Your's Web Tech Power Blog's: Jul 21, 2010

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Renovo Photo Scanner offers instant data transfer
Logitech Surround Sound Speakers Z506
EDGE Tech Corp releases new 32GB flash drives
Microsoft introduces new Xbox 360 4GB bundle
Banclock gets an update
Dock turns iPhone into slot machine
Light Switch Timer shuts off at set times
Gadget Thumbnails for 19-Jul-2010
Hopscotch Hero, probably not coming to video consoles anytime soon
Zephyr breaks record for solar-powered unmanned flight

Renovo Photo Scanner offers instant data transfer

Posted: 20 Jul 2010 05:30 PM PDT

Photo scanners are old hat, and so are portable, handheld ones. Well, don’t just dismiss the Renovo Photo Scanner as another has-been before you even know what it does, eh? This unique £69.99 purchase will not only convert your old photos into a digital file format, it will also send those files straight onto an SD memory card (which is obviously inserted into the Renovo Photo Scanner itself) so that you do not need to power up a computer and be tethered by a wire while you covert hundreds of old photos. No sir, with the Renovo Photo Scanner, you can sit down in front of the TV and watch Avatar three times over in succession while you scan in your stack of old photos, being safe in the knowledge that each photo that goes through will already be digitized into a file for future use. Of course, the memory card slot also supports Memory Stick or the MMC formats. All photos are stored in 2-megapixel resolution, which means you can’t blow them up too large down the road.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Renovo Photo Scanner offers instant data transfer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Logitech Surround Sound Speakers Z506

Posted: 20 Jul 2010 05:15 PM PDT

People these days love options, and if you’re one who find it hard to decide on speakers that deliver the flexibility to set up your system any way you want, Logitech has the answer for you in the form of the Logitech Surround Sound Speakers Z506. After all, they are compatible with virtually all modern entertainment devices out there currently, be they a PC, Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Apple iPod or even a generic DVD player. All cables have been color coded to ensure set up is a cinch, while an accessory cable is thrown into the mix for sound cards and music players. For those who absolutely need to up the ante when it comes to their gaming fix, the Z506 speakers can be hooked up directly to a game console's existing RCA cable. With 75 watts (RMS) of power, you can be sure your neighbors won’t be too pleased if you pump it at full volume into the wee hours of the night.

Press Release

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[ Logitech Surround Sound Speakers Z506 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

EDGE Tech Corp releases new 32GB flash drives

Posted: 20 Jul 2010 05:05 PM PDT

EDGE Tech Corp should be a familiar name by now to most of you out there, where this supplier of DRAM and flash memory upgrades, portable computing products, storage devices, and other experience-enhancing technology solutions, have just introduced yet a couple more 32GB flash drives to its established DiskGO product range. We’re talking about the DiskGO Mini which was specially designed for convenient, easy-to-use storage, while the DiskGO Backup will come with innovative automatic backup software. It really depends on your need at that moment on which model you’re supposed to pick up, so do make sure you know what you’re getting into before forking out your hard earned dough for either.

One thing that we love about the advancement of technology is this – storage capacities will continue to increase in size, while the physical form factor of said device starts to decrease itself. Online cloud storage is also gaining traction among consumers and businesses of all sizes, and both of these new devices will conform to such trends. The DiskGO Mini certainly lives up to its name, measuring just 1.4″ x 1.0″, making it slightly larger than a quarter. Not only that, it also measures under 0.25″ thick and tips the scales at 1/10 of an ounce, which more or less makes it unnoticeable when you’re toting it around in your pocket. Of course, at that size and weight, you also run the risk of losing it without being aware. Added convenience and protection come in the form of an unique sliding USB connector. Each DiskGO Mini comes with CryptArchiver Lite software which protects data from unauthorized use with government level AES encryption.

As for the DiskGO Backup, this model is identical in size to the DiskGO Mini, although you do benefit from a powerful Dmailer Backup software. The initial setting up of Dmailer isn’t rocket science, where it will then go ahead to back up selected files using 128-bit AES encryption. All of these newly created files are automatically backed up whenever the device is plugged in, so forgetful folks need not worry about not keeping to a backup schedule. You also get 2GB of cloud storage for free throughout your lifetime, now how about that.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ EDGE Tech Corp releases new 32GB flash drives copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Microsoft introduces new Xbox 360 4GB bundle

Posted: 20 Jul 2010 04:57 PM PDT

Microsoft has just announced a brand new way to spend your summer, and they don’t want you to do it outdoors. No sir, the big M prefers you to use up most of your waking time indoors thanks to a new controller-free way of playing video games with their spanking new Kinect system which will come bundled with an all-new Xbox 360 6GB console. Of course, what is the point of having all the hardware in the world when you do not have any software to go along with it? Microsoft has certainly not overlooked that fact, and will be rolling out “Kinect Adventures” packaged together in the bundle, retailing for $299.99 a pop.

Just in case you were wondering how you’re going to sweat it out with “Kinect Adventures,” you will have to open up yourself to 20 different adventures, where among them include navigating through roaring rapids and ducking and dodging through mountaintop obstacle courses and other exotic locations. All of those are done without having to worry about mashing buttons on a controller since there is none – in fact, all you need to do is make sure the Kinect device is properly calibrated and you’re good to go. Not only that, for those who want to get in on the fun but already own an Xbox 360 console can always pick up the Kinect sensor with “Kinect Adventures” separately for $149.99. The Kinect sensor itself, just in case you do not know, is capable of tracking your full body movements, respond to your voice and deliver a multiplayer experience right out of the box.

