Transparent Canoe Kayak




Do you love the great outdoors? For those who have answered in the affirmative, which appeals to you more â€" the mountains and forest, or the beach as well as rivers? Some might like both, but this particular mode of transport across rivers and other bodies of water is made all the more special by virtue of the material. With an asking price of a rather high $1,900, the Transparent Canoe Kayak lives up to its reputation.

Basically, the Transparent Canoe Kayak is a canoe-kayak hybrid which comes with a transparent polymer hull that will allow paddlers to drink in an underwater vista that cannot be found in conventional boats. It seats two (how romantic), where the sturdy hull is made of the similar durable material that can be found in the cockpit canopies of supersonic fighter jets €" yup, that’s how tough it is. As long as your combined weight (with all your gear) does not exceed 425 lbs., you are good to go. The adjustable seats enable paddlers to personalize their leg room, and since it boasts of a lightweight anodized aluminum frame, you can store or transport the Transparent Canoe Kayak in a jiffy.

Foc.us headset wants to overclock your head

by - on July 3rd, 2013

I’m a bit of a computer nut, and I love tinkering with new hardware. It’s fun to get a new piece of equipment in, and see just how much of a difference it makes on your system. It’s also a lot of fun to see how far you can push it. If you want to maximize your performance, you can do something called overclocking, which makes the processor run faster than it was originally meant to. This is especially helpful when you want an older machine to still perform like new. Now if only we could do the same thing for our brains.

According to FOC.US LABS, you can actually push your brain to perform more quickly. They have developed a specialized headset to do this very thing. The foc.us headset is supposed to help your synapses fire faster by using a method called Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation. This sends small amounts of current into your brain, and is used to help stroke victims.

So what is the point of “overclocking your head”, as they put it? They are marketing this as a device for gamers to use. The idea is that the faster your brain can process information, the faster you can react. While this seems like a logical conclusion, I don’t really feel like zapping myself in the brain to get a competitive edge. If you think it’s worth a potentially fried brain, then you’ll need only lay down $250 to get your own.

Source: Dvice

Motrr ships Bluetooth-enabled Galileo robotic dock

by - on November 25th, 2013

You might not have heard of Motrr before, but they are the designers of the highly acclaimed Gorillapod camera tripods that have become popular, as these accessories would enable one to shoot photos from really extreme angles without having you to worry about the safety of your camera equipment. Well, this time around, we are pleased to announce that Motrr has started to ship the Bluetooth model of its popular Galileo robotic dock. This is one $149.95 robotic dock which will play nice with the latest iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, not to mention its predecessors of up to the iPhone 4S, and the fifth generation of the iPod touch. What one should take note of is this â€" the original 30-pin model actually picked up $702,427 in pledges when it was launched on Kickstarter last year, which happened to be over seven times the fundraising goal.

One of the first apps that have been created in order to integrate itself with the new Bluetooth model would be a remote-monitoring app that they call Airbeam, while the Presence app would also be able to play nice with the original 30-pin model. With the Bluetooth-enabled Galileo robotic dock, parents are now able to keep an eye on their kids even if they are in a different room, as well as having this function as some sort of security device to make sure that your home remains as it is, even when you are away from it for work or a holiday.

Since the mantra of “there’s an app for that” has become more or less something which is “normal”, it is also not surprising to find the $3.99 AirBeam app turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a real-time HD video and audio monitoring system when it is used in tandem with the Galileo system, of course. Heck, this is one time you would wish that the iPhone arrives with a larger screen size, especially when you consider how you can set up multiple Galileos to view multiple screens simultaneously.

Press Release

MeCam HD allows you to document life on the move

by - on November 25th, 2013

You know how it goes â€" life seems to be all too fleeting whenever you are having a good time, and when the bitter times arrive, it could end up feeling as though time has stopped, or is moving ever too slowly. Well, a certain Drew Martin thinks that there is a solution when it comes to documenting those fun moments in life without you having to actually make an effort and tape a video recorder to your forehead all the time. This is thanks to the MeCam, where it is touted to be a proprietary, mini hands-free wearable video camera. However, just like how all things end up being obsolete after a while, the MeCam, too, might have actually outlived its usefulness. This is why there is an improvement made to the MeCam, where the second generation is now known as the MeCam HD.

The MeCam HD will definitely be able to retain its extremely diminutive form factor, where it will tip the scales at a mere 2.5 ounces, while measuring a pocket friendly 2” × 2”. As its name suggests, the MeCam HD does more than just shooting in High Definition resolution, it is able to do so in Full HD â€" that would be 1080p for those of you who prefer to be more technical, capturing all of those moments of life in an impromptu manner thanks to its high-grade glass lens. Of course, I am quite sure that the name MeCam Full HD would not ring off the tongue as nicely as MeCam HD, so that’s that.

Each MeCam HD would arrive with a proprietary app that will hook up the device using Wi-Fi connectivity to any compatible smartphone or tablet. This would enable the user to view in real-time what they are recording, playback, and share content, all without the need to hook up to a computer. Apart from that, you can use it for video as well as photography purposes. What about movement, you ask? That is solved thanks to a 3-axis internal gyroscope which offers image stabilization whenever you are moving around. Some of the photo options include a simple one shot, three time burst options that allow you to capture a series of photos in quick succession, and three different time lapse options. The thing is, will the MeCam HD be able to meet its funding goal in time to become reality?

Press Release

Frustr8tor Pocket Brain Teaser – Can you muster the patience?

by Caitlyn - on November 19th, 2013

Frustr8tor Brain Game
We look back on history and oftentimes feel as though we’re missing out on something. Maybe we wish some of the mannerisms still held to present-day, or that some fashions had not gone out of style. Of course, if you actually went back in time for those few pleasantries, you would be met with an onslaught of other issues.

However, some things are good enough to stand the test of time. There’s a lot of music, art, and books that have come from ye olden days, as well as some games. We’re not just talking about hopscotch of course though. The Frust8tor Pocket Brain Teaser is a modern version of an old brain-buster from 1848. While the spelling might be a bit of an annoyance, the game, while simple, can keep your mind tangled for a good minute or more.

It is a puzzle of eight queens on a chess board. They can’t be allowed to kill each other, which means not being able to meet horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. There aren’t any small pieces, so you shouldn’t need to worry about dropping anything other than the game itself. To play, simply slide the markers. If you want to make it more difficult, you can toss in some red markers which take the place of the queen, and force a spot to be used. It’s $10, and could be a better alternative to Angry Birds while you’re on public transit.

Available for purchase on ThinkGeek

iPin Laser Pointer will make your smartphone presentation-ready

by Caitlyn - on October 30th, 2013

iPin
Doing a presentation can be extremely stressful. You have to look professional, stay within a certain time limit so your audience doesn’t lose interest, and make sure your information is well-organized and easy to understand. Of course, when you want to make specific points, having a laser pointer handy would be a good idea as well, but it is one more thing to remember to bring.

Needless to say, this is a lot to keep track of. While there are few ‘tools’ that you need for this occasion such as a projector and a computer, there are ways to make the whole process go much smoother. The iPin is a sort of Swiss army knife for those who have to get up and play show-and-tell to an audience. This is a laser pointer that pairs with an extremely useful app. Sadly, this is only for iPhone users from the 3S-current generations.

It plugs directly into your 3.5mm jack, and can be left there during your day-to-day activities. To make sure it’s not on, simply twist it ninety degrees. When you’re ready to go, open the app and tap the button. The app will also give you a timer so you can keep things short and sweet, give you a track pad by swiping up, and allow you to flip through slides. This will cost you around $50, and I would surely hope that the app is part of the purchase. Keep in mind that you will need to connect to WiFi to use this.

Available for purchase on iPin

Roll ‘n Go Car Seat Transporter pulls double duty as a stroller

by - on August 9th, 2013

brica-roll-n-go-car-seat-transporter

Traveling with kids can be a lot of work, as you tend to have to bring a lot with you. It’s not so bad when you’re driving your own car for the whole trip, but what if you’re taking a plane to see grandma? Well, she might not have a stroller, or a car seat, both of which are necessary when you have a young one. So how do you lug around all of these things in the airport? Well, imagine that your car seat acted like a stroller. That would make things much easier, right?

With the Brica Roll ‘n Go Car Seat Transporter, your child’s car seat can pull double-duty by essentially transforming into a stroller. Sure, it’s not quite the same, but it’s also not really intended to replace the stroller all of the time. This is more a way to use your car seat for something useful, rather than trying to carry it around the airport. The device is basically a two-wheel cart that you set the car seat on. Strap it in, pull up the handle, and you’re good to go.

What’s really nice is that the transporter folds down to just 2 and a half inches thick, and weighs only 5 pounds. This makes it easy to stow away if you’re boarding an airplane, and it doesn’t take up much space when storing it at home. If you frequently travel with a toddler, then this $75 investment might be a good one.

Source: CoolPile

The Bulletproof Suit – Sticks and stones may break my bones, but shooting me won’t hurt me

by Caitlyn - on November 18th, 2013


There are some jobs that have you constantly looking over your shoulder. Oftentimes, it’s with high-price products such as oil and diamonds. Thanks to Hollywood, we have an inkling of an idea of how dangerous that market is, but there are many times when real life is worse than what’s on a screen. Simple negotiations could end in someone being seriously injured or killed.

Needless to say, you don’t want to walk in or out of business talks in a different country with a security detail, as that shows you don’t trust the other party. However, if you want to make sure you’re safe from bullets, the suit tailor Garrison Bespoke will have you covered, literally. They put themselves in the market of making Bulletproof Suits. These are lightweight, modern, and can take several hits from 9mm bullets or an attack from a hunting knife.

This is possible thanks to a multitude of layers of custom carbon nanotubes that are the same design from US troops uniforms. Of course, this is patented, and is far thinner than what is used on the battlefield, but you will always have a literal shield when you walk into a meeting. This was said to cost somewhere around $20,000, as they are essentially providing life insurance. The only problem is if you face that kind of fear every day, and need a suit for every day of the week. Not only that, but while it may keep your vital organs safe, you have to remember that your head is still exposed. It may save you from one danger, but not all of them.

Available via Garrison Bespoke, found via technabob

Brother’s ScanNCut Machine – the Cricut Killer?

by Julie - on November 19th, 2013

It’s that time again. The holidays are creeping up on us, and at least in this house, thoughts have turned to Christmas cards, presents and picture taking. It’s this time of year I usually drag out my Cricut cutting machine to add some flair to holiday cards, make some decorative gift boxes and ornaments, and start up the scrapbooking. But there’s a new cutting machine in town, and it doesn’t require any of the creativity-hindering cartridges that the Cricut does…

Check out Brother’s ScanNCut Machine, a brand new personal cutting machine that can actually turn any of your scanned images into unique cutting designs and projects, and now you don’t need special software, or any of those pesky cartridges. Now you can create unique one-of-a-kind crafts, with the only limitation being your imagination!

The magic happens with the inclusion of a 300 DPI scanner. This enables you to  scan virtually anything â€" a sketch or drawing, a magazine clipping, personal photos, and more, allowing you to create virtually endless cut designs that you can save to the ScanNCut’s memory. And, you can even use the ScanNCut machine as a home scanner to archive your pictures, and documents, and save them for use in your home computer.

The ScanNCut machine is available in two models â€" the CM100DM and the CM550DX. Both machines have similar cutting capabilities but have different package options and features that will cater to an individual crafters needs. The machines start at under 400 bucks, and believe me, if you are a crafter or home hobbyist, you will find this machine indispensable for a tremendous number of your projects. Since accessories vary by model, please visit  brother-usa.com for more details, or amazon.com to just go ahead and get yourself one.

MOTO TC Rally adds a dash of excitement to your work desk

by - on November 19th, 2013

You know what they say â€" all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (or Jill a dull girl if you want to be politically correct in this day and age). Hence, what are some of the games which you could whip up in a jiffy that is fun as well as stress relieving? Of course, the smartphone and tablet platforms do offer their fair share of gaming titles, but how about something a little less modern, more rustic and is a throwback to the past despite building a bridge to the future? This is what the MOTO TC Rally from Griffin Technology is all about, as it comes in the form factor of a touch-controlled race car.

Whenever a compatible device is paired with the free MOTO TC Rally app, you are able to gain full control of the car, allowing you to drive, maneuver and race using your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Erica Kyle, Youth Product Line Manager at Griffin, shared, “MOTO TC Rally isn’t your typical remote-controlled car. We’ve added fun features like the Bump ‘n Run mode that uses impact sensors to detect bumps from other drivers and create an ultra-realistic racing experience so you can get competitive with friends.”

The MOTO TC Rally will be a whole lot more expensive compared to an actual app of course, as it retails for $99.99 a pop. Of course, the amount of money that you fork out for it should commensurate with the kind of gaming joy you get from it. It will hook up to your iOS-powered devices using Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE v4.0), where it boasts of super quick maneuvering capabilities thanks to proportional steering, impact sensors which are capable of detecting bumps and crashes while changing the way the car handles, a fully independent, shock-absorbing suspension, power rear-wheel drive, and ground effect lighting.

Android, Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry OS users will have to sit this one out, unfortunately.

Press Release

Skully P1 Helmet will let motorcyclists see behind and in front

by Caitlyn - on October 21st, 2013

Skully
Riding a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous. People in cars and larger vehicles seem to have little respect for those on a bike because of their ability to move through traffic a little bit faster (whether or not they’re supposed to). This is of course, extremely foolish, as they are far more protected inside of their metal covered vehicle than those on a motorbike. It’s pretty impossible to take a call or send text messages while you ride unless you have a death wish.

Of course, there are all sorts of pricey equipment out there that will let you call friends, or listen to music. However, I can’t say I’ve come across something like the Skully P1 Helmet before. This takes motorist connectivity quite seriously, and the most interesting feature is that there is a rear view camera that will show 180 degrees of what is behind you while you ride.

This heads up display appears to be several feet in front of you, and is advertised to not distract you on the road. It is capable of taking voice commands for texting, calls, navigation and more. This is a helmet you have to charge via micro USB, but one good charge should have you set for around 9 hours. At the present, there isn’t any pricing or availability just yet, but as the holiday season creeps ever closer, you can bet more information will surface soon. It is said to have a 2014 release date.

More information at Skully, found via technabob

Hydro Powered Jetovator makes water sports a whole lot more fun

by - on November 9th, 2013

hydro-jetovatorIf you like to swim around and basically have plenty of fun in the water, I am quite sure that swimming alone is not going to cut the mustard these days. There are so many different kinds of water sports for you to enjoy, and if you have the cash to spare, then the $7,000 Hydro Powered Jetovator might be worth considering as your next big budget purchase. Just what the heck is the Hydro Powered Jetovator? This happens to be a flying, steerable seat which will be able to suspend its rider 25 fee in the air with a trio of powerful jets of water.

It can be installed in a jiffy, and will also boast of a removable U-adapter that will redirect 90% of the rearward thrust of an existing personal watercraft. There is a 40 foot long hose that connects the PWC to the flying seat’s rear, where it will “feed” the seat’s three water jet nozzles with high-volume, low-pressure water so that one is able to achieve speeds of up to 25 mph. It is similar in aspect as to how a driver controls the trailing personal watercraft, where the flying seat’s rider will steer using a couple of individually controlled water nozzle levers which will enable backflips, barrel rolls, corkscrews, and even gives one the chance to perform 10′ dives underwater. It is reliable enough to use in salt water, although I don’t think it will be of much use in the Dead Sea.

Sensoria Fitness Bra will monitor your heart rate

by Caitlyn - on November 13th, 2013

Sensoria
You want to get the most out of your workout, so tracking your performance can help. You’ll see where you fall short, and can know when you’re going above and beyond. One key factor in all this is your heart rate. While most hearts are pretty capable of being put through the ringer, this is the one aspect of your body that never stops working, and you want to make sure you’re giving it just the right amount of push.

While heart rate monitors are great, wearing the strap it’s attached to is not so fun. For ladies, workouts in general are not very enjoyable if you don’t have a good sports bra. For all the women out there who want to keep their bodies inside and out in good condition, the Sensoria Fitness Sports Bra might help. This gives you a place to put a heart monitor, and negates the need for a strap.

Of course, bras are pretty expensive on their own, so it shouldn’t be a terrible surprise that this one is $59, as it has a special function. All in all, that’s asking a bit too much, as you’re still going to have to buy the monitor separately. All this provides is a pocket to put it. It is conveniently located at the breastbone, so it shouldn’t get in the way. It also has, ‘embedded ComfTech textile sensors offer an accurate heart rate monitoring signal through virtually any mobile app that is able to provide information such as: Heart Rate, Breathing Rate, and Calorie Burn ‘.

Available via Sensoriafitness, found via bookofjoe

Kisai Console Wood LED Watch is like a sci-fi control panel

by Caitlyn - on November 14th, 2013

Kisai Console Wood Watch
Your imagination is a most wonderful thing. When we were little kids, we could turn a stick into a sword, airplane, companion, and more. Sadly, we grow up being taught that creativity can only get you so far, and that it needs to be put on the back burner. Many people lose the ability to think outside the box, because most jobs don’t encourage you to do so. In fact, most of the time that sort of behavior is looked upon poorly either by your superiors or coworkers for showing them up.

Well, life’s no fun without a bit of change in the status quo. If you like bending the rules a bit, but don’t want to land yourself in trouble, your creative side is going to have to try and run parallel with the rest of your life. That goes hand in hand with looking the part of a professional. While there’s often not much you can do about the suit and tie type of dress code, you can always stand out a little bit with an imaginative time piece. If you want to make your mark, the TokyoFlash Kisai Console Wood LED Watch is definitely going to help you do it.

The wooden links and casing give is a classic feel, but the face of the watch makes it look like a science fiction control panel. It has a section for every hour, five minute intervals, and four sections to indicate exact minute. Once you realize how to read it, it’s quite simple. At a glance however, it looks like some sort of futuristic technology. This will cost you around $109, and comes in either a dark sandalwood with blue or green LED back lighting, or red sandalwood with green.  One charge should have you up and running for about a month, but you can charge it whenever you see fit.

Available on TokyoFlash

The Olympus Stylus 1 delivers DSLR performance in a compact form factor

by - on November 13th, 2013

olympus-stylus-1Olympus has once again redefined the enthusiast compact camera market segment by bringing together a slew of features that are found across its camera range in the new Stylus 1. Specially designed to target semi-pro shooters who want optical brilliance, it comes along with DSLR operation, convenience and portability, being a one-size-fits-all package. Apart from that, the Olympus Stylus 1 will also come with an i.ZUIKO lens which incorporates the outstanding optical quality of the Olympus ZUIKO interchangeable lenses. Right at its heart lies a large 1/1.7-inch BSI CMOS sensor and TruePic VI image processor, where it will be accompanied by extra features such as a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) that can also be found on the award-winning Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Wi-Fi connectivity so that you are able to capture and sharing anywhere.

Sporting a newly developed, ultra-slim 10.7x (28â€"300mm) high-power i.ZUIKO lens, it will deliver constant f2.8 brightness across the zoom range, making it versatile enough to capture wide to telephoto shots while delivering pro-quality stills with beautiful, defocused backgrounds and crisp images, never mind that you are shooting even in low light conditions. The large diameter lens will also come with a powerful, built-in VCM image stabilization mechanism which virtually eliminates camera shake and blur. Not only that, its lens is also able to capture stunning macro shots even from as close as 2” away.

Whenever you are not making use of the lens, it will retract fully into the camera body, placing it behind a removable automatic lens cap, allowing the Stylus 1 to fit into a coat pocket without batting an eyelid. The Stylus 1 will also feature a Fast Touch AF system from the Olympus PEN series for near-instant, precision focusing thanks to the tiltable LCD touchscreen monitor.

Not only that, there is also Full HD video recording capability, while you will also have Art Filters thrown into the mix with bracketing option, five Art Effects and Photo Story, too. The Olympus Stylus 1 will arrive later this December for $699.99 a pop, although there is only one color to choose from â€" black.

Product Page

Digitools Paint Pack could be a big stepping stone for little artists

by Caitlyn - on November 6th, 2013

Digitools Paint Pack
Art is a very prevalent part of our lives. We may not realize it, but every advertisement we see is the artistic work of someone in the world. While school places more emphasis on being well-learned in math, literature, and the sciences, being able to express yourself creatively is extremely important, as there is nothing more frustrating than wanting to play music or draw and feeling like you don’t know where to start.

As kids we started out with crayons and paper, but that’s a lot for parents to tote around nowadays. While we don’t want children to chew on or break a tablet, it’s almost impossible to play with what looks like a toy to them without letting them have a go at it. Since you’re already carrying that with you, why not have an app that will help foster an artistic side for your tiny tot? The Digitools Paint Pack will give little ones all they need to get on their way to using paints and markers.

This includes a digital paint brush that will give an effect that looks similar to actual brush strokes, a digital airbrush, paint roller, stamper, and carrying case. It’s far less of a mess than getting out the markers or crayons and hoping they don’t decide to try and eat them or draw on the walls. This is a $40 pack that will allow you to gauge whether or not your child has some artistic interest without putting in the investment into art supplies. That way letting them move to actual mediums will seem like a step up rather than a challenge.

Available via Crayola.

WowWee introduces RoboMe for the holiday season

by - on November 12th, 2013

robomeHave you ever wondered just how much trouble a parent has to go through in order to figure out just what to get for their little ones each year at Christmas? Not only that, it would not be nice to purchase the same old thing every single year, which means one will need to be extremely creative when it comes to getting the latest gifts. It is basically big business during the holiday season with gift giving approaching a natural peak, and the folks over at WowWee are all geared up for the occasion by introducing the RoboMe, a toy that allows you to “robo-fy” yourself.

WowWee has had some hits in the past such as the Robosapien and the Roboraptor, where RoboMe will now be the latest addition that fuses both personality and technology. In a nutshell, RoboMe is a completely customizable robotic avatar that will fall back on your iPhone or iPod touch to make it all the more interactive.

Just what kind of features does the RoboMe pack? For starters, it will be fully programmable, where it will boast of fun customizable faces and personalities. Not only that, it will also be able to perform remote visual telepresence, meaning whatever he “sees”, you too, will see the same thing. Sorta like a webcam on wheels if you ask me. Apart from that, RoboMe is able to autonomously roam and navigate through its environment, with the added ability to understand vocal commands.

