Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Netgear announces NeoTV 350 HD and NeoTV 550 Ultimate HD Media Players
Pop-up Microlite illuminates less advanced remote controls
Steampunk Optimus Prime looks to be the bomb
Magic Monkey Music Speakers
Mr. Potato Head gets a steampunk makeover
Starlite LED Light does double duty
Vibrating Massage Gloves
Is Apple getting serious with AppleTV?
Apple Releases new line of small and powerful iPods
A way to put a USB Typewriter on your desk
Skitterbot is one creepy robot bug
Babel Fisk: Read what you are hearing
Gadget Thumbnails for 31-Aug-2010

Netgear announces NeoTV 350 HD and NeoTV 550 Ultimate HD Media Players

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 05:41 PM PDT

Netgear is back again this time around with their NeoTV 350 HD and NeoTV 550 Ultimate HD Media Players which will form part of the flagship products in the NETGEAR AV Series. What makes these groundbreaking NeoTV HD Media Players special would be their ability to handle digital videos, photos, or music straight onto one's HDTV, regardless of whether the media is stored locally, on the home network, or the Internet. The AV Series comprises of easy-to-use products to help consumers hook up their Internet-ready devices such as HDTVs, Blu-ray players, IPTV set-top boxes, media players and game consoles to the Internet and home network.

The NeoTV 350 HD and NeoTV 550 Ultimate HD Media Players will hit the US market later this fall, and both models are able to handle full HD video (that's 1080p just in case you were wondering), Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound support as well. As for the NeoTV 550, it comes with an additional E-SATA port for faster transfer speeds, Blu-ray disc support through an external drive as well as advanced metadata tagging that allows one to browse through cover art. As for additional NeoTV features, they are a built-in memory card slot for instant photo slideshows on the TV, DLNA/UPnP connectivity for access to media servers, network share connectivity and an optional wireless connection with the AV Series NETGEAR Universal Wi-Fi Internet Adapter.

The NeoTV 350 HD Media Player retail for Euro 129.99 when it hits that part of the world this fall, while our friends Down Under will have to fork out AUD$189.99. What about the NeoTV 550, you ask? It will hit North America for $219.99, Europe for Euro 199.99 and Australia for AUD$299.99. Have you upgraded your home network to include Netgear's devices yet, or are you still waiting to make a move?

Press Release

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Netgear announces NeoTV 350 HD and NeoTV 550 Ultimate HD Media Players copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Pop-up Microlite illuminates less advanced remote controls

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 05:15 PM PDT

There is just something about viewing your favorite movies and TV shows in a dark room, with plenty of delicious popcorn and a large amount of fizzy drinks to keep you entertained throughout the duration. One thing that might be a pet peeve of people would be having to find a light source to illuminate a remote control whenever they want to fiddle with the settings. Of course, you can always settle for the more expensive option of purchasing a backlit remote control, but for those who think that there is no need for such extravagance can always settle for something more economical – we’re talking about the Pop-up Microlite, a new micro-sized L.E.D. light which can be stuck on remote controls in order to provide illumination for buttons as well as text, handy if you’re in a room that is completely dark or has extremely dim lighting.

It seems that the new Pop-up Microlite is currently the only product of its kind on the market whose sole purpose is to illuminate remote controls. The light itself is not larger than a nickel, where it can stick to virtually any remote control courtesy of 3M adhesive backing. Apart from that, it will come in a high-tech glossy black color and can be purchased for $9.99 a pop, hitting Amazon.com from October onwards. Not only that, companies who are looking for different ways to market their stuff can always use the Pop-up Microlite as a powerful promotional item to being seen by users every time they watch TV since it is available with custom imprinting.

Surveys have shown that out of the estimated 500 million remote controls in the US, an estimated 450 million of those do not come with any backlighting capabilities. It is hoped that the Pop-up Microlite will increase your movie enjoyment experience without having to break the bank in any way, atlhough it might just make your remote control look a whole lot tackier than normal. A simple push is all that is required for the product to pop up and provide light for the entire remote, and when you’re done, just push it again to turn it off.

Press Release

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Pop-up Microlite illuminates less advanced remote controls copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Steampunk Optimus Prime looks to be the bomb

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 04:59 PM PDT

We’re not too sure just how long the Transformers craze is going to last, but if you’re still into gigantic robots that decided to make our earth as their little playground, then the steampunk Optimus Prime you see here is primed (pardon the pun) to be a bestseller. Made by the Encline Design team, this steampunk model comes in an extremely detailed design, and Optimus' vehicle mode would be the steam engine from IDW's comic-book, Hearts of Steel. It won’t just be any model though, since it will come equipped with functional lights as well as wheels that roll, not to mention a detachable trailer which can double up as a secondary weapon just like the trailer that comes with his famouse firetruck mode. Standard red and blue colors have been mixed with relevant elements to turn this into a true blue Steampunk design, featuring gunmetal grey that delivers an adequate metallic look for its bronze smoke pipes and cannon-based gun. Guess it can get pretty expensive to delve into such a hobby seriously in the long run, eh, as there seems to be no end of collectibles in sight.

Source: Walyou

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Steampunk Optimus Prime looks to be the bomb copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Magic Monkey Music Speakers

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 04:55 PM PDT

Want to get a pair of speakers that resemble your personality as the regular office joker who tends to make a monkey out of yourself? The £29.99 Magic Monkey Music Speakers could very well do the trick, considering this jovial looking chap will dance along with whatever tunes you decide to feed it, even if it is the Barney & Friends theme song. Of course, plugging in your device to the Magic Monkey Music Speakers is not a problem, since it is done through his lower back unobtrusively, letting out your tunes via his chunky headphone speakers. Regardless of the musical genre you decide on, he is more than willing to take up the case and groove to the beat without missing a step. Quieter and slower passages will quieten this primate down by quite a bit, resulting in very little movement. If you can’t have him tethered to a USB port and decide to make him portable, just make sure you have a trio of AA batteries on hand to provide enough juice – this monkey needs no bananas, that’s for sure. Concealed flaps in strategically located areas will let you find the relevant battery compartments and on-off switch.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Magic Monkey Music Speakers copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Mr. Potato Head gets a steampunk makeover

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 03:30 PM PDT

I’m fairly sure that it was absolutely impossible to grow up and not have a small amount of love for Mr. Potato Head. After all, you get to rip out all of his features and change his expressions. Then if you’re feeling extra mischievous you could give him a quick sex change and turn him into Mrs. Potato Head. If you still get a little mushy over Mr. Potato Head and love steampunk items, then this is one tutorial you shouldn’t pass up.

This little man was made using all sorts of materials. A few of them were an X-Acto knife, a hot glue gun, some random discarded materials around the house (wire, metal piping, etc) and even some baking clay. Sadly you can’t switch out his eyes for glasses or anything silly like that. It’s a full 5 step process that might take a little time to pull off. At least you have access to a handy little tutorial thanks to Instructables.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Mr. Potato Head gets a steampunk makeover copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Starlite LED Light does double duty

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 02:30 PM PDT

Book lights are very handy for big time book lovers, but only every now and then. I don’t know of anyone that uses it on a daily basis. That often means that it gets forgotten in the bottom drawer and you leave it with a dead battery for far too long just due to not thinking of it. This Starlite USB Rechargeable Light has a little bit of an edge in that area. Not only does it function as a book light, but it’s also a desk lamp.

Sure, it’s not a large desk lamp, but when you’re not using it to clip onto your favorite book it can be used for small tasks. Plus, I absolutely love that it charges up through the USB port, because it means that you’re not stuck remembering to make a battery trip. Beyond that it’s a very basic light, but it has all the best features to make sure that you’ll get a whole lot of use out of it. You can pick one up for $25 through the MoMA Store.

Source: HolyCool

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Starlite LED Light does double duty copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Vibrating Massage Gloves

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 01:28 PM PDT

If you don’t have someone on hand at all times to rub that kink out of your neck, then you might want to invest in these gloves. They’ll massage anywhere you need it with little vibrations, plus since they’re gloves you can really dig into any sore spots on your low back and neck.

Each of the fingertips vibrate between 16,000 and 18,000 vibration impulses. The average massage device actually only offers 4,000 impulses per minute, which is far less than these particular gloves deliver. These come in two sizes, S/M and L/XL. To purchase a pair of your very own to rub on your head anytime you need a little soothing you’ll just need to pick them up through Pro Idee. One pair costs £ 125 or about $193.

Source: CraziestGadgets

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Vibrating Massage Gloves copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Is Apple getting serious with AppleTV?

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 12:11 PM PDT

AppleTV is getting serious, and smaller. In today's fall event, Apple CEO Steve Jobs showed the new AppleTV and stunned many with how small it's really become. A little larger than his palm, the new AppleTV comes with HDMI out, WiFi, Ethernet and is about 75% smaller than it's predecessor.

Sporting a new remote, the AppleTV is all about streaming movies and TV shows in HD. And users will be able to forgo purchasing content and renting it instead. Cost of first run movies will be $4.99, with the price dropping as the films get older. TV shows are now a third the cost they once were at .99 each and commercial free. Currently, only ABC and Fox have joined the party, but users can also stream Netflix, watch YouTube, and enjoy photos from Flickr.

There's no syncing, no storage, but users can also stream slideshows movies they already have on their computers and music thanks to it's Ethernet connection. And in another cool feature, users of the iPad can transfer a movie they're enjoying directly to the AppleTV to watch in HD on a larger screen thanks to AirPlay (formerly Air Tunes).
And in a HUGE price cut, the AppleTV has gone from $229 to just $99. Available next month.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Is Apple getting serious with AppleTV? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Apple Releases new line of small and powerful iPods

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 11:53 AM PDT

Buttons are back on the new iPod Shuffle

Steve Jobs announced smaller and thinner iPods today at Apple's Fall Music Event. With smaller, new designs for the iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and a thinner, more powerful iPod Touch, Apple is poised to hit the entertainment market in music, movies and gaming like never before. And just in time for the Holidays.