There will be a new Xbox 360 4GB console that will ship from August 3 onwards later this year in the US for $199.99 a pop, boasting a sleek new design, built-in Wi-Fi N connectivity, up to 4GB of internal flash memory (as you can tell by its model name), touch-sensitive buttons and a black matte finish – hopefully without any of its predecessor’s overheating issues.

Press Release

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Microsoft introduces new Xbox 360 4GB bundle copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Banclock gets an update

Posted: 20 Jul 2010 02:13 PM PDT

It used to be that the Banclock was just a big square block. Instead of going that route, now you can buy one that has a little more of that classic alarm clock feel. Sure, it is just as evil as the original by forcing you to pay up those hard earned coins every time you want a little extra sleep. Yet at least it looks cute while it’s sucking you dry of all of your change.

The clock will start chiming by the dollar sign banging against the twin bells. To get it to sleep for a little while you’ll have to pop a coin into the top. If you run out of change you’ll just have to crawl out of bed to make all of that noise stop. It runs on 2 AA batteries, which are not included. Plus the clock comes in pink, black and white. You can purchase it for $55 through the Japan Trend Shop.

Source: OhGizmo

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Banclock gets an update copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Dock turns iPhone into slot machine

Posted: 20 Jul 2010 02:04 PM PDT

Even those that know absolutely nothing about the current technology knows about the iPhone’s notorious apps for absolutely everything. Well now even the apps are getting their own accessories. This Jackpot Slot appcessory will turn your iPhone into a miniature slot machine. You’ll get that same feel you get at the casino, just without all of those fun coins spilling out of the bottom of the machine.

In order to get it up and running you’ll need an iPhone or iPod Touch running OS 3.0 or higher. Then you just download the free app that comes with the stand. Pop it into the stand and you’ll get to burn up all sorts of time. In addition to letting you play slot machine games it also can charge and sync to your computer through the included USB cable. You can purchase the dock for $39.99.

Source: NerdApproved

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Dock turns iPhone into slot machine copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Light Switch Timer shuts off at set times

Posted: 20 Jul 2010 11:09 AM PDT

Usually when I leave town there are certain lights that I’ll leave on in the house. The bad part about that is that it means I’m using energy all day long when the lights really don’t need to be on. Instead of going that route you could have a light switch that’s programmed to come on at a paticular time and then shuts off at the time of your choosing. It’ll help give the appearance that you’re home. You could also set the light up in your bedroom if you wake up while the sun is still down to help you drag yourself out of bed.

This easily mounts to your light switch by screwing into the bottom hole of the light switch. It has an LCD control panel, which is how you control the exact time the light will flip on or off. It can flip the lights on or off up to 9 times a day. To keep it running it needs two AA batteries. To pick one up it’ll cost you $39.95 through Hammacher Schlemmer.

Source: OhGizmo

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Light Switch Timer shuts off at set times copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 19-Jul-2010

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 10:01 PM PDT

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 19-Jul-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Hopscotch Hero, probably not coming to video consoles anytime soon

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 07:03 PM PDT

I don’t think my Source for this story says that London design agency Tinker actually calls its latest creation Hopscotch Hero. Considering it is a digital representation of a game that probably involves light up areas to keep rhythm, what else would you call it?

Yeah, you might as well name it after the successful video game franchise of Guitar Hero. That seems quite natural, but it feels unnatural to take something as simple as hopscotch and put a technical spin on it.

I can’t help but think that Tinker saw a bunch of schoolchildren playing hopscotch and just said: “that is not enough”. Just like the guy who invented Pong was probably inspired by tennis.

The Hopscotch Hero, as I’m sure it will always be known as, has a vertical display that shows the player’s hops along with a floor-based sensor for recording movement. I wonder if the player has to throw some sort of electronic stone or something. I think that is one way to play hopscotch, as I have forgotten how, really.

Well, if these Hopscotch Hero guys are serious about his creation, then that is one heck of a video game peripheral that players will have to buy, let me tell you. Couldn’t they just make a huge Dance Dance Revolution pad or connect to the Kinect?

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Hopscotch Hero, probably not coming to video consoles anytime soon copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Zephyr breaks record for solar-powered unmanned flight

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 06:39 PM PDT

In case you thought that the solar-powered plane Solar Impulse with its record 26 hour flight was impressive, you might want to check out the QinetiQ Zephyr solar powered unmanned aircraft.

Two years ago, the Zephyr was able to stay in the air for almost three and a half days, and now the design team is going to make certain that it has the ability to stay in the air almost indefinitely.

The Zephyr has a 74 foot wingspan, but weighs in at 110 pounds. It is powered by solar panels that are about as thin as a sheet of paper, and there are batteries along the wings that can keep it powered for night flights.

It can also fly high enough so it is over the clouds, completely avoiding all bad weather altogether. I’m not certain what it is made of, but it looks like the lightweight materials that were found in the Wright Brothers flyer. It sort of looks like the Wright Brothers flyer too.

I suppose that we’ll be seeing more of these self-sustaining drones from the military. It reminds me a lot of the Boeing hydrogen powered Flying Eye that we reported on, but without the tank filled with liquid helium.

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Zephyr breaks record for solar-powered unmanned flight copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]