Click & Grow unveils Smart Herb Garden

by Edwin - on March 28th, 2013

Ever heard of Click & Grow before? Neither have we, but apparently Click & Grow is a designer of indoor smart gardens, and their latest creation would be the Smart Herb Garden that has been unveiled on popular crowd funding website Kickstarter. The Smart Herb Garden is no ordinary garden, but rather, it is a high-tech, self-watering plant system which is capable of growing multiple herbs simultaneously. Right now, Click & Grow has looked towards the Kickstarter community to obtain support from technology enthusiasts, travel fanatics, those who have been looking for a green thumb all this while but did not find it, in order to gain enough funds so that it can roll off the production line in due time.

Click & Grow’s CEO, Mattias Lepp, said, “With the Smart Herb Garden we hope to bring the World one step closer to sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyles. With more than 3 years of R&D behind the Smart Herb Garden, we aim to provide users a fool-proof gardening solution that is simple and intuitive to use at a fraction of the cost of similar products on the market.”

You do not need to know nuts about gardening in the first place, as the Smart Herb Garden is said to contain all of the technology within to get the job done on your behalf. The growth medium that sees action in each plant cartridge is based on a nanotech material which was specially engineered to supply the plant roots with just the right amount of oxygen, water and nutrients â€" at all times required. This means the nasty stuff such as pesticides, fungicides, hormones or any other kind of harmful substances are no longer in the picture.

Not only that, the presence of specialized LED lights ensures that these plants are as natural looking as possible without hurting anyone’s eyes, and the entire shebang sips a mere 6 watts of juice, while offering adequate amounts of light for the plant to grow. It is said that the Smart Herb Garden will require around $5 of electricity to run for the whole year. What are you waiting for then? Pledging $29 now would help you save $50 if the Smart Herb Garden is realized.

Press Release

Lyrix Duo Bluetooth speaker

by Edwin - on March 28th, 2013

Digital Treasures should be a name that is no stranger to some of us, and they themselves have managed to add another option to the wireless world of audio with their latest release, the Lyrix Duo, which is essentially a 2-in-1 Bluetooth speaker that boasts of a removable receiver. Hmmm, this is something very different from the usual Bluetooth speaker actually, as the Lyrix Duo allows you to chill out or rock out to your favorite tunes regardless of where you are, at any time, too. I suppose you can call this as a new way to fall in love with your music all over again.

Brian Austin, President of Digital Treasures, said, “There are so many wireless options on the market today; but, the Lyrix Duo is a completely different experience. Its functionality is unmatched because it doesn’t limit you to only listening through the Lyrix Duo speaker. Get this â€" you can actually take out the wireless receiver and attach it to ANY other speaker in your home turning it into a Bluetooth device! Now that’s versatility!”

This particular wireless receiver is attached to the Lyrix Duo speaker via a mini USB port, where the user will be able to pair the device with their Bluetooth-enabled device, and it results in stunning, clear sound with up to 33-feet of working wireless range. There is also a suction cup located on the back of the speaker that enables the user to connect it to almost any finished surface, ranging from windows in the home or office to perhaps the car windshield.

When attaching, all you need to do is move the Suction Cup Lever clockwise, resulting in a safe and secure fit. This small Bluetooth receiver is easily removable from the speaker, as long as you lightly grasp it near the top and lift it out. This would allow it to work in tandem with home speakers and headphones thanks to the included auxiliary cables. The receiver will boast of a power button and volume controls, while a flashing red or blue light will let you know whenever the receiver is ready to connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device. The Lyrix Duo will retail for $49.99 if you are interested in picking one up.

Press Release

Micro Unmanned Aerial vehicle grabs “prey” like an eagle

by Edwin - on March 24th, 2013

The military world is definitely moving towards the adoption of robots and robotics, ensuring that there will be a lower loss of life on the battlefield, not to mention robots being more efficient at certain tasks without having to grow weary or tired even as they work round the clock. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been a mainstay in the US Army for some years now, and the Predator drone is a prime example, but what happens when you take that concept and draw more inspiration from nature? You will most probably end up with what you see above â€" the Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MAV), which works in the way of an eagle, as it is capable of grabbing objects on the fly with the elegance of an eagle that swoops down from high above to snatch an unsuspecting fish from the water’s surface.

These days, MAVs and UAVs are increasingly being equipped to pick up, transport, and drop off payloads, but to check out a MAV that sports such a precise form of grasping while in mid-flight is definitely something of an eye opener, and for some, an act that will require one to pick up one’s jaws from the floor afterwards. University of Pennsylvania research team members Justin Thomas, Joe Polin, Koushil Sreenath and Vijay Kumar, were the ones who programmed the quadrotor MAV after observing movements of an eagle in nature videos.

They realized that birds of prey tend to reduce the velocity of its claws dramatically in relation to its prey, doing so by sweeping its legs back at the point of impact so that it can grasp its intended target without having to slow down an iota. As the MAV tips the scales at a mere 500 grams, a design that can accommodate an appropriately light weight arm and gripper would serve the advancement of this idea well.

Source

Digital Toilet Paper Stand – For Those on the “Go”

by Julie - on March 27th, 2013

Here at Coolest-gadgets.com we have a preoccupation with bathroom habits. We have reported on gizmos that wash and dry you, toilets that analyze your urine for health issues, little monsters you can set up in the loo in order to literally scare the *&^% out  of beloved friends and family, and now we bring to you the newest in form and function… the Digital Toilet Paper Stand.

Certainly not your dad’s old magazine rack, the Digital Toilet Paper Stand not only provides you with a fully functional toilet paper dispenser, but also with some much needed bathroom entertainment, whether it be news, weather information, or a rousing game of Angry Birds that really gets you “going”… ugh. (We all saw that coming didn’t we?) The Digital Toilet Paper Stand will be right there for you, during your morning constitutional, or any other constitutional for that matter, ready to provide you with movies and games, or enabling you to answer e-mails or catch up on your reading… all during your natures calling.

This attractive looking chrome pedestal has a bendable gooseneck that allows you to adjust to almost any viewing angle that you might require, and it will securely hold your iPad (2, 3 or 4th generation) by simply sliding it in, and snapping it into the padded stand, complete with a solid heavyweight base that will keep your iPad securely in place.

So why not add some entertainment and convenience to your daily visits with a new Digital Toilet Paper Stand, heck, for some of us it’s the only 15 minutes we’ll have to ourselves all day, a game of Words With Friends anyone? Get yours today at Amazon.com, all for only around 43 bucks.

Tarot e-Cards are in Your Future

by Julie - on March 26th, 2013

I can still remember the first time I had my fortune told using a Tarot card deck. I was only 12 years old and it was in an old restaurant in New York City. I remembered being frightened and at the same time, excited by the old woman who whispered to me the meanings of the cards as they were laid out on the table. I knew I wanted a deck of those cards, they seemed so mystical and important in her old gnarled fingers. I got the cards, but they never quite presented the same unearthly appeal they had that night.

These attractive and symbolic fortunetelling cards have been around since the 1400′s with the the first known documented cards having been created between 1430 and 1450 in northern Italy and they continue to have worldwide appeal. Originally used for games, Tarot continues to find use as a tool for personal insight, spiritual guidance and divination, and millions of printed Tarot decks are still being sold all over the world. WizardToo LLC is now bringing this centuries old tradition into the digital age with its new Tarot e-cards, making the world of Tarot more accessible and much easier-to-use for anyone with a mobile device. Now we can all have the World of Tarot at our fingertips.

This new Tarot eCards App is designed with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that simulates real tarot card use and makes Tarot accessible on most mobile devices. The newly introduced Tarot eCards is the only Tarot App where users can actually build and use a library of Tarot decks within a single App platform. The Tarot eCards iOS App is available for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Applications are under development for our Android devices, and Mac and PC computers will be telling our futures sometime this Spring.

