Gadgets Blog

Solar chargers are thankfully getting smaller and smaller, which is good for those of you that prefer to use renewable energy every chance you get.  It’s also great for those that just would like to have a small solar charger in case of an emergency.  This one is plenty small enough that it could even easily fit into your pocket.  It’s ideal for all of your smaller gadgets to give you a charge when you’re in dire need of one.

Something like this would not only be great to have around, but having a spare one to keep in your car just in case of emergencies would be great too.  You can charge up cellphones, MP3 players and digital cameras.  This small Sun Drive is actually only 64mm by 25.8mm.  On a full charge it’ll give your phone up to 100 minutes of continuous talk time and up to 25 hours of standby time on a single charge.  The solar panel isn’t out just yet and there’s no real price right now.  When it does come out though, it looks like it’s at least initially going to only be hitting the South Korean market.

Source: TechFresh

This is one of those man cave gadgets that makes most men drool upon first sight of it.  I’m not sure what draws the eyes first, that shiny diamond plating or the nice flat screen TV.  It’d blend in within any garage alongside all of the rest of your toolboxes.  Then to top things off this cabinet has an added bonus, not only do you get to hide out and watch the game, but you get cold beer thanks to the built-in kegerator.

Of course I think the design has some set backs to it.  Yes, it does look great, but the tap for the keg is in front of the TV.  Which when you have people over is going to get a little obnoxious, since they have to walk right in front of the TV to get a fresh beer.  The cart itself has a weight capacity of 6,000 lbs and is 23.5” deep by 47.5” wide by 64” tall.  It has powdercoated steel plating and welded 6” phenolic casters.  You can attach a flat screen of your choosing up to it, it can be up to 44” wide.  To get yourself one it’ll cost you about $1,680.

Source: Ubergizmo

I’ve always wanted to have a garden with a waterfall, but what if I had a garden with four waterfalls? Better yet, what if I had a garden with four waterfalls that went uphill?

No, this isn’t some sort of waterfall garden in some Land of Broken Laws of Physics, but the Chelsea Garden Show in New York this year. This “Wrong Garden”, designed by James Dyson, took about one year to create, and was inspired by the uphill waterfalls from artist M.C. Escher.

In case you can’t read the tiny print from the illustration, the waterfall works with air pumped from a sealed tank with bubbles rising to make the illusion of uphill flowing water.

It certainly is one of the most creative things that I have seen in a long time. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if you put a paper boat on the Wrong Garden. Would the boat float up hill before it would plummet over the falls? And assuming it survived the fall, would it be able to flow uphill again?

Personally, I wouldn’t mind making this Wrong Garden bigger, and building a house in the middle of it. Of course, I wouldn’t know how to get my car in and out of the driveway. Maybe you can make an arch in one of the ramps.

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While I was at Radio Shack the other day, I saw two things that caught my attention. The first was the sign out front was not changed to “The Shack”, even though they officially changed their name to that about a month ago. The two guys working there didn’t seem to know if or when that sign would be changed either.

I also got a chance to see an interesting toy that I’m surprised I haven’t seen advertised during Spongebob Squarepants.

The Hexbugs come in four forms: the Ant, Inchworm, Crab, and Original. I have described each type from left to right in the photo after the jump.

The Ant ($9.99) “reacts to touch” and will go forward until it hits something, and then will go backward.

The Inchworm ($19.99) looks more insect-like than worm, but it features a control that allow two Inchworms to be controlled at the same time.

The Crab ($14.99) not only looks like a crab but behaves like one as it will hide in a shaded area until loud sound or light will bring it out in the open.

The Original ($9.99) will change direction as it reacts to obstacles in its path, as well as reacting to loud sounds.

Each of the Hexbugs come in five different colors, and are available on the Hexbug website.

Introducing a unique MP3 player known simply as Play. It is so good that it is backed by former NSYNC member Justin Timberlake. This MP3 has one unique feature, as it comes with its own fragrance that you can apply to your skin.

It also has another unique feature as it does not play MP3s. That’s right, those buttons there is just part of the packaging, and this is really a Givenchy colonge sponsored by the former boy band member himself.

So why bottle a cologne like it is an MP3 player? Believe it or not, the answer is not just “because they can”. Apparently it is inspired by “mobile multimedia gadgets, those quintessential objects of modernity and style that have become both everyday objects and icons of our era”.

So what’s next, scents that look like iPhones and BlackBerries? The latter might make interesting packaging for a Gossip Girl perfume, maybe.

Considering that we live in an age where video ads can be placed in magazines, can’t we just up and make a scent that has an integrated MP3 Player?

Especially since many MP3 players are tiny, and could easily fit on the bottom of a fragrance. I suppose they could figure out a way to put the controls near the top like this bottle, but if the scent leaks, that could be a problem.

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This is one of those simple items that would be great to keep in your laptop case for whenever you happen to need it.  After all, there is nothing quite as obnoxious as wanting to unplug your laptop, but still wanting the end of the cord to stay on the table top.  Especially since it almost never stays where you want it to, it inevitably falls underneath the table.  Then you’re stuck crawling on your hands and knees to find where the cord went.  This hook would save you from having to go on that search.

It just easily slips on the edge of the table and then it holds onto the cord of your choosing.  Personally, having a MacBook, this clip would make my life far easier.  Since on occasion I just accidentally bump the side of my laptop and the cord instantly drops to the floor.  The clip comes in two different sizes the smaller will working with tables up to 1” thick and the larger up to 1.75” thick.  You can purchase one of these clips for $11 from Charles & Marie.

Source: Bookofjoe

Don’t own a breed that is pretty much quiet all the time? The Bark Buster ought to do the trick when it comes to keeping your four-legged friend quiet - this sonic device will emit a high-pitched pulse inaudible to humans that will irritate the fur out of your dog, although it is harmless in a way. This will kick in the Pavlovian behavior of remaining quiet at all times, barking only when the situation calls for it (such as when a stranger with ill-intention comes your way). Effective within a 20 foot radius, the Bark Buster comes with two sensitivity levels - and can be used indoors as well as outdoors. You can pick up the Bark Buster for $14.99.

The Wiimote is one versatile piece of plastic, as an enterprising brain decided to pick its innards and replace it with the presence of an iPod Shuffle inside. Heck, even the case has been modified a bit to accommodate a pair of headphones, with the Shuffle residing comfortably within the confines of where the AA batteries are supposed to be. Definitely adding a whole lot more bulk to what was once an extremely portable MP3 player, this Wiimote hack will surely attract attention wherever you go.

Source: Technabob

Casio is back with yet another entry-level digital camera, with the Casio EX-Z33 taking up news space this time round. This 10.1-megapixel shooter will come with a 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.5″ widescreen LCD display, Automatic face recognition and Best Shot function to help beginners capture shots that they never thought possible with a manual film camera in the first place. As for the Auto Shutter mode, it allows the EX-Z33 to shoot automatically whenever the subject smiles or when there is no blur. It boasts a Best Shot function which allows the camera to adjust to the scene being shot automatically, regardless of whether these are in portrait or landscape mode, and will take into account a variety of settings including shooting flowers, romantic sunsets and candlelight dinners, sports shots among others, totaling 23 various scenarios in total.

Blur detection technology on the EX-Z33 allows this digital camera to shoot a photo the moment hand shake or subject movement stops. Makes me curious to know whether it is able to handle hard-to-please customers like yours truly, as my hands seem to suffer from a perpetual shake despite the fact that I am below 30 and surely do not suffer from any form of Parkinson’s or nerve-related diseases. When snapping self-portraits, the EX-Z33 can also take an image the moment the user’s face fills the frame, although it might be too impromptu since the subject might not be ready and armed with a smile just yet. Best to stick to the smile detecting function first then.

Nice to know that Casio has not left out the YouTube generation with its YouTube Capture Mode which is able to record videos at resolutions ideal for YouTube, allowing you to upload directly thanks to the included computer software without having to go through the hassle of converting your videos into a YouTube-friendly format beforehand. Nice to see a basic digital camera up the ante in terms of technology and features these days.

