Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Hands on with Kung-Fu Live from Virtual Air Guitar Company
Garmin Astro DC 40 tracking collar for dogs
Clap-On Cube Alarm Clock
Buffalo Technology offers MediaStation 12x External USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer
Razer offers Starcraft II themed peripherals
Belkin Conserve monitors appliance energy usage
Belkin Conserve Valet
iSnapMe helps you take pics of yourself
Hands on with Power Gig: Rise of the SixString at E3 2010
Casio targets gamers with the Green Slim line projector at E3 2010
Gadget Thumbnails for 15-Jun-2010
Flexible Speaker for the iPhone
DIY Stargate looks awesome
Parrot AR.Drone – The Invasion Begins
PlayStation Move motion controller now official at E3

Hands on with Kung-Fu Live from Virtual Air Guitar Company

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 04:57 PM PDT

Kung-Fu Live takes action games to a whole new level as the player literally is fighting.

Kung-Fu Live makes use of the Playstation Eye in order to put the player in the game environment. The setting looks like something from the eighties video game Double Dragon, as bad street thugs come after you in some back alley.

In order to defeat them, you don’t use any type of “special move” or combination of buttons. All you need to do is punch, kick, or jump when they get within range. I have a video after the jump so you can see it in action for yourself.

I found that playing it was quite a workout, and it was clearly the most energy-draining game since the Wii-Fit. I sort of had a hard time doing this one attack that involves spreading your hands to make an energy beam. It is also weird to fight enemies to the sides of you when you are constantly looking forward. The man who demonstrated it to me was really kicking butt though.

I think that Kung-Fu Live is an example of a trend in video games that encourage the player to get up off of the couch and get a move on. Microsoft has the Kinect, and both Nintendo and Sony have their versions of motion-controllers since the release of the Move.

Kung-Fu Live is coming to the Playstation Network this fall, but the photo that you see here is not an official poster for it. That is something the guys at Virtual Air Guitar whipped up for me while I was at E3, and that is me doing the kicking in the picture. Yes, I know my leg does not match up with the blur.

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[ Hands on with Kung-Fu Live from Virtual Air Guitar Company copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Garmin Astro DC 40 tracking collar for dogs

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 04:45 PM PDT

For folks who love going hunting, then the Garmin Astro DC 40 tracking collar for dogs is just the thing for you as it helps your retrievers, well, retrieve your game without you wondering where the heck Fido has gone to after waiting for a long time for him to return. This second generation device offers a fair number of improvements, including a more durable one inch strap, an integrated GPS receiver in the main housing on the strap, as well as a better designed charging connector. The Astro 220 receiver can track up to 10 different dog collars, where it will receive updates from collars every five, ten, 30, or 120 seconds which have rechargeable batteries.

Source: Navigadget

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Garmin Astro DC 40 tracking collar for dogs copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Clap-On Cube Alarm Clock

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 04:30 PM PDT

You remember those lamps that require you to clap your hands to turn on or off? Looks like the technology has finally been applied to the alarm clock instead, in the form of the Clap-On Cube Alarm Clock. To tell the time, all you need to do is bring your hands together to turn on the red LED digital timer, and we suppose after a few moments, the time will disappear once again. Perfect for those who love living out a discreet life. Powered by a couple of AAA batteries, you can choose from light or dark wood material to suit your surroundings. Needless to say, this is not something you would want to place in your bedroom simply because to tell the time in the middle of the night might just cause you to wake your spouse up with a loud clap. The Clap-On Cube Alarm Clock can be yours for $29.95.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Clap-On Cube Alarm Clock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Buffalo Technology offers MediaStation 12x External USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 04:15 PM PDT

Buffalo Technology has placed on the table a world’s first – we’re talking about the MediaStation 12x External USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer here, where it is the first external USB 3.0 Blu-ray writer of its kind for the commercial market at the moment. Buffalo has more or less been associated with network devices as well as direct attached solutions, so it is no surprise to see a Blu-ray writer being introduced this time round. What you get with the MediaStation 12x External USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer would be unsurpassed 12x Blu-ray write speeds that is not confined to a drive bay in your computer or notebook, making it possible to tote around wherever you are without missing a beat. Not only that, since it is the fastest in the market currently, you can always ensure that all your backups are done swiftly without having to grow a beard while waiting.

The MediaStation 12x External USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer has been touted to be the ideal device for users who want optimal playback and writing performance of Blu-ray discs, DVDs, or CDs on their PCs or notebooks, and even for archiving purposes. Its main point would be to connect through USB 3.0 of course, but just in case your computer has not been upgraded or updated to feature such a port, being stuck in the USB 2.0 era, it is backwards compatible as well, going about its work without batting an eyelid (although you will need to wait it out longer when copying discs or data).

Each purchase comes with the CyberLink Blu-ray 3D Ready Media Suite that will enable full HD and Blu-ray 3D playback and upgrades consumers’ in-home movie experience with 3D movie playback or HD upscaling for standard DVD discs and video files. Sounds great, so make sure your home theater system (or at least computer entertainment system is up to par for this new experience). Apart from that, CyberLink Media Suite also offers a complete and premium Blu-ray burning and playback solution. The following media formats are supported by the MediaStation 12x External USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer – BD-R SL 8x Read / 12x Write, DVD –R SL 16x Read / 16x Write and CD-R 40x Read / 40x Write. Expect to fork out $349.99 for this puppy as it rolls out before the month is over.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Buffalo Technology offers MediaStation 12x External USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Razer offers Starcraft II themed peripherals

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 04:02 PM PDT

Razer is a household name when it comes to high quality gaming peripherals, and it is no surprise considering their track record which has been more or less impeccable. This time round, the company who knows just how much of a hit StarCraft II is going to be, has teamed up with Blizzard Entertainment, the company which is the brains behind the game. The whole partnership will see a bunch of peripherals hit the market inclding the Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse, the Razer Marauder StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard and the Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset. To know more about each individual device, why not head on to our extended post?

The Razer Spectre, Razer Marauder and Razer Banshee all come with features that are gamer friendly, and has the gamer’s best interests at heart. It will feature an APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System that will offer the gamer with feedback concerning performance, while providing a fully integrated gaming experience which will respond directly to the player’s performance and speed. Apart from that, individual peripherals also comes with a gaming-optimized design, emphasizing on portability for tournament play while offering design elements from the StarCraft universe for that added touch of character.

The tournament-ready Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse which was specially designed for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is a lightweight, five-button mouse that offers precision and control for RTS gamers. It comes with a powerful 5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G laser sensor and a 1000Hz Ultrapolling 1 ms response time, making it ideal for RTS fans.

As for the Razer Marauder StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard, this model is also tournament-ready like the mouse, and would make for the perfect partner. Featuring a multi-color backlit keyboard complete with elevated keys for rapid command input and improved gaming performance, you can also take advantage of a dedicated on-the-fly macro recording system.

Last but not least would be the Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset, where it will focus mainly on maximum performance, comfort and sound isolation to ensure that none of the in-game audio cues will escape you. You can also fiddle with the configuration utility for customized adjustments of equalizer, pitch and volume.

The Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse, Razer Marauder StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard and Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset will retail for $79.99, $119.99 and $119.99, repsectively, when they hit the market.

Press Release

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[ Razer offers Starcraft II themed peripherals copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Belkin Conserve monitors appliance energy usage

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 03:00 PM PDT

It’s tricky knowing just how much energy each of your devices uses. You can make a guess at it, but sometimes it helps a whole lot more to know for sure. Besides, it might help motivate you and your family to start unplugging items when they’re not in use. This small gadget monitors how much electricity is consumed and the watts, so you’ll know where your major energy sucking appliances are located.

You just plug in your gadget of choice into the Belkin monitor and it’ll keep track. Not only that, but with this you’ll be able to compare how much energy that expensive light bulb is actually saving. It’ll also let you know the actual dollar cost of keeping that device operating. You can purchase this one for $29.99 through Amazon. Although it’s not released just yet, so you’ll have to wait a little while for it to be shipped.

Source: Crunchgear

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Belkin Conserve monitors appliance energy usage copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Belkin Conserve Valet

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 01:42 PM PDT

Most of the time to charge my cell I’ll just plug it into the charger and leave it all night. It’s just the easiest way to do things, even if it’s not the most intelligent as far as energy use goes. Those of you that charge a lot at night, but want to conserve energy should check out this Belkin gadget. It’ll still allow for you to sleep while it’s charging, but it won’t drain power like many other chargers.

Most of us already have heard that most chargers will continue to suck power, whether or not your phone is plugged into the charger. Well this Belkin Conserve Valet is a USB charging station that automatically shuts down once the gadgets using the valet are fully charged. Plus it has the added benefit of helping you cut down on cords. You can purchase this for $39.99. Although as of now this is in the pre-order stage of things.

Source: Ubergizmo

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Belkin Conserve Valet copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

iSnapMe helps you take pics of yourself

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 01:21 PM PDT

Anyone that’s attempted to take a picture of themselves knows how many gray hairs it’s capable of causing. When you’re always trying to take pictures of you and a friend when no one else is around it can be a little tricky and apparently it’s worse for those of you using an iPhone. Of course I wouldn’t know, I swear I’m not bitter. Well this quick little mirror trick makes it possible to take pictures without causing you nearly as much stress.

It just suctions onto the back of your iPhone, then using a mirror you’ll be able to keep track of how well you’re doing. Now they do say it’ll still take a little practice to get used to the method, but once you’ve got it down you’ll be taking great pictures every single time. You can watch a video through the manufacturer that gives you an idea on how it works. To pick one up it’ll cost you $19.95.

Source: GadgetLab

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ iSnapMe helps you take pics of yourself copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Hands on with Power Gig: Rise of the SixString at E3 2010

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 09:19 AM PDT

We’ve reported on Power Gig: Rise of the SixString before, and I finally had a chance to try out their SixString guitar controller for myself at E3 in LA.

I can honestly say that Power Gig from Seven45 Studios raises the bar for the music game. If you’ve played Rock Band or Guitar Hero, than you know how you must push a button and flick a “strum bar” in order to match patterns on the screen. Power Gig replaces all the buttons with actual guitar strings.

The Power Gig SixString Guitar is still marked with the colored frets on the neck, so all you are really doing is holding down a string instead of pushing a button. I believe that I was on the easy level, and I only hit one fret during the song. I found even that difficult to get used to, and part of playing the song includes strumming while holding down no string frets, something that other guitar music games don’t have. I wonder if more difficult levels include actual guitar chords. Find out about the drums after the jump.

Power Gig also has a microphone and drums. The drums are not designed with the realism of the guitar and are quite unusual. The drumsticks are electrical, and powered by batteries. The player does not strike anything physical with them, but simply waves the stick above a sensor. By the way, the sticks have to be held a certain way (there is a specially marked place for the thumb) or they will not work.

In summary, I will say that Power Gig is a more advanced version of the music game genre, but it could easily be more advanced. You could be playing real instruments, for example.

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Hands on with Power Gig: Rise of the SixString at E3 2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Casio targets gamers with the Green Slim line projector at E3 2010

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 08:50 AM PDT

Casio was clearly targeting gamers as they showed off their Green Slim Projector at E3. They even went so far as to describe it as “The Ultimate Gaming Experience”.

The Green Slim Projector boasts that it uses no mercury lamp, so the user doesn’t have to replace its light source any time soon. In place of the traditional projector lamp is the power of lasers, which last ten times longer than a Casio mercury lamp.

It is also quite slim, at 1.7 inches thick. Since I am at E3, I saw the reception myself, and I thought I was looking at an HDTV on the wall instead of a projection. While I was there, I happened to see a smaller version of this projector in a glass display. Someone who was manning the booth told me that “we’re not supposed to talk about that”.

I’m guessing that smaller one will have more advanced features. However, this one has 2X Optical Zoom, and is able to do PC Presentations by plugging in a thumb drive. It is available with XGA (1024 x 768) and WXGA (1280 x 800) native resolution, and it is capable of displaying HD inputs including 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. It is also equipped with an HDMI terminal in order to transmit digital audio and video with only one cable and connect directly to game systems with an HDMI output.

The Green Slim line from Casio are available at B&H and Best Buy, for a price of about $799-$1,099.

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Casio targets gamers with the Green Slim line projector at E3 2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 15-Jun-2010

Posted: 15 Jun 2010 10:01 PM PDT

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 15-Jun-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Flexible Speaker for the iPhone

Posted: 15 Jun 2010 07:45 PM PDT

Speakers tend to be bulky, and even though they are portable, they do take up a fair amount of space. The Flexible Speaker for the iPhone idea takes a totally different role however, where it resembles more like a hanging charm over the iPhone thanks to the clever use of "Flat Flexible Laminated, (FFT) Loudspeaker technology". Basically, FFT technology is paper-thin and foldable, where the latter aspect is absolutely vital to the cause since each unfold of the connecting speaker will enable the total volume level to increase – is that clever or what? From the concept, it looks as though there is some sort of paper thin battery juicing up the device as well, but we’ll never know until concept becomes reality.

