Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Sticky Light is the coolest thing you will see all day
Upper Deck has Video Trading Cards
Disney’s Haunted Mansion gets an upgrade with some better special effects
Panasonic announces three more Dual Cameras
Sanyo eneloop mobile booster introduced
G-1 Glass Pool Table
Electric Comfort Bicycle
The Select Air System – Wireless Temperature Control, for Every Room
Gadget Thumbnails for 06-Apr-2011
GoLiveCampus.com – YouTube at School?

Sticky Light is the coolest thing you will see all day

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 04:00 PM PDT

You know how cats like to play with the ball from the laser pointer? This is Sticky Light is a laser ball that people can play with.

The Sticky Light is designed by people at the University of Tokyo’s Ishikawa Hasimoto Laboratory, and it uses a laser diode, steering mirrors, and a non-imaging photodetector in order to perform its amazing ability that you have to see.

If you want to skip whatever I want to write about the Sticky Light and go to the video clip after the jump, I would not blame you at all.

I might as well spoil it for you. The Sticky Light is so named as it can somehow attach itself to whatever it is pointing to. You will note how it goes around the heart, and a Sharpie marker makes it go in different directions.

You will notice that there seems to be some sort of sound effects going on. I’m not certain what is up with that. However, I like how someone can hold the light in the palms of their hands. I also like seeing light go through a maze as well.

I am not certain what you can use the sticky light for, other than entertainment, but if there is a laser involved, then there is scanning. This is where an advancement like this could get practical.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Sticky Light is the coolest thing you will see all day copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Upper Deck has Video Trading Cards

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 03:27 PM PDT

Sports cards are one thing that have changed little over the years. You can get some interesting hologram and foil combinations, but, for the most part, it is a photo with stats on the back.

Upper Deck appears to be prepared for a new era in sports cards with their Evolution series. Of course, the Evolution series really pushes the limit of what is a sports card as it is more of a video than it is a still shot. For each “card” is a small LCD display with enough storage and battery to play a clip one minute long.

So far, the only athletes that are on these video cards are NFL players Adrian Peterson, Tony Romo, DeSean Jackson, and Patrick Willis. Sadly, the video footage isn’t from when these players were in the NFL, but rather from the college years. Apparently, there was some legal agreement problem with the Collegiate Licensing Company.

The Evolution series cards are one inch thick, and have a small port which I can only assume is for charging. I can’t help but wonder how long it takes to charge them. I also can’t help but wonder if we are going to be entering an age where our trading cards will be screens. Is it that cheap to make a tiny screen these days?

It doesn’t appear that one could just purchase one of these Evolution cards, but they will be randomly included in boxes of 2011 Upper Deck Football cards starting April 12.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Upper Deck has Video Trading Cards copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Disney’s Haunted Mansion gets an upgrade with some better special effects

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 02:44 PM PDT

I remember riding the Haunted House ride at Disneyland a few decades ago, and I must admit that I thought it was pretty cheesy.

At the end, I believe that I could see mirrors that had holograms of ghosts in them, to make it appear that ghosts were deliberately haunting you personally. The classic ride has recently got an upgrade with some pretty impressive effects.

You can watch the video of it after the jump if you want to see what they have done. The video looks like it was taken by a bunch of tourists, but it is enough to see that they can create some impressive photo magic, in real-time.

A spectator can see the ghosts Ezra, Gus, and Phineas stealing people’s heads and doing odd things to them. For example, it can switch heads of the spectators, and can blow up them like a balloon. I notice that the spectators move their bodies about, and the trick cameras do a good job of filming them headless.

All in all, it is definitely a worthy upgrade to a ride on Disneyland that was out of date quite a while ago. I wonder if it is possible for all the rides at Disneyland to receive such an advanced upgrade. Perhaps this is what they are doing to Star Tours.

Source

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Disney’s Haunted Mansion gets an upgrade with some better special effects copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Panasonic announces three more Dual Cameras

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 10:47 AM PDT

Panasonic has decided to expand their digital camcorder range with a trio of new Dual Cameras, and for those who have a penchant for remembering hard-to-decipher model numbers, they are the HX-WA10, the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1. All three of them will come in an easy-to-hold vertical design, which makes it a snap to capture full HD video as well as photos without having to switch between the two settings since you will benefit from individual video/photo capture buttons.

What makes the HX-WA10 stand out from the other two would be its waterproof capability, allowing you to operate underwater up to approximately 10 feet, while the HX-WA10 and HX-DC10 models will also come with Panasonic’s Backside Illumination (BSI) technology that lets you shoot videos even in poorly lit conditions – the scourge of every serious photographer.

All three of Panasonic’s new Dual Cameras are capable of recording video in the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), making it extremely convenient to upload images to the Internet or for editing purposes on a computer later on. If videos are not your thing, you would do well to get a dedicated digital camera if you prefer taking photos, but to shoot simple images, the HX-WA10 and HX-DC10 can still salvage the situation with their 16-megapixel still photo taking capability, while the HX-DC1 does 14-megapixel shots.

Among the shared features that can be found across all three Panasonic Dual Camera models are :-

2.6-inch wide LCD monitor for the HX-WA10, and 3.0-inch wide LCD monitor for the HX-DC10 and HX-DC1
Electrical Image Stabilizer to help limit blurry videos
Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode
Face Detection
Stereo microphones for clear audio recording
Mini HDMI Terminal for enjoying even more beautiful Full-HD resolution

Expect to pick them up from June onwards in a range of colors to suit your taste, as the HX-WA10 will come in black, orange, and blue; while the HX-DC10 is quite stoic in just black only; with the HX-DC1 coming in white, pink and dark gray.

Press Release

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ Panasonic announces three more Dual Cameras copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Sanyo eneloop mobile booster introduced

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 10:40 AM PDT

Surely by now, all homes should have at least one eneloop battery of sorts for their remote control or kid’s toys. After all, I myself own at least a dozen AA eneloop batteries, and the first set that I had four years ago are still going strong today without any noticeable loss in battery capacity after going through countless charging cycles, making it one of the rare few items in my possession that worked as advertised.

The Japanese company has introduced their latest consumer device to help you carry additional juice on-the-go in the form of the KBC-L2 rechargeable battery pack which is also known as the eneloop mobile booster. Offering instant back-up power for phones, portable media players as well as other devices which are powered via USB, the KBC-L2 is the latest addition to the eneloop universe.

Retailing for $79.99, don’t draw a gasp as though you are aghast at that price point. After all, the eneloop mobile booster works as it claims, sporting a couple of USB outputs to let two USB devices get their fill of juice simultaneously. Not only does it charge USB devices, it can also double up as auxiliary power should the battery in the device become completely drained.

A full charge is said to deliver a cool 5000mAh of power, where it is based on Sanyo’s very own lithium-ion battery technology. You can opt to have it charged using either the bundled AC power adapter or the USB power cable, where the latter is achieved by hooking it up to a PC. A mini-USB to micro-USB adapter is also thrown into the mix to make sure the eneloop mobile booster plays nice with most devices out there. Other specifications of the eneloop mobile booster are as follows :-

Up to 240 Minutes of Power
5000mAh High Capacity Lithium-ion Battery
LED Power Indicator
Two USB Outputs for Charging Multiple Devices
Charge via AC Adapter or USB
Approximately 7 hour charging time from AC power; 14 hours charging time from USB
Power Two Devices at the Same Time
5V 500mA x 2 USB Outputs —When Using Both Outputs at the Same Time
5V 1000mA x 1 USB Outputs —When Using One Output

Press Release

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Sanyo eneloop mobile booster introduced copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

G-1 Glass Pool Table

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 10:23 AM PDT

So you want to let the rest of the world know that you’ve arrived on the world stage, fat paycheck and all. How about making sure your pad stands out from the rest with the G-1 Glass Pool Table? As you can tell by its name, this pool table is going to wow and dazzle visitors to your home, and they need not rack up a set of balls on old school wood and slate – no sir, instead they will rack up on an ultra modern design that is built-to-order.

Boasting of a lightweight skeletal frame with a full visible ball return mechanism, quality is there for all and sundry to see including BCA-spec pockets and K-66 bumpers. At a pocket burning £34,999 for one of these puppies, it is nice to know that you can choose from a range of powder-coated colors to suit your fancy. Of course, one does wonder whether magic has gone into its creations since a glass surface probably can’t replicate the rolling resistance of baize.

Science says no, which is why the G-1's toughened glass will come topped with a patented Vitrik playing surface, now how about that?

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ G-1 Glass Pool Table copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Electric Comfort Bicycle

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 10:17 AM PDT

Cars might have gone electric to a certain degree, but that doesn’t mean other modes of transportation like the motorcycle and bicycle can’t either. This is where the Electric Comfort Bicycle makes a splash – it was specially designed to take its riders on extended tours in unequaled comfort. Using a 500-watt electric motor that will help you tackle tough uphills, it is also a joy to breeze downhill or cruise through flats without bulging up those calf muscles even more.

For larger sized folks, fret not about a sore rear end after a hard day of pedalling – after all, the Electric Comfort Bicycle comes with a generously padded triangle seat as well as 26″ balloon tires to deliver a soft yet stable journey. With padded wrap-around handlebars that are able to reach back to riders for a relaxed, upright riding experience, it will help keep the arms, back, and neck aligned for optimal comfort.

A twist of the right handlebar will let you determine the motor’s variable speed, while pushing a button with your thumb helps you cycle through all half dozen gears. With a maximum cruising speed of 20 mph on flats using just the motor, you can always top that by using your legs. A full charge is said to deliver up to 30 miles of coasting, but that of course depends on the type of terrain you subject the bike to as well as your weight. The Electric Comfort Bicycle can be yours for $2,800. On second thought, getting a used car might be more fun…

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ Electric Comfort Bicycle copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

The Select Air System – Wireless Temperature Control, for Every Room

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 09:27 AM PDT

I don't know how it's been for you guys this winter, but here in the New York area it has been brutal. Too much snow, and bitterly cold. The heat was on at our house 24/7 and I have the skin of an alligator to prove it, and the heating bill, well, let's just say if we opt not to pay for my daughters college, we should be okay.

But I have 10 years to replenish the college fund, so its a good thing that Advector Systems has developed the Select Air System, a fully wireless and automated residential zoning system that puts you in control of your energy usage, comfort and your budget. The wireless Select Air System allows you to have a virtual thermostat in EVERY room of your house. You don't leave the lights on in rooms your not using, why should you heat or cool them?

“Not only will you be able to set different temperatures in every room for added comfort, but you will be able to limit wasted energy associated with heating and cooling empty rooms,” explained Boris Medic, Advector System Managing Director and Select Air System Designer.

And, you don’t have to buy a brand new home to get the benefits…

“One of the major advantages of a wireless system is the installation costs. Typical zoning systems could take days to install and cost thousands in electrical and structural rework,” said Shawn Grennan, Advector Systems Managing Director. “Our Select Air System can be installed in only a few hours, making it easily one of the most pocket savvy systems available.”

So I can warm the rooms we use and not the ones we don't, save some money on the energy costs and still pay for college. How sweet is that? The SELECT-AIR SYSTEM HVAC zone control solution consists of the inVENT wireless damper, the ADVISOR wireless zoning thermostat, and the FLEX remote thermostat and temperature sensor. The new Select Air System can provide HVAC energy savings of up to 40-50%.

Check www.advectorsystems.com for more information.

Source: www.advectorsystems.com

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ The Select Air System – Wireless Temperature Control, for Every Room copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 06-Apr-2011

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 10:01 PM PDT

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 06-Apr-2011 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

GoLiveCampus.com – YouTube at School?

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 06:59 PM PDT

My daughter is only 8 and she came home from school the other day asking if she could get on the computer and I allowed it. In the 2 minutes it took for me to check on what she was looking for, she had hit YouTube.com and was watching (and dancing to) a suggestive rap video, it seems she learned about YouTube at school, from her music teacher. Great.

I know that YouTube and some social networking sites can be an interesting source of educational content, I get that. But, they also contain explicit videos, inappropriate comments and ads and it was probably something I would have waited to expose her to. But now there is a way for schools to safely access educational content on sites like YouTube with GoLiveCampus.com by iBoss Web Filters.

Available in the cloud at no cost, GoLiveCampus.com allows students and teachers to safely search for appropriate educational content without the risk of… well, you know. The site dynamically pulls content from YouTube and social networking sites through a robust safe search, removes comments and ads, and gives students access only to clean, appropriate videos.

In addition to making it easy for teachers to safely search and view videos, GoLiveCampus.com enables educators to create their own channels and add video thumbnails for students to freely view. GoLiveCampus.com can even make homework safer for students because once the teacher sets up a channel, students can then access that link to view the associated videos safely from home.

“Parents and teachers should not have to worry about what kids are seeing when they’re watching educational videos online,” stated Peter Martini, COO of iBoss Web Filters. “GoLiveCampus.com removes the threat of inappropriate content while preserving access to the valuable content to be found on YouTube and social networking sites.”

Schools and educators interested in using GoLiveCampus.com can request free accounts at www.golivecampus.com.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ GoLiveCampus.com – YouTube at School? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Friday, April 8, 2011