Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Ricoh GXR system gets lens kit
Magnetic thinking putty is drawn to magnets
MIT Media Lab creates Invisible Mouse
Treadway Motorized Shoes take you where you want to go
iPod Dock Lamp
Dyson City Canister Vacuum
Stuart Hughes rolls out Diamond Edition of the iPhone 4
Wet Circuit waterproof power strip
Paul Frank Julius Dance Machine
Gadget Thumbnails for 05-Jul-2010
Samsung has new Q Series notebooks out
Car for the blind being worked on
Green Cri electric acrobatic airplane hits the skies
Amazon has new Kindle DX in stores
UV Bubblegun makes summer more fun
USB Discover MIDI Keyboard

Posted: 06 Jul 2010 04:57 PM PDT

Ricoh has recently announced that they will be offering a new lens kit for their modular GXR digital camera system. We’re talking about a spanking new 10-megapixel S10 wide-angle zoom lens unit which will boast a high sensitivity image sensor, and this technology will go some way in helping prevent blurred images from occuring whenever you’re out there snapping photos of your favorite subjects and places, while giving you the ability to fill the frame with an up close and personal subject without being farther than half an inch away. Talk about getting to know the subject really well! I believe this will go down well with those who love nature shots as well as others who want to try something new with their photography equipment, exploring and breaking previous boundaries in the process.

Ricoh will position the new 10 mexapixel S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC lens unit as a photographer’s everyday zoom devices, where it is more than capable of offering “high-level image quality and superior portability.” To help it keep in line with previous GXR lens units, the S10 is able to slide into the main system body and will be equipped with its own sensor (in this case a 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor with an ISO100 to 3200 sensitivity range). Since the main body already ships with all the relevant controls, you won’t have to worry about connectivity or flash, enjoying the benefits of a 3″ LCD display in the process.

Apart from that, Ricoh is also offering 3x optical zoom (and 4x digital zoom), Smooth Imaging Engine IV image processing and similar to the P10 unit, the new lens unit will incorporate Ricoh’s very own sensor shift vibration correction technology that helps suppress unwanted blur. The S10 is more than capable of shooting in both JPEG and RAW still image formats, while going around recording VGA-quality video for posterity. Ricoh has tested the battery, touting it to last for up to 410 shots before a recharge is required. As for the S10 GXR body and lens kit, expect it to hit the market from July 18 onwards for $599.

Source

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[ Ricoh GXR system gets lens kit copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Magnetic thinking putty is drawn to magnets

Posted: 06 Jul 2010 02:29 PM PDT

I think that it is false advertising to call this Magnetic Thinking Putty. Granted, it is magnetic, and we have some footage of this thing following a magnet. However, it isn’t thinking: “hey, a magnet, I think I’ll follow it”. No, this is physics that draws it, not any psychology.

I have a video of it essentially consuming a magnet that was put on it. Watch it after the jump, and try not to think of any Terminator 2 villains.

I suppose that you could call this magnetic Silly Putty, and I suppose that probably is the best description, without using the word “thinking”. It sort of reminds me of the Nanodots magnetic balls that we reported on a while ago.

If it is like Silly Putty, then I hope that it isn’t like when you play with Silly Putty too much. As I recall, Silly Putty loses its pink over time, then absorbs all the gunk that you have pressed it against and becomes a gooky substance that no one wants. In other words, it becomes “Serious Putty”.

Magnetic Thinking Putty looks like it could easily become Magnetic Dumb Putty. I wonder if it will still hold its magnetic charge after it gets to the old stage.

Source

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[ Magnetic thinking putty is drawn to magnets copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

MIT Media Lab creates Invisible Mouse

Posted: 06 Jul 2010 01:55 PM PDT

I did a report the other day about how some MIT students made an interesting projector/computer out of their desklamp called the LuminAR, and it just shows how much MIT creates some of the stuff that I would like to have.

It would appear that the Pranav Mistry at the MIT Media Lab has created something even cooler than the desktop laptop with the “invisible mouse”.

It uses “an infrared laser beam and infrared camera to capture hand movements and accurately translate them into computer commands”.

My source doesn’t say how the user does these invisible mouse commands. I just assume that the user moves his hand around the side of the desk within a certain area to move the cursor on their computer. I’m also going to guess that mouse clicks are done by moving a finger, and then dragging by keeping that finger down.

Mistry is not planning on mass-producing and selling this product, but he really ought to, because I could use something like it. He does say that someone could build this device for a low price of just $20. I guess I’m going to figure out if can get an IR camera and IR laser for that combination price. Now all I need is some easy-to-read instructions.

Source

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[ MIT Media Lab creates Invisible Mouse copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Treadway Motorized Shoes take you where you want to go

Posted: 06 Jul 2010 01:21 PM PDT

Imagine living in a world where you can zip along the road at about 10 miles an hour. True, you can do that on roller skates at faster speeds, but if you want to go driving afterward, then you have to take them off. Sometimes those roller skates can be a pain if you are taking them off and putting them on all the time.

These Treadway motorized shoes are like having roller skates on your feet all the time, but will only be used if you want them to be. So if you are going along, and decide you want to walk inside a store, or drive somewhere, or on a bike, you can just retract them and go about your ambulatory way.

The designer of these shoes, Peter Treadway, has entered them in the James Dyson awards. If he wins, then we could be seeing them on the market. There is a video of them after the jump, but I have to say that it looks a little crude to me.

I hope to see these on my feet one day. If that day ever comes, I wonder if I will ever take them off. Then I will be zipping around everywhere that I go.

Source

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[ Treadway Motorized Shoes take you where you want to go copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

iPod Dock Lamp

Posted: 06 Jul 2010 12:44 PM PDT

Sometimes it seems as if any gadget on the market is going to be finished off with a built-in iPod dock. Actually not just gadgets, but furniture as well. Now you can even pick yourself up a lamp that plays your iPod, which saves you on space since you don’t have to keep a gadget around solely dedicated to your iPod.

This will work with both your iPod as well as your iPhone (unless it’s the iPhone 3G). Just pop it into the dock located on the lamp’s base and it’ll charge things up as well as play your favorite music. You can also hook up any other type of MP3 player through the auxiliary input. It features 10 watt speakers and two standard power outlets on the rear of the base to power other devices. You can purchase this for $199.95 through Hammacher Schlemmer.

Source: ChipChick

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[ iPod Dock Lamp copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Dyson City Canister Vacuum

Posted: 06 Jul 2010 12:06 PM PDT

Living in a house or apartment that lacks in storage space makes keeping around proper cleaning supplies difficult. Especially if the place has a whole lot of carpet, you need a decent vacuum, but those always take up space. Thankfully Dyson has created the City Canister Vacuum that was redesigned to make it as small as possible.

They actually re-engineered all of the 275 parts. They wanted to make it smaller, while still not sacrificing any of that power we all know and love. Sadly, the vacuum isn’t cheap, so those that live in small spaces and also on a budget probably are going to have a hard time getting their hands on one of these. Each one of them costs $380.

Source: OhGizmo

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[ Dyson City Canister Vacuum copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Stuart Hughes rolls out Diamond Edition of the iPhone 4

Posted: 06 Jul 2010 11:59 AM PDT

Ah, the iPhone 4. A source of inspiration when you think about the design, but it is rather unfortunate that its strength is also a curse due to the reception issues which the phone is currently going through with no official fix just yet. Despite its highly desirable form factor, Stuart Hughes decided to up the ante by making the iPhone 4 all the more delicious using his usual modus operandi – decorating it with a slew of diamonds. Yup, you read that right, the surrounding frame is encrusted with circa 6.5cts of top quality VVS , color 'F' diamonds, where they have been individually set to sparkle and dazzle away each time you pull out the iPhone 4 from your pocket. Its rear section will house beautiful solid platinum as well as a diamond-enhanced Apple logo, bringing the total weight of diamonds to 6.5 carats just in case you’re one who loves to brag. It goes without saying that this model comes with 32GB of internal memory, solving the antenna issue at the same time simply because of all the diamonds all over. The handset is already factory unlocked for it to be ready for use across the globe, where you can complement it further with a luxurious hand finished wallet made from a real ostrich foot. This limited edition currently stands at 50 units worldwide, retailing for a cool $20,000 each.

Source: Mobile Creek

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[ Stuart Hughes rolls out Diamond Edition of the iPhone 4 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Wet Circuit waterproof power strip

Posted: 06 Jul 2010 11:47 AM PDT

We know that water and electricity don’t mix too well, being arch enemies and all that, but the Wet Circuit waterproof power strip offers a paradigm shift as it won’t short out when it comes into contact with water thanks to a patented design which further minimizes the flow of electricity whenever water comes into play as can be seen in the video above. Of course, you would bode well to keep in mind that while water does not have any effect on the Wet Circuit waterproof power strip, not all your gizmos connected to it are. This is hardy enough to remain submerged in water for up to a couple of hours, where it also comes with heating protection and a fuse, not to mention spark protection. According to the manufacturer, it is able to outlast a standard class power strip by up to four times, making the $35 asking price much more palatable. Are you interested in picking one up? Perhaps if you live in a highly humid or damp area, but otherwise an accident which involves water and your power strip would be extremely rare, we say.

Source: Geeky Gadgets

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[ Wet Circuit waterproof power strip copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Paul Frank Julius Dance Machine

Posted: 06 Jul 2010 11:12 AM PDT

Paul Frank is always more than happy to offer some kind of case for pretty much all of the iPods and iPhones out there. Which makes it no surprise that they’d create another accessory that makes sure to nestle your iPod close to Julius. This goofy looking monkey apparently has a love for any and all iPods, because he is compatible with absolutely all of them.

Of course they don’t actually say if it’ll work with the iPhone though. The Julius Dance Machine is soon to hit the Paul Frank stores, to be more specific, they’re looking at sometime in July. The details on this are just a little skimpy, but to give you somewhat of an idea, the iPod will sit in his lap. It’ll last for 6 hours from a single charge and features a 3.5mm stereo mini plug. There is also no word on how much the little speaker will actually cost.

Source: GeekyGadgets

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[ Paul Frank Julius Dance Machine copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 05-Jul-2010

Posted: 05 Jul 2010 10:01 PM PDT

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 05-Jul-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Samsung has new Q Series notebooks out

Posted: 05 Jul 2010 07:53 PM PDT

Samsung, a name that many of us are familiar with especially when it comes to consumer electronics, is also carving out a pretty reliable niche for itself in the computer and digital camera markets lately. This is true when it comes to the new Q Series of notebooks which will come in three different models, and they are the 13.3″ Q330, 14″ Q430 and 15.6″ Q530, where all of them will come with 720p displays. The highest end model among the three would be the Q530, where it is pretty mobile considering a thickness that measures slightly more than an inch thin, boasting processing power from an Intel Core i3 2.26GHz processor, although those who want more punch can always fork out additional dough and get the Intel Core i5. Best to watch that battery life though, since a better processor often means a higher power consumption, so you might want to pick up a larger capacity battery in the process if you tend to do work across long haul flights with no power outlet in sight. Apart from that, the Q530 won’t be wanting when it comes to graphics processing, since NVIDIA’s 1GB GeForce GT 330M is included into the entire mix. The whole works will tip the scales at around 5.3lbs – not exactly the most lightweight model out there, but it will have to suffice considering the kind of components you find within.

Apart from that, a similar chipset will be available as an option on the smaller Q430, although the video card comes with half the amount of memory – we’re talking about a 512MB GeForce 310M as standard fare. Apart from that, it shares pretty much similar configurations including an Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB RAM as the Q530. Some of the differences include a smaller, 320GB hard drive compared to the Q530’s 500GB unit. The Q430 will weigh in at a slightly lighter 4.6lbs.

