Saturday, January 8, 2011

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets


Wireless multiroom DVR coming to DirecTV

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 05:33 PM PST

Samsung's Smart TV line will stream wireless DirecTV in multiple rooms

Samsung is joining forces with DirecTV to cut the cables on your home entertainment with a multi-room wireless DVR.

The standard that makes it possible is Samsung’s RVU protocol, which is available on all LED6000 and D6400 HDTVs which will start to be available in March of 2011. The RVU experience will give users DVR services, live pause on all screens in the home, over 200 hours worth of shared storage, picture in picture capabilities, and the ability to record up to ficve shows at once.

Course, users have to have a Samsung Smart TV in each othe rooms they want to stream digital content to wirelessly. But it’s a cool idea. RVU enables a set top box and turns it inso a digital media server of sorts which then broadcasts live and recorded television to each room that contains a Smart TV RVU supported television. And there’s no additional hardware required except a DirecTV RVU box.

Hat Tip – Electric Pig


Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Wireless multiroom DVR coming to DirecTV copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts:


Verizon to offer Sling with 4G/LTE Mobile Phones

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 03:45 PM PST

Can you watch me now?

With rumors that the iPhone may finally be coming to the Now Network, and now, a real announcement of a package deal that pairs the SlingBox to an LTE/4G Mobile Phone, Verizon has been very busy at CES.

Here’s the deal – customers who subscribe to LTE broadcand can get a Slingbox Media Streamer and a copy of Slingplayer bundled right in. The app itself is a $39.99 value and will be available for select 4G smartphones from Sansung and HTC, as well as being coupled with the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

There’s no word on how much the extra service will run, but it is expected to be a separate tiered service and will add to the already over $100 monthly cellphone bill subscribers are used to.

The offer will be available later in the year and will also include Vcast.

Hat Tip – Slash Gear


Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Verizon to offer Sling with 4G/LTE Mobile Phones copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts:


If Wall Street says a Verizon iPhone is coming Tuesday, is it no longer a rumor?

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 03:26 PM PST

Finally?

Granted, it’s not Walt Mossberg, but if the Wall Street Journal is betting the house that Verizon will be announcing the iPhone is coming as early as Tuesday, is it really a rumor anymore?

It’s the rumor that simply refuses to die. The iPhone is coming to Verizon. And that was always in the near future, when the deal with AT&T was to expire. But with AT&T adding a bevy of new Android headsets, and rumors that Apple was working on a CDMA version of the iPhone, the heat was rising on the rumor and a break in the story seemed imminent. Then there’s the timing since Apple always seems to love to drop a rumor bomb in the middle of CES. But now the Wall Street Journal is drinking the kool-aid and declaring that Verizon (not Steve Jobs) will be announcing as early as Tuesday that the iPhone is finally coming.

And Verizon is having an event Tuesday from New York City. But usually, big Apple product news comes at an Apple event right after CES. So is it a rumor or is the clout of the Wall Street Journal enough to make this a credible story? Can someone get Mossberg on this ASAP?

Hat Tip – Engadget


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ If Wall Street says a Verizon iPhone is coming Tuesday, is it no longer a rumor? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts:


Teach Parents Tech – Because someone had to do it

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 11:50 AM PST

I know first hand the pitfalls of trying to teach my parents how to do stuff on the computer. I also know firsthand how frustrating it can be. I won't even go into how most of this private instruction takes place at 10 pm, over the phone… "Yes Dad, the button IS there, in the upper right hand corner, you’re just not seeing it."

Well, Google steps in to save the day, or my sanity, whichever.  www.teachparentstech.org is a service launched only a few weeks ago with the sole purpose of teaching your *ahem* less tech-savvy parents, family or friends how to handle such death defying tasks as cutting and pasting, or *gasp* changing your screensaver.

You probably thought I was kidding when I said death defying, not so much. You try and teach my parents to share some photographs on the computer, and then we'll talk.

Presented in a novel format, the check – box type delivery is a fast, fun and free way to answer some of the most common tech questions by way of a Tech Support Care Package video. Delivered in a simple, personalized e-mail, the only job you need to do is make sure they know how to open it, then sit back and relax, your job is done. Of course they’re still gonna call, but maybe just to make sure you changed your underwear or threw that “thing” out that was under your bed.

Source: www.teachparentstech.org


Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool :)
[ Teach Parents Tech – Because someone had to do it copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts:


Freestyle Swimmer’s Snorkel

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 10:15 AM PST

When it comes to swimming, what’s your favorite stroke? For those who raised their hands when freestyle is called out, the Freestyle Swimmer’s Snorkel is just the item for your perusal. This snorkel basically allows the proper freestyle swimming stroke technique without having to take a breath to the side – definitely a way to “cheat” your way to a personal best. Of course, when it comes to the actual swimming event, you will still need to breathe some time or the other, so take this as a training tool as used by regular training programs by collegiate sports teams. It is attached to the wearer’s forehead with a strap, leaving more than enough space for swim goggles. This will help keep your head aligned with the spine while swimming, helping develop body balance, rotation, and alignment in the water durign the entire process so that a solid foundation can be laid for learning more advanced skills including bilateral breathing. $39.95 sounds like a bargain when it comes to being a training aid.


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Freestyle Swimmer’s Snorkel copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts:


Sports Stacking Set with Practice Timer

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 10:00 AM PST

We’re not too sure when this will end up as an Olympics event, but in any case, it is always better to be prepared, no? That’s what the Sports Stacking Set with Practice Timer is all about as its name suggests, it will allow you to stack up and down a dozen specially designed cups in pre-determined sequences as fast as humanly possible, where you will do your utmost to beat your previous best mark. Alternatively, you can always give this a go with the rest of your mates especially during one of those drunken outings, to see who is the fastest (while the loser drinks even more booze to decrease his/her chances of winning). Retailing for $25.90 a pop, you can always bring this home by telling the missus that you need it to improve your hand-eye co-ordination. Hopefully she’ll buy that idea.


Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Sports Stacking Set with Practice Timer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts:


HTC zaps the CES with the HTC Thinderbolt

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 09:45 AM PST

HTC intends to make the most out of this year’s CES by announcing their latest masterpiece, touted to be the first 4G LTE Android smartphone in the world – the HTC Thunderbolt. Needless to say, something as exclusive as this will be made available via Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network, and you can be sure that with Verizon Wireless, having speedy connections under plenty of areas is something that you can expect without having to keep your fingers crossed. This phone looks set to blaze new trails, and for those who want the latest and the greatest, the HTC Thunderbolt should be on your radar.

Also carrying the HTC Sense experience inside for a more enjoyable Android experience instead of the stock user interface, this is also one of the first smartphones to integrate Skype mobile with video calling – a feature that was recently announced, and with 4G connectivity, it makes perfect sense to use the handset for video calls rather than regular phone calls. It will not rely on a standalone application either, as a Skype mobile with video call is easily made – similar to that of a standard voice call, boasting features such as presence icons that indicate the availability status of friends built into the standard contacts list. The inclusion of a front-facing camera will pave the way for simple video calling, while its 4.3-inch display brings friends and family into clear focus.

You definitely won’t find the HTC ThunderBolt to be a slouch in any way, as it boasts exceptional speed and power with the latest generation of the super fast 1GHz Snapdragon processor. Powered by Android 2.2 Froyo, other hardware specifications of this beauty include a 4.3-inch WVGA display, Dolby surround sound, an 8-megapixel camera and HD video recording. Wireless DLNA capability is also thrown into the mix, letting the HTC ThunderBolt can easily stream and share content directly with compatible home theater components. Oh yeah, just so that you don’t complain about the lack of storage space, each purchase will ship with a 32GB microSD memory card – now how about that?

Press Release


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ HTC zaps the CES with the HTC Thinderbolt copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts:


Polaroid GL10 Instant Mobile Printer

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 09:37 AM PST

Ever since the mass production of digital cameras, we have certainly seen an explosion in the number of digital images to hit the Internet, with billions more trapped on your local hard drive. Well, printing them out is definitely going to take a whole lot of time and money, and the Polaroid GL10 Instant Mobile Printer intends to change all of that by offering an instant method of getting those precious memories out on paper – all without the need for ink. Yup, you read that right – the Polaroid GL10 Instant Mobile Printer is an extremely small, mobile device that boasts an intuitive design and easy-to-use feature set which produces Polaroid Classic Border, full bleed and contemporary 3×4” photos in under a minute – basically a portable photo booth in a box.

Will this help Polaroid become the household name that it used to be? Perhaps, but with the high cost of the Zink paper which it uses, it might just take a whole lot more than that to turn the company’s fortunes around for the better. Of course, Polaroid knows how to leverage on star power, and have teamed up with Lady Gaga to roll out this printer as a creative tool and fashion accessory. You can virtually carry it around with you wherever you go, letting the GL10 breathe new life into the digital images that shape your life story.

Tipping the scales at no more than 15 ounces, the GL10 printer will be able to connect to most cell phones out there that have Bluetooth support, and if you decide to connect it to a digital camera, there is always the good ol’ USB cable on which you can rely on. Of course, while this means photo printing without a computer, you can still hook up the GL10 to a Windows PC or Mac via USB as well. The GL10 will be powered by an internal rechargeable battery that is good to print up to 40 images before it requires a quick trip to the nearest power outlet. Apps for the GL10 Instant Mobile Printer on other mobile platforms will be introduced throughout the year, and if you want this hot ticket item, it will be out this May for $149.99.

Press Release


Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Polaroid GL10 Instant Mobile Printer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts:


Vivitek promises 2D to 3D quick conversion: Are we there yet?

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 09:12 AM PST

I was amazed at how many booths on the CES floor were devoted to 3D-related products. I remember seeing this being whispered about at CES two years ago, then spoken about constantly at CES 2010, now 3D is literally in your face at CES 2011.

Of course, the average consumer like me can’t really afford to purchase a 3D system. Due to my lack of personal experience in 3D, I have wondered if we are at the point where we can put in an ordinary 2D movie and see it in 3D.

According to Vivitek, we can. I stopped by their booth out of curiosity, and a smooth-talking spokesperson assured me that 2D to 3D is possible, and Vivitek is the first company to do it. He told me that if I wanted to watch Gunsmoke or I Love Lucy Reruns, then all I would have to do is put on the video file and my 3D glasses.

I found it hard to believe his statement, and I told him so. I stated that I Love Lucy was in black and white, and so how could it recognize it in 3D. He said that it would not be a problem.

I also find it hard to believe that we are really at the point where we can convert 2D to 3D so easily. I have no idea if Vivitek is simply working on this technology, because the spokesman didn’t give me a press kit. Generally most booths at CES have a Press Kit or something, especially for an announcement that I feel would be pretty big in the tech community.

Now I’m going to open this posting up for comments. I want you, the informed technological readers that you are, to inform me if we are there yet as far as 2D to 3D instant conversion. Let me know if Vivitek’s claim is true, or did some other company already work this out and marketing it as we speak?


Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Vivitek promises 2D to 3D quick conversion: Are we there yet? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts:


C3 Technologies creates photo-realistic 3D city visualizations

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 08:49 AM PST

If you ever go to CES, make certain to get an invitation to the Lunch at Piero’s on the first and second day of the convention. I swear, I find the coolest of the coolest gadgets there.

Two years ago, I encountered augmented reality for the first time. Now it is everywhere. This year, C3 Technologies showed me what’s what with their flagship product Realistic 3D City Models.

Realistic 3D City Models is exactly what it sounds like, a way of recreating overhead maps of cities on a 2D screen with 3D technology. At the aforementioned CES demonstration, C3 had a very big screen that it used for this, and I was able to see a photo-realistic San Francisco from overhead.

The scene is recreated from aerial shots and satellite imagery, and the result is pretty spectacular. The 3D map had to be manipulated with a mouse for 3D graphics, and I was pleased that the spokesperson for the company let me try it out. I had never used a 3D mouse before, and I ended up going underneath the city of San Francisco. Just to let you know, I didn’t see any sewers on the City Model map.

However, as this technology gets better, I would imagine that we will have 3D views of the entire Earth, perhaps in real-time. I’m told the company has 22 maps including Asian and South American cities for its Q2 release, and I can’t wait to see what else it is up to!

Source


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ C3 Technologies creates photo-realistic 3D city visualizations copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts:


Gadget Thumbnails for 06-Jan-2011

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 09:01 PM PST

Loc8tor Pet – Because you love them

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 08:45 PM PST

I remember my childhood dog, Digger. Digger was one of those dogs that just loved everyone, and ran away all the time. No matter what we tried to do to contain him, he managed to "break out" and wander around visiting the neighborhood, everyone knew him and loved him, but we were worried every single time he took off.

If you have ever experienced the fear and anxiety of losing your dog, cat, ferret or free range chicken, you will love Loc8tor Pet, using Active RFID Technology, Loca8tor allows you to press a single button, and it will instantly provide you with continuous location information including walking directions within an inch of his hiding spot.

Loc8tor  provides the direction in which you need to walk in order to find your pet via a credit card sized handheld device and mini homing tags that are the smallest and lightest of their kind.

Pets get out and get lost regardless of fences, doors and other boundaries. If you've ever been through the anxiety of losing a pet, you know how upsetting it can be. Now there is something that will dramatically reduce the risk of losing your family's best friend… From $99.00 with no monthly service fees. Available from www.loc8tor.com

Now if I could just put one of these things on my TV remote and eyeglasses…

Source:  www.loc8tor.com


Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool :)
[ Loc8tor Pet – Because you love them copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Related Posts: