Your's Web Tech Power Blog's: Nov 24, 2010

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Portable USB Power Supply
VUDU is now live on 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray players
TerreStar GENUS lets you stay connected from virtually anywhere
We go hands on with the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750
Hands on with the Plantronics Voyager PRO+
Phase 2.0 Three-wheeled concept vehicle
Gadget Thumbnails for 22-Nov-2010
Indoor Pressure Smoker
USB Fishquarium

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 05:05 PM PST

With modern gadgets, running out of juice if something that happens to some of us more often than not, simply because today’s devices seem to suck up a whole lot more juice than before. I mean, when was the last time your smartphone lasted you from the morning till at night when you retire in bed without requiring a quick charge? That’s where the Portable USB Power Supply comes in handy, being an optimal emergency charger for cell phones & other devices. Capable of holding a charge for up to three months when in standby, it will ship with adapter tips that cater for a variety of cell phone brands. At $19.99 a pop, the fact that it does USB charging more or less makes it the essential tool for today’s road warrior.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Portable USB Power Supply copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

VUDU is now live on 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray players

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 04:58 PM PST

Panasonic has fully embraced the world of full HD 3D technology since the beginning of the year, and the Japanese consumer electronics giant will now enable VUDU support for its 2010 line of VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players, which means the couch potato who owns one of these puppies will be able to receive instant streaming of VUDU’s huge high definition movie library, which comprises of over 4,000 Full HD (1080p) movies from November 24th onwards.

Just before you continue, you might want to ask yourself, just what is VUDU? Well, it is a video-on-demand service that delivers instant streaming (and that, our dear readers, translates to zero download time) of movies and TV programs courtesy of IPTV-enabled HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc Players without the need for a computer or cable/satellite TV service. Of course, this also means that there is no need for a subscription or monthly membership fees.

VUDU itself boasts the world’s most extensive library of HD movies from all Hollywood studios and leading independent distributors, not to mention an unmatched new release collection with titles that are available the same day as the DVD release. The VUDU service will also deliver a great value to movie renters, with an enormous collection of titles available for only $2 for a two-night rental.

Looks like the average idiot box in the living room is no longer confined to just channel flipping, as the manufacturers as well as service providers have certainly done their part to up the ante when it comes to keeping your attention in the living room. VUDU itself is the latest entertainment feature to be added to VIERA CAST, Panasonic’s IPTV functionality. Much earlier in the year, Panasonic has already added Netflix, Skype voice and video calling, Twitter and Pandora to an already robust list of popular entertainment and information options.

Among the Panasonic Blu-ray Disc Players that feature VIERA CAST include DMP-BDT350 (Full HD 3D), DMP-BDT300 (Full HD 3D), DMP-BDT100 (Full HD 3D), DMP-BD85, DMP-BD65 and the DMP-B500, a portable Blu-ray Disc Player.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ VUDU is now live on 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray players copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

TerreStar GENUS lets you stay connected from virtually anywhere

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 12:03 PM PST

Don’t you just hate it when you happen to live in a place where there are just way too many blind spots around your home when it comes to cell phone signals? Well, with the TerreStar GENUS, you need not worry about dropped calls or mysteriously disappearing signals any more as this puppy is more than capable of making sure you have a steady, stable signal at all times.

The TerreStar GENUS is touted to be the world's first integrated cellular-satellite smartphone, where it will be offered by mobile communications provider, TerreStar Networks. With the GENUS, you can be sure that whether you’re an extreme outdoor adventurer, action sport enthusiast or a recreational boater, you can remain connected to family and friends even in remote locations or when the cellular network is down.

The TerreStar GENUS will make sure that satellite devices are no longer the stuff of dreams and domain of the rich, as it is now available to the mainstream consumer. Remember previous satellite devices that proved to be rather hefty to tote around? All of that has changed with the GENUs, where said smartphone comes in a sleek design, boasting an internal antenna and satellite innovation which will merge cellular and satellite connectivity for voice, data and messaging. Anyone with a line of sight to the southern sky is able to gain access to expanded voice and data roaming coverage in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and in territorial waters.

Among the other features found on the TerreStar GENUS include :-

Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system experience
Innovative form factor: 4.7 inch x 2.5 inch x 0.8/0.6 inch
Lightweight at just 4.6 oz.
Integrated Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), USB and GPS connectivity
Touch Screen, QWERTY Keyboard
Memory: 100 MB
Windows Mobile Media Player
2.0-megapixel camera
Digital voice recording

It definitely won’t be as cheap as a regular plan on other networks though, since usage of the satellite network for voice, data and messaging is not included in the monthly feature charge and is billed as a per-minute, per-message or per-megabyte roaming charge.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ TerreStar GENUS lets you stay connected from virtually anywhere copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

We go hands on with the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 08:00 AM PST

We reported on the Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 before, and I got a chance to try it out for myself.