Source: Photographyblog

There has been a fair number of e-book readers available in the market to date, and this time round we have Adtec Corp. from the Land of the Rising Sun that will release their latest electronic book reader at the end of next month in the land of its birth. This model will be built based on the “eSlick”, and just in case that comes across as rather familiar, the eSlick is currently being sold Stateside by Foxit Software Co., although Adtec’s version will (obviously) support the Japanese language. For those living in Japan, the Adtec e-book reader will be exclusively available from Adtec under the Foxit brand.

This reader will comprise of Prime View International (PVI) Co. Ltd.’s OEM device and Foxit’s proprietary software, merging to become a decent force where e-book readers are concerned. For its display, Adtec has settled for a black-and-white electronic paper screen that was developed based on E Ink Corp’s technologies. Measuring a rather generous 6″ in size, you will find that its 800 x 600 resolution ought to be enough when handling all of your portable electronic reading material. Unfortunately, the reader will lack built-in Wi-Fi capability which clearly is a strong case against picking one up - after all, many other newer e-book readers already come with integrated Wi-Fi support, considering the number of wireless hotspots that have mushroomed around the world no matter where we are. The lack of Wi-Fi would mean transmitting content data through USB or by an SD memory card. We have also heard that this reader will support contents compatible with iDoc K.K.’s “KeyringPDF” DRM technology.

Expect Adtec’s online store to be the main seller of this e-book reader, where it will retail for around Â¥30,000 (approximately US$319). Adtec is targeting sales of up to 50,000 units in fiscal 2009, and word has it that the company is currently building coalitions with several firms to increase the number of contents. For those who can wait, Adtec will be working on a new next-generation model of the e-book reader that will be released next year in Japan, where it will feature color electronic paper and wireless communication capability. Given that 2010 isn’t too far away, we’d prefer to wait till then.

Source: Tech-On

Renewable energy is something that has become an important part of technology, which makes it important to teach the younger generations about it.  This isn’t one of those kits that only teaches about solar energy, instead it helps children to compare more than one type of of renewable energy.  Allowing for them to see for themselves how well each one works.  This experiment kit would be great for any kid that enjoys science and seeing how things work.

This little toy has a wind turbine, a solar cell, electrolytic cells, and a hand-operated dynamo.  All of which can be used to create renewable energy.  The electricity is stored in the rechargeable battery and then in turn is used to power a motor, LED lights and a buzzer.  There is also a built-in voltmeter that will allow for the child using it to observe each type of energy and its effectiveness.  Within the manual that comes with it, it also teaches kids how to reduce energy costs within the home.  You can purchase the kit for $49.95 from Hammacher and Schlemmer.

Source: RGS

My gardening talents have always been somewhat limited, it seems that every year I kill a few less plants, but I’m still definitely not skilled.  I’m sure I’m not the only one that envies the perfectly symmetrical plants that hang at the homes of people that aren’t so bad at gardening.  Well now instead of attempting to remember to rotate your plant, you can have a gizmo to do it for you.  You won’t even have to remember to change the batteries.

Just hang this from one of your hanging plant hooks and then hang a plant from the other end of the gadget.  You won’t ever have to change out the batteries since this gadget is completely solar powered.  The brighter the sun is that day, the more the plant turns.  Although be careful when hanging up your basket since this hook can only hold a maximum of 27 pounds.  You can purchase these Smart Solar Roto Basket hooks for $14.95 a piece from Amazon.

Source: GadgetGrid

For those of you that prefer a sleek look, these headphones probably aren’t going to be your thing.  Instead of attempting to keep things slim, they make them even more clunky.  Although perhaps something like this could be useful.  If all of those zippers are in working order, then you might find an extra pocket in each side to store small items like small MP3 players.

