Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Microsoft Kinect Hacked to play World of Warcraft
Skype’s updated app one-ups Apple with mobile video chat
Just in time for New Years, Bill Murray rants about tech, in 1982!
Ocado fridge is self-cleaning
How the THKR-4 robot rings in the new year
R2-D2 Keychain Flashlight
iPad Alarm Clock
Griffin Slap Nano Wristband
Gadget Thumbnails for 30-Dec-2010
Moshi Voice Control Reflection Clock
Gyro Bowl – What goes in, stays in
Zibra Open It – Because you only have one set of hands… and teeth
Mitsubishi to deliver the 3D experience to your home via Diamond 3D projector
Crestron Sonnex 24X8 Multiroom Audio System begins to ship
Panasonic AG AF100 offers an above average video recording experience

Microsoft Kinect Hacked to play World of Warcraft

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 12:50 PM PST

Researchers slash their way thought World of Warcraft thanks to the Kinect

Living Rooms all around the world are shaking with fear of users actually taking swords and attacking their big screens thanks to a new hack for the Microsoft Kinect that allows gamers to play World of Warcraft without a keyboard.

It’s no secret that the Kinect is rapidly becoming the most hacked device since the Hackintosh, but students at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies have takent he next step in developing a software hack which enables gamers to use the motion device to immerse themselves even deeper into the online Mid-evil world.

The hack is called the "Flexible Action and Articulated Skeleton Toolkit, (FAAST) and it uses full-body motion control. Gamer can not only wield a sword or axe to take out a feisty orc, but they can also cast spells, making it nirvana for those who secretly love to dress up to play their favorite game. And it’s only a matter of time before someone figures out a way to use their light saber collection to battle someone online.

But with everyone creating bold new uses for the Kinect and porting it over to the PC, the sky is truly the limit for what can be done with this game changing device. And it makes the world of Minority Report that much closer, but in a bold and exciting way. Imagine editing video’s just with a snip of your fingers and a wave of your hand? Designing in CAD programs Tony Stark style. And getting rid of the keyboard forever?

It’s not just for games anymore and that’s a cool thing.

Hat Tip – GizmoWatch

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[ Microsoft Kinect Hacked to play World of Warcraft copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Skype’s updated app one-ups Apple with mobile video chat

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 12:08 PM PST

The new Skype app offers video chat over 3G

Skype has launched a video chat feature for their iPhone app which adds 3G capability, as well as being able to chat with iPhone 3GS users in a limited one way video basis.

Users who have the iPhone 4 or 4th generation iPod Touch can initiate video calls with friends who use the iPhone 3GS, iPad, and 3rd Generation iPod Touch, while 3rd Gen Apple device users can only receive the video chat and while talking audio only. Mac Desktop users can also jump into the fray using the Skype client.

But what’s really challenging to Apple’s Facetime dominance is that Skype can video chat over 3G, not just WiFi only. And according to Red Ferret, the data usage isn’t too bad, chiming in at about 1.3MB per minute.

Frankly, I’m amazed that Apple approved this update, but it may be that they’ll be announcing a "one more thing" update next month that will do the same.

The Skype App update is free can is available right now at the App Store.

Hat Tip – The Ferret

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Skype’s updated app one-ups Apple with mobile video chat copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Just in time for New Years, Bill Murray rants about tech, in 1982!

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 12:02 PM PST

When I saw that there was footage of Bill Murray ranting about tech from 1982, I just had to watch it.

After all, who wouldn’t want to hear the star of Ghostbusters, Stripes, and Groundhog Day speak about technology? I always thought he was a comedic genius, and to some extent, he still has it.

This is apparently some footage for a show called Wired In, which apparently never aired. The sound quality is poor, but you can hear what he has to say about technology. His rant was completely spontaneous, and it was done as the camera was prepping for what looks like a very short clip.

I like Bill Murray’s ideas about robots. He didn’t want them to create cars, but he didn’t seem to have any problem with creating a robot co-pilot that would run and get you gas.

As for those dashboards that talk to you, our GPS has taken the place of that. I remember those cars that would talk to you and remind you to put on your seat belt. Those really annoyed me, and they don’t really make them any more. An indicator light is all you need.

As for his dislike of digital watches, I am afraid that most clocks that aren’t on the wall are digital now. Sorry, Bill.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Just in time for New Years, Bill Murray rants about tech, in 1982! copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Ocado fridge is self-cleaning

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 11:35 AM PST

I’m sure that most of us don’t like cleaning our fridge, but certain scientists at the University of Central Lancashire have created the Ocado self-cleaning fridge.