As the RoboMe’s owner, you will also be able to have its sensor reactions customized, where it operates as a full-functioned R/C robot right out of the box. If you are interested in picking up the RoboMe for your kid (and who knows, for yourself as well?), it will be available at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide and online, retailing for $99.99 a pop, targeting kids that are aged 8 and older.

Press Release

PetChatz gives you Face Time with your dog

by Caitlyn - on November 9th, 2013

PetChatz
We hate leaving our pets alone for such a long stretch during the work day. Unless you can find a way to work from home, this will always be the case. They’re going to be happy every time you come through the door of course, but what do you do if you want to let your dog or cat know you’re thinking of them?

In the same way that you would shoot off a text to a friend or call your parents, PetChatz will allow you to communicate with your furry friends. This is a two-way live video feed that will connect you with home base whenever you need to say hello. Of course, giving your pet a little encouragement to come and sit for a while doesn’t hurt either.

Not only will this play a little tune to get your pet’s attention, but you’ll be able to talk, give them treats, and release a scent of your choosing. As this has motion and sound control, you can set it to let you know when they’re nearby. You’ll be able to check up on this through your computer, smartphone, or tablet. It is a good way to see how things are getting on at home, but it is a tad pricey at $349. Not only that, but this is only a working prototype at the moment. It should be noted that they plan to have a fully functional model by spring of 2014. If you are trying to train a pet, good luck keeping them from destroying this thing to get at the treats inside.

More information at Petchatz, found via CNET

ALARMclock will scare you out of bed with reality

by Caitlyn - on November 8th, 2013

ALARMclock DIE
What motivates you to get up and go to work every morning? Forcing yourself to do the same thing over and over again can be a little maddening, so why do it? Is it the rare occasion that you actually enjoy your job, or that you need the financial stability? Whatever your reason may be, there’s a good chance you have an alarm clock that tries to wake you with blaring sound or light. If that isn’t enough to give you a start, then what will?

The ALARMclock by Fig will certainly get you moving, as it brings in the early morning with cold hard facts. Some of our biggest fears as human beings are how much money we make, our level of importance, and finding meaning in our lives. If you can’t seem to muster the internal willpower to force yourself out of your comfy bed, the ALARMclock will let you know how pertinent it is that you get up and get out there.

This clock will let you know how much money is in your bank account, how many friends you have on your social networks, and your projected life expectancy. Talk about a serious killjoy. This is a bit too real for my tastes, but maybe it’s comforting to know exactly where you stand in life. It has a bright 2-bit LED screen, and a wooden enclosure. One of these will cost you $85 if you’re up to awakening to potentially depressing news every day.

Available for crowdfunding on Kickstarter

ALARMclock

Minecraft Light-Up Diamond Ore for the hardcore Minecraft fan in your life

by - on November 8th, 2013

minecraft-ore-lightEveryone has a favorite hobby, game or toy, and if it so happens that you know someone who lives, eats, and breathes Minecraft, you would do him or her well with the $19.99 Minecraft Light-Up Diamond Ore (also available in the UK from Amazon). Yes, this is one diamond ore that will be able to provide some ambient lighting whenever dusk falls, and it carries an adequate amount of light to ensure that monsters will remain hidden in their closets and under your bed so that you are able to enjoy a good night’s rest.

100% inspired by Minecraft and made by the good people over at ThinkGeek, the Minecraft Light-Up Diamond Ore works in a very simple manner. In order to activate it, just give it a tap, and you’re good to go. There are three different lighting levels to choose from, and they are low, medium, bright. Sure, it is not going to be as glitzy as an actually diamond for the other half, but one thing’s for sure â€" it is a piece of rock that is a whole lot more affordable. This is the ideal night light for Minecraft fans, and best of all is, you do not need to fear about accusations that you have a bootleg item from the Minecraft universe, as this is an officially licensed Minecraft collectible. Made out of ABS plastic, it will glow with internal LEDs thanks to the pair of AA batteries that power this bad boy.

Bang & Olufsen does the wireless speaker dance

by - on November 7th, 2013

beolabsWhen it comes to the name Bang & Olufsen, you know for sure that your ears are in for a treat. Of course, quality comes with a price, and do not expect any of the Bang & Olufsen products that you read about here today to arrive cheap as they will most probably make a considerable dent in your bank account. Still, if you are in the market for wireless speakers and would like something which merges both form and function without worrying about how much it costs, then the trio of Bang & Olufsen wireless speakers ought to fit you to a T. These three speakers will take advantage of the new WiSA standard for multi-channel wireless sound, delivering acoustic performance beyond anything you have heard without cables, and they would arrive in the form of the BeoLab 17, the BeoLab 18, and the BeoLab 19.

The BeoLab 17 comes across as an extremely flexible, compact speaker that boasts of extremely large sound reproduction, while the BeoLab 18 would be the most recent incarnation of Bang & Olufsen’s sculpturally iconic audio columns when it comes to walls and floors. Last but not least, there is the BeoLab 19 which is a radically redesigned subwoofer that is capable of pumping ot refined bass with a visceral punch, with looks that could kill.

As mentioned earlier, they will all arrive with integrated WiSA standard for that added level of convenience. Apart from that, the BeoLab 18 will feature an acoustic lens tweeter and 21-lamella front that arrives in solid oak, black or white shades, being a quantum leap in the evolution of Bang & Olufsen’s signature column speakers. As for the BeoLab 17, it will feature a wedge-like form that makes it a snap to place just anywhere, ranging from bookshelves to walls. Not only that, BeoLab 19 is a subwoofer that will draw on the extraordinary rigidity of a 12-faced dodecahedron and a pair of drivers operating in-phase to eliminate unwanted vibrations.

Of course, most of us would be asking by now just how much these will cost? The BeoLab 17, 18 and 19 wireless speakers will be available from this month onward, retailing for $3,990, $6,590 and $3,395, respectively.

Press Release

Wide Coverage LED Pain Reliever

by - on June 9th, 2013

So you might not have the healing factor of Wolverine, but this does not mean that you should continue to writhe in pain the next time you suffer an injury from your endeavors in sport or while you are at work. Well, the $199.95 Wide Coverage LED Pain Reliever is something that relies on technology developed by NASA in order to heal astronauts’ injuries, where it lives up to its name since it can cover a wide 3.5″-diameter area with the help of 72 LEDs in order to produce safe infrared heat. That is not the only thing that it does, however, as it is also capable of stimulating blood circulation, relieving swelling in joints, and loosening tight muscles.

In fact, in a study at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, it depicted the LED technology was successful in reducing painful inflammation by up to 37%. It is different from heating pads which only treat injuries that are located just below the skin’s surface, as the LED light will be able to penetrate deep into tissue for lasting relief from muscle aches. The device itself can be placed on the skin or 0.25″ above the skin, where it begins to relieve pain in as few as three treatments. Sporting a brush-shaped design that is lightweight, it is obviously easy to move around the body and hold in place.

Cruisin’ Caskets – for the Ride of Your…Life?

by Julie - on November 4th, 2013

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Halloween is over, but that doesn’t mean that my thoughts are not still dwelling on ghosts and skeletons… (and of course the 7 pounds of candy sitting in the basket downstairs.) But while my thoughts are still on dead things, It made me start to wonder about the many ways you could be laid to rest. I mean, I’ve never considered myself a traditional kind of girl, so whats out there for me?

Well check out Cruisin’ Caskets, setting aside the common felt lined box, Crusin’ Caskets creates custom car designs for any car lover that wants to leave this world in style. These awesome, car-shaped coffins are made of fiberglass and open much the same way that standard coffins do, with a hinged top. Crusin’ Coffins also have plush upholstered interiors and come in a wide variety of colors and automotive designs. You can even choose from tire types and rim options.

