Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Kodak Adds two more HD cameras to its pocket line
EyeFi Mobile getting cooler and cooler with apps and direct transfer
Iomega shifts to a new media direction
Vizio expands to the mobile gadget market
AutoVue Lane Departure Warning System – Because we need all the help we can get
UWaterG2 waterproof MP3 player
Color Changing Fish Hot Water Bottle
Toast Strips Stamper
Gadget Thumbnails for 03-Jan-2011
Grace Digital Audio has new range of Internet radios
The iPhone Screen Enlarger – Who needs an iPad?

Kodak Adds two more HD cameras to its pocket line

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 03:05 PM PST

Kodak's new ultraslim Playful HD Pocket Camcorder

I love CES. So many new announcements for new toys. And this one is great for those loving to capture the moment with a pocket video camera. Kodak is adding two new HD cameras to it’s line of great pocket camcorders.

The first is a very slim PlayFul, which will sport the usual autofocus and image stabilizaiton, but also smart face tracking and full 1080p HD video. And the dedicated SHARE button sends video directly to media sites like Facebook, Youtube and Flickr via USB and your PC. It’s available in silver, blue-silver, purple-silver and blue-black.

Kodak has upgraded it's rugged Playsport camcorder

The next is an upgrade to the Playsport camera. In addition to similar features in the Playful, the Playsport also has low light performance, shock and waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet) design, and a cool feature on it’s LCD which adjust automatically to the lighting conditions it faces. The Playsport is available in Black, Red, Green, White and Aqua.

Both cameras record to SDHC up to 32GB. Look for them in the Spring with a cost of $150 for the Playful and $180 for the rugged PlaySport.

Hat Tip – Electronista

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ Kodak Adds two more HD cameras to its pocket line copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

EyeFi Mobile getting cooler and cooler with apps and direct transfer

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 02:47 PM PST

First came wifi capable SD cards. Then they added GPS. Now, Eye-Fi is turning it up to 11 once again with a cool bevy of iPhone and iPad apps, and a direct transfer capability for easy backup.

With the idea of making it easier and easier to share photos people take, EyeFi has created Direct Mode transfer so that your camera can transmit photos directly to a mobile device, beit smartphone or tablet. This makes it far easier to upload to photo sites like Facebook and Flickr. The Apps will also allow for simple one touch integrated sync with online storage sites.

Genius. I know that when I want to share something on Facebook, I tend to go for a my lower res iPhone, rather than shoot with my camera and have to jump through a few hoops to transfer to my PC and upload. This new direct mode transfer will enable me to easily shoot a shot and have it up on Facebook within seconds.

Look for it to appear later this year, with Direct Mode being an upgrade for all Eye-Fi X2 cards.

Hat Tip – UberGizmo

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ EyeFi Mobile getting cooler and cooler with apps and direct transfer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Iomega shifts to a new media direction

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 02:28 PM PST

Iomega's TV will feature Boxee and have iOS data backup for the iPhone

With it’s array of zip drives back in the mid 90s, Iomega was the kind of media storage. Then along came CD burner and larger hard drives and suddently, and zip drives were the 21st century equivalent of 8 Track tape players. Soon, the name Iomega was equated with "remember when." Not that they died out. They just went under the radar, designing a smooth array of portable hard drives and other solutions. But with the world changing again and moving to the cloud, Iomega is changing with it, offering a cool new media device that marries the Boxee streaming software with the iPhone.

Iomega TV with Dlink’s Boxee will provide not only streaming of iptv over the internet, but also giving to 1 and 2TB storage solutions for saving of personal media. Known as a "hub," Iomega TV will also interface with the iPod/iPhone through it’s Super Hero backup interface, and have a DLNA media server running as well.

Based on the Intel Atom CE4100 processor, Iomega TV will support 1080p HD video, work on both WiFi and ethernet, and have the signature Boxee keyboard remote control. The SuperHero iPod interface will backup contacts and photos to an SDHC card and provide a line-out audio. But don’t look for it to backup apps or movies and music just yet – that’s up to Apple.

Prices begin at $230 for an internet only version, with storage options at $300 and $350 respectfully. Coming next month.

Hat Tip – Electronista

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Iomega shifts to a new media direction copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Vizio expands to the mobile gadget market

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 02:15 PM PST

HDTV giant Vizio sets it's sites on mobile gadgets ...

