Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

ESPN 3D – Now mom can’t say, “Don’t play ball in the house”
USB Classic Joystick
Revo Axis Radio
TomTom GO 2405 TM and GO 2505 TM announced
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750
Here’s a printer for your flesh
Magnestick Safety System helps young skiiers
Yume Robo climbing robots
Penbo by Bossa Nova – Because it wouldn’t be Christmas without a robot
The Avaya Desktop Video Device with Flare™ – an iPad alternative for business?
Gadget Thumbnails for 31-Oct-2010
Baby’s First Ducati R/C Motorcycle
Samsung Galaxy Tab announced for US Cellular

ESPN 3D – Now mom can’t say, “Don’t play ball in the house”

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 05:39 PM PDT

ESPN broadcasting is about to bring you the worlds first 3D network. ESPN 3D is promising to show no less than 80 live 3D events in its inaugural year, to include FIFA World Cup matches, football, basketball and expanding to cover the X Games featuring skateboarding and rally car racing all live, and all right in the middle of your living room.

Of course to have access to all this high tech wizardry you will need a 3D ready television, and some 3D glasses, and we're not talking about the newest plastic ones that replace the cardboard red eye, blue eye numbers of yesteryear, we're talking sophisticated battery operated shutter glasses and you will need a 3D ready set top box from your multichannel video provider.

Discovery Communications is following right behind ESPN and has teamed up with the folks that bring you IMAX in the hopes of having their own 3D offering sometime next year. Unlike ESPN 3D, the Discovery Channel will have 3D programming available 24/7.

I can't imagine watching a game with the players running past me in my living room, it will be difficult to resist the urge to stick my foot out and "trip" a member of the opposing team, but I'm willing to grab a cold one, make some popcorn, and try to control myself!

Source: ESPN

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ ESPN 3D – Now mom can't say, "Don't play ball in the house" copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

USB Classic Joystick

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 05:21 PM PDT

There are times when you just feel so retro, you wish you were 10 again. Video game fans can certainly identify with this, as there is always at least one title or console which redefined their lives when they were much younger. The Atari 2600 joystick was one of the most iconic game controllers ever, and it is now back in the form of the USB Classic Joystick – you can tell by its name that it can be plugged into your computer, playing both old games and new ones with aplomb. Imagine the thrill of pressing “Fire” to start – it surely rolls back the years, eh? You might not be able to afford a time machine even if such a device were to be invented, but for $24.99 a pop, at least you can mentally go back in time with the USB Classic Joystick. Bear in mind that it will not hook up to classic Atari hardware, eh!

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ USB Classic Joystick copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Revo Axis Radio

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 05:16 PM PDT

Who listens to the radio these days? Not many apparently, but then again your ears can only handle so many premediated MP3s on a playlist before they yearn for something fresh and random, and this is where radios and their bunch of chatty DJs come in. The Revo Axis Radio which retails for £199.99 a pop will come in a sleek form factor, being an Internet/DAB radio cum dock which will represent the next generation of 'connected' music hubs. Not only can it receive more than 13,000 Internet radio stations, it also does crystal-clear DAB and DAB+, conventional FM radio with RDS and music streamed from your PC or Mac. This makes the Axis one seriously multi-talented performer, while doubling up as an iPhone/iPod dock.

Not only that, NXT's patented Balanced Radiator loudspeaker technology is incoporated within its 8W amp to deliver impressive clarity and bass response. To cap things off, you get an alarm clock with it, complete with the all important sleep and snooze functions, now how about that!

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Revo Axis Radio copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

TomTom GO 2405 TM and GO 2505 TM announced

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 05:11 PM PDT

TomTom is synonymous with GPS navigation systems of the highest quality, so it is no surprise to see the company roll out yet another two models for the masses to help them arrive at their destination safe and sound in the fastest time possible. The latest generation of navigation devices would come in the form of the TomTom GO 2405 TM and GO 2505 TM, where they are touted to deliver a “powerful navigation experience with faster routing, an enhanced software platform, and a new look and feel”. Let us delve into the nitty gritty of both devices in the extended post.

