Gadgets News

Knife Block for Knife Sadists or Circus Fans

2008-08-25T02:12:00.001-07:00

There are knife connoisseurs and there are people who love the circus. Back in the early days of the circus, there were the knife throwers who thrilled audiences with their skills of accuracy and daring. In 1938, the infamous Wheel of Death was introduced and a moving, spinning target upped the dramatic tension of the audience. Nowadays, knife throwers aren’t as prevalent, but everyone owns knives and everyone knows that you need to store your knives in knife blocks. They are important to keeping your fine cutlery in tip top shape.

The gadget-loving people over at UrbanTrend feature the Throwzini’s Knife Block, which causes no apparent harm to the hapless red dude strapped to it. This knife block covers both the functional and whimsical (and sadistic!) in your knife block requirements. Store the five included stainless steel knives (held in place by magnets and protective sheaths) in a tortured game of Wheel of Death where you mercifully miss the red guy who is strapped onto this spinning Wheel of Death.

You can soon turn your kitchen counter into a three ring circus or a Barnum & Bailey worthy sideshow in no time! Well, as soon as they secure their patent and put this great knife block into production. I’d buy one!

[UrbanTrend]

Iwavecube Personal Microwave for Tiny, Tiny Food

2008-08-25T02:10:00.001-07:00

You know you’ve done it - you’ve been sitting at your desk and your coffee is cold. Or you think “wow…I would love to heat up my lunch but I know there’s a line for the microwave in the kitchen”. You wish you had your own microwave. What if you had your own a personal, portable microwave? Forget all those trips to the kitchen or treks to the cafeteria — now you can reheat coffee right at your desk or nuke some soup for your brown-bag lunch.

The innovative Iwavecube personal microwave has all the electronic controls and safety features you expect, but it takes up less than a cubic foot of space. Plug it in anyplace that’s handy — work or home office; home gym; family room; nursery; wet bar; dorm room; work bench; pool house.everywhere! The quiet, super-energy-efficient iwavecube measures just 10″ x 10.5″ x 12″ and weighs only 12 lbs. Features a built-in carry handle and view-through door. Plugs into standard outlet.

My only problem is that there’s no way in hell this microwave will heat up a Lean Cuisine meal or anything larger than a Hot Pocket. I’m not sure I want to spend $129.95 on a coffee warmer. But if having a tiny, tiny microwave is something you’ve always dreamed of, then you can pick one up over at the Sky Mall.

Robot Coupe Bread Slicer: I Have No Words.

2008-08-25T02:09:00.001-07:00

I know - this is another day of “wow that’s a gadget I would have never thought of” here at Coolest Gadgets. You all will recall the friggin’ awesome Steak Toaster from last week (which is still the most awesome thing ever) - and now this week we have an innovation in bread slicing.

I know what you’re thinking - “bread slicing? Is that the best thing since sliced bread?” as you dissolve into giggles at your own cleverness. Again, some clever (but slightly twisted) individual took a look at his salad shooter, then at his baguette lying on the counter and though “dude, I need something to shoot sliced baguette!” Thus the Robot Coupe Bread Slicer was born.

Being neither a robot nor a coupe, the Robot Coupe Bread Slicer is a gleaming, stainless steel monolith that will tear through baguette like a hot knife through butter. The description from the seller’s website (spelling errors not corrected!):

Flat toaster makes for dangerous mornings

2008-08-25T02:08:00.000-07:00

I’m not a morning person. I never have been, and I doubt that I ever really will. I’m the kind of guy that gets up, showers, dresses and still looks and acts like a zombie. The last thing I need in the morning is some way to make my routine more dangerous, because lets face it, I’m clumsy enough when I’m not groggy. Needless to say, this toaster won’t be making its way into my kitchen any time soon.

Measure more accurately with the Scale Spoon

2008-08-25T02:02:00.001-07:00

I don’t do a lot of cooking in the kitchen, mostly because I don’t have the patience and I’m just too picky of an eater. Most of the things I like can be made by using the microwave or boiling water, so I stick to what I like. However, if you do enjoy the culinary arts, you might be interested in this handy little measuring device.

XPERIA X1 to come in black only?

2008-08-25T02:01:00.001-07:00

We're hoping beyond hope that Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1 is actually nearing a launch date, but astute reader Kingsley just pointed out to us that SE's US web site no longer lists silver as an available color choice, only Solid Black. That's notable only because we've only mostly seen silver editions of the X1 until now, but a limited color palette's not going to stop us from snapping this one up as soon as it hits -- what about you?

Erector's $300 Spykee gets a ship date

2008-08-25T01:59:00.001-07:00

We're not even going to front -- we had all but forgotten about Erector's Spykee. Granted, it didn't do itself any favors by showing off at CES and then doing nothing for the next seven months, but we digress. If a pre-order page on Amazon is to be believed, the Spykee Spy Robot should be released on October 15th. It's sporting a hefty $299.99 price tag and a recommended age of 8-years and up, but we'll need to see some actual shipment notifications later this fall before we really get our hopes up. C'mon Erector, don't let us, um, down.

Bulletproof Bag For Wannabe Spies

2008-08-25T01:56:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what kind of James Bond fantasies our Gizmodo readers/spies harbour but if it's combined with an obsession for expensive clothing, then the last thing you'll want are evil secret agent bullets blowing your luggage and, those Gucci loafers inside, all to hell.

That's why you need the bulletproof case from Globe-Trotter, designed by well-known UK industrial designer Ross Lovegrove (iMac and those sexy KEF Muon speakers). The Air Cabin certainly looks the business, and weighs just 3lbs thanks to its use of lightweight 'triaxial carbon/Kevlar composites'.

Wii Wheel Brings Driving To The Hardcore Gamer

2008-08-25T01:55:00.001-07:00

Serious about Mario Kart on the Wii? Not content with waving a circular disc in front of your face and falling back into the sofa laughing maniacally like that family on the adverts?

Well you might like to try out Logitech's new Speed Force Wireless Wheel for Nintendo's console. It offers wireless force-feedback for that authentic driving experience and comes with a built-in analogue accelerator and brake and 200 degree rotation.

Compal JAX10 / Aigo P8880 Quick Review

2008-08-25T01:50:00.001-07:00

[IDF] with the Atom blitz going on at IDF, it was a good opportunity to do some interesting hands-on with upcoming sexy gadgets. The Compal JAX10 (also sold by Aigo in white under the P8880 product name) was one that caught my eye. It has a full keyboard, WiFi + CDMA 1X connectivity and a GPS among an impressive list (full specs in the full page). This particular version was running Linux, but Windows XP could also be installed I'm told. My goal is to use it for web browsing, email and blogging. It is capable of doing all of the above, but the user interface is a serious limiting factor.

Continue Reading

Celrun LLUON A1 PC

2008-08-25T01:49:00.002-07:00

Most people hang pictures on a wall, but if you're Celrun, you take the road less traveled with the wall-hanging all-in-one PC known as LLUON A1. Amazingly, this model will not only be made available in Korea but in North America and Europe as well, although specific release dates and pricing details have yet to be unveiled. The LLUON A1 will come with the following features :-

Intel Atom processor
Dual OS system (Windows for PC and Linux for IPTV)
18.4" LCD display with 16:9 aspect ratio
Integrated stereo speakers and microphone

What are some of the practical use you can think of with the LLUON A1 in your home?

Sony S-Airplay Wireless System

2008-08-25T01:49:00.001-07:00

Sony wants to bring music to every room in your home this September with the Sony S-Airplay device, also known by its model number the AIR-SA20PK. The S-Airplay is a wireless multi-room system that targets iPod owners, relying on Sony's very own S-Air technology that allows audio to travel from one room to another sans wires. The main docking station has a working range of up to 50 meters, which ought to be more than enough for most cribs these days (unless you're a rock star who stays in a huge mansion). Other features on the S-Airplay includes an alarm clock function, an AM/FM tuner and connectivity with home theater systems. The Sony S-Airplay Wireless System ought to retail for $400 while S-Air wireless speakers will cost $130 a pop as they're released next month.

Daym Robot Concept

2008-08-25T01:48:00.001-07:00

The Daym robot concept by Andreas Martin would definitely sell by the millions if it were to ever make it out to the market. After all, who wouldn't want a robot that comes with cool, glowing limbs? I wouldn't mind paying a reasonably handsome amount for this, as it not only looks good but is able to carry everyday goods for me. Looks like a fun, tech version of the AT-AT Walkers that we see in the Star Wars films. No idea on the relative size though, but I doubt if it were to be as large as a mule.

