Thursday, August 19, 2010

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets


Vertrax skateboard has a tank tread with electric motor

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 04:54 PM PDT

I always like covering the latest in skateboard technology, perhaps it is because I used to have a skateboard, and I know its limitations.

For example, if you are skating along, and you come to some grass or gravel, then you are picking it up and walking. After all, skateboard wheels are not exactly designed for all terrains.

However, the Vertrax is. Designer Brian Lovett created this one with a tank tread that has the ability to travel on the aforementioned grass and gravel. It can also go on sand, which would be excellent for the beach. It can also go on the snow, which makes this particular board terrific for winter.

Now, you are probably wondering how well a tank tread could travel compared to that of a skateboard. I mean, just look at how fast a tank travels compared to a car. Well, the Vertrax skateboard has an advantage: an electric motor. It’s similar to the robotic skateboard that we reported on a while ago.

My Source does not say how fast this Vertrax actually goes, but I would love to see how it handles. It certainly would be fun to check it out going uphill. Any idea if it could do a half-pipe? That is a semicircular skateboard ramp for all you non-sk8ters.

Source


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Vertrax skateboard has a tank tread with electric motor copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Tube Concept system of mass transit

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 04:24 PM PDT

Check out these people with their round wheel-shaped vehicles. It reminds me of this thing that General Grievous rode in that Star Wars Episode III movie.

This is part of something that my Source calls the Tube Concept, and it is a revolutionary system of mass transit.

It is similar to the Metropia that we reported on about a week ago. Essentially, every commuter has one of these vehicles, which can be then be driven to monorail-like transport to get around even more. You can watch the video after the jump, so you can see it for yourself.

If you didn’t watch the video, just think of it as driving around in a big donut, and then putting it on a rack where donuts are stored on their side, and having that rack moved. This rail network moves at high speed, at about 160 kilometers an hour. Or, I could use the comparison that I used for Metropia. It’s like driving a car, parking it on a bus, and resting in your car while the bus does the work.

What makes it different from the Metropia is how these vehicles park. The user just puts it in a “lot” that is essentially one giant vertical tube nine meters tall.

Boy would I love to see this concept become a reality. I doubt it will in my lifetime.

Source


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Tube Concept system of mass transit copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Solar Toothbrush eliminates need for toothpaste

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 02:22 PM PDT

These days there’s very little that you can’t find in a solar powered form.  Now there is even a toothbrush in development that will require solar power.  This is no ordinary toothbrush though, it’ll actually eliminate any need for toothpaste should the tests go well.  Of course the toothpaste companies will probably sabotage the project somehow for fear of becoming extinct.  These things do happen you know.

The University of Saskatchewan has a professor, Dr. Kunio Komiyama is currently working on getting this up and running.  Along with him is his colleague Dr. Gerry Uswak.  They’re both attempting to find 120 teen willing to use the prototype toothbrush for a short while so that they can see if it works well.  It functions by causing a chemical reaction in the mouth that gets rid of plaque and bacteria.  The solar portion will need a bright room to work within, since it functions much like a solar calculator.  It’ll be interesting to see if something like this ever gets up and running, but it just seems strange to brush your teeth and not be left with that minty fresh feeling.

Source: GoodCleanTech


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[ Solar Toothbrush eliminates need for toothpaste copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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BookBook now for the iPad

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 01:48 PM PDT

The BookBook has already been released for the MacBook, but now it’s making its way to the iPad to make sure that it stays safe as well.  The BookBook converts your modern looking gadgets into antique books.  It’s the perfect case for the gadget lover that still loves the smell and look of antique books.  Plus, it might work as a theft deterrent since it looks like nothing more than a simple hardcover book.

The cover zips up to keep the iPad inside, plus there are plenty of things inside of the book to make sure that your iPad doesn’t shift around.  Thanks to the hardcover case this also doubles as a handy little stand.  The case may be mildly bulky, but at least it does double duty.  Plus you’ll probably very rarely come across anyone with a case quite like this one.  There are two different color options for the case, both of which are pictured above.  You can purchase one for $69.99 through Twelve South.

Source: Fosfor


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ BookBook now for the iPad copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Bop It Bounce updates classic games

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 01:14 PM PDT

It used to be a wooden ball on a string with a cup on a stick were all a kid needed to keep them entertained for a day.  Now with all of the electronic games out there, it’s just not enough to keep the young happy.  Thankfully there is this Bop It game that’ll keep them up and moving while making the classic game electronic to keep the kids busy.  I’d say it’s a decent compromise between parents and kids.

