Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Easy Cap could change the way we open soda bottles
V-MODA’s Crossfade LP and the audio conspiracy
emWave2 launches this week
Gadget Thumbnails for 05-May-2011
Dropcam – Watch your World from Anywhere
Sony Ericsson unveils Xperia mini and Xperia mini pro
Motorola XPRT from Sprint is an Android world phone
JetLev Flyer – are you Richie Rich?
Dynamic Sound Radio Clock

Easy Cap could change the way we open soda bottles

Posted: 06 May 2011 04:17 PM PDT

It seems like technology always finds us better and simpler ways of doing things, even if it only saves us a few precious seconds of labor.

Remember when ring tabs used to be on soda and beer cans? I guess people would just carelessly litter by tossing the ring tabs over their shoulder. Someone in the early eighties figured out that you can attach the tab to the can itself. Now, this easier method of manufacture is a standard.

I suppose that the same could apply to soda bottle caps. I’m not talking about the glass bottles with the improved twist-off caps, but the plastic ones that always twisted off, probably from day one. It’s all right to admit that you sometimes have a hard time opening these things, but the “Easy Cap”, designed by Shao-Nung Chen, should give you some more leverage with its teardrop shape. Heck, if you position your thumb just right, you can open your bottle with just one hand.

I suppose that if this particular cap catches on, it will be like the ring tab. I can barely remember the ring tab, and I have to explain it to my children. I wonder if my children will have to explain to their children hard caps. (That would be soda bottle caps that are not the Easy Cap).

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Easy Cap could change the way we open soda bottles copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

V-MODA’s Crossfade LP and the audio conspiracy

Posted: 06 May 2011 03:44 PM PDT

We have reported on V-MODA’s Crossfire LP headphones before, and I finally got a chance to try them out for myself.

So how do headphones with a patent pending 50mm Dual-Diaphragm High-Definition Driver feel? Heavy and loud. Anytime you can get cushioned cans on your head, you should take it, but they tend to weigh down on my ears after a while.

Of course, it really is difficult for me to do a headphones review. What am I supposed to say, they are loud? I am a writer, not a radio announcer. Even then, could I show an audio sample without it being filtered through your source of audio?

Therein lies the dilemma. Yea, I would say that it is almost an audio conspiracy. I have noticed that there are a lot of high-end headphones that cost a lot money, and there isn’t really a way for you to tell how good they are unless you buy them for yourself. At least these headphones are better than earbuds.

Personally, I think the V-moda headphones are worth it for the quality sound, and because they have the Kevlar reinforced cable that is very long (69 inch stereo audio and 36 inch remote/mic cable). All audio conspiracies aside, the V-Moda Crossfade LP are at $199.99 here, and you can even customize them.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ V-MODA’s Crossfade LP and the audio conspiracy copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

emWave2 launches this week

Posted: 06 May 2011 03:14 PM PDT

We have reported on the emWave before, a personal stress reliever that I have tried out for myself. The user puts his or her finger on the emWave sensor, and a red light or a green light tells the user where he or she is relaxed. Even though most devices would have a second generation by now, the emWave2 by HeartMath is better late than never.

The emWave2 works in the same manner as its predecessor with the finger sensor, and the user must develop a breathing sequence based on heart rhythms and emotions. I’m not certain if this is new to the device, but it also features Quick Coherence, an emotion-refocusing technique, to help “increase coherence levels as well as sharpen one’s ability to transform stress on-demand”.

The emWave2 also has the option of computer interface, so that the user can track his or her progress through storing session information. You can store and review session information for comparing coherence levels over time to see if your stress levels go down.

