Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Gadget Thumbnails for 29-Jul-2010
Blow-Up GoCrib
Steampunk USB Drive inspired by narrow bridge road sign
Alessi Blank Wall Clock
Apple updates iMac line with new models
Rubber Bandit Pen makes you king of the cubicles
Flowlab 14-wheel Skateboard for better corners
Mini Cupcake Factory
Evatran Plugless Power Station for Wireless Electric Car Charging
Award Winning Skatecycle for you to sweat it out
Float Table uses magnets to make magic hovering effect
Gadget Thumbnails for 28-Jul-2010
Subscribe pillow adds some geekery to your home
ChouChou Electric Butterfly
The Tenerife bioclimatic holiday village
Tentacle Robot under development by the U.S. Army
Nimble Noggin Dexterity Challenge

Gadget Thumbnails for 29-Jul-2010

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 10:01 PM PDT

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 29-Jul-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Blow-Up GoCrib

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 02:00 PM PDT

The first thing you have to learn to do as a parent is to blow up random objects. Actually, you might want to start practicing before you have kids to work those lungs out a little. You can’t afford to not be prepared for these sorts of things. Those of you that had blow-up chairs in high school will have a small amount of an edge. The rest of you though need to really get to working on this sort of thing. Of course for this particular blow-up crib they were nice enough to include a pump. Don’t let that make you think you can get lazy though, there will come a day when you’re stuck blowing up a whole assembly line of pool toys.

If you’re a parent that prefers to take your baby into the great outdoors then you know sometimes it gets challenging. One way to make sure your baby stays right where they should be is to pick up this GoCrib. It’s a mesh crib that’ll let them play outside without you worrying about any sticks or leaves getting jammed into their mouth. The whole thing will fit directly into a handy little book bag. Once your child has gotten older, the mesh sides unzip to give them a little fort to play within. To purchase the Guava Family GoCrib it’ll cost you $249 through Amazon.

Source: CraziestGadgets

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Blow-Up GoCrib copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Steampunk USB Drive inspired by narrow bridge road sign

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 01:00 PM PDT

I can’t say that I see much resemblance between a narrow bridge sign and this USB drive, but if that’s what it takes to create this kind of art then that’s fine by me. Actually I think it looks a bit more like the robot off of The Jetsons. Either way, you’ll have a whole lot more fun carrying around this drive rather than carrying around any other plain old drive. Sure, this one costs more, but you’ll get to be in the elite steampunk user club.

Within the steampunk casing it conceals an 8GB USB drive. Then to make sure all of that steampunk workmanship doesn’t get damaged there is a faux vintage tin box that you can store it within. There is even a velvet cushion on the inside of the tin to make sure it stays extra safe. You can purchase the whole set for $300 through Etsy.

Source: GeekyGadgets

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Steampunk USB Drive inspired by narrow bridge road sign copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Alessi Blank Wall Clock

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 12:00 PM PDT

If you’re a serious doodler, then you need all sorts of surfaces to perfect your art on. Thankfully there are those committed to making strange clocks that allow for you to scribble all over to your heart’s content. One of which is this Alessi clock that even comes with its very own magic marker. Life just wouldn’t be the same without a full set of magic markers. If you’re feeling particularly wild, you could even go out and purchase some multi-colored markers.

The whole clock is completely blank and even the hands feature a bright white design. On the clock you can doodle your numbers however you choose. Be it roman numerals, spelling it out or just using a tally chart. Either way you’ll have plenty of options on drawing it out. Unfortunately though, the clock will actually cost you a whole lot of cash. To pick one up it’ll cost you $155 through Alessi.

Source: Bltd

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Alessi Blank Wall Clock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Apple updates iMac line with new models

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 07:00 AM PDT

Apple has stayed true to form, unveiling a new line of iMacs for the masses this time round to up the ante by making what is widely regarded as the world’s best desktop computers even better. The new all-in-one iMac line will feature the latest Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors, depending on your needs as well as budget, not to mention powerful new graphics that shouldn’t leave your computer chugging when it comes to heavy duty applications. Pricing isn’t too far out of reach for most people either, starting from $1,199 upwards depending on your computing needs. This new iMac line is the fastest ever with dual-core processor speeds up to 3.6GHz, while those who opt for quad-core processors will be able to see speeds of up to 2.93GHz alongside discrete graphics that include the powerful ATI Radeon HD 5750.

The new range of processors will come with an integrated memory controller that helps it access the system memory directly, letting the iMac take full advantage of its faster 1333 MHz memory. Thanks to the discrete ATI Radeon HD processor, it is more than capable of delivering incredibly smooth, crisp graphics for even the most demanding and advanced 3D games, creative software and technical applications. With In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology, the iMac can deliver a brilliant image across a wide 178 degree viewing angle. Nice to see Apple also throw in an SD memory card slot which also supports the new SDXC memory card standard, making it possible to add another 64GB or so of memory to the cause when required. If you happen to have a penchant for the 27″ iMac, then you can also opt for a 256GB solid state drive (SSD) as a primary or secondary drive for a greater performance and storage boost, since the iMac SSD supports up to 215 MB/s data transfer rates for faster startup and application launch times.

Each purchase of the iMac will be accompanied by Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse, with the option to bring home the new Magic Trackpad as well for an added fee. You will also find that the iMac will ship with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, alongside iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Do you think it is time to upgrade your iMac?

Press Release

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Apple updates iMac line with new models copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Rubber Bandit Pen makes you king of the cubicles

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 06:30 AM PDT

The Rubber Bandit Pen is different from the rest, as it not only allows you to pen down your John Hancock in style, it also lets you shoot rubber bands at pesky cubicle mates all around with greater accuracy compared to using just your fingers as what one would normally do. Unlike other toys that often requires you to purchase batteries separately, the Rubber Bandit Pen is different since each $4.99 purchase already comes with rubber bands in the packaging to help you get started right out of the box. Nice to know the back packaging comes with a target as well for you to perfect your shot before you take your rightful place as the sharpshooter in the office, with those who were stung by your accurate shots leaving you alone for good shortly thereafter.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Rubber Bandit Pen makes you king of the cubicles copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Flowlab 14-wheel Skateboard for better corners

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 06:16 AM PDT

We have reported on a lot of skateboard technology in the past, such as the Robotic Skateboard and the 19 MPH Skateboard.

Here’s is another advancement in skateboarding known as the Flowlab 14-wheel skateboard. As you can see, it has 7 wheels on an arch-shaped axle.

This is in lieu of the “trucks” that normally mount the four wheels on a board. Apparently, the presence of the extra wheels and curved shape helps skaters “carve” turns.

You might note my semi-authentic use of the slang of Sk8ers (misspelled on purpose). This is because I once owned a skateboard. Yes, before I was a blogger, I was a boarder. Granted, I was not a very good one, and I have never been “gleaming the cube”.

From what I remember, it took a little while (as well as some painful spills) to learn the art of turning on a skateboard. The problem is the board leans during a turn, and you have to adjust your balance for that.

I would think that the presence of more wheels would create a turning board that would be very hard to balance on. However, I’m sure that a real skating pro would be able to maintain their balance. Alas, I am not one of them.

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Flowlab 14-wheel Skateboard for better corners copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Mini Cupcake Factory

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 06:00 AM PDT

Cupcakes seem to be all the rage these days, as they offer a different kind of pastry appeal to the masses. Even weddings have evolved to shun the traditional wedding cake, relying on cupcakes instead to keep guests happy. Well, if you have a penchant for whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, how about giving the Mini Cupcake Factory a go? Retailing for just $19.99 a pop, they will definitely appeal to the geek since it is small and cute, featuring an extremely high crust-to-cake ratio thanks to its small nature. Featuring an outer layer of extra caramelized batter, it will soak up some of the oil during the baking process. The cupcakes themselves will cook in a mere 5 minutes, and if you throw in the time spent mixing and heating the cupcake pan, it takes a grand total of just 10 minutes. Each round of cooking will net you 7 cupcakes in total. Hungry already?

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Mini Cupcake Factory copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Evatran Plugless Power Station for Wireless Electric Car Charging

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:45 AM PDT

Considering that there will probably be an increase of electric vehicles on the road in the next few years, it’s nice to see that the Evatran Plugless Power Station is already thinking of ways to improve the charging process for these electric cars.

It works with the user installing a shoebox-sized adapter in the car, which works as a wireless power receiver. The car with this apparatus gets near this power station’s parking block, and the charging takes place.

When I say “gets near”, I mean that the car probably has to park directly over this parking block. Only a distance of two inches is allowed, which is dangerously close when dealing with under-the-car devices like this. At least it is better than the in-touch charging devices like the Powermat.

Another bug in this particular process is that the Plugless Power Station only operates at eighty percent capacity, but hopes to achieve ninety at launch.

Clearly, what is going to sell this product is the time it will take to charge an electrical car wirelessly vs. the time it will take to do this with a plug-in wire. If Evatran can do it even ten percent faster, it will be worth the investment from electric car drivers.

The company hopes to launch this by April 2011, with a $800 pricetag.

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Evatran Plugless Power Station for Wireless Electric Car Charging copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Award Winning Skatecycle for you to sweat it out

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:30 AM PDT

Want to look for a different form of recreational activity? You won’t go too far off the mark with the award winning Skatecycle, where this is a next generation recreational vehicle which picked up an International Design Excellence Award as well as a permanent place in the Henry Ford Museum. Merging the magic of foot control of snowboarding, alongside the balanced turning required of skateboarding, not to mention the nimble, undulating movements of casterboarding, the Skatecycle will offer an easy transition for folks who have had a taste in either one of the three sports mentioned. Both feet will be placed onto two slip-resistant footboards, where its double-jointed, twisting axle will enable riders to move either of the 9″ polyurethane wheels individually by twisting the feet inwards and outwards. If you persist in this continued foot motion, followed with careful synchronization with a twisting upper body, it will help “drive” the cycle over flat, level ground. Made out of durable aluminum and composite frame, just make sure you weigh no more than 220 lbs if you’re going to give the Skatecycle a go. $149.95 will not net you a helmet and protective gear as you bring the Skatecycle home.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Award Winning Skatecycle for you to sweat it out copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Float Table uses magnets to make magic hovering effect

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:10 AM PDT

This is the Float Table, and it combines some of the best technology from the seventies and the eighties, along with yet-to-be-invented hover technology.

As you can see, the Float Table has that brown wood look that was so prevalent in the disco decade. The rotary phone is also a nice touch. As for the eighties, it certainly has that Rubik’s Cube thing going on.

According to my Source, those cubes are held together by the power of magnets. These attracting and rebelling forces somehow work together to appear like blocks floating in air, but still stable.

By the way, there are steel cables attached to the blocks to keep this structure from completely falling apart. I guess that you can’t see the cables in this picture. I’m also told that this is so you can shape the Float Table into whatever you want. I really wish that I had some pictures of that, as I would have attached them to this post.

I wonder if it is possible to shift this Float Table into something that looks more like an actual table with legs. I also wonder how much weight the table can hold.

Well, this is a concept piece of furniture as of now, but you never know. I don’t even know if this thing actually works, or if this is some complicated mock-up.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Float Table uses magnets to make magic hovering effect copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 28-Jul-2010

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 10:01 PM PDT

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Gadget Thumbnails for 28-Jul-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Subscribe pillow adds some geekery to your home

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:00 AM PDT

It goes without saying that most people these days have at least one social networking account, and it is pretty interesting to see that having a “Like” button is associated with Facebook, while most sites have a “Subscribe” button for you to select. How about sprucing up your humble abode with something from the realm of computers? We’re talking about the Subscribe pillow you see here, where it is carefully hand-crafted to make sure that no two in the market are the same, and filled with polyester fibers while being made out of 100% fleece, you can be sure that this 13″ x 7″ will give tired heads a more than welcome respite at the end of the day. You can subscribe, er, purchase one of these for $29.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Subscribe pillow adds some geekery to your home copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

ChouChou Electric Butterfly

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 10:17 PM PDT

I saw this the other day, and I’m not certain why I didn’t report on it then. Normally, I’m all over the cool robot gadgets.

I then watched the video that you can view after the jump. Not to be a spoiler, but it features a butterfly in a jar. If you’ve ever put a butterfly in a jar, then you know how it moves when you strike the top. That is what you will see in this video, except the butterfly is not real.

This is the ChouChou Electric Butterfly, and it apparently has some AA batteries in the jar lid that give it the power to “flap” from place to place. I’m guessing that if you let it out of the jar, it would not fly away.

Still, I’m darned impressed with this technology. We’ve discussed how technology often imitates nature with projects like the RoboSwift artificial bird technology. It looks like we are one step in perfecting the robot butterfly.

This ChouChou was on display at the Tokyo Toy Show, and it will actually be sold to people like you and me in September. It will probably only have a Japanese release, which means those of us outside the Land of the Rising Sun will probably need to check the Japan Trend Shop.

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ ChouChou Electric Butterfly copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

The Tenerife bioclimatic holiday village

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 09:37 PM PDT

The first time I saw this picture, I thought I was looking at the entrance to the Vivos underground shelter. These are actually dwellings for the “first bioclimatic holiday village in the world”.

I have to admit that I never heard that this term until I read my source, but here is what it means. These are self-sufficient houses that are “built in individual designs utilizing different technologies, where it will function as a living experiment in sustainability”.

There are about 25 of these off-the-grid houses in all, and it will serve as a temporary shelter for tourists as well as science laboratories for this experiment. Apparently, sensors “constantly feed back information on their temperature, humidity and air movement in order to determine which techniques are the most efficient”.

This village is located on Tenerife, which is in the Canary Islands, about 800 miles from Spain and 185 miles from the coast of Africa. I wouldn’t mind living in one of these things myself, just so I would know what it is like to not be dependent on the electric company. Personally, I believe that this is where we are going.

By the way, it took 15 years in development to make these houses, and cost about 13 million. I wonder how much it costs to stay a single night.

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ The Tenerife bioclimatic holiday village copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Tentacle Robot under development by the U.S. Army

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 09:05 PM PDT

Some of you might remember when we covered the Omnitread, an odd snake-like robot with the ability to crawl into small places. Apparently, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory is working on similar technology with a Robotic Tentacle Manipulator. As you can see, it has three snake robots on a circle base.

These robot tentacle things sound like they will be programmed to detach from the base and then have the ability to “crawl, swim, climb or shimmy through narrow spaces all while transmitting images to the Soldier who is operating the system”. This prototype also has capabilities for 3D mapping and touch sensitivity, allowing it to even open doors. I’m guessing that is a big step for robots.

Of course, if these tentacles stayed attached to the base, that could be cool too. Then it could turn upside down and be some sort of robot tripod thing that could travel like a mini Doctor Octopus. That, or one of the Tripods from The White Mountains. Please leave a comment if you know exactly what I am referring to. That, or Google it.

Is it just me, or does it seem like more military research is being invested in projects that feel taken straight out of science fiction? And I thought the “Star Wars” defense program died in 1993.

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Tentacle Robot under development by the U.S. Army copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Nimble Noggin Dexterity Challenge

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 07:49 PM PDT

Since our brain is a muscle, it goes without saying that giving it adequate exercise is important to have it chugging along nicely. The Nimble Noggin Dexterity Challenge from Hammacher offers you just that, where this game of skill will challenge little ones to maintain a steady hand over a robotic corkscrew course. All they need to do is to turn the crank to power up the robot’s internal dynamo, followed by passing a metal wand over the twists of the antenna. Should the metal surfaces make contact, they will automatically complete an electronic circuit, letting the android buzz while flashing his lights crazily in robotic reproof, giving your child all the necessary motivation to start again and over again. Good to know that this $34.95 “toy” will not cost you much more down the road in terms of batteries, since it doesn’t require any and won’t need to be hooked up to an external power supply, with no parts getting lost adding to its appeal.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Nimble Noggin Dexterity Challenge copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Friday, July 30, 2010