TomTom intends to offer drivers a world-class navigation experience, and this vision has led the company to develop a patented, high-speed algorithm which makes an allowance for instant route planning. Both the GO 2405 TM and GO 2505 TM will utilize this innovative technology, where they will go about conducting continuous routing. The regular monitoring of traffic information will lead these models to recommend the best current route to drivers.

Apart from that, both the GO 2405 TM and GO 2505 TM are the first TomTom devices that come with a new, enhanced user interface. Thanks to a more-intuitive software, users will be able to route to any destination with but a few taps. Not only that, drivers will experience seamless routing with voice recognition navigation commands.

Thanks to a capacitive touch screen technology and a brighter display, you can also navigate through menu screens with just a swipe of the finger and can pinch and zoom for easy map viewing. Using its new click and lock magnetic mount, you can dock either device in a jiffy with but one hand. Among the features found in both models include :-

Instant and continuous routing
Crisp, sharp graphics and intuitive user menus
Pinch-to-zoom and swipe from screen-to-screen using gestures
Bluetooth hands free calling to maximize safety
Voice recognition to operate the device with verbal commands
A click & lock mount to keep the device securely mounted while driving
Expanded driving view on 4.3" (GO 2405 TM) or 5" (GO 2505 TM) glass touch screens
Lifetime Traffic & Map Updates
Announces Street Names
Advanced Lane Guidance

Both models will be available Stateside from the middle of next year onwards, with prices starting from $299.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ TomTom GO 2405 TM and GO 2505 TM announced copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 05:04 PM PDT

Let there be light – at least, that is what you will be saying to yourself when you bring home the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750. Why so, you ask? Well, this is the first device of its kind – it is a light powered keyboard. This unique peripheral will juice itself up whenever there is light, even when indoors (so you don’t have to bake yourself and get a nasty tan when using your computer), doing away with battery hassles of the past. Being the next big innovation where keyboard technology is concerned, even when you leave the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 in total darkness, it has enough juice to work for up to 3 months before requiring some sunshine to replenish its reserves.

To make it all the more greener, the K750 is also PVC-free when it comes to its construction, boasting a fully recyclable packaging in the process in order to minimize its footprint. There is an integrated solar panel to collect all forms of light, so you won’t need to worry about toting around power bricks or additional charging cables.

From November 15th onwards, you can download a solar power app which is a lux meter that helps you obtain the necessary light to keep it going, making it a snap to retrieve essential information concerning battery levels at a glance, while being alerted whenever its juice starts to run low.

Logitech's first solar keyboard can also be powered via indoor light, while an integrated power-indicator light does away with any surprises. It measures a mere 1/3-inch thick, and looks pretty good with its rounded edges and thin profile. Boasting Logitech Incurve keys, its concave design will support the shape of your fingertips, while helping guide your fingers to the right keys. Connected wirelessly via 2.4GHz technology, the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 is tipped to hit the US and Europe this month for $79.99.

Press Release

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Here’s a printer for your flesh

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 02:24 PM PDT

Okay, this is one of those very intriguing concept technologies that seems too crazy to ever be true.

This is an experimental procedure at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine allows the user to print new skin on using a device that looks similar to a regular ink jet printer.

This “skin printer” uses two heads that can propel a combination of skin cells, collagen, blood coagulants onto a wounded area. It is much better than getting skin grafts from other areas in your body.

So that’s pretty wild, isn’t it? Imagine getting all banged up and then going to the skin printer for a quick healing. It reminds me of this spray that Will Smith used to repair his robot arm after he was injured in I, Robot.

I suppose it would be handy to have a skin printer on hand in the battlefield. So a soldier can get shot-up and then return to combat without all that MASH stuff.

Yes, it is still a concept at this point, and it is being tested on both pigs and mice. I don’t know who wants to be the first human trial for this, but I would hate to have it print out too much flesh.

