Gadgets Blog

Nothing I like more than devices that can detect Wi-Fi networks. After all, when I am on the road with my laptop, there is nothing worse than being without a WiFi hotspot. Of course, I would prefer the idea of detecting an access point before I boot up my laptop rather than finding out afterwards.

I have seen all kinds of Wi-Fi detecting devices before. In all honesty, I’m not certain I want to add another mobile device to my collection of mobile devices. Yes, this is a device that you would carry around, as it works as an ordinary pen.

All you need to do is push a tiny button on the top of the thing, and 4 LEDs light up, which indicates the signal strength (1 for weakest and 4 for strongest) of the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot.

There is a limitation to this, as it only detects B/G networks. It also does not detect whether or not the network is up and running, nor if a code-key is required. It also requires 2 cell batteries, which are actually included. So, yeah, you could detect a network and think: “All right”! You may find that it won’t work when you actually try it.

If you definitely want this thing, then you should be able to get it at the USBFever site for about $13.99.

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One year ago, I reported on the INBED, a way of projecting a 2D Girlfriend as the user’s bedmate. A lot of people commented on that one, saying that the technology was a somewhat perverted, and that the user should go out and get a real girlfriend.

Fortunately, Mutsugoto has developed some technology that is similar to the INBED, but made for two people in a long-distance relationship. Allow me to explain how it works after the jump:

Both partners have a camera on their ceilings, and transmit the images above the bed to each other’s monitors. Each partner then has a ring that allows him or her to “draw” over the other’s bodies with laser light. Apparently, the ring is a motion-sensitive controller that moves the laser (originating from the ceiling camera, presumably) over the partner.

Apparently, the light beams feel like the soft pressure of a lover’s touch, and it is up to the user’s imagination where to point the light from there. By the way, when the light beams overlap, they change color.

Distance Labs has been trying to perfect this Mustugoto technology for two years, and they are looking for some couples to test it out this summer.

Now is the time where I could easily comment about how weird (if not perverse?) this technology is. Instead, I would rather leave that to you, the reader. Chime in with a comment, please.

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Ah, Blu-ray. Can anything stop this fad from spreading? I don’t know, can it? Seriously, is Blu-ray taking the world by storm? If so, it is a slow storm brewing.

It would appear that Panasonic is ready for the age where Blu-ray has completely replaced DVDs with two dash-mountable devices. According to my source, this is the first dash-mountable device that is Blu-ray compatible.

The first of these new products is the CN-HX3000D. It is a Windows-powered device with a seven inch screen with 1280 x 720 resolution. It also has a 40 GB hard drive, 5 channel amplifier, Bluetooth, GPS, and is compatible with the iPod and the iPhone.

The second is the CY-BB1000D, and you need to hook it up with the HX3000D to make it work, apparently. My source is a little vague on that point, but it says that the BB1000D doesn’t support Blu-Live. This is one of the “let the buyer beware” purchases.

So, if you are type that is really into Blu-ray, so much that you need it in your car, then (do I need to say it?) this product is for you. You will have to wait until the fall to purchase them, but my source does not have a price.

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