Saturday, December 19, 2009

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

D-Link unveils DIR-412 3.5G Wireless Router

Posted: 18 Dec 2009 05:56 PM PST

d-link-dir412

Anyone who deals with networking and wireless products would definitely have chanced upon the name D-Link, and recently D-Link Middle East has a new wireless router for the masses – the DIR-412 3.5G Wireless Router. For those who are in the market for a new wireless router, why not consider the D-Link brand if you’ve been using other names so far? That is, assuming you are having problems with the other marques, of course, otherwise there is no need to reinvent the wheel in such a case. The DIR-412 comes across as a diminutive 3.5G router which enables users to share a 3.5G Internet connection via a secure, high-speed wireless network whenever one hooks up a 3.5G USB adapter to it. This ought to get those frequent travelers sitting upright at such news, since it offers unprecedented connectivity options regardless of where you go – just make sure your 3.5G data-enabled account has unlimited data and the cheapest roaming charges around beforehand.

The DIR-412 comes with integrated Wireless N 150 technology, boasting increased speed and range while enabling one to hook to a DSL/cable modem in order for it to function as a primary or backup link. Apart from that, the DIR-412 also supports WAN failover to ensure uninterrupted connection by connecting users to a 3.5G network automatically in the event where the WAN connection is lost or dropped.

According to Harrison Albert, Regional Sales Director at D-Link Middle East, “The DIR-412 is excellent for situations where conventional forms of network access are less than convenient. With the transition to wireless, this device provides users with an affordable 3.5G option that is also highly dependable.”

Security-wise, you need not fret too much as the DIR-412 boasts advanced network security with WPA/WPA2 encryption, while offering flexible coverage with multiple frequency support. Setting up the device in terms of security is but a simple affair, where all you need to do is press the WPS button which is located conveniently above the router to get seucrity up and running. In addition, D-Link has thrown in dual-active firewalls (SPI and NAT) to prevent potential attacks and intrusions from across the Internet in the DIR-412. Sounds like a dream device, eh?

Press Release

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[ D-Link unveils DIR-412 3.5G Wireless Router copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

SilverPAC offers evolution 5500 universal remote control

Posted: 18 Dec 2009 05:47 PM PST

universal5500

Remember back in the day where there were just a couple of channels on your black-and-white TV, and yet with just those few channels, you could spend endless hours glued to whatever programming that came your way? Also, there was no need to hook up some other peripherals like home theater systems and DVD players since those didn’t exist back then – heck, there wasn’t even a remote control to boot! Fast forward a few decades and you have a plethora of accessories and appliances that can hook up to your TV, not to mention each of them having their own remote controls. In order to make things more centralized and consolidated, SilverPAC has decided to reveal their evolution 5500 universal remote control to the masses by unveiling it at the upcoming CES 2010 in Las Vegas.

SilverPAC hopes to place consumers firmly in control of the many systems that are part of their home ecosystem, where the evolution 5500 will embed Microsoft's innovative software technologies to deliver something that most consumers would not have come across before in the market. The flagship evolution 5500 will rely on Windows SideShow technology, effortlessly integrating personal communications including e-mail and video streaming while being able to control over 100 home theater and automation systems, be they lighting and HVAC, all from a single touchscreen device (that’s the trend these days). Using the Microsoft Green Button, your whole digital entertainment library on home Windows computers can be accessed via Windows Media Center in an instant. Built on Windows 7 and Windows embedded solutions, the evolution 5500 makes it a snap for custom integrators to develop new applications while making them work with after-market devices.

If you’re heading for CES 2010, make sure you check out the SilverPAC booth at the LVCC. Attendees can place their pre-sales purchase orders there, and in a bid to promote the evolution 5500, the first 200 online pre-sale orders will receive a $500 per-device rebate.

Press Release

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[ SilverPAC offers evolution 5500 universal remote control copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Dungeons and Dragons played on the Microsoft Surface

Posted: 18 Dec 2009 03:35 PM PST

dungeons_dragons_surfaceIt has been decades since I have played Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). Decades. I’m not certain why I ever stopped. Maybe because I realized that playing D&D gave you an automatic label of “geek”.

However, this team from Carnegie Mellon has developed a D&D that can be played on Microsoft’s Surface. There is a video of it after the jump if you want to see it in action, and I highly recommend that you do, even though it is quite long. And you thought the SCOPE augmented reality game looked neat.

The video shows that players can put their miniature figures on the Surface, and it will automatically give the stats on the display.

As for the Dungeon Master’s (DM) role, he or she can make maps, and then go in for closeups and scroll with some device exists that outside of the surface. You’ll have to watch the vid to see what I’m talking about. It would appear that the DM is linked to the Surface with a laptop for their own personal privacy.

Now, the whole Dungeons and Dragons game is dependent on dice, and it appears that there is a kind of virtual dice that the character can “roll”.

Even though I am not in the Role-Playing Game scene any more, I can see how this technology could take off. However, we are a long way from having a Surface in every household. Honestly, I can’t help but love the Surface and want one for my very own.

Source

SurfaceScapes Gameplay Session from Surfacescapes on Vimeo.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Dungeons and Dragons played on the Microsoft Surface copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

USB Portable Media Speaker with WebCam

Posted: 18 Dec 2009 03:20 PM PST

speacam

Sometimes I wonder how people decide which gadgets to combine to create one big mega gadget.  Is it just a roll of the dice?  Do they actually think about it like we, the consumers, hope?  I’d like to say the second one, but sometimes I really do have my doubts.  One device that makes me wonder is this USB Portable Mediea Speaker with a built-in webcam.  I’m not saying having a webcam attached to your portable speakers couldn’t be useful on occasion.   Is it enough to justify the gadget though?

The webcam folds down while it’s in transit and can be popped open when you’d like to use it again.  In addition to the webcam and speakers, it also has a built-in microphone.  It also has a USB mini cable, an external battery pack, remote control, power adapter, a USB extension cable and a computer connection cable.  It comes in two different color combinations, one is all black and the other is mostly black but the speakers are framed in orange.  You can purchase the speakers for $53.99 from GizFever.

Source: GeekAlerts

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ USB Portable Media Speaker with WebCam copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Black and Decker Lids Off Jar Opener solves old kitchen problem

Posted: 18 Dec 2009 02:51 PM PST

Black-Decker-Lids-Off-Jar-OpenerIf there is one thing that I cannot stand, it is pickle jars. Generally, the lids are so tight and the base is so wide that they are almost impossible to open.

However, if I had myself one of these Lids Off Jar Opener things from Black and Decker, then I would probably never have to worry about that again.

All the user has to do is just put the jar underneath, and it has an adjustable height for all sizes of jars. It also looks like the jar gets grabbed from below, and the lid is somehow captured from atop. It then looks like both grabbed areas will twist with one push of a button, and the jar will come open.

The Lids Off Jar Opener looks like something that practically every home could use. To make it even better, it is completely collapsible.

I don’t know about you, but the initial base of this guy looks a tad skinny for doing pickle jars. I guess I’m going to have to go back to my tried and true method of smacking around the rim with a blunt object, like the kitchen counter.

Still, something tells me that I’m going to need one of these devices when I am a senior citizen with aching joints. Considering that this is only $27, maybe I should get one now.

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Black and Decker Lids Off Jar Opener solves old kitchen problem copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Dual USB Port Mini Charger keeps life simple

Posted: 18 Dec 2009 02:45 PM PST

dualportusbpowercharger1

It’s the simple gadgets that really make life a whole lot more manageable.  This charger really isn’t much to look at, in fact it’s incredibly boring to look at.  However, the simplicity of the design is the beauty of it.  It doesn’t have 20 different bells and whistles built into it, nor does it dance, sparkle or just plain light up.  All it does is offer you a different way to charge your USB gadgets and that’s more than enough.

This mini USB charger plugs into your wall and gives you two openings for your USB devices.  It’s small enough that it could easily be stashed in a bag for while you’re traveling.  To make it even more travel friendly, the prongs tuck away so that they aren’t damaged when the charger isn’t in use.  Sometimes having only one function is plenty.  You can purchase the Dual Port USB Power Mini Charger for a whole $7 from USB Geek.

Source: Crunchgear

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Dual USB Port Mini Charger keeps life simple copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Yotaro Baby Simulator, with real tears!

Posted: 18 Dec 2009 02:26 PM PST

ytr09-82322-thumb-550x369-30364Personally, I think that the target audience for the Yotaro baby simulator would be children who have just learned that they will have a new brother or sister.

As you may be able to tell from the shot of Yotaro’s oversized head, the fake baby has a projector behind it to simulate a face, albeit a freaky one. This projected face can even respond to a touch. You know your skin turns a lighter color when you press your fingers against it? The Yotaro baby’s face can do that.

It also has, from what I can tell, authentic tears. The video that you can watch after the jump shows the Yotaro connected to a water tank.

As I said before, I’m not certain who this Yotaro baby simulator is designed for. If it is designed to prepare potential parents for caring for a real child, I just can’t help but think that it won’t work. Trust me, nothing prepares you for a real baby.

You can’t always calm a baby’s crying by doing a series of actions to calm it down, believe me. Maybe they’ll program the Yotaro to a “fussy” setting where nothing will calm him or her down, and it takes hours before the baby tires him/herself out. Now that’s realistic parenting.

Of course, Yotaro is just a concept technology from Japan’s University of Tsukuba. It isn’t available for purchase…yet.

Source


Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Yotaro Baby Simulator, with real tears! copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

WakeMate works with your cellphone to wake you gently

Posted: 18 Dec 2009 02:15 PM PST

wakemate

There are a few different types of alarm clocks that allow for you to be soundlessly woken up.  This one actually works with your cellphone though. Not only that, but it actually waits for a slightly more opportune moment to do the waking.  Such as when you’re a little more awake, instead of when you’re just absolutely dead to the world.  With a gadget like this you wouldn’t have to wake up quite so grumpy any longer, so it’d be a gift for the whole family.

The wristband stays on you all night long and monitors your sleep patterns.  If you seem to not wake feeling all that rested in the morning, it’ll let you know how to improve your sleep through their Analytics Platform.  The device works with any old cellphone, not just the iPhone.  Right now it’s not actually out, but it is expected to ship out the 25th of this coming January.  You can pre-order the $49.99 device now and only pay $5 down on it.

Source: Ubergizmo

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[ WakeMate works with your cellphone to wake you gently copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 17-Dec-2009

Posted: 17 Dec 2009 09:01 PM PST

Cyber Technology’s Hovering Drone UAV

Posted: 17 Dec 2009 10:15 PM PST

091217-drone-02What you see here is a little kit of the Cyber Quad vertical take-off drone from an Australian company called Cyber Technology.

As you can see, the main flying unit has four ducted fans that provide plenty of lift to keep this Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It can keep hovering, and even film things while in the air. Yeah, I’m sure you probably saw that tiny camera on the front and figured out exactly what this thing is designed to do.

The company tried it out on a damaged oil platform, and it used a scanner to detect chemical leaks. In fact, it can “perch and stare” for hours on end. I wonder how still the footage is.

I’m guessing that the controls there are like those of a remote control toy helicopter, and those glasses are designed to be a viewer with a virtual sight. It looks like there is some sort of portable hand-held viewer all the way on the left side.

Something tells me that this kit will only be available to businesses and industries, but how is it that this company does not see the obvious recreational potential? Sadly, I can see the potential for voyeurs. You don’t want to be dressing and see this hovering at the window.

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Cyber Technology’s Hovering Drone UAV copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

SCOPE uses augmented reality to make one highly-technological kid’s game

Posted: 17 Dec 2009 09:40 PM PST

scpeaug098-2344-thumb-550x412-30282I’m sure a lot of you are wondering what you are seeing in this picture. Don’t worry, this is not the point-of-view of a Terminator who is trying to kill John Connor, but a new way of gaming.

This is the SCOPE, a game system designed by France-based game designer Frantz Lasorne that uses augmented reality. You can see a video of it after the jump of the modded device with viewer and webcam tied together with rubberbands.

If you look closely in the picture, you can see a Lego man that is surrounded by some hexagonal piece of paper. Each of the six sides has a different augmented reality code for the user to interact with such activities like choosing a weapon.

As the video shows, the user can see in realtime a Lego toy with the chosen weapon, firing it at a bowling pin-shaped opponent. The video even shows the opponent using some sort of force field.

Clearly, this takes those little imaginary games that you played as a kid to a whole new level, doesn’t it? I suppose it would make an interesting game of Pokemon.

The technology is still in concept stage, so who knows when it will be available. Maybe they will actually have glasses like the kid is wearing in the photo when the SCOPE gets mass-produced.

Source

SCOPE – Augmented Reality Toys.v3 from Frantz Lasorne on Vimeo.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ SCOPE uses augmented reality to make one highly-technological kid’s game copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

KOR-fx puts the sound on your chest

Posted: 17 Dec 2009 09:12 PM PST

afshar-korfx-277x300We’ve reported on gaming peripherals like the 3rd Space Vest before, which allow the player to really “feel” the hits of their player characters right in the chest.

A one-man company called Immerz has created a similar device known as the KOR-fx that lets a user feel the game, without the clothing. As you can see from the picture, it rests right near the user’s shoulders.

Immerz’s president and physicist Shahriar S. Afshar has invented acousto-haptic technology after three years of privately funded research. Not only can the user feel their game, but they can feel movies, television, or music.

Essentially, the KOR-fx is a way for the user to experience his or her medium better without turning up the volume. This way, the user has a better private entertainment experience without it disturbing others around them.

There are doubts whether acousto-haptic technology is safe for everyone, such as the pregnant or elderly, but something tells me that this is not the target audience. It’s probably for the youthful who care about getting the most from their entertainment.

I see the KOR-fx as the future of fully immersible cinema. I wouldn’t mind putting on this device along with a pair of headphones to really get into what I’m watching in the theater, or at home.

Immerz plans to manufacture the KOR-fx in China and Taiwan for about $250-300.

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ KOR-fx puts the sound on your chest copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Posted by Mohammad khuram shahzad at Saturday, December 19, 2009  

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