Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Robotic road train could change commuting as we know it
This is a prosthetic limb like I have never seen
Talking chess set might just freak you out
StroboTop Light Phase Animator
Speck has new folio-style cases for the iPad and Kindle 3
Zoom Q3HD Handy Video Recorder
Gadget Thumbnails for 07-Dec-2010
Tactile Minds – Finally, Porn for blind people
Gazelle.com – Because there’s already new stuff you know you want
This Holographic Map of Seattle is the neatest thing you will see all day
Here’s a DIY Star Trek door!

Robotic road train could change commuting as we know it

Posted: 08 Dec 2010 03:07 PM PST

I think we all know that most of us waste a lot of quality work time driving to and fro to work each day. To make matters worse, some of us decide to “use the time better” by talking on the cell phone or doing other mobile applications that lead to distracted driving accidents.

There is a lot of work on making a driverless car, and the image that you see here is a different idea. What you are looking at here are robotic road trains, and it is a way to get ordinary cars grouped together like train cars in a wireless configuration.

I know that you can’t really read the fine print on the image, but the concept works by having a lead vehicle traveling down the highway, and then other cars join up by entering their destination. From there, six to eight cars will be guided wirelessly by the leader, and they can sit comfortably and do anything they want. Heck, they could probably even sleep. Once the driver/passenger approaches their destination, they can simply break off from the train and go on their way.

I’m sure that you can see a lot drawbacks to this. Like what if the wireless driving program malfunctions, or what if a car in the train runs out of gas. Yes, we are a long way from establishing one of these convoy trains along the road. I would like to see a dry run on a major highway, though.

Source

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[ Robotic road train could change commuting as we know it copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

This is a prosthetic limb like I have never seen

Posted: 08 Dec 2010 02:47 PM PST

I have to admit that I don’t know what it is like to lose an arm, and need to use a prosthetic one.

I would imagine that the future of prosthesis involves hands that are robotic, but this particular design doesn’t look like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s arm that he revealed in T2.

As you can see, this prosthetic arm doesn’t have any fingers, but the whole thing is like one giant finger with many knuckles. It is, for lack of a better word, a robotic tentacle. If it was silver-colored and had some claws on the end, I would call it a Doctor Octopus tentacle.

Apparently, designer Kaylene Kau wanted to “push the boundaries of current upper-limb prosthetic design”. This prosthetic arm is powered by a small motor within, and makes it so the user can curl around objects.

I believe that we are not at the point where we can create artificial limbs with four workable fingers and one thumb, like the one that Blair Brown has on Fringe. Most Prosthetic devices that I have seen help for gripping objects rather than moves that require a lot of dexterity, like typing. If this version can help out to create a better grip, then more power to the tentacle!

However, I want to make certain that I am factual with what I have reported about prosthesis. So if you have a prosthetic arm or know more about it than I do, feel free to chime in a comment.

Source

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[ This is a prosthetic limb like I have never seen copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Talking chess set might just freak you out

Posted: 08 Dec 2010 12:15 PM PST

Do you think that playing with a computer opponent when it comes to chess is just too uncanny, since some of the moves which your virtual opponent pulls could prove to be more than human? Well, just to tip things in their favor even more and freak you out (for the weak-hearted), here is the talking chess set from Barbara Kruger. It sure as heck won’t come cheap considering the $30,000 price tag that has been fixed to it, but that is because it has been hand-built, so no two models are the same. Underneath the “hood”, so to speak, lies three integrated computers and 96 microprocessors. All the pieces on board are able to talk interactively as you make your move. Don’t you think that conversation during a match can be unnerving? Something tells me this is a strategy to throw you off balance…

Source: Born Rich

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Talking chess set might just freak you out copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

StroboTop Light Phase Animator

Posted: 08 Dec 2010 12:05 PM PST

Do you still have that little kid in you, making sure that your next Christmas purchase for your son will also be something that you are able to keep yourself entertained with? Perhaps you might be curious to check out the StroboTop Light Phase Animator, where this unique top can be spun, followed by shooting it with the right light in order to experience a new kind of animation. All blurring images will snap into focus, bursting into life right before your very eyes. There are 18 discs in total with each $24.99 purchase, where these discs will feature animals, various kinds of humans, a bunch of zany shapes and more. The dial itself can be adjusted, so that the rate of light flicker changes in order to match the rate of the images spinning by on the disk. Make sure you have a bunch of eneloops nearby, since it will require a quartet of AAA batteries to run – and it doesn’t even ship with your purchase.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ StroboTop Light Phase Animator copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Speck has new folio-style cases for the iPad and Kindle 3

Posted: 08 Dec 2010 06:24 AM PST

Speck recently introduced two more folio-style cases just in time for the upcoming holiday season, and it will be for the iPad as well as Kindle 3. Originally, it actually became popular in the previous iteration of the Kindle, turning Speck's DustJacket design into the industry standard where folio cases are concerned. Basically, with either folio-style cases, you are able to travel just about anywhere reading your favorite e-books and surf your favorite websites without having to worry about dropping or scratching your device.

These new DustJackets for the iPad and Kindle 3 are touted to deliver device protection alongside a new level of simplicity and functionality which is demanded from a folio case. First of all, the DustJacket for iPad will not only offer protection but enhances its functionality as well. The protective cover will open like a book, where it will fold back flat for a comfortable grip. Apart from that, you can also unfold and position the DustJacket in order to multiple preset angles for viewing or working. With its custom cradle that holds your iPad securely within the micro-fleece lined interior, the padded leatherette will also deliver additional extra comfort and protection from bumps and drops. Available in Red and Black Leatherette, these new DustJackets for the iPad are going for $49.95 a pop.

If you’re a Kindle 3 owner, then your version of the DustJacket will feature a built-in flip-out reading stand and comfortable padded exterior, delivering the ideal protective folio case for hands-free Kindle 3 use regardless of your mode of travel – be it on the plane, train or countertop. Whenever you complete a chapter or arrive at your destination, you can always retract the reading stand retracts flush into the front cover. This DustJacket version ensures your Kindle remains securely retained and protected inside the micro-fleece-lined interior courtesy of a custom form-fit cradle. Also available in Red and Black Leatherette, it is cheaper than the iPad version at $34.95.

Press Release

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[ Speck has new folio-style cases for the iPad and Kindle 3 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Zoom Q3HD Handy Video Recorder

Posted: 08 Dec 2010 06:15 AM PST

Personal video recorders are dime a dozen these days, and with the advent of the miniaturization of technology, such video recorders can get even more portable and work all the better in a smaller form factor. Zoom is more often than not associated with voice recorders, but this time around, the Q3HD from Zoom is a handy video recorder instead. This is the only handheld device that can record not only HD video, but HD audio (24-bit/96kHz) as well. It will bring together Full HD 1080p video with Zoom's renowned audio technology alongside a new user-friendly icon-based interface that enables users to capture a truly immersive movies with ease and confidence.

The Q3HD is able to record in both Full HD 1080p at 30 fps (frames per second) and 720p at 30 or 60 fps. Zoom has done its bit by pairing its redesigned larger aperture with a trio of lighting settings so that the perfect amount of light will be included in every shot. Apart from that, Zoom's exclusive "Concert Lighting" setting enables the camera to capture clear, detailed videos – despite being used in light-intensive environments which would otherwise cause most camcorders to wash out.

Zoom has incorporated the similar microphone capsules that currently sees action in their industry-leading H4n recorder, where it has been configured in a wide 120° X/Y pattern, delivering unparalleled stereo recording quality. Users will be able to appreciate how simple it is to set audio levels courtesy of the onboard level meters and mic gain switch with auto gain control. Once you’re done with your shooting, you are able to turn the Q3HD on its side in order to watch videos in 16:9 format on its color LCD display. Apart from that, you can also opt for the integrated HDMI port to view and share new footage on an HDTV. Other hardware specifications include a built-in USB 2.0 cable to transfer, view and edit movies on a PC or Mac. Zoom helps you get started with a 2GB SD memory card, although you can always top it up with another 32GB SDHC memory card. Expect the Zoom Q3HD to retail for $299.99 a pop.

Press Release

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[ Zoom Q3HD Handy Video Recorder copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 07-Dec-2010

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 09:01 PM PST

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 07-Dec-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Tactile Minds – Finally, Porn for blind people

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 09:49 PM PST

Pornography is big business. No matter where you look, it seems you don't have to go far to be bombarded with pornographic images. It is so common these days, that what used to make me blush, doesn't even get me to bat an eyelash anymore. I'm just used to it, but what if I was blind? How would I be able to cruise porn… I mean, um, be accidentally exposed to porn, if I couldn't see?

Lisa Murphy knew just what to do, she sculpted, thermoformed and self-published a handmade book of nude photographs that can be used? by the visually impaired. Complete with racy pictures, as raised images, allowing the user to "feel" the picture. Tactile Minds also contains the descriptive braille accompaniment to each of the seventeen 3D images.

You may not know that Playboy published braille issues for a few years, but it didn't have any pictures. Isn't that sort of like a fantastic bottle of wine with no corkscrew?

Anyway, Each book is numbered and signed by Lisa J. Murphy. Single pages from the book are also available for individual sale.

The complete spiral bound book retails for $225 at www.tactilemindbook.com

Source: www.examiner.com

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[ Tactile Minds – Finally, Porn for blind people copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gazelle.com – Because there’s already new stuff you know you want

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 07:26 PM PST

I'm sure it's no surprise that I love technology, I want everything new that hits the market. The problem is, as an early adopter, I then want the newer model of whatever it was that “I had to have” in the first place. This gets rather expensive and I can't tell you how many of these items are lying around in drawers. Still quite good and perfectly usable, taking up space, unused and very unappreciated.

Well, I'm ready to trade that stuff in for some cash! I found Gazelle.com and it's one of those things that just seems to make good sense. Gazelle pays you for the gadgets you no longer use or want. It's a simple process, and you tidy up your junk drawer, recycle your old toys and get a little cash in the process.

First, you visit Gazelle’s website and look up the item you want to get rid of, answer a few questions about its condition and get an offer, if qualified, they send you a box and shipping label and when it arrives, they check it out, remove your personal information and pay you via cash, gift card or even with a donation to charity.

Finally, your item gets a new home, or gets recycled, you have space to put your new stuff, and you don't have to feel completely guilty about buying it, right?

I'm thinking if I “Gazelle” all the practically new cellphones I have, I might be able to quit my job.

Source: www.gazelle.com

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[ Gazelle.com – Because there's already new stuff you know you want copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

This Holographic Map of Seattle is the neatest thing you will see all day

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 06:53 PM PST

Believe the headline.

This is the work of Zebra Imaging, who is apparently in the business of making these three-dimensional holographic maps that require absolutely no goofy glasses.

I have a video after the jump so you can see it in action, and you will see the full color map under focus. There are videos of a 3D map at my Source which shows a factory building being peeled away, like you are seeing a 3D blueprint of it.

This sort of technology feels straight out of Star Wars. I would imagine that this is how engineers showed the Emperor and Darth Vader the plans for the Death Star. I can just see Emperor Palpatine looking over the plans saying: “Good, good. This is my destiny. This is the power of the dark side!”

Man, I hope these guys at Zebra Imaging will have some sort of display at CES 2011, and that I can get my camera in for a close-up. And I thought augmented reality was the coolest thing that I would ever see at CES.

I’m sure that you are wondering the price of such a 3D map, and your suspicions are correct if you are thinking that it isn’t cheap. It costs about one to three thousand per map.

Source

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[ This Holographic Map of Seattle is the neatest thing you will see all day copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Here’s a DIY Star Trek door!

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 06:33 PM PST

From watching science fiction film and television, I think we all know that the future is every door a sliding door.

Just think about shows like Star Trek, Babylon 5, and even futuristic shows that don’t take place in space. Except for the newer Battlestar Galactica, I think we all know that we will soon have no need for doorknobs or hinges.

I have a video after the jump of this particular sliding door, which is essentially a DIY project from this YouTube subscriber. There are more detailed instructions of how to create your own Star Trek door here if you want to build one for yourself. Of course, it is going to take a little longer than a weekend for this one.

You will note that there is a button to open this Star Trek door, which means that there is no standing in front with your arms crossed behind your back like Commander William Riker. I guess you’ll need to make your own automatic opening sensor, or whatever.

There is a similar Star Trek sound effect, and there apparently is a way to shut off the air. I guess the door’s creator is really planning to spend some time in space.

I’m guessing that you will need a lot of time on your hands to create this futuristic home. Will you be the coolest or the geekiest man on your block if all your doors are sliding ones? There’s something to think about.