Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

USB Retro Mobile Phone MP3 Player
Wii Table Tennis Paddle
NES Controller iPhone 4 Decal
AnyBook DRP-4000 lets you record reading for your kids
Kandela candles turn on with a magic wand
Commuter Cup keeps ice frozen for 24 hours
Gadget Thumbnails for 15-Sep-2010
dB Logic announces headphones or earlphones with SPL2 technology
Tokyo Institute of Technology’s Robot Grasshopper
Foam Printer prints out clouds at IFA
iArm is a hoot for iPad owners
Popcorn Yubi Fude finger brush
What NASA could be launching into space soon
Altec Lansing Muzx Ultra in-ear headphones

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 04:33 PM PDT

I can’t really say that I miss the old chunky mobile phones, but if that was your first cellphone I could understand getting a little sentimental. While I don’t advise carrying around that old phone, you can always get a gadet that reminds you of your old phone. This gadget will play your music whether it’s stored directly on this device or it’s on your iPod.

The MP3 player functions as both an MP3 player as well as just your average portable speaker. It has a built-in USB port and a micro SD(HC) card slot. You can pop in a memory card or plug in your iPod, a PC, PDA and any other device you can find that stores your music. You can pick one of these up for $23 through USB Brando.

Source

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[ USB Retro Mobile Phone MP3 Player copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Wii Table Tennis Paddle

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 04:02 PM PDT

If you have a Wii, then you know how many cheap peripherals there are available for it.

After all, look at the steering wheel for Mario Kart Wii. All it is just a circular piece of plastic, with a trigger.

However, this paddle accessory from some unnamed Chinese manufacturer is probably one of the coolest I have seen. It isn’t just the overly priced piece of plastic that sticks onto a Wiimote, but it is a Wiimote, with all of the necessary buttons. It even comes with a Motion Plus inside.

This is quite good, as the Wii has several games that are based on Table Tennis. There is one on Mario Party 8 that I play, and using the Wiimote as a paddle isn’t the same. This one actually feels like a paddle.

It looks like it is possible to attach a Nunchuck to the bottom of this, but I don’t think that you will find a Nunchuk that has a color that matches.

I don’t have any word on when this particular accessory for the Wii will be coming to America, but I would think it would be soon. I don’t know if there is any table tennis game coming out during the holidays, but this would make a terrific stocking stuffer for Wii-lovers.

Source

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[ Wii Table Tennis Paddle copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

NES Controller iPhone 4 Decal

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 03:36 PM PDT

Sure, your iPhone is shiny, new and very modern, but you still can’t help but love that old technology from years before. After all, you spent hours perfecting your skill on your Nintendo NES, so you might as well show it a litle love. Besides, your iPhone needs a little something to make it a ibt more personalized. Otherwise you’re stuck carrying around one clone of thousands.

These are full color vinyl stickers that can be slapped on the back of your phone. Thankfully the creators really didn’t want some cheap decal on the back of your expensive iPhone 4, so they used the high quality materials instead of cheap stickers from your local office supply store. Despite the higher quality materials, it won’t cost you too much. You can currently pick one up through Etsy for $5 a piece.

Source: GeekyGadgets

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[ NES Controller iPhone 4 Decal copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

AnyBook DRP-4000 lets you record reading for your kids

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 03:27 PM PDT

There is something magical about reading to a kid. You can get a real special feeling from that. However, you might notice that after the one thousandth time, the specialness really wears off. I guess kids have this ability to hear or watch things over and over again and don’t get sick of them.

I suppose you could get a PMP or a Teddy Ruxpin to read them the story, but that is a little impersonal. So why not put your own voice on the story reader?

This is the AnyBook DRP-4000, and it has the ability to record someone’s voice. What you need to do is read a page, and somehow that soundfile gets represented on a sticker. Then the AnyBook DRP-4000 reader scans it, and reads it to your child.

This looks like an item that Leap Frog would put out, and I would have to go back to what I said about this being impersonal.

Just imagine a scene from a movie where a father is not spending time with his son. His son wants him to read him a story, and the father then gives him an AnyBook DRP-4000 reader. Just picture what kind of scene that sets up. “Daddy would read you the story, son, but he’s too tired to do the work right now.”

The AnyBook DRP-4000 will be available in October for approximately $60.

Source

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[ AnyBook DRP-4000 lets you record reading for your kids copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Kandela candles turn on with a magic wand

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 03:00 PM PDT

It has been one year since we reported on the Kymera Remote Control that works like a magic wand. Only instead of using magic, it has the power of technology.

Those who love Harry Potter will probably rejoice that there is another wand-controlled device, just in time for the next Harry Potter movie. Well, half of a Harry Potter movie. In case you don’t know, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows is a Part I.

There is a video of it after the jump from my Source that shows how it works. As you can see, one flick turns the candles on (and it works with multiple candles), and other flick turns the candles off. You don’t have to use any stupid magic words like “Luminus Candleus” like at Hogwarts, and you can use some interesting flicking to get the candles flicking.

