Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Solar Powered plane stays airborne for 26 minutes
Japanese Burger King offers customers a “musical shower”
Aquanatass gives you a human figure in the shower
@Rest works as durable iPad Stand
Book Lamp lights up unused books
USB Mail Box Friends Alert
Gadget Thumbnails for 07-Jul-2010
Teenager builds a flamethrower, are parents thrilled?
Head mounted camera so you can see how your mechanic is doing
The Future Robot FURO helps you shop
Kickboxing Station with Gloves
Reflect showerhead doubles up as mirror as well
Can our roads help make the world greener?
Motorola Charm from T-Mobile

Solar Powered plane stays airborne for 26 minutes

Posted: 08 Jul 2010 04:49 PM PDT

Some of you might remember when we first brought up the Solar Impulse and how it succeeded in making an 87-minute long flight at 5,000 feet. I’ve just learned that the Solar Impulse has completed a 26-hour flight, and it reached an altitude of 28,543 feet.

I believe that I reported a few months ago that they were hoping for a 36 hour flight as part of their next stop, and I am not certain if this last flight exceeds or lowers expectations.

Some of you are probably wondering how the Solar Impulse could achieve its historic flight of 26 hours when there isn’t 26 hours of sun on any given day. The answer is simple: batteries. I’m not certain if these batteries were charged before or during the flight, though.

Either way, it proves that solar power is a definite power source for the airways, which could change just about everything! Assuming that the program is still on track, there is a plan to get the Solar Impulse around the world in 2012.

Of course, you realize that the Solar Impulse is a light plane with 12,000 solar cells, and a jumbo jet would be a whole lot heavier. In other words, there is a whole lot of bugs to be worked out before we flying a solar-powered friendly skies.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Solar Powered plane stays airborne for 26 minutes copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Japanese Burger King offers customers a “musical shower”

Posted: 08 Jul 2010 03:49 PM PDT

Just when you thought the Aquanatass was the strangest appendage for the shower, you need to hear about the musical shower.

This isn’t about getting in the bathroom and being bathed with music. This is something completely non-aqua related, and it is only located at a Japanese Burger King.

See that transparent thing over the table? This is designed to deliver music to the person at the table, and designed only to be heard by them. Think of it as a Get Smart cone of silence, but I’m not certain if this would work so well either.

The music is delivered by docking your iPod or hopefully other compatible MP3 player in that docking station that you can see there. I guess then you would set your playlist, go to your table, eat your food, and leave your music playing device there for the duration of your dining experience. I suppose that if the music stops, that means that someone stole your MP3 player!

Right now, this is at a Japanese Burger King, but I see no reason why this cannot be put at restaurants everywhere. Why not bring in your own music rather than listen to the elevator music that can play at “finer” restaurants.

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Japanese Burger King offers customers a “musical shower” copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Aquanatass gives you a human figure in the shower

Posted: 08 Jul 2010 02:55 PM PDT

Remember that reflective showerhead we reported about yesterday? This is one of the weirdest showerheads I have seen.

I actually think this is more of a shower body. This is what the Aquanatass is, a human-shaped shower designed by sculptor and artist Hubert Rieber. It sprays water from its head like an aqua crown, and spews it out from its mouth as well. I’m not certain why someone would make a human in a shower, but I believe the concept was to create a sense of security.

Honestly, I don’t see how having a giant statue that looks like an Oscar give me any piece of security. If you really want think in a subtly darker realm, then you should know that yes, there are pictures of a woman getting very friendly with this Aquanatass, and I didn’t post them here because they are somewhat NSFW. By the way, these same shots from my Source have a woman in a burka. I swear, you cannot make up this stuff.

I don’t have a price on this Aquantass, but it is available in only a few places, such as Switzerland or the United Arab Emirates. I’m guessing that it will probably be quite expensive, like in the 5-figure range.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Aquanatass gives you a human figure in the shower copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

@Rest works as durable iPad Stand

Posted: 08 Jul 2010 12:25 PM PDT

If you just want a normal iPad stand, but aren’t worried about portability, this would be a great stand to have in your office or home. Plus, with the wide range of colors it’ll be easy to find one that goes with your décor. It’s heavy duty materials, so although you sacrifice portability, you get a durable accessory.

They’re made out of heavy steel construction and measure 3.9 inches tall by 8.5 inches deep and 6.3 inches wide. You can choose between black, red, yellow, white and silver. If you’re not fond of any of those colors you can also have custom colors made, of course it might change the price a hair. Normally though, the price sits at $59.95 to those in the US. If you’re outside of that range, you can contact them to find out how much it might cost in other areas.

Source: Gizmowatch

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ @Rest works as durable iPad Stand copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Book Lamp lights up unused books

Posted: 08 Jul 2010 11:56 AM PDT

When you picture a book light, somehow I doubt that you would picture a book that’s been gutted and had a light installed inside. If you don’t mind sacrificing a book you could make your very own book lamp. You can even choose one that has the title to put a funny spin on things. Like the one chosen by the original creator, "The Illuminatusi Trilogy".

The whole light has a tutorial to guide you along your path to create a Book Lamp. Since you’re just using a used book of your own, the project won’t cost you much either. The person that wrote up the tutorial just paid $5 for a lamp from IKEA and then used it to make the light. You’ll also need simple tools like an X-acto knife, pliers and safety glasses.

Source: GadgetLab

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Book Lamp lights up unused books copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

USB Mail Box Friends Alert

Posted: 08 Jul 2010 11:23 AM PDT

Instead of constantly checking 6 different websites to keep yourself up to date on who is emailing or messaging you, you could just keep tabs through one cute little mailbox. The mailbox will show bright and shiny. Don’t worry, for those of you that don’t notice a light flipping on, this has other ways of keeping you aware.

The program works with gmail, yahoo, outlook, outlook express, Windows Live, Live mail, POP3, Facebook and Twitter. You plug the device into your USB port and when you get a message the mailbox will light up, plus give a little sound if that’s what you prefer. However, you can turn off the sound. The flag also rises up to alert you of new mail. You can purchase the set for $18 through USB Brando.

Source: OhGizmo

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ USB Mail Box Friends Alert copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 07-Jul-2010

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 10:01 PM PDT

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Gadget Thumbnails for 07-Jul-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Teenager builds a flamethrower, are parents thrilled?

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 10:31 PM PDT

I have reported on DIY gadgets, and I have celebrated the DIY spirit. I’m sort of on the fence in celebrating this one. Perhaps I need to put away my prejudices about teens who make flamethrowers.

The sad part is that this teen, who goes by the name of “ShockSlayer” has probably done more than I did in my teens by creating a flame thrower on the wrist.

I guess I prefer the ones who make a helicopter or a weather balloon rather than something that could be used as a weapon. However, I think that just because some kid makes a flamethrower doesn’t mean the kid is a total pyro or something.

I do have a quote from my Source that is kind of disturbing, though.

Now SS hasn’t figured out a permanent source of ignition, so he has to start it with a torch, but once it’s going, it’s definitely something that could strike fear into the hearts of anyone who tries to mess with him.

In fact, it is pretty good that he managed to figure out how to use the aerosol can of butane, tubing, a nozzle, and then a finger-controlled mechanism.

It reminds me of something that the X-man Pyro wore from the X-men movies. I don’t think he could get his fire started either, but he could control it.

In the same manner, I think that this ShockSlayer could probably control his device, and I’m sure his parents have taught him how to use such a device properly.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Teenager builds a flamethrower, are parents thrilled? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Head mounted camera so you can see how your mechanic is doing

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 10:01 PM PDT

We have all had our car in the shop, and received a bill that we knew was not equivalent to service rendered. Usually it is a very high price.

It makes one wish that one could look into that room and see exactly what is being done by the mechanic. This is what the Audi-cam is for.

The Audi-cam is a simple over-the-shoulder mounted camera designed to see exactly what the mechanic is seeing. This way, you can see exactly what the maintenance person is doing to your car in repair.

Video is then live-streamed to you, and I imagine that you can record it to be used in a court case later. By the way, you can put a two-way radio on the camera so you can even talk to the mechanic as he or she works.

I’m not certain if that will give you a good relationship between you and your mechanic. This is assuming that you still have a relationship after he or she hands you a high bill.

I mean, no one wants to be micro-managed. I bet that if you tried to comment, the mechanic would probably say that he/she knows what he/she is doing, etc. I see this heading toward: “If you’re so good at this, why don’t you fix this yourself?”

Still, it is a step in the right direction to complete surveillance of your mechanic. This is assuming that we want this.

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Head mounted camera so you can see how your mechanic is doing copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

The Future Robot FURO helps you shop

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 09:35 PM PDT

I’ve seen a lot of robots that were meant to be guides before, such as these little red ones in Santander's Group City in Madrid. This is the Future Robot who is designed to make a shopper comfortable while shopping.

You will note how this robot has a head that is nothing more than a television set, and its animated likeness doesn’t look like how a human being would interact, at all. There is a video after the jump if you would like to see more of her…it.

You will also notice how that the Future Robot, or FURO, has a screen mounted where its hands (as well as everything between them) are located. I believe that the screen is a touchscreen, so customers can make choices from there.

I’m not certain what the purpose of this FURO is. I’m thinking that if this were to work, then you could state, type, touch, or somehow input the item you want, and then the FURO would tell you where in the mall or department store the item is. Perhaps an advanced model could even ring up the shopper with a credit card payment, and then the item can be waiting at the store for pickup.

Most of the sources on this robot seem to agree this robot’s persona is a little freaky. I will have to admit that it reminds me of something out of Steven Spielberg’s A.I.: Artificial Intelligence.

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ The Future Robot FURO helps you shop copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Kickboxing Station with Gloves

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 06:30 PM PDT

Are you frustrated that Germany was outplayed by Spain in the second semi-finals of the World Cup? If you can’t find a more constructive way to vent your anger and disappointment apart from drinking pint after pint of lager, might we suggest the Kickboxing Station with Gloves? This $189 purchase might seem a tad expensive, but at least using it won’t leave you with an ever expanding beer gut, but will instead allow you to obtain a total body workout as you learn simple self-defense moves and improve your cardiovascular health, right smack in the comfort of your own home. Of course, as you watch the finals this weekend while hoping for the Netherlands to gain revenge on behalf of Germany to defeat Spain, you can still “cheer” your way through using plenty of kicks and punches, letting them fly accurately. With six height positions, it is ideal for both children and adults. Each purchase comes with gloves, a pump for the speed bag and a stabilizing base which relies on either water or sand to keep it stable.

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Kickboxing Station with Gloves copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Reflect showerhead doubles up as mirror as well

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 06:15 PM PDT

Are you really that short of time always that you need to shave while you shower? Either that, or it is a habit of yours to do so simply because you prefer to be ruthlessly efficient. Well, for those who can’t live without hot water, you should know that it can be pretty frustrating trying to shave yourself off that five o’clock shadow with a misted up mirror no thanks to the ‘fog’ that builds up, especially so during the colder days. Reflect is the latest solution to address such a conundrum, especially when it merges both a showerhead and a non-fogging mirror. Boasting a flat, square reflective front surface, the top segment will double up as the mirror, while water will spray out continually from the five rows of holes on the bottom segment. Before getting to these holes, however, hot water has to first travel through the top section, which would warm it up to prevent the process of condensation from taking place. Pretty smart, don’t you think? Although we’re not too sure whether the $295 asking price for the Reflect is worth it after having a much cheaper solution – shaving before you shower.