The basic object of the game is to keep a ball bouncing inside of the cone.  While keeping up with the bounce there are 6 different games programmed into the Bop It Bounce to change things up a little.  Within those games you can choose different difficulty levels.  The device is meant for children 8 and up.  To keep it charged you’ll need 3 AAA batteries, which are not included.  The approximate retail price is $19.99 and you can find out where to purchase it through the Hasbro website.

Source: OhGizmo


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[ Bop It Bounce updates classic games copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Gadget Thumbnails for 17-Aug-2010

Posted: 17 Aug 2010 10:01 PM PDT

WASP seeks out Wi-Fi and gives it back

Posted: 17 Aug 2010 10:34 PM PDT

If you were to take a look at this thing, you might think it was a giant wasp.

It actually is a WASP, also known as a Wi-Fi Aerial Surveillance Platform It is actually a modified US Army gunnery target drone, and it does fly.

The purpose of this flying guy is to be a Wi-Fi sniffer. It is guided by an open source auto pilot, and it has a lot of equipment to seek out a stable Wi-Fi signal. From there, it can beam it back to its operators via Wi-Fi, RF, or 3G connections. It was recently presented at Defcon 18, a hacker’s convention at Las Vegas.

Okay, I want to see if I’m getting this right. Someone has invented a flying device that will sniff out a Wi-Fi signal, and then can beam it to you. Man, I would get something like this in a second if it could really guarantee me a signal every time. Instead of opening up my laptop and hoping that a signal is there, I could just let the WASP seek it out.

Except wouldn’t this WASP eventually lose power, and fall? Maybe if it was solar powered, or working like a kite, then we would have something. Yes, I’ve got to come back down to Earth for this one. Somebody might want to correct me with a comment if I am misinterpreting the use of the WASP.

Source


Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ WASP seeks out Wi-Fi and gives it back copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Robot serves up ice cream at Tokyo Summerland

Posted: 17 Aug 2010 09:56 PM PDT

For some reason, I can’t help but think that this image is cute. I mean, it is a robot serving ice cream.

The robot’s name is Yaskawa-kun, and it will be doing its job in Tokyo’s Summerland theme park until August 22nd.

You can watch a video of this guy on his shift after the jump, and you will note the nifty Japanese music playing in the background. It sounds like something from the opera “Carmen”, but I’m not exactly an opera buff.

You will also note how slow it moves at some times as it grabs the cone, serves up the soft-serve, flavors it, and finally gives it to the customer. I’m pretty certain that a human being could do a faster job.

In other words, the employees at Baskin Robbins should have nothing to fear about being replaced by this guy. In fact, I wonder if they could build a robot that could be trained to scoop “harder” ice cream.

I wonder if we will see this guy at other theme parks. Maybe Disneyland could get one with a Mickey Mouse head instead of one that looks like the guy from the Jack in the Box ads.

Source


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Robot serves up ice cream at Tokyo Summerland copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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uDraw GameTablet for the Nintendo Wii

Posted: 17 Aug 2010 09:30 PM PDT

It is amazing to see what sort of accessories are coming out for gaming. I’m not certain if the Wii was ever designed for typing, but there is the Nyko Type Pad for that.

I’m also not certain that it was ever intended as a drawing board, but this particular uDraw GameTablet by THQ is going to make it into one.

As you can see, the wireless Wiimote fits very snugly in the side, and a wired pen for a writing screen. Think of it as a Paint program for the Wii, and there is a video available after the jump.

However, it doesn’t look drawing is all that you can do with it, because it is compatible with certain games. One of them is called Dood’s Big Adventure and the other is a digital version of the classic board game Pictionary. I wonder if this will be used in conjunction with the game de Blob Underground, sequel to the should be classic THQ game de Blob. There will be more games for the uDraw by the end of 2011.

This tablet sounds like the ideal Christmas present, and it will be available for the holidays. It will cost about $69.99, but the games should cost about $29.99.

Source


Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ uDraw GameTablet for the Nintendo Wii copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Black Diner Phone rolls back the years

Posted: 17 Aug 2010 08:00 PM PDT

Do you love old school stuff? If the answer is in the affirmative, then the Black Diner Phone will certainly rock your boat. It isn't going to be cheap though, but for £59.99, you will be transported to a bygone era where TV was black and white and you had only a couple of channels to choose from, and TV dinners were non-existent since your wife would always whip up something delicious in the kitchen after a long, hard day at work. This beautiful recreation might not have modern features like video calling capability, but at least you have push buttons to keep it up to date, complete with a coin bank for you to drop loose change within. Best of all would be the gorgeous ringing tone that ought to have you scrambling from your seat to pick up the call. Forget about color choices as it comes only in black.