Somehow I’m not sure that spooky old lady would have had the same magical appeal had she told my fortune with her iPhone, but we cant know that for sure, can we? I mean, she was right about a lot of things. Get your Tarot eCards at the app store for under 4 bucks.

Umbrella Leash – Keeping your Doggies Dry

by Julie - on March 25th, 2013

Oh the joys of mans best friend, there’s something to be said about a creature that loves you so unconditionally. I’ve had a few dogs in my time and they were all special, and they all let me know they were fairly fond of me as well. I have to say that my daughter and husband were never as happy to see me as my dog. Sure, you might say it’s because the dog was waiting for food, and I might be inclined to believe that, but my family was always waiting for food as well! I really think my dog just loves me more.

I’ve never been one to humiliate my pup with boots, or coats, even during bad weather ,but there is one problem with our canine pals that had yet to be addressed, the way they smell when they’re wet! Sure, coming home from walking the dog with my hair all frizzy and my socks soaked through my shoes was bad enough, but when Fido sat down next to me shaking the rain off his fur all over my living room, and permeating the air with his pungent pooch-y aroma I knew there had to be a better way, and there is!

Welcome the Umbrella leash. This clear umbrella dome attaches easily to your dog’s collar, keeps your beloved buddy in full view, and properly protects them from the rain, sleet and snow. I have to say if your dog will allow it, its a much better option than one of those ridiculous plaid raincoats and it saves you from a living room that smells like a kennel, AND dirty towels. Just dont go out in the wind, you know, unless you have a really long leash.

The Umbrella Leash is under 20 bucks and is available from Amazon.com

A Communicating Helmet

by Alison - on March 15th, 2013

There exists a constant war on the roads between cyclists and drivers. Riders deserve their space on the road, yet some hot headed drivers apparently missed that day in driver’s education class. The challenge becomes understanding what actions bikers may take. Sure they teach us the hand signals at an early age but face it, not all cyclers use them. And then there is the fun of blind spots, awkward intersections and other cars which can hinder a driver’s view of a biker, even if you are trying to be really polite. This exact conundrum served as perfect reason to create the DORA Bicycle Helmet.

Designed by Hungarian student, Balazs Filczer, this is a helmet of modern technology. Run via a rechargeable battery conveniently clipped in as part of the helmet â€" DORA contains exactly what a biker needs: a headlight, a tail light and left/right blinkers. Lights are controlled on a handle bar attachment which communicates with the helmet via Bluetooth. DORA is so logical it elicits one of those “why hasn’t that been done by now” responses. Apparently that is what voters at the International Bicycle Design Competition recently thought as it won the top award in the clothing & accessories category. A possible drawback may be additional weight added to the cyclist’s head. But I would think a smart company that jumps on this innovative product could come up with materials to lessen the added mass. So yes, DORA is just a concept as of now. But I would not be surprised to see it on the market in the future and hopefully help drivers and bikers communicate more clearly.

Thanks: FastCoExist

iPhone microscope helps out the naked eye

by Edwin - on March 23rd, 2013

“There’s an app for that…”, or so the saying goes, and we are quite sure that iPhone as well as Android owners have far more installed apps than stock apps on their respective handsets. While Apple might seem to be on the backpedal when it comes to their iPhone at this point in time in terms of market share compared to the expanding Android footprint, do bear in mind that Apple’s App Store is a well respected cash cow for the Cupertino firm, so to speak, as the App Store still outsells Google’s Play Store by a rather hefty ratio in comparison â€" and we all know that there is money at the end of the apps rainbow. What happens when you take into account hardware accessories as well? This is where this unique iPhone microscope accessory would come in handy for the medical field.

An international team of researchers recently reported in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene that they managed to make use of a very simple microscope which was self-constructed, where thanks to a lens that costs just $8, it has been placed over the iPhone 4S’s camera and held in place with some sticky tape, and it was successfully used to detect the eggs of soil-transmitted parasitic worms, otherwise known as helminths, if you want to get technical about it. When compared to the results shown by a proper microscope when diagnosing children in rural Tanzania, it was discovered that for some nematodes, the iPhone microscope is more than capable of detecting worm eggs.

Well, what can we say about that? It would be nice if this makeshift solution was able to measure up to the kind of performance found in actual microscopes, but I guess that further refinements need to be made to ensure that this will happen sometime down the road.

Source

Compact Core Exerciser

by Edwin - on March 17th, 2013

We are about to finish up the first quarter of the year, so here is the big question â€" how is your New Year’s Resolution of losing some weight around the waist coming along? Assuming you have already signed up for a gym membership, but somehow or rather, the rigors of life have sapped whatever energy that you have left, leaving you too lazy to hit the treadmill because of the additional amount of travel that you need to do, perhaps you need some motivation closer to home â€" right smack in the middle of your living room, in fact. The $249.95 Compact Core Exerciser fits the bill perfectly, and judging by its name, you know it is not going to take up plenty of space.

The Compact Core Exerciser requires no electricity at all, where it will simulate you cantering on a horse, in an effort to strengthen and tone the core muscles. You will sit on the padded saddle, rest your feet on a rubberized bar, and shift your weight backward in order to get the device’s drivewheel in motion. Most of the time, the saddle will rotate at a moderate 40 rpm or less, and you are required to make use of those lumbar muscles, abs, glutes, and thighs of yours, in an effort to build core strength so that you will be able to minimize the kind of back injuries that plague humankind, all the while improving balance and posture. Hammacher states that a 10-minute session is able to burn as many calories as 100 situps, or the equivalent of a one-hour walk.

Live Shows in Your Home

by Alison - on March 21st, 2013

I live in a small town and I’m getting older. Translation: I get very little live music in my town and the stuff we do get is not in my wheelhouse. There are venues within an hour’s drive, but finding artists that are worth the drive, the parking, the cost of drinks and the all around hassle is a tough task. And forget about the days of simply popping in a club to check out a new artist. Those are looooong gone with geographic challenges and responsibilities like kids and daytime jobs. Oh do I miss the days of hanging out in hip clubs and venues!

Thanks to the technology age and demand for great music, ShowGo wants to bring great music right to your desktop, tablet or home theater system. ShowGo partners with big name, iconic venues to stream live shows. Get your favorite computer A/V setup ready to see artists from places like Yoshi’s (Oakland and San Francisco), The Mint (Los Angeles), Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley (Seattle), The Blue Note (Milan) and The Hideaway (London). With partners like that you know the quality of performers you will get. This year alone ShowGo has featured artists like Hiroshima, Billy Cobham, Edwin McCain and Kenny G. There are plenty of other acts too â€" meaning ShowGo also provides a way to hear artists new to your ears. Obviously we at Coolest Gadgets don’t often talk about ‘cool services’, but this new take on live music gives you a chance to exercise your computer and A/V and bring live music right to your home. Want to try it out? There are plenty of good shows coming up. So tune in and experience a new way to enjoy music from afar and discover new artists.

Google Chromebooks hitting new countries

by Edwin - on March 19th, 2013

I am not quite sure about you, but have you actually taken a Chromebook out for a ride before? And by that, I do not mean a ride in your car or motorbike, but rather, whether you have used it before, doing some work as well as surfing mindless sites for images of kittens in weird poses. You know, nothing heavy duty, as the Chromebook was not meant to be a high powered computing device in the first place. Well, as we all jolly well know, the mid-range tier of products and its intended market tend to be the largest segment in most bell curves, and hence the Google Chromebook would fall under this category nicely. It is nice to know that if you happen to live in places like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, you should be able to pick up a Google Chromebook.

Better late than never, or so the saying goes, and for folks living in the US, you might have noticed that the Samsung Chromebook has remained at the top of Amazon’s best-selling laptop list for 149 days ever since it was launched, and for folks who live across the pond, Dixons claims that Chromebooks comprise of over 10% of laptop sales in Currys and PC World stores.

From today onwards, you will be able to pick up Chromebooks from the likes of Acer, HP and Samsung, especially if you happen to stay in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands. Not only that, Google wants to do their bit to improve computing for organizations, as the Internet search giant is rolling out its fair share of Chromebooks to businesses and schools alike, too.

Folks living in the US have something else to look forward to â€" the Chromebooks will be introduced to more than 1,000 Best Buy stores nationwide, which virtually doubles the number of stores Chromebooks are presently sold in, although this is set to happen within the coming fortnight and not immediately. Any potential Chromebook owners reading this?

Press Release

Let Your Car Talk To Your Phone

by Alison - on March 19th, 2013

Do you know where your OBD port is on your car? All cars in the US (since 1996) and EU (since 2004) are required to have On-Board Diagnostics port enabling the car to point you or your mechanic in the right direction when something is awry. Maybe it will identify a Transmission problem or maybe an emissions issue or something else. Some smart people finally realized that with today’s mobile technology and this OBD port your iPhone can now help communicate car problems â€" and more

Automatic Labs, Inc. are producing Automatic Link, a device for your car to communicate with you via your smartphone. Plug the gadget into your OBD port and download the Automatic App to your phone. Between the link and its low energy Bluetooth® connection, the app, your phone and its GPS you will enable a number of activities. First, if something goes wrong with your engine and the ‘check engine’ light comes on Automatic will tell you via push notifications. The app even shows diagnostic codes which will help when calling your mechanic. If the issue is minor you can even clear the light. If the Automatic Link accelerometer detects a crash it will contact 911 (where accessible) with your whereabouts and name. It will also text 3 people of your choosing. Automatic Link and App also help you drive. How? It helps you track your mpg and identify things that may help improve it like rough braking, speeding and rapid acceleration.  This friend is tapped in to local gas prices to show what you are spending too. And of course if you can’t find your car Automatic Link and App will guide you. Link units in multi-driver cars can support each person, but each car needs its own device. You can place a pre-order for Automatic Link on their website for $69.95 â€" a bargain considering what some onboard systems cost to do the same thing. Initially launching in the US, iPhone 4S and 5 versions ship in May with Android options shipping this Fall. Perfect timing as a thoughtful gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays or Christmas or just to treat yourself.

HD Video from Your POV

by Alison - on March 18th, 2013

The quest to capture video will drive people to amazing and sometimes stupid lengths. Obviously the jokesters on YouTube (a la Jackass) aren’t the most qualified videographers. But nor do they need to be. For the truly serious aficionados that want to publish their adventures it has been a long quest to find a product that 1) truly captures the action, and 2) is easy enough to attach somewhere on your body, and 3) can take a beating.

Pivothead Wearable Imaging is changing the world of point-of-view video. Built into the nose bridge of their shades is a video camera capable of 1080p HD video and 8MP image sensor for stills. 8GB of on-board memory enable plenty of action to be captured. Four focus setting options give you some flexibility in the images you take. With a simple fingertip press to the top left temple/arm have access to 3 video resolution settings, 6 time lapse settings and 5 burst capture options for stills. Record audio with video via the 44.4kHz microphone on the front. Check out some of the videos on their site, or below, to get more of a feel for the a/v recordings you can get. And of course Pivothead does not slight you on the quality of the glasses themselves. Their models contain quality lenses including polarized and interchangeable versions and even Revo brand. Sixteen models, from $299, mean you will get something that suits your look. And all contain the same video technology. Once off the trail you can even transmit your files wirelessly to your mobile devices with addition of their WiFi Drive accessory. Just think, no more funky attachments for your camera on your helmet or your video cam on your handle bars. If you are in the action and want to share your view with the world become a Pivothead.

V-MODA announces Vamp Verza

by Edwin - on March 17th, 2013

I am quite sure that many of us out there already know about V-MODA, the designer of award-winning audio accessories for the masses, and this time around, their creative juices have resulted in the Vamp Verza as well as Metallo case. The former is what we will be concentrating on today actually, where the Vamp Verza has been specially developed to turn your smartphone into something that it was originally not meant to be â€" a mobile Hi-Fi system. You know that the Vamp Verza oozes with quality, where it is designed in Italy and made in Japan, and will continue from where the original Vamp for iPhone 4/4S left off, considering how it features an integrated 150mW x 2 headphone amplifier, a pair of DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converters) and a 2200mAh battery pack. Not only that, Vamp Verza also boasts of the patent-pending Verzadock which is seamlessly integrated with popular smartphone and tablets.

You will be able to use the Vamp Verza as a standalone Hi-Fi USB Audio amplifier, or assuming you fall under the mobile audiophiles category, you can opt to dock it with the machined Metallo case that was specially built for the Samsung Galaxy S3. Make no mistake about it, there will be cases developed in the future for the Samsung Galaxy S4, Note 2 and iPhone 5, and these are set to roll out in the coming months. The Metallo case will slide and lock onto Verza’s high-performance audio engine thanks to the Verzadock rail mechanism which was designed for optimal precision and tactility. Of course, there is also the flexibility of using the case independently thanks to the included back cover, as this comes in handy whenever portability trumps function at a particular moment.

The Vamp Verza’s dedicated DACs are capable of extracting pure digital output from your computer, Android, or iOS device thanks to the USB/micro-USB, converting it into analog form for the purest mobile audio listening experience. In addition, the 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery also doubles up as a backup power source for just about any USB powered device, and it should be enough to nearly double the majority of smartphone batteries out there. Needless to say, this means the Vamp Verza is not going to come cheap at $598 a pop, where it will be globally available in Matte Black, Shadow (Red and Brushed Black Metal) and White with Orange accents.

Press Release

Doxie One Review

by Edwin - on March 16th, 2013

Road warriors always carry around a select amount of hardware, where among them are compulsory such as a USB hub, a global power adapter, a power cable, and of course, a memory card reader. Well, if you want to throw something else into mix, would a scanner make the cut? Some might say that it is compulsory, while others claim that you are able to live without a scanner. Here is a portable scanner that might just change your mind for good, turning optional into indispensable, with the Doxie One portable scanner.

In a nutshell, if you are someone who does plenty of hand drawings on a professional basis and want to keep a digital copy of your work of art on paper (although a digitizer tablet from Wacom would be the far better option), then the Doxie One is not for you. Which crowd does the Doxie One target anyways? The casual user, who has nothing larger than an A4 paper to scan, or the person who made a New Year’s resolution to keep track of all his or her spending by scanning in every single receipt. Of course, we do not discount folks who have small 4R or 5R photos of yore that they want to preserve, those will do, too.

The $149 Doxie One is basically a dumbed down version (somewhat) of the Doxie Go that we reviewed last September. It lacks the built-in rechargeable battery, lacks a USB slot to scan to USB flash drives, has no integrated memory, and no 600dpi resolution. Still, does that mean the Doxie One is “broken”?

Absolutely not! In the first place, if you happen to fall under the target market of the Doxie One, you would amble along just fine at 300dpi resolution. After all, who would want to be bothered with 600dpi resolution where a receipt is concerned? 300dpi is good enough, so do not let that be a log in your eye as you continue reading our review.

Storage options on the Doxie One is basically narrowed down to just an SD memory card. I am quite sure that you will be able to scrounge around for a 2GB or 4GB SD card without any issue, and even if you so happen to be the only one in town without any SD card at all, picking one up at the local store’s bargain bin is not going to cost you much. A 16GB SDHC card from SanDisk costs around $11 from Amazon, last I checked, which provides more than ample storage space.

The Doxie One will be able to scan an entire A4 page in a matter of just 8 seconds, where the scanned image will be stashed on an SD memory card. From there on, you are able to insert said SD card into your iPad via a camera connection kit, place the SD memory card into your computer, or simply to connect the scanner up to the Mac via USB before you import it into the Doxie app which has options for additional processing.

Using the Doxie One is as easy as A-B-C â€" all you need to do is connect it to an AC power outlet (or throw in four AA batteries if you are traveling), and you’re good to go. It does paper and business cards with equal flair, and all scanned images are stored under the JPG format. You can choose to share the scanned files to Dropbox as well as a slew of other cloud-based apps, or export it to Evernote, or for the more old school type, send those files over to a folder on your hard drive.

The question is, $50 cannot really go that far these days, so forking out an extra $50 to get the $199.99 Doxie Go might seem to be a no brainer for some, while others think that it is not necessary to fork out that money. It is your call, really, but if you do a spot of scanning daily or once a week, the Doxie One is more than good enough, but more seasoned road warriors who need additional flexibility would do well to settle for the Doxie Go instead.

Product Page

Satechi 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub

by Edwin - on March 13th, 2013

When it comes to mobile accessories, you know that you can rely on certain names to deliver some of the more interesting ones out there, and Satechi would definitely rank high on my list. After all, DIY stores tend to do very well these days as folks find it better to have a closer and more emotional attachment to one’s home, especially when it comes to modifying it on their own, and I guess the same can also be said for your notebook or desktop computer, where you might never know just when you need that particular accessory to help you out of a particularly tight spot. For instance, a USB hub would come in handy for modern Ultrabooks, as these tend to be extremely stingy in the number of USB ports available, normally limited to just 2, or 3, tops. The Satechi 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub does sound like a treat then, does it not?

Coming in a classic piano black color, the Satechi 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub has been described to be a useful, multipurpose Mac or PC accessory that enables users to connect a wide array of devices, where among them include (but are not limited to) digital cameras, printers, external hard drives, keyboards, flash drives, smartphones and tablets, all in a simple and easy solution. The Satechi 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub comes in a sleek and linear design, paving the way for easy cable management, as it takes up extremely little desk space, too.

Since it sports plug and play connectivity, the 10-Port USB Hub and its 9 USB 3.0 ports will play nice with the latest USB-based devices, while carrying a solitary 2.1 Amp charging port that is located on the right hand side of the hub, making it more than suitable to juice up power hungry but depleted iPads and other Android-powered tablets. The Satechi 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub is currently going for $49.99 a pop.

Company Page

Keep Playing Into the Night

by Alison - on March 14th, 2013

I fondly remember the childhood days of playing games outside until you could not see a foot in front of you. Neighborhood football, baseball, basketball or soccer games got everyone out of the house and active. That moment when parents started yelling “come home” out the door was always a sad moment. When mom said that it was pitch black out I never had a comeback better than “but moooommmm, the game’s not done!”  Wish Reboot Sports was around in those days. We could have played all night.

Reboot’s Magma Light Up technology enables games to go on long after the sun goes down. LED’s built into the balls and bats enable you to catch, make contact and play long into the night. Magma Light units, including the LEDs, are built to handle the rigors of being whacked, thrown and more. And you can see the lighted objects from up to 100 yards away for those hail Mary’s to win the game. Battery life varies from unit to unit â€" footballs and small balls being 40 hours, bats and future bigger balls about 20 hours. Visit Reboot’s website to get hooked up with with two Magma Light Up Balls or a Scoop Ball set for $12.95 or Bat/Ball Set or Football for $24.95. They even offer a 3-pack of light up golf balls for $27.95. Stay tuned for upcoming soccer ball and basketball launches too. And good news travels fast as Maxim and NBC have recently featured Magma Light Up units as a good gift for the die hard/play hard sports fan.  If you want those days of “come home, you can’t see” to be over and you or the sports fan in your life want to play into the night then visit Reboot Sports.

Keep the Kids Active

by Alison - on March 11th, 2013

One of the fastest growing epidemics in parts of the world are obese children. Unfortunately school budget cuts, the cyber age and growth of video games introduced a more sedentary lifestyle and fast food is, well fast and fattening. The attention formerly invested in running around, playing games and being physically active now resides in sitting at a desk or in front of a TV. But if you know kids like I do, you can usually incentivize them