After its successful launch in Australia and the US, Sage is finally introducing the all-new the Barista Pro Espresso Coffee Machine in Europe.

We had our first look at the Sage Barista Pro at the London Coffee Festival, and liked it so much, that we decided to get one and write an in-depth review over on our sister site CoffeeScience. Please find the full Sage Barista Pro review here.

Check out the Hands-on Video we made, which will give you a pretty good idea of the machine and it’s features.

For now, please check out the below pics and videos.

Sage the Barista Pro Review

Here is a little sneak peek on what you can do with the new Sage the Barista Pro

Sage the Barista Pro Features

INTEGRATED CONICAL BURR GRINDER

At the touch of a button, the integrated conical grinder with dosage control delivers the right amount of coffee for maximum taste. Adjustable grinding size and quantity.

19-22 GRAMS DOSE FOR FULL FLAVOUR

FASTER HEAT UP TIME

PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION

MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING

Please let us know in the comments below, if you have any questions you would like us to ask Sage at the upcoming event and any features you would like us to test.

The post Sage the Barista Pro Espresso Coffee Machine Review appeared first on ChipIn.

• The retail tech company held an online press conference where they introduced Interaction Care, a new technology solution that helps keep people safe in physical spaces while giving agency to businesses in various sectors. It uses real-time alerts to avoid overcrowding, ensures people keep a safe distance, and optimizes sanitation in public areas.
• The new solution, which is based on technologies developed by Beabloo, focuses on mapping physical spaces to make sure they comply with social distancing measures, all while respecting people’s privacy.
• Interaction Care was presented internally two weeks ago. Working together with Microsoft, the solution gained Intel’s IoT Market Ready Solution certification to combat COVID-19 globally.

The retail tech company Beabloo publicly launched Interaction Care, a technology solution designed to guarantee compliance with safety measures, including social distancing, body temperature, and traffic in enclosed physical spaces. At first, it will be implemented in essential businesses, such as banks, pharmacies, and supermarkets. However, implementation in the retail and public sectors will be possible once countries begin easing up confinement measures. Interaction care is a technology solution that gives businesses and other physical spaces control over the occupancy and distribution of customers to keep people safe. In turn, customers and visitors feel more at ease knowing they are in a space that complies with official guidelines. This product is potentially suitable for installation in factories and offices, which could make it easier for people to return to work with more peace of mind.

Beabloo, renowned for integrating artificial intelligence into their solutions, is a Spanish company with an international presence in over 20 countries. They plan to market this solution on a multinational scale. Since this product was developed to assist Beabloo clients during this health crisis, the license is provided for free to companies that already use Beabloo solutions.

“Our main motivation when designing this new solution was to help our clients protect their customers and employees during this unprecedented situation. We present Interaction Care as an integrated solution that uses tried-and-tested technologies to minimize the risk of contagion in any public space,” explained Jaume Portell, CEO and cofounder of Beabloo.

Even though the company was affected by the global health crisis, they expect to maintain their year-over-year growth of 50%. In 2019, their turnover was 8 million euros, and their growth projection still stands: Beabloo will achieve a year-over-year growth of 50% over the next two years to reach a turnover of over 20 million euros in 2022.

A solution designed to minimize COVID-19 contagion

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global health, social, and economic crisis, and it seems like the best way to contain the spread of this virus is confinement and social distancing.
Despite the gravity of this problem, some social interaction is both necessary and unavoidable: think of grocery shopping, banking, public safety, health care and other basic services.

This is why Beabloo decided to develop Interaction Care, a solution that reduces the risk of contagion in public spaces and facilitates essential actions, like controlling lines outside a physical space and managing foot traffic inside in adherence to social distancing measures. This solution is already being offered to clients and partners but is now being marketed on a global scale.

The heart of Interaction Care, the best defense against contagion

Interaction Care is an integrated system with digital signage, thermal cameras, people counting sensors, and Beabloo’s content management system (to coordinate messages that appear on the screens). This collection of technologies measures different KPIs that detect interactions in real time both inside and outside the physical space. All data is collected based on established privacy standards.

Outside the business, a screen can allow entry based on the occupancy density and the flow of people in and out of the space. It can also measure the body temperature of anyone who enters, and prioritize entry for people in at-risk groups.

Inside the space, Interaction Care identifies high-risk zones and displays messages to remind people of security measures on screens. It also provides interaction data to managers so they can see which zones receive the most traffic to focus sanitation efforts on those areas.

This technology provides many advantages to businesses. In addition to protecting visitors from contagion, this solution also helps employees minimize their exposure to high-risk areas, generates objective data on the impact of management decisions, and measures the risk level of different zones in real time.

Thanks to the incorporation of artificial intelligence, businesses can complement the solution with augmented reality to detect which zones experience the most interactions and, therefore, need more exhaustive disinfection.

This technology will become an important ally as we get back to normal and will reduce the risk of future outbreaks. Not only will this help avoid the human consequences of the virus, but it will reduce the economic impact in both essential and nonessential public spaces.

Technology approved by Microsoft and Intel

Interaction Care is approved by and includes technologies from top-tier international partners like Microsoft and Intel. It is certified as an Intel IoT Market Ready Solution to combat COVID-19 globally.

This makes Interaction Care one of the most important solutions for the global market to come out of the COVID-19 crisis. Thanks to collaboration with partners in Spain and around the world, demand for this solution is growing nationally, as well as in the rest of Europe, the United States, Latin America, and China.

