Saturday, January 23, 2010

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets


Cornucopia from MIT could be the next form of artificial food

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 01:58 PM PST

mit-food-printerYou know what you are looking at? Is it a dozen eggs that were laid by chickens of the future? No, but it is the food of the future.

Allow me to elaborate. This is the Cornucopia, a food preparation machine that is developed by Marcelo Coelho and Amit Zoran, two designers at MIT.

Think of the Cornucopia as an early stage of the food synthesizer from Star Trek. Remember that machine that would give you any food that you wanted? Well, this is a 3D food printer.

Essentially, what you see in those strangely-shaped capsules are flavors. By mixing them together, you get “the creation of flavors and textures that would be completely unimaginable through other cooking techniques”.

So, if you want to eat some lasagna, just mix two parts green, with three parts orange, and four parts red. I honestly don’t know if you can bring these combination together as a liquid or a solid.

Maybe the end result is that goop stuff that you see Neo and the others eating in The Matrix. As I recall, it tasted like “runny eggs” or “a bowl of snot”. I can’t imagine that the Cornucopia would be a cornucopia of good tastes. But this is MIT developing this, so who knows how it might taste.

Source


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[ Cornucopia from MIT could be the next form of artificial food copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Conceptual fridge has a door that goes transparent, has compartments

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 01:30 PM PST

windowrefrigerator01I believe there is some sort of made-up word for when you go to get a snack from the refrigerator, and you can’t find anything. However, you still go back to it, as if something will materialize.

Of course, you realize that it costs precious energy and money to stand in front of an open refrigerator door. So why not make it transparent?

This conceptional refrigerator by designer Yoon jung Kim and Jong rok Lee has some special glass in it that is normally opaque. However, if you run a current through it, it will turn transparent.

I’m not at all certain if this will work, as I have never seen glass like that before. I’m not doubting that this could work, but if we have glass that can go from transparent to opaque, then we really need to use it on more than just refrigerators.

In addition to that glass trick, this Window Fridge has another outstanding and unique feature: sections. That’s right, this refrigerator doesn’t just have one or two doors, but many. So if you want to categorize your foods, and sort them by the five compartment doors, then you can.

Well, there is no word when this fridge is going to be actually made. Perhaps the designers need to perfect this glass going transparent or opaque thing.

Source


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Conceptual fridge has a door that goes transparent, has compartments copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


iHeart Dock is so sweet it just might conjure up some iPuke

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 01:22 PM PST

iheart

It’s just before February and grocery stores are stocking up on heart-shaped boxes of chocolates.  Well for those of you that enjoy your heart-shaped gadgets instead of chocolates, here’s one more.  Despite that on the outside this looks like nothing more than a sweetly made jewelry box, it’s actually an iPod dock to play your music out loud with.

The Jewelry Box Speaker may not have space for any jewelry, but it’ll make sure to keep your favorite tunes cranked.  It actually comes from a Japanese company, Marubeni Infotec.  The dock will work with 4th gen iPods, as well as the iPod Mini, Nano, Classic, Touch and the iPhone 3G/3GS.  The speakers are 2W by 2ch.  It has heart-shaped buttons to keep control of your iPod and even a mirror on the top to check your makeup with.  It will be released at the end of next month within Japan for $110.

Source: Crunchgear


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ iHeart Dock is so sweet it just might conjure up some iPuke copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Boogie Board Reflex LCD

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 01:06 PM PST

boogieboardI think we all like to have some sort of blackboard or whiteboard in our place just so we can jot down ideas, and this one is a little technological.

The Boogie Board from Improv Electronics uses “Reflex LCD” technology which is a pressure sensitive, flexible plastic which, believe it or not, requires zero power to write on it, but does require power for the erase feature.

The erasing uses the power of a small watch battery, and it is good enough for 50,000 erasing cycles. My source doesn’t seem to have any information on how this thing erases, but it has to be something technical going on there. Maybe it’s like an Etch a Sketch when you shake it, but you just push a button.

Just so you know, the Boogie Board has an included stylus, but there is nothing special about the stylus. In fact, any instrument, such as a fingernail, that can exude pressure on the board is good to make a mark on the Reflex LCD board. The user can make wide or thin marks on the board, just like writing with a pencil.

