Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Google Goggles are the eyes of the future

Posted: 08 Dec 2009 05:49 PM PST

Google-Goggles_thumbIs it just me, or does Google have its hand in everything cool these days? I’ve already reported on Liquid Galaxy, and now Google Goggles.

What is Google Goggles? Simply put, it is a way of searching for information about something using only a photo. For example, let’s say you are at the bookstore, and you want to know more info on a certain book. Just take a picture of the book with your Mobile device, and it’s like you entered the precise title into a Google Search. From there, you can even order the book on Amazon.

There’s a video of it in action after the jump, but you will have to ignore the really poor animation of the creators. Instead, enjoy how Google Goggles works awesomely with business cards, and can identify paintings.

As for buildings and businesses, Google Goggles uses the GPS rather than a photo search, but the search is good on landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge. It cannot do food, cars, or animals, but they say the tech is getting better and it can even suggest moves in a chess game.

I personally think that technology like this is pretty amazing, and I think it is a sign that our mobiles can actually help us get smarter.

If you want to get in on these Google Goggles, it is available at the Android app store now.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Google Goggles are the eyes of the future copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Liquid Galaxy takes Google Earth to the next level

Posted: 08 Dec 2009 05:03 PM PST

500x_googleearthrideWhen Google isn’t developing Android or improving their legendary search engine, they have a pet project to improve Google Earth.

This project, also known as Liquid Galaxy, is based on another project known as Street View Holodeck, which is a way of perceiving the Earth from all angles, not just a birds-eye view.

Liquid Galaxy uses eight conjoined screens which fit together like a gazebo. The user can then program a sort of virtual flightpath, and then he or she can go on something that is “more like a ride than a computer program”.

In short, it really is like a Holodeck that can fly through space. It can even fly to the moon or Mars. As stated by one of the creators:

With the Liquid Galaxy, we could fly through the Grand Canyon, leap into low-Earth orbit, and come back down to perch on the Great Pyramid of Giza without even breaking a sweat.

Google has finished the latest version of Liquid Galaxy at the COP15, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. It is then slated to have an appearance at the 2009 AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco. I’m not going to be at any one of those conferences, but I do intend to go to CES in January. Perhaps Google will have Liquid Galaxy there. I would absolutely love to take the ride.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool :)
[ Liquid Galaxy takes Google Earth to the next level copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Castoven: Watch a YouTube Video while you microwave

Posted: 08 Dec 2009 04:40 PM PST

castoven_2-620x339I don’t know about you, but when I put in something in the microwave to “nuke”, I don’t stand around it, waiting for my food to cook. Generally, I find some time to do a few other things, and I generally get so distracted by those things that don’t get back to my food until five minutes after the timer has gone off.

However, what if there was a way to keep yourself entertained for the time your microwave is cooking? This is exactly what two researchers from Keio University were trying to do when they invented the Castoven.

The Castoven is an ordinary microwave oven, with a little bit of a twist. It has a 10.4 inch LCD screen on its front. Not only that, this screen displays YouTube videos. So the next time you set the time for cooking, you have the option of watching a video of equal length while you are waiting.

The microwave is connected to a Mac computer, and the designers included a set of speakers. Apparently, the Castoven is set up with a specific Adobe AIR app that can get the videos through YouTube’s API. I am assuming that this is how it picks the video clips of the appropriate length.

Of course, the Castoven is still a concept, but I can easily see a microwave like this as a standard in kitchens of the future.

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Castoven: Watch a YouTube Video while you microwave copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

ZyXEL offers first fixed LTE CPE/SOHO router in the world

Posted: 08 Dec 2009 03:54 PM PST

zyxelrouter

ZyXEL is at the forefront of networking technology yet again in the consumer electronics segment with their latest release, touted to be the first fixed LTE (Long Term Evolution) CPE/SOHO router in the world. The model, known as the ZLR-2070S, is basically an all-in-one, multi-service gateway which leverages compact, system-on-a-chip (SoC) technology in order to deliver cost-effective, non-FPGA-based LTE connectivity to the masses. For those who are interested to know what the ZyXEL ZLR-2070S is capable of, you might want to head down to CES 2010 and check out their suite in the Renaissance Hotel for more information. Meanwhile, we’ll do our best to offer you a broader overview on the ZLR-2070S until January rolls on.

LTE is most possibly going to be the next big thing, so to speak, in wireless communications technology as it is full well capable of delivering blazing-fast multimedia connectivity on an all-IP platform. Consumers who have gone for LTE would definitely tell you the stark difference in upgrade of performance and services over Internet-enabled fixed and mobile devices that are connected via LTE. Apart from that, LTE also opens up a whole new era of connectivity across various industries which include (but are not limited to) consumer electronics, appliances, health care, public utilities and telematics.

Regardless of whether it is meant for residences or SOHOs, the ZLR-2070S aims not to disappoint by offering a feature-rich, future-proof hardware platform that is optimized for multi service. This will comprise of broadband Internet connectivity, a couple of VoIP ports, home networking through a four-port, 11n wireless switch, a USB port which allows you to hook up a plethora of devices including printers and storage. Service providers are also able to take advantage of the ZLR-2070S by enabling Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) support and other smart home automation services.

You will find that the ZLR-2070S boasts superior data rates of up to 50Mbps throughput in theory, which is much speedier compared to current 3G technologies like HSPA/EV-DO. The router's 4G wireless connectivity makes it ideal for operators who want to offer such a service in rural or other traditionally under-served markets where new wireline deployments are normally cost-prohibitive. Apart from that, the level of portability afforded makes the ZLR-2070S perfect for virtually any scenario where customers require high-speed, multi-user Internet access in a temporary location. Bosses ought to love this as there would no longer be any more excuse for their minions to claim that there is no Internet connection in the vicinity – assuming 4G connectivity is widespread worldwide.

Press Release

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ ZyXEL offers first fixed LTE CPE/SOHO router in the world copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Spycam Classic Lighter Camera

Posted: 08 Dec 2009 03:51 PM PST

spycam-lighter-cameraOne thing that you ought to be more careful about these days are the number of spy and hidden cameras around, coming in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The Spycam Classic Lighter Camera from ThinkGeek is one of them, where this $59.99 device allows you to record down movements and behavior of your target discreetly without looking out of place. You get 4GB of storage space with this classic style lighter, where it will record in AVI format at 640 x 480 resolution. Plugging it into any available USB port will help juice up its internal battery, while that also allows you to transfer data over in a jiffy. Too bad it isn’t as realistic as to actually double up as a real lighter though.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Spycam Classic Lighter Camera copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Electric Windshield De-Icer

Posted: 08 Dec 2009 03:49 PM PST

deicerStaying in an extremely cold country with plenty of snow, and not having a garage to park your car away from the elements? Chances are your windshield will be covered with a layer of snow or ice the next morning. Instead of scraping it off in the bitter cold while cursing your luck on your geographical location, why not check out what the Electric Windshield De-Icer can do for you? It melts both frost and ice away in a jiffy, allowing you to see out of every window for safer driving. Gone are the days of manual scraping with the $24.95 Electric Windshield De-Icer – just plug it into your car’s cigarette outlet and glide it across the windshield. It comes with a retractable handle and a 14″ cord for extra reach, while an integrated light and squeegee offers a streak-free view.

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool :)
[ Electric Windshield De-Icer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

CrunchPad now known as Joojoo

Posted: 08 Dec 2009 03:45 PM PST

joojoo

The CrunchPad is dead, long live the CrunchPad. Looks like the CrunchPad isn’t quite dead and buried after all as Fusion Garage responded to its legal battle with TechCrunch by announcing the Joojoo – which is basically the CrunchPad repackaged. The device will retain its familiar 12″ capacitive touchscreen while boasting a boot up time of a mere 9 seconds, featuring visual links in its menu to common websites including Hulu and Twitter while support offline versions of selected applications such as Gmail. Guess the 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 4GB of internal memory and Wi-Fi connectivity will be retained as well. Pre-orders of Joojoo will begin this coming Friday 11th, where it will retail for $499 while shipping anytime from 8 to 11 weeks from now.

Source: Electronista

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ CrunchPad now known as Joojoo copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Cubic Timer is multiple choice instead of fill in the blank

Posted: 08 Dec 2009 03:02 PM PST

cubic_timer

If you’re tired of the usual kitchen timer, now you can pick yourself up a slightly different type.  Sure, it  still keeps the time like usual.  It just does it with a certain amount of finesse.  With a cool timer like this you could even find different uses for the timer.  Such as setting a timer to make sure your shower doesn’t run a bit too long.  That or you could just stick with the old fashioned route and put it in the kitchen to help you keep track of anything cook up.

In order to work this cube clock, you just turn the cube itself to a different side.  If you want 3 minutes, just turn it to the side with the 3.  There is also a side for 10, 30 and 60 minutes.  Then there is an LCD display to let you know just how much time is left.  This timer came from the Japanese design collective IDEA.  Don’t worry, it is actually available for purchase.  It comes in white, yellow and orange for $34 a piece.

Source: OhGizmo

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[ Cubic Timer is multiple choice instead of fill in the blank copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Mobile Cinema DVD Projector

Posted: 08 Dec 2009 02:14 PM PST

portableDVDprojector

A DVD projector is rarely something you’d think of as kid friendly.  However, owning one gives kids that movie theater feel within the home.  Hopefully cutting back on costs in the long run and making them more likely to be ok just having friends over to watch movies at home instead of going to the theater.  Well this projector is meant for portability and is brightly colored enough to look great in any kid’s room.

As portable as this is, you could always set it up in odd places to make things more interesting.  Like setting up a fort in the attic.  Just pop in a DVD and it’ll project the image onto the wall and play the sound through the projector’s built-in stereo speakers.  It can show up to 50 inches on the wall.  Since it uses LED lights, it doesn’t use quite so much power.  There’s also a spot to plug in a microphone, just in case you’re dying for a karaoke night.  You can purchase the projector for £159.99 or about $260 from Firebox.

Source: RGS

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Mobile Cinema DVD Projector copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Rechargeable RC Wall Climber Space Insects

Posted: 08 Dec 2009 11:49 AM PST

space-insect

Most of us have played with a remote control car at some point.  Yet how many can say they’ve played with a remote controlled bug that can walk on walls?!  It’s the ultimate toy that you’ll never want to give up long enough to let your own kids play with it.  It’s probably best to buy one for the kids, then stash your own as well.  It’s the best of both worlds.  Just make sure it stays hidden, otherwise after they break theirs they’ll try to go after your bug.

Unfortunately, Brando isn’t letting on how exactly the bug manages to climb horizontally, vertically or upside down.  The insect charges up by the remote control and the transmitter requires a grand total of 6 AA batteries.  Which means you’ll have to keep a stock pile of batteries to keep these things going.  There are two different versions of this bug, there is the Space Beetle and then the Space Spider.  You can purchase one for $24.90.

Source: GeekAlerts

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Rechargeable RC Wall Climber Space Insects copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 07-Dec-2009

Posted: 07 Dec 2009 09:01 PM PST

Posted by Mohammad khuram shahzad at Wednesday, December 09, 2009  

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