The post Beabloo Presents a Solution to Minimize the Risk of COVID-19 Contagion in Physical Spaces appeared first on ChipIn.

But what will an economic downturn mean for blockchain and cryptocurrencies? We have gathered commentary from a range of industry experts (below) including the Gibraltar Stock Exchange, Ontology, DeFiner, CRUXPay, and NEM Ventures who shared their insights on what a global recession could mean for digital assets.

Nick Cowan, CEO of the GSX Group, said:

“Cryptocurrencies are not immune to market turbulence, with natural fluctuations illustrating regular asset class behaviour in so far as smart money trading and herd mentality tendencies are clearly visible in the market. The dizzying price high that defined late 2017 was an unrealistic representation of BTC and the subsequent price drop painted a picture of high volatility. However, since then, market patterns have been generally positive, with normal peaks and troughs along the way.

In terms of a post-pandemic market, I don’t expect cryptocurrencies to suddenly become a fixture in the safe haven category with gold for example. Rather, adoption levels will continue to increase, particularly as major financial institutions and fintech platforms continue to show interest in this asset class. However, the idea that blockchain-powered finance is limited to cryptocurrencies is passé, and there are other significant developments enabled by blockchain that will broaden global liquidity pools, specifically the proliferation of tokenized or digital securities.

As we emerge from this global pandemic, I would also expect to see a considered reevaluation of the capital markets infrastructure, particularly around the T+2 model, the period in which securities transactions have been historically settled. This delay of two days places unnecessary stresses on the capital markets, particularly around the prevalence of counterparty risk. Harnessing blockchain can help classify this protracted settlement delay and counterparty risks as obsolete.”

Erick Pinos, Ontology Americas Ecosystem Lead, said:

“Bitcoin was one of a number of technological innovations created in response to the 2008 financial crash, and in March 2020, the UK and US markets suffered their worst day since.

The concept of Bitcoin as a safe haven during a global recession is one that has long been touted by industry players. However, so far, the current market downturn has not resulted in investors flocking to Bitcoin. At this point in the crisis, this is not surprising. It’s important to remember that it is still very early days for both the crisis, and for Bitcoin. Bitcoin has never lived through a recession, so it’s difficult to predict how things might pan out, and how actors might respond in what is likely to be a long road to economic recovery.

What we can expect to see as a result of the global pandemic is an even greater spotlight on digital assets, each from governments, central banks, traditional investors, and enterprises. This is due to their ability to offer users increased trust, security, and access, while also providing an opportunity to avoid many of the risks associated with traditional markets and fiat currencies.”

Jason Wu, CEO of DeFiner.org, a true peer-to-peer network for digital savings, loans, and payments, said:

“A recession will be the catalyst for the mass adoption of digital assets and decentralized finance (DeFi). DeFi builds trust using code and mathematics, whereas the traditional financial system is based on human trust and company reputation. DeFi allows people to manage and own their assets without any intermediaries. The 2008 financial crisis taught people that financial intermediaries are not always trustworthy. The current financial system is associated with high-costs and lacks transparency. Thus, a future financial crisis could also be a factor in proving the worth of DeFi. Bitcoin was born from the last financial crisis and DeFi will thrive in these economic conditions. While a global recession will be good for digital assets, it will crush the market at the beginning due to the liquidity crisis. The world of cryptocurrency will suffer first, then prosper. There are three phases: Liquidity, Suffering, and Thriving.

In phase one, the cryptocurrencies market will face liquidity issues and a price drop, as will all financial assets. This has happened last month as bitcoin price dropped dramatically from approx. $9000 to $4000. In the financial crisis, everyone is looking for liquidity, because their normal cash flow is interrupted. In phase two, cryptocurrencies will suffer, together with other industries. In this phase, a lot of companies will go bankrupt and people will lose their jobs. Financial institutions will go into default and bankruptcy, and balance sheets of depository banks will end up with a deficit. Then the central bank will step in and print out even more money. This will lead to inflation. In phase three, people lose faith in the existing financial system. DeFi is an alternative system for people to manage and grow their savings. It’s cheaper, faster, and gives back people full control of wealth. People will learn from their painful experiences and embrace the world of crypto to enjoy true financial freedom. For the next several decades, more and more assets will be managed through blockchain and the world of digital assets will thrive.”

Ashish Singhal, CEO and Co-founder of CRUXPay and Coinswitch.co, said:

“At first sight, the idea that digital assets and cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, are a safe haven seems to have gone out of the window. Cryptocurrencies seem to be taking as much beating as debt, equity, and commodities like Gold. This happens because, at the onset of a recession, when panic strikes, all fundamentals are lost. However, during a crisis, debt and equity lose value because of the decline in asset value and decline in profit, respectively. But the underlying value of cryptocurrencies doesn’t lose value during a recession; infact, it gets even stronger.

A global recession is a defining moment for cryptocurrencies. The long-touted “bitcoin is a safe haven” is put to the test during a recession. A recession forces governments worldwide to introduce measures to ease the downturn, which will have adverse economic effects for years to come. Cryptocurrencies are inherently designed to be hedged against such implications. This makes an excellent case in favour of cryptocurrencies.