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Here’s a printer for your flesh copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Magnestick Safety System helps young skiiers

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 01:52 PM PDT

It has been a while since I have been skiing, but safety on the chair lift was important when I started skiing at a young age.

I remember being slightly scared of the chair-lift, which is completely understandable for someone under the age of 10. After all, you have to sit in a chair that is several feet above the ground. Many of the Beginner chairs have a safety bar, but there is now another way to lock youngsters into place.

This new method, called the Magnestick, uses magnets. The child comes on the chair-lift with this metal piece on their back that you see here. Then, when they sit on the chair lift, electromagnets activate and the young skier “clicks” into place. This will insure that the young skier stays in his or her seat on the trip up the mountain. When it is time for the young skier to dismount the chair, the electromagnets turn off.

This is especially good during the time when the lift scoops up the skier. I remember being slapped upside the head with the approaching chairlift. If something where to lock in place on my back, that probably wouldn’t have happened.

The Magnestick is already in use in several ski resorts in Europe, and United States has two with Alpine Meadows and Lake Tahoe being the first.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Magnestick Safety System helps young skiiers copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Yume Robo climbing robots

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 01:20 PM PDT

The Shanghai Expo saw some interesting exhibits such as the end of the driverless vehicles trip, and then these three guys.

This trio are known as Yume Robo, and they have been climbing up and down this 15-meter wall at the Japanese pavilion every 20 minutes, for approximately 184 days. The three robot team was created by some group of engineers “at 15 small and midsize companies in Osaka”.

You can see them in a video after the jump if you want to check them out. Be warned, they climb really slow and they cannot work without a safety rope. I’m not certain who dressed these guys, but they are about 1.4 meters tall and weigh 30 kilograms. And what is the deal with the rabbit ears antennae on their heads?

I suppose one should wonder why they made a robot that could climb. Perhaps someone wanted to make a robot that would become a window washer for tall buildings. Of course, this would imply that some big metal scaffold would be on this building. Maybe they could put some suction cups to the robots.

I suppose that is the wonderful thing about robots, we just make them so we can prove that we can make them. That, or for when someone gets stuck at the top of the Tokyo Tower. Yume Robo team to the rescue!

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Yume Robo climbing robots copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Penbo by Bossa Nova – Because it wouldn’t be Christmas without a robot

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 10:02 AM PDT

Starting right around Halloween, every time a see a toy commercial I watch it carefully, because I know my daughter certainly is. While the time for kids hoping for an Etch-a-Sketch on Christmas morning has long passed, I never realized that we would be having quite so many personal robots to choose from.

The one for seven year old girls this year seems to be Penbo, a lovable penguin that surprises you when you press her heart by hatching a baby. This cute little robot walks like a penguin, dances, and evidently has the ability to sense her environment. Penbo interacts with her Bebe™ and, the baby itself, can be used as the remote control.

Penbo plays tag, hide and seek, musical chairs, mimic me and peek a boo. The more you play with Penbo, the more ways she has to respond and the happier she becomes. She will purr when you touch her head or you can easily get her to dance the Cha-Cha. She is very sociable and can recognize other Penbos and will speak to them, and you, in her native
penguinese.

I am intrigued by the toys of today and certainly see the appeal, I am excited by what may be on the horizon in terms of fun and enjoyment, but somehow I long for the days when a cap gun and a cowboy hat provided a whole days worth of entertainment.

Source: penbo.com

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Penbo by Bossa Nova – Because it wouldn't be Christmas without a robot copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

The Avaya Desktop Video Device with Flare™ – an iPad alternative for business?

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 08:57 AM PDT

2011 will ring in yet another new year, AND the Avaya Flare, one of the new iPad alternatives to become available from North American software company, Avaya. At first glance the Avaya device seems to do most of what the iPad does and then some.

Seemingly geared toward corporate executives, this WIFI enabled Avaya "desktop video device" has an 11.6' multi-touch screen with a 5 MP integrated camera, stereo speakers, USB ports, dual microphones and a removable battery.