If this sounds like something that you would like to have at your place, then here’s some good news: you don’t have to pay that much for it. It costs only $29.97 at the Improv Electronics site.

Source


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Boogie Board Reflex LCD copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


BookBook Case disguises your MacBook

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 12:30 PM PST

BookBook-MacBook-Case_2

If you happen to love the look of frayed old books, now you can have a MacBook case that looks like one.  These leather cases will make it possible to keep your precious MacBook safe, all the while looking great doing it.  Plus these cases will make it easier for your MacBook to blend in and be less likely to be swiped while you’re out and about.

Each one of these hardback leather cases are one-of-a-kind.  The distressing of the book is all done by hand, which gives each one a unique look.  It has dual zippers and leather pulls.  It also has elastic corner strips so that you can leave the case attached while you’re using your laptop.  These come in two different colors, you can pick one up in Classic Black or Vibrant Red.  They are available in two different sizes as well, you can get a 13 inch one or a 15 inch.  Either one you choose will cost you $79.99 from Twelve South.

Source: GeekyGadgets


Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ BookBook Case disguises your MacBook copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Dancingdoll RZ ups the realism ante

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 05:30 AM PST



Trust the Japanese to come up with some really stunning robots in real life and not only in animes. The Dancingdoll RZ is one of them, boasting extremely fluid and realistic movements. She is very petite at a mere 60cm tall, where she is powered by 25 servo drives alongside a digital control board from V-Stone that drives her every move and action. Japanese manufacturer RozenZebet is the brains behind the Dancingdoll RZ, and “she” is most probably the stuff of dreams for many geeks out there already. Soon we’ll start to see a protest outside our courts for folks who want equal rights for robots and to marry them as well…

Translated Page


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Dancingdoll RZ ups the realism ante copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Electronic Putting Trainer

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST

electronic-putting-trainerGolf is a game where you often fight against yourself first before checking out your score with others. After all, there is nothing quite as satisfying as getting all those shots in with one nice, clean whack each time, but there are off days for some of us where nothing seems to go wrong even after following hundreds of dollars’ worth of advice from books and DVDs. Well, just like many other things in life, practice makes perfect, so why not make sure your putting is in tip top condition with the Electronic Putting Trainer?

This is the putting trainer that helps you improve your ball striking, club path, and putt alignment. The system’s infrared sensors detect both the speed and direction of each putt, providing precise, instant feedback by showing exactly where the midpoint of the ball has struck the bar in relation to its “virtual hole.” A series of putts are displayed on the bar as separate illuminated tick marks. The flexible bar automatically bounces the ball back to you. The sensitive trigger bar can be set to any green speed and distances between four and 32′. The trainer challenges you with six games; you can play a game of “500″ which requires you to place a series of five puts as close as possible to the hole. Putts are graded on a scale of 0-100. Can be played on any surface. Includes two C batteries.

We would recommend getting a pair of Sanyo Eneloop batteries with a C size case to go along with this $329.95 device. Great present if you want to suck up to your boss, assuming his putting isn’t up to par.


Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool :)
[ Electronic Putting Trainer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Solar Powered Bird Repeller

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 04:30 AM PST

solar-bird-repellerHaving birds in the garden might be something folks want as their general chirpiness is perfect to perk up your day, but it comes with a downside – they tend to poop all over the place, and their number one target would be your newly washed car. Instead of getting a cat, why not settle for the Solar Powered Bird Repeller?

Keep unwanted birds off your patio, pool area, A/C unit, boat or car cover. Rotating, telescoping arms extend up 2 1/2 ft. each, and sweep continuously in a maximum 5-ft. diam. Attach the included streamers for even greater deterrence. Nearly silent operation. Weather-proof plastic. Can also be mounted.

It might be $89.99 more expensive than a regular DIY scarecrow, but we’re pretty sure it works somewhat until the birds catch on that this ain’t no cat.


Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Solar Powered Bird Repeller copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


enTourage Systems announces Documents To Go

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 04:00 AM PST

entourage-edge

Ebook readers seem to be heading the way of netbooks in the near future – and by that, we mean having them come in dime a dozen formats. Well, enTourage Systems stands out from the crowd thanks to it bringing the first dualbook in the world known as the enTourage eDGe. This time round, the company has announced that they will be introducing the Documents To Go software from DataViz which will be pre-loaded into all enTourage eDGe units. In this partnership with DataViz, the multi-functional enTourage eDGe will further evolve its role into being a comprehensive solution when it comes to reading, note taking, Web surfing and working from virtually anywhere.