When the crisis starts, panic hits and irrationality creeps in; the markets will see a massive sell off in all categories. The decline in asset value and profits during a global recession will drive debt and equity prices to even lower levels. And this might further lower the prices of cryptocurrencies. However, it is not an indication of loss in the inherent value of cryptocurrencies. The underlying value of cryptocurrencies defined by decentralisation and mathematical stability will continue to hold even in the worst recessions. Cryptocurrencies will then become the choice of investment during such economic turmoil.”

Nicholas Pelecanos, Head of Trading at NEM Ventures, commented:

“Hidden in the bitcoin genesis block is a quote that perhaps acknowledges Bitcoin’s true purpose: “The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks”. The creation of Bitcoin is not incidental to financial crises but a direct response to the 2008 financial crash and failings of the global financial system. As a global recession or even depression looms, I’m more bullish on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies than ever. Unlimited QE, unserviceable global debt, a failing monetary system and negative interest rates all at a time where society, globally is moving away from cash. This is precisely what Bitcoin was designed to hedge against.

The crypto sell-off witnessed in March was a result of a global liquidity event and Bitcoin has now climbed 90% from its low—a swift recovery. More importantly than being a safe haven, Cryptocurrencies are an uncorrelated asset class. This alone can attract a lot of capital in times of uncertainty and with a total market capitalization of $200bn it won’t take much capital inflow for the price to rapidly climb.”

The post Will cryptocurrencies be a ‘safe haven’ asset post-pandemic? Expert commentary appeared first on ChipIn.

A bike for purists, lovers of prestige vintage style and anyone who appreciates beautiful objects and cutting-edge technology. At this year’s CES Las Vegas, Coleen is showcasing a completely new version of its fully customizable bike. As well as being able to choose the color of their bike (from 5 permanent colors, plus a color of the season that changes every 6 months), users can also customize several of the bike’s components.

The new-generation Coleen delivers a fully personalized experience! Two power options are offered, one delivering up to 15.5 mph, and the other up to 28 mph. You can then choose between aluminum suspension forks or carbon fiber forks. The seat post, handlebar, gearbox and braking system can also be customized to suit your preferences. A wide range of accessories is also available to make your bike unique to you: from the mountable bike bag to the suspension seat post that vintage style fans are going to love, and from the front-mounted pannier to the rear-mounted baggage rack… There’s something for everyone!

Customers can also order their safety helmet, bike lock and spare batteries with their bike.

The Coleen motor remains one of the key components of the new bike. More powerful and quieter than a bottom bracket motor, its all-new motor solution transmits power directly to the rear wheel instead of via the crankset, sprocket and chain, which means no mechanical wear and no jerky gear changes.

Audrey Lefort, co-founder of Coleen: “Unlike a bottom bracket motor, the crankset, sprocket and chain are not subject to the motor-generated torque that causes accelerated wear; it’s a solution similar to that used in the design of prestige autos.”

The new COLEEN motor is integral to the rear wheel hub, making it practically invisible. Bold and assertive, elegant and self-confident, Coleen is designed to appeal to design purists and all those who appreciate beautiful mechanical engineering and cutting-edge technologies. “Inspired by the first velocipedes invented near the Avenue de Montaigne in Paris in the 19th century, the frame geometry is designed for extra comfort,” explain designers Audrey Lefort and Thibault Halm. “We’ve designed and developed Coleen specifically for urban life, carefully refining our own technical components to deliver on its promise of sustainable, safe urban mobility.”

Reinventing the bike experience with simplicity and technology
The Coleen e-bike has been designed to achieve an unrivaled power-to-weight ratio. Coleen uses a belt transmission system with an optional 7-speed gearbox, and features soft leather for its saddle and handlebar grips.

The 42-cell Coleen battery can be rapidly and fully recharged in just 2½ hours. Locating the integrated battery at the front of the frame optimizes weight distribution for an easier and more pleasant ride. The innovative design also includes an HD screen seamlessly integrated into the bike to provide GPS, call and message alerts, and other features to add another element of smart neo-modern design.

Designed, tested and manufactured in France

The Coleen bike is a French product in every detail. The saddle is made in France by Idéale, which sends the offcuts to luxury French accessories manufacturer Voltaire, which crafts the handlebar grips. Its carbon frame carries a 48-volt battery and 75 special components. It uses belt transmission and features hydraulic disc brakes and wide tires.

Availability:

The Coleen bike is available to pre-order at coleen-france.com and from dealers. Prices begin at €4,990 including VAT.

Technical specifications

• Motor: 250W / 2.5kg / 43 Nm (feels like 110 Nm)
• Torque sensor integral to the motor
• Battery: 48 volts (full charge in 2½ hours)
• Real-life range: up to 100 km
• Bike weight: 19 kg
• Belt transmission
• Integrated HD transflective LED display: 480 x 800 pixels 3.2” screen
• Ergonomically-designed saddle

The post The New Coleen… A mold-breaking and fully customizable electric bike from France at CES 2020! appeared first on ChipIn.

This will enable Klarna to further build out its product portfolio and services, better serve its fast-growing merchant and consumer base across Europe and the US and tap into the cities’ rich talent base.

The new Berlin site will be based in the very heart of Berlin’s thriving technology scene in Berlin Mitte and offers Klarna employees space of around 7,400 square meters in a modern and functional repurposed car garage. In the future, it will house more than 500 employees focusing on product, engineering and commercial growth and will be an addition to Klarna’s German offices in Munich and Linden, each with approximately 100 employees.