I’m not certain how the self-cleaning works. This is not to say that the Ocado fridge doesn’t have these little brushes and buffers that can clean the fridge from the inside. Truth be told, we all want that, but the technology isn’t there yet. In fact, I sounds like this whole refrigerator works on some technology that isn’t there yet. It is “nano-articulated technology” that features “millions of independently micro-tiles, which will send food products that are scheduled to be eaten to the front of the fridge”.

The Ocado can scan its shelves for food and provide the user with recipes, teach the user how to cook with the foods that they have, and it will teach the user how to cook with fresh foods.

If you want to find out more about this fridge, then you should probably click on the Source link. I will warn you that the small font that you see here is only a little larger at my Source image, but still not large enough to read. You might have to do a little enlargement to read it.

I’m not certain if we’ll ever perfect the tech to make this refrigerator work, but there is a screen on the front that I like. I think some refrigerators have this now.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Ocado fridge is self-cleaning copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

How the THKR-4 robot rings in the new year

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 11:06 AM PST

I’m not certain if it is New Year’s Day by the time you read this, because I know our readers are worldwide and are in different time zones. I couldn’t think of a better time to post this than now.

This picture and attached video (see after the jump) were taken at the ROBO-ONE Humanoid Helper Project in Yokohama Japan, and it would appear that they were celebrating New Year’s Day early.

This is the THKR-4 robot, and it was able to serve at the party better than R2-D2 when he was forced to serve on Jabba the Hutt’s Sail Barge. As you can see, the THKR-4 is able to walk to the refrigerator, grab some champagne, and pour it. It can even do those party poppers. For an encore, it does a massage.

This THKR-4 has the potential to be the life of the party, but since it moves around rather jerkily, it is like a zombie. So for now, it is the death of the party.

Of course, we all want servant robots to deal with the mundane tasks that we don’t want to do. I find this one to be rather creepy with its fake skin on its hands. I hope they don’t put skin all over it, or we’re getting into Terminator territory.

Source

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ How the THKR-4 robot rings in the new year copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

R2-D2 Keychain Flashlight

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 05:30 AM PST

“Help me, Obi Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope!” Now any movie buff worth his or her salt would definitely have heard of this famous quote when Star Wars first hit the silver screen more than three decades ago. Well, since then, this movie franchise has spawned prequels and sequels, not to mention a juggernaut of a marketing machine that makes it one of the more profitable franchises ever. With tons of merchandise to choose from (comics, apparel, toys, books, soundtracks, re-releases, you name it!), the R2-D2 Keychain Flashlight might be just something you don’t have! Obi Wan might not be able to help you out when you’re in a tight spot, but at least R2-D2 is able to do so, lighting up your handbag in the dark cinema so that you know where that lipstick went. All for $12.99? We’ll take it.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ R2-D2 Keychain Flashlight copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

iPad Alarm Clock

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 05:00 AM PST

Yeah, when it comes to docks, Apple devices are certainly king of the hill, what with a ton of iPod touch, iPhone and even now, iPad docks arriving to flood the market and help you part with your hard earned money. The iPad Alarm Clock is one of the later models to arrive, where this docking station will turn your iPad into a versatile bedside alarm clock. A pre-loaded app will allow you to wake up to the song of your choice, and with a snooze interval that can be set anywhere from 1 to 29 minutes, hardcore snoozers will definitely find this $199.95 purchase to be a good deal! All audio will be played through the dock’s built-in speakers, and the iPad’s display is used to show weather reports, personal reminders, and overnight updates from Facebook and Twitter. Talk about waking up connected to the rest of your social network! There is also a failover alarm in the dock just in case the app isn’t running as it should, making sure you will not miss that important meeting or flight.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ iPad Alarm Clock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Griffin Slap Nano Wristband

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 04:30 AM PST

The latest iPod nano is definitely one of the smallest wonders of the world, according to diehard Apple fanboys. Well, we are wont to agree since something so small can actually carry so much stuff. It also goes without saying that the third party accessory market for the iPod nano is a growing (and lucrative) one, otherwise how can we see so many manufacturers throwing their lot into this area? One of the newer accessories to roll out would be the Griffin Slap Nano Wristband, where this slap style strap is actually a flexible 'memory-metal' wristband, specially designed to accommodate an iPod nano, allowing you to wear it like a wristwatch. All you need to do is whap the seemingly rigid silicone band on your arm, and see it fit your wrist perfectly, as though it had a life of its own. Start strutting this around like a peacock after you invest £14.99 in it.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Griffin Slap Nano Wristband copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 30-Dec-2010

Posted: 30 Dec 2010 09:01 PM PST

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 30-Dec-2010 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Moshi Voice Control Reflection Clock

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 04:00 AM PST

Finding it hard to wake up early in the morning simply because of the cool weather and the fact that you’re extremely cozy under your sheets? The Moshi Voice Control Reflection Clock might add some spice to your life then, as this unique consumer electronics device will boast voice recognition technology which lets you set the time, dual alarms, snooze, ask for indoor and outdoor temperature and record up to an 8 minute memo – all using nothing but your speech alone. Similar to other Moshi alarm clocks of the past, the Reflection Clock will boast Technology That Listens, which translates to its ability to recognize your voice command without any setup required. Apart from that, you get a 9 minute snooze (is that a magic number?), custom alarm sounds, half a dozen nightlight colors to choose from and adjustable LCD brightness.Just in case you are hunting for the Moshi Voice Control Reflection Clock up and down the Walmarts around the country, bear in mind that this is a Brookstone exclusive, going for $59.95.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Moshi Voice Control Reflection Clock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gyro Bowl – What goes in, stays in

Posted: 30 Dec 2010 09:01 PM PST

A few months ago I was cleaning out the car and when I lifted up the rear seats to vacuum, I found more food than I think we had for Thanksgiving. My daughter was promptly banned from eating in the car.

I think she may get another chance, with the Gyro Bowl, a nifty little BPH-free plastic contraption with a 360 degree rotating inner bowl that is practically spill proof, virtually indestructible and top rack dishwasher safe.

The rotation of the Gyro Bowl ensures that the open side always remains on top and its contents don't fall out of the bowl. No more worries about spilling. Fun for parties, great for kids, the Gyro Bowl is also useful for easiy spilled nonfood items like paperclips, thumb tacks, loose change or nuts and bolts.

The Gyro Bowl also comes with a stay-fresh lid so you can pack your snacks for later in the day and keep them fresh and tasty. Bright and attractive colors, safe for the messiest of toddlers, this engineering marvel is just what I needed to cut down on sweeping and vacuum time.

For a limited time, a set of 2 Gyro Bowls is just $14.99 at www.buygyrobowl.com

Source: www.articlesbase.com

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Gyro Bowl – What goes in, stays in copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Zibra Open It – Because you only have one set of hands… and teeth

Posted: 30 Dec 2010 08:13 PM PST

I’m pretty sure I am not alone in my disbelief when I try and open some of these "modern" plastic packages. I mean, what are these guys thinking? Even the dolls hair is sewn to the cardboard, and the metal twisty ties? seriously? Every time I get something open I feel as though I've won a small war.

I wish I had the Zibra Open, not only does it safely and easily cut through that indestructible, finger slicing clear plastic packaging, but it has snippers for those irritating twisted metal ties, a blade for the impossible to pick open CD and DVD wrapper and cardboard box tape, it also includes the oft needed, but hard to find, miniature screw driver for that elusively small battery compartment screw and last, but not least the bottle opener you are going to require for the 6 pack you will wish you had before you started with all this nonsense in the first place.

The Zibra Open It, it’s the "unitool" for the holidays. Get one now, before this seasons nightmare happens to you, again.

Get a set of 2 for only $14.99 at www.enjoyzibra.com

Still, I gotta wonder what kind of package it comes in…

Source: www.enjoyzibra.com

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Zibra Open It – Because you only have one set of hands… and teeth copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Mitsubishi to deliver the 3D experience to your home via Diamond 3D projector

Posted: 30 Dec 2010 07:29 PM PST

For those of you out there who still cannot get enough of stereoscopic 3D movies and would love to enjoy a similar cinematic experience at home, then the Mitsubishi Diamond 3D projector is definitely your cup of tea. Of course, if you’re going to attend CES 2011 like the Coolest Gadgets team is, then you would be more than happy to drop by Mitsubishi’s booth to see the Diamond 3D projector in action – bring along some Kleenex to wipe away all that drool just in case. Wayne Kozuki, product manager of Mitsubishi says that "We've heard that this is 'the year of 3D. But Mitsubishi has been selling 3D-ready TVs since 2007, so it's the home entertainment industry that is finally catching up to us." Hmmm, pretty lofty words, hopefully they have the technology to remain ahead of the pack, eh?

The new Mitsubishi Diamond 3D projector will be jam packed with features which create crisp, vivid, engaging 3D images that are capable of displaying more than 100-inch screens, delivering a true theater experience. All you need now are well drawn curtains, a fantastic speaker system as well as a reliable popcorn machine (and a beer fridge by the side, of course). Powered by an SXRD cutting-edge reflective liquid-crystal optical engine, Mitsubishi ups the ante by throwing in their own algorithms and processing technologies in order to deliver a high-brightness, high-contrast (up to 120,000:1 full on/full off) experience which is smooth, dazzling and true to the original content.

One of the key element in projector performance would be the lens, and Mitsubishi has certainly done their homework to equip the Diamond 3D projector with an extra-low dispersion glass coupled with its six-piece, 17-cluster structure that delivers higher functionality while minimizing chromatic aberration. The result? Your eyes will definitely thank you as it views both colors and details that are impeccably crystal clear. You won’t find the Diamond 3D interrupting your routine as well since it makes only 19dBa of noise, letting viewers hear the movie easily even in whisper-soft scenes, so the annoying projector hum should be a thing of the past.

Company

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Mitsubishi to deliver the 3D experience to your home via Diamond 3D projector copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Crestron Sonnex 24X8 Multiroom Audio System begins to ship

Posted: 30 Dec 2010 07:16 PM PST

For those of you who are more than willing to turn your living room into a home entertainment extravaganza, then you might be interested to know that Crestron’s starting to ship their Sonnex 24X8 Multiroom Audio System. Just what the Sonnex is able to offer? For starters, it transmits 48 channels of uncompressed 24-bit HD audio long distances across a single shielded CAT5-type cable to up to 74 zones. This features a breakthrough all-in-one high-efficiency hardware design and exclusive single-wire digital bus technology, where Sonnex will substantially reduce the hardware and cabling requirements of traditional systems without sacrificing on delivering maximum power and sound quality.

One of the main advantages of Sonnex to custom installers would be the need for never ever having to deal with speaker wire homeruns back to the central closet, reducing installation times by a significant margin, where it lets installers move on to the next job whereas their competitors are still pulling cable. If you’re an installer and want to up your business plan, then the Crestron Sonnex 24X8 Multiroom Audio System would definitely be a serious consideration for you.

Boasting installations of more than 8 zones, all integrators need to do is add a SWAMPE-8 zone expander locally instead of in the central rack. There is only one connection required back to the main rack, where it is a single shielded CAT5-type cable. This basically means that pulling bundles of speaker wire through walls and ceilings are a thing of the past, letting you heave a sigh of relief. When you add up to eight 8-zone expanders, you get a whopping total of 74 zones with 24 sources. As all speaker wire is local, there would be no more time-consuming speaker wire home runs all the way back to the central rack.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Crestron Sonnex 24X8 Multiroom Audio System begins to ship copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Panasonic AG AF100 offers an above average video recording experience

Posted: 30 Dec 2010 07:07 PM PST

Are you looking to be a budding filmmaker, and have the ambition to be one of the top movie makers when you grow up? Well, if that is the case and the answer is in a definite affirmative category, then you might be interested to know that Panasonic has rolled out its AG AF100 camcorder, making it the industry's first professional micro 4/3-inch video camcorder that have been specially optimized for high-definition video recording. Of course, the price is not going to be cheap, as it has been listed at $4,995 which puts it out of reach for most of the working class since it is not an essential item, but then again, the AF100 does offer a new level of affordability for HD motion image quality. We will look into the AF100 in greater detail in the extended post.

Capable of affording the depth of field and field of view that is similar to that of 35mm movie cameras in a more affordable camera, where it will target the film and video production communities. The AF100 won’t find it a challenge to deliver film-like shallow depth of field and the wider field of view of a large imager, carrying with it the flexibility and cost advantages of a growing line of professional quality, industry-standard micro 4/3-inch lenses, filters, and adapters. Not only that, it also offers the capabilities of a full HD 1080/720 production camera, delivering superior video handling, native 1080/24p recording, variable frame rates, professional audio capabilities, and compatibility with SDHC and SDXC media.

According to Jan Crittenden Livingston, Product Line Business Manager, Panasonic Solutions Company, "The design of the AF100's advanced, custom-designed 4/3-inch sensor affords depth of field and field of view similar to that of 35mm movie cameras in a more affordable camera. What's more, Panasonic engineering ingenuity has resolved the aliasing and moiré that has haunted the DSLR shooter. In fact, the AF100 was based on what we heard from and saw customers doing: purchasing DSLR cameras because they liked the look of the image, but then agonizing over all of the workarounds required to achieve an acceptable high definition recording."

All purchases of this 3.5-pound AG-AF100 will be accompanied by a three-year limited warranty, as long as you register the camera with the PASS customer support program.

Press Release

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Panasonic AG AF100 offers an above average video recording experience copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Saturday, January 1, 2011