Last but not least would be the Q330 which comes with the same CPU alongside hybrid graphics, helping you switch between the integrated Intel processor and NVIDIA’s GeForce 310M, as and when required. It is the lightest among the three at 4.3lbs, with a five-cell battery life rated at up to seven hours.

Source: Electronista

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[ Samsung has new Q Series notebooks out copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Car for the blind being worked on

Posted: 05 Jul 2010 07:40 PM PDT

Scientists from the US as well as the National Federation of the Blind are currently working together to develop a new kind of car for the blind, and they hope to unveil at least a working prototype sometime next year. This vehicle will be fitted with technology which enables a blind person to actually drive independently, according to the NFB and Virginia Tech University. Needless to say, there will be plenty of technology packed into such a vehicle, where among the non-visual aids include sensors indicating turns in the road via vibrating gloves. Apart from that, puffs of compressed air on the face will help alert the driver to obstacles. Of course, that is not all, since other aids will be thrown into the fray, where among them include a vibrating vest which provides feedback on speed and a steering wheel with audio cues and spoken commands which indicate the car’s direction.

Sensor lasers and cameras function as the eyes of a buggy which was a precursor to the car for the blind which is currently being fleshed out. The model which will be presented next year will be a modified Ford Escape sport utility vehicle, and that my friends, is no small vehicle as you know. NFB president Marc Maurer says, “We’re exploring areas that have previously been regarded as unexplorable.” Apart from that, projects such as this car will help change people’s perception of the blind, where many out there still think that blindness ends the capacity of human beings to make contributions to society. Needless to say, many people initially thought of Mr. Maurer’s idea as crazy when he talked about it a decade ago, but then again hasn’t mankind progressed over the years simply because of the stubborness of a select few who went ahead with their “crazy” ideas?

For those who are interested, the prototype is expected to be publicly tested by a blind driver on where else but the Daytona race track in Florida next January. That is just half a year away, and we do hope that the test will be a resounding success.

Source: BBC

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[ Car for the blind being worked on copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Green Cri electric acrobatic airplane hits the skies

Posted: 05 Jul 2010 07:00 PM PDT

There is nothing quite like the feeling of flying really high, overlooking the vast lands below while being closer to heaven than most. Well, the Green Cri is one such personal aircraft, being an electric acrobatic airplane that was the star of the recent Paris Green Air Show. This is an experimental aerobatic electric aircraft which actually hasn’t spent a single second in the air, although in theory it ought to be able to duke it out with the rest of the migratory geese and other feathered friends. Featuring a quartet of engines, gorgeous smooth lines and intriguing bubble pilot enclosure, the Green Air comes in a form factor that will definitely appeal to just about anybody and everyone. What’s all the fuss about the Green Cri anyway? Well, head on after the jump for more information.

The Green Cri was developed as a scientific research aircraft by EADS Innovation Works and Aero Composites Saintonge. Needless to say, the name itself suggests it was based on the limited, yet popular, short range MC-15 Cri Cri ultralights which was originally constructed in the 1970s, featuring similar dimensions as the MC-15 with a wingspan of just over 16 feet and being some 12 feet 10 inches long and 4 feet in height. One thing that sets this apart though would be the lack of fuel engines in front of each wing, instead, the Green Cri test prototype comes with four high voltage, low intensity brushless electric motors with counter-rotating propellers. In order to make sure the aircraft remains light, it uses lightweight carbon composite structures as part of its build, helping balance out the 26.8kg four pack of Lithium Polymer batteries, where each of them provide 100V (5Ah). Should it actually take off, the overall weight (including the pilot) will be just 175.5kg.