„Berlin is one of the most exciting tech and entrepreneurial hubs worldwide and attracts exceptional local and international talents from all over the world. We are very proud and humbled to be part of that thriving ecosystem now. This site will enable us to further scale our footprint in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and new markets, but at the same time build new products and services to solve people’s shopping pain points across Europe and the US. We are on a very exciting journey from a pure payment provider to a global shopping ecosystem and our team in Berlin will play a decisive part to reach our ambitious goals.“ says Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO Klarna.

Robert Bueninck, General Manager DACH, adds: “The DACH market as a whole developed fantastically throughout the past years and we have a very strong momentum and growing brand awareness in the region. With several thousands of new merchants which went live with us this year and many millions of consumers using our services, Germany is hugely important to the company to drive volume and revenue growth. The new site in Berlin is testament to our strong track record locally and our commitment to becoming the most favorite way to buy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.”

Klarna currently employs over 2,500 employees in Stockholm, Los Angeles, New York, Columbus, Madrid, Brussels, London, Vienna, Amsterdam, Berlin, Linden, Munich, Oslo, Helsinki and Uppsala. In August 2019, the company received a 460 million US dollars funding round on a 5.5 billion US dollars post-money valuation, which currently makes Klarna the highest private FinTech company in Europe. Earlier this year, the company tapped into new business verticals by launching new products such as the Klarna Open Banking Platform and Global Authentication Platform. On the consumer side, Klarna introduced the Klarna Card and Klarna’s Instore solution in Germany as well as various new features in the Klarna app that fundamentally change the way how people shop and pay. This underpins the company’s versatility in opening up new revenue streams and ambition to become the go-to destination when it comes to online and offline shopping.

About Klarna

At Klarna, we make shopping smoooth, offering products and services to consumers and retailers including payments, social shopping, and personal finances. Founded in Sweden in 2005, Klarna provides merchants with a flexible range of preferred payment alternatives that enable consumers to easily and securely pay when and how they want everywhere – online and in-store. Over 190,000 merchants, including  H&M, Adidas, IKEA, Expedia Group, ASOS, Peloton, Abercrombie & Fitch, Michael Kors, Nike, AliExpress, Superdry, Sephora, Spotify, Wayfair, Gymshark, Samsung, Zara, Topshop, The Hut Group, Steve Madden, Boozt, Sonos, Agent Provocateur, Lufthansa, ETSY, Daniel Wellington and many more have enabled Klarna’s innovative shopping experience, that stretches beyond the actual transaction and also allows consumers to take control over their personal finances. Klarna is the most highly valued fintech in Europe with a valuation of $5.5bn and one of the largest private fintechs globally. Klarna has over 2,500 employees and is active in 17 countries. For more information, visit klarna.com.

The post Klarna opens Tech Hub in Berlin appeared first on ChipIn.

Which Case Fits the iPhone 11?

Since the cases of older iPhones usually don’t fit, the important question for all iPhone 11 owners is: Which case is best suited for my new high-end smartphone? For some, fashion aspects play a role, for others protection or integrated additional functions. Apple itself has a wide variety of cases in its portfolio: from the simple Clear Case to the classy Folio leather for iPhone 11 Pro/Max with hinged lid. The latter has several advantages. Firstly, it protects the entire iPhone, including the display. On the other hand, banknotes, cards or small slips of paper can be stowed in it. It doesn’t bother when charging wirelessly.

The transparent Clear Case is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate and flexible TPU materials. It is available for all iPhone 11 versions. The shape of the silicone and leather case is identical. However, leather is only available for the Pro and Max versions. None of the cases is really cheap. For those who are looking for something cheaper, Hama has a suitable alternative with the booklet Slim Pro or for something more stylish, we would recommend the cases from Moshi.

Moshi iPhone Cases

Thanks to its in-house design team, Moshi’s products impress on the one hand with their uncomplicated and refined design and on the other hand combine quality materials and innovative functions with an unmistakable minimalist aesthetic.

Altra by Moshi is a premium case with a detachable strap that brings unique style and functionality to your iPhone. The detachable wrist strap is designed for an active lifestyle and allows you to carry coffee, crates, toddlers, pets, etc. with your hands free. It also provides extra security when taking photos or walking in crowded rooms.

Capto by Moshi is a slim hard shell case with the MultiStrap developed that brings new features to your iPhone. Designed for an active lifestyle, Capto provides a secure grip on the go so your phone stays firmly attached to your body. The MultiStrap can also be used as a stand for hands-free video viewing. Capto is military drop tested and has a raised bezel to protect your flat screen. Suitable for wireless charging, Capto is the ideal case for anyone looking for stylish practicality and security in one.

Speck Presidio

With the Presidio range, Speck offers a solution for every model and many tastes. The sleeves promise protection against falls of up to four meters in height and are equipped with a special coating called Microban, which according to the manufacturer reduces the bacterial load on the sleeve by 99 percent.

Protect the display: Display protection films

Apple is promoting the iPhone 11 with the world’s hardest glass on both the front and back. The relationship with Corning, the manufacturer of Gorilla glass, is close. Initial drop tests have shown that the iPhone 11 is indeed very robust. Hardened glass can withstand rough mechanical stress. However, it is not immune to micro-scratches. Those who are sensitive in this respect or want to sell the iPhone later in the best possible condition will find a large selection of products. Modern foils and glasses can not only protect. Some also reduce reflections or serve as eye protection.