Let's start with the iPod shuffle. As if it couldn't get smaller, it does. And the best part is, Apple has brought back buttons along with voiceover to make navigation of songs easier. The Shuffle is a tad larger than your thumb, has a clip, and has over 15 hours of battery life. In 5 colors (Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, and Silver), the Shuffle will sell for $49 for 8GB.

46% Smaller and lighter, the new iPod Nano has multi-touch

The biggest change has come in the iPod Nano, which is now 46% smaller and is multi-touch. That means that Apple has dumped the control wheel and gone to complete touch navigation. It's slightly larger than the Shuffle, which shows how small it really has become. Apple has dropped the video camera feature but has brought in a clip to make it easier to wear (which is great for athletes and runners) , has an FM Radio, Nike Pedometer, and 24 hours of battery life. Comes in seven colors (the same colors as the shuffle plus black and red) and starts at $149.

The new iPod Touch is as powerful as the iPad and even thinner.

Lastly, is the new iPod Touch, which has Apple's blazing A4 processor and Apple's pioneering HD Retina display with four times more pixels and an ultra sharp 326 ppi and 24-bit color. The iPod also sports the 3-axis gyro control and Apple also announced GAME CENTER, a social networking vehicle which will allow players to take on each other via WiFi in cyberspace playing a wide variety of games including a new game from Epic Games called Project Sword, and action packed RPG adventure with action happening in real time.
Additionally, the Touch will be able to take advantage of dual cameras and FaceTime with which it can communicate to iPhone 4 users and iPod Touch users over WiFi Video conferencing. And the latest iTunes has a great new social network called PING which enables fans to listen to new music from friends playlists, comment socially about it and download them on the spot. The iPod will also enjoy high dynamic range photography and HD video and be able to edit courtesy of the iMovie App.

The new iPod Touch goes on sale next week, just in time for Christmas for $229 / 8GB, $299/32GB and $399/64GB. With gaming, music, and HD movies, the new iPod Touch is going to be a hot item come Christmas.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Apple Releases new line of small and powerful iPods copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

A way to put a USB Typewriter on your desk

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 09:00 AM PDT

I don’t know about you, but I suppose that this is what our computers would look like today if certain technologies did not evolve the way that they did.

It is also a very complex project that you can do at home. Granted, it requires a lot of technical know-how in order to solder the essential parts together, plus others that you will probably have to buy.

You can check on my Source if you would like to try your hand at this one. It is sort of out of my tech league.

Still, like like the idea of having a computer with a keyboard that types like an old-fashioned typewriter. I suppose that we have since abandoned the typewriter for a reason, but we took away a certain aesthetic that has now been replaced with cold and practical soft clicking keys.

This device here reminds me of the computer/typewriters seen on the futuristic businessman’s desks in the movie Brazil. Yeah, a lot of that film was a pretty bleak, but I liked how some of the technology had a sort of vintage look to it.

In other words, I wouldn’t mind having one of these on my desk, and wouldn’t mind surfing the web with it.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ A way to put a USB Typewriter on your desk copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Skitterbot is one creepy robot bug

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 08:30 AM PDT

This is the Skitterbot, and this six-legged robot toy is designed to crawl across the ground at a rate of one foot per second. That is probably faster than most cockroaches.

It is powered by USB, and it takes 30 minutes to charge this guy for about 15 minutes worth of play. Yeah, that might not sound very efficient, but surely you could wait to play this creepy, crawly bug?

The Skitterbot bears a strong resemblance to the Hexbugs that we reported on a while ago. I don’t think that their eyes glow or come in three separate colors.

May I not recommend giving this Skitterbot to someone who is terrified by bugs? I don’t know the name of the exact phobia, but if someone who is scared of bugs would probably smash the Skitterbot by reflex if he or she saw it scurrying across the floor.

In fact, just looking at this thing makes me not want to touch it will it is on. Have you ever had a spider crawl up your wrist? That feeling of tiny little legs on your skin just gives me the heebee-jeebees.

However, if you like this creepy crawly thing, then you should be able to get the Skitterbot at Toys “R” Us and Radio Shack for about $19.99.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Skitterbot is one creepy robot bug copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Babel Fisk: Read what you are hearing

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 08:00 AM PDT

There have been many advancements in speech-to-text in the last few years. I’m sure that I’ll probably speaking these posts instead of typing them in the next few years, provided I’m not disturbing others in the room.

I’m sure that the hearing impaired would most benefit from speech to text technology, and this is what the Babel Fisk is supposed to do.

Designed by Mads Hindhede, the Babel Fisk has microphones built into the frame in order to pick up the voice of a person in the line of sight, and then an embedded speech-to-text program will create the text that is projected inside of the lenses.

You can even program it to record the text to a flash memory card for later use. So you can literally record everything that you hear as a text file.

The name of Babel Fisk is clearly a tip of the hat to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. In that classic science-fiction satire, the characters had this tiny fish that they stuck in their ear known as a babel fish that could somehow miraculously translate any language spoken. Fisk apparently means “fish” in Danish.

Of course, this just has to be concept technology, and I’m not certain how well this would work, honestly. I mean, if you are with someone who is talking to much, would you literally be blinded by words?

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Babel Fisk: Read what you are hearing copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]