Known for it’s low cost, but value added HDTVs, budget electronics manufacturer Vizio is setting it’s sites on the mobile gadget market with Android based smartphones and tablets that can interface with their TVs. Now that’s a huge broadside …

The gadgets are called the Via Phone and Via Tablet respectively. Both will be based on the latest Android Gingerbread OS and will have integrated IR blasters to control their HDTVs. In addition, these mobile devices will have 1Ghz processors, HDMI output, WiFi, Micro SD card slots and Bluetooth. The Via Phone will have a nice 4 inches LED screen, while the via Tablet goes to 8 inches.

No word on price just yet, but knowing how Vizio’s core customers are value based, you can bet they’ll be competing in that arena, and could be quite attractive to carriers looking to court new customers with a phone that does a lot for little money.

And although there are many low budget Tablets starting to flood the market, Vizio can wave the flag of quality by pointing out stronger processors and more up to date Android capability. It’s a win win for both sides of the marketing isle.

Look for an official announcement at CES.

Hat Tip – UnCrate

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ Vizio expands to the mobile gadget market copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

AutoVue Lane Departure Warning System – Because we need all the help we can get

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 07:25 AM PST

I don't know about anyone else, but every single time I get in my car to go anywhere, I feel like I am risking life and limb. I guess I really am. I know that each time I arrive at my destination in one piece, I feel like I've won the lottery.

I’m pleased that someone is working to make our roads a little safer, Iteris' AutoVue Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system consists of a camera, an on board computer and image recognition software that can detect when a commercial or passenger vehicle starts drifting off the road or out of a lane, when an unintended lane change starts to occur, the unit automatically emits an audible warning sound, similar to a rumble strip noise, alerting the driver to get back to the business of driving.

In addition to its lane departure system, Iteris sensors also offers forward Collision Warning systems and blind spot warning systems. Now if they could just make an idiot warning system that would stop some folks from driving altogether, we could all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

The system is available as both an OEM and aftermarket option and can be easily installed within a few hours. Almost anything that improves vehicle safety is worth a try in my book.

AutoVue is already available as part of an option package on selected Infiniti vehicles

For more information check out: www.iteris.com

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ AutoVue Lane Departure Warning System – Because we need all the help we can get copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

UWaterG2 waterproof MP3 player

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 05:30 AM PST

Do you think that the world is obsessed with superlatives? Otherwise, why would there even be an almanac known as the Guinness Book of World Records that sell by the millions annually? The longest, fastest, fattest, thinnest, tallest, smallest, biggest, you name it, they’ve got it. The UWaterG2 waterproof MP3 player intends to go along the same vein, being touted as the smallest 100% waterproof MP3 player and earphones in the world, although we haven’t really put their claims to the test – yet. It is certainly an interesting claim, and since we don’t listen to music while we swim, it would be hard to verify just how waterproof this puppy is. More on the UWaterG2 in the extended post.

Boasting a Twist & Lock Jack that delivers double protection for the device, this micro-sized MP3 player can be clipped onto a pair of goggles or even fastened onto a headband, armband, or belt. We don’t think those who are practicing their lap times might want to have this, as the tradeoff from having your favorite DJ spinning his/her tracks against the additional resistance (negligible, some say) might not just be worth it. We’re thinking this will target the more casual swimmers, or even those who want to spend some time by the pool but without having to worry about their iPod getting sloshed.

The Twist & Lock earphones jack will ensure that it seals water out completely, but there is also another function behind the idea – to provide crucial long term protection against corrosion, a problem which is more often than not associated with damage to other devices through the use of regular jacks. Right now, the UWaterG2 will retail for $59.95 as part of its promotional price, so get it sooner rather than later if you don’t want to pay the full amount. Oh yeah, what better way to remain fit and trim after the year end festivities and gorging than to go swimming with your favorite tunes?

Press Release

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ UWaterG2 waterproof MP3 player copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Color Changing Fish Hot Water Bottle

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 05:00 AM PST

Animal activists will probably scream blue murder when they come across the Color Changing Fish Hot Water Bottle, but this £9.99 purchase will not feature live fish inside, but fake ones that will change their shades depending on the temperature of the water within. No longer do you need to make a guess on whether the hot water bottle will scald your fingers or not, as these plastic swimmers will turn white if the water is too hot, or purple if the water has turned extremely cold within. Their natural color would be pink, so you can let your eyes do the judging from there. An interesting purchase for the safety-conscious who do not want to end up with unnecessary burns. Bear in mind that it is recommended to use hot water with the Color Changing Fish Hot Water Bottle, and not boiling water.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Color Changing Fish Hot Water Bottle copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Toast Strips Stamper

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 04:30 AM PST

There is nothing quite like having some toast early in the morning for a hearty breakfast – assuming you have all the other accompanying cast like bacon and eggs, of course. Well, for some of us who prefer just plain toast with some butter or jam, don’t you think cutting it up into bite-sized pieces makes life a whole lot easier? This is where the Toast Strips Stamper comes in handy, where you rock the stamper over the yet-to-be-toasted slice of bread, throw it into the toaster (the bread), and when it is done according to your liking, just pull it apart – it is that simple! Those with a culinary eye will definitely find the Toast Strip Stamper to come in handy when creating dip-able toast, crust-less peanut butter and jelly, French toast strips, and fun party sandwiches. All for $3.99 a pop? We’re getting hungry enough to buy one – or a couple, already.

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Toast Strips Stamper copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gadget Thumbnails for 03-Jan-2011

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 09:01 PM PST

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

Grace Digital Audio has new range of Internet radios

Posted: 04 Jan 2011 04:00 AM PST

Grace Digital Audio intends to upgrade its range of Internet radios by keeping up with the times – and we’re talking about including a color display this time around. CES 2011 will be the platform where the Solo Touch, Bravado X, and Mondo Internet radios are unveiled, where the entire Grace Digital product line includes internet radio services Pandora, Sirius XM Internet Radio, CBS Radio, iheartradio, Live365.com, MP3Tunes, NPR, National Weather Service, WeatherBug and Rhapsody. Enough about the services already though, we will prefer to have a look at what the three Internet radios offer on paper, at least.

The Solo Touch is a compact tuner device that touts to offer you complete control over the world of Internet radio directly on your home stereo, sporting a 4.3" touchscreen color display with a remote control for couch potatoes. Other hardware specifications of this $249.99 device include Ethernet connection, RCA out jacks and a headphone connection.

As for the Bravado X, this Wi-Fi-enabled tabletop radio will deliver powerful sound with a user friendly 2.7″ color TFT display, carrying with it RCA in/out jacks, USB connectivity, and a headphone connection, all going for $179.99 a pop.

Last but not least would be the $169.99 Mondo, where it has been positioned to be the perfect bedside Internet radio, offering best in class audio and a vibrant 3.5-inch TFT color display. As any good bedside radio should be, this model sports snooze control for heavy sleepers and a full alarm clock function, while the rest of the specifications are a remote control, Ethernet connectivity, RCA out jacks, and a USB connection. With so many choices to choose from, which would you head for?

Press Release

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Grace Digital Audio has new range of Internet radios copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

The iPhone Screen Enlarger – Who needs an iPad?

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 06:44 PM PST

I hate to admit it, I want an iPad and I don't even know why. I have an iPod Touch, an e-Reader and an Archos Tablet. I have MP3 payers and handhelds of all shapes and sizes. I'm just a sucker for new technology, so I guess I'll keep saving my pennies.

While I'm waiting, I can take my iPod Touch to the next level with Hammacher Schlemmer's exclusive, iPhone Screen Enlarger. This is a portable device that enlarges videos from your iPhone or iPod Touch for viewing on a 7″ LCD screen. Your iPhone or iPod touch docks horizontally into the base of a black laptop-like case, providing you access to all your iPods video controls with your LCD viewing area above, where your computer screen would be.

Hammacher's tech specs tell me the device provides 400:1 contrast for vivid images, and the thin film transistor screen provides 480 x 234 pixel resolution. Clear sound is provided by its two built-in speakers and includes a headphones jack for private listening. Its video port and included AV cable enable playing videos on a television.

The device has a rechargeable battery that will provide a couple of hours additional play time from a single 4 hour charge using the included AC adapter. The device itself, will charge your iPhones or Touch when it’s docked.

So, a bigger screen, better sound and increased battery time… I'm in.

Available only at www.hammacherschlemmer.com for $199.95

Source: www.hammacherschlemmer.com

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ The iPhone Screen Enlarger – Who needs an iPad? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Wednesday, January 5, 2011