Tech Talk: The Latest and Greatest From the World of Tech

Google Glass Price Unavailable
While Google unveiled its Google Glass last winter, only a few people were able to get their hands on the revolutionary product (and Google remains tight-lipped on an official release date, although the company is hinting about late summer). The trial has helped testers explore the good (innovation), the bad (a $1,500 trial price) and the ugly (design—need I say more?), much of which is being addressed in real time (Google has already launched four new design frames that avoid the original “tech dork” look). Travelers will get a kick out of the travel app Word Lens, which will allow them to view the translation of foreign words into English, right before their eyes.

Virgin America/Here On Biz In-Flight Social Network Free
Passengers aboard Virgin America can now create their own in-flight entertainment, as the airline just launched a social network platform that aims to connect users at 35,000 feet. Partnering with GoGo in-flight Internet service and Here On Biz, a networking app for professionals, Virgin America now allows users to chat with other members, and then potentially meet them in person onboard. Travelers can also check out which of their fellow passengers—from keynote speakers to investors—might be attending the same post-flight industry events. The free app is currently being used on all Virgin America domestic flights. Available for Android and iPhone.

LG G Flex $299, with two-year contract
LG has taken the lead on the newest smartphone trend with its innovative G Flex, the market’s first curved phone, complete with an equally flexible battery. Aside from providing a cool aesthetic, the vertical curve improves a user’s grip, while simultaneously diminishing screen glare. The curvature also enhances the video experience with strong viewing angles on the six-inch screen, and there’s a terrific camera, to boot. It’s the first of its kind, but copycats are already following suit—so make way for the exciting and sinuous future of mobile phone technology.

Fitbug Orb $49.95
Staying fit on the road can be challenging—but not impossible, thanks in part to the seemingly never-ending availability of fitness trackers determined to get (or keep) frequent travelers in shape. While all trackers have unique variations, many don’t have enough components to keep the user consistently engaged. But the Fitbug Orb has users commit to three months, by offering comprehensive 12-week training courses that create exercises tailored for specific goals and themed programs (like Golf Gorgeous and Bikini Bod). Best of all, it’s half the price of other fitness trackers on the market.

Marriott Hotels Mobile Checkout App Free
Making hotel reservations on a smartphone has become fairly common—so, it was only a matter of time before lodgings rounded out their digital booking options by offering streamlined, front desk–free checkouts. Marriott is the first brand in the world to offer mobile checkout at all of its 329 hotels nationwide and another 20 international properties (with all 500 hotels within the portfolio to offer mobile checkout later this year). In order to completely skip the front desk when departing, a guest must be a Marriott Rewards member (signing up is free) and, of course, download the app. Available for Android, iPad and iPhone.

Courtesy:    Premier Traveler
Author:     JIMMY IM