Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Wireless 3-Day Forecaster and Alarm Clock – Know when to get ready and what to wear
This Concept camera and screen is a little questionable
How to DJ with colored plastic squares
Check out EyeWriter Version 2.0
Dynamic Eye works on LCD sunglasses
M4000 handheld computer is one tough cookie
Pajamas Warming Pouch
Gadget Thumbnails for 13-Dec-2010
iFlash adds a new dimension to your photos

Wireless 3-Day Forecaster and Alarm Clock – Know when to get ready and what to wear

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 05:56 PM PST

Every night I ask the same question, "Whats the weather supposed to be like tomorrow?" and every time my husband says "I don't know, I haven't watched the news." Odd, I always think to myself, because he always seems to be able to catch the sports update, if he really loved me, wouldn't he watch the weather too?

Well, I'm not going to worry about it anymore because with the Wireless 3-Day Forecaster and alarm clock I can receive real-time information, completely wirelessly from www.AccuWeather.com with no PC or subscription required. The Wireless 3-Day Forecaster receives updates every 15 minutes for both the current and forecasted weather and it lets you save 5 of about 150 cities as your favorites.

The Forecaster is really easy to use, you just twist the dial to view the forecasts one or two days ahead. The 3-Day Forecaster can also display "feels like" temperatures based on the wind and humidity. It also has a built-in alarm clock and automatically displays the accurate time, so you not only know what time you need to get going, you'll know if you need a sweater of not. So now I can ask my husband some other question he probably won't answer.

Available for 49.95 at www.amazon.com, requires 3 AA batteries (not included).

Source: www.amazon.com

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Wireless 3-Day Forecaster and Alarm Clock – Know when to get ready and what to wear copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

This Concept camera and screen is a little questionable

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 05:15 PM PST

You might be wondering what this photo to your left is supposed to show. Let’s just say that I had another from my Source, but I found it a little too…what’s the word I’m looking for…creepy.

In fact, the basic concept behind this concept camera is pretty creepy, to say the least. If you don’t believe me, just watch the video after the jump. I’ll go ahead and post the other photo too, in case you are really curious.

In this video, you will see someone with a 70x zoom lens stare at people down below, and the image is put on a screen. Then the user touches the people on the screen, and it just feels creepy to me. Maybe I am biased.

According to my Source, the creator of this creepycam (which is what my Source calls it) says that its purpose is: “follow loved ones and satisfy any craving for touching them without the risk of being rejected, disappointed or otherwise emotionally hurt.”

Does this show how lonely we are, as a society? I mean, do we need something like this because we lack the human touch? If so, then I’m pretty certain that human beings don’t feel like screens. To me, watching the video below is like watching someone watching pornography.

Okay, I’ve gave you plenty of warnings. Now you just have to watch the video and see the picture, don’t you?

Display of Affection from Helge Fischer on Vimeo.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ This Concept camera and screen is a little questionable copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

How to DJ with colored plastic squares

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 03:00 PM PST

We have reported on a lot music-making gadgets before, such as the Beamz Interactive, the Loopz, and this one that creates music with some colored Lego blocks.

This is quite an interesting way of playing electronic music from a design student named Ryan Raffa. It works using an overhead camera and what looks like an area marked by circular light.

As you can see by the video below, this thing is a virtual turntable that has something that I can only describe as a radar scanner. As the scanner goes around, it intersects with plastic squares. Each square makes a different note. You will note that the video shows only a few tones that, to me, seem rather uncomplicated. It only gets interesting when the squares are overlapped.

There really isn’t any practical use for something like this, except maybe a toy. I mean, would you want to learn to play music on a device that involves moving cards around? Man, I don’t think that even Las Vegas dealers could make any sweet beats with that.

I guess that this is just a testament to humanity’s ability to create technology and music, in one big mash-up.

Thesis Prototype – Tangible Color Music Instrument from Ryan Raffa on Vimeo.

Source

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[ How to DJ with colored plastic squares copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Check out EyeWriter Version 2.0

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 02:30 PM PST

Some of you might remember the story of Tony Quan, an LA Graffiti artist who lost his ability to perform his talent due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Technology helped him regain his talent with EyeWriter glasses connected to the CPU of a laptop. This EyeWriter enabled Tony to move his eyes, and special dual projectors create an image.

A recent update to EyeWriter was on display at the Cinekid festival. I have a video here after the jump so you can see it working.

You will note that the person has to have his or head braced in a very stationary place, and then the eye-trackers do their work. It looks like these people are using a keyboard, and then the robot arm with the marker “prints” it out.

Clearly, there is at least one terrific use for the EyeWriter. Just imagine if you were at your laptop, and all you had to do to click on something is just look at it. Just think of all the time you would save by shaving off those few seconds you use to go to your mouse.

Of course, if this technology were applied to computers now, it looks like you’d have to hold your head very still. The technology could be improved so your head would be tracked along with your eyes.

Eyewriter 2.0 / Livewriter Demo At Cinekid from Theo Watson on Vimeo.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Check out EyeWriter Version 2.0 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Dynamic Eye works on LCD sunglasses

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 05:30 AM PST

Sunglasses are not only meant to help you look cool in the sweltering heat just in case you haven’t realized, but they play a very important role – which is to make sure your eyes do not get more UV rays than they need especially when you are in the great outdoors. Of course, wearing a pair of shades that are well designed will also add to your stylish looks, but that’s besides the point. Till now, how many sunglasses do you know off that boast LCD technology? You can stop cracking your head already since Dynamic Eye is the first in the industry to roll out LCD sunglasses.