I don’t know what kind of power they use, but I am going to assume that it is batteries. You don’t really want to plug these in, do you?

Let me give you some advice on where not to use these wand candles. If you think your girlfriend is going to be impressed that you “set the mood” by waving a magic wand, you may get mixed results.

You should be able to get this for about $54. Now, if only they were scented.

Source

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Kandela candles turn on with a magic wand copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Commuter Cup keeps ice frozen for 24 hours

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 01:20 PM PDT

Whenever I’m particularly busy I usually forget about that piping hot cup of coffee that I have sitting right in front of me. It’s a common problem, which is why most cups have a bit of insulation to help slow the cooling or warming process. Well this Commuter Cup slows it down a whole lot more than the usual cup. According to the seller it will keep ice cubes frozen for 24 hours.

It’ll seal in warm and cold drinks to make sure they’re at the right temperature when you finally remember where you left your favorite drink. The cup won’t drip or leak even if you were to hang it upside down or shake it about a whole lot. The dual wall as well as vacuum insulation are what keeps your drink at the temperature you like. You can purchase the Best Commuter Cup for $29.95 through Hammacher Schlemmer.

Source: GadgetGrid

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[ Commuter Cup keeps ice frozen for 24 hours copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 15-Sep-2010

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 10:01 PM PDT

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[ Gadget Thumbnails for 15-Sep-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

dB Logic announces headphones or earlphones with SPL2 technology

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 05:00 AM PDT

Having good quality audio is not on top of everyone’s agenda, although for some people it might be their top priority. Well, dB Logic intends to deliver the very best for both adults and little ones alike, merging superior sound, style and comfort without sacrificing on the health of your ears. dB Logic has just introduced the world's first family of no-battery-required, ultra-low distortion sound pressure level limiting headphones and earphones. All of them will be powered by SPL2 technology that will do its bit to help protect users from long-term hearing damage – a good idea if your teen is one who loves toting around his or her iPod at full blast. Apart from that, little ones too can benefit from SPL2 in the form of "dB Logic for Kids" – the first type of high-sound-quality headphones specially designed for children.

The high popularity of MP3 players as well as a plethora of other portable media players has done its fair share of damage in the acceleration of hearing damage among young people. A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that one in five teenagers today is already experiencing significant hearing loss. dB Logic's proprietary sound pressure level (SPL) limiting technology, SPL2, will do its bit by limiting volume levels thanks to advanced circuitry, doing away with the need for bulky battery-powered processors.

The dB Logic headphones and earphones for adults will arrive in the market from early November onwards, where it will retail for between $29.99 and $39.99, depending on the model you choose. If you want to splash more dough on your little ones, then the dB Logic for Kids products will start from $39.99 upwards. Since colors will do its bit to inject some zest into life, dB Logic's headphones and earphones will also be available in a range of fashionable colors Passion (red), Envy (green), Salmon (pink), and Sky (blue), black, and silver shades.

Press Release

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[ dB Logic announces headphones or earlphones with SPL2 technology copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Tokyo Institute of Technology’s Robot Grasshopper

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 08:15 PM PDT

Stop for a minute and consider what would happen if we decided to completely follow the example of animals, and all of our cars had four legs instead of wheels.

Better yet, what if we had followed the model of the insects, and we all had “cars” that looked like grasshoppers. So not only would they crawl around, but they could also leap.

Perhaps this would be the aesthetic of the Air Hopper. This is a robotic grasshopper created by the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Unlike a real grasshopper, it only has four legs, and it has wheels. Like a real grasshopper, it can actually jump. It can reach a distance of about four feet forward and one foot up, actually.

I normally would like to have a video of this so you can see how cool this is, but I don’t have one this time. Instead, just imagine a rush hour traffic jam with a bunch of grasshopper cars. It could be crazy as they try and hop over each other.

Of course, I don’t see why this robot grasshopper technology could be used in something else other than vehicles. At this point, I don’t know what, but I’m sure the Tokyo Institute had some sort of plan.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Tokyo Institute of Technology’s Robot Grasshopper copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Foam Printer prints out clouds at IFA

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 07:40 PM PDT

Okay, I will have to admit that I don’t have much on this from my Source, but this video utterly sold me.

This video was taken at IFA in Berlin, and done with some sort of printer that has this unusual ability to create 3D shapes such as logos, and then they will float off. You will note how the letters seem to magically rise from the foam and have to be “cut off” like paper in a cutter.

Sometimes, technology like this takes me by surprise. I realize that we are in an age where 3D printing is actually something that companies can buy. However, I assumed that it takes a super computer with 3D graphics capability, and these can only produce an output of very hard plastic.

The idea that you could create some things like this that would stay together and float seems pretty amazing to me. I honestly hope that this is okay for the environment.

After all, I am told that releasing helium balloons in the atmosphere is bad for Mother Earth. The only reason I know this is because I did this a few months ago to entertain my kids. When I got home, my wife told me that this probably wasn’t a good thing.

Is this foam printer technology the new releasing of colored balloons?

Source

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ Foam Printer prints out clouds at IFA copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

iArm is a hoot for iPad owners

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 07:30 PM PDT

Are you the life of the company, as well as the resident joker? Well, if you happen to own an iPad or tablet device, then you might be interested to check out what the iArm could do for you. Potentially being one of the more interesting Apple accessories out there, this forearm mount will “empower” you with an additional arm. Capable of attaching to iPads, tablet PCs, eReaders, cell phones, and others, the iArm tips the scales at a mere 4.5 lbs. and is fully adjustable, The iArm itself will let you tote your favorite device with you, where the optional "multi-mount" allows you to secure up to three more items simultaneously. There is only one problem with this though, it has yet to roll off from the production line, although you can purchase an empty box of promises for $8.

Source: ChipChick

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[ iArm is a hoot for iPad owners copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Popcorn Yubi Fude finger brush

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 07:15 PM PDT

Japan does carry its fair share of wacky products, and if you’re artistically inclined and have a mind of your own, then you might be interested to check out the Popcorn Yubi Fude which in essence, is a finger brush that comes in a zany yellow design that has proved to be a massive hit in the Land of the Rising Sun to date. That’s to be expected because the Japanese culture has had brush artwork for centuries, so taking to this unique device would be like a duck to water. Having sold 6,000 units in the first month of its release alone, it just goes to show how popular the finger brush is! To use it, just slip the brush onto your finger tip to practice your strokes, regardless of whether it is real calligraphy, decoration or simply just painting in inks. Not only that, you can also wear multiple brushes on different fingers simultaneously, allowing you to switch brushes at an instant with differently sized holders. Each Popcorn Yubi-Fude set contains a trio of big brushes & holders, 1 medium, 1 small, and 2 holders for kids. It will also feature a color palette, 30ml ink and a brush stand. $111 is the asking price for this, get it only if you know the recipient is an artistic person.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Popcorn Yubi Fude finger brush copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

What NASA could be launching into space soon

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 07:12 PM PDT

With the space program getting massive cuts, it is time to start thinking about the next generation of spacecraft.

This concept illustration that you see here shows that NASA is leaning away from spacecrafts that have to be strapped to tubes full of rocket fuel and going for ideas like this.

This is a wedge-shaped scramjet that can be launched on an electrified rail or gas-propelled sled that would hit orbit at Mach 10.

Believe it or not, the technology to make this happen is not based on any sort of science-fiction or currently non-existent technology. My Source says that this concept is merely an improvement of technology that already exists. It would require rails that would be needed for vehicles that could travel at such great speeds, as well as longer lasting batteries. If such tech were improved upon, it would lead to more stable railways for faster trains as well as longer lasting batteries for electric cars.

Considering that space technology has led to advancements in our day-to-day life like Velcro and Tang powdered drink, why not have this tech improve the lives of non-space faring people?

Perhaps this is how we can do the space tourism that I have been hearing about for so long from Virgin with Spaceport America.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ What NASA could be launching into space soon copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Altec Lansing Muzx Ultra in-ear headphones

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 07:07 PM PDT

The name Altec Lansing has always been associated with quality audio systems and speakers, and their latest effort in the form of the Muzx Ultra in-ear headphones does not look to disappoint (on paper, at least). This premium pair of headphones, going by the model number MZX606, was specially engineered to feel great, look great and most importantly, sound great. Capable of realizing the full potential of balanced armature technology in order to impart astonishing audio clarity, audio quality has been touted to be balanced and rich, just the way the original recording was meant to sound. Of course, the advent of digital music means a lot of that also depends on the quality of your digital file, making lossless compression file formats the way to go (at the expense of storage space, of course).

Regardless of whether you’re listening to an iPod, iPhone, iPad, MP3 player or computer, virtually all genres of music will come to life, enveloping you in an immersive soundstage. The frequency response is a broad 20Hz to 20kHz, accompanied by crisp bass that never overwhelms. It is meant to be used every single day without reservation, boasting an impressive 26 dB isolation to help shield your ears from extraneous background noise including traffic, engine noise and crowds. Its in-line remote will provide additional control of an iPhone or iPod, while the in-line microphone makes it a snap to attend to phone calls in a jiffy.

Each pair of Muzx Ultra earphones will include single balanced armature technology which creates more sound from less power, alongside an extensive range of audible frequencies. You get a 46″ cable which has a precision-engineered strain relief component at the driver and another separate strain relief component at the gold plated 3.5mm jack. All purchases will be accompanied by an eight-piece fitting kit and a carrying case. Expect to see the Altec Lansing Muzx Ultra Earphones (MZX606) hit the market next month for $99.95.

Press Release

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[ Altec Lansing Muzx Ultra in-ear headphones copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Friday, September 17, 2010