Utilizing the Flare Experience™ you can manage your social contacts, make calls and arrange videoconferencing simply by dragging and dropping your contacts to begin communication. With the HD screen and its amazing video capabilities, you can bring anyone you need straight to your desktop. The tablet can also be used upright or angled for typing on the virtual keyboard using the fold-out stand.

The Avaya Desktop Video Device supports speakerphones, headsets, and smart phone integration for synchronization of contacts lists and, with its highly flexible Android operating system, it seems likely that a wide variety of 3rd party applications could be made to cater to your specific needs.

Touted as "an entirely new way to communicate and collaborate" I guess it could catch on, but without 3G, and an anticipated price tag of around $2000.00, I'm not sure where we're going to see it turn up. When I find out, I'll let you know.

Source: avaya.com

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ The Avaya Desktop Video Device with Flare™ – an iPad alternative for business? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 31-Oct-2010

Posted: 31 Oct 2010 10:01 PM PDT

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 31-Oct-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Baby’s First Ducati R/C Motorcycle

Posted: 31 Oct 2010 08:33 PM PDT

Introduce your little one to the world of remote controlled toys with the Baby’s First Ducati R/C Motorcycle from ThinkGeek. Why is it special to us? Well, for $39.99 a pop, it will not only offer the thrilling experience of an R/C vehicle, but packaged in such a way that even little ones can play without running the risk of choking on small and tiny parts. For your geekling, this model looks like a real motorcycle, boasting an actual rider. Not only that, its remote control also comes with large, easy-to-use buttons which you can use to drive the bike forward or backward, while turning left and right whenever possible. Boasting its own range of sound effects for added ambience, it will work in tandem with the way you accelerate your bike. Being able to handle the stress of a 2-year old’s hands is also another miracle, all going for less than $40.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Baby’s First Ducati R/C Motorcycle copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Samsung Galaxy Tab announced for US Cellular

Posted: 31 Oct 2010 08:28 PM PDT

Fancy picking up a tablet device? Actually, the Apple iPad has been doing gangbusters sales for the longest time already ever since it was released, and so far there hasn’t been any real competition to this device that can challenge its lofty position. Well, not until now – Samsung’s Galaxy Tab might have a smaller screen size at 7-inches, but it certainly isn’t any slouch when it comes to performance, running on the iOS’ rival platform – we’re talking about the Google Android operating system.

Most recently, the Samsung Galaxy Tab was released by US Cellular, where it is capable of delivering a premium mobile entertainment experience on the go, without getting bogged down by a bulky device. After all, it tips the scales at just 13 ounces while measuring 12 millimeters thin. The Galaxy Tab will be able to fit in nicely into a pocket or purse, so both genders will be able to carry one without growing extra muscles overnight.

Apart from the aforementiond brilliant 7-inch enhanced TFT display screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is also powered by a speedy 1GHz Hummingbird Application processor that is capable of supporting 3D graphics as well as smooth Web browsing, followed by a 1.3 megapixel front camera and a 3 megapixel rear-facing camera (for video calling and photo taking purposes, obviously), alongside the Android 2.2 operating system that throws in full support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1.

One thing about the Samsung Galaxy Tab would be its similarity with Samsung's very own Galaxy S smartphones, which would mean carrying Samsung's Social Hub application that is capable of synchronizing a user’s Messaging and Contacts to initiate the sending and receiving of information, regardless of whether it is e-mail, instant messaging, social network updates or SMS messages. Not only that, calendar information from portal calendars, such as Google Calendar, and social networking services are displayed together in one calendar with two-way synchronization.

You will also benefit from services such as Google Maps Navigation (Beta) and Google Goggles amongst others. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you ought to be able to surf at your favorite coffee place without missing a beat. Any takers for the Galaxy Tab?

Press Release

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Samsung Galaxy Tab announced for US Cellular copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Tuesday, November 2, 2010