These stylish coffins can be made to resemble almost any make of car, from the cool 1950′s American-made muscle cars to vehicles that are just rolling off the assembly line. In case you don’t think you’ll be needing a casket in the not too distant future, you can purchase one of these custom works of art to use as a nifty party cooler (with a replaceable liner ) until such time you can put it to its intended use, as your ride into eternity. Custom made Cruisin’ Caskets have a starting price around 5500 bucks. For more info, or to check out pictures and videos, visit the Cruisin’ Caskets website.

SwitchEasy Tanks Battery will get you through the day

by Caitlyn - on November 4th, 2013

SwitchEasy Tanks
When we get about three quarters through our day, most of our gadgets are starting to gasp for breath. By the end of the work day, they’ll be at 1% or worse if we don’t take any action. While it’s best to have a charging option available at your desk, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to have a backup battery handy.

It’s the only lifesaver for those times when your phone dies completely en route home. We can’t have our only source of entertainment dying before the drive or public transit hop home. The thought of that long drive without the sweet sound of tunes is just too hard to handle. The SwitchEasy Tanks will not only give your phone a boost, but will charge it 4 times over.

These look quite similar to scuba diving tanks, and provide your phone the necessity of energy it needs much in the same way tanks would provide us an essential item like air. These have a 6000 mAh capacity, and have white LED indicators to show you the amount of juice it contains at the present. You’ll need to plug in your device via USB, and it boasts using a 2.1A USB which should mean fast charging. This sort of backup battery normally will cost upwards of $50, so it should come as no surprise that this carries a $70 price tag. It has rubber bumpers, which I assume means it can handle a drop or two, but I wouldn’t try to test the theory.

Available at SwitchEasy, found via awesomer

New phablets rely on finger sensors as a new feature

by - on November 3rd, 2013

pantechLet us have a show of hands here â€" how many people were impressed with the introduction of TouchID from Apple with the announcement of the new iPhone 5s? I am not quite sure about you, but that does seem to be a rather minor change to the smartphone that actually revolutionized the way phones are used. However, it is more of an evolution than a revolution this time around, but will the idea actually catch on with other hardware manufacturers that are in the smartphone and tablet game? Perhaps, or perhaps not. One thing is for sure though â€" Pantech, the South Korean hardware manufacturer, has lined up several new phablet models â€" the IM-A890S, IM-A890K and IM-A890L, which will be marketed as the Vega Secret Note.

These will begin to sell in operator stores all over South Korea, if not already. First of all, the IM-A890S that is already available, will follow in the footsteps of the Pantech Vega LTE-A that was launched in August earlier this year. The three handsets that we mentioned above will make up as the Fingerprint Cards’ (FPC’s) first launch in phablet devices.

According to Mr. Lee, leader of the Component Development Team of Pantech, “We have received very positive feedback on the finger sensor and its associated secure applications in Pantech Vega LTE-A and we are happy to deploy this important feature on our phablet product line-up. Our finger-sensor-enabled products are compatible with the new Korean payment service called Bartong, also being launched in October.”

Fingerprint Cards AB (FPC) are the ones that come up with the biometric components as well as technologies that will rely on the analysis and matching of an individual’s unique fingerprint in order to verify the person’s identity. The technology is made up of biometric sensors, processors, algorithms and modules which can be used individually, or in combination with one other. It would be interesting to see whether other future Pantech devices will feature a similar technology, and will Android-powered smartphones, phablets and tablets challenge the existing supremacy of TouchID?

Press Release

Tablanket – Easy to Carry Convenience

by Julie - on August 19th, 2013

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We had a few great picnics this season, but I have to say they could have been better. This last one ended badly when my daughter knocked over an apple juice, which not only made everything in its path sticky, but it got on my pants and attracted bees! Nothing kills a picnic quicker than unwanted guests. I always say I’m going to bring something to use as a little table, but I never remember. I wish there was a convenient solution.

Meet the Tablanket, a very lightweight, collapsable and highly portable table/blanket combination. The blanket zips off, is machine washable and water resistant ,and the table is an elevated hard surface that even has cupholders, perfect for serving your food and drink, or even using your laptop. If you love being outdoors, going to the beach, tailgating and picnicking, the Tablanket may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

The Tablanket also comes with special stakes that allow it to be anchored to the ground and the table doubles as a carrying case that includes a shoulder strap for super portability, so now I have no excuse for not having a table with me next time I hit the beach.

The cozy fleece blanket is 6.5 ft x 6.5 and the table surface is a useable 2 ft x 2 ft and is totally self-contained and very light-weight. So enjoy your next al fresco dining experience and get yourself a Tablanket in blue or green, for under 65 bucks at Tablanket.com and don’t forget to watch the website for Tablanket accessories, coming soon.

Microsoft announces the Surface Pro 2 tablet

by - on October 31st, 2013

surface-pro2When it comes to the world of tablets, there are truly just two different choices of mobile operating systems to choose from that offers a wide array of apps â€" iOS or Android. Other mobile platforms are not exactly the most popular, but Microsoft sure is pushing their Windows platform pretty hard on the tablet front, never mind the fact that their initial batch of Surface tablets did not do as well as expected, causing the company to write down the existing stock previously that affected the company’s earnings report. Definitely bitten once and not shy the second time, Microsoft as just announced its latest Surface Pro 2 model, in addition to a bunch of other accessories to complement it, of course.

Microsoft claims that the Surface Pro 2 is the “most productive tablet on the planet”, and I am quite sure that many from both iOS and Android camps will decry that particularly blasphemous statement in their own eyes. To each his own, I guess. Microsoft has touted that the Surface Pro 2 benefits from significant updates, where among them include improvements to processing power and battery life, display and camera resolution, as well as a kickstand which will now feature a second, wider angle, allowing it to b a whole lot more comfortable to use on a desk or on your lap, depending on which working style you prefer the most. There are also enhancements made to Windows 8.1 Pro that makes the Surface Pro 2 all the more powerful and customizable.

If you are won over by the new Surface Pro 2, your purchase will include free Skype calling to landlines in over 60 countries for one year, as well as unlimited Skype Wi-Fi at more than 2 million hotspots worldwide for one year, in addition to 200GB of free SkyDrive storage for two years. The Surface Pro 2 will hope to be a true laptop replacement in due time, where it runs on an Intel Core i5 processor, accompanied by 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB configurations, with prices starting at $899 onward.

Press Release

The Air Naturalizer from CritterZone – Easy Breathing in a very Small Package

by Julie - on October 31st, 2013

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We all love having pets, they truly are a joy, and nothing loves you as unconditionally as an animal friend. Of course nothing smells up the house, or makes your nose and eyes itch as much either. In fact, combined with some dust and a few other allergens, the air in our homes can become quite unpleasant, and with winter heading our way, the days of throwing open a window for some fresh air is quickly fading to a memory.

So check out CritterZone’s Air Naturalizer, designed to help your stale inside air, clean itself like Mother Nature intended. CritterZone’s unique unit includes a powerful ionic engine that puts energized elements to work, causing a series of oxidation and reduction reactions that essentially give these energized elements the power to clean up the air, and help get rid of odors, allergens, molds and bacteria and then maintains your fresh and delightful environment in up to 800 square feet of living space.

Now I’ve had a few loud and large air purifiers in my day, and they all helped to varying degrees, but this little guy plugs directly into any standard outlet and works it’s magic right from there, taking up no floor or counter space whatsoever. I have to admit I didn’t expect much from this tiny 2 inch deep box, but boy was I wrong. In only 24 hours my entire bedroom smells like the air after a thunderstorm and my husbands sinus issues lessened just enough for a better nights sleep. (for both of us)

The CritterZone Air Naturalizer doesn’t use chemicals, or pesky filters and it’s so small you can use it anywhere. You can take it to work and banish the odor of your neighbors lunch, put one by the kitty litter box, or take it on your next business trip for when they’re all out of non-smoking rooms. If you want one for yourself they run around 90 bucks at critterzone.com and they really are a breath of fresh air.

iPin Laser Presenter makes its way to North America

by - on October 30th, 2013

ipin-laserI am not quite sure about you, but when it comes to making a presentation, there are some essential tools that one will have to take into consideration. One, you will need to make sure that the venue has a projector which is bright enough to ensure everyone in the presentation hall will be able to get a good look at what you are trying to convey to them, and two, a laser presenter which makes it a whole lot easier to point out certain areas on the presentation screen to the audience. Just like how not all headphones are created equal, you have the award winning iPin laser presenter which will be able to turn your iPhone into a professional laser presenter.

The iPin laser presenter hails from Conary Enterprise, and it has already picked up its fair share of accolades in the past including the COMPUTEX 2013 d&i Gold Award. Good to know that it has finally made its way to the folks over in North America, so if you know that you have this particular presentation that you want to make to win a multi-million contract for your company, but are hoping that the right tool comes along to complete the picture, the iPin laser presenter would do the trick.

The iPin is a small, iPhone-powered laser pointer and presenter which will be accompanied by its own slide-controlling app. This is one delicately designed device which transforms your iPhone into a professional presentation system, where it takes just seconds to do so. Of course, if you are an avid Android fan, you will just have to sit this puppy out since it caters for the iPhone market only at this point in time.

The iPin would be placed nearly flush with the phone surface, and it can be turned on and off with but a simple twist. Needless to say, when it is turned off, it will not interfere with normal phone operations, making this the ideal tool for those who run plenty of presentations for a living.

Product Page

See.Sense bike light helps make it safer for cyclists

by - on October 30th, 2013

seesenseCycling is no doubt a healthy habit and a kind of exercise which is gaining popularity in many cities around the world. It has also been touted to be one way in reducing massive traffic gridlocks as cities which were built a long time ago did not anticipate the massive growth in population, so much so that the fast growing number of cars and SUVs have contributed their fair share of traffic jams. Well, if you love cycling, that is fine and dandy, but do make sure that you have the adequate amount of protection as you can never tell just what the future might bring. Increasing your visibility at night or in low light conditions are also important, which is why the See.Sense bike light might be a useful addition to your arsenal of cycling devices.

The See.Sense is said to be able to improve your visibility when you need it most, as it does not only flash, but does so in a smart way. The See.Sense bike light is not just something that you decide to add on as an afterthought to your two wheeler, but it works in a way in your favor to make you a whole lot more visible whenever you need it the most. This is made possible as See.Sense Relies on advanced, patent-pending sensor technology which will monitor you, your bicycle and your environment, allowing it to detect situations when you might not be seen by other road users.

There are various examples of a situation where See.Sense might just be able to detect when you are at a road junction, filtering in urban traffic, on a roundabout, travelling in low light areas such as under an overpass or in a road tunnel, or approached by a car with headlights on. In such circumstances, See.Sense will automatically increase its brightness and flash rate so that you are a whole lot more visible to other road users.

There are two models available, a normal one and an “Intense” model. Runtime has been rated at approximately a dozen hours, depending on how heavy your usage is. It is right now a Kickstarter project which we hope to see it become reality in due time.

Kickstarter Page

Binocular Adapter for iPhone 5 adds some serious zoom

by - on July 12th, 2013

Have you ever seen a perfect Kodak moment before your eyes, and tried to capture it on your phone, only to realize that you’re entirely too far away? Recently there was a “super moon” which resulted in some very cool sights when the moon was rising or setting. It was pretty overcast here during those nights, but the one time that it was out, I was in the car without my good camera. I ended up stopping to snap a pic with my phone, but it just didn’t look as great as I’d have hoped. What I needed was a really nice zoom lens.

Sure, you can spend a fair sum of cash on a special lens for your phone that adds some nice zoom, but wouldn’t it be great if you could use something you already had around the house? If you happen to have a pair of old binoculars lying about, then you’ll just need $18 to turn it into the best zoom lens you’ve ever seen. For that price you get a special case, and a binocular eyepiece adapter.

This little accessory might not be the most life-changing purchase you’ve ever made, but it will help you take better pictures, should you actually happen to have some binoculars on you at the right time. It will work with the iPhone 4/4S/5, and most full-sized binoculars.

Zcapture is open source product photography at its easiest

by Caitlyn - on October 28th, 2013

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When you’re looking to purchase something online, there are a lot of different aspects to factor in. The validity of the website, how much information is provided, and possibly most importantly of all, what it looks like. Maybe you need a size or color comparison, but a bad photo doesn’t tell you everything you need to know.

If you’re looking to auction off some of your stuff on eBay or are wanting to start selling products online in general, you’re going to need to make sure you’re taking good photos. The best option would be to get 360 degree views of it, but taking all of those photos, editing them, and putting them together can be a pain. Well, until the Zcapture came along that is.

This is an open source 360 product photography device that will let you go from snapping photos to posting them online within about 15 minutes. Of course, that’s what they say on their page, which means that’s the normal time for someone who is a bit more proficient at the process. There is a mini version which will cost you around $150, or you can get the full version for around $480. Both of these come with the software license for life with all updates. While it’s a pretty hefty purchase, it can be quite useful to those who do product photos regularly. It’s compatible with just about every camera, and for those of you that know how to do it, can tweak this device as you see fit.

Available for crowd funding on Kickstarter

Cold Bruer does cold-freshly brewed coffee

by - on October 28th, 2013

Many people do require a cup of freshly brewed coffee each morning in order to kick start their day. Of course, these cups of coffee tend to be piping hot, and the aroma is simply irresistible. Well, the folks over at Bruer have come up with what they have called the Cold Bruer, and for obvious reasons, of course. The Cold Bruer is a special device that will be able to churn out cold-freshly brewed coffee. It was made possible thanks to a successful crowd-funding campaign, where the Cold Bruer is able to offer any ice-coffee drinker a simple device that is capable of making fresh home brewed coffee â€" which is cold, of course.

The Cold Bruer comes in a compact form factor that is also extremely easy to use, where it is capable of processing up to 24 ounces of water alongside a couple of ounces of coffee, which would end up yielding three cups of cold brewed coffee extract. The amount of brewing time pays homage to the adage that “good things come to those who wait”, where it can be anywhere between two and eighteen hours. This particular extract can then be poured over ice, where it can be mixed with water or with dairy in order to yield approximately half a dozen cups of cold brew. This coffee extract can be refrigerated for up to a fortnight after brewing.

What advantage does a cold brew have over the standard issue coffee that you find in your local Starbucks? Well, cold brew is sweet, less acidic as well as less bitter compared to traditional hot coffee, which might just find a new set of fans who will fall in love after the first sip. Those who are interested in picking up the Cold Bruer will be able to place a pre-order for a special limited time price of $55, with shipping set to commence later next January. I guess this means we will not be able to find this under the Christmas tree later this December.

Press Release

Page Illuminating Cordless Magnifier

by - on June 15th, 2013

As we age, our bodies do not get any better from a certain point onwards. Some of us start to “break down” earlier than the others, but regardless, no one has yet managed to find the secret to living forever, even the fictional characters like Mr. Weyland of Prometheus fame still failed to do so despite being the first trillionaire in the world. Having said that, wobbly hands and knees, pains and aches all over the place, as well as failing eyesight are all common symptoms of getting old, so if you are an avid reader of traditional reading material, you might want to consider getting the $59.95 Page Illuminating Cordless Magnifier.

The Page Illuminating Cordless Magnifier comes across as a tabletop magnifier with an added touch of class â€" it will illuminate an entire page without having to being tethered to a power cord. Boasting an extra large 7.5″ x 10″ lens that delivers up to 3X magnification of a full page of a magazine or book at once without having to reposition the magnifier, it works great since you would not lose your train of thought or reading pleasure along the way. A dozen bright LEDs would help reduce the amount of potential eyestrain, making this ideal as well for close work such as crocheting, writing, and coin-inspecting. A trio of AA batteries are required to power this puppy.

The Best Automatic Hose Reel

by - on May 29th, 2013

The folks over at Hammacher tend to throw in superlatives whenever they are describing some of the stuff that they sell over there. The thing is, who are the ones carrying the standard and enforcing it? Well, if it is an in-house proclamation, every Tom, Dick and Harry can sell plenty of “sound good” items, but I suppose Hammacher has done their homework before, which is why they have managed to stay in business all this while. The latest device to roll out from them that carries a “The Best” title in the name would be the $229.95 The Best Automatic Hose Reel.

Folks who spend plenty of time in the garden would be able to know just how useful it is to have a hose reel ready, and just how the heck did it pick up the “The Best” rating from the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute? Well, it did so because it was the easiest to retract and most durable, and analysts have already done their bit to retract each model 50 times, making The Best Automatic Hose Reel being the only model that retracted every single time without fail. Kiss goodbye to required multiple tugs, as you can snake the Best model around the garden nonchalantly with its 66′ hose, in addition to its ability to swivel 180° when mounted to a wall and 360° when mounted to a deck surface.

Color-Changing Pre-Lit Tree makes your holiday season more jolly

by - on October 3rd, 2013

prelit-treeCan you believe it? The Yuletide season will soon be upon us yet again, and it does seem as though it was just a couple of months ago when the world first welcomed the new year. Well, here is something for you to consider that the Boy Scouts have always mentioned â€" be prepared. Why not make early preparations for Christmas this year so that you can relax more when the time comes? For starters, get your living room decorations up and running first with the $499.99 Color-Changing Pre-Lit Tree.

The name of this Color-Changing Pre-Lit Tree says it all â€" it basically does away with the need for you to decide on what kind of Christmas tree lights that you want to put up. This is one handsome looking faux tree (albeit very lifelike), where it boasts of 750 energy-efficient LED lights. All you need to do is click the foot switch, and you will be able to choose from one of the four lighting options: steady soft white, steady multicolor, fading soft white or fading soft white to multicolor. Setting it up is also a cinch, as it comes in three sections and stands proudly at 7.5′ tall (59″ in diameter). Folks will most probably think that it is the real deal until the touch it, too. No wonder, as the crush resistant branch tips were molded from real tree branches for that added touch of authenticity.

Easy To Use Powered Nail Clipper

by - on June 14th, 2013

It seems that we are all into automatic stuff these days â€" anything that ain’t automatic just is not going to cut the mustard. After all, they did say that if you want to prevent anyone from stealing your car, just buy stick â€" as car thieves these days are unable to drive stick, so they will most probably settle for an automatic car. Well, surely you have grown up all along, using a manual nail clipper to ensure those nails remain nice and short, right? Fast forward to the 21st century, and the power of electricity would help you shorten those claws in the form of the $39.95 Easy To Use Powered Nail Clipper.

The Easy To Use Powered Nail Clipper is pretty much self explanatory, and if it was not, then it certainly does not deserve the “easy to use” tag. Operating be a couple of AA batteries, it is ideal for those who happen to have limited manual dexterity. It has a 0.5″-long x 1/16″-wide alloy bit which will spin at 500-rpm, allowing it to use its precisely beveled blades to safely and gently trim nails each time you gently nudge your fingernail against the bit, and all of this is done without having to squeeze the fingers one bit, neither do you need to bend your wrist or risk cutting the cuticle. Easy as pie, no?

Trent Airbender 2.0 ensures your iPad Air is well protected

by - on October 25th, 2013

trent-airbenderThe world did more or less stop in its tracks earlier this week, as Apple made an announcement which touched on not one, but two iPads â€" the iPad Air that is thinner and lighter than ever before despite being more powerful, alongside the iPad mini with Retina display, a feature that iPad mini users have been hoping for to arrive for quite some time already. Well, this can only mean one thing â€" the potentially huge number of people who will be upgrading to the iPad Air would also need a slew of new accessories to go along with their device, and this is where the Trent Airbender 2.0 would be able to step up to the challenge.

The Trent Airbender 2.0 would come in the form of a durable, hard clam shell case where it will be accompanied by a detachable Bluetooth keyboard that makes it ideal for home or office use. Not only that, the Trent Airbender 2.0 will also be able to deliver the necessary protection against minor scratches and knocks, not to mention the added functionality to the iPad Air thanks to its 360 degree rotating case for landscape or portrait viewing angles. Oh yeah, as we also mentioned earlier, there is also the user friendly Bluetooth keyboard that should make your typing on the go a whole lot easier compared to relying on a touchscreen display.

The Trent Airbender 2.0’s ultra low-profile, built-in keyboard will be able to hook up to the iPad Air seamlessly thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. This particular keyboard would feature tactile, chiclet keys that ought to deliver a comfortable, all-round typing experience. Apart from that, this keyboard will aso be accompanied by a row of convenient shortcut keys that would hopefully be able to enhance productivity and efficiency whenever you are taking down notes or drafting documents on the iPad Air. It can be folded up easily for convenient transport, where its compact design should make it fit into any carry-on, backpack, purse or briefcase. Those who are interested in picking up the new Trent Airbender 2.0 will be able to do so on the same day that the iPad Air is available â€" this coming November 1st for $54.95 a pop.

Press Release

Swann Doormat Chime – Are You In or Out?

by Julie - on May 29th, 2013

We just adopted a homeless dog, his name is Hamilton and  he is fitting in with the family quite nicely, he loves the car, plays fetch and came already potty trained. Problem is, we’re never exactly sure when he’s telling us he needs to go out, so we keep dragging him out into the yard at any hint of pacing or whining… only to be met with a ‘what the heck?’ look.

Check out Swann’s Wireless Doormat Chime, this pressure activated doormat can be positioned under any mat or carpet, either indoors or out and easily lets you know if your pet, or anyone else for that matter, needs to come in, or go out. Simply position the mat in the area you would like to monitor, and when pressure is applied, the chime unit will activate by playing one of 3 built in chimes, at whatever volume you choose.

The Swann Wireless Doormat Chime is a completely wireless door monitor, that uses only  3  AA batteries for the chime unit and a single (included) A23 battery for the mat. Included in your kit is a doorbell unit, which will also trigger the chime, independent of the mat.

So if you need to know if your pet wants in or out, have a toddlers room you would like  to monitor, have an elderly family member you don’t want near the stairs alone, or simply want to know when a customer walks into your shop, Swann’s Wireless Doormat Chime may be perfect for you, and you can get one for around 65 bucks, at sears.com

Walking Dead Animated Teddy Bear Girl makes it just in time for the Season 4

by - on October 12th, 2013

walking-dead-animated-girlSince we are about to approach the end of October, that can only mean one thing â€" Halloween is well on its way, which means one ought to start making the relevant preparations in place, such as party favors, candy, and of course, presents for those whom you think deserve one. To set aside $199.99 for the Walking Dead Animated Teddy Bear Girl is a sign that you are an avid fan of the rather graphic comic series which has since seen a TV series (the fourth season is about to premier!) and a computer game to boot. This is an officially licensed Walking Dead memorabilia, and would definitely be an unforgettable addition to your Halloween collection as it comes in a life-size reproduction of a zombie girl.

