Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Help Me Obi-Wan! Star Wars Finally coming to Blu-ray
Skype to bring Video chat to Android
Skype to buy Qik
Satarii Star has its eye on you
Glove Box Battery Jumper
JVC touts a world’s first – 3D camcorder that does full HD
Razer Onza Tournament and Standard editions of Xbox 360 controllers announced
The new Nike + SportWatch GPS at CES 2011
Parrot ASTEROID brings Android to the car receiver
Casio TRYX camera unveiled at CES 2011
Gadget Thumbnails for 05-Jan-2011
New! CarFi – Now your Internet connection has wheels
World of Warcraft Wireless USB Headset – Glory to the Alliance!

Help Me Obi-Wan! Star Wars Finally coming to Blu-ray

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 04:44 PM PST

Star Wars on Blu-ray? We gotta GREAT feeling about this!

Long long ago, at Celebration far far away, George Lucas hinted that Star Wars may be coming to blu-ray soon. Well, that time is now as Lucasfilm, Fox and Panasonic joined into a rebel alliance today to announce that the entire Star Wars saga will come to Blu-ray in the fall.

The announcement promises all six movies in the saga, plus over 30 hours of special features including some “never-before-see” footage. The saga will be available in one master edition, or in individual movie sets, and two separate trilogy sets (you can bet one will sell over the other).

The complete saga will cost $170 (the original VHS of episode 4 cost $99 back in the day, so that’s a good deal) with each trilogy running $70. But I’m betting the prequel trilogy will end up being marked down.

And fans don’t need to wait until the September release date either, as they can be pre-orded from Amazon right now with some serous discounts. Check out the links below:

Complete Saga for $90 with free shipping.

Original Trilogy for $45 with free shipping.

Prequel Trilogy for $45 with free shipping.

Wow. Talk about a serious disturbance in the Force!

Hat Tip – Rebel Scum

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Help Me Obi-Wan! Star Wars Finally coming to Blu-ray copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Skype to bring Video chat to Android

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 04:25 PM PST

Skype Video Chat for Android ... coming soon to a Droid near you.

Fresh off releasing video chat capability for the iPhone, Skype isn’t wasting time resting on their laurels, as they plan to bring it to Android sooner than you think.

According to a demo seen by some Engadget geeks at the Motorola booth at CES. The Demo was on their prototype Motorola Droid Bionic, and while it wasn’t a working demo, mind you,it was far enough along to demo the interface, show access to a caller’s contacts and initiate a call (which doens’t connect just yet) … that clearly shows that Skype is hard at work to make it happen and is comfortable enough to show it to the masses to get them psyched about it.

And considering the Droid Bionic is 4G going over Verizon’s LTE network, it’ll be lightning fast and no doubt crystal clear. Considering the news that they’re buying Qik, and having already fired a broadside square at Apple’s Facetime app, it’s clear that Skype is up to something serious for 2011.

Hat Tip – Engadget

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Skype to bring Video chat to Android copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Skype to buy Qik

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 04:14 PM PST

Skype and Qikl, two halfs of a familiar apple, are going to become one. Skyqik?

Two companies that really turned the mobile world upside down over the last few years are merging. And it’s HUGE news. No, we’re not talking Google and Apple. That would be world war III. We’re talking about Skype announcing at CES that they’re buying QIK. And considering they use similar color schemes, why not?

QIK made headlines a few years ago by making it possible to broadcast live video from one’s smartphone to the Internet. That’s very Skypelike if you think about it and Skype agrees, which is why it’s buying Qik. And skype’s goal will be to make a “a richer, more integrated experience that will allow people globally to share experiences in real-time video across different platforms.”

And with Skype’s amazing quality when 20 million of your closest friends are online, and Qik’s video capability across multiple platforms, the result will be huge. And considering Skype just published their video chat app for the iPhone, you can bet that Cupertino is paying close attention to this one.

Hat Tip – Engadget

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Skype to buy Qik copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Satarii Star has its eye on you

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 02:36 PM PST

Do you use your iPhone often for Facetime? Well, if you’re one of the select few who does so, then you might want to check out what the Satarii Star is capable of doing. This unique device will definitely need your iPhone to remain docked within, where it can swivel around to track your movement. To make things more flexible, it allows you to dock your iPhone in either portrait or landscape mode, literally allowing you to position it where you want it. As for the second part of this setup, it comprises of a small tracking device that allows you to clip onto the subject. The tracking device will communicate with the base within a 25 foot radius, where the base can rotate up to 180 degress, aiming at the tracker always. No idea on when it will be released commercially and for how much, since this is still part of an in-development project from a team of California-based designers.

Source: Craziest Gadgets

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Satarii Star has its eye on you copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Glove Box Battery Jumper

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 02:32 PM PST

Having a dead battery in your car is not something everybody wants, but it does happen to the best of us from time to time. Well, in such an event, you can always rely on the Glove Box Battery Jumper to help you out of a particularly tight position, and even better is you won’t need to have a friend or stranger who is willing to “lend” their car’s battery for you to jump start it. This device will help juice up your car’s battery from the comfort and safety of the driver’s seat, and to make it a whole lot more convenient, it is tiny enough to store within the glove box. The 30-volt battery will plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt lighter outlet, and is capable of jump starting your car’s battery in just 10 minutes. Heck, it is good enough to provide a two-amp “trickle” charge, even in temperatures as low as -10º F. Doing something as simple as reversing a switch will allow the device to recharge in 30 minutes from a running car. Each $34.95 purchase already comes fully charged, where it is good for up to five years of power.

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Glove Box Battery Jumper copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

JVC touts a world’s first – 3D camcorder that does full HD

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 02:27 PM PST

JVC intends to remain on the cutting edge of technology by rolling out the first consumer camcorder in the world that is capable of recording in full HD, courtesy of the new JVC-developed high-speed processor which is capable of producing a couple of simultaneous Full HD images. The model in question? The GS-TD1, where it will utilize a couple of camera lenses and a similar number of 3.32 megapixel CMOS sensors – one for each lens – in order to help it capture three-dimensional images in the manner where human eyes work. This new high-speed imaging engine is capable of simultaneously processing the two Full HD images, where left and right images at 1920 x 1080i – using but a single chip. Want to know more about the GS-TD1? Read all about it in the extended post.

The newly developed “LR Independent Format” is what allows the GS-TD1 to be the world’s first consumer-oriented camcorder capable of 3D shooting in Full HD. Of course, this doesn’t mean that JVC’s new camcorder is unable to do more than that – no sir, it offers much more, boasting of different shooting modes as well, including the widely used “Side-by-Side Format” for AVCHD (3D) and conventional AVCHD (2D) shooting. The JVC 3D Twin HD GT Lens is touted to set a new standard in high-resolution lenses with extra-low-dispersion glass for crisp, high-contrast images, while multiple aspherical lenses pave the way for fine image reproduction. Other hardware specifications include round iris diaphragms which enable beautiful bokeh effect (background blurring) shooting of video and stills alike.

Apart from that, you will also find that the GS-TD1 (why do they come up with hard-to-remember model names?) will sport a 3D optical 5x zoom, Optical Axis Automatic Stabilization System for disparity control to give depth to 3D images, JVC’s BIPHONIC technology for dynamic 3D sound and Automatic Parallax Adjustment to optimize the 3D-video comfort zone. It will arrive in the market this coming March for $1,999.95, placing it well out of reach of the ordinary consumer. Oh yeah, you will also need to remember that purchasing this means upgrading the rest of your home entertainment ecosystem in order to accommodate 3D capability.

Press Release

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ JVC touts a world’s first – 3D camcorder that does full HD copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Razer Onza Tournament and Standard editions of Xbox 360 controllers announced

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 02:20 PM PST

Razer certainly ain’t playing around when with a couple of new releases – the Onza Tournament and Standard editions of Xbox 360 controllers. Of course, Razer has more often than not been associated with gaming hardware for the personal computer, but not quite so with the video game console environment. Well, all of that is going to change from now on as Razer has just announced both the Razer Onza Tournament and Standard editions for Xbox 360 owners. These new controllers are high precision devices that certainly intend to deliver the best gaming experience possible for everyone who places top priority on accuracy and responsiveness when it comes to gaming. After all, there surely isn’t a fate worse than death when it comes to losing to your hated rivals online, right?

Specially built for the hardcore competitive gamer, the Razer Onza Tournament Edition will deliver superior customizability with adjustable resistance analog sticks. This is one of the main reasons why Onza’s tagline “Resistance is Futile” translates to having nothing to stand in your way for exceptional precision. Twist the analog sticks in one direction and they will be more resistant, offering a steadier control whenever you game, while doing otherwise in the opposite direction will result in quicker, fluid movements.

As for the Razer Onza Standard Edition, this model will come with Multi-Function Buttons (MFB) on the controller’s shoulders that enable the remapping of critical buttons to virtually any location under your fingertips. This will not only increase the efficiency of game control, but will also aid those with disabilities unable to reach specific functions on a crappy standard controller. In this way, Razer paves the way to enable everybody to play. Both Standard and Tournament Editions will ship with MFB, Hyperesponse technology, PC compatibility, and a 15 foot cable. Retailing for $49.99 a pop, you can place a pre-order this coming January 17th.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Razer Onza Tournament and Standard editions of Xbox 360 controllers announced copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

The new Nike + SportWatch GPS at CES 2011

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 11:11 AM PST

I saw this watch from shoe giant Nike last night at the CES 2011 event Pepcom. The Nike+SportsWatch GPS uses the Nike+ sensor based in the shoe for tracking time, pace, distance, calories burned as well as heart rate.

It also has something else: a GPS powered by TomTom. This allows the watch to track “what a user does, how they do it, and then motivates the user to improve on previous performances over the each route”. After the user is completed with their run or other exercises, they can take off their watch and connect it to a PC with the built-in USB dongle. From there, data is uploaded to the NikePlus.com site for viewing of completed runs, setting new goals, as well as interacting with other runners.

I’m sure that this technology comes in handy for those that like to run. However, I can’t help but wonder why this tech couldn’t be put on a new version of an iPod nano. After all, most people are mounting their nanos on their watches anyway. Perhaps in the next version of the nano.

The new Nike watch won some awards from CES for innovation in both the Health and Wellness and Personal Electronics categories. Not bad. The watch is up for pre-order at the Nike site here.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ The new Nike + SportWatch GPS at CES 2011 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Parrot ASTEROID brings Android to the car receiver

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 10:52 AM PST

Generally, I am very pleased with what I see from Parrot at CES every year. Last year, it was the AR.Drone, and this year, it is the ASTEROID.

The ASTEROID is a car receiver that works on the Android operating system. If it is connected to a GPS dongle, which is provided, and a 3G key, which is not provided, it is capable of giving information like traffic and construction alerts.

Parrot ASTEROID also includes Parrot Maps, a cartography service that enables the identification of streets and businesses close to the vehicle. This allows the user to zoom on an address and hands-free dialing of the phone number or even plan an itinerary.

Since the ASTEROID is where the radio would be on a car, it wouldn’t be right if it couldn’t do music. It can play tunes from various sources that include the iPhone/iPod, MP3 player, SD card, and USB key. Music files can also sent to the ASTEROID via Bluetooth. Additional features of the ASTEROID include hands-free telephony, with access to the phonebook through text-to-speech.

The ASTEROID will be available in Europe in the first quarter of 2011, and will arrive in the United States in the second quarter. The price is to be announced.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Parrot ASTEROID brings Android to the car receiver copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Casio TRYX camera unveiled at CES 2011

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 10:34 AM PST

There’s always a few stars at CES 2011. These are the products that get billboards devoted to them at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and one of them was the Casio TRYX.

Since the digital camera market is flooded, it becomes very hard to come up with a camera that defies the usual conventions. The TRYX is that camera, as it has a very cool body. See how it flips out of its frame? The frame then becomes the handle of the camera for one hand, which really frees the user up from snapping photos with the other hand. The frame also allows the TRYX to work as a tripod.

In addition to this framing technique, the TRYX has a unique LCD screen that “puts all camera controls right at the user's fingertip”. It has a touch shutter that can focus on an area or subject in the frame and capture it.

As for the specs, the TRYX is a 12.1 Megapixel job with a CMOS sensor, dual core processors, and Casio’s EXILIM ENGINE HS. The video is the expected 1080 at 30 fps. Other features include Slide Panaorma which allows for 360-degree panoramic images. It also has slow-motion video for speeds of up to 240 fps. It is also connected for social networking for photo-sharing on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube, provided it is connected to a computer.

You should be able to get the TRYX in April 2011 for about $249.99.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Casio TRYX camera unveiled at CES 2011 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 05-Jan-2011

Posted: 05 Jan 2011 09:01 PM PST

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 05-Jan-2011 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

New! CarFi – Now your Internet connection has wheels

Posted: 05 Jan 2011 08:18 PM PST

I can't tell you how often I wish I had a reliable internet connection in my car. There are so many times I wanted to check something, like movie times, or handle some last minute paperwork or bill paying while I was waiting in line at the car wash, sure with the phones we have these days you might think it redundant, but in my case I use a proprietary computer for my day job and I can't access my files on any other PC.

Enter CarFi, the portable wireless router and docking station that provides wireless Internet service for your vehicle. CarFi turns your car into a secure Wi-Fi Hotspot, connecting passengers to the Internet in, and even around your car for about 150 feet. Patented TRU Technology allows a seamless connection regardless how fast you are traveling and keeps you connected to the Internet even if your cruising down the freeway or tailgating at your favorite sports arena.

CarFi has a new docking station that allows you to move it from one car to the next. With additional docking stations, you can easily add Internet to all of your vehicles without having to add another monthly subscription charge, and with expandable on-board memory, you can store and share files, movies and music… all from the comfort of your car, truck, boat or RV .

So let the kids play online games, watch online videos or use their wifi devices and listen to Internet radio, You'll be there in no time.

Get the Autonet router for $449.99 and monthly data plans starting at $29.00 from www.amazon.com

Source: www.autonetmobile.com

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ New! CarFi – Now your Internet connection has wheels copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

World of Warcraft Wireless USB Headset – Glory to the Alliance!

Posted: 05 Jan 2011 06:29 PM PST

So you're a gamer and a serious one at that. If you've played WoW you probably already know that the sound is an awesome part of the game. Creative Labs knew it too, Enter the World of Warcraft USB headset, specially designed for World of Warcraft gamers, this headset will transport you directly into the world of Azeroth.

Also available in a wired version, the WoW Headset allows you to instantly access your volume, mute and connection controls directly on the headset itself and the THX TruStudio Technology lets you immerse yourself in deep into the realms. The VoiceFX technology actually lets you alter your own voice in order to sound like different World of Warcraft characters and creatures.

Show your allegiance and customize your cans with interchangeable headset lenses, your WoW headset comes with both Horde and Alliance lenses, so you get to choose.

Each wireless headset comes with a detachable microphone, USB wireless transmitter, travel pouch, braided USB Type-A-to-mini-USB plug cable (for charging), quick-start booklet, two sets of interchangeable headset lenses, and customizable software with a user guide.

Available now for around $150.00 from www.amazon.com

See ya around the Dungeons…

Source: www.amazon.com

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ World of Warcraft Wireless USB Headset – Glory to the Alliance! copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Friday, January 7, 2011