To get a better idea on what the enTourage eDGe is, it merges an e-paper and LCD screen to form a dual-screen device which will bring together the functionality of an e-reader, tablet netbook, notepad and audio/video recorder and player in a single device. Augment that with the potential productivity power of Documents To Go and you will be able to view, create and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files on-the-go. Not only that, the enTourage eDGe will also be able to view Adobe PDF files right on its display just as though you were looking at it on a computer, making it a snap to make changes to your documents on the spot. Bored? You can always listen to music over it or watch a couple of videos, battery-life permitting.

enTourage Systems also has its own e-book store, although this one pales in comparison to what Amazon is offering with its Kindle. Still, having some form of software backbone is better than none, and enTourage Systems have no where to go but up from here. All sharing between devices and document storage happen on the company's servers so that material created or saved on enTourage eDGe units will receive a higher degree of protection. Powered by the Google Android operating system, the enTourage eDGe can be pre-ordered now, retailing for $499 as it ships on February 1st onwards.

Press Release


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[ enTourage Systems announces Documents To Go copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Gadget Thumbnails for 21-Jan-2010

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 09:01 PM PST

DIY Bike Light

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 09:01 PM PST

diy-bike-light

Aidy is the brain behind the DIY Bike Light – working concepts with the potential to be individual pieces of artwork that is guaranteed to capture the attention of anyone who lays their eyes on them. I wouldn’t recommend you placing this beside the TV or coffee table if you happen to hold regular gaming sessions of Wii in your living room, nor will I recommend households with boisterous dogs to have these since the chances of knocking it over would be much higher than Iran developing nuclear weapons (if they haven’t yet done so already). Aidy is currently working on a second one at the moment, with a double burner which comes in the form of a bulb-burner and a separate candle. What do you think of this piece of DIY home decor? Just in case you were wondering, everything used here was recycled from parts of an old bicycle. Hmm, guess China would be a good place to start such a business…


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ DIY Bike Light copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Sony Ericsson Vivaz unveiled

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 08:49 PM PST



Sony Ericsson have come up with some rather pretty phones over the years, and their flagship Xperia line of smartphones look quite solid although they have not captured the world’s imagination by storm for one reason or another. Still, it would be nice to see the company stay in business just to keep all the other players on their toes as you never know who might come up with the next “iPhone”, so to speak. Sony Ericsson’s latest efforts have resulted in the Vivaz – the second in their new family of communication entertainment phones which will also see the introduction of HD video capabilities alongside a new 'human curvature' design philosophy that makes the Sony Ericsson Vivaz a joy to look at from any angle.

Hitting the market in the first quarter of the year, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz is able to shoot video instantly with auto focus being turned on continuously, making each filmed memory a perfect one each time. A dedicated video key makes it fast and easy for you to capture events as they happen without having to fumble through various key presses in order to activate its video recording capability, while you can always go through your recording efforts on the 3.2″ widescreen display or online through Wi-Fi connectivity. Each video recorded can be uploaded to YouTube instantly without having to go through any other conversion process as long as you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, while Picasa support is also enabled for family and friends from afar to check out the latest stills.

Apart from that, social networking is also supported with mainstays Facebook and Twitter working just fine over the Vivaz. Its 8.1-megapixel camera can also shoot still moments with face and smile detection capability to help you snap a perfect picture every time. Running on UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 850/1900/2100 and EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 networks, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz will come in Moon Silver, Cosmic Black, Galaxy Blue and Venus Ruby colors.

Press Release


Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Sony Ericsson Vivaz unveiled copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Vizio rolls out Razor LED TVs

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 08:40 PM PST

vizio

Vizio has managed to climb above its rivals in the US by being the top LCD HDTV company there through the potent combination of affordable pricing and decent technology, being “good enough” to cater to most people, never mind it being shunned by A/V enthusiasts who must have the absolute best. Well, the company recently announced that they will be rolling three more Razor LED models that are extremely slim, measuring no more than 1″ in length, with one of them being full well capable of receiving broadcasts courtesy of its new ATSC-M/H mobile/handheld platform which can operate when you’re on the go – yup, we’re talking about mobile TV here in LED format which ought to elicit a Pavlovian response with you salivating already.

Known as the VMB070, this model will feature a 7″ display which should be more than decent to share whatever show you’re watching with another family member or friend, while those who prefer something larger can always settle for the 9″ VMB090 has a 9″. As for folks who want the largest in everything, they can get an additional inch of viewing real estate with the 10′ VMB100. All three models are touted to hit the maret later this year, where the VMB070, VMB090 and VMB100 being slapped with sticker prices of $149.99, $199.99, and $229.99, respectively.

Of course, you would do well to research on whether the place you’re staying at supports the such broadcasts before making a purchase. Both the VMB090 and VMB100 are able to receive the new ATSC-M/H signals courtesy of an integrated antenna, which makes it less unsightly and removing the risk of an external antenna breaking in two. This new standard also allows local broadcasters to deliver over the air signals which can be received via mobile video devices including cellphones, portable media players, notebooks, personal navigation devices and automobile-based infotainment systems. What is your entertainment device of choice whenever you hit the road?

Press Release


Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Vizio rolls out Razor LED TVs copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Samsung unveils SL630 digital camera

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 08:24 PM PST

samsung-sl630

Samsung seems to be making progress in other consumer electronics departments after making a name for itself in terms of cellphones and home appliances, with digital cameras being their next logical step. You won’t find any noteworthy digital SLRs from the Korean giant as yet though, as the company seems poised to concentrate on compact digital cameras at the moment, and they have been doing a pretty fine job to date. Recently, Samsung has just announced its latest addition to the digital camera stable – the SL630 model which will boast Dual Image Stabilization and Smart Auto to get you started right out of the box.

This is a 12.2-megapixel point-and-shoot device that will offer much bang for your ever depreciating buck, where it features a versatile 28mm wide-angle, 5x optical zoom lens, coupled with the aforementioned Dual Image Stabilization and Samsung's entire range of smart features. Not only that, Samsung has managed to cram in everything into a relatively slim and compact frame that makes it a snap to tote around without growing your biceps at an alarming rate. Its specially concocted Dual Image Stabilization (IS) technology enables one to capture crystal-clear images simply by combining both Optical and Digital Image stabilizers so that sharp images are the only possible end result. Folks with trembling hands (due to taking a snapshot of a really hot chick or having shaky nerves naturally) will find that its Optical IS is intelligent enough to make the necessary compensation by shifting the lens in the opposite direction. Just in case you’re in the middle of a tremor and Optical IS isn't good enough, Digital IS will kick in automatically for a virtually blur-free image.

Other automatic controls on the SL630 include advanced scene recognition technology that will make the necessary adjustments to color, brightness, motion and subject before snapping a photo for the best possible results. You can also record video with your SL630, where you get a 640 x 480 resolution recording at 30 frames-per-second. No word on pricing, but the Samsung SL630 is tipped for a March release this Spring.


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Samsung unveils SL630 digital camera copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Snow Chopper made from spare parts

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 03:36 PM PST

snowmobile_chopper_610x405I love seeing DIY gadgets like these. Every time I see one, such as the Star Trek phaser, I can’t help but think: “how does one get the time to build these things?”

I mean, I can barely keep up with my writing deadlines. Therefore, I will give my full congratulations to Bob Sawicki and Toby Weisser for using their weeknights and Sundays to build the snow chopper that you see in the photo.

Sawicki and Weisser are stationed in Antarctica, at the McMurdo Station research center. Sawicki and Weisser were responsible for maintaining snowmobiles at the station, and they decided to use the spare parts for the chopper.

In all honesty, if I were stationed in the coldest place on Earth, I would probably do some sort of side project, just so I wouldn’t be driven crazy. Yet the reason why they built it was the McMurdo Alternative Art Gallery (MAAG), an “annual show highlighting the creative and artistic talents of the community”.

In case you are curious, the snow chopper can do 60 miles per hour in the shop, and 6 miles an hour on the snow. Of course, he was joking when he said this, so I don’t have the actual speed. They have taken it out for a spin a few times, though.

Source


Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Snow Chopper made from spare parts copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]