The price of the original emWave was $199. Yes, that could be a source for stress, and I can’t help but wonder if the price of the emWave2′s $229 price tag can protect you from the greater stress on your wallet. You can pick it up on the HeartMath site now.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ emWave2 launches this week copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 05-May-2011

Posted: 06 May 2011 03:16 AM PDT

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Gadget Thumbnails for 05-May-2011 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Dropcam – Watch your World from Anywhere

Posted: 06 May 2011 09:32 AM PDT

Every time I come home from work, my dog looks so guilty, I try to touch the pillows on the couch to see if they’re still warm, I check for tell tale signs of dog hair in the middle of my nice clean bed, all while he slinks around knowing he’s done something. I don’t know what he’s up to, but I’m just about to find out…

Meet Dropcam, the new wifi webcam that allows you to monitor video of whats going on at your home or business from anywhere, via the web or even on your mobile device. The Dropcam is very small, easy to set up and very easy to use.

Simply connect the Dropcam to your Wi-Fi network using 802.11 b/g. You can also use a wired connection with the included ethernet cable. Dropcam works with most types of consumer routers and supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption. The Dropcam sets up in a flash and because there are no technical skills required, you just need to plug it in, and you’re done. Watch a demo after the break.

The Dropcam is perfect for those who travel frequently, or even just work away from home. Just set up a Dropcam in your home or business and watch what happens while you’re away, from almost anywhere in the world. See the demo HERE. Rover is just about to get his, I can tell you that.

You can also set up the Dropcam (or a few of them) to feed you automatic alerts of any activity while you’re gone, Dropcam can automatically detect motions or sound in order to record important events that happen while you’re not there. When something happens, you receive an email or iPhone push notification immediately and, you can watch it on the web or on your iPhone or Android device.

Dropcam.com currently offers two different models, the Dropcam Original ($199), which is video-only, and the Dropcam Echo ($279), which also captures audio the basic service is free, but if you add $8.95 a month, you can actually record 7 days of video and get notifications when the camera detects movement. Cool.

Source: dropcam.com

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Dropcam – Watch your World from Anywhere copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Sony Ericsson unveils Xperia mini and Xperia mini pro

Posted: 06 May 2011 07:30 AM PDT

Sony Ericsson intends to grab its fair share of limelight where Android-powered smartphones are concerned with a couple more models to tickle your fancy – and perhaps even have you part with your hard earned money to enjoy some Android goodness. The two handsets in question would be the Sony Ericsson xperia mini and Xperia mini pro, where the former is touted to be the smallest smartphone in the world that has HD video recording capability, while the latter boasts of intuitive fast messaging in a compact smartphone form factor.

The original mini series were quite successful in their own right, and this time around, you won’t be disappointed either as both handsets will run on a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread right out of the box (so you need not worry about waiting for a software update like many of the other Android 2.2 Froyo handsets out there), best-in-class imaging and display technology from Sony, including Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine and HD video recording (720p).

When it comes to both smartphones, a full multimedia entertainment experience can be expected, and with more than 150,000 apps on the Android Market to purchase/download (Angry Birds, anyone?), you will find that the 3″ scratch-resistant, multi-touch glass screen to be worth the touch. With an improved user interface that enables one to view up to 16 apps on the home screen simultaneously, using an Android phone could not get any easier. The Facebook inside Xperia is another feature that delivers a unique social media integration – no idea on whether this will be better than Facebook for HTC Sense or not.

The Xperia mini pro differs slightly from the Xperia mini since it offers an optimized slide-out keyboard with smart functionality that was first featured on the Xperia pro, and with a subtle but fast Type & Send functionality, it does away with the need to have a dedicated app open for each type of message, while the Smart Keyboard will trigger predictive messaging actions by automatic when the user slides out the keyboard.

No idea on pricing as at press time, but the Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro and Xperia mini will arrive globally from Q3 onwards. Better start saving from now, eh?

Press Release

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ Sony Ericsson unveils Xperia mini and Xperia mini pro copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Motorola XPRT from Sprint is an Android world phone

Posted: 06 May 2011 07:15 AM PDT

Forget about the Geek Squad – bring on the experts! Or at least, the Motorola XPRT if you are looking out for the first Android world phone from Sprint. Just what does the Motorola XPRT bring to the table, considering the dozens of Android-powered phones out there that frankly, start to look the same after a while?

For starters, you get a high-resolution 3.1-inch HVGA display for your eyes to enjoy, a full QWERTY keyboard and a 1GHz processor that should be more than sufficient to handle most of today's demanding business environment. Enterprise managers and workforces throughout a range of industries, including field service, field sales, healthcare, retail, utilities, manufacturing and transportation/distribution will be able to enjoy the XPRT’s benefits thanks to its feature-rich capabilities, enterprise-class security and data encryption.

The Motorola XPRT will also come with the latest version of Motorola's MOTOBLUR technology to deliver personalized content, email and social media updates, all rolled straight to your home screen without a problem. It will also let you view and check out news feeds, updates and messages without having to access social media sites separately.

Among the other features of the Motorola XPRT include Google mobile services like Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps with Navigation, syncing with Google Calendar, Google Talk, Voice Actions and YouTube. Corporate email? Not a problem, – Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync is supported in addition to personal (POP & IMAP) email. You can for sure use the Motorola XPRT anywhere you are in the world as it supports CDMA (EVDO Rev. A) and GSM/UMTS (HSPA), with international roaming service available in over 200 countries.

No word on pricing as at press time, but you can always start saving up for it now, aight? Of course, this only applies to those who tend to do a whole lot of traveling – otherwise you are better off with your very own high end Android smartphone instead of this.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Motorola XPRT from Sprint is an Android world phone copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

JetLev Flyer – are you Richie Rich?

Posted: 06 May 2011 07:00 AM PDT

If you so happen to inherit a really large sum of money from your late uncle Horatio and do not know what to do with it since nothing in life really appeals to you, how about purchasing a real adrenaline rush of a ride with the JetLev Flyer? We are talking about this £115,000 vehicle – or rather, personal mode of transportation, where it allows you to jet about above water – forget about the plebians who are messing on the water, they will definitely stop in their tracks just to see who the new kid on the block is.

This is a revolutionary personal flying machine works that is made out of a carbon-fibre body, where the JetLev will be tethered through a flexible supply hose to a separate boat-like unit that features a 4-stroke engine to move around. This is enough to whoosh pressurized water into the jetpack, which in turn will generate thrust by nozzle reaction force – to put it in layman’s terms, it is rather similar to riding a pair of high-powered, easy-to-control fire hoses. Better get this approved by the missus first though if you are thinking of blowing your life savings on it, lest you get sent to the divorce lawyer sooner than expected.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ JetLev Flyer – are you Richie Rich? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Dynamic Sound Radio Clock

Posted: 06 May 2011 06:43 AM PDT

Forget about traditional radio clocks – here is the Dynamic Sound Radio Clock which ought to bring something new to the table (literally). After all, this radio clock is capable of producing dynamic sound quality that is unmatched by common models, where the latter tends to produce flat, tiny noise. Audio innovator Tivoli is the brains behind this, where it depends on a heavy weight magnet in its 3″ full-range speaker that delivers robust, mellifluous sound which is capable of filling a room with crisp highs and balanced mids.

Not only that, with a built-in bass reflex port, that will do its bit to provide enhanced bass. With an external antenna that can extend by another 25″, it offers superior FM signal reception and lock onto distant stations while the radio’s digital tuner will be able to employ a greater degree of de-emphasis to improve overall signal-to-noise ratio.

The radio clock’s other features include a single button wheel, a remote control power, volume, AM/FM tuning, and selection of up to five station presets. There is a 3″ display with adjustable backlight to let you know of the time, station, and RDS-derived station name. Housed in a walnut cabinet, it does not run on batteries but will need to be plugged into a power outlet. The Dynamic Sound Radio Clock can be yours today for $199.95.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Dynamic Sound Radio Clock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Saturday, May 7, 2011