Moshi’s IonGlass is an atomically hardened glass display protector for your iPhone 11/XR that demonstrates exceptional hardness that surpasses even steel. This makes it almost impossible to scratch the IonGlass, even with a knife. Unlike typical flat-cut screen protectors, IonGlass is precision-formed and perfectly fits the curved display of your iPhone 11/XR. This allows full edge-to-edge coverage for added assurance that your touch screen is protected in the best possible way at all times.

With Cable, with Style or Mobile: Charging the iPhone 11

When the iPhone runs out of power, you can charge it either with the included USB lightning cable and power supply/USB port or wirelessly via a wireless charging station. The Belkin BoostUp Charge Stand, for example, is Apple certified and also suitable for fast charging. If you already have several Qi-capable devices in your home, you might be interested in a multiple Qi charging station. Belkin’s Boost Up Wireless Charging Dock charges iPhone and Smartwatch simultaneously. Other products can charge up to 5 devices.

Apple iPhone 11 Fast Charger

For those who want to charge conventionally fast with cables, Apple only includes a Quick-Charge power supply for the Pro and Pro Max versions. The normal iPhone 11 only comes with a simple USB power supply.

The ProGeo USB-C fast charger from Moshi with USB connection allows you to charge a USB-C and USB device at the same time. The USB-C port supports the USB-PD 3.0 profile (5/9/15 V) for universal charging of any USB-C device. Use the USB Type A port to quickly charge your phone, tablet or other USB device for a comprehensive all-in-one charging solution. The travel-friendly charger, part of the ProGeo series, has an on/off plug that can be easily switched between countries.

Charging Cable

The UNO cable is the world’s first cross device USB Type-C magnetic cable, allowing it to work with Lightning, Micro USB & Type-C tips giving compatibility with all smartphones, tablets and USB devices.

The UNO cable has a USB-C connector end which is an upgrade from the current USB Type-A. This allows a higher power input and output and enables the UNO to be compatible with QC4.0 and Apple fast charge. The cable is capable of 2-way full speed USB 2.0 data transfer at 480 Mbps between any USB devices and features a reversible magnetic connection which means instant fit every single time. No more fumbling around to connect devices, even in the dark. 

Put the iPhone on a leash: Mobile phone Necklace

XouXou the small enterprise from Berlin invented the multicolored cords. This accessory has been conquering the market since 2018. The idea of having the smartphone quickly at hand and still having two hands free is particularly popular with women.

Although the trend is barely a year old, mobile phone chains are now available in all imaginable colours, patterns and fabrics. There are hardly any limits to individuality here. Suitable products have already been announced for the current iPhone generation.

The post iPhone 11 Accessories: Cases, chargers and more at a glance appeared first on ChipIn.

This hardware wallet weighs just 5 grams and is very small with 86 x 54 x 0.8mm. Is the purchase worthwhile according to our CoolWallet Review? For which user behaviour does the hardware wallet make the most sense?

At the beginning of January the hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger announced an upgrade of its well-known Nano S. From March 2019 it will be possible to manage your Bitcoin and other crypto currencies with the successor Nano X via Bluetooth and the mobile app.

The company CoolBitX has been offering the possibility to connect a hardware wallet with the smartphone via Bluetooth with its CoolWallet S since the beginning of 2018. The wallet in credit card format is set up and used exclusively with the smartphone.

How well the CoolWallet S perform in my test and whether I give it a clear purchase recommendation, you can find out in this article.

Who built the CoolWallet S ?

Behind the CoolWallet S is the Taiwanese manufacturer CoolBitX. It was founded in 2014 by Fintech entrepreneur Michael Ou and reinvented the future of cold storage in 2016 with the release of its first-generation CoolWallet, the world’s first-ever mobile hardware wallet for Bitcoin owners.

Driven by this success, several investors joined the company in 2017, which made enough capital available to develop a successor to the first CoolWallet.

With feedback from the First Wallet Generation, an improved version, the CoolWallet S, was released in early 2018. According to the manufacturer, more than 150,000 units have been sold so far.

CoolBitX’s mission is to leverage the best of blockchain technology in order to foster a more secure and empowered future for cryptocurrency investors.

Is the CoolWallet S safe ?

The CoolBitX company has installed a CC EAL5+ certified security chip in its hardware wallet, which is also used for military purposes.

The complete processing of a transaction takes place within this microchip. Therefore, only non-critical data is transmitted via the Bluetooth connection.

Your private key never leaves this chip if used properly!

A Bluetooth connection of the CoolWallet S can only be established when the wallet is switched on and is secured with the AES 256 encryption method.

As an additional security function, the microchip is sealed so that physical access to it is almost impossible. This means that the hardware is irreversibly destroyed during the disassembly attempt.

Secure transactions

To execute a transaction requested by the app, press the button on the hardware wallet. In addition, all necessary information will be shown again on the E-Ink display.

Overall, the CoolWallet S thus offers a very high level of security.

CoolWallet S – What’s in the Box

The CoolWallet S is delivered in a stylish black cardboard box which can be opened upwards. Immediately after opening, the hardware wallet shines at you in the form of a bank or credit card.

Included in delivery:

• CoolWallet S with E-Ink display
• Charger with USB cable
• Recovery Seed Card
• Stickers

How can I find out if I have an original CoolWallet S ?

The packaging of the CoolWallet S is closed with a seal. However, this type of protection is not the most effective. It is easy to reproduce the adhesive labels.

Unfortunately there is no other way to verify the authenticity of your CoolWallet S. Here the Genuine-function, as with the Ledger Nano S, would be desirable.

If you want to be on the safe side, we would recommend to only order the CoolWallet S directly from the manufacturer. In our case, the delivery was fast and problem-free.

The CoolWallet S set up in 4 easy steps

The hardware wallet can be set up quickly and easily. All you need is a mobile phone with the latest Android or iOS version. During the entire setup procedure, the CoolWallet S should be charged with the supplied charger.

Be sure to insert the card the right way round. The arrow of the charger must be on the front of the card. A red LED next to the display indicates the charging process.

1. Pair the CoolWallet S with your mobile phone via Bluetooth

• To pair the CoolWallet S, first install the CoolBitX App from the Apple or Google Play Store. Simply scan the QR code on the Recovery-Seed card.
• Press the button of the CoolWallet S once and turn it on. It will show “Please pair” in the display.
• Now open the CoolBitX App and press the “Connect” button.
• A message appears to confirm the connection by entering the Bluetooth password. The required password is shown on the CoolWallet S display.

2. Update the CoolWallet S firmware

Immediately after pairing, the app checks whether there is a firmware update for the CoolWallet S and installs it if necessary. For security reasons, I recommend that you always use the latest firmware.

Attention:
If you have already set up your CoolWallet S, you will need your recovery seed for recovery. The wallet will be completely deleted during the firmware update!

3. Create a new wallet

After you have confirmed the successful firmware update, the CoolWallet S restarts. To reconnect, press the “Connect” button in the app and the button on the hardware wallet.
Now it is time to create a new wallet account. Press the “Create” button to continue.

4. Create CoolWallet S recovery seed

The CoolWallet S gives you several ways to choose the length and location of your recovery seed. I recommend that you select 24 words, or more precisely, sequences of numbers, to be displayed on the wallet’s E-Ink display.

Once you have made your selection, you can press the button on the CoolWallet S to display the next combination of numbers in the row.

Write all 24 rows of numbers on a piece of paper, or better yet, on a non-destructible stainless steel note, such as a Cryptosteel.

After you have noted down all the sequences of numbers, you must verify your wallet backup to complete the setup.

Important:
To verify the recovery seed, you must sum up all the numbers one by one. Then enter the result into the input mask of the app.

Example:

Recovery phrase:   11111; 22222; …    
Total numbers:  = 11111+22222    
Result of the verification = 33333

Personally, I had my problems with this verification method and had to add all the numbers several times to get the correct result. After all, it takes 120 characters at a time to enter correctly into the calculator!

I would definitely prefer a query of individual phrases with direct confirmation, which is available with the app set up, but they don’t recommend it for security reasons.

Recovery seed with numbers?

CoolBitX has decided to use a sequence of numbers instead of words in its wallet to make it easier for non-English speaking users.

The technique behind it is the same. If you prefer to work with the known words, you can use a table to convert back the sequence of numbers.

CoolWallet S Review – The Conclusion

The CoolWallet S with its credit card format and mobile operating concept can be described as a revolution in the hardware wallet market. The built-in battery is large enough to use the CoolWallet S for several weeks without having to recharge it.

The app UX is tidy and while it could be enhanced, it comes with all the features you need. The integration of Changelly makes it possible to switch between individual assets quickly and easily, anywhere in the world – provided there is an Internet connection.

Setup is largely trouble-free. What I personally didn’t like is the verification of the recovery seed, but you go through this process only once every while. The wallet offers the possibility to work with fewer sequences of numbers or to use the app for creation, but this is at the expense of security.

Unfortunately, CoolBitX comes without an operating system, so that new features can only be imported by a firmware update. There is always the danger that you have to restore your wallet with the Recovery-Seed.

In daily life

The CoolWallet S combines the advantages of a hardware wallet with the advantages of a mobile wallet while eliminating the weaknesses of both.

All in all it is a very cool feeling to have your Bitcoins available at all times and to have them really safely stored.

With its CoolWallet S, the manufacturer CoolBitX certainly makes a contribution to the mass adaptation of crypto currencies. The beginning is made, with a simplified backup of the wallet and more acceptance points I see a lot of potential for the future.

More hardware wallet tests can be found in our big upcoming hardware wallet comparison article.

The post CoolWallet S Review – All you need to know about the Hardware Wallet in Credit Card Format appeared first on ChipIn.

Invoxia Tracking Pro is a complete and customizable B2B solution dedicated to professionals that allows them to track their vehicle fleets, their construction material or any equipment such as the audio-visual, anywhere in the world, on an app or web interface. The solution is based on GPS/ WiFi low-power trackers with a battery life of up to 5 years, and a logistics tracking platform (web and app) that gives access to the position of an asset, its route history and allows professionals to set “security zones” and be notified every time this asset enters or exists these specified zones.

According to Amélie Caudron, CEO of Invoxia, “In the same way that SMBs computerized since the 1990s, they inevitable seek to integrate tracking solutions. We created Invoxia Tracking Pro with one objective: provide all the necessary functionalities, without the complexity of other systems available today, thanks to an affordable device that suits their needs. This solution allows any SMB to track their fleet of valuable equipment, machines, tools, vehicles, and avoid their theft. It also ensures a better client satisfaction, the punctuality of deliveries and optimizes the usage of equipment by limiting the costly inefficiencies… Its usage is infinite, and this new turnkey tracking solution is a revolution in itself.”

GPS/ WiFi with a high battery life

Entirely suitable for the professionals’ needs, the GPS/ WiFi trackers integrated in the Invoxia Tracking Pro solution use a powerful technology with a battery life of up to 5-years, depending on the duration of use of the tracked assets. Contrary to other solutions on the market, the GPS trackers do not use a SIM card, but low-power networks as well as GPS and nearby Wi-Fi network locating technologies to offer the highest precision in every environment: city and countryside, inside and outside. They cover most European countries.

A complete tracking platform created for B2B use

Invoxia Tracking Pro is a turnkey solution that allows to track vehicle fleets, construction material, shipment of valuable products, or any nomadic material such as the audio-visual.

On the logistics geolocating web platform and on the app, professionals can finally access the trackers’ position with GPS precision directly on a web and mobile interface and access an overview of the entire asset fleet in most European countries. Users can also access route history over a given period of time. Integrated in Invoxia Tracking Pro, this easy-to-use solution also allows them to define “security zones” and receive alerts each time an asset enters or exists a specified area.

Consumer trackers to no longer fear loss of theft

Invoxia also launched a range of consumer trackers with a high battery life that allows users to track luggage, motorcycles, keys, pets, even children. These trackers are also on display at Sigfox Connect. Invoxia therefore proves its know-how in response to a disparate and demanding population and managed to develop intuitive interfaces.

About Invoxia

Invoxia specializes in smart devices integrating AI. The company develops and commercializes a range of consumer and professional trackers with deep neural network, allowing for instance to recognize pet behaviors (such as running, scratching, eating…). The company also created Invoxia Tracking Pro, a B2Bcomplete and customized tracking solution for professionals, integrating a platform and a dedicated range of trackers. Invoxia also developed a predictive maintenance and defect detection solution for Richemont (Switzerland-based luxury goods holding company). Also known for its In Vivo Acoustic®technology, the company developed Triby, the first connected speaker compatible with Amazon Alexa Voice System and AppleHomeKit for the home. Invoxia is a French company founded in 2010 with offices in the United States and China.

The post Invoxia at Sigfox Connect Singapore Profesional Geotracking Enters a New Era appeared first on ChipIn.

Although there are plenty of alternatives to the Apple Pencil, nobody could match the original iPad pencil so far. Now the Logitech Crayon is available and Apple had its hands in the development. Is there finally a sensible alternative to the Apple Pencil?

Crayon lies well in the hand

The feel is definitely right: despite its 20 grams, the Crayon lies well balanced in the hand. The wide shaft is reminiscent of that of a Zimmermann pencil and can be held securely by both small and large hands and at the same time guided precisely. Some people might prefer a round pencil shape, but after an initial period we got used to it. One major benefit. When placed on a table, it does not roll away so easily.

Another advantage is that the Crayon is ready for writing and drawing immediately after pressing the power button. It does not connect to the iPad via Bluetooth, but via a proprietary wireless connection and works like magic. In contrast to the Apple Pencil, the Logitech pen also works directly with any iPad of the sixth and seventh generation.

The rest of the Crayon has also been carefully designed by Logitech product developers with its intended use in education, at home with the family and above all by children’s hands: there are no loose parts that could be lost or even swallowed. The cap of the charging socket, for example, is connected to the pen by a rubber tab. Logitech also made sure to make the product break resistant: the pin body is made of aluminum instead of plastic, and the Crayon can easily withstand a fall from table height.

The design, on the other hand, is a matter of taste: The Apple Pencil in its plain snow-white looks noble, the Crayon on the other hand is rather playful because of its orange accents on the silver-grey aluminium. But the colour was obviously chosen carefully: It catches the eye in the chaos of a classroom, a schoolbag or a couch scribe at home.

The battery lasts a week and more

The Crayon is just as easy to charge as the Pencil. But instead of using a Lightning plug like Apple, there is a Lightning socket under the dust cap of the Crayon.

A full battery charge results in about seven hours pure usage time. And if the battery runs out at just the wrong moment, one and a half minutes of uninterrupted charging results in about 30 minutes of usage – a two-colour LED and an automatic switch-off function warn and protect against an empty battery.

Reliable workhorse instead of a noble brush

But how does the Crayon actually perform? First of all, you can easily write in different line widths (which are determined by the inclination of the pen), for example in the notes app. Annotations in PDFs or in the word processor Pages can also be added easily; sketches, drawings and photo editings are also easy to do. In other words: the Crayon does a great job in everyday life, the palm recognition reliably prevents incorrect entries.

When implementing complex shadings or similarly advanced techniques, the Logitech pen, on the other hand, fails to perform in comparison, because of the lack of pressure recognition. Apple’s own stylus is the potentially more expressive and sensitive, but also a much more expensive tool.

Works with hundreds of Apps

Use Crayon to learn a new language, sketch, design, or create with apps that are compatible with Apple Pencil.

Logitech Crayon put to the test: Conclusion

The Logitech Crayon is characterised by an idiosyncratic shape. The flat pen has a better grip than we initially feared. It writes well, and even drawing is successful. Placing the ball of your hand on the screen of the iPad is no problem at all – the Crayon also works perfectly here. It’s ahead of its competitors.

Drawers prefer to use the Apple Pencil because of the lack of pressure, and the iPad Pro is also more accurate and looks more direct thanks to the laminated display. All in all, the Logitech Crayon deserves a recommendation.

Logitech Crayon in the test:

What we really liked:

• The iPad’s palm recognition works very well when using the Crayon – one of the main problems that the other pencil alternatives have.
• The accuracy is good.
• The iPad does a good job of tilt for hatching.
• A Lightning cable can be plugged into the back for charging.

What we didn’t like that much

• The design looks a bit like a basic school or construction site, the broad form is not everyone’s cup of tea.
• The Crayon is not quite as exact as the Apple Pencil. Moreover, it doesn’t work with the iPad Pro, which allows even higher accuracy on the tablet side.
• The Crayon does not support pressure intensity.

Things you should know about the Logitech Crayon

• Do not forget to switch it on! Otherwise nothing works. Unused, it switches itself off automatically after half an hour.
• If you have paired an Apple Pencil, disconnect it (e.g. simply switch off Bluetooth in the control centre). Crayon and Pencil cannot be used on one tablet at the same time.

The post Logitech Crayon Review – the Best Apple Pencil Alternative for your iPad? appeared first on ChipIn.

Following an extremely successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015 with over 8,400 backers and $1.9 million raised, Kokoon is today pleased to announce that its sleep aiding headphones are now available to purchase from Kokoon.io for £349.99/$349. The headphones use the same technology currently being used in sleep labs to sense brainwaves combined with three layers of noise cancelling, including white noise, and an app that tracks sleep cycles.

‘Always-on’ technology is driving chronic problems with sleep. Now classified as “a public health epidemic” by the CDC (Centre for Disease Control), 1 in 3 people in the UK are affected by insomnia (NHS Choices) with 50% of Brits reporting struggles with sleep (Mintel). Each of us will, at some point in our lives, experience struggles with sleep, be it that long uncomfortable flight or struggling to switch off after a busy day.

Kokoon was founded with the mission to become the non-pharmaceutical, digital ‘go to’ for helping people relax and sleep easier. Kokoon’s founder Tim Antos struggled with insomnia himself. After attending many sessions at a sleep clinic he wanted a more convenient, cheaper way of getting access to the insights and techniques he was introduced to. “I wanted to make all this knowledge, all these great tools I learnt in the sleep clinic more accessible to the everyday consumer to use on their own terms”.

The Kokoon app features techniques, tracks and concepts developed with sleep professionals to optimise the chances of falling asleep. Many of these techniques feature in a form of talking therapy known as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT. CBT is an evidence-based therapy generally regarded as the gold standard treatment for insomnia with a proven success rate.

Kokoon uses these techniques to help users by delivering a customised content experience developed for the individual using the sensor data gathered from their body and environment. For example, as a wearer falls asleep in a headphone, audio changes in response, fading out the content and introducing white noise to mask out disturbances. The system also tracks what’s working for a user then personalising content for greater effect.

Kokoon’s first product, the Relax Headphone, features world first innovations in sensing and comfort. The Flexmould Comfort patented design helps Kokoon headphones mould to the shape of the users head to be comfortable wherever they are worn and thanks to the high quality natural fibre fabric, air flows easily through the ear cups to keep the wearers cool and comfortable. The ear cushions can also be detached and washed to be kept fresh and clean. Kokoon’s Sleepguard technology quietens as the wearer falls asleep whilst the EEG sensors measure the wearer’s brainwaves, motion, heart rate and environment tracking to learn what is helping them rest and relax.

Also useable as regular Bluetooth 4.0 headphones, the Kokoon Relax features premium acoustics from a 40mm electro dynamic driver and active noise cancelling making them ideal for listening to music or watching movies whilst travelling or simply relaxing. At just 350g/12.03oz they make the perfect travel companion with folding earcups and an included carry case.

The Kokoon Relax headphone is now shipping internationally from Kokoon.io for £349.00/$349.00. It can also be purchased from Selfridges and in-Motion UK.

About Kokoon

Kokoon was founded in 2013 when its founder, award-winning mechanical engineer Tim Antos begun struggling with sleep. Then working in the city he’d often be working long hours within stressful environments. He started finding it difficult to switch off at the end of each day; not being to get to sleep or get back to sleep. After buying and trying every consumer product he could get his hands on to no avail he turned to the health service. After enduring a 3 month wait, he managed to get onto a CBT-I programme at a sleep clinic; the gold standard treatment for insomnia. This was an 8-week program where he learnt about sleep, how to change bad habits and thought processes and techniques to help him relax and find sleep easier.

The program was very effective, and Tim discovered how useful these audio techniques were at helping his mind disconnect and unwind. He found he was able to fall asleep easily to guided audio relaxation techniques, however found his headphones were not fit for purpose and they’d regularly wake him back up. Tim realised that there was a need for a more accessible consumer friendly solution that better fitted within modern lifestyles and could be used irrespective of the frequency or severity of a person’s issue. With the advances in data, science and sensing technologies, Tim and fellow engineer and co-founder Richard came up with the concept behind Kokoon.

The post The world’s first sleep aiding headphones from Kokoon are now available to purchase appeared first on ChipIn.