Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Transcend Goggles give you your skiing stats
Bullerjan’s new take on wood stoves
Colorware iPad Grip
Floppy Disk Sticky Notes
Zippo Emergency Fire Starter Kit
Belkin Conserve Gateway router system
Gadget Thumbnails for 03-Oct-2010
Sony and TomTom team up, delivers new navigation systems
Iran’s Bavar 2 flying machine-gun boats
Believe it or not, this is a business card
Have a heavy lifting job? Call a Skylifter.
Valeo’s Park4U appears on new Volkswagen Touran and Sharan
Jabra partners with Zipcar, unveils Jabra CRUISER

Transcend Goggles give you your skiing stats

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 04:30 PM PDT

Skiing and snowboarding are sports that I would never succeed at. For one I lack balance and the most important detail is that I turn into an ice cube if it drops below 50 degrees (Fahrenheit) outside. Even despite that I’m not big on cold outdoor sports, these goggles are still cool. They give you all sorts of statistics as you’re sliding down the mountainside.

These Transcend Goggles come from Recon Instruments and Zeal Optics. They come with GPS and a display on the inside of the goggles. That display will tell you things like your coordinates, outdoor conditions, speed, altitude, total distance, the temperature and number of runs. You can even use it as a stopwatch and a clock. It’ll even keep track of your progress. To get all of that fancy technology placed right in front of your eyes you’ll have to pay up $399. That is unless you’d like the fancy set with photochromic (automatic transitioning) lenses, then it’s $499.

Source: Technabob

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Transcend Goggles give you your skiing stats copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Bullerjan’s new take on wood stoves

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 03:32 PM PDT

I’ve had and used a wood burning stove most of my life, but none of mine ever quite looked like this. Usually when I think of a wood stove it involves a giant black stove, with heavy metal doors. This does have the heavy metal front, but the outer area is a whole lot more trendy. Plus, despite the strange looks of this stove, it is completely functional.

The steel tubes that stick out of the top and bottom have a purpose. The cold air is drawn through the bottom tubes and the warm air is pushed out of the top. The interesting design comes from Bullerjan. You’ll have to actually contact them if you would like to find out the pricing on this. It’s nice to see this created to look like something besides the usual type of stove that looks like it was built for a log cabin in the middle of nowhere.

Source: CraziestGadgets

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Bullerjan’s new take on wood stoves copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Colorware iPad Grip

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 03:03 PM PDT

The iPad could come in useful for a whole lot of different people, but if you have clumsy tendencies it could be disastrous to own one. With those sleek designs it could easily slip through your fingers and come crashing to the ground. In order to keep the iPad in one piece you could always pick up a Colorware iPad Grip. It’ll give you something that’s much easier to hold.

The handle comes for iPads that have been put through the Colorware process or ones that are just fresh off of the Apple assembly line. It will require a minor amount of assembly on your part, but it all only requires pretty minimal tools. Much like all Colorware items, this comes as plain or as bright as you want it. To get yourself one it’ll just cost you $300, but you already spent quite a bit of cash on that shiny new iPad. What’s a few hundred more?! You don’t need to pay rent, just tell that landlord to wait until next month.

Source: Newlaunches

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Colorware iPad Grip copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Floppy Disk Sticky Notes

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 06:30 AM PDT

Ah, the good old days where floppy disks ruled the world, and having a 3.5-inch disk was so much more secure than those 5.25 floppies thanks to the build standard and quality. Well, you can always return to the past with the Floppy Disk Sticky Notes, although these will hold a whole lot less data. After all, as its name suggests, this is a stack of sticky notes for you to get started, writing down reminders and other love notes, depending on the situation. It will be one of the more expensive “floppies” you’ll ever purchase though, retailing for $9.99 per pack of 3 pads, but the nostalgic effect that it delivers could be priceless for the sentimental. These cleverly disguised sticky note pads will come in assorted colors if you’re interested.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Floppy Disk Sticky Notes copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Zippo Emergency Fire Starter Kit

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 06:00 AM PDT

“I’m a firestarter, twisted firestarter!” Who could ever forget the lyrics to that song by The Prodigy? Well, the closet pyromaniac in you might find this brightly colored Zippo Emergency Fire Starter Kit to be worth a purchase, since we all know that you can’t blow a Zippo out, not to mention it being a whole lot more reliable to light up camp fires instead of using old school firestarters. You need not suffer from cold and damp conditions any more since the Zippo Fire Starter Kit will come with waxed tinder sticks. At £19.95, the Zippo Emergency Fire Starter Kit is the fuss-free method to light fires, being not only quick but reliable to make it an essential outdoor camping tool. All you need would be to pull out a waxed tinder stick, fray the edges and follow it up with the flint-wheel. All tinder sticks are lovingly kept within the waterproof orange case so that everything will remain dry, no matter how torrential the rain outside is.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Zippo Emergency Fire Starter Kit copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Belkin Conserve Gateway router system

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 05:30 AM PDT

Belkin’s back with their spanking new Conserve Gateway router system which will work in tandem with your smart meter in order to deliver real-time insight about home energy use. How is this made possible? Well. you can check out what the Conserve Gateway reports through a simple and elegant web interface, which means you know what’s happening at home even though you’re thousands of miles away. Using their simple interface, it allows you to easily track and reduce energy use in your home, while picking up additional conservation tips that you can pass on to friends and family. Not only that, it enables utility companies with the ability to push information to Conserve Gateway with advice or calls to action, including "By using your dryer more efficiently, you can save up to $76 per year."

The protocol used here was informed by extensive ethnographic research which proved most people do not know what a kilowatt-hour (kWh) is and have even less of an idea about where power comes from. The whole idea of the Conserve Gateway router system would be to help you focus on the future, and in this case, energy conservation for the next generation. After all, this makes perfect sense since smart meter installations in homes have been growing over the years, and getting additional help to be able to pinpoint just which are the power guzzlers in your home helps as well.

Among the features found on the Conserve Gateway include :-

Ability to provision and manage a home area network (HAN) to enable the monitoring and control of in-home devices, appliances, and energy loads.
Smart Energy Profile (SEP 1.0) certified ZigBee® network interface for communicating with smart meters deployed with utility advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
Wi-Fi/Ethernet network interface allows for communicating with cloud-based device management system through user's home broadband router and provides an alternate channel for utilities to communicate with the gateway.
Secure data communications across wired and wireless media and networking protocols.
OTA software upgrades can allow application updates to be pushed to the device.
External antenna for maximum ZigBee pairing range

Press Release

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Belkin Conserve Gateway router system copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 03-Oct-2010

Posted: 03 Oct 2010 10:01 PM PDT

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Gadget Thumbnails for 03-Oct-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Sony and TomTom team up, delivers new navigation systems

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 05:00 AM PDT

Both Sony and TomTom have come together to roll out a couple of A/V navigation systems in the form of the XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT, where both companies hope that this partnership will result in some of the most advanced car audio, video and navigational technologies which are currently available in the current market. The Sony XNV-770BT will be a 7-inch widescreen display while the XNV-660BT is a 6.1-inch widescreen display, where both models will ship pre-loaded with TomTom’s extensive map database of both US and Canada roads, coupled with one free year of map upgrades which does not involve any incremental charge. Just to get an idea on how comprehensive TomTom’s maps in the US are, they feature more than 1 million more miles of roads than other GPS brands. Ain’t that comforting?

Apart from that, each system is capable of taking full advantage of several of TomTom’s advanced navigational technologies such as :-

IQ Routes evaluates all route options based on actual traffic speeds rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of day.
Advanced Lane Guidance provides enhanced lane graphics that show which lane to take in complex multi-lane situations.
Quick GPSfix automatically updates satellite locations to get the driver on their way faster.
MapShare from TomTom and its enormous navigation community enables drivers to correct their maps and benefit from changes made by other drivers via your computer and the free software TomTom HOME.
More than 6 million points of interest including gas stations, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and more.

Shared features of both devices include a high quality WVGA display that are touted to be one of the brightest and highest contrast screens available at the moment. The XNV-770BT’s 7-inch display is fully capacitive touch sensitive, while the XNV-660BT will feature several hard keys such as volume and key menu buttons to complement its touchscreen display. There is a rear USB port located on both devices for simple hookup to iPod, iPhone and other digital music players, while full Bluetooth capability ensures you can hook up wirelessly to other compatible devices. Sony also threw in a stylish graphical user interface (GUI) that comprises of large, easy-touch buttons to make life easier for everyone.

Audio-wise, you get multi-channel playback with Center Speaker Organizer (CSO), resulting in a virtual 5.1 channel surround sound throughout the car. As for the advanced sound engine (ASE), it will deliver a high-quality, digitally enhanced sound experience while letting you customize the in-car sound field in order to match your tastes. Expect the new XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT A/V navigation systems to be out this November for around $1,300 and $1,000, respectively.

Press Release

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Sony and TomTom team up, delivers new navigation systems copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Iran’s Bavar 2 flying machine-gun boats

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 02:47 AM PDT

I have heard a lot about how president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is very outspoken of the United States, the United Kingdom, not to mention Israel. Usually, when I see him on the news, it is in association with nuclear arms.

This is apparently the Iranian weapons that we don’t hear about. I guess they would hardly be weapons of mass destruction, but the Bavar 2 fleet would scare me if I saw them flying in from the horizon.

Every plane in this fleet has machine guns, as well as surveillance cameras. I have some video after the jump so you can watch them fly and go across the water.

I have to admit that they are downright impressive. According to my Source:

The delivery comes as Iran celebrates its Week of Sacred Defense, which commemorates its eight-year-long resistance to the 1980 Iraqi invasion, according to the Fars News Agency.

I’m not really certain what Iran has planned for these guys. They look brand spanking new and have no doubt never seen combat. I really hope that they will not, honestly.

Does anyone know if the military has some sort of amphibious plane like this in their arsenal? Like in the United States or Great Britain, maybe?

Source

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Iran’s Bavar 2 flying machine-gun boats copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Believe it or not, this is a business card

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 02:25 AM PDT

Some of you might remember when we reported on the Transformer business card. It was a business card that was made like a pre-made plastic model kit to form the various contact information into cool shapes.

This is definitely the same concept, but done without a lot of pieces that could easily get lost. It would appear that the business card can fold out into shapes to make some interesting card sculptures.

I’m not certain what materials that these cards are made of, but if it was thin metal, then those should hold up very well. If it is just paper, I’m not certain how well they will stand at all.

Of course, like the Transformer business card, I have to wonder what is going to happen to the contact information on it after you unfold it. Hopefully, the one receiving the card will enter in the vital information onto their computer before they unfold it.

Otherwise, you might be looking at this card and think. “Oh, look, it folds out to show a guy at his desk. I’ll bet the guy who gave me this card can also work well behind a desk. You know, I think I might have a job for him. I’ll just contact…oh no!”

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Believe it or not, this is a business card copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Have a heavy lifting job? Call a Skylifter.

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 01:53 AM PDT

Believe it or not, what you see in this image here is a blimp. Yes, I realize that most blimps are cigar-shaped, and this one is more like a frisbee on a pole, but this Skylifter has an advantage over most conventional airships: it can lift 150 tons.

Don’t ask me what you would possibly lift with such a device, but this is 700 times the load of a heavy cargo helicopter.

Of course, you will need a massive disc 500 feet across, which would be about the size of a football stadium.

I’m sure a lot of you are thinking that this is one of those cool concepts that never comes to being. Honestly, it does look like something from science fiction like Cloud City from the Star Wars series or the big space station around Earth that appears in many Star Trek movies.

However, the company actually has a working prototype of this vessel that they call Betty. It is only ten feet wide, and can only carry one pound. If that is true, that seems a little inefficient. However, the prototype taught the company how to make something that can carry heavier loads. According to my Source, the plan is to carry loads with stops for every 1200 miles.

Source

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Have a heavy lifting job? Call a Skylifter. copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Valeo’s Park4U appears on new Volkswagen Touran and Sharan

Posted: 03 Oct 2010 08:30 PM PDT

So it took you a fair number of times to pass your driving test, as when it came to crunch time to park your vehicle, you tend to make a mistake here and there that blew the entire test. Assuming you finally passed (much to the chagrin of your instructor as well as yourself), parking is still a potential issue, which is why we would advise you to drive home the new Volkswagen Touran or Sharan next time you want to own a vehicle. Why so, you ask? Well, Valeo’s Park4U system will be implemented in both vehicles, being the latest generation semi-automatic parking system from the company itself that will rely on ultrasonic sensors which are located in the front and rear bumpers in order to precisely calculate the length of the parking slot available, while automatically maneuvering the car into the slot.

Sounds pretty neat, don’t you think so? It is made all the more surprising (pleasantly speaking, of course) that the new version will require a mere 40cm of clearance at either end of the vehicle in order to park, which is a rather impressive reduction of 43% compared to the first generation. This is now possible courtesy of a more sophisticated geometric calculation. Apart from that, steering assistance will no longer stop when the car first goes into reverse, but will continue to be engaged to help you until the whole vehicle is parked, regardless of the number of maneuvers required even in a short parking slot.

Park4U will also help you get out of a parking space, despite it being extremely tight (we’re talking about a 25cm allowance on either end). It will first go about its duty by assessing the space which is available on both in front as well as behind the vehicle, calculating the number of maneuvers it must make and then going about its business. You as the driver will remain in full control of the speed of course, but it would be a good time to talk over the phone since the system will take control of the steering, as when parking. It is also smart enough to detect the best moment to exit the parking space, while automatically deactivating to let the driver merge into the traffic.

Press Release

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Valeo’s Park4U appears on new Volkswagen Touran and Sharan copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Jabra partners with Zipcar, unveils Jabra CRUISER

Posted: 03 Oct 2010 08:11 PM PDT

Jabra has decided to work with Zipcar, resulting in the Jabra CRUISER Bluetooth-enabled in-car speakerphone. As we all well know, driving around while talking on your cellphone is dangerous since it not only keeps you distracted from what’s happening on the road and around you, it also occupies one of your hands which makes it all the more dangerous especially when you need to make an emergency maneuver. The Jabra CRUISER Bluetooth-enabled in-car speakerphone is currently available at various retail stores including Verizon Wireless, Best Buy, and AT&T, where it is going for $99 a pop.

It has come to Jabra’s attention that cellphone use when driving is just one of the many distracted driving habits that have become the norm in the US. A global survey was run by Jabra recently in order to get to the nitty gritty of it, realizing that the most common harrowing driving habits include texting, eating, changing clothes (!), operating GPS systems and perhaps, just perhaps, even yelling at other drivers. Not only that, it was found out that only 32 percent of the survey respondents reported they’re using a hands-free device. This is where the Jabra CRUISER comes in, allowing you to talk to your family and loved ones while keeping both hands on the wheel. The Massachusetts House Bill 4466 has seeked to address a handful of these issues, by banning drivers from sending text messages from behind the wheel and by banning drivers under age 18 from using cellphones altogether.

According to Jonas Forsberg, General Manager North America, Mobile Division, GN Netcom, Inc., “Massachusetts joins a growing list of states that have enacted laws to prevent distracted driving while operating a motor vehicle, and while the roads will ultimately be safer, we expect there will be some initial consumer confusion and frustration. Our partnership with Zipcar is to provide their customers with a friendly reminder about the new legislation and a safer communication alternative, which we hope will influence their behaviors when behind the wheel.” Let’s hope that more people would look to the Jabra CRUISER as a viable solution for a hands-free alternative when driving.

Press Release

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Jabra partners with Zipcar, unveils Jabra CRUISER copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Tuesday, October 5, 2010