I’ve used wireless keyboards like those from Adesso before, and the chance to use one that does not require a battery is definitely worth it.

Yes, I would recommend it, but I had a hard time hooking it up, though. Normally, wireless keyboards work easily. The wireless dongle just plugs in and it works. This one didn’t work the first time, but it did work, so go figure.

I was surprised at how thin this keyboard really is. If there was an envelope that is long enough, then this keyboard would fit in it easily.

According to the product page, it “feels good…like typing on your laptop”. Since I am typing out this entire report on this particular laptop accessory, I can honestly say that Logitech’s claim is true. The keyboard also has some hotkeys that can bring up a calculator window, volume control, and others.

So far, I haven’t run out of battery life, and there is even an App for figuring out how much battery power the keyboard has or how much power you are getting to the keyboard itself.

The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard is available now at the Logitech website for the holidays for a price of $79.99.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ We go hands on with the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Hands on with the Plantronics Voyager PRO+

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 07:30 AM PST

I’m getting to the point where I have reviewed many Bluetooth headsets on this blog, and for some reason, I’m always in the mood to try another.

I got a chance to check out the Voyager PRO+ from Plantronics. As you can see, it has a very thick and curved back, which is apparently part of the stainless steel WindSmart screens that “block intrusive wind noise”. It also has a pivoting boom to capture the user’s voice and allows for wearing on either ear.

You might think that the design would weigh on the user’s ear, but I was able to use it for hours without it feeling like it was even there. The sound was pretty good with two noise-canceling microphones.

The Voyager PRO+ conforms to Bluetooth version 2.1, and is able to stream calls, podcasts, and music. It also has voice alerts for talk time, volume, and phone connection. Additional features include Multipoint and Quickpair technology, which I can only assume are unique to the Plantronics line.

It also has an iPhone headset battery meter, and it has up to six hours of talk time and five days standby time. I would recommend it, and you should be able to get it on the Plantronics website for $99.99.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Hands on with the Plantronics Voyager PRO+ copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Phase 2.0 Three-wheeled concept vehicle

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 07:00 AM PST

Nothing like a good concept vehicle to brighten your Tuesday, isn’t there?

This particular one is the Phase 2.0, and it puts the driver inside a huge wheel, which is a design that I have seen before, in both science fiction films and concept vehicles.

What makes this one different is that it has two other wheels that not only balance it out, but they can move to both front and rear wheel situations.

Apparently, this big wheel construction works really well on all terrains with its auto-pressurized tire for multiple environments. So if you are going on rocky regions, the tire pressure will go down. Then for some high speeds where terrain is like an average road, tire pressure will be at the maximum.

Speaking of high speeds, I wonder if this particular vehicle has better steering ability. My Source didn’t really have much to say about that, but the wheel mounts are certainly unique.

All in all, it could easily be in the Mega Race that I saw in the Spy Kids 3D movie. Perhaps it could have a role in the next Tron movie with its electric blue treads.

By the way, how does the driver see? I guess there must be a camera with a viewscreen behind the wheel. Perhaps we will see more when and if the Phase 2.0 becomes reality.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Phase 2.0 Three-wheeled concept vehicle copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 22-Nov-2010

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 09:01 PM PST

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 22-Nov-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Indoor Pressure Smoker

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 06:58 PM PST

What happens when you merge a pressure cooker with that of a smoker? Well, the result would be the Indoor Pressure Smoker, where this device is more than capable of cooking barbecue brisket in but an hour, making it work five times faster compared to traditional methods. This device is capable of increasing the internal pressure by 15 psi, where it will help cook food up to 70% faster while causing wood chips to release their fragrant, flavor-enhancing smoke. In its internal chamber, it requires all of three to five wood chips (which are not included, so take note) to impart authentic barbecue smoke flavor onto food, with all of the hot smoke being contained inside the vessel until the pressure is released. There is also an adjustable four-level rack which will hold up to 4 lbs. of food, ranging from sausages and ribs to an entire chicken. The pressure smoker will also cold smoke cheese or fish, where it can then sear food prior to pressure smoking. Sounds like a delicious gift for those who have kitchen flair at $199.95 each.

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Indoor Pressure Smoker copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

USB Fishquarium

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 06:55 PM PST

Something tells us that the idea of merging an aquarium as well as a USB dock isn’t that smart – what happens when your USB-powered devices accidentally drop into the water – wouldn’t it just fry the poor gadget, not to mention scare the fins out of your pet fish? Well, that’s what is happening with the USB Fishquarium, where it merges a fish tank with a desk lamp, clock and pencil cup. Of course, what else you use to fill up the rest of the dock depends on you, but we do know that it comes with a low voltage pump and filtration system which runs off of USB power. For $39.99 a pop, this is something worth having if you want to keep your work space feeling nice and refreshed.