The company has recently completed the technology verification testing stage of its electronically controlled glare reduction sunglasses, where Dynamic Eye’s LCD sunglasses will deliver active glare control which is completely unlike and superior to today’s passive technologies – letting your eyes see what you need to see, nothing more, nothing less.

The sunglasses will darken only a small spot on each lens instead of the entire lens, which results in glare sources being dimmed dramatically, while everything else remains easy as pie to be seen. This unique pair of shades will merge sensors, miniaturized electronics, and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in an effort to increase comfort and safety in glare conditions.

Too bad there isn’t a commercial release of the product just yet since more work and money is required before it can roll off any factory production line. The commercialization stage itself will need additional funding and development, where Dynamic Eye hopes to be able to offer the sunglasses to the consumer market at a competitive, premium sunglasses price, followed by a price reduction when the technology used matures. According to company founder and CEO Dr. Chris Mullin, “Our products let users see more in glare situations than ever before, because they reduce direct glare ten to one hundred times more than any other sunglasses. On the technology side, we have a compelling application for the nascent plastic LCD industry because the application itself requires the lightweight, shatterproof, and bendable characteristics that distinguish plastic from glass.”

Press Release

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Dynamic Eye works on LCD sunglasses copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

M4000 handheld computer is one tough cookie

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 05:00 AM PST

With the slew of Android- and iOS-powered devices around these days, it makes one wonder whether Microsoft’s mobile Windows platform will ever make a big return after the entire Windows Mobile operation was transformed into Windows Phone 7. Well, the scenario doesn’t look too likely at this point in time from what we know, but there is still a niche market for Windows CE when it comes to portable computers.

Case in point, the rugged, powerful and lightweight M4000 series handheld computer from DAP Technologies that boasts the the additional advantage of being modular, letting customers to choose the technology they require for the moment while making relevant upgrades as time passes by (and needs increase, of course). This seems to be the right course of action for companies who are looking for something that is not only cost-effective but efficent as well in getting work done.

Built on a Windows CE operating system, the M4000 has been sealed to IP65 specifications and engineered to withstand multiple 1.5 meter (5 foot) drops, making it more than ideal to function in warehouse environments without missing a beat. It will feature 128MB RAM and 1GB flash ROM as standard, where communications options include GPRS and Summit Radio wireless LAN 802.11b/g. Not only that, you can further store additional information using a user-accessible, expandable SD memory card slot.

Other hardware specifications include a 3.5-inch 256K color LCD touch screen display with LED backlighting and a choice between an alpha-numeric (M4010 model) or alphabetical (M4020 model) keyboard. You will not remain stuck with your keyboard choice forever since you can always swap the keyboards as future needs change. This similar modularity remains true of the optional 1D laser or 2D imager scanners, where they can be upgraded in a jiffy as technology advances. Not only that, you can also opt for standard or high-capacity Li-ion battery packs, and optional GPS or RFID functionality.

A Marvell PXA270 520MHz processor will run proceedings from within, which should offer more than enough processing muscle for your everyday computing needs.

Press Release

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[ M4000 handheld computer is one tough cookie copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Pajamas Warming Pouch

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 04:30 AM PST

Since winter is upon us, there is nothing quite as heart warming as a warm pajamas during a cold night. Heck, if you happen to work from home, then you can also wear your pajamas all day long until lunch time, who is there to find out? Of course, most, if not all, pajamas do not come with some sort of heating element, so how else are you going to slip on something warm and toasty? The answer lies in the Pajamas Warming Pouch. Yes sir, this pouch will feature built-in heating elements that reach 118º F and a thermal satin interior that retains heat, which results in toasty warm pajamas after waiting for just 10 minutes. The heating elements will automatically maintain the temperature regardless of what’s inside, while the unit consumes only 50 watts of juice, which is less than what most other light bulbs suck up. Your pajamas will not be the only thing that is warm, since this 19″ x 15 1/2″ pouch also accommodates towels, hats, or gloves. Should you need to stash it away for your travels or storage, just fold it into half and you’re good to go. The Pajamas Warming Pouch can be yours for $39.95.

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[ Pajamas Warming Pouch copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 13-Dec-2010

Posted: 13 Dec 2010 09:01 PM PST

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

iFlash adds a new dimension to your photos

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 04:00 AM PST

The iPhone 4 itself is a pretty good photo taking device on its own, but what happens when you’re in a low light situation? This isn’t a dedicated digital camera, so it doesn’t have a built-in flash for you to play around with. Fret not, as there is hope in the iFlash, a £19.99 purchase that helps you to illuminate any poorly lit areas and take better photographs. This will definitely have people wondering just how do you snap such stunning photos using the iPhone 4, where you can wryly smile at them and flash a smile of iFlash proportions as you share your little secret. Of course, this unique peripheral also doubles up as a flashlight when required, coming in handy during situations such as being in a dark cinema and needing to rummage through your bag for a ticket stub or some other important item. It will connect to your iPhone via its charging port, and dangles from the 3.5mm slot when not in use similar to a phone charm. Of course, it will suck up a little bit of battery life in the process but in the quest for better pictures, that shouldn’t be too much to ask for, right?