Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

BMW Culture Book includes RC car
Equipois x-Ar makes repetitive tasks easier
LockCracker picks any combination lock
Genius aims smart with SlimStar 8000 wireless keyboard and mouse combo
iPhone 4 Steering Wheel with Speakers
Gadget Thumbnails for 10-Mar-2011
Cyber Snipa announces Sonar 5.1 Championship Headset
Fold Flat USB Mains Charger
Gemini unveils FirstMix USB DJ Controller
BREAKFAST HQ beta-releases Instaprint
Mad Catz Official WWE All Stars Arcade BrawlStick
Mad Catz Official WWE All Stars BrawlPad

Posted: 11 Mar 2011 04:51 PM PST

BMW really isn’t about cars, but about culture. In fact, this is why they are putting out this new book with that title.

This book won’t be for sale in bookstores, and will only have 1488 copies. Each one is signed by the author, Stefan Sagmeister. You can watch a video after the jump of them taking out the product from the box, and having him sign it. I’ll bet Stefan is wanting one of those Equipois x-Ar arms that we just talked about.

Yes, these books will only be given to “select customers”. You apparently cannot buy or sell this, according to the video. If this isn’t elitist, then I don’t know what is.

Did I mention that each book doubles as an RC car? You would think that this would be the first thing that is on the video, but instead, it is tacked on the end, as if putting a book in remote control car form is an afterthought. Sort of like how most movies these days are in 3D, but never really intended to be that way.

Well, I would love to know what exactly is in this BMW Culture book. I would also like to give the RC car (or brick) a spin. Too bad I don’t have any plans to buy a Beamer in the future.

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ BMW Culture Book includes RC car copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Equipois x-Ar makes repetitive tasks easier

Posted: 11 Mar 2011 04:28 PM PST

This is the x-Ar exoskeletal arm from Equipois, and it is designed for lifting. You might think that this thing is designed to be one limb from a Power Loader like in Aliens, but it is not designed to be a strong arm to give you superhuman strength.

The purpose of the x-Ar exoskeletal arm is to make repetitious tasks easier. So, if you have the job of moving things from one conveyor belt to another conveyor belt, this will come in handy. It will reduce the strength that your arm normally uses, and I would imagine reduce all the arm-strain that would come from such a job.

This is what my Source says, but having a device like this raises a question of why it is needed. After all, if you are trying to use a machine to help a human do a repetitious task, why not simply create a machine to do the repetitious task? I realize that is a huge oversimplification, but I think we are looking at an era where machines are replacing humans at jobs where thinking is not a requirement.

Okay, this is getting to sound like some sort of manifesto. So let me just say this: all my starter jobs have been in factories doing repetitious jobs, and I suppose if I had one of these Equipois x-Ar arms, it could have been easier. However, I don’t work in a factory anymore.

Right now, I don’t have a price or availability date on this device as yet.

Source

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Equipois x-Ar makes repetitive tasks easier copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

LockCracker picks any combination lock

Posted: 11 Mar 2011 04:01 PM PST

Have you ever been blocked from something by a combination lock that you didn’t know the combination for? I once had a locker in junior high school that someone put a combo lock on. Not one of my better days.

I’m guessing that something similar happened to this team of students at the Olin College of Engineering. They have created the LockCracker, which has the ability to pick any combination lock if one, two, or three of the numbers have been forgotten or not known.

You can watch a video of how it works after the jump. You will see that a clamp holds the lock in place while a solenoid yanks the loop. There is a stepper motor that turns all possible combinations, and I believe that the process takes a few hours before it will pop, assuming that the first few tries don’t do the trick.

That is something that we all might need at one point in time, but I am wondering if the LockCracker setup can accommodate a real-world situation where it would be needed. In other words, they might have to make a version of a LockCracker that works on that aforementioned situation when someone puts an unwanted combination lock on a locker. As of now, it looks like an apparatus that only works on singular combination locks. What good is that?

Source

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ LockCracker picks any combination lock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Genius aims smart with SlimStar 8000 wireless keyboard and mouse combo

Posted: 11 Mar 2011 05:00 AM PST

Genius hasn’t been rated as a top tier hardware manufacturer in my books, but they do come up with decent offerings once in a while (more so in the past, I feel, as the lack of press releases from them don’t do any favors on their side), with their latest release being the SlimStar 8000 wireless keyboard and mouse combo.

Having been released in North America recently, the Genius SlimStar 8000 intends to offer those who are traveling convenience, compactness and mobility in a single package. It communicates sans wires using the tried and true anti-interference and long-range 2.4GHz wireless frequency, letting you connect both the ultra-slim keyboard and the 1200 dpi optical mouse to a desktop or notebook effortlessly.

Thanks to innovative keycaps, this comfortable full-size keyboard is touted to deliver excellent tactile feedback. Heck, it even knows that accidents do happen, especially during one’s travels, which is why there are small liquid drain holes located beneath the keys to prevent any damage to the keyboard from accidental spills. A couple of volume-control hot keys are thrown into the mix as well, where the sensitive and high-tracking mouse delivers steady, fluid and effortless control.

Apart from that, the 1200 dpi optical engine in the mouse offers the right amount of sensitivity and tracking capability for steady, fluid and effortless control. Boasting both right and left control buttons, alongside with the patented "Magic Roller" scroll-wheel, this wireless mouse is more or less suitable for just about any type of work – although I would be brave enough to venture and say that this is not so suitable for gaming.

Since both the keyboard and mouse come in black, you need not worry about them getting dirty too fast, too soon. A trio of AAA alkaline batteries have been thrown into the mix right from the start, so that you can jump right into the action the moment they are removed from their respective boxes.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Genius aims smart with SlimStar 8000 wireless keyboard and mouse combo copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

iPhone 4 Steering Wheel with Speakers

Posted: 11 Mar 2011 04:30 AM PST

Now, we do know that the iPhone has somewhat turned into a pretty decent gaming platform, and has had its fair share of hits along the way. When it comes to racing games, however, the experience of tilting your phone either way to steer your car isn’t a really fun experience, so here is a peripheral that might just help you out.

The iPhone 4 Steering Wheel with Speakers that retails for $22.20 is here to save the day – this lightweight peripheral is meant specially for the iPhone 4, where it offers high quality audio regardless of whether you’re gaming or listening to music. All you need to do is connect your iPhone to the steering wheel's adapter, affix that to the middle of the wheel, and you're good to go. If only the iPhone 4 will somewhat remain on a horizontal plain no matter which way you turn the steering wheel – now that’d be uber cool.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ iPhone 4 Steering Wheel with Speakers copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 10-Mar-2011

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 09:01 PM PST

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 10-Mar-2011 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Cyber Snipa announces Sonar 5.1 Championship Headset

Posted: 11 Mar 2011 04:00 AM PST

It seems as though gamers have a field day when it comes to choosing the right accessory for their gaming endeavors and adventures – just take a look at Cyber Snipa, a company that isn’t really on the same level as Razer where popularity of its products and brand name recognition are concerned, but at least they try to roll out an above average piece of hardware.

Their latest release concerns itself not with a death dealing mouse or keyboard, but rather, intends to appeal itself to your aural senses in the form of the Sonar 5.1 Championship Headset. Being the latest entry in its award-winning line of specialized high-end headsets, this model will incorporate the latest developments in cutting-edge sound technology and true 5.1 surround sound.

You know, I’ve seriously always wondered just how one can cram in 5.1 surround sound into just a pair of headphones or earphones, and figured out that the experience wouldn’t be that authentic. Well, guess the Cyber Snipa Sonar headphones does intend to deliver that somehow, providing players with an experience that delivers superlative tactical communications and tracking ability for the ultimate competitive edge.

Sound is more important in First Person Shooters than any other genre through my gaming experience, but that doesn’t mean your ear drums should be given any lesser treatment if you’re playing Bejeweled all day long, does it? There are four speakers in each ear cup alongside an independent channel control via in-line controller, letting you experience intensely realistic surround sound.

Cyber Snipa also wants to make the experience as comfortable as possible, and has hence included exclusive memory foam padding for ultimate comfort whenever you decide to engage in marathon gaming sessions and close the door of your life to the world. A noise-cancelling boom mic is capable of delivering crystal-clear online chat, regardless of whether your playing in the comfort of your own home or traveling to LAN parties and competitions. Expect to fork out $79.95 as this bad boy makes its way across North America this month.

Company Page

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ Cyber Snipa announces Sonar 5.1 Championship Headset copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Fold Flat USB Mains Charger

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 08:17 PM PST

Check out this rather interesting design for a plug – we’re looking at the Fold Flat USB Mains Charger, a slimline foldout plug which makes traveling a whole lot lighter and more manageable – have you ever really tried to pack in the standard three-pin plug adapter, not to mention a few while you’re at it before taking a long holiday?

Currently available for pre-order at £12.99 a pop and shipping from March 16th onwards, this device was specially designed to fold to a thickness of 20mm, and is more than capable of slipping into any handbag or jacket pocket in a jiffy. Apart from that, folding the pins together make them less likely to damage any surrounding material. If your gadget is feeling particularly thirsty, just unfold the mains plug in a simple two-step process and you’re good to go.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Fold Flat USB Mains Charger copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gemini unveils FirstMix USB DJ Controller

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 07:40 PM PST

Are you an aspiring DJ who has Fatboy Slim and Paul Oakenfold up there on your list of idols? Well if that is the case, you would do well to consider Gemini’s FirstMix USB DJ Controller which features a couple of touch sensitive jog wheels that will let you scratch like a pro.

FirstMix will be able to connect to a USB port, letting one DJ using their iTunes or other music library. Nice to know that FirstMix will ship with Cross LE DJ software from MixVibes and will also play nice with Traktor, Virtual DJ and Algoriddim's DJAY and other popular DJ software.

Additional important features will include the ability to seamlessly mix songs together, spice up tracks with effects, play music in reverse, adjust bass and treble output and record your set. It will not be priced out of your reach at $79.95 a pop, making the FirstMix the latest addition to Gemini's Digital DJ Controller line as Gemini prepares to roll it out for commercial release this May.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Gemini unveils FirstMix USB DJ Controller copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

BREAKFAST HQ beta-releases Instaprint

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 07:31 PM PST

BREAKFAST HQ might have something here to pique your interest – we’re talking about the beta release of Instaprint, a prototype device which will definitely make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a time machine, rolling back the years by turning Instagram digital photos into physical prints. Each of these Instaprint devices are able to print Instagrams tagged with a speciﬁc location or hashtag.

To put it into a more modern context, anyone is able to snap a photo and tag it, and then watch as Instaprint ﬁnds their pic and prints it out, complete with comments and the ilk. It does so without having to sacrifice a sense of “retro”, thanks to a new ink-less printing technology known as Zink. The color will hail from the paper itself similar to old Polaroid photos. No idea for pricing on such a device just yet though.

Press Release

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ BREAKFAST HQ beta-releases Instaprint copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Mad Catz Official WWE All Stars Arcade BrawlStick

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 07:27 PM PST

Those who participate in console gaming will definitely find that having good hardware is always top priority, as that will at the very least increase the chances of anyone winning their future games. Well, the Mad Catz Official WWE All Stars Arcade BrawlStick might do the trick for you, as it was specially designed to deliver authentic, arcade-style play, thanks to a redesigned ball top joystick as well as high quality concave action buttons which deliver gamer precision, control and quality engineering.

You will also find official artwork that depicts WWE great The Rock and WWE Superstar Triple H., sporting action buttons that have already been pre-configured for WWE All Stars to let you jump into the game right out of the box without having to be like the other people who need to configure the mess of buttons themselves. Talk about replicating the 'instant play' nature of a true arcade right in the comfort of your living room!

Other hardware specifications of this puppy will include dual-speed Turbo functionality, but the good news does not stop there since this function is independently available on each action button, not to mention coupled with individual LED Indicators to let gamers execute moves with impressive speed. As for the eight-button arcade configuration, it paves the way for larger-than-life moves and character specific combinations that can be performed with precise execution.

The integrated D-Pad switch will allow you to alternate between D-Pad and Analog Sticks on the go for maximum control flexibility, and the presence of an ergonomic slanted top panel will make sure your hand remains comfortable during sustained play. Apart from that, there are Start and Select/Back Buttons which are located on the back of the BrawlStick so that you will be able to get more gameplay time inside while minimizing the risk of accidental interruptions. Of course, such technology comes at a price, to the tune of $79.99, to be exact.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Mad Catz Official WWE All Stars Arcade BrawlStick copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Mad Catz Official WWE All Stars BrawlPad

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 07:12 PM PST

Mad Catz has rolled out yet another peripheral for Xbox 360 and PS3 owners, where your console playing experience will be enhanced thanks to the presence of a new control pad. We’re talking about the Official WWE All Stars BrawlPad for fans of entertainment wrestling (which has been scripted to the max, mind you), as you get different designs on this with legends such as Hulk Hogan, John Cena, The Rock and Triple H.

Targeting gamers who have a penchant for traveling light, the Mad Catz Official WWE All Stars BrawlPad is not only highly portable, but it also features the ergonomics of a traditional console controller without having you “suffer” from any compromise where performance is concerned. With the WWE All Stars BrawlPad, you will find a Mad Catz tournament grade enlarged circular eight-way floating D-Pad and fast action-arcade-style six-button configuration.

Thanks to the enlarged D-Pad which has been specially designed to roll smoothly with the movement of the player’s thumb, it will definitely do its bit to help you react with the precision and swiftness of a traditional arcade stick. Of course, this does not mean you are less agile, since it also retains the ergonomics of a traditional D-Pad.

True blue gamers will definitely remember the classic six-button configuration, but this one comes with an added advantage – we’re talking about enlarged action buttons that makes room for easy combinations and special moves to be executed, all with greater success and speed to boot. The integrated D-Pad switch will let you alternate between D-Pad and Analog Stick mode when using the enlarged circular floating D-Pad, and of course, who can forget about the official artwork from WWE All Stars? Retailing for $39.99 a pop, this might be just the thing you need to improve on your gaming – but even if you lose, at least you know you have your favorite wrestlers to back you up.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Mad Catz Official WWE All Stars BrawlPad copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Saturday, March 12, 2011