With sufficent modification made to the design and integration of the electric engines, this has resulted in a 20% to 30% aerodynamic efficiency gain, which should be able to help the aircraft achieve 30 minutes of cruise flight at 110kph, or 15 minutes of aerobatics at up to 250kph on a single hour-long charge of the batteries. We’d hate to be in this when the aircraft runs out of juice, so the pilot had better keep a keen eye out of battery levels and land safely whenever a warning light or message flashes. Could this usher in a new era of zero emission aircraft?

Source: Gizmag

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[ Green Cri electric acrobatic airplane hits the skies copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Amazon has new Kindle DX in stores

Posted: 05 Jul 2010 06:37 PM PDT

Amazon’s Kindle ebook reader has been quite a winner for some time already, at least until the Apple iPad came onto the scene, moving an insane number of units within the first couple of months of its shelf life. Well, while the iPad is not a dedicated ebook reader, the Amazon Kindle is, which is why Amazon decided to step up their game against its rather illustrious opponent by introducing the new latest generation Kindle DX at a more pocket-friendly price of $379, which is a good $110 cheaper compared to its predecessor of the same name. Not only that, you will still be able to enjoy free 3G wireless connectivity without worrying about monthly bills or annual contracts. To know more about its enhancements, read on in the extended post.

The Kindle DX is the 9.7″ large screen member of Amazon's family of revolutionary portable readers, where it sports a new graphite enclosure and an all new, high contrast electronic ink display with 50% superior contrast for the clearest text and sharpest images. If you’re interested, you can already place your pre-order as it will ship sometime later this week – July 7 to be exact. It seems that the folks at Kindle are claiming you won’t turn back to other models once you read on their beautiful new Kindle DX screen, since the 50% better contrast and darker fonts go a long way in helping you read wherever you are, be it under the bright sunlight or in low light conditions of your living room.

For those who swallow up books like there is no tomorrow, you will be pleased to know that the Kindle Store has more than 620,000 books, including New Releases and 108 of 111 New York Times bestsellers, with prices starting from $9.99 or less. Over 200,000 books have been added to the U.S. Kindle Store in the last six months, where among them include the full selection of John Grisham titles. Not only that, those who are penniless can pick up more than 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books, including classics such as "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," "Pride and Prejudice" and "Treasure Island."

Press Release

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[ Amazon has new Kindle DX in stores copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

UV Bubblegun makes summer more fun

Posted: 05 Jul 2010 06:25 PM PDT

You should get your kids outdoors during summer instead of having them all cooped up at home, sitting in front of the telly and thumbing the PS3 or Xbox 360 controllers all day long. With the UV Bubblegun, it ought to get those toddlers and pre-teens excited and pry them away from the Wii, since £9.99 will net you one of this innovative bubble blowing guns that featuers some super-cool UV lights to boot. It works well indoors too, but office workers who still have a kid’s mind might want to be a little cautious around their computers. If you happen to look into the gun itself, you can check out how the bubbles are manufactured, so be prepared to answer questions from inquisitive little ones. Each pull of the trigger will sprays a stream of bubbles, while lights within the gun will show up to illuminate the bubbles, making it work equally well in the light and in the dark as well. It will be powered by a trio of AA batteries which are included to help you get started right out of the box.

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[ UV Bubblegun makes summer more fun copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

USB Discover MIDI Keyboard

Posted: 05 Jul 2010 06:20 PM PDT

So you’re quite the whizz when it comes to a QWERTY keyboard, so why not expand your boundaries by learning how to make sweet music with the USB Discover MIDI Keyboard? This £39.99 purchase is a 25-key piano-style keyboard that can hook up to your PC or Mac, helping you learn, play and perform thanks to its extremely user-friendly software which ought to be able to help you get started just about anytime, anywhere. Not only can you learn each chord at your own pace, it also allows you to record and playback your session for a personal review, not to mention the ability to learn scales as well. Pitch, program and octave buttons are all thrown into the mix, and it when compared to the cost of proper piano lessons, the USB Discover MIDI Keyboard pales in comparison, making it the ideal start for beginners and experienced key-tinklers alike.

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[ USB Discover MIDI Keyboard copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Wednesday, July 7, 2010