Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets


Cable Cars Christmas Tree Decoration

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 11:22 AM PST

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Having a train to go around the bottom of your tree is a pretty classic choice.  If you want something a little different though, these cable cars are one way to pull that off.  Of course you’ll have to sacrifice your current tree topper in order to pull off the look.  However, it’ll add a unique and unforgettable element to your tree.

These cable cars will travel up and down your Christmas tree all day long.  There are a total of two cars filled with passengers that go between the two stations.  Knowing how often I’ve managed to knock over my train set, these cable cars are definitely best for the less clumsy out there.  Especially since if you trip over that cable, it’s highly likely that you’ll bring down the entire tree.  These are priced at $49 from Walmart, but as of now they’re all out of stock.

Source:  OhGizmo


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[ Cable Cars Christmas Tree Decoration copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Wooden Cannon USB Speaker

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 10:15 AM PST

wooden-cannon-speaker

I’m not sure if it’s the holiday season or what, but lately I’ve had a high appreciation for wooden toys.  Being an adult, I really have no need for a bunch of wooden toys.  For those full grown adults that miss the good old days, now you can own a speaker that looks much like those handmade toys.  This way you get to be surrounded by toys, but they still have a practical purpose.

This wooden cannon plugs into your USB port and then works as an extra speaker.  It has a 3.5mm headjack that’ll allow for it to work with items like your iPhone or MP3 player.  It has a cable length of 90cm and a 2.5W + 2.5W output.  Since it’s powered through the USB port, you won’t have to worry about messing with batteries.  You can purchase the Wooden Cannon USB Speaker for $22 through USB Geek.

Source: TechFresh


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Wooden Cannon USB Speaker copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Insignia Dual Alarm Clock Radio with built-in photo display

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 09:14 AM PST

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For an alarm clock to have a built-in radio is nowhere near something new.  It’s actually probably one of the most common combinations out there.  However, this clock radio takes things a step further and allows for you to personalize your alarm clock.  It has a photo display to make sure that you stay close to your family, even while you’re away traveling.

The screen isn’t too bad of a size to display your pictures on, but it’s not exactly a big screen.  The photo screen measures 3.5" and has a pixel resolution of 320 x 240, as well as has a 4:3 aspect ratio.  You can store your pictures on the 128MB of internal memory.  It also has a built-in digital media card reader.  The digital FM tuner allows for 20 stations to be preset.  Since it does have a radio, you can choose to wake up by the radio or the buzzer.  To purchase the clock it’ll cost you $49.99.

Source: ChipChick


Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Insignia Dual Alarm Clock Radio with built-in photo display copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Brightkite releases augmented reality advertising solution

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 05:30 AM PST

brightkiteBrightkite, the Social Discovery Network, recently rolled out the first national augmented reality advertising solution. Users of Brightkite have gained the ability to access its augmented reality (AR) service since August earlier this year courtesy of the company's partnership with Layar. Up till now, the service’s users can also check out their friends' posts and photos at places around them. Now, with the rolling out of a new local advertising solution, those very same users are also able to check out tantalizing, special offers available in nearby stores to further tempt them to part with their money.

The Brightkite service enables users to look at the world around them via their phone's camera, checking out real-time digital information on top of real-world locations. As the camera is pointed at different directions, the graphics will alter to accommodate various lens' movements, as you check out your friends' Brightkite data revealed around them. Imagine the possibilities of forging new partnerships with retailers, bars, restaurants and other businesses to enable Brightkite users to check out what those outlets are offering regardless of where they are.

According to Brightkite, "this initiative pioneers the latest in advertising – combining mobile phones, location awareness and augmented reality. This is truly a groundbreaking media campaign about which we, as well as our users, are very excited." We’ll see about that though – just when you thought that the advertising industry is running out of ideas to entice potential shoppers, along comes this interesting and useful method. Guess mobile advertising has gotten yet another boost in such a form, but it will take some time before it rolls out worldwide as this does not seem to be as effective in emerging markets at the moment, so only developed countries with the relevant infrastructure will be able to support such a model. Take note though – this AR campaign is running on the Brightkite service till the end of this year, where it is available for both Android and iPhone devices.

Press Release


Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Brightkite releases augmented reality advertising solution copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Ford SYNC takes Wi-Fi route

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST

ford-sync

The next-generation SYNC system for Ford vehicles will see an unprecedented improvement from the company – it will boast an integrated in-car Wi-Fi system that will run off your USB mobile broadband modem, turning all four wheels into a moving hot spot to help you start working even before you head off to the office. While those who can’t get enough of Facebook and other social networking sites even for a while will be pleased with this, others might not be so happy since they no longer have any more excuse to catch up on their reading or beauty sleep while they are on the road.

This new capability will be available as a standard option on selected SYNC-equipped vehicles without the need for any extra hardware or subscriptions that goes beyond the user-supplied mobile broadband modem. Don’t worry too much about security though, since the standard WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security protocols will be in force, which means only owner-permitted devices will be able to access the network so that in-car users won’t have to worry too much about having their computers hacked. All you need to do is insert your own compatible USB mobile broadband modem into the SYNC’s USB port to produce a secure wireless connection which will then have its signal broadcast throughout the vehicle.

The USB port offered by SYNC enables owners to leverage a variety of devices, where among these include the mobile broadband modem. The SYNC system can also be continuously upgraded through simple software updates, helping SYNC adapt to hook up with a variety of the latest devices. Not any Tom, Dick or Harry will be able to hook up to the SYNC system though – the driver must specifically allow that device to connect so that you won’t have any strangers or unauthorized users from “piggybacking” on the SYNC-provided signal.

Press Release


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[ Ford SYNC takes Wi-Fi route copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Stay Puft Marshmallow Man

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 04:30 AM PST

stay-puftGhostbusters is one franchise that I would love to see it come back in a new cartoon series or even better yet, improve upon the movie that was oh-so-memorable for all those 1980s babies. Measuring 28cm tall, this Stay Puft Marshmallow Man isn’t exactly as large as you thought he would be compared to what you’ve seen in the movie and cartoons, but he remains just as cute, sailor hat and all.

Depositing and retrieving your money couldn't be easier: simply plop your coins and notes in Stay-Puft's rear slot and go about your business, safe in the knowledge potential thieves wouldn't dare muss with this, the physical form of Gozer the Destructor. When you need to buy a new proton pack, just pull off his head and shake out the cash. Dodgy high street banks? No thanks.

The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man is available from Firebox for £17.99 – go ahead, don’t be a Scrooge this Christmas and buy this for that devilish nephew of yours.


Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Stay Puft Marshmallow Man copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Talking Electronic Meteorologist

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 04:00 AM PST

talking-meteorologistThe weather in the east coast isn’t exactly the most endearing at the moment, breaking all previous snowfall records not thanks to the scourge of global warming as we pay the heavy price of the industrial revolution. Well, if you are more of a hearer than a reader, the Talking Electronic Meteorologist might be just the cup of tea for you to jolt you awake with news of blizzards and other weird weather phenomena.

This is the electronic weather station that literally tells you the weather conditions in a clear voice. At the press of a button, it streams the current audio weather forecast you’ve selected from one of 60,000 locations through the display’s dual speakers. It’s ideal for staying informed while getting dressed or performing some other activity without turning on a television or computer. No subscription fee is required. The base station wirelessly receives National Weather Service data (updated four times a day) up to 330′ away from a “weather gateway” that plugs into your existing network router (requires high-speed Internet connection). A four-day forecast, computer-updated time, date, and a scrolling text display are presented on the unit’s 4 1/2″ square LCD panel, as well as the temperature sent by an included wireless outdoor transmitter.

Retailing for $99.95, the Gateway itself is plugged into a power outlet via its AC adapter, while the Base station and transmitter runs on a trio C and a couple of AA batteries.


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Talking Electronic Meteorologist copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Gadget Thumbnails for 21-Dec-2009

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 09:01 PM PST