Concept Page

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Flexible Speaker for the iPhone copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

DIY Stargate looks awesome

Posted: 15 Jun 2010 07:30 PM PDT

Are you a huge fan of the Stargate sci-fi series? Apparently, this dad is, which is why he decided to spend some quality time with his son to build up a replica Stargate using nothing but their hands and a whole lot of heart from scratch. There were no blueprints to refer to – only one’s imagination, and the materials required included wood, coat hangers, tubing and styrofoam. To make it all the more realistic, the gate will actually spin through and through, although it won’t transport you to a distant galaxy or universe, while there is absolutely no chance of hostiles coming through your way either.

Source: DVice

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ DIY Stargate looks awesome copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Parrot AR.Drone – The Invasion Begins

Posted: 15 Jun 2010 07:15 PM PDT

E3 is supposed to bring the glamorous to town, and this year’s event is the same with news of the Parrot AR.Drone being unveiled alongside its pricing details. It will retail for less than three Benjamins as it hits the US sometime this September, and are excited to see how the first quadricopter for video games and piloted by Wi-Fi will fare in terms of sales. While it might have skipped the summer season in that part of the world, hopefully those who are going to spend their holidays with close and loved ones can have some fun with the Parrot AR.Drone – after all, making frenzied purchases are all part of the crazy holiday shopping experience, not to mention helping boost the nation’s economy.

The Parrot AR.Drone quadricopter will rely on augmented reality technology and can be piloted by an iPod touch, an iPhone or an iPad. As you all know, most of the user interface on Apple devices are seamless and a joy to use, which makes it extremely intuitive for one to handle the Parrot AR.Drone with previously mentioned Apple devices, allowing the pilot to achieve spectacular flights while playing video games in augmented reality for an unparalleled gaming experience. The front camera will broadcast and stream what the drone sees onto your iPod touch or iPhone screen, where image processing software makes way for the integration of real-time special effects of augmented reality.

Thanks to its shaped cockpit driven by four propellers with brushless motors, the Parrot AR.Drone boasts excellent maneuverability and stability during piloting. Since it will operate on its own Wi-Fi network, there is no need for a dedicated Internet connection or a router – all you need to do is hook it up to your iPod touch or iPhone and you’re good to go, after installing the "AR.FreeFlight" application, of course, to turn you into a true blue homegrown pilot. You can choose from Beginner or Ace piloting modes, where obviously the latter requires much more skill but offers a whole lot more satisfaction in return.

Press Release

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Parrot AR.Drone – The Invasion Begins copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

PlayStation Move motion controller now official at E3

Posted: 15 Jun 2010 07:07 PM PDT

E3 is the mecca for video game news, and it is a no brainer for companies to roll out their latest and greatest efforts in glitzy press conferences to keep hardcore gamers happy. Well, Sony has upped the ante with their latest announcement of the PlayStation Move motion controller at E3 this year, bringing motion control capability to their PS3 console. It is rather ironic that they have jumped aboard the motion control bandwagon after pooh poohing Nintendo’s efforts last time when the Wii was launched, dubbing those “waggle controls”. Guess they have seen the light and realized that gaming has certainly gotten a whole lot more immersive these days with a little help from motion controls, so why not pair that feature up with stunning visuals that are only available on the Sony PS3?

Those living in Europe as well as other PAL territories, alongside Asian countries will be able to pick up the PlayStation Move controller for 39.99 Euros. As for most of the folks reading this who are living in North America, it will hit the market this coming September 19th for $49.99, while our friends living in the Land of the Rising Sun will have to wait until October 21 to get their hands on it for 3,980 yen inclusive of tax. The PlayStation Move navigation controller is a one-handed controller which can be used alongside the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects, will also hit the market on the same day in each region for 29.99 Euros, $29.99 and 2,980 yen, respectively. That should leave you ample time to save up for these accessories, don’t you think so?

There will also be a PlayStation Move bundle that comprises of a PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye camera, Sports Champions Blu-ray disc game and PlayStation Move demo disc for a shade under $100, while those who are more adventurous can check out the PlayStation 3 Sports Champion Move Bundle that will see a PS3 system thrown into the mix alongside a PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye Camera, Sports Champions Blu-ray game and PlayStation Move game demo disc, all going for $399.99 Of course, those who prefer to get the accessories individually are more than welcome with the PlayStation Eye camera being sold separately for $39.99.

Press Release

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[ PlayStation Move motion controller now official at E3 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Thursday, June 17, 2010