Friday, March 12, 2010

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

This is your life and its ending one leaf at a time

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 02:28 PM PST

Normally I don’t report on anything that STIHL does, as I’m not big on leaf blowers. However, the ad department came up with a very interesting ad campaign: a calendar that peels itself off.

You can watch a video of it after the jump, and it works by simply ripping out the book binding thread that mounts the pages together. As you can see, the pages fall like leaves. I’m guessing that you probably want to keep a garbage can, recycling bin, or compost pit underneath this wall calendar.

So far as my sources reveal, this looks like it is purely a concept. I’m guessing that it probably wouldn’t be economically feasible to market a calendar that is only good for the fall with some sort of battery-powered motor to do the whole leaf-falling thing.

There would have to be some kind of timer thing to control the falling of leaves, right? What happens if this malfunctions? I would hate to get up and find that my three-month calendar is scattered all over the floor and needs to be raked up.

That, or perhaps the timer starts dropping the leaves in fast motion, like it shows at the end of the video. That just reminds me of montage scenes in movies to show the passage of time, or the last few seconds of the Bangles “Manic Monday” video.

Source


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[ This is your life and its ending one leaf at a time copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Pixel-bots will rock your world

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 01:55 PM PST

Curious Displays from Julia Tsao on Vimeo.

Okay, I usually like to have a still shot of what I’m reporting, but could only find this video. However, a picture wouldn’t say a thousand words on this, and this video speaks volumes.

These are the pixel-bots, which remind me of that supposedly top secret MIT project with the swarming robots that I reported on a while ago. Granted, the individual units here don’t exactly fly, but the designers create what is clearly the next best thing. I’m certain that these Pixel-bots are just as conceptual as that MIT one, but since they made this cool video, you might as well watch it.

As you can see, the group of ants come in from somewhere and gather together on the wall to form a screen. I think it is fitting that the screen is showing Finding Nemo, which depicts a school of fish working together to form shapes, just like the Pixel-bots.

What really makes it weird is how the Pixel-bots branch off to give reminders of who to call, what meetings to attend, and even where the lost keys are. You’ll notice how the screen goes off like puzzle pieces with each task. Then they show the screen splitting into two smaller screens. Um, if it can split into smaller screens, why doesn’t the screen just become smaller when it branches off?

Source

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[ Pixel-bots will rock your world copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Last Call movie uses an audience member’s cell phone for even more horror

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 01:30 PM PST

I realize that most of you cannot stand it when someone’s cell phone rings during the theater, but imagine watching a film that was dependent on having a cell phone call from an audience member during the film.

This is the technology from Last Call from 13th Street, an interactive horror film. Sometime, during the movie, an audience member’s cellular phone will ring, and it is up to this audience member to give the character on screen directions.

You can watch a video after the jump to see how the startled damsel in distress from Last Call tries to escape from the mad slasher. Yes, she actually calls an audience member during the film, and his or her voice commands tell her to go left or right, up or down, and so on.

The technology of vocal recognition is limited, but it is enough to apparently change the plot of the movie (think Choose Your Own Adventure book). Of course, in order to get this to work, each member of the audience must send 13th Street their mobile number. However, this is all taken care of with flyers given to the audience members with instructions that are carried out before the previews show.

Of course, what if the movie calls, and no one picks up. Does that mean the movie takes an even darker direction as no one will help the poor main character? By the way, this photo is from When a Stranger Calls, something that will probably need to be remade again with this new technology.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Last Call movie uses an audience member’s cell phone for even more horror copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Corner’s Communication prevents collisions with strangers

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 09:00 AM PST

For some reason strange mishaps tend to happen around me.  I stumble over invisible objects and usually if someone is casually tossing anything, it will definitely come in contact with my head when I’m not looking.  Which means I’m also one of those people that collides with others as I round the corners of buildings.  Thankfully, it actually appears that I’m not the only one.  Especially since someone designed a gadget that is made to alert people of someone else’s presence before they collide.

It does this by lighting up and beeping on the other side of the corner as you’re going around it.  Then if you hear the beep you can slow down or somehow attempt to avert running into a complete stranger.  Unfortunately, it’s a concept design.  Plus, it’s unlikely that cities will spend the amount of cash it would take to get these installed on every single corner.

Source: OhGizmo

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[ Corner’s Communication prevents collisions with strangers copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Wireless Remote Controlled Outlet

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 08:00 AM PST

If you don’t have enough remotes to lose as it is, now you can have a kit that’ll give you one more.  Sure, it’ll be helpful so long as you can manage to keep track of the remote.  Otherwise you’ll just have more spots to walk to and push buttons to turn everything off.  Since there are a lot of apartments that lack overhead lighting, this is a quick solution so that you don’t have to go around the room turning off various lamps.

The kit comes with a total of 3 outlets that will accommodate one gadget a piece.  The down side is that they look like they could eat up your outlet space.  On the up side though, it’ll simplify turning off and on electronics.  On the remote you can choose which of the specific outlets to flip off or on.  You can purchase the 3-Pack Wireless Remote Control Outlet Switch for $19.96 through Amazon.

Source: GadgetGrid

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[ Wireless Remote Controlled Outlet copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Western Digital My Passport AV portable media drive

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 05:30 AM PST



Western Digital is back with a new My Passport AV portable media drive, where this model was built specially for video storage and playback, capable of delivering a plug-and-play experience for digital media enthusiasts. It will come in just one size so that you won’t need to worry about choosing between various capacities? After all, it isn’t exactly terribly expensive with 320GB of storage space compared to a few years ago, as the Western Digital My Passport AV portable media drive will retail for a mere $104.99 which makes it highly affordable. More details on this highly versatile portable media drive right after the jump.

After all, there is a fast growing number of game consoles, camcorders, TVs, DVRs, Blu-ray players and media players (which includes the WD TV Media Player family, of course) that enables consumers to hook up a USB drive and play the multimedia content straight from the drive on an HD TV without the need to go through the traditional computer middleman. Meant to meet the requirements of this demanding video streaming environment, the My Passport AV portable media drive is capable of delivering the formatting and low-power consumption which assures out-of-the-box compatibility with many leading CE (consumer electronics) devices.

Western Digital has brainstormed with other companies, making their My Passport AV portable media drive to operate seamlessly with the Direct Copy feature offered in Sony’s new Handycam video recorders. The Direct Copy function allows Handycam users to offload and archive HD video straight onto a My Passport AV portable media drive without the need for a computer, where it will free up more space to shoot more HD videos when their Handycam hard drive becomes filled to the brim. All your stored videos can be viewed simply by connecting the My Passport AV portable media drive, and its small footprint makes it a snap to be integrated into any home entertainment ecosystem easily.

Press Release

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Western Digital My Passport AV portable media drive copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

GPS Travelogue

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 05:00 AM PST

GPS is fast catching on, and there are many devices these days that sport GPS navigation support. The GPS Travelogue is yet another one of those, where it will rely on GPS technology to track and record everywhere you travel, letting you upload your journey to online mapping applications such as Google Earth later on. All locations are stored in real time thanks to its integrated 64MB of flash memory at intervals which are pre-determined by you – they range between one second and 59 minutes, and has enough memory to hold up to 260,000 waypoints including altitude, speed, time, and distance. Tiny enough to fit into your palm, the GPS Travelogue is compatible with Windows 7, XP or Vista operating systems. A two-hour charge can offer enough juice for the entire day, and then some. The GPS Travelogue will retail for $149.95 from Hammacher.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ GPS Travelogue copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Boombox Freeview DVD Projector

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 04:30 AM PST

While Blu-ray players are picking up in terms of popularity and gaining acceptance worldwide, DVDs are still extremely popular. The Boombox Freeview DVD Projector caters for your massive collection of DVDs even if there is no TV around – after all, the built-in projector works just great, projecting a screen size of up to 75″ in size. This swivelling LED-powered projector also comes with an integrated DVB-T tuner just in case you want to catch up on your regular TV shows wherever you go. Other features include CD playback, an integrated FM radio, audio input and integrated speakers. The Boombox Freeview DVD Projector is currently going for £329.99.

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

Gadget Thumbnails for 10-Mar-2010

Posted: 10 Mar 2010 09:01 PM PST

Sony PlayStation Move motion controller announced

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 04:00 AM PST



Looks like Sony has finally ceded to the fact that having proper motion controls in their home console is definitely a step forward, instead of having a half-baked one on their original SixAxis. Well, the PS3 finally seems to be taking off in a big way worldwide so many years after the console was originally released, which is a good thing since more competition among Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony would see consumers win out in the end. But I digress – the Sony PlayStation Move motion controller has just been slated for a fall release worldwide later this year, where it will also be released with the PlayStation Move sub-controller that can be used along with the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects. The entire PlayStation Move platform will comprise of the motion controller, sub-controller, and PlayStation Eye camera. Hmmm, it does look as though gaming has gotten a whole lot more expensive with so many peripherals to purchase and set up before you get your game on – maybe Nintendo’s approach with the Wii is so much simpler and better for some?

The PlayStation Move system will combine the PS3 system and PlayStation Eye camera to detect precise movement, angle, and absolute position in 3D space of PlayStation Move motion controller. This in turn enables users to intuitively play the game as if they themselves are within the game. Capable of delivering unmatched accuracy via its advanced motion sensors which comprises of a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and a terrestrial magnetic field sensor, you will also find a color-changing sphere which is tracked by PlayStation Eye camera. Bfast and subtle motion can be detected, so it doesn’t matter whether you are swinging a tennis racket, or painting with a brush. Direct input can be done via action buttons and an analog trigger, and the PlayStation Eye camera is capable of capturing the player’s voice or image, enabling augmented reality experiences. Would this development drive you to the arms of a PS3?

Press Release

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Sony PlayStation Move motion controller announced copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Hands on with the Barbie B-Smart Learning Laptop (my daughter’s hands, anyway)

Posted: 10 Mar 2010 10:02 PM PST

I have a daughter, who is interested in all things pink and cute. She’s seven years old and lives in a My Little Pony, Care Bear, and Littlest Pet Shop world, and so this Barbie B-Smart laptop is just for her.

The B-Smart Laptop isn’t an actual laptop, but to a little girl though, it’s probably better than a MacBook. The toy opens up automatically at the touch of a button, and Barbie’s face welcomes the young user with a Miss America smile. The screen is an LCD backlit, but its monochromatic and very, very pixelated.

I had a devil of a time getting the B-Smart laptop out of the box, and wouldn’t give it to my daughter until I took the fifteen minutes required for the task. After that, my daughter could select from a number of activities, including some in Spanish.

The B-Smart comes with a mouse. The mouse connects with a thick phone cable rather than USB. As for expansion cards, it has them, and they look like credit cards. These cards have more activities and games. Controls for these games/activities can be done through the mouse, QWERTY keyboard, or the touchpad. My daughter has options as she learns about vocabulary, typing skills, grammar, and whatever else Barbie is into.

The Barbie B-Smart laptop comes with at least one expansion card, earbuds for the earphone jack (a blessing for parents), mousepad, some jewel stickers, and 3 AA batteries, which are included. It is available on the Oregon Scientific site for $54.99.

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[ Hands on with the Barbie B-Smart Learning Laptop (my daughter’s hands, anyway) copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Seven45 Studios unveil SixString guitar controller

Posted: 10 Mar 2010 05:47 PM PST



Rock Band and Guitar Hero are great rhythm-based games, no doubt about that, but how about upping the ante when it comes to realism? Seven45 Studios has released its guitar gaming controller that boasts half a dozen strings, functioning not only as a regular gaming controller for their Power Gig: Rise of the SixString title, but it also doubles up as an actual electric guitar which can be plugged into an amp. Both the game and guitar will be sold together, where experienced guitarists can go for the option of chording, which in turn is a whole lot more challenging and requires specific finger placement on the strings. Both the Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms will be able to enjoy the game. No idea on pricing yet, but expect a launch later this fall.

Source: Electronista

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[ Seven45 Studios unveil SixString guitar controller copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

wUnderglow Wheelchair Light

Posted: 10 Mar 2010 05:42 PM PST



For those of you who are recuperating in a wheelchair to get about, how about adding some zest to your ordinary adventures with the wUnderglow Wheelchair Light? After all, it not only enhances night-time visibility but provides a fun “underglow” effect similar to those colored light tubes as found on the underside of some rice rockets. A white micro-light is there to light your way, while multi-colored strobing micro-lights make room for added visibility and an “underglow”. A 360-degree rotatable clip allows you to point light in any direction, and batteries are easily replaced. A single wUnderglow Wheelchair Light kit will cost $25.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ wUnderglow Wheelchair Light copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Canon REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia LCOS Projector

Posted: 10 Mar 2010 05:38 PM PST



Canon has come up with a brand new REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia LCOS projector for the masses, where it will merge the award-winning features of REALiS projectors alongside a rather impressive 4,000 lumens of brightness as well as a Photo Image Mode that will assist users with advanced color management and adjustments for ambient lighting conditions. Under the Photo Image Mode, users will be able to make changes as well as improve the look and feel of the content being projected. This would mean changing the Color Level and Color Temperature functions, alongside the capability of fine-tuning both the intensity of colors and the color temperature by selecting from easy-to-use presets. Not only that, the Photo Image Mode will also include an Ambient Light function which can then be used to compensate for lighting conditions for both the type of lighting (Tungsten, Fluorescent and Fluorescent H) and intensity (Low, Medium or High). You can also pick the ambient light function if you happen to display content and cannot control the lighting conditions.

The REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia LCOS Projector sports an advanced LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology that when coupled with Canon's patented, proprietary AISYS (Aspectual Illumination System) Optical Engine, packs quite a visual punch for your audience. Working in tandem with other high quality specifications including SXGA+ (1,400 x 1,050) native resolution and the aforementioned 4,000 lumens of brightness, you will be able to deliver extraordinary detailed, lattice-free motion and still images to the masses, making it ideal for situations such as classrooms, meeting/board rooms, photo studios and seminars/conferences.

Apart from all that was mentioned, the Canon REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia LCOS Projector also supports Adobe RGB and sRGB color spaces. Both of these color spaces are extremely important to professionals demanding precise color-matching in the following fields of work, and will also feature a genuine Canon 1.7x Powered Zoom/Focus Lens for ease of projector placement, DVI-I Terminal availability for a true digital connection for high quality images and video, Off & Go system that allows the projector to be unplugged as soon as it is tuned off. Expect to fork out $6,999 for the REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia Projector when it arrives in early April.

Press Release

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Canon REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia LCOS Projector copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Posted by Mohammad khuram shahzad at Friday, March 12, 2010  

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