Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

iKit juices up your iPhone 4 independently
eyeSight delivers software-based gesture recognition technology
Samsung Galaxy Tab has pretty high return rates
HEX Sport Watch Band
Now there is a way to lift fingerprints off fabric
Esper Dominoes re-defines the domino effect
Robo-Rainbow paints a rainbow in 15 seconds
Gadget Thumbnails for 02-Feb-2011
DIY – From Grape Juice to Party Beverage in Just 2 Days
T-Mobile makes two big announcements today with the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and the G-Slate

iKit juices up your iPhone 4 independently

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 05:49 PM PST

The Apple iPhone 4 has certainly been one of the best selling phones of this generation, creating a whole lot of buzz and rumors when it was first announced, not to mention having third party manufacturer accessories getting spotted in the wild. Well, since its launch, the iPhone 4 has steadily made its way into the hands of many, and with it, a fast growing accessory market.

One major gripe from those iPhone 4 owners who use it for just about everything is this – it does not have sufficient battery life to last you through the whole day. Of course, this applies to the above average user, and if you happen to leave your Internet connection to always-on, getting email pushed to you, replying tons of mails and text messages, a portable power pack should be right up your alley.

iKit intends to step in and offer some respite from low battery warnings with their NuCharge case which is compatible with both the AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4. We will take a look at just how it will serve you better in the extended post.

The NuCharge is touted to almost double your phone’s battery life, delivering a quick and powerful charge solution so that you will never run out of juice not to make phone calls during the most crucial of moments. This black lightweight case measures a mere 6mm thin and tips the scales at just 2 ounces, and despite its diminutive size, it packs a powerful charge that maxes out at 1400 mAh of power.

Doubling as a protective case, you can be sure that your iPhone remains safe and sound from reasonable drops and scratches. Apart from that, the NuCharge is equipped with an ON/OFF switch that helps conserve power when not in use. You can tell just how much battery life there is left on it thanks to the blue LED light in front. Expect to pay $64.95 for additional power on the go that should last you the distance.

Press Release

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ iKit juices up your iPhone 4 independently copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

eyeSight delivers software-based gesture recognition technology

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 05:38 PM PST

eyeSight has just launched a software-based gesture recognition technology that intends to see action on portable computer devices, and it does make us extremely interested to see how eyeSight is going to improve upon the numerous touch gestures used on touchscreen devices that are already on the market these days via a new method.

Apparently, this technology will enable users to control applications, programs and tools on a host of devices including (but not limited to) Android tablets and Windows-based notebooks and netbooks – all through the use of simple hand gestures. Apart from that,eyeSight’s solution for Windows will ensure seamless integration to Windows applications. Hmmm, gestures with the Android platform and with Windows? That is certainly something worth looking into.

This new move by eyeSight does seem to be a step up from last year’s efforts, where eyeSight introduced the Natural User Interface for Android mobile devices. With its new hand gesture interface solution for computer-based Android and Windows platforms, expect a whole new world of possibility to open up for you.

eyeSight’s Hand Gesture Recognition Technology will rely on the current standard built in 2D camera, and good news for those who want to adopt it – you will need not fork out additional dough to purchase new hardware or an expensive 3D camera.

According to Gideon Shmuel, eyeSight’s CEO, “Users can remotely control their music and video player, browse through eBooks, manage presentations, play games, control PC apps and carry out many other tasks without touching the keyboard or touchscreen. It is ideal for functions that do not require hands-on management and offers a new and improved user experience.”

It will boast advanced real-time image processing and machine vision algorithms to keep everything running fine and dandy, and various manufacturers of portable devices that use different operating systems will be able to let their users have a whole new user experience. Imagine remotely controlling applications on a wide variety of devices, such as tablets, notebooks, netbooks, All-In-One PCs, portable computers, and mobile phones among others.

Press Release

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ eyeSight delivers software-based gesture recognition technology copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Samsung Galaxy Tab has pretty high return rates

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 04:47 PM PST

Isn’t it a wonder what good marketing can do for you? That is what’s happening with the Samsung Galaxy Tab after the real story breaks cover, where the return rates of this Android-powered tablet device is far higher than that of its main rival, the Apple iPad. We’re talking about a Wall Street firm estimating that around 15% of the Galaxy Tabs sold are actually returned, which is nearly 700% higher than what the iPad is looking at (2%).

Of course, this 15% rate comprises of sales from the tablet's debut since November through January 16 this year. The culprit behind the high return rates? It could be because Samsung decided to go ahead with Android 2.2 while rushing the Tab out to the market for first mover advantage, despite Google already stating that Android 2.2 Froyo is unsuitable for tablet use, where Android 3.0 Honeycomb is a whole lot better since it was specially optimized for such use.

Hopefully with the advent of Honeycomb-powered tablets, the return rate of future Tabs won’t be that high, and the whole ordeal will be forgotten soon. Guess all those record breaking feats (2 million sold milestone) do not mean that much anymore, while the recent price drop might just lure more people to end up under the “return” pile. We await further developments with bated breath.

Source: Unwired View

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Samsung Galaxy Tab has pretty high return rates copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

HEX Sport Watch Band

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 04:44 PM PST

HEX is a name that is associated with fashionable tech accessories, and this time around the company has rolled out its latest offering for the masses – especially those who own the latest iPod nano (6th generation) as they can then slot it into the HEX Sport Watch Band.

The HEX Sport Watch Band will not only let your iPod nano function as a watch, it also doubles up as a protector and makes sure your iPod nano stays in place even during intense workouts, boasting a NIKE Plus port for added functionality.

Just like the other HEX Watch Bands that have been released, the Sport Band will come with a "Pop in, Pop out" design for easy insertion of the iPod nano. Expect this watch band to deliver full access to all iPod nano controls courtesy of its integrated control buttons. Made out of perforated premium silicone, you can be sure that this is top class material for added breathability and comfort during athletic activities.

Expect to bring home this puppy in April for $29.95 a pop.

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[ HEX Sport Watch Band copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Now there is a way to lift fingerprints off fabric

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 03:55 PM PST

I think that we all know that most of the technology that we see on that CSI show is more advanced than actual forensic science or, in some cases, just plain non-existent.

However, some researchers in Scotland have just discovered some new techniques that could crack a case on the next episode of CSI: Whatever city we’re in. The technique involves getting fingerprints off of clothes.

It involves vacuum metal deposition, which is already good for plastic and glass. In the case of fabric, it is put in a vacuum chamber, and heated and evaporated and spread in a fine layer over the fabric. When heated zinc is applied, it attaches to the gold layer where the fabric has no fingerprints, and leaves the treated fabric to shine out where the contact has been made.

Of course, it isn’t a perfect method of identification, but later research will make it so the print is clearly visible. As the process stands now, it works most clearly on silk and polyester.

Well, I can picture some exciting new episodes of CSI in future seasons. I wonder if it is possible to take a fingerprint from a glove that has been turned inside out. That would make certain a killer with gloves on would still get caught.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Now there is a way to lift fingerprints off fabric copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Esper Dominoes re-defines the domino effect

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 03:31 PM PST

It seems like we as human beings just have to put technology in things that don’t require it. Case in point: Dominoes.

I believe that Dominoes are one of the oldest games in the world, and these particular stones (I believe that is the term for individual dominoes) can be adjusted for different values. All you have to do is shake it one way to increase the value from 1 to 5, and shake it another way to decrease it from 5 to 1.

Not only that, these dominoes can fall by themselves. I have a video after the jump so you can see all the fancy combinations. I highly suggest that you watch it.

The automatic falling is done by ZigBee radios inside. So when you knock domino number one over, it will knock the next one higher down. There must be some sort of shaker thing in it to cause it to fall.

As you can see from the video, there are a lot of fun things you can do with these. You will notice that stones can be spaced further out to create the domino effect. I also like the way certain other domino effects can be created by turning the dominoes the other way.

Yeah, the future is looking good for dominoes, but I don’t know when these Esper Dominoes will be available for purchase.

エスパードミノ from jarashi on Vimeo.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Esper Dominoes re-defines the domino effect copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Robo-Rainbow paints a rainbow in 15 seconds

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 03:08 PM PST

Last week, I saw a documentary film entitled Exit Through the Gift Shop, and it was a film about street art. You can watch it for free at Hulu.com now.

The film opened my eyes to see that some of the graffiti isn’t there for “tagging” or going against the system, but an attempt from artists to make the streets more beautiful. Many of these great street artists, including the now legendary Banksy, bring in cardboard stencils so they can do their work faster. Also, so they won’t be apprehended by the law.

This street artist named Mudlevel has created a Robo-Rainbow, which can make a perfectly formed multicolored rainbow on a wall in 15 seconds. You can see it on a video after the jump.

The Robo-Rainbow uses a mechanical sweeping arm with spray cans. That might sound incredibly simple, but the device is quite complicated with an Arduino processor controlling an electric drill and servos to trigger the spray can nozzles. Apparently, it is harder to make a colored arc, and requires varying speeds of the swooping arm to make it work.

Well, this is definitely for any town that could use a little more rainbow-colored goodness on the walls. Personally, many cities could use decorations like this.

robo-rainbow from mudlevel on Vimeo.

Source

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[ Robo-Rainbow paints a rainbow in 15 seconds copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 02-Feb-2011

Posted: 02 Feb 2011 09:01 PM PST

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 02-Feb-2011 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

DIY – From Grape Juice to Party Beverage in Just 2 Days

Posted: 02 Feb 2011 07:36 PM PST

Okay, there's a couple of ways I can go with this post, I can explain the finer points of the German Federweisser (or young wine) typically made and consumed in wine making regions, because it used the grapes that were not good enough to be made into fine wines, and its fermentation process was also so quick that it couldn't travel well and needed to be consumed in a matter of days, or conversely, I could simple say, where the heck was this when I was in college?

The Do It Yourself Juice to Alcohol Kit, you need only to select a 64oz bottle of juice, then pour in a packet of the Juice to Alcohol Kit’s magic powder, lose the bottle cap in favor of the included airlock and rubber stopper (or it will explode) and store it at room temperature. The yeast will change the juice into a tasty, carbonated alcoholic beverage in around 48 hours (you can start tasting after 24). If you enjoy a dryer taste with a higher alcohol content, continue to ferment it at room temperature until it's just the way you like it. Imagine a fine cabernet aged in oak barrels… okay, now forget about the cabernet and enjoy this light, refreshing and surprisingly delicious drink, reminiscent of a wine cooler, only it has some science and history behind it, and you made it yourself, gotta love the Germans.

Kit available from www.thinkgeek.com for about $9.99 (includes 6 packets of powder)

Please remember to drink legally and responsibly… in that order…

Source: www.spikeyourjuice.com

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ DIY – From Grape Juice to Party Beverage in Just 2 Days copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

T-Mobile makes two big announcements today with the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and the G-Slate

Posted: 02 Feb 2011 05:12 PM PST

T-Mobile had two announcement today, and just one of them would be a big deal. As it is, they are both a big deal.

The first is that the Galaxy S 4G (pictured right) is coming to the carrier this month. It is a sequel to the Vibrant, but with the largest 4G network (21 mbps HSPA+) with Android 2.2 (Froyo).

The second announcement has to deal with the coming of the G-Slate. It’s not like it wasn’t announced at CES 2011, but it definitely will have Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) as well as built-in support for 3D graphics, allowing for 3D video and experience 3D content on the device, with 3D glasses. See a picture of the tablet after the jump, as well as more info about the Galaxy S 4G and the G-Slate

The Galaxy S 4G for T-Mobile allows for streaming on a mobile HD TV, Video chat with Qik, and pre-loaded with the film Inception.

I have already discussed the G-Slate’s 3-D capability which apparently is the big selling point. To let you know, it has an 8.9 inch screen (1280 x 720), an NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, HDMI port, rear camera with five Megapixels, 32GB internal storage, as well as the 4G connectivity of the aforementioned Galaxy S.