Gadgets Connect

Gadget designs these days are all about maximizing reliability, comfort, and of course, usability. Simtrix’s latest computer mouse models are up there and able to demonstrate compliance to all three points. The first of the company’s new dynamic mice duo is called the TriPed (at left), and is aimed squarely at tablet pc or tabletop computer users. The TriPed was so designed in order to provide “seamless transitioning between mouse, pen, and text entry.” Meaning, TriPed users will have more flexibility to do whatever gesture they need to do whenever they desire. The second, and equally intriguing new mouse model made for the Swiftpoint series is called the Slider, offering the option to be operated by being slid over a keyboard. (Read the full post about ‘Simtrix shows off two new mouse designs at CeBIT 2008′…)

Share This

Forget about projecting that macho image by learning how to open bottles with your teeth, not when The Hold Up is ready and willing to do that on your behalf. Nicknamed ‘The Hold Up’ for his raised arms; the tactile and ambidextrous little chap from über-cool design studio Conka Design can open all bottle lids, even two at a time, with metal mitts that allow you to dispense refreshing drinks to your envious friends in double quick time. Crafted from high gloss ABS plastic, The Hold Up is way ahead when it comes to sleek drinking accessories. And Like every girl’s ideal man the Redman is not only handsome but strong, his metal reinforced hands and arms ensure this chic little fella is nigh-on indestructible. (Read the full post about ‘The Hold Up opens bottles’…)

Share This

Coby has unveiled the MP735 portable media player to the rest of the world at CeBIT 2008. In addition to its rather small 1.66″ LCD color display, you get a touch-based navigation system and swiveling-type stereo speakers. No idea on how much this will cost nor when will it be available, but I think the display is way too small for a portable media player. After all, squinting one’s eyes 10 minutes into a movie is just plain unacceptable, what more if you’re stuck on a long haul flight, having left your ipod at home. (Read the full post about ‘Coby MP735 portable media player’…)

Share This

Coughing Ashtray

This may look like any ordinary metal ashtray but as you put your ash in it, it starts coughing like an old man. Great novelty fun gift idea for the ardent smoker. So if you should you be thinking of quitting smoking, this is the ultimate deterrent mechanism with it’s built-in sensor to detect the ash as it drops and then will cough it’s lungs up when it does!Specially designed for those non-smokers - your guests are sure to get the hint and a particularly nasty shock tactic which will be well effective when revealed!This coughing ashtray really is a fun gift and the ultimate deterrent for all those heavy smokers.

(Read the full post about ‘Coughing Ashtray’…)

Share This

It has been a while since I had the urge to yell “Sega” like those old Sega Genesis ads from the early nineties. However, seeing this i-Spin (pronounced Ice-pin) from Sega Toys was just enough to make me yell it out all over again. Basically, the i-Spin is a dancing speaker robot that has the ability to move around on the dance floor and wiggle its ears to the beat of the ambient music. This takes me back to the time of the “Boppin’ flowers” that would move to the beat of whatever music you played near them. The i-Spin can also do more than dance to the background music, but it can connect to an mp3 player such as the ipod. Why else do you think there is a little “i” at the beginning of its name? (Read the full post about ‘Sega Toys i-Spin’…)

Share This

The Urban Tool perCushion is definitely unique, bring a mono-speaker cushion that features Bluetooth connectivity. Unfortunately, it will retail for approximately $500 which is way too much for what it costs, considering you don’t even get stereo audio from it. The Urban Tool perCushion will ship sometime between October and this Christmas, and works with virtually all Bluetooth audio streaming device. Tags: CD, DVD, video game, MP3 (Read the full post about ‘Urban Tool perCushion’…)

Share This

Cambridge Consultants have come up with the Iona Cube concept design that packs a WiFi-enabled Internet radio into a low-cost design, offering a novel, simplified interface where users will be able to access up to 10,000 Internet radio stations. Turning the Iona Cube onto one of its four sides will automatically change to a different pre-programmed radio station, where a fifth side holds the speaker while the last side is used to turn the radio on or off. Gone are the days of ‘push-button’ user interface where Internet radios are concerned, as selecting different radio stations is now a cinch with the Iona Cube concept. The Cube is highly customizable, and can be achieved through a variety of ways. (Read the full post about ‘Iona Cube Concept’…)

Share This

The Epiphan VGA2USB External Frame Grabber comes in handy only when you’re not using a PC and relying on the simple Alt + Print Screen combo. Available in half a dozen models, just make sure you’re using VGA or DVI in order for the Epiphan VGA2USB to work. The highest end model is good enough to capture video at 2048 x 2048 resolution in 24-bit glory at 30 FPS with LOSSLESS compression. Depending on your budget and needs, the Epiphan VGA2USB range will cost anywhere from $300 to $2,0000, so make sure you know what you need before you hand over your dough. Tags: DAB, robots, ipod, video game (Read the full post about ‘Epiphan VGA2USB External Frame Grabber’…)

Share This

Charles Cooper got to snoop around Intel’s research lab and comes back with some interesting tidbits on where Intel thinks we’ll take technology.  Sure, many of what they research won’t make it to market, but they are driven by the premise , “what if?”.  It is enlightening to see what they are up to. Real-time feedback: So much of public policy is based on best guesses (I fail to come up with a solid example, you’ll have to use your imagination).  How about placing pollution sensors on taxi cabs?  This allows a street-by-street view of how city decisions on parking, traffic flow, zoning laws and much more effect pollution.  A fantastic tool that started off in Ghana and worked so well, San Fransisco adopted the sensors to their street sweepers. (Read the full post about ‘Intel shows off play things of the future’…)

Share This

Belkin have created PodcastStudio which is currently on display over at CeBIT in Hannover, Germany. PodcastStudio is a device which allows you to dock your iPod to make high quality recordings. Once you have finished recording the upload process is simple. All you need to do is dock your ipod with your computer and the podcast you just recorded is automatically uploaded to iTunes for all to listen to. The PodcastStudio comes with a built-in microphone to make the recordings and also has a speaker so you can play back the recordings out loud. The other alternative is to just listen through the headphones on your iPod. (Read the full post about ‘PodcastStudio from Belkin’…)

Share This