know… Bluetooth speakers have been around forever. But they’ve always been overshadowed by the sexier gadgets. So crank up Spotify, and make 2012 the year of the external speaker!
Not buying it? I knew it would be a tough sell. How about trying one of these niche products? GPS Pet Tracker — Never lose your puppy again with Tagg — The Pet Tracker. The system uses GPS and wireless technology to track your pet’s location. Receive a text alert when the breakout occurs and track the fugitive on your iPhone. While not explicitly stated, it appears to be suitable for use on children under 14. Available at the Apple Store for $99.95.
Key Chain Finder — Wherever you go, two items that you must keep close are your keys and your phone. The ZOMM Wireless Leash now keeps a connection between the two. Put the ZOMM dongle on your keys and create the Bluetooth connection with your phone. If your phone and keys ever get separated, an alert will sound. Never leave your girlfriend’s place without your phone again! Available on amazon.com for $46. Retro Handset — This one is for the older folks that never quite got used to talking on a cell phone. The Yoyo Bluetooth Retro Handset is an “old-school” telephone handset that connects to your cell phone via Bluetooth. Add a bit of comfort to your calls. Also, with a shrug of your shoulder, you can go hands free the old fashioned way! Available on Amazon for $26.90 (bargain!). Until next time, I’m off the grid @gregory_a_baker.You Might Also Like:
