Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Christmas Cracker Orchestra
LEGO Minifig Alarm Clock
Scosche announces new Samsung Galaxy Tab accessory line
Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Sigma
Cupron Copper Pillowcase – Gives new meaning to Beauty Sleep
Creationary: Like Pictionary, but with Lego
What Gadget Do You Most Want For Christmas???
Griffin Technology and Iceberg Kids team up and make a Woogie
E-Tomb – Dead goes digital
PDP’s Tron Legacy Video Game Peripherals
Gadget Thumbnails for 11-Nov-2010
Xi3 Corporation Xi3 Modular Computer
Digital Storm introduces Black|OPS gaming systems with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 inside
Magnetic Polaframes make your photos retro
In Your Own Voice Storyteller

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 04:45 PM PST

For the Chinese, there is nothing quite like setting off a trail of firecrackers during Chinese New Year to usher in what is hoped to be another annual cycle of prosperity, health and wealth. As for those celebrating Christmas, why not add a twist to the traditional firecrackers with the Christmas Cracker Orchestra? This box will hold eight Christmas crackers which will pop open to reveal one of eight plastic whistles that have been specially tuned to individual notes for playing along to a traditional holiday song as an ensemble. This has been a renowned English Christmas tradition since their invention in 1847, as individual crackers make a safe, festive “pop” when pulled apart at either end by two celebrants, only to reveal one of the whistles. Nice to know that each whistle will be accompanied by a numbered card that corresponds to a numbered, sequenced part to be “tooted” along with one of 21 Christmas carols, where among them include favorites such as Jingle Bells, Good King Wenceslas, and Deck The Halls. A box of this will cost you $29.95 – something for the family this Christmas, eh?

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Christmas Cracker Orchestra copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

LEGO Minifig Alarm Clock

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 04:31 PM PST

LEGO can be one of the better investments for your little one whenever he/she yearns for a new toy, since a whole bag of colorful bricks can always be used over and over again to create a new “toy”, depending on the kind of imagination you have. Enter the LEGO Minifig Alarm Clock that is pretty self-explanatory actually, where it comes in the form of a LEGO minifig complete with a digital clock that has been embedded into the minifig’s stomach. You will have to be on the Dark Side this time around since you can only choose from Stormtrooper or Darth Vader designs at $29.99 a pop. You can be sure that Darth Vader will use the power of the Force to help you get out of bed during those cold mornings when you prefer to snuggle under the blanket. As for the Stormtrooper, imagine that he is zapping your ears with some sort of aural laser to keep those sleepy eyelids open! Measuring 8″ tall, this would make for the perfect nightstand companion.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ LEGO Minifig Alarm Clock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Scosche announces new Samsung Galaxy Tab accessory line

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 04:20 PM PST

Scosche Industries is not a name to be trifled with when it comes to award-winning mobile electronics and accessories, and the company has just managed to do itself proud yet again by announcing a spanking new range of accessories that are aimed to enhance the user experience of the new Samsung Galaxy Tab. Since the Galaxy Tab is available across a plethora of carriers (at varying prices, of course), it makes it all the more easy to sell even with a rather high price point as every carrier has its fair share of loyal customers. This new accessory lineup will boast a range of products that complement the Galaxy, enabling Scosche customers to protect, power, connect and mount the new Tab.

Some of its signature cases and screen protectors for the new Galaxy Tab will include a version of its popular folDIO case, coming in a new folio style, the foldIO gt1 will boast a foldable design with suede interior and three landscape viewing positions. You can choose from either black or white colors with leather and carbon fiber texture options for $44.99.

As for the gloSEE gt1, this flexible rubber case will enhance your grip while providing superior shock protection, with the snapSHIELD gt1 being a shatterproof polycarbonate case with low-profile design that will certainly be a favorite with those who tend to drop their gizmos by accident no matter how careful they have been. Sounds like some form of universal law, eh? Both models will come in Clear, Smoke, Purple, Pink and Blue colors, priced at $29.99 & $24.99 respectively.

When it comes to screen protectors, Scosche’s got you covered with their klearCOAT gt1, an ultra clear 3-pack of screen protectors for $19.99, while the satinShield gt1 is an anti-glare 2-pack of screen protectors that is priced at $19.99, with the privaSEE gt1 privacy screen protector going for $39.99.

Apart from those, Scosche certainly hasn’t forgotten about charging solutions for the Galaxy Tab, throwing dual USB chargers which will come in home, car and stand alone back-up battery designs for you to juice up not only your Galaxy Tab but another USB-powered device as well. The reVIVE II wall charger is priced at $29.99 and will come in black and white colors, while the car version which is black will cost you $5 less. Out later this November, you will obviously need to get a Galaxy Tab first before figuring out which accessory you would like to have.

Press Release

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Scosche announces new Samsung Galaxy Tab accessory line copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Sigma

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 04:09 PM PST

Creative is back at the forefront of gaming headsets yet again with their latest model, the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Alpha. This one is touted to be the first of its kind in the world to deliver a true 3D immersive experience, where your ears will be able to hear sound coming from around you, above you and right from below – imagine if we had this kind of audio capability back in the days where we played Alone in the Dark on the PC.

Now that would certainly have knocked your socks off by quite a margin, eh? That’s one for memories now, as games have since moved on and 3D video being made the norm these days, so Creative headsets equipped with THX TruStudio Pro would make for the perfect partner for gamers who want a completely immersive, mind-blowing 3D audio and video experience.

More on the Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Alpha here, as the THX TruStudio Pro Surround will deliver a 360 degree surround sound gaming experience so that gamers are able to hear sounds clearly from the front, back, above and below. Cretive says that there is a difference between hearing sounds just to the left of you compared to left and above you, which is rather huge, especially when you’re involved in a tournament match. With THX TruStudio Pro Surround, it does offer you an added advantage over your opponents who use standard 5.1 and 7.1 headsets.

Hmmm, we wonder how that advantage will translate into first person shooters. After all, I clearly remember my positional sense wasn’t compromised using just a standard pair of stereo headphones in the past back in the days of Quake, its sequel and Quake III. Perhaps games will need to have to be specially coded to support such positional audio in order to make your money worth your while, eh?

With THX TruStudio Pro, it boasts the proprietary THX TruStudio Pro Crystalizer real-time audio restoration technology that will enhance in-game sound by restoring low and high end frequency curves which were lost to compression. Expect to fork out $59.99 for the Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Alpha as it arrives in store shelves this December in Asia.

Press Release

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Sigma copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Cupron Copper Pillowcase – Gives new meaning to Beauty Sleep

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 12:20 PM PST

I love beauty products, I for one am always spending more than I should on the next great thing thats going to make me younger, fresher or more attractive. Certainly not because I need to be younger, fresher or more attractive… Heavens no. Okay well maybe just a little bit.

There are creams and lotions and toners and masks but what about some new technology? What if your pillow could help you wake up everyday, just the tiniest bit younger? Thats what the folks over at Cupron are saying about their Copper-infused pillowcases, made from 300-count cotton and Cupron, a patented copper additive.

It is suggested that use of this pillowcase will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in four to six weeks, and it inhibits allergens, bacteria and fungi, discouraging stains and odors and perhaps minimizing acne.

The zippered pillow case looks like a regular standard size case and the benefits provided by the product supposedly lasts as long as the products themselves, regardless of how many times you wash it. I'm thinking skip the bleach though.

Ah, the pillowcase of the future, and it might actually work, are they gonna make a sleeping bag out of this stuff?

Further info at Cupron and a trial.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Cupron Copper Pillowcase – Gives new meaning to Beauty Sleep copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Creationary: Like Pictionary, but with Lego

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 11:42 AM PST

I’m sure that most of you have played Pictionary at least once in your life, the game where you must draw something while your team struggles to guess what it is. In case you have ever longed to play this game with Lego bricks, Creationary is your chance.

Creationary is one of several board games that Lego has out before the holiday season, and most of them have “buildable Lego dice and changeable rules”. In the case of Creationary, the player must build something in Lego bricks while others guess what it is. There are three levels of difficulty, and four categories: vehicles, buildings, nature, or things.

The game play is good for 3-8 players with a recommended age level of 7-12. It seems to be made for a “quick game”, as game play only lasts 30-60 minutes.

In all honesty, I’m not certain why someone didn’t market the idea of Creationary before. Perhaps someone didn’t think you could build something in Lego as fast as you could draw it. I believe Pictionary has an hourglass for about three minutes of time, but I’m guessing that there are some adults who couldn’t build a simple Lego tree in that amount of time to save their life. Perhaps you can arrange it so you play against the Lego Factory Project 2.0 that we reported on yesterday. I’m pretty certain the Factory would not be able to finish in three-minutes time.

Something tells me that Pictionary will top a lot of gift lists this Christmas. You can get it for about $34.99 on the Lego site.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Creationary: Like Pictionary, but with Lego copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

What Gadget Do You Most Want For Christmas???

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 08:41 AM PST

We are currently completing our 2010 Christmas gift guides and there is some very cool stuff out there.