Freestyle Dirtsurfer

2008-08-25T01:47:00.001-07:00

Here's an alternative mode of transport - the Freestyle Dirtsurfer that allows you to go faster than a skateboard, but you will need to learn how to balance it like a bike. This hybrid-type vehicle, if you can classify it as that, comes with a simple lever-activated disc brake mounted on the rear wheel to help you stop, but knowing most folks who prefer to immerse themselves in extreme sports, the brake will be the first to go. If you're the cautious type, all you need to do when speeding down on the Freestyle Dirtsurfer is to nudge the brake bar with your leg. It will cost you $450 for the Freestyle Dirtsurfer.

Portable Motion Detecting LED Night Light

2008-08-25T01:46:00.001-07:00

It is a no-brainer that the Portable Motion Detecting LED Night Light functions only when the sun has set, because it would be rather pointless otherwise (unless your area experiences a brownout, of course). only works at night. For $24.99, you get an integrated photocell that will be activated only in darkness. The moment the motion sensor detects a movement, the LED will automatically light up to provide you with some sort of illumination. It won't be tethered to a power cord of any kind since it is battery-powered, making it convenient to carry around the home without waking anybody else up. If you're on a tight budget and can't even afford rechargeable batteries, you can choose to set the automatic shut-off time from 30 seconds to five minutes.

Star Mouse Tries To Shine

2008-08-25T01:45:00.001-07:00

Innovation is a beautiful thing, and it has gifted us with many lovely devices over the years. This time though, it looks like somebody misunderstood what innovation meant. This weird looking mouse is called the Computer-Mouse Star, and with its star shaped design, it sure isn’t going to win any ergonomics competition. If you’re really into stars, then this would probably pique your interest, if not, it’s highly doubtful that most people would buy this, especially since it’s going for about $44.

USB Fan Hub

2008-08-25T01:44:00.001-07:00

If you want a USB desk fan and also a USB hub at the same time, this USB fan hub might just be of interest to you. While combining a USB hub and a USB-powered fan might not have any added benefit, aside from the convenience of having 2 devices in one, it does save a little space on your desk. $14.99 for a little more space on your desk, that doesn’t sound too expensive, does it?

Box Phone

2008-08-25T01:43:00.003-07:00

This concept phone from Japan’s KDDI AU Design Project looks quite interesting, though it most likely will never make it to the general public. The Box To Play, as it’s called, has a camera and the usual mobile phone functions, but it’s very much inclined towards the musical side of things. The phone itself can fold out to form a box shape, which will have a graphic equalizer displayed on the sides, and users will also be able to “scratch” music on it, to fulfill all their DJ dreams.

Quiksilver Ray Watch

2008-08-25T01:43:00.001-07:00

Surfing apparel company Quiksilver has come up with a new watch known as The Ray. This timepiece will go back many years, being an analog device although boasting a 27-jewel movement. I must say the unusual display will definitely attract the attention of many people, and The Ray certainly has a minimal carbon footprint on our environment. It will be shipped in eco-friendly packaging, and will be shipped via sea instead of air to reduce CO2 emissions. There will only be 1,000 of these available throughout the world, so be prepared to fork out a premium if you want one. I'd be careful wearing this outside though, since it might be pretty hard to get a replacement if this one goes.

OCZ Dominatrix Gaming Mouse

2008-08-25T01:42:00.001-07:00

OCZ has another gaming peripheral that targets hardcore gamers - the Dominatrix laser mouse. Sounds pretty kinky, and it will definitely help raise your game profile assuming you have above average skills to go along with it. Features include an ergonomic shape, multiple DPI settings from 400 all the way to 2,000, independently adjustable X and Y axes, a poll rate of 500Hz and bi-directional connection for precise control and breakneck acceleration in FPS titles. Dominate (pun not intended) the rest of your competition with the OCZ Dominatrix. No idea on pricing, but each purchase will come with a 3-year limited warranty. Breaking your Dominatrix after banging it against a table in frustration doesn't count...

Seek Portable Search Engine

2008-08-25T01:41:00.001-07:00

Jukka Roitto has a concept device called Seek, which will make navigating through unfamiliar areas much easier. Said device will be strapped on your wrist just like a normal watch, and will also be able to double up as a music player, while doing its day job of using GPS to tell you how to get from point A to point B, and also guide you to nearby theatres, pubs and shops. To think we used to rely on the compass back then.

Holeder Earphone Hooks You

2008-08-25T01:36:00.000-07:00

Here’s an earphone design that you don’t see every day. Looking very much like a question mark, the design also serves a very practical purpose. Aside from fitting nicely in your ear, the hook design will allow the earphones to hook on to each other behind your neck when not in use. To top things off, it also looks great. Hopefully this one makes it beyond the concept phase.

LG KC910 Succeeds LG KU990

2008-08-25T01:35:00.001-07:00

LG has just released its latest touch-based handset, the LG KC910. This all-in-one phone will take over the LG KU990's position as the new multimedia powerhouse, featuring the following specifications :-

8 megapixel autofocus camera
GPS navigation with geo-tagging
Schneider-Kreuznach optics
Records VGA videos at 30fps
Xenon flash
3" 262k color LCD display at 240 x 400 resolution
Quad-band GSM connectivity
3G with HSDPA support
USB and Bluetooth connectivity
microSD memory card slot
TV Out
XviD and DivX video playback support

Sounds as though the only thing that's missing is the kitchen sink. There is no word on pricing, but the LG KC910 will be released from October onwards. Will you be getting one?

Entertainment Robots Running On VIA EPIA Pico-ITX Motherboards

2008-08-25T01:34:00.000-07:00

VIA has unveiled a bunch of entertainment robots at the Taipei International Robot Show that run on VIA's very own EPIA Pico-ITX motherboard. All the robots on parade at the VIA booth are provided by PlayRobot. Hmmm, will Intel as well as other motherboard manufacturers concentrate on this niche market, or will it always remain an enthusiast segment? After all, the very fact that VIA is the main choice points toward the company's commitment to extremely compact form factors, robust performance, extensive feature sets and extremely low power consumption.

Small Apartment Furniture - Cube Style

2008-08-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

We all know that small spaces, require compact living, and when the size of the room is limited we have to find ways to maximize the small space of our apartments. A piece of furniture that can help us achieve this is this dining room set called Cube Style, a very cleverly piece of furniture especially designed for small apartments (as you probably know, space is at a premium in Tokyo). The Cube Style is not to confortable, but for a small apartment where the space is limited this is an ideal piece of furniture. Available at Dinos.

Water4Gas

2008-08-11T04:54:00.001-07:00

Did you know that you can convert your car or truck to a water-burning vehicle (Water Hybrid)?

Water4Gas is a Do-It-Yourself, affordable and SIMPLE technology.

No big science, all simple.

Water is supplemental to gasoline or diesel fuel

Water4Gas is SIMPLE to install/remove:

the solution you've been looking for!

Download:
http://3dbangla.co.cc/index.php/Other-Stuff/Water4Gas.html

Boost performance while preventing smog.

You'll discover how to generate free energy in your car or truck.

The Most Expensive Bathtub Ever Made

2008-08-11T04:48:00.001-07:00

This Red Diamond bathtub is probably the most expensive bathtub ever made, and has pretty interesting elements. Its features include two waterproof HDTVs, GSM remote control, console with massive gold frame (42 g 18 k) and Swarowski crystals. The thing that amazes me is the price, which is no less than $47,200. I wonder where did they come up this this enormous sum? Let’s do some math: 2 HDTVs, no more than $1,000, 42 g of gold, again no more than $1,000, GSM controlling capability, I’ll be kind and award them another $1,000. The small Swarowski crystals are placed on the champagne-support only, so… let’s value them at $2,000. These make a total of $5,000, so, technically, the bathtub itself should worth another $37,000. These guys are insane, how dumb do they think we are? - Via - Homistic

New Technology Will Transform your Wallpaper into a Speaker

2008-08-11T04:47:00.001-07:00

Technology in these days changes everything, even faster that we can imagine. For example a new amazing technology has the potential to turn just about any surface, including your walls, into a speaker. Johns Hopkins materials scientist Michaely Yu and his team have made a rubbery plastic-based material that could help place piezoelectric devices in previously impractical areas, including your walls. Personally I can’t even imagine how this technology can work, but for those of you who want to know more about this new technology you can take a look at the patent application of this new technology. - Via 1, 2

The Geekiest Toilet Ever : Souped Up John

2008-08-11T04:45:00.000-07:00

What you are going to see in this post is a realistic toilet that was featured under “Cool Inventions” in National Geographic Kids Magazine under the title ‘Souped Up John.’ An ultra pimped out toilet, that is the ultimate in geek bathroom luxury. It features a TV, TiVo, DVD, XBox, laptop, refrigerator, megaphone, Ipod dock and of course the standard toilet paper holder. In conclusion this toilet is equipped with everything you need, so you’ll be able to spend your whole day in your toilet. Now the ultra busy people can be happy because they won’t be missing anything. Finally to keep you even more time in this toilet you also get some exercise pedals in front for when you really need to shake those bowels loose. If you don’t consider yourself sedentary enough then this geeky toilet will help you become one.

Pet Plant Pot Wants to Make us Understand How Plants Feel

2008-08-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I’ve presented the Vitamin I.V. Plant Pot an interesting and good looking self watering plant pot. Today I’ve discovered something more extreme, a very geeky and sophisticated plant pot named Pet Plant and designed by Junyi Heo. This plant pot is for those of you who are so busy that they might need a reminder to keep their plants alive. In a few words this concept plants pot shows us how the plants truly feel. The very sleek looking pot measures soil conditions, temperature, humidity, and water calculates those variables based on the need of said plant, and expresses its condition via a series of pictograms on an LCD display. The plant pot will be able to download via an USB interface from a computer all the information about a rose, herb, …whatever, and tell you exactly what the plant needs. Finally the design looks cute, but if every single thing from our house will be depended on electricity our planet, and budget will have to suffer a lot.

Coffee Table Inspired by Ipod

2008-08-11T04:34:00.001-07:00

Wired’s Nicole Martinelli ( Italian correspondent ) spotted this iCoffee table last week in the lobby of Milan’s Nhow design hotel. I expected to see at least one product inspired by the well known Ipod, and here it is one, and it looks as good as the Ipod, simple and sleek.

Universe Tie

2008-04-22T03:48:00.000-07:00

Stripes, memorial figures and even flowers, for that matter, come commonly embossed on ties. If someday the whacky idea of freaking your boss comes to your mind, you would surely look upon the Universe Tie by Asako Design World. Having used the bright colors of the universe these ties seem to break the boring convention of straight-laced ties.It features three walnut buttons and made of 100% cotton with bright green and pink silk backing.

It measures 143x10cm and can be brought from TokyoMade retailers for $80.

Light Bulb Clothes Hanger: No More Skeletons in Your Cupboard

2008-04-22T03:42:00.000-07:00

I’d like to buy this if I owned a boutique or a designer store or maybe if I were forced to blow off some money for a mere hanger. This hanger however, does have some novelty for which the rich may be tempted to shell out some extra cash. It comes with a light bulb somewhere in between it that is so placed, so that your shirt will glow as if worn by ET in his last moments. I’m sot saying that this cannot be made by just about anyone with a little knowledge in basic electronics. However, as far as the branded folks love it being done, here’s a way to please them.

The Light Bulb Clothes Hanger costs a whopping $249. Oh yeah, I know, it’s a lot.

Game Boy Boots Aren't Cool

2008-04-19T02:56:00.001-07:00

If you want to show off your love for the Game Boy, I can think of quite a few better ways to do it than by wearing some seriously ugly boots with Game Boys strapped to the front. Not that I'm a fashionista or anything, but I mean, come on. They also come in high heels form, which might be even worse. Check those after the jump.

[InventorSpot via SlipperyBrick]

Giant Chandelier Harnesses The Sun's Power For Electricity and Color-Changing Abilities

2008-04-19T02:51:00.000-07:00

This chandelier design by Christoph Klemmt is truly the superhero of lighting fixtures. Besides the obvious aesthetic qualities, the segments that make up the structure itself gradually change from clear to brightly colored when struck by direct sunlight. It also gathers the power from the sun's rays and uses it to illuminate the LEDs scattered along the surface. The piece is currently on exhibit at the Milan furniture fair 2008, so I highly doubt that it will be available to place in your garden anytime soon. And even if it was, you probably couldn't afford it. Additional pic after the break.

[Project Or via Klemmt via The Design Blog]

Dixie Chopper Excalibur 3874: Smoke Your Neighbor in a Lawnmower Drag Race

2008-04-19T02:48:00.001-07:00

With words like "Chopper" and "Excalibur" in the title, you know that this lawnmower can haul some ass and cut some grass. In fact, the manufacturer is touting it as the world's fastest lawnmower with a top speed of 15 mph on 38 hp. It may not seem all that fast, but you could tear up your yard and be inside getting loaded before your neighbor even starts his engine.

In fact, the product site claims that you can obliterate a 9.2 acre plot of land in about an hour—which is just enough time to work your way through a Slayer album using the 12-volt iPod / Cellphone compatible adapter. After all, that is the only way to cut grass with a beast like the Excalibur 3874. Pedal to the floor with metal music blazing and a middle finger extended in the direction of your neighbors. Unfortunately, you won't be enjoying that unbridled masculine lawncare moment unless you can come up with the $11,332 it takes to buy it. [Dixie Chopper via DVICE]

Pioneer's AVIC-F500BT GPS monstrosity slips through the FCC

2008-04-19T02:47:00.001-07:00

Pioneer's cramming a 5.8-inch 800 x 480 screen into this AVIC-F500BT "portable" navigation device, and just got themselves some FCC approval for shipping it over to the States. In addition to that gargantuan screen, the F500 really excels at connectivity, with Bluetooth for hands-free calling, an optional traffic antenna, and some ND-BC2 add-on to hook the unit up to a rear view camera. You can also use it to control your iPod, but there's an SD card slot if you want to handle those tunes with the F500. No word on price or availability, but this unit sells as the NavGate 500 over in Europe for a whopping 699 Euro -- about $1100 US. Ouch.

Dell's 22-inch Crystal LCD monitor gets reviewed, panned

2008-04-19T02:46:00.001-07:00

It seems as if Dell reckoned that the Crystal's boyish good looks would be enough to push it into the hands of style-obsessed nationals everywhere, as a scalding review over at Maximum PC asserts that little else beyond that is actually going for it. Said to have exhibited "absurd glare, low grayscale range and fussy touch-buttons" the 22-inch stunner frustrated critics beyond the point of forgiveness. More specifically, the glare was said to be so bad while watching dark scenes in a film that it "destroyed the picture." To its credit, it did manage to present ultra-vivid colors and an accurate dynamic contrast, but those two bright spots were far from being enough to overcome the negatives. Needless to say, the unit did well to fetch the 5 out of 10 score that was bestowed upon it, and based upon what we're hearing, we'd highly recommend checking one of these out in person before buying this thing on appearances alone.

How would you change GamePark's GP2X F-200 handheld?

2008-04-19T02:39:00.000-07:00

Alright, so we know there aren't hordes of you out there currently possessing one of GamePark's GP2X F-200 handhelds, but we have absolutely no doubts that the owners that do exist are mighty vocal about their diminutive emulation powerhouse. When the unit was reviewed recently over at Ars Technica, critics found an awful lot to love, but it's not like the admittedly hefty, battery-eating, mildly unsightly unit was flawless or anything. Sure, we know the hardcore emulation geeks out there are likely turning their attention to the forthcoming Pandora, but that's not to say the F-200 can't handle a good talking-to from its loyal followers. Go on, put away that unconditional adoration for just a moment and tell the world how this thing actually could be improved upon -- we're sure there's something that grinds the gears.

Pyramat Wireless Gaming Chair: It's Unwired!

2008-04-17T22:36:00.001-07:00

The wireless gaming chair by Pyramat is designed for a perfectly cool and pleasing gaming experience. It comes with an 8-channel 2.4GHz digital transmitter. It is the ultimate gaming accessory for any gamer who feels that he's got everything. It is topped with two full range speakers and a four inch sub woofer that helps you get that extra kick. The chair works on a rechargeable battery that is built in and can be used for four to five hours. Other features include height adjusting and a headrest for some pleasurable gaming.

The Pyramat Wireless Gaming Chair costs an obscene $290. That's a lot of money for an accessory. But if you are looking to purchase a set of speakers and a chair together, then it makes sense to pur some cash into one of these.

Chair Suitcase: To Carry and Be Carried

2008-04-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

Here’s a pretty smart and well thought-over concept for frequent travelers weak legs. The Chair Suitcase is a suitcase that can convert itself into a very portable and easy to carry chair. So just in case you are subjected to long hours in a queue or end up waiting in a place with no decent seating available, then all you have to do is simply shuffle this little suitcase around and have a very comfortable chair so that your tired legs can take a break. This of course will happen not without drawing attention from envious co-travelers who are subjected to the same patience game from which you have comfortably escaped.

As I said, the Chair Suitcase is just a concept as of now. I’m waiting for it to materialize. It’s the super-market queues that I find most clumsy. Of course, not everyone walks into them with suitcases.

iCube iRec: Direct Video Recording to Your iPod

2008-04-17T22:32:00.000-07:00

How about a dock that actually connects you iPod to a DVD Player, a Camcorder or a VCR? Isn’t it the ultimate example of compatibility and of all the useful accessories that the iPod has enjoyed ever since its inception? It sure is a lot friendlier in this case. With a simple touch of a button, the iCube iRec can record movies directly from a source to your iPod. Based on the desired quality and space available for recording, users can adjust the settings for quality of the recorded video accordingly.

The iCube iRec works with iPod 5G (Video) 30 Go, iPod 5G (Video) 60-80 Go, iPod U2 base Video 30 Go and iPod U2 base Video 60 Go.

Weather Forecasting Umbrella: To Keep Me Dry

2008-04-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

If you are a i-hate-to-get-wet-in-the-rains kind of person then makes sure you own this umbrella. Also known as the Weather Forecasting Umbrella (the name says it all); this little genius is a perfect companion for those suffering from Hydrophobia. The handle has a radio receiver that is inbuilt into it. Whenever it senses some weird weather condition, it triggers of the LED on the base that flashes. Thus you know when to get the umbrella out. The radio frequencies on which the signals are received are proprietary so that the readings aren’t affected by external disturbances from other wireless carrier waves.

The Weather Forecasting Umbrella derives its information from sources like Accuweather.com in the US. It works on a single C battery. The rapidness in the flashing of the LED depends upon how sure the receiver is of the approaching bad weather. You can get this one for $140.

BevyTech Gadget Bottle: Why?

2008-04-17T22:29:00.001-07:00

I know he owns a lot of slim gadgets and I know that he liked to carry them around. But then why should it be attached to a darn bottle? I mean we have other things that are a lot cooler like gloves, cargos, bike handles and many more things that look good with gizmos strapped all around them. Well, since i decided to review this one let's say something nice. The bottle has this smart indentation that allows a slim gizmo like an iPod or a really slim cellphone.

The BevyTech Gadget Bottle isn't the best investment but it can be pretty handy for biker.

2008-04-17T22:28:00.001-07:00

One would look at these sun glasses and think of them to be just a pair of ordinary rimless glasses, not denying the sex appeal in them. However, looking at them a little more closely will reveal why they are here on gizmodude. These come with a 512MB that can store around 120 songs. In addition to music storage, your glasses can also store data files. It provides with a fantastic contrast controlling system that can adjust the shade of your glasses depending on how well lit your surroundings are. If you are curious about how the glasses can actually acquire all the AAC, MP3 and WMA files then the answer is a High Speed USB cable that comes along with it.

The Thump Pro are a must have for gizmo freaks who want to carry their attitude with them wherever they go. They come for $329.

Bacon Wallet: Strictly Not Inedible

2008-04-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

The Bacon wallet rather delicious but isn't actually edible. It can stun your butcher the next time you go to purchase some fresh bacon. Imagine digging into meat and pulling out some wads of unstained cash. Yeah! It is going to stun them for sure. Style statements never tasted better. I wonder how vegetarians would take this new release from What On Earth. Just curious, but then what had the makers thought of when they decided to produce eggless bacon!

You can purchase the Bacon Wallet for $10 at the store.

Watch Ring Concept: Saving Space

2008-04-17T22:15:00.001-07:00

Here's a cool concept product by Charles Windlin. Called the Watch Ring, it is basically a ring with a display screen that runs along its body. With a brilliant digital display, the ring also has a lower layer of gold comes with it. I liked the design since it can be used by both sexes with equal elegance and style. There will just be the issue of treating the ring well, since I feel that it won't necessarily be as tough as a normal ring that is subject to a lot of rough treatment.

The Watch Ring will do well once it flows into the mainstream industry. It is comprised of 1400 spheres that can turn in every direction, causing the display to be dynamic and realistic.

Mouse LED Light: Rodent Help In The Dark

2008-04-17T22:14:00.001-07:00

At some point or the other we all brag about some really sexy keychains that we own. But then how many of these are actually helpful when it comes to using your key to open your door on a dark stormy night. This cool LED keychain comes in the shape of a mouse. It's all shiny and sparkly all over and has two brilliant LEDs for eyes that provide with light in dark moments. You don't need to turn to a torch or a cigarette lighter anymore for help.

The LED Mouse Keychain ships with a gift wrapping so that it makes for a good Christmas surprise. Get it for just £5 (~$10).

Tatamet: Futuristic Head Gear

2008-04-17T22:13:00.001-07:00

Japan are known to be the land of the rising sun and also the land that uses future technology even before the western world get to know about it. These helmets are created to protect the citizens of Japan from their eternal nemesis: earthquakes. However, I don't think that it will surprise me to see bikers and hikers wear these on their ever endangered craniums. The helmet is flat and at the same time really very tough. It overcomes the most annoying limitation of most helmets. This one is easily collapsible (since it is flat) and doesn't really cause you problems as far as compactness is concerned.

The Tatamet Collapsible Helmets come for 2520 Yen (~$49). I wonder why the images used for representation have kids on them.

BluAlert Vibrating Bluetooth Wristband

2008-04-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

Missing calls and losing cellphones are characteristic among those who travel in crowded transport everyday. Here's something for the ones who find wireless headset to be more of a nemesis rather than anything else. This is the best way one can literally strap the wristband to themselves and make sure that they aren't sacrificing any of their gizmos for the sake of a silly call. These work at 2.4GHz. they take three hours to charge and boast of a 100 hours of standby time. The wristband alerts you of incoming calls with a vibrator. You do not worry about looking like a geek with these on since they have a swanky design that can give the popular Adidas bands a run for their money.

The BluAlert Vibrating Bluetooth Wristbands come for £35 ($68). It's time that you mix style and substance and yeah, receive your calls in a less compromising manner.

A Gigabyte In A Wristwatch!

2008-04-17T02:47:00.001-07:00

As memory sticks take some rather weird shapes and forms, How about this cool watch that is in fact a memory device in disguise. It has a memory capacity of about a gigabyte. What's really cool about the watch is that it isn't freakily large or bulky. In fact it is just about the size of a perfectly normal watch. This may come to the rescue of those who wish to smuggle a memory stick to work but are apprehended by the security at the gates. With this cool watch, those blokes won't even guess that a gigabyte of data has just been whisked out of there right under their noses!

The future of secretive data storage is here. These watches will make big bucks as long as they don't get popular enough to be banned.

Converting XP to Vista: Simply Cosmetic

2008-04-17T02:46:00.001-07:00

Well, we all would love to have a taste of something that we really love but cannot manage to acquire either because (in this context), it costs too much or our PC isn't configured well enough. Here are some tricks for you to change the look of your Windows XP OS to Vista without compromising on your security and without loosing all your graphics memory to handle the stunning AERO interface. You can try some common tools like Vista Transformation Pack or Windows Blinds. You can also customize individual parts of your OS like the start menu, using Vista Start Menu. Other tools include Vistamizer and RocketDock.

These tools can make a small impression on Windows fanatics but can satisfy those who want a taste from the newest and arguably most beautiful interface that Microsoft have offered till date.

Kojinsha's K600/K800 UMPC Series

2008-04-17T02:45:00.001-07:00

I somehow feel like I am reviewing a notebook here. These cool UMPCs from the K600/K800 line of gizmos from Kojinsha are uber cool. They are empowered with a powerful Intel A100 600MHz CPU and have a 512 MB main memory to speed things up. There's a neat 1.3 MP camera and a 8MB Graphic-945GU Express card. Hold it, there's more to this one. They come with 80 gigabytes of hard drive space and weighs just 993 grams! The UMPCs also have a port to accomodate a 4-in-1 multi-card reader slot and can also connect using IEEE 802.11b/g. Other features include Bluetooth and a built-in T-DMB module.

I have to say, looking at these smartys from Kojinsha, the line between UMPCs and laptops is slimming too!

HTC Advantage X7510 Gets A Memory Boost

2008-04-17T02:43:00.000-07:00

Along with all the goodies that come in with the HTC Advantage X7510, comes a lot more. It's hard to pick a starting point to commence the praise of this little monster. The 624MHz processor has all that it takes to make a geek go gaga. Along with the 256MB of ROM you have a main memory of 128MB. The screen is real eye candy the 5 inch display. Other features include Opera Mobile 9, TouchFLO, Google Maps, HSPDA (tri-band), magnetic keyboard, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS.

There is no information the pricing of this one. However, it can be expected to be out in Europe by March.

Sharp's Next Step In Blu-Ray Is A Tiny Yet A Huge One

2008-04-17T02:42:00.001-07:00

Sharp has made it real small this time. The GH04P25A4G laser is just 3.3 millimeters in diameter. That's small, isn't it? The size however doesn't compromise on the output in any sense. It increases power by 250mW. This is great news for Blu-Ray users as it will increase recording speeds of up to 6x. Sharp also have another, relatively bigger laser called the GH04P25A2G that's 5.6 mm in size.

The production of these is likely to commence by April this year. These will be made available in the 50,000 Yen range. This is approximately something around $462.

USB Flash Drive And MicroSD Reader

2008-04-17T02:41:00.001-07:00

I was almost loosing my wits watching and reviewing all the weirdly shaped USB flash drives that have been flowing towards us geeks in full tide. And now to my rescue comes something that is cool but at the same time it's cooler than one could imagine. This USB drive with a concealed microSD card reader. You can imagine how much of a help it is to have something like a card reader in a device that in itself can hold data as heavy as 1Gb, 2GB or 4GB. In spite of the addition of a whole new functionality, the drive is of the standard size.

It cannot be realized as a practical solution in every case, but this 'mutant gadgetry' (courtesy: crave) is certainly my pick in this situation.

USB Dog Does Sit-Ups

2008-04-17T02:40:00.001-07:00

This cool mutt seems to be taking all the pleasure out of him into you USB drive. Just make sure that it's not caught by anyone who can derive the hint of what it is made for. It reminds me a lot of the USB humping dog that remained on most blogs as a topic of hot discussion. This one's called the Execising dog. Well, I don't really see any exercise in this chap's actions. He looks a bit too animated. I feel that something like a hairy mouse drive would give you a better feel of owning a pet for once.

The USB exercising dog comes for just $14. That's not much for a laugh.

Asus G70 Gaming Notebook Blazes

2008-04-17T02:39:00.001-07:00

Gaming notebooks are known to be sexy, fast and really expensive. Here's something that fulfills all the requirements. The Asus G70 gaming notebook can accommodate two hard drives. This means that there's a whole 400 GB of free memory to feast upon. Heavier carrying capacity hard drives are on their way sooner or later so this will surely make a good buy. The 4 GB of main memory isn't something you could vie for if you have lighter pockets. The 17 inch monitor looks just as inviting for a gamer as the pair of GeForce 8800M GS cards.

It looks good, performs well and is very capable of doing what it's built to do. We can expect an obscenely expensive pricetag.

Brando Presents Its Wireless Keyboard

2008-04-17T02:37:00.001-07:00

This cool keyboard by Brando is wireless and has a high precision touchpad in it as well. It's a 99 key keyboard with 88 standard keys and 11 hot keys. These keys include www, E-mail, Vol -, Vol +, Mute, Pre Track, Play/Pause, Stop, Next Track, Eject and Sleep keys. All you need is four AA batteries to work. There's an on/off switch on the keyboard so that you can save some valuable battery juice. It is compatible with Windows XP, ME, 2000 and Vista, so getting it to work with any Microsoft OS PC will not really be of much trouble. The touchpad is of great help as it obviously reduces the amount of accessories in your computer.

The USB Wireless Keyboard with touchpad is available for $57 from usb.brando.com. Not this can never be a bad buy considering the functionality and the price.

WinWin Laptop Stand: With USB and Speakers

2008-04-17T02:35:00.000-07:00

Carrying your laptop around is the main reason you bought it for: portability. But there are times when you need to place it flat on your desk or any other surface when you're not using it. Laptop stands are an obvious choice for the same but then not all of them do as much as this one does. It's got a fantastic height setting to perch your notebook. In addition to this it also has a 4 USB perch, a speaker with a 10 watt subwoofer a couple of 5 watt satellite speakers. Its black color ensures that it doesn't cause a combination problem for you.

The WinWin Laptop Stand has no price tag or availability date attached to it as yet.

Sharp Softbank 922SH: Something For Tomorrow

2008-04-16T01:44:00.001-07:00

The Softbank 922SH is a cool smartphone that's showing up everywhere in the gizmo blogging world. It comes equipped with a QWERTY keyboard and a 3.5 inch display screen that has an unbelievable 2000:1 contrast ratio. There's an external display screen that is 1.2 inches in size. You can also find a microSD card slotfor memory expansion and 3G connectivity. Additions to this smartphone are good enough to be noticed. The business card reader and the emailing capability when the phone is closed are some of the prime advantages.

The Sharp Softbank 922SH will be made available today (16 April 2008) in Japan.

Palette Digital Artist Handheld PC

2008-04-16T01:43:00.001-07:00

We had a time in the history of art when artists would use natural color and natural palettes. The advent of plastic changed things a bit by introduced well structured palettes. For the artist of tomorrow, stained fingers will merely be something non existent. This one's in contention for the Microsoft NextGen PC Design Competition. The concept is designed in such a manner that the system is wireless. Using the futuristic paintbrush that comes with this one, you can add a new touch of color to your images by using the available colors that are placed around the futuristic palette.

The concept will surely be a success once it comes out. Oh boy, am I getting too cliché about this line since I say it with every good concept.

Stylophone: Making Music Modern

2008-04-16T01:41:00.001-07:00

The Stylophone heralds further intrusion of technology into the field of music. After all the sophisticated guitar processors and synthesizers, we have this cool 'substitute' for the intriguing xylophone. This one can be played along with your MP3 tracks. Instead of the bow you have a cool stylus that can make music on the Stylophone. It has electronic keys and new sounds like Classic, Synth and Bass. Witg iPod and MP3 player compatibility, this one can sure make many modern xylophones bend their heads in shame.

The Stylophone is a great rendition of the 40 yr old instrument we have known, listened to and loved. This one costs $30.

Utilikey: For More Than Locks

2008-04-16T01:39:00.001-07:00

This cool tool is not just for a few purposes that a first glance it would tell you. This simple key like tool can open up into six different tools. The ensemble of tools includes a Philips screwdriver, an eyeglass screwdriver, a bottle opener, semi-serrated knife blade and a straight blade. You can take this along with you to any of your journeys. You have a lifetime warranty so it is evidence enough of the toughness of this one.

The Utilikey is a very handy tool that can come to your rescue anytime, anywhere (and anyhow).This Utili-Key costs $ 18.00 (Approx).

2008-04-16T01:38:00.001-07:00

This is something like an elevated tent that isn't exactly elevated enough to be called a tree house, but it is at a height that doesn't need you to use a ladder to get in. It can be freely suspended in the air or it can be anchored to the ground. It is a well known nemesis to have insects and pests irritate you when you go out camping. This can restrict easy access to them. As far as bear attacks are concerned, well, you probably may just appear as a bee in a giant bee hive to Mr. Grizzly.

Massaging Backpack: Bearable Burdens

2008-04-16T01:34:00.000-07:00

All the malice and blame that backpacks have been subjected because of broken bags has given them a bad name over the years. So here's some saving grace so that we can reconsider them over suitcases and trolleys. These backpacks massage your back while you have them on. It's something like a mix of good and bad things happening to your strained back. The designs seen here are over colorful and extremely gaudy. If you ask me I would settle for the black one (ignoring the turtle shell that's placed over it).

The Massaging Backpack isn't your everyday burden carrier. It costs around $42.

Steak Toaster = Greatest Thing EVER

2008-04-15T02:45:00.001-07:00

who doesn’t love steak? “Vegetarians,” you might say - but for the purposes of this review, everyone loves steak! Now I genuinely love a nice steak, cooked to medium to medium rare on a grill with some sauteed mushrooms and onions on the side, steamed vegetables and a nice baked potato. I’m drooling just thinking about it.

But what if it’s too cold to grill outside? What do you do then?

Some visionary looked at a steak and thought “wow…I could totally toast that sucker!”. Thus the Steak Toaster (a.k.a. the SteakHouse Grill) was born. From the product’s website:

Self Stirring Mugs: Save the Energy

2008-04-15T02:41:00.000-07:00

This one looks like it’s take out right from a Harry Potter book. The self stirring mugs make you a lot lazier by mixing up all drinks for you, especially those brilliant milk shakes and coffees. Basically made up of stainless steel, the mug functions with the help of a stirring blade that rotates, causing the beverage to stir. This blade is located somewhere along the bottom. A button on the handle is used to trigger of the spinning and stirring. Just incase your beverage gets all splashy and messy then you have this neat plastic cover just for protection. It makes a perfect travel companion since most of us end up forgetting to carry spoons.

Brando USB Mini Fridge

2008-04-15T02:35:00.001-07:00

Surely, USB mini fridges aren’t anything new. But then thereare a few specs there and there that differ one piece from another. This time we shall see what the Brado USB mini fridge has to offer. It can house a single can of beer and is powered by USB. Just like a real fridge, it also has a small LED on the inside so that you know for sure that there’s a can in there (loads of pun intended). Just as I say in every other mini-fridge review – there’s nothing like a cool drink of beer after an hour of laborious work on your desktop.

Heat Indicating Coffee Lid: Drink Me, I’m Hot!

2008-04-15T02:34:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we get all irritated and nervy when there’s some really important meeting or even coming up and, given that we are coffee addicts, we cannot step out with a sip of some good cool coffee. What’s more annoying is that we have to make frequent trips to the kettle to see if the coffee has cooled down to our liking. Hence, to reduce the agony and lack of patience with the Heat Indicating Coffee Lid that changes its hue from Red (hot) to a shade of Dark Brown (cold) as your coffee cools down. You can hence have your queries of how warm or cold your beverage is, by simply staring at it from a distance. With the help of a sealing indicator you can ensure that the lid is well sealed.
A video demonstration of The Heat Indicating Coffee Lid can be viewed here.

Deluxe Party Bottle Chiller: Cools Your Drinks Quickly

2008-04-15T02:31:00.001-07:00

Say hello to the new means of cooling your hallowed beverage during a party or after a crappy day at work: the Deluxe Party Bottle Chiller. It has the sense and capability to cool off your drinks in a matter of five minutes! (Lord, that’s quick). There’s a display system on the bucket shaped cooler that tells you how long the swirling water will take as it swirls around a fan (propeller, is it?) and cools the contents. A can of beer can be chilled in just about a minute while a wine bottle will cool off in five minutes or so. To increase the temptation of taking a huge swig, you have this Waiters' friend corkscrew lying waiting at the back of the chiller. Simply open the bottle and have a fiesta.

The Microwave Television: For A Cooler Kitchen

2008-04-15T02:18:00.000-07:00

If your wife or mum is a bickering you with all the work mounting on her head, then this may be a perfect gift to not only cheer her up but also to reduce the relentless grumbles. The Microwave Television is probably among the first kitchen appliances that come equipped with an LCD screen. The Holland Electro Wave TV showed up for the first time at IFA. It is equipped with a 10.2” LCD screen. It functions pretty well as a microwave with nine automatic cooking programs। The DVD player can support DVD, DIVX, SVCD, VCD, DVCD, CD, HDCD, MP4, Picture-CD, CD-R and CD-RW. There’s also a multi-language support, multi-camera angle and support for SD, MMC, MS CARD and mp3, usb. The microwave has a good 23 liter volume.

The Hillary Nutcracker: Politicians and Nuts

2008-04-15T02:09:00.001-07:00

Here’s a daring find. As the picture above suggests, nutcrackers aren’t the same anymore. Not all of them at least. The teeth of the cracker are actually placed on the regions of the inner thighs of the Hillary doll. I wonder what the designer was thinking of at that time (ahem). If this one would make controversy then all that would happen would be a sharp rise in the sales of the nutcracker.

Cooltone Mini Fridge: Outdoor Coolings

2008-04-15T01:45:00.000-07:00

We have seen plenty of mini refrigerators in the past so this isn’t the most novel invention around. However this one looks a lot cooler than most of the minis that came before. Unlike most of the earlier renditions, this one can store anything between 20 cans of beer to six bottles of wine. This fridge also has a CD player mounted on it so that you are entertained all the time. There’s also an input to accommodate your MP3 player and even iPod. Other features include a clock with a total of 32 presets and a remote control.

Classic Star Trek Communicator: One to Beam Up for Awesome.

2008-04-15T01:39:00.000-07:00

I’m coming off the Death Flu 2008. During my time of holding my bed down, I watched a lot of my Season One box set of Star Trek (the Original Series). Classic, buff Captain Kirk swaggering all over the galaxy with his ever-present Science Officer Spock and his impudent eyebrow cocking. Great stuff. The gadgets were awesome too.

Although it sadly does not come with your own USS Enterprise, you can show off your Trekkie cred with this awesome gadget for only $29.99.

ModoPocket MicroTripod: Just Don’t Lose It!

2008-04-15T01:38:00.001-07:00

You’ve all heard the expression “you can never be too rich or too thin”. Yet, a recent story about someone losing their MacBook Air because they may have thrown it out with their recycling has caused me to rethink the validity of this particular statement.

Take for example the ModoPocket MicroTripod for sale over at Think Geek. It’s tiny, sure, and it’s lightweight and easily portable. But is it so tiny and thin that you could spend the money on it and then misplace it because you’re not completely organized? It’s only 6mm thick when folded! I could lose it from opening the product box to look at it!! However, it would take up virtually NO space in your existing camera bag and it would come in quite handy for those shots that you can’t get without one.

“BOOSH”, huh? That’s some pretty powerful language for a tiny metal tripod. I would think words like “PRESTO” or “VOILÀ” would be more appropriate for such feats of camera wrangling. Oh well - I guess that’s why I don’t work for Think Geek to write product descriptions.

Pick one of these BOOSH-inducing gadgets for yourself for $29.99.

Coolest Trashcan ever…

2008-04-15T00:50:00.001-07:00

And around $100, it may be the most expensive too! But come on, it’s R2D2, man! The only thing that would make this cooler is if it doubled as a trash compactor with swiss army knife attachments.

It’s the perfect addition to that Star Wars themed room you have. Especially if it’s a home theater. Made of durable vinyl construction, the R2 trash can is 24-inches high, and you open R2’s head by stepping on his center “foot.” A removable interior bucket makes taking out the trash easy – although, come on, why doesn’t the “well put together” astromech droid empty himself?
But it doesn’t really need to be just for trash. This R2 unit can also become the coolest drink cooler of all time. Just fill with Ice and the drink of your choice. And if you can attach R2 to iRobot’s Developers Kit Robot, you’ll have R2 serving bar like from Return of the Jedi!

Gotta have one of these.

Available also at ThinkGeek.

Magnetic Knife Rack: A Smarter Than Usual Solution

2008-04-15T00:48:00.000-07:00

Knife racks have always appeared to be fascinating and cool to me. The very idea of such beautiful 'weapons' piled up neatly in my mum's favorite corner in the house invoked a lot of pleasure and excitement in me every time I went to reach for one. Times have changed and those worn out wooden stands no longer are in vogue. These cool magnetic knife racks can really give your kitchen that extra bit of oomph. The magnetic face is strong enough to hold the knives erect and perpendicular to the ground so that they can stare threateningly at the potatoes on the chopping board.

The Magnetic Knife Rack is probably going to be my gift to mum this thanksgiving. It costs just $40.

Portable Oxygen Bar gets your Brain Working

2008-04-15T00:47:00.001-07:00

A bad office can slow you down mentally. All that grimy and sweaty air seriously cannot be that good for your body. If you find your self in this office type problem then grab yourself a Portable Oxygen bar. The oxygen bar from O2 Innovations provides you with cleaner air which helps you to clear your mind. In the box you get a headset, aromatherapy from Bee Happy, Nose Hoses, filters and relaxation CD’s. The instructions recommend you use the Oxygen bar for 30 minutes to get maximum effect.

Features

Weighs only 15 pounds, has a built in handle and only requires a standard 110v electrical outlet for use

Breathe clean, fresh oxygen-enriched air anytime - anywhere with our state-of-the-art headset (with or without aromatherapy) or our nose hose

Increases energy, stamina, concentration and alertness, promotes relaxation and eases headaches, hangovers and benefits smokers

Rejuvenates athletes, especially while training in higher elevations (lessens the effects of altitude sickness)

Promotes wellness in polluted city environments; revitalizes airline travellers & enhances sexual energy

The O2-B delivers 40% oxygen at a rate of 3 litres per minute. It is capped at 40% due to restrictions of needing a licence to use anything higher.

If you really feel this device will do some good for you then you can pick it up over at Amazon for $659.

Bluetooth Microphone fits inside your tooth

2008-04-15T00:46:00.000-07:00

Since Bluetooth became a standard feature on most phones, people have been coming up with all sorts of new headsets. The ones that fascinate me the most are the ones that use the vibrations from the bone in your jaw to detect what you are saying. To me it’s cool and creepy at the same time. Less creepy though, than this new Bluetooth Dental Insert Microphone.

Essentially what you do is stick this tiny transmitter (powered by an even smaller solar panel) into a small crevice in your tooth (exactly like a filling) and it picks up the vibrations in your teeth. While that would make things really simple sometimes, that is just way too creepy.

Honestly, I’m completely disappointed with this product. They missed out on a golden opportunity by painting it black. Wouldn’t it have been more amusing if it were blue. Get it, Blue….Tooth. Oh nevermind. I’d be more than willing to chalk this one up as an April Fool’s joke because this one just seems a bit far-fetched. Then again, do they pull wacky pranks like this in China?

Elecom Laptop Cooler

2008-04-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

With summer being just around the corner it is time to break out those laptop coolers. Due to the extra heat from the laptop and the warm weather, it’s advisable to try keep the laptop as cool as possible to prevent over heating.

Three new notebook cooling stands have been created by Elecom which are made of either ABS or Aluminium. The first model is the SX-CL04WH which is made of ABS and has two USB powered fans to withdraw heat from under the laptop. The size of this stand is adaptable. The next model is the SX-CL05SC which has 3 USB powered fans. Finally there is an aluminium model numberd SX-CL06SV which runs a little quieter and has two USB powered fans.

Cerevellum - Amazing Gadget for your Bike

2008-04-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

The good old pedal bike is one of the greenest ways of travelling around. However, some like their cars due to the cool gadgets, sat nav, radio’s and sometimes TV’s. If you cannot give all the luxuries up then you might be able to now with the Cerevellum. The Cerevellum is an information device which attaches to the handlebars of your bike. It can be described as a mini computer which can have 4 modules attached via USB. These modules vary and each is interchangeable as the need changes. For example the Hindsight is a small camera that you mount on the back of your bike. The image is then displayed on-screen allowing you to quickly see what is behind. Another module is the power meter which can track speed, time, distance and keep track of other various statistics of your journey. For those who want a nice workout you could then choose the heart-rate module. This one measures how your heart is doing as you ride along. Of course there is always the GPS module which can be attached to provide directions when you are in unfamiliar territory.

Overall it’s quite a cool bike device which with it’s modular system could easily be expanded. All they need to create now is the air-con mod, the radio mod and the V12 mod.

USB Chess Set

2008-04-14T23:59:00.001-07:00

Chess has been around for years (centuries even) and is one of the best and most strategic games created. The USB version is based on a roll-up type board and it can connect to your PC. What the USB connection does is transmits all the data to your PC should you need to pack away the game to resume at a later date. Tracking the game is also a feature and the computer will inform you that you just made an illegal move.

One last nice feature of the computer software is the ability to look back and see where you went wrong.

Features

* Interactive USB chess board.
* A virtual representation of your game is shown on your PC.
* Use your PC to track the physical pieces on your game board.
* Hint buttons for helpful tips.
* Save button to pause your game so you can resume later.
* Three levels of game play.
* Play against the computer or a friend.
* Records highest score.
* Timer to record game play.
* Option to email your friends the jpg of the game.
* Flexi board so it can be rolled up.
* Chess pieces.
* CD with software.
* Requires Windows XP.
* Requires a USB port.
* Suitable for ages 12 years+.
* Size: 29 x 26 x 1cm.

Product Page £29.95

USB Desktop Dunk

2008-04-14T23:58:00.001-07:00

Desktop Dunk is another perfect game for the boring office worker. The game comes with 4 mini basket balls, a scoreboard and even sound effects. It connects up to your PC or mac via USB and has 2 game variations to play. The first type is the practice game to get you in to shape and the second is competition so you can play with a few office workers who are also bored.

All these USB games, toys, ovens and fans make you wonder if the original designer of the protocol ever thought it would become this popular. I am sure he intended it for a quick way to attach just a standard mouse to your PC. I say keep bringing on these cool games!

The USB Desktop Dunk costs $25 from Firebox.

USB Chameleon

2008-04-14T23:56:00.002-07:00

The USB Chameleon is the latest USB gadget to hit the virtual shelves over at Gadgets.co.uk. The USB Chameleon is designed to add some karmatic balance and companionship to your computer. It’s legs and tail are flexible allowing it to sit almost anywhere around your desk or on top of your monitor. When the chameleon is connect via USB to your computer it’s eyes will move around and it will randomly stick out it’s

USB Memory Bomb

2008-04-14T23:56:00.001-07:00

The USB Memory Bomb isn’t the most convenient of shapes and might not fit too well in your wallet or pocket, but it certain to get a few people looking at it on your desk.

The Memory Bomb is designed by Joel Escalona from Mexico City and looks quite menacing in a cartoon type of way. Currently it is just a prototype and will probably feature a way to put your flash drive inside it or have the possibility to squeeze a hard drive in there.

If the price is right I can see my desk having one of these placed on it.

Cheap Eavesdropper Device

2008-04-14T23:55:00.001-07:00

Almost a decade ago the 64-Bit A5/1 encryption used on GSM based networks was cracked. However, equipment to eavesdrop costs upwards of $100000 which is out of reach for a number of people or companies. A company in the US have claimed that they can make a similar device that can drop in on conversations for just $1000 which is a huge saving.

The device is just theoretical at the moment, but theory seems to indicate that 30 minutes would be sufficient to crack GSM encryption. This is a huge increase in time over the more expensive device which is capable of cracking the codes in just 30 seconds.

This advance in technology should not make you quake in your boots though as the $1000 device is still pretty much concept at the moment and by the time it does make it out, no doubt changes to the algo’s could be made which means they have to start cracking it from the start.

It is unclear if this effects USIM cards also. Only mention of GSM SIM cards is mentioned.

USB Retro Fan

2008-04-14T23:54:00.001-07:00

This USB retro fan helps you to keep cool during the summer months. It connects up to either a USB 1 or USB 2 port and hopefully will have enough power to keep you feeling just right. To switch the fan on, plug it in to your USB port and flick the switch on the front. The fan stands 21 CM tall and is 75 CM wide.

The fan costs just £7.99 from DrinkStuff.

Shooting Net for Catching Thieves

2008-04-14T23:52:00.000-07:00

This Net Shooter reminds me of something Spiderman would use to apprehend suspects. The Net Shooter gun is powered by air and can be fired at a distance of 15 meters with coverage space up to 16 meters in size.

With the gun being powered by air it requires no government approval for usage (although I have not confirmed that myself). Various uses of such a device are for security in your home, catching animals safely, apprehending suspects with out harming them to name a few.

The Shooting Net does look quite fun to use though and I am not sure I could resist the temptation to capture a random friend walking around.

Pen Fishing Rod

2008-04-14T23:51:00.000-07:00

Ever took a stroll along the banks of a river, only to catch a glimpse of a pretty large fish making its way through the murky depths? Why, the fishing bug within you is stirred and you mutter your frustrations under your breath that you did not bring all your fishing equipment with you. The Pen Fishing Rod aims to alleviate this guilt, allowing you to have a go at impromptu fishing.

Ok, this clever little gadget is about the size of a large marker pen at only eight inches long, and yet opens up to become an aluminium alloy 4ft fishing rod, complete with a left and right handed reel (packed separately), a 5lb breaking strain line, and even includes a triple hook spinner. Never again will you be caught short when you spot a fish rise, and it’s small enough to carry with you everywhere!

Now’s the time to walk the talk as you no longer have the excuse “I don’t have a fishing rod with me at that time” with the £24.99 Pen Fishing Rod.

Plasma displays coming to cell phones

2008-04-14T23:38:00.000-07:00

Panasonic will be bringing together its two divisions in new product initiatives, with plasma video displays for cell phones being one of them while AT&T’s recently unveiled Mobile TV service being the other. Today, we shall look at the former, as the very word ‘plasma’ evokes a sense of wonder among buyers as they know this technology is superior to LCD displays in many aspects, albeit taxing the pockets a whole lot more. With Pioneer and Fujitsu already bowing out of the plasma business, it makes perfect sense for Panasonic to strive even harder to capture customers from those companies. It seems that Panasonic’s latest plan would be to include miniature plasma displays in future cell phones - something I look forward to with great anticipation.

It seems that Panasonic engineers have long been working on this new thin, lightweight low-voltage compact plasma display in secret for nearly a decade, and the time is almost ripe to introduce this technology to the masses. Panasonic’s plan is to incorporate miniature plasma displays into both consumer and business telephone products from this fall onwards, going one up against rival OLED displays where brightness, contrast, thinness and cost are concerned. According to Mark Balsama, “Many of our new phones will have vibrant color plasma screens that can run on just 1.5 volts and won’t require any additional wiring or special power supplies. We’ll be able to put plasma in cell phones, business phones, consumer phones, corded phones, cordless phones, and even door intercom monitors and fax machines. We will revolutionize the consumer electronics business, as Panasonic has done many times before.”

I guess mobile TV services had better buck up is plasma display cell phones become the norm in the near future. How much are you willing to fork out for one of these handsets anyways?

iGo Mobile Charger for Mobile Devices

2008-04-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

Considering that every mobile device needs to be charged, it would be nice to have something that you can use just in case you get into a pinch. After all, I can’t begin to count the times where my cell phone is about to die, and there isn’t an outlet handy that I can use for the next hour.

Enter the iGo, a mobile device charger that is mobile. The kit comes with two Duracell AA batteries that allow a user to plug into a mobile device in order to recharge and/or power it.

That is, it can charge any mobile device provided you have the proper tip for it. I have seen the tip, and it looks like a mini-USB, but I can’t confirm that. However, the iGo has a lot of tips sold separately, such as the A61 for the iPod.

The iGo also has other accessories, including the wall charger, a $20 dollar device that works like the iGo, but you just plug it into the wall and then to your mobile device. There is also the power splitter, which allows for charging two devices at the same time, such as your cellular phone or iPod, two very often used devices.

Although the iGo is about $16, you might spend more on accessories. You might want to figure that in your budget if you want to purchase it.

Gresso adds some steel to your smartphone

2008-04-14T23:28:00.001-07:00

So you’re thinking of rocking to a Windows Mobile smartphone, but am not sure on just which handset to settle upon? Gresso from Russia has the solution which might answer your prayers by offering the “Sol Steel” and “Luna Steel” that will retail for approximately $5,500 each. The cases themselves are made out of luxurious materials according to Gresso, including 200-year-old African Blackwood, sapphire crystal glass, steel, and titanium. Now that’s luxury if I ever saw one. Good thing no diamonds were thrown into the fray as that would’ve definitely put this out of reach for most people, but that isn’t to say every Tom, Dick and Harry has $5,500 to spare in their bank account in the first place.

It does make me wonder though - will 200 year old African Blackwood actually be treated so that termites won’t be able to make a quick meal out of $5,500? Well, even if that happens, at least I can still salvage the aircraft-grade steel which has been polished and coated with titanium, being used for the handset’s back panels and keyboard areas. Gotta love the magnetic lock for the battery cover too, which will improve reliability and ease of use.

Some of the specifications of the Gresso Steel series include :-

64MB RAM
2GB internal flash memory
Windows Mobile 6.0 (what, no 6.1?)
320 x 240 resolution sapphire crystal display
2 megapixel camera
Tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz)
Bluetooth 1.2 connectivity
USB 2.0 connectivity
1,100mAh lithium ion battery
4 hour talk time
150 hours standby time
4.7″ x 1.9″ x 0.6″

The $5,500 price tag make this the domain of the rich, but if you feel like splurging out even more, there are always previous Sol and Luna models which feature gold keypads instead of the steel ones used here. Needless to say, they pack a more potent punch to your wallet, retailing for 7,000 and 5,000 Euros respectively.

Elektrobit unveils HSPA handset

2008-04-14T23:27:00.001-07:00

CTIA Wireless 2008 was the platform where Elektrobit released its dual-mode satellite terrestrial HSPA handset, and this modern marvel has stirred quite a fair bit of interest. It touts itself to be the “first fully IP-based Quad-band GSM-satellite phone” which features a touch screen display, a full QWERTY keyboard, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, USB, and GPS navigation, all powered by the Windows 6.1 mobile operating system. It will come in a PDA form factor, where users in the US will be able to seamlessly and securely connect via both the satellite and terrestrial components of the TerreStar network. That is currently the sole carrier at this stage, so who knows whether there will be others in the future?

Both Elektrobit and TerreStar have come together to deliver a new generation of mobile reference designs that will bring together the first quad-band GSM and tri-band WCDMA/HSPA smartphone with integrated all-IP satellite-terrestrial voice and data capabilities in the world. Among the other notable firsts would be this being the only fully IP-based satellite phone using high-speed packet data, also taking top spot in being the only satellite-terrestrial smartphone with a touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard in addition to being the only satellite-terrestrial smartphone based on Windows Mobile operating system, accompanied by other services such as SMS, MMS, IM, Email, Push to Talk and Location Based Services (LBS).

Some of the specifications to be included into the EB-TerreStar reference designs include :-

Windows Mobile Professional Operating System
100MB of internal memory
Lightweight form factor
4.7″ x 2.5″ x 0.8″
Built-in Bluetooth connectivity
Integrated WiFi connectivity
GPS navigation
Mass handset customization possibilities

No idea on how much this will cost when it finally hits the market though, but it looks (and sounds) set to be one feature packed smartphone.

Triforce ensures you’re never without a stylus

2008-04-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

I’m sure that some of you use a phone with a touchscreen. I’ve had at least three different phones that required a stylus, which meant that I’ve lost more than a couple of styli. Sure, you can always buy more, but wouldn’t it be better if you had a stylus that was actually attached to the phone? That’s exactly the idea behind the Triforce.

No, I’m not making some obscure Zelda reference, that’s the name of this interesting little phone accessory. It is simply a small piece of plastic with two points, each of which can be safely used as a stylus. This is attached to the end of a strap, which is attached to the phone. You’ll never have to worry about losing your stylus again. The Triforce should be available here.

Van Der Led WM2 Watchphone

2008-04-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

Remember how Dick Tracy used his watch as a communicator? Considering the last incarnation of Dick Tracy came out in 1990, I’m not surprised if you don’t. Let’s try this one: Remember when Michael Knight used his watch to talk to KITT? I’m sure anyone eighteen years of age or younger has no idea what I’m talking about.

Well, here’s a wrist communicator that anyone from any generation can understand: the Van Der Led WM2 Watchphone. I have only three words to say about this: “Yeah, baby, yeah!”

After all, science fiction writers have envisioned communication devices on our watches for years. Isn’t it about time that someone made it into reality by putting a cellular phone on a watch?

This Van Der Led WM2 watchphone is a quad band GSM, and it has some very interesting features including a 1.3 inch 260K TFT touchscreen, an FM tuner, 1 GB worth of storage, stereo Bluetooth, and USB data transmission. It has a stand-by time of 240 hours, and a talk time of up to 300 hours. I was surprised to hear that it even has a 1.3 Megapixel camera.

BD Touch from NetBlender

2008-04-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

NetBlender has released a new application that enables your iPhone to talk to your Blu-ray player through a WiFi connection, turning your iPhone into a fancy looking remote control. I must say, the creative use of Apple’s phenomenal handset is definitely intriguing as developers could learn to build applications that will leverage data from a Blu-ray player, constructing an iTunes-like catalog of movies right onto the iPhone while offering title recommendations. In addition, there exists the possibility of sending movies straight from disk to the iPhone. Hmm, now there’s yet another compelling reason to add to the existing 3,951 others to get an iPhone.

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2008-04-14T22:29:00.001-07:00

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