Gadgets Blog

Q-London isn’t the first to come up with the idea of video glasses to be sure. But they claim that their new 3D QL Xperience Video Eyewear gives the viewer the equivalent experience of watching an 80″ TV from 2 meters away.

I know what you’re thinkin’. Is it in HD? Well, no. But still, if users are on a plane or alone traveling and wish to have that large cinematic experience from their portable DVD player or iPod, this video headset may be the answer.

In addition to the headset, the QL glasses come with a built in rechargeable battery, and infra-red remote control (which makes sense since the viewer is completely immersed in the experience), adapter cables, mini-jacks and a USB charging cable. Those wishing to use the QL Xperience Video Glasses for their iPod must have an adapter, but they are readily available.

Viewers can use them across platforms as well, meaning PAL/NTSC and SECAM are all readily available. The one downside, however, is that there’s no diopter adjustment for those who wear glasses, so if vision correction is a daily part of your life, you may want to look at other options.

Cost is around $310 US.

Hat Tip - Slash Gear

I’ve noticed a lot of accessories for WiiSports, and most of them are golf clubs and tennis rackets. This is the first time I have seen one for Wii Bowling, and I’m not certain that it will not be the last.

This particular accessory was on display at this year’s E3, and was designed by CTA Digital. It is apparently fashioned after an “authentic bowling ball”, and the user has to open it up and put in the Wii remote and close this ball.

From there, you have to “plug the holes with your fingers”, but I don’t see any holes on this guy. I see three buttons, and unless you can push those in really deep, those are hardly holes.

At first I thought you would have to take off the WiiStrap in order use this accessory, but I’ve just read that the user has to use the WiiStrap in order hold the ball on their wrist. I suppose that’s to keep you from bowling through your flatscreen.

I’m not certain how much this weighs, but it doesn’t look too heavy to me. In fact, I remember having a lightweight plastic bowling kit as a kid, and this ball looks a lot like it. At least I don’t have to manually set up the pins.

Unfortunately, there is no word on pricing and availability on this product, but it is compatible to several Wii bowling games.

Source

One issue with shooting things to be posted on the internet, is working out the lighting issues.  If you don’t get the lighting right, you can just about guarantee that you’ll have people instantly rushing to the comments to let you know about it.  If you’d like to improve the issue, Brando has a fairly affordable solution for that.  They have a light to attach to your camera, that will allow for your videos to look a little more professional than they already do.

Of course it can’t fix all of your issues, but a tripod and this will definitely help matters out.  There is of course no better way to get a great picture than to own a more expensive camera.  For the amateurs out there, after a little adjusting of this 70 LED light and you’ll have gotten rid of any harsh shadows.  You won’t have a cord to trip over either, since the camera is rechargeable.  The light just easily attaches to your camera’s hot shoe and you’re ready to shoot.  You can pick it up on Brando’s website for $60.

Source: Crunchgear

I think I must be fated to report on this particular product, because my daughter is singing “Eye of the Tiger” on RockBand 2 as I am writing this. In case you don’t remember 1982 (Uncle Rico’s most and least favorite year), it was when Rocky III was dominating the box office, right beside E.T..

It would appear that Rocky III flash drives use the same technology as the Humping USB Dog that was circulating around gadget blogs a few years ago. Yeah, how else can you make Rocky, Apollo, and Clubber do sit ups? Too bad you can’t wipe that goofy smile off Apollo’s face.

Personally, I think that Rocky III was the best of the Rocky sexology (that’s a group of six films, not some sexual thing). That was the one where Rocky, who is essentially resting on his laurels, has to face his greatest foe, Clubber Lang (Mr. T). Rocky has to dig deep down inside to find his personal “Eye of the Tiger”, and he is trained by Apollo Creed, his opponent from the first two movies.

Well, if you are a huge diehard Rocky fan, then you should probably lay down about $30 each for these guys.

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At first glance it appears that this is just a sweet little panda in the form of a USB drive.  However, after glancing back you start to notice there’s something slightly strange about the panda.  It’s actually a panda skull, sort of.  At least the mouth part is, as for the rest of the panda, it’s pretty much normal.  It’s not exactly the most cheerful USB drive out there.  However, if you’re on the lookout for something less than chipper, this is the USB drive to grab.

This Panda Skull USB Drive comes from Solid Alliance and is available in 6 different colors.  Those include white, blue, yellow, green, pink and black.  So at least you get a variety of options to choose from as far as color goes.  These only come in one size though and it’s not the largest out there.  It’s available with 2GB of storage.  Which is a bit on the shabby side when you consider that it’s going to cost you Â¥ 3,900 or about $41.  It’s not exactly a bargain.

Source: GeekAlerts

I’m not certain if you are aware of this, but Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*Star) has developed gender recognition system.

This picture here from CommunicAsia 2009 gives you an idea of the technology with the webcam and the mirror. You will note the surprise on this guys face as the computer knows that “You Got Male”.

The tech is some sort sophisticated algorithm in order to differentiate facial features between males and females. So its not looking at any anatomy below the neck or anything, otherwise Robert Paulson from Fight Club would be mislabeled. This is probably a good time for a joke about how this new technology would label an individual who has received a sex-change operation.

Unfortunately, this tech only works if someone is actually facing the camera. However, this gender recognition system is still in beta testing, but A*Star hopes to have a better version out soon.

Some may wonder what use this technology is. Apparently, someone wants to design billboards that can detect your gender. This way they know how to market to you. So if you are a man, you will see ads for male performance enhancements. And if you are female, you will see ads for female performance enhancements, I guess.

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There have been several different USB drives turned into a necklace, but there have been quite a bit less necklace MP3 players.  If for some reason the necklace MP3 players are something you’d like to try out, this one from Brando would probably do the trick.  Much like the other gadgets turned into jewelry, it’s a little on the cheesy side.  With the oversized jewel, it’s unlikely that anyone could possibly overlook this necklace.

The necklace comes in two different sizes, one with 2GB of built-in memory and then the other with 4GB.  Then after you choose the size, you get to choose the color.  Your options are red, green or blue.  If you’re hoping for something that’s going to disguise that you’re wearing an MP3 player, then this probably isn’t the gadget for you.  The chain itself looks like they have just run the earbud’s cord through the pendant.  It is an affordable option though.  The smaller MP3 player will cost you $26 and the larger $29.

Source: GeekyGadgets

Want something different for your room? Well, if only the Sputnik LED Lamp and Storage Chest designed by Shane Crozier could actually move from being a concept device to being an actual manufactured device. This unique lamp gets its design inspiration from the iconic satellite that was fired into orbit all the way back in 1957. This concept will come with the now recognizable quartet of individual LED antennae which can pivot on a universal joint, enabling it to both fill a space while fitting into crevasses according to your liking. As for the base area, it offers some storage space and remains stable thanks to being weighted by the power adapter.

Source: Yanko Design

In view of the global economic slowdown, many companies are doing their part to reduce their operating costs, and some of these include flying executives to congregate in one place just to hold a meeting and come to an agreeable business decision. Why, with the proliferation of broadband technology and video conferencing facilities these days, there is no longer and need to live out a jet-setting lifestyle. The Samsung VC240 is a perfect example of such a device - this LCD monitor comes with a 5-megapixel camera, displaying video in 24″ glory. The VC240 will rely on V2oIP for communications and works with other VoIP systems and SIP control units as well. Video is compressed using the H.264 codec, and you ought to have crystal clear communications with its noise-canceling microphone. Samsung will offer the VC240 this fall for $1,999.

Source: OhGizmo!

If you’re an avid biker and love zipping down the roads especially at night, do yourself a favor by increasing your visibility greatly with the Akuma Apache Helmet. This $349 headgear will come equipped with a couple of rear LED lamps that help increase your visibility. You will be able to switch between two modes - steady and flashing. In addition, should you get lost on your travels and need to consult a road map or even change a burst tyre along a deserted road with no street lamps in sight, there is the handy front facing reading light. Check out the specifications and features below before you decide to part with three and a half Benjamins.

• Integrated rechargeable power system
• Ultra bright LED
• Hypoallergenic, removable, & washable interior
• Chin-Curtain
• DOT & ECE 22-05 Certified
• Composite Fiberglass/Kevlar construction
• Superior airflow through 6 vents
• Wind tunnel designed aerodynamic shape
• UV resistant clear-coat

Each purchase comes with a wall charger.

Product Page via Likecool

Epson does not only dabble in projectors as well as a range of other consumer electronics, but they have recently introduced yet another device that ought to help the school system get its lessons across to students in a more effective method. The device in question would be the Epson AP-60 Sound Enhancement System that is touted to be “a first of its kind”, offering a “complete and fully-integrated K-12 classroom sound solution designed to engage students in active learning.” What does active learning consist of? Well, for starters, the Epson AP-60 functions as a revolutionary speaker system that was specially developed for the classroom, and is capable of delivering 360 degrees of sound. It doesn’t matter if you’re constructing a new school or retrofitting the installation with a ceiling mounted projector, the Epson AP-60 will fit in nicely. A high-quality infrared pendant microphone meant for teachers and students alike helps enhance vocal clarity and intelligibility in addition to amplifying from numerous classroom audio sources.

According to Heather Litus Johnston, product manager, K-12 Education Marketing, Epson America, Inc., “Many studies have revealed that when teachers are more clearly heard, the level of student engagement grows and lessons are more likely to be effective. The Epson AP-60 amplifies and projects teachers’ voices in order to make their speech more understandable to students, while decreasing the strain on teachers. Our sound system is also designed to be unobtrusive to the teacher while providing quality audio that can be heard clearly in all parts of the classroom.”

We’re pretty sure that parents would love to have something like this in their homes as kids these days don’t seem to hear when listening, or is it listening when hearing? Either way, communications is vital and it is hoped that this advancement by Epson will be able to help students do their best in the classroom.

Press Release

If you’re currently in two minds (or even three) when it comes to purchasing a brand new handset, have you considered the recently released BlackBerry Tour from Sprint, or would you rather take on the T-Mobile Dash 3G instead? Both of them, after all, do not take the iPhone route as they do not come with a full touchscreen display, but will feature a full QWERTY keyboard instead that ensures you get all those text messages as well as important emails out in double quick time without making a mistake. The latest 3G-enabled smartphone from T-Mobile will bring together a balance of personal and professional connections in a sleek design, allowing you to take full advantage of T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network. Should you happen to be in a region that does not have that high speed connection, there is always its built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) connectivity to fall back upon to make sure you don’t miss a single online event.

The T-Mobile Dash 3G, also know by other names in different markets as the HTC Snap and S522, was specially designed by HTC and will run on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system. It comes in a glossy-black finish accompanied by red accents, and will feature an easy-to-use trackball which is rather similar to those found in many staple BlackBerrys for easy navigation, alongside a vibrant display to make sure you don’t miss a single moment. Other functions supported by the Dash 3G include voice calling, messaging, support for personal and business e-mail, GPS for location-based services, and synchronization with Microsoft Outlook to make sure you never miss a beat.

There is no word on how much T-Mobile will be offering this smartphone, but we sure hope it will be priced below that of the recently unveiled iPhone 3G S as anything more will surely send more and more people flocking towards the fruity handset. How much would you for out for something like the Dash 3G?

Press Release

The winner of last week’s coolest gadget competition is the World’s Smallest USB Microwave.

Beanzawave is the world’s smallest portable microwave and on top of that, it supports USB. It’s small size, combined with USB connectivity allows this gadget to sit comfortably on any desk. Perfect for students and office workers who are looking for a warm snack or a hot drink without having to step away from their work at hand.

Congrats again to Coated.

In second place we have the Zune HD.

Right ok, this media player may not be called an iPod, but stay with me as it certainly has some great features that you won’t find on Apple’s equivalent, the iPod Touch - The Zune HD features a 16:9 widescreen OLED screen which gives great images and makes it a joy to use its interface, a HD radio receiver and the option to output 720p high definition video to your HDTV - they’ve really raised the bar in terms of media players with this device!

Finally in third place comes the DX Skullcandy/ Ionized Snow Goggles with matching headphones.

You can’t get cooler than the snow- protect your eyes on the piste this summer with a pair of Dragon Alliance Snow Goggles with Skullcandy collaboration. This one allows you to be safe as well as integrating a pair of headphones into the mix so you can zoom off (or fall off) to your favourite tunes. They’re helmet compatible, with 100% UV protection and fog free lenses in a Polyurethane frame. The colour scheme isn’t exactly the greatest but who can resist a 2-for-1 gadget these days?

Thank you to everybody who voted, submitted, commented or told a friend. The randomly drawn winner of the $50 Amazon vouchers is:

Distahs (darrell.h…@), congratulations.

Thanks again everybody and good luck with the next CGOTW contest on Friday.

Want to hear about future contests first? Subscribe to our daily digest via email or RSS.

If you write for a gadget themed blog and wish to be included in next week’s contest check out the CGOTW instructions page.

Epson is no stranger when it comes to the world of projectors, as they are currently the number-one selling projector brand worldwide. This time round, they’re offering a trio of new models from its fabled PowerLite line of multimedia projectors, targeting the education market in the process. The three projectors would be the PowerLite S7, 79 and W7, and all of them were specially designed to offer outstanding image quality, connectivity, easy to use features, and affordability, letting schools give the best to students without breaking their annual budget in the process. Despite keeping the price relatively low, it also comes with features that are normally not found in entry-level offerings, including USB Plug ‘n Play, audio output, closed captioning, and extended lamp life up to 4,000 hours.

First off, the Epson PowerLite S7 will come with 2,300 lumens color light output and 2,300 lumens white light output alongside SVGA (800 x 600) resolution. As for the PowerLite 79 and W7, you get 2,200 lumens color light output and 2,200 lumens white light output while the PowerLite 79 is come with XGA resolution. Last but not least is the PowerLite W7 that is equipped with WXGA resolution (16:10 aspect ratio) and is fully compatible with widescreen notebooks. All of these projectors won’t break your back whenever you carry them around for conferences as they tip the scales at just 5.1 pounds, making them roughly which 30% smaller than their predecessors.

So, if you happen to run an education institution or just want to purchase a new projector for personal use, how much damage will these do to your bottomline? The Epson PowerLite S7, 79 and W7 will retail for $549, $649 and $749, respectively as they are released later this October 2009 through a variety of channels. All purchases will come with a 2-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.

Press Release

Are you currently looking for a new smartphone to replace your previous one that just died? Well, there are tons of choices out there to make even the most seasoned phone user befuddled, and Sprint isn’t helping either with their latest BlackBerry offering - the BlackBerry Tour. This handset is now available from the self-proclaimed “most dependable 3G network” in America, allowing you to stay connected not only domestically but whenever you head overseas - just make sure you can afford to pay for the international roaming fees lest you rack up a monthly data bill that is more than enough to purchase a brand new car.

This powerful mobility tool is one sophisticated device which ultimately aims to make you even more productive (seriously, where do you draw the line between keeping your own life and letting the company own ALL of you) and better equipped to handle the deluge of appointments in personal as well as business lives. Folks who have an active social calendar will find the BlackBerry Tour to be an effective tool in keeping them connected, offering easy access to most people’s favorite social networking sites including Flickr, MySpace and Facebook. Well, guess this means you can get your poking done just about anywhere you are, but on the downside it might turn you into an addict in the process.

Other features of the BlackBerry Tour smartphone includes a vibrant high-resolution display at 480 x 360 pixels, the intuitive trackball navigation found in most BlackBerrys, a full QWERTY keyboard, corporate and personal email with attachment viewing, a built-in calendar to keep track of your appointments, an integrated address book and a microSDHC memory card slot that offers the potential to add up to 16GB of expandable memory. A 3.2-megapixel camera is there for you to snap photos on the go, where you get variable zoom, auto focus, flash and image stabilization to help you capture the best looking image possible. Interested? Sprint is offering the BlackBerry Tour for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $50 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate.

Press Release

Folks who have had given the Rubik’s Cube a go will know just what a frustrating experience it was, but the satisfaction you get from solving it sure beats just about anything else (OK, maybe not but you get the idea). Here’s an updated version to help you end up with frazzled hair - the Rubik’s Mirror Blocks Cube that has different sizes to solve, so if you think having a good personal time includes going mad, be my guest to fork out $19.99 for this.