Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

iCar has discovered the secret of flight: It’s the wheels
Jet-powered Water Cannon from China
Over the Top is a 17 x 17 x17 Rubik’s Cube
Callaway upro mx heads for the greens
Genius jumps into tablet game with Kids Designer Tablet
iKit rolls out AutoCharge + USB
Plantronics announces Calisto 800 Series
Gadget Thumbnails for 27-Jan-2011
BMW creates ball-bearing boot travel suits
Find-My-Car insures that you never forget where you park your car

iCar has discovered the secret of flight: It’s the wheels

Posted: 28 Jan 2011 04:20 PM PST

I always love to report on flying cars as much as I can.

This one, which is called the iCar, doesn’t need any wings or magic to fly but uses specially designed wheels. Apparently round spinning surfaces can create lift, which is called the Magnus Effect.

The iCar takes advantage of the Magnus Effect to turn its wheels into wings. On the ground, the iCar is a one seater sports car with four traditional wheels and giant cylindrical hubs. To get airborne, it extends its hubs outward to create a larger lifting surface, the hubcaps on the two front wheels swivel forward to turn into propellers, and the car is ready for takeoff. As it starts to move forward, the cylinder wings spin (driven by electric motors), and they generate enough lift to get the iCar airborne in about 1,500 feet.

Apparently, the car has a range of about 500 miles and has a cruising speed of 200 miles per hour.

As you can see, the iCar is in its concept stage, which is visible in this particular mock-up. I’m not certain what it is called the iCar, generally that small “i” gets associated with Apple products. Still, I hope to see this sometime flying over me someday.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ iCar has discovered the secret of flight: It’s the wheels copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Jet-powered Water Cannon from China

Posted: 28 Jan 2011 03:59 PM PST

I don’t know if you are one of those people who are really worried about China tipping “the balance of the world”. I saw a whole episode of The Office devoted to it the other day, and it reminded me of conversations that I had with people who are worrying about the most populated country because they can.

In the case of the Chinese fire department in Luoyang city, I think they are seriously ahead of the game with this jet-propelled water cannon. This thing is capable of spraying four tons of water per minute, which suggests that it shouldn’t be used on crowds.

This water can move at speeds that are so quick that they choke fires from the oxygen surrounding them. It also has quite a huge range for this blaze blaster at 120 meters (400 feet).

There is a video of this guy on my Source that I wasn’t able to import. I like it because it reminds me of a cross between an oil tanker and a giant cannon.

By the way, this bad boy costs about $456,000, and I am sure there are now people everywhere saying that the Chinese have these giant cannons capable of spraying the United States. Yes, they are powered by the Pacific Ocean that they can spray at us. We are helpless to stop them.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Jet-powered Water Cannon from China copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Over the Top is a 17 x 17 x17 Rubik’s Cube

Posted: 28 Jan 2011 03:32 PM PST

For some reason, I just can’t get enough of Rubik’s Cube stuff. Remember the Rubik’s Slide Puzzle and the Gear Wheel IQ? Not to mention the Scruble Cube that combines the puzzle cube with everyone’s favorite puzzle game of Scrabble.

I don’t know why I am obsessed with this thing, perhaps it is because I am into tech things, and most people who are into tech things can solve that dang cube that I have never been able to solve.

I would like to see someone solve this particular cube, which was designed by Oskar van Deventer. It is a 17x17x17 puzzle cube printed using Shapeways, which I believe is a 3D printing place for specially made items like this one.

This is one of those times where I have to doubt whether the item I am reporting on is legitimate. After all, I don’t even know if there is a way to twist something that looks to be rather large.

Still, you got to like how it has a black frame around the edges. In case you doubt whether or not this is genuine or not, this 17 x 17 x 17 Rubik’s Cube, also known as Over The Top, will be on display at the New York Puzzle Party Symposium on Saturday, February 12th.

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Over the Top is a 17 x 17 x17 Rubik’s Cube copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Callaway upro mx heads for the greens

Posted: 28 Jan 2011 09:55 AM PST

Are you an avid golfer who wish that you could spend much more time at the green instead of in the office? Chances are at that level of fanaticism, you will definitely subscribe to golf magazines that teach you how to improve on your game, and you will always be on the lookout for better devices in the market that can help you with your swing.

Enter the Callaway upro mx which is a next generation golf GPS device that will continue where the original upro device left off. What makes the Callaway upro mx different from the rest would be the integration of intuitive technological advancements that we will look at in further detail in the extended post.

The upro mx will sport a full-color Multi-Gesture Touch Screen display as well as a precise Optical Finger Navigation system, letting golfers easily navigate the deep feature set using a single swipe of a finger. It doesn’t matter where you swing that club either, since each purchase will come pre-loaded with over 25,000 courses from the company's global database.

The upro mx enables golfers to use the GPS device's offerings right out of the box, and it is currently touted to be the only dedicated golf GPS system on the market that delivers high resolution actual aerial photography for individual golf courses. Expect the Callaway upro mx to arrive later this May for $199, and even better news is this will not come with any annual fees to begin with.

Callaway also came up with a simplified online process when it comes to downloading content to the device. Among the on-course features that you will benefit from include the Virtual Green View that relies on a proprietary imagery process that shows the green and the surrounding area in vivid detail. With the ability to know the exact putting distance, your mates might label you as a cheat but you know that this is just a quest to improve on your game, right?

With a full-color 2.2" LCD screen and tipping the scales at just 3 ounces, you know that this will not cause you to sweat any more than you already should on the course.

Press Release

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Callaway upro mx heads for the greens copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Genius jumps into tablet game with Kids Designer Tablet

Posted: 28 Jan 2011 09:44 AM PST

Genius knows that there is plenty of room for the tablet market to expand, and have decided to take the plunge as well with their Kids Designer Tablet. What you see on the right intends to usher children in to the world of technology – a primer of sorts, so to speak.

It will help parents introduce children to the technology of tomorrow, and give them a competitive edge with their peers since they will be able to pick up the skills of a mouse and keyboard from an early age. The Kids Designer tablet is a snap to use, as it sports a rather large 5" x 8" working area which will deliver practical lessons in hand-eye coordination, as your little ones enjoy educational and creativity-inspiring games on the computer.

The package will ship with games (children learn from play after all) that will teach those aged three to eight about colors, shapes, logic, geography, math, memory, responsiveness, and drawing. You need not fret that they can’t figure it out, as these games sport a kid-friendly interface that prevents boredom from setting in.

The Genius Kids Designer will play nice with Windows 7/Vista/XP, where you will need a free USB port to hook up the tablet to your PC while a CD/DVD-ROM is required for software installation.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Genius jumps into tablet game with Kids Designer Tablet copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

iKit rolls out AutoCharge + USB

Posted: 28 Jan 2011 09:39 AM PST

iKit is definitely a name that you should be familiar with when it comes to Apple accessories, and this manufacturer is now back with another innovative offering – the AutoCharge + USB. What makes the AutoCharge + USB so special? Well, it is actually a high-performance 2.1 AMP USB port that delivers a simple and rapid charge to your iPad, iPhone, iPod and USB devices whenever you are on-the-go.

Yes sir, this means you no longer need to be confined to your home and wait for the mentioned devices to juice up, as the AutoCharge + USB will play nice with standard 12v accessory outlets. It will be accompanied by a charge sync USB cable that delivers the utmost in convenience and functionality.

Apart from that, you will find that the rubberized coated finish is a nice touch since it delivers a durable grip and a slick appearance, making your car look good even though the jalopy has been handed down from your dad. Too bad the color choices are scarces with just black or white to choose from. Fancy parting with $24.95 for the AutoCharge + USB?

Press Release

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ iKit rolls out AutoCharge + USB copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Plantronics announces Calisto 800 Series

Posted: 28 Jan 2011 09:33 AM PST

As most of you would know by now, driving around in your car while talking on the phone without a hands-free device of any sort is dangerous, not only to yourself but other road users as well. This is why there is such a thing known as a Bluetooth headset or a hands-free kit for your car, so stop being miserly and invest in one already. Of course, a hands-free kit isn’t only limited to in-vehicle use, but can also come in handy at home or in the office.

In case you’re short on ideas for a particular model, you can always look towards Plantronics and not go wrong. This manufacturer has been a pretty solid performer in the past, and their releases are full of quality as well. The latest would be the Calisto 800 Series, which is the first speakerphone in its unified communications product portfolio which will merge multi-device hands-free connectivity with intuitive visual call management.

Specially optimized for use with Microsoft Office Communicator and Lync, this series is meant for private and home office workers who depend on multiple communication devices in order for them to collaborate effectively. The Calisto 800 Series will comprise of the Calisto 825 that can manage calls between a PC and a cell phone, while a wireless microphone delivers unparalleled speakerphone audio quality and freedom of movement.

Not only will it simplify PC and cell phone call management courtesy of its intuitive visual display, it is also a snap to set up, taking less than 5 minutes to do so before you can switch between mobile and PC calls, dial, and mute across devices at the touch of a button.

The more professional among you can even walk around freely (within reasonable range, of course) and carry out your conversation without worrying about dropped calls or the ilk. If privacy is desired, you can always settle for a wireless lapel microphone or connect a Bluetooth or corded headset to the speakerphone.

Your ears should be able to tell the difference in audio quality, as they revel in premium sound with echo and advanced noise cancellation technology helping you obtain the best.

The Calisto 825 will retail for $259.95, while the Calisto 820 and Calisto 830 will retail for $179.95 and $199.95, respectively.

Press Release

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Plantronics announces Calisto 800 Series copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 27-Jan-2011

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 09:01 PM PST

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 27-Jan-2011 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

BMW creates ball-bearing boot travel suits

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 09:04 PM PST

You remember when we discussed that car of 2100 that we talked about that was designed by a former BMW writer?

Well, as it turns out, it looks like BMW is imagining some other type of future where the single human is the primary form of transportation.

Apparently, the future is like that of Rollerball, but without the bloodsport. Everyone is rollerblading, but their boots have these ball-bearing soles that are hopefully retractable.

See that space helmet in front of the user’s eyes? Apparently, it is some sort of semi transparent wraparound display that will display real-time directions and traffic information.

Of course, I would imagine that there would be a lot accidents on the real-time directions, because this mode of transportation looks pretty dang dangerous! Seriously, do you see a future where everyone is skating around like the last scene of Gleaming the Cube? Seriously, do you? Because I’ve never seen Gleaming the Cube, but I would imagine that’s how it ended.

What’s funny is that this isn’t the only one of these future transports. I think one of them is these four-wheeled jobs that look a little safer, but resemble soap box racers.

Well, at least these ball bearing shows don’t require any gas, however, they will need some grease.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ BMW creates ball-bearing boot travel suits copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Find-My-Car insures that you never forget where you park your car

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 08:40 PM PST

Did I tell you that I lost my rental car at the Caesar’s Palace parking garage during CES 2011 in Las Vegas? Of course I didn’t. I was way too embarrassed to put it in print.

Of course, if the garage had the Park Assist System, there would be a series of high-resolution digital cameras that can track a car by a license plate number. Then it would have scanned me in and told me where my car is after I had attended Pepcom.

So, instead of wandering around the garage and trying to retrace my steps and what elevator I took, I could have just gone up to the Find-Your-Car kiosks, punch in the plate number, and it could have guided me straight to my vehicle. This would have saved me the hour I took finding my car!

Yes, I actually spent an hour wandering around a parking garage trying to find my car. In all honesty, I would gladly take the Big Brother implications of having a Find-Your-Car System in order to save me from embarrassment of telling a similar lost car story in the future.

Yeah, it would be very easy for the police to get access to Find-Your-Car systems in order to find a convict or someone who has a lot of tickets. I suppose that the we’ll be seeing the rights about this system being debated for years before it ever gets implemented.

Source

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Find-My-Car insures that you never forget where you park your car copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]