Thursday, December 17, 2009

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets


Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness in the US

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 04:44 PM PST

xperia-purenessFolks living Stateside have plenty of cellphone options to choose from, that’s for sure. Well, with a myriad of cellphone operators as well as handsets available, one is spoilt for choice, and it doesn’t help that Sony Ericsson has just released their Xperia Pureness in this part of the world – touted to be the first handset in the world that comes with a transparent liquid crystal LCD screen. Not only that, it also boasts ground-breaking miniaturization technology in the battery, memory card and antenna for one truly jaw-dropping handheld. Folks living in the US can pick this up via Saks Fifth Avenue online (www.saks.com) and Sony VIP Shopping Service. Just make sure that you have at least a grand in your bank account to spare, considering the Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness retails for $990.

The Xperia Pureness has a rather aloof marketing presentation, where it is touted to offer “an alternative approach to life in the complex, digital age by refining the mobile phone to its most essentials functions – Talk. Text. Time.” We’re not too sure just how alternative your lifestyle is going to get apart from obtaining envious glances all around whenever you pull the Xperia Pureness out of your pocket, but hopefully Sony Ericsson will get its basics right – which are, talk and text. Aesthetically, this phone is extremely appealing, boasting hidden keys that light up only when touched, coupled with subtle illumination to indicate call and message notification.

Apart from that, you know you’re living it up when the new Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness comes with the Pureness concierge service. This is the only truly localized global concierge service in the world, where members are supported from all walks of life via a 24 hour service in cities globally for virtually any kind of need. It does make us wonder just how much lazier one has gotten over the years. True, technology has made life more efficient, but we’re not using the saved time to attend to other more important things, instead of just looking around for opportunities to do more.

Press Release


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[ Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness in the US copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Synaptics introduce Fuse cellphone concept

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 04:24 PM PST

fuze

Synaptics Incorporated recently introduced the Fuse concept cellphone which demonstrated where the future of user interaction is headed, and it seems that the iPhone could be in for a challenge. After all, the Fuse will introduce multiple interface technologies for the first time, among them including multi-touch capacitive sensing, haptic feedback, 3-D graphics, and force, grip, and proximity sensing. Are you Apple fanboys quaking just yet? Of course, it is way too early to tell whether the Fuse is able to usurp the iPhone since there are still many other things to consider about, especially its ease-of-use and the all important App Store competitor.

While the touchscreen display is almighty in this day and age, we must remember that Synaptics was first to introduce the touchscreen way back in August 2006, thanks to their award-winning Onyx cellphone concept. Other phone manufacturers have long followed suit, and Synaptics has gone on to the next level by tackling the issue of single-handed usage with the need to look at the screen by coming up with the Fuse. The Fuse will boast innovative sensing technologies that surround the entire device to enable quick, intuitive, single-handed navigation. Take for example its grip sensing capability that relies on force and capacitive touch sensors on the sides of the phone, where users can execute pan and scroll functions in a jiffy. Apart from that, the Fuse is first off the blocks to introduce 2D navigation from the back of the phone! This will allow one to enjoy effective and fun single-handed control without having to obstruct the display.

It makes us wonder when will Synaptics actually roll out the Fuse cellphone concept, moving it to the production stage as we’re pretty sure it is able to make more than just a ripple in the industry’s ocean. After all, modern cellphones are all about progress and change, and the Fuse is definitely a game changer – assuming it ever enters production, that is.

Press Release


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[ Synaptics introduce Fuse cellphone concept copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Lego Head Lamp

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 04:15 PM PST

legoheadlampDoes you little one go adventuring regardless of where he/she is? Just to make sure that your kids are all right and well equipped just in case they decide to get themselves in a tight spot (i.e. checking out dark tunnels which generations of rabbits and moles have burrowed through), you might want to consider a head lamp that is extremely appealing – especially when it comes with a Lego minifig. We’re talking about the Lego Head Lamp here, people. It helps one navigate through dark areas without encumbering your hands, and you can turn it off and on with but a single click. The light is much more focused compared to a candle, and it can be clipped onto a myriad of items including your backpack, jacket or belt among others. The Lego Head Lamp is available for $11.99.


Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool :)
[ Lego Head Lamp copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Beriscope: See underwater, from land!

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 03:17 PM PST

Beriscope-by-Jaewon-Choi-thumb-550x413-30241Some of you might remember the other day when we reported on the Coolerbot, a way of exploring the outdoor wildlife from remote control while indoors. The Beriscope is a way of looking at undersea life from remote control.

Here’s how it works: The ball shaped thing on the left side of the device can separate from it, but is still tethered to it with some cable. The user throws this ball into the ocean, and it has a camera on it. From there, the user can look into the visor itself and get a view of the life aquatic.

The goggles look like the type from a Viewmaster, but it doesn’t look like you can view stuff in 3D. I mean, after all, I’m surprised that the ball has a 2D camera on it.

When you are finished with your underwater viewing by a lake or river, you can just pull it back with the handle. At this present time, there doesn’t look to be a way to record the footage.

Of course, the Beriscope is just a concept for now. Yes, it is neat enough to actually be a real product, but this one is conceived by one of our friends over at Yanko Design. I’m sure that some of their concept designs have been made into an actual product, but I don’t know which.

Source


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Beriscope: See underwater, from land! copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


North Face Audio Jacket has iPod controls on sleeve

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 03:00 PM PST

North-face-ipod-jackets_1

Staying attached to your audio accessories can sometimes be difficult in the winter.  Especially for those that have an iPod Touch, since normal gloves tend to cause a problem with switching songs.  These jackets from North Face allow for you to control your MP3 player without ever having to get it out.  Which is great for those of you that like to be out in the wet snow, where it’s probably best your iPod stays dry.

You control your iPod by using the small joystick located on the sleeve of the jacket.  It’ll allow you to do all the basic functions like skip the song and adjust the volume.  Then your iPod can be stored within the inner media pocket where you plug it in at.  There is both a female and a male version of the jacket and both will cost you $348.95.

Source: GeekyGadgets


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[ North Face Audio Jacket has iPod controls on sleeve copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


New version of the LG RoboKing

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 02:51 PM PST

lg-robokingLook out Roomba, you might have yourself some serious competition with the new version of the LG RoboKing. Is it bigger than you, or is the model (the pretty one on the right) smaller?

Looks like you’re going to have to take on iRobot’s best seller in a titanic Rocky Balboa/Apollo Creed fight. I can tell you that the RoboKing is much quieter than its predecessor. The former version was 63db, while this one is 50db.

It also has two cameras, which they say is an industrial first. I believe that the two cameras give the RoboKing a serious advantage over a robot vacuum with just one. These two cameras allow the RoboKing to better analyze its environment, so it knows exactly where to clean.

The RoboKing is also claimed to have a 30 percent speed increase. This has nothing to do with its size, so I’m told. It is actually smaller in the height category, by the way. This version is 90mm tall while the former version is 130mm.

So far, I don’t have any word of a price or availability date as yet. Maybe they will announce that at CES 2010. I hope they have this on display at CES, because I want to see how fast it can suck up dust. Perhaps LG will use it to clean up the floors after the big show.

Source


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ New version of the LG RoboKing copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


LockFace: A USB facial recognition scanner that uses the webcam

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 02:24 PM PST

Picture-21It’s amazing how much webcam technology has taken off, hasn’t it? I mean, if a webcam can recognize a certain code for an augmented reality program, then I don’t see why it cannot recognize a face.

This is what Futen, a Japanese company, has realized as well. Their Lockface program is a USB key that can be stuck into any USB port and then works better than a biometric scanner. Lockface as it uses your face to make sure you are the right user, rather than a fingerprint.

Lockface is designed to work right out of the box, without using any separate software. It starts by taking a number of pictures of the user, and then using this data to verify the user when he or she logs on again.

The tech isn’t foolproof, but 98% correct scan is good enough for me. This means that it will verify the wrong person 1.91% of the time, and often won’t recognize the right user 1.98% of the time. You could always use a passcode if you aren’t into the whole facial scan thing, though.

A 4GB version of LockFace is already out on the Japanese market for a price of about $110. There is no word on whether or not Futen will make it available everywhere, so you may have to purchase it from an importer if you don’t live in Japan.

Source


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[ LockFace: A USB facial recognition scanner that uses the webcam copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Digital Coin Counting Money Jar keeps track of your change

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 01:53 PM PST

zstc043_digital_coin_sorter2

Instead of being stuck counting out your change all on your own, it’d be nice to have a device to do the job for you.  This jar counts out all of your change as well as stores it.  This way you’ll know exactly how much money you have at all times.  Of course, this jar won’t work so well if you’re the type that constantly likes to take change out of the jar.  However, if you’re trying to save change this would help you keep track.

The jar comes with a small LCD screen on top of the jar, which is where you can view the amount of money within the jar.  Other than the lid, it’s a pretty basic jar and should hold plenty of your change.  Keep it away from kids under the age of 6, for obvious reasons it is a choking hazard.  You can purchase the Digital Coin Counting Money Jar for $18.95 from Amazon.

Source: GadgetGrid


Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Digital Coin Counting Money Jar keeps track of your change copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Solar Air Purifier keeps things quiet

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 01:21 PM PST

1446723-purifier-w-co-t

If your air could use a bit of cleaning, you might as well make sure that it’s getting cleaned in an eco-friendly manner.  Since it is solar powered it gives you a lot more versatility as far as where you can use the air purifier.  You can put it in a window within your kitchen or even use it in your car.  It’d be better than jamming an air freshener in your car when it starts to smell a bit stale.

It has a motor-free design makes it so that it is completely noiseless.  It uses high-efficiency photo-catalysis to clean the air.  The active carbon filter gets rid of smoke and odors.  It’d be great for anyone that has a pet that they’d rather guests weren’t able to smell before they even spotted that you have a dog.  You can purchase the Solar Air Purifier for £39.95 or about $65 from The Verdict.

Source: EnviroGadget


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Solar Air Purifier keeps things quiet copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Solar Powered Holiday Lights

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 08:30 AM PST

solar-lightThe holiday season often comes with the customary race to decorate your home in order to stay in line with the festive season’s mood, but do you know just how much juice all those lights take up? Why not take a more eco-friendly route with the Solar Powered Holiday Lights instead? At least you can lead your kids by example on how to keep the earth green by doing your part.

Unlike standard outdoor holiday lights that must be tethered to an electric source, these solar powered lights can be strung anywhere in your yard. A small solar panel stakes into the ground up to 7′ away from the light strand and powers 102 bright LEDs for up to nine hours after an eight-hour charge. Seven different light patterns dance along the strand in succession, or you can select your favorite sequence to flash continuously or have the lights provide steady illumination with the touch of a button. The solar panel gathers moderate or direct sunlight during the daytime and automatically turns the lights on at dusk and off at dawn. The 32′ 9″-long strand provides enough slack to adorn trees, railings, or lampposts. The LEDs are rated for 10,000 hours of operation. Includes two rechargeable batteries. Specify red, green, or a combination of red and green.

Expect to pick up the Solar Powered Holiday Lights for $59.95 from Hammacher.


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Solar Powered Holiday Lights copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Gadget Thumbnails for 15-Dec-2009

Posted: 15 Dec 2009 09:02 PM PST

R2-D2 statue comes with its own set of tools

Posted: 15 Dec 2009 08:15 PM PST

ultimate-r2-d2-statueOnce again, I find myself reporting on a other piece of Star Wars merchandise. Last time, it was the Millennium Falcon bed, and now it is this Ultimate R2-D2 statue.

The statue is a 1:6 model of everyone’s favorite astromech droid, and it is hand-painted and stamped with a “limited edition” label. According to the editor of Entertainment Earth, the site where you can order this statue, it has “insane detail”.

Also included is special tools including a mechanical gripper, periscope scanner, tiny buzzsaw, and five others. I find it odd that none of my sources say what the five other tools are, but I’m guessing that none of these tools would actually be working. After all, if the model is 1:6 to scale, then surely the tools must not be the right size for human hands.

Still, this leads me to a very pleasant thought. Is there any way that we could make this like the remote controlled R2D2 sort of like the projector from Nikko. Make this remote-control Artoo life-sized, and then put compartments in it for tools.

That way, if you need a tool, just program Artoo to get it for you. Better yet, make a control so the tool will just come out and do the job for you. This is why someone needs to build a real R2-D2. Surely we have the technology now.

Source


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ R2-D2 statue comes with its own set of tools copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


The Copenhagen wheel stores up energy for later

Posted: 15 Dec 2009 07:36 PM PST

500x_cph_wheel049MIT Researchers have appropriately debuted the Copenhagen Wheel at the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change.

This big red wheel has a very unique ability:

When you brake, your kinetic energy is recuperated by an electric motor and then stored by batteries within the wheel, so that you can have it back to you when you need it.

It is similar to tech that has been on Formula One racers for the past couple of years. So the next time you are going up a steep hill with that Copenhagen wheel on your bike, simply release all that energy that you got by braking earlier. I don’t think there is any indicator of how much energy you have, because that extra energy sounds like something that could run out real fast.

The development of this bicycle wheel has stemmed from what people are calling a “biking renaissance” or “Biking 2.0″ to describe how designers are using “cheap electronics” to allow them to “augment bikes and convert them into a more flexible, on-demand system”.

For example, the designers of the Copenhagen wheel want to use a series of sensors and a Bluetooth connection to an iPhone that would be mounted on the bikes’ handlebars. The wheel would monitor the bike’s speed, the distance travelled as well as collect data on air pollution.

I got to tell you, if bicycles get any more advanced, they will become motorcycles.

Source

Source


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[ The Copenhagen wheel stores up energy for later copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


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