To make things creepier, “she” is voice activated, pretty much in the same way that noise more or less attracts zombies in both the comic and TV series. Something about zombies do bug me, however, why can’t we wait until all of their teeth have rotted out, that they are unable to sink into our juicy flesh? Well, that is just one aspect of my doubt for this genre of undead, but then again, millions of Walking Dead fans cannot be wrong, and the awesome first time we saw Rick Grimes in the TV series get confronted by a girl wearing teddy bear slippers, and yet is deadly, is one that remains seared in my memory. Since she’s sound activated, it would be the ideal tool to have to scare trick or treaters who walk up your home. Powered by a quartet of AA batteries, she won’t rot â€" ever, and does not need to survive on human brains.

Portable WiFi Signal Booster ensures you get a connection always

by - on September 5th, 2013

portable-wifi-boosterI know that we are living in an increasingly connected world these days, and it is getting more common to see public spaces such as parks, cafes, coffee shops and restaurants come with a Wi-Fi network of sorts (free or not, that is another story for a different day). However, some of us do live in places where there are certain “dead spots” in our homes â€" which is rather difficult to explain, really. What are you to do then, not work in that particular room or corner of the house? Fret not, here is the $49.95 Portable WiFi Signal Booster that might help you out of your quandary, and as its name suggests, this is a portable WiFi signal booster which will extend the range while improving the signal strength of a wireless network.

The device itself will plug into an AC outlet, where it then hooks up to a wireless network before it will re-broadcast the signal to deliver a faster, more reliable WiFi connection â€" whether you are at home, at a hotel or at the airport. The wireless hotspot’s power prongs will fold into the device naturally, ensuring that the whole unit would fit into a pocket for simple, unobtrusive storage whenever you travel. Relying on the most advanced 802.11 n protocol (which will also play nice with b and g devices as well), it enables up to 150 Mbps download speed (theoretically speaking), and is capable of letting up to 10 devices piggyback on its Internet connection simultaneously.

Power Toolbox misses out on the Father’s Day boat

by - on September 1st, 2013

power-toolboxDoes dad like to tinker around the house? Most men do, and they would obviously need a set of tools that they can call their very own. The thing is, how many of us are serious enough to make sure that the tools in our possession are of of good enough quality? Even then, you would also need a decent toolbox to stash away your little gizmos and gadgets that continue to confound the missus. Why not do that in style with the $39.99 Power Toolbox?

The Power Toolbox is said to come with more than enough room, allowing it to hold the various gear that are required for you to handle just about any odd job around the home. What happens when you are in need of electricity? That is not an issue with the Power Toolbox (hence its name), where you can detach and unspool the 20′ heavy duty extension cord with four grounded outlets. The Power Toolbox will boast of a trio of stacking removable caddies, in addition to specially-designed compartments that will allow drill bits, screwdrivers and others to have their own “place of residence”. Made out of durable, impact-resistant plastic, the Power Toolbox will feature a non-skid surface, and can support up to 300 lbs., meaning when you need to take a break or reach out to higher place, it doubles up as a seat or stepladder. You do not have to wait until Father’s Day next year to get him one of these bad boys now, you know.

Apollo AP1 Tactical Flashlight will light up your life

by - on July 4th, 2013

There are a lot of things that we take for granted in life. It’s not until they’re stripped away suddenly, that we really appreciate some of the most basic things. We’ve had some pretty bad storms over the last month where I live, and when the power goes out, you suddenly miss all of that light that was previously flooding every room. Suddenly flashlights, candles, and your cell phone are your best friends. Of course, things like flashlights are useful in more situations than just around the house when the power is out. So why not get one that is versatile, and can work in just about any situation?

The Apollo AP-1 Tactical Flashlight promises to be the the last flashlight you’ll ever need. This compact light is capable of providing nearly 1000 lumens of light, which can illuminate objects from over ¼ mile away. Check out the video below for a really cool demonstration of that feature.

The light has five different modes of illumination, which are high, medium, low, strobe and S.O.S. On the lowest setting you can get around 20 hours of light, and still an impressive hour while on the highest. The device is rugged, and can withstand most punishment that you dish out. It is tested to resist drops up to 1.5 meters, and can be submerged in water up to 20 meters deep. To get one of your own, you’ll need to pledge $99 to the Kickstarter project. It has already surpassed its goal many times over, so no need to worry about that. Expect to get yours sometime in October of this year.

This Cloud light is the only raincloud you’ll want to follow you home

by Caitlyn - on October 22nd, 2013

Cloud
In every cartoon or TV show, when someone is in a bad mood or sad, a raincloud will appear over their heads and downpour on them. Needless to say, most people don’t want something like that to happen unless they are either in the middle of the desert, or in desperate need of a shower. Thankfully that doesn’t happen in real life, but storms definitely do, and even though the rain isn’t exactly fun all the time, listening to thunder and seeing the lightning is certainly peaceful.

While I doubt anyone is going to want a full-fledged storm cloud in their living room, wouldn’t it be nice to have just the sounds of it happening hanging around? Of course you can get audio or video recordings of it, but they always end up playing in a loop, ruining the chaotic order an actual rainy day has that makes it relaxing in the first place. This Cloud light won’t be as good as the real thing, but it will definitely try. It can’t really function as a lamp, but it would do quite nicely as a nightlight.

It is arduino-controlled and motion-triggered, and once it goes off it will give you a combination of light and sound. This is of course, an artistic project, and as there aren’t likely many of these floating around, it should come as no surprise that it carries a $1,800 price tag. There isn’t any word on being able to change out lights or colors, but this could be a disco ball on the nights you’re not trying to relax.

Available for purchase on the artist’s website RichardClarkson, found via incrediblethings

Braven 440 portable Bluetooth speaker

by - on October 21st, 2013

braven-440A portable Bluetooth speaker would always come in handy whenever you want to share your favorite music with a group of people simultaneously, and it would also be useful if you are holding some sort of dance or drama practice out in the open â€" as music can be pumped out in the middle of nowhere without the need for any nasty cables or wires which could trip someone up. Braven has answered this clarion call with their Braven 440, touted to be the “most talented and portable Bluetooth speaker yet”. We cannot really put this claim to the test, but we do know that the Braven 440 is water resistant for sure, as it pumps out room-filling stereo sound, in addition to juicing up your mobile devices while being highly portable thanks to an ultra-compact and lightweight design.

For the eagle eyed, the Braven 440 would come with similar features like those found on its predecessors, where among them would include a built-in noise-cancelling microphone for speakerphone functionality, the ability to deliver crystal clear sound and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity for a wireless experience. Not only that, it would also be able to feature the signature Braven “look”, as it highlights the clean lines with sleek curved borders as well as arriving in five fiery colors, which will include Lunar Black, Fiji Green, Rio Purple, Monaco Blue and Sahara Red.

Underneath the hood, the Braven 440 will be able to deliver up to a dozen hours of non-stop playback, ensuring that users will be able to enjoy music from just about anywhere without having to juice it up. Not only that, it will also be IPX5 water resistant rated, which makes it the ideal tool for both indoor as well as outdoor use, without the need to worry about accidental spills and splashes. The asking price for the Braven 440 stands at $89.99 a pop if you are interested.

Press Release