PPB November 2018

Connec t ed Cr ea t i ons Brittany Glenn is a Plano, Texas-based writer and a former associate editor of PPB. Bluetooth Boom Don’t let the name Internet of Things fool you. The IoT is not limited to purely internet- based connectivity. Bluetooth technology is now emerging as a gold-standard protocol that is expanding the functionality and capacity of IoT connected devices. “As a brand known for our technology products, we always get questions about the latest and greatest in the tech world,” says Brookelynn Miller, sales and marketing coordinator for supplier Origaudio. “There’s a level of expectation these days that items connect wirelessly via Bluetooth.” “For instance, our Flyington Selfie Drone uses connectivity via Wi-Fi,” she adds. “I find that a lot of our customers who haven’t read the instructions assume it connects via Bluetooth before stumbling upon the fact that our pocket-sized drone does indeed use its own Wi-Fi network.” Miller says Bluetooth items are becoming even more popular than those that connect to Wi-Fi. “I think Bluetooth is getting to be universal,” she adds. “There’s an unpronounced assumption that if something connects wirelessly, it uses Bluetooth—at least when it comes to tech items in our industry.” Compatible with Android, iOS and Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant, the TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb with Color Changing Hue allows users to control lights from anywhere with their tablet or smartphone using the Kasa app. This Wi-Fi-enabled smart light bulb makes it possible to fine-tune the appearance of colors, from soft white (2,500k) to daylight (9,000k), to mimic natural light patterns as the sun rises and sets. Hirsch Gift, Inc. / PPAI 221823 www.hirschgift.com This portable and pocket-sized drone is perfect for the consumer who loves to soar to new heights. Remotely controlled through an app on a smart device, the Flyington ™ Selfie Drone does so much more than fly. It takes real-time pictures (including selfies) and videos at 720p HD, and it features aerobatic flight with 360-degree flips, real-time video feed and phone-tilt control. This item comes with a free smartphone app for both Apple and Android devices. Origaudio / PPAI 421483 / www.origaudiopromo.com 46 | NOVEMBER 2018 | GROW