Source: Cool Hunting

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Reflect showerhead doubles up as mirror as well copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Can our roads help make the world greener?

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 06:01 PM PDT

The next time you go out for a drive, take a closer look at the road which your vehicle is traveling on. Just how do you think it will be able to help turn the surroundings into a less polluted environment? Well, we do know that carbon emissions from vehicles is a big issue these days, not to mention a slew of other airborne nasties that spew from the tailpipes of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Among these will include nitrogen oxides (NOx), and when it reacts with chemicals produced by sunlight, nitric acid is formed, making it one of the major constituents of acid rain, which when in turn reacts with sunlight will turn it into the formation of ozone and smog. As for us humans living in high traffic areas, we are constantly bombarded with higher amounts of nitrogen oxides in ambient air which could potentially cause damage to respiratory airways. How to combat such a dilemma? The answer lies in surfacing roads with air purifying concrete, resulting in a reduction of the concentration of nitrogen oxides by 25% to 45%.

The municipality of Hengelo, the Netherlands, managed to get researchers at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) to resurface around 1,000 square meters of the busy Castorweg Road with said air-purifying concrete paving stones, whereas another area of 1,000 square meters was surfaced with normal paving stones. It goes without saying that the former concrete contains titanium dioxide, a photocatalytic material that will do its bit to remove the nitrogen oxides from the air and convert them into harmless nitrate using sunlight, where the resulting nitrate will then be rinsed away by rain. Following a trio of air-purity measurements on the Castorweg last spring, (meaning the testing went on throughout fall and winter), the area paved with air-purifying concrete the NOx content was found to 25% to 45% lower than that over the area paved with normal concrete. We wonder whether future measurements planned for the year will result in a widening gap.

Who would have thought that our roads could potentially be a life/environment saver, eh? Cost isn’t much of an issue either, since the air-purifying concrete uses 50% more expensive than normal concrete stones, but the resulting road-building costs are just 10% higher.

Source: Gizmag

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Can our roads help make the world greener? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Motorola Charm from T-Mobile

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 05:52 PM PDT

T-Mobile has a spanking new smartphone on offer for the masses, and we’re talking about the Motorola Charm here. This unique touchscreen handset will come with built-in social networking capability, complete with the Android 2.1 operating system (hopefully an Android 2.2 update will be released in due time), not to mention their proprietary MOTOBLUR enhancement to help customize the Android experience on Motorola’s range of smartphones. Apart from that, its compact design and a BACKTRACK feature further drives a more intuitive screen navigation experience, especially so for a new user. More on the Motorola Charm in the extended post, so read on.

You can expect the Motorola Charm to be made available Stateside from T-Mobile later this summer, although an exact release date has yet to be revealed. Just what does the hardware offer? For starters, the display isn’t as large as some of you out there might want, although it ain’t no slouch either with a 2.8″ touchscreen, and since it has a full QWERTY keyboard, you won’t find yourself fumbling when it comes to composing a long email or text message. As for its BACKTRACK navigation pad, it is located on the back of the smartphone straight behind the home screen in a similar manner to that of a laptop touch panel, providing you with an unobstructed view of the Web, texts, e-mails and news feeds. Apart from that, Android 2.1 and enhanced MOTOBLUR features lends the Charm new customization and filtering options.

Here’s a little bit of trivia – the Motorola Charm is the first device in the US to boast an enhanced version of MOTOBLUR built on Android 2.1, where it will be able to synchronize contacts, posts, messages, photos and more in easy to manage streams, making sure you’re always up to speed when it comes to various sources including Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Gmail, work and personal e-mail. With Adobe Flash support built-in, a 3-megapixel camera, CrystalTalk PLUS for enhanced audio and call quality with a second microphone for increased voice quality that filters out background noise, this mid-range Android phone looks set to make a decent splash, don’t you think so?

Press Release

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[ Motorola Charm from T-Mobile copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Friday, July 9, 2010