However we could do with a little help finishing them off so if you could please leave a comment telling us which gadget or gadgets you would most like Santa to deliver that would be great (if we can we’ll try to negotiate a discount for Santa too ).

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ What Gadget Do You Most Want For Christmas??? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Griffin Technology and Iceberg Kids team up and make a Woogie

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 07:30 AM PST

So what is a Woogie, you ask? It has nothing to do with Chewbacca. While we are on the subject of seventies science fiction, the Woogie is not some alien that attaches to your face.

The Woogie is designed to face a problem that many Apple mobile users are facing. For some reason, young children love to play with iPhones and iPods, and these mobile devices often come back to the parents either busted or covered in a membrane of sticky goo.

The Woogie is a place to put the iPhone/iPod in a huggable shell, so it will reduce the damage by a young child. It is also serves as a speaker. It takes two AAA batteries that are stored in the stuffed animal’s stuffing, and increase the volume tremendously when it is plugged into the headphone jack.

I agree with the basic concept behind this toy/iDevice shield, but I would have chosen a shape of something like a teddy bear, and not this odd thing that looks like a green vegetable that your kid would refuse to eat.

Again, I would recommend the Woogie to those Apple mobile users with toddlers, because that iDevice is one tempting toy. Parents might as well give their $200 minimum investment some protection. You can purchase it on the Griffin Technology website for about $19.99.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Griffin Technology and Iceberg Kids team up and make a Woogie copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

E-Tomb – Dead goes digital

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 07:22 AM PST

I hate talking about dying, I spend more time than I think is right, wondering about my mortality. In fact my husband and I debate over whether we need a nice luxurious vault, or a quick and easy cremation, and up until now, cremation was for me. I just couldn't think of a single reason to be stuck in the cold, wet ground.

Well, maybe now there might be one, E-Tomb. Seriously. A headstone capable of saving all of your online information from social networking sites, blogs and other website information and dispensing it to your, um, shall we call them guests? Via their smartphone or computer. This solar powered grave marker will connect via bluetooth with a key embedded into the cross on the stone, this connection will allow the headstone to dispense information about your "digital personality" including websites, social networking sites, audio clips, pictures and even videos. Your friends can stop by your stone, and upload their own stuff, adding even more memories to the collage of information this thing can hold.

So, anyone that knows me, knows I have a lot to say, it would be nice to think I could still be saying it long after I am gone. Of course theres some footage from the 80's I'm going to have to destroy before I go….

Source: Yanko Design

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ E-Tomb – Dead goes digital copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

PDP’s Tron Legacy Video Game Peripherals

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 07:00 AM PST

I’ve already talked about the Epic Mickey video game peripherals from PDP (Performance Designed Products), and these particular accessories are based on a Disney movie franchise: Tron.

Oh, yes, that Tron Legacy is looking like it will be this holiday’s Avatar. It probably won’t make as much money, but just check out the trailer after the jump, and see how cool it is!

I got to a chance to try out two of these Tron controllers, and they are a better use of the Afterglow technology by the same company than the Afterglow actually was. The way the controllers look in the dark is nothing short of awesome. If you wave them around in the air, you can make some cool light patterns.

They way these controllers are designed, with the light stripes on them, it feels like you are in a Tron movie. Takes me back to 1982. All I can say is that this Tron Legacy had better be as good as the original Tron was. I realize this 28-year-old movie probably looks sick by today’s cinema standards, and I’m not certain you should wait so long until you make a sequel.

PDP has made three of these Tron Legacy controllers for the big three consoles: The PS3, the Xbox 360, and the Wiimote. All three of them are the same price at $49.99 and can be purchased at the PDP website.

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ PDP’s Tron Legacy Video Game Peripherals copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 11-Nov-2010

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 09:01 PM PST

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 11-Nov-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Xi3 Corporation Xi3 Modular Computer

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 06:06 PM PST

Modular computing is somewhat similar to taking a flight on a budget airline – there are no frills to worry about, and you pay for what you need/want to use. Well, Xi3 Corporation plays on this concept with the Xi3 Modular Computer which intends for you to use the same computer for many years to come, hence helping your household (as well as organization) save money in the long run without having to splash too much dough in the process. Basically, Xi3 Corporation has specially designed the Xi3 Modular Computer to make it (potentially) the last computer you ever need to buy – at least that is what they claim.

It was recently showcased for the first time to journalists at the CES Unveiled @ NY Showcase and Networking Reception in New York City, where the Xi3 Modular Computer managed to pick up the Innovations Award Winner in the Computer Hardware category for the 2011 International CES trade show in the process. You will have to see it to believe it – it is really small, measuring no more than 4-inches per side, but packing quite a punch for its relative size underneath the hood. We are talking about 64-bit x86 dual core processors from AMD that sip an average of 20 Watts or less when running.

The Borg would definitely love its square like design, and the Xi3 Modular Computer is supported by half a dozen issued U.S. patents while relying on the Xi3 computer architecture that divides the classic motherboard into three separate boards – one will hold the processor and RAM, the other two more I/O boards will handle all connectivity and input/output requirements, while each Xi3 board can be quickly removed, modified and/or replaced in a jiffy. Not only that, the Xi3 design makes it a snap to connect new external devices to the Xi3 Modular Computer.

Pricing starts from $849 if you’re interested, and supplies are rather limited at the moment since they’re only available for evaluation and proofs-of-concept purposes, with general availability predicted to begin from early 2011 onwards.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Xi3 Corporation Xi3 Modular Computer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Digital Storm introduces Black|OPS gaming systems with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 inside

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 05:57 PM PST

When it comes to super fast performance rigs for gamers, the name Digital Storm would surely ring a bell among others in the industry. What Digital Storm has wrought this time around would be to introduce their Black|OPS gaming system range that will be equipped with NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 580 running – nay, purring within. With all the additional power underneath the hood, gamers will now be able to leverage the unparalleled performance of the world's fastest DirectX 11 GPU, leaving you to way to weasel out of a crushing defeat by complaining that your hardware is not up to snuff. Why not check out more of what the newly equipped Black|OPS gaming system range has to offer in the extended post?

Let us take a closer look at the GeForce GTX 580 first – this is touted to be NVIDIA's flagship GPU which is capable of delivering a seamless gaming experience unlike any other. Not only do you experience overall improved performance and an innovative vapor chamber thermal design, the GTX 580 will also make short work of the latest games without making too much noise compared to its predecessor. Not only that, the new processor supports all the premium GTX gaming technologies, where among them include NVIDIA Surround, 3D Vision, PhysX and SLI.

According to Rajeev Kuruppu, Digital Storm's Director of Product Development, "Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops envelope gamers in graphics that are so detailed and life-like, that it's a disservice to experience them with anything less that the best GPU on the market. The GTX 580's vapour chamber helps keep the card cooler and also makes it run quieter, helping gamers immerse themselves deeper into their favourite titles."

For those who are interested (and have a little extra in their bank balance), they can pick up Digital Storm's Black|OPS systems with NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 580 from $2,108 upwards. Of course, the type of stuff you get inside really depends on your budget, so those who are rather tight this month might want to wait until their Christmas bonus arrives.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Digital Storm introduces Black|OPS gaming systems with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 inside copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Magnetic Polaframes make your photos retro

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 05:55 PM PST

Want to introduce a little bit of retro into your photos? You can easily do that with the Magnetic Polaframes, where this £9.99 purchase will be able to make your regular 4" x 6" photos look as though they were some sort of proper old-school Polaroids. Just what does the Magnetic Polaframes offer? Well, they are actually pretty ingenious in the construction, being magnetic frames that can be used to stick photos to your fridge or filing cabinet. What makes it stand out from the rest would be the chunky white borders that actually make the photos within look as though they were Polaroids that hail from a different time era. To make matters more interesting, they even ship with an erasable pen for you to write captions on the chunky lower border, now how about that?

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Magnetic Polaframes make your photos retro copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

In Your Own Voice Storyteller

Posted: 11 Nov 2010 05:44 PM PST

There is just something about little ones who want to hear the sound of their parents at night just before they head off into dreamland. For those who are parents, how many times have you shared a bedtime story over and over again with your kids during their formative years? We are sure that you might find it repetitive at times (especially when you’re tired), so why not let technology offer a little assistance when you’re feeling rather under the weather? Enter the In Your Own Voice Storyteller which will enhance your child’s reading experience, as it will play back a story in the familiar voice of a caregiver.

You (or others who are close to your little one) can records passages, or perhaps even the whole bedtime story using nothing but a pen-shaped voice recorder that is synchronized to a series of easy-peel stickers which are attached to a book’s pages. Each of the 600 included stickers are encoded with a unique pattern of dots (similar to a bar code), and will be associated with a voice recording stored on the pen’s built-in memory. All your kid needs to do is point the pen at stickers placed throughout a book to hear recordings. Retailing for $79.95, it boasts forty stickers with pre-recorded sound effects, where among them include a laughing baby, meowing cat, ringing phone, ticking clock and fire engine among others.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ In Your Own Voice Storyteller copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Saturday, November 13, 2010