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Black Diner Phone rolls back the years copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Hellophone for your little one

Posted: 17 Aug 2010 07:45 PM PDT

You might have a smartphone with your spouse holding another, so why not make sure Junior gets off on the right footing with the Hellophone? Touted to be baby's first smartphone, this unique toy allows one to record a voice, letting baby figure it out for him/herself, or you can always leave a soothing message for your progeny whenever you're away. Apart from that, it also keeps baby away from your smartphone – which is always a good idea. Retailing for $17.99 a pop, the Hellophone is highly durable in view of its target user group, and will sport a variety of colors as well with big and friendly buttons to make it easy to press. So much for getting them started on a touchscreen revolution, eh?


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Hellophone for your little one copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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VuQube VQ3000 delivers mobile TV services just about anywhere

Posted: 17 Aug 2010 07:38 PM PDT

You know you're a TV addict when you just can't get your mind off the latest episode of your favorite TV series, even when you're attending to something important like surgery of a state dignitary, or perhaps even when you're supposed to give a speech that will galvanize the rest of your company into becoming the best there is. If such an addiction cannot be weaned off, you might want to consider skipping this post as reading about the VuQube VQ3000 certainly will not help you in your quest to quell the TV addict monster within you. After all, the VuQube VQ3000 is touted to be the first fully automatic, light-weight, self-contained, portable satellite system with in-motion capability, where it promises to deliver uninterrupted satellite TV reception regardless of which part of the US you are at. Sounds like a dream, eh? Well, you've still got to make sure that there is a display for you to watch, so don't jump for joy yet as we know that many remote areas still lack basic amenities such as power plugs. Ah well, I'll stop being a killjoy now and espouse the wonders of the VuQube VQ3000 in the extended post.

WIth the VuQube VQ3000, you certainly won't mind playing the part of the backseat passenger as it is also able to boast in-motion satellite tracking ability that theoretically speaking, ought to provide continuous signal even when you're driving (or being driven). Thanks to its self-contained design and weather resistant enclosure, the unit remains safe and sound from all of the elements out there. Should you happen to be parked under a tree, you can always remove the unit from the quick-release bracket and move it under the open sky (while taking the opportunity to call your friends back home on what a wonderful vacation you're having at the moment). This self-install kit also enables one to secure the unit to an RV ladder without increasing the overall height.

The VuQube VQ3000 will play nice with Dish Network, DirecTV and BellTV and long as there is juice available, and will retail for$1,699.

Source: Gizmag


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[ VuQube VQ3000 delivers mobile TV services just about anywhere copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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AIS ready to roll out new Rugged Vehicle Computer

Posted: 17 Aug 2010 07:26 PM PDT

The name American Industrial Systems, Inc. (AIS) alone ought to be enough to invoke an image of something tough – after all, you can't really last in an industrial environment if you're a wuss. Well, the company has lived up to its name with a brand new 12.1" Rugged Vehicle Computer that was specially designed to reliably operate despite being in strong vibration, extreme temperatures, dusty and harsh environmental conditions. Also known as the HMI Vehicle PC, it will come with an integrated UPS battery backup system that allows the unit to run for another 30 minutes just in case all power is cut off from the system. Of course, you had then best use that time wisely instead of updating your Facebook status that you're off work early simply because there is no work to be done. Wisecracks aside, this feature makes it ideal for a delayed system shutdown where data transmission, mission critical applications, and logging applications are concerned. The HMI Vehicle PC will also come with a 1,000 nit high brightness LCD display that delivers sharp and crisp images in direct sunlight, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor performance. To sweeten the deal, you can pick up the ultra-rugged vehicle display off the shelf for immediate deployment and reduced time to market.

Within its rugged aluminum alloy housing lies internal components that meet Military Standard 810F specs for anti-shock and vibration requirements, where its front bezel has been sealed to IP65 compliant water and dustproof standards. Not only that, you get a high performance fanless Intel Celeron M processor within with a GM45 chipset, meant for long product life cycle and reliable operation in industrial conditions. It can work in varying temperature ranges from -10 to 55 degrees Celsius and comes across as a robust vehicle mounted system in extreme environments.

Connectivity options include built-in dual gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n wireless support, and a wide array of I/O connections located on the rear for external peripherals. There is still no word on pricing though, but don't expect it to be as cheap as a regular desktop computer.

Press Release


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ AIS ready to roll out new Rugged Vehicle Computer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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