Of course they don’t actually mention if it works.  They do at least point out that one of the zippers when unzipped makes it so that the pouches come completely undone from the headphones.  These were created by two designers, Desiree Heiss and Ines Kaag.  Of course to get your hands on these Ed Phones headphones, you’re going to have to pay a ridiculous $680.68 from EShop Design.  If you’re into having the newest and most unique accessories out there though, I’m sure that you’re well used to the hefty price tags.

Source: ChipChick

Can’t get enough of George Lucas’ creation? The Star Wars Force Trainer ought to be a toy that not only children will enjoy but adults as well. Remember the early Jedi training that Luke Skywalker had with his lightsaber? Well, this one’s different as it purportedly develops your power of concentration.

The Star Wars Force Trainer is a fantastic leap forward in technology. The headset actually measures your brainwaves - brainwaves you will learn how to control. Seriously, your brainwaves will lift the ball in the Star Wars Force Trainer device (well, technically air will, but the strength of your brainwaves will control the power of the air). Using dry sensor technology, the Force Trainer can determine the differences between the alpha, beta, gamma and delta waves present in your brain. You can control these different brain ’states’ by using your ability to focus and to concentrate. A micro-chip inside the Force Trainer then uses an algorithm to figure out which brain state you are in and then decides how to raise or lower the ball based on that state.

Sounds almost like magic, but there really isn’t anything more than modern technology at work here. The Star Wars Force Trainer can be yours for $119.99 a pop.

Forget about big boys’ toys - this one is for the kids. This little digital camera will not only be able to capture favorite memories from the eyes of your little one, it was also built tough to withstand the rigors of being a child’s toy.

Housed in a thick plastic case with sold, rubber handholds that provide a sure grip for an entire hand (versus just using the fingers), the camera has a 0.3 MP image sensor that takes both 640 x 480 resolution pictures and 320 x 240 resolution videos. It has a fixed-focus lens, so children simply line up a shot and press the button; images are shown on its 1″ color display. It can store up to 150 JPEG pictures and 3 1/2 minutes of AVI video on its 16 MB memory, which can be downloaded to a computer running Windows via the included USB cable.

Each $59.95 purchase comes with relevant software used for image editing once your kid is done, and it will be powered by a quartet of AA batteries. Don’t worry about Junior breaking your DSLR now after getting him this!

Nice to see gadgets being used to delegate teaching our kids stuff, including telling the time. Guess robot nannys aren’t really too far-fetched to consider, eh? Hammacher’s Talking Teaching Alarm Clock is another device that picked up the Product of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine, where it will whip your little ones into shape verbally where telling the current time is concerned.

The clock displays a random analog time on a high-contrast LCD and asks, “What time is it?” in a clear female voice. Children can check their answers by pressing a button that prompts the clock to speak the correct time and display the digital equivalent. The clock is preprogrammed with five levels of difficulty, beginning with only round hours (three o’clock) and progressing to more difficult-to-learn times. Times can also be entered manually, allowing you to customize lessons. You can set the clock face to turn green at a specific time in the morning, signaling to a child that it is okay to get out of bed. The clock has a working alarm, 10-minute snooze function, and a night-light.

You can opt for it to be powered by either AC or a couple of AAA batteries. It retails for $49.95 a pop, and is a great way to introduce your kids to the wonderful world of the snooze alarm concept - something they might regret in the future as they snooze past their working time.

At first glance, both this remote controlled car and spider look pretty ordinary, but wait till you reveal its secret capability of being able to defy gravity - that ought to shock some of your friends while turning the rest green with envy. The Gravity Defying Gizmos have the ability to ride on the wall and ceiling.

Choose between the classic red car design or freak your family out with the spider. Both of them have an inbuilt fan system that creates enough suction to defy gravity while their tracks keep them moving along, letting you tear around the living room wall or kitchen ceiling. Of course, if you’re feeling less adventurous you can always flick their switch and play with them on the floor. Now you can take the fun ALL over the house.

It doesn’t matter whether you settle for the Gravity Defying Spider or Gravity Defying Car - either one will still cost you £29.99. Just make sure you have a pack of rechargeable batteries handy as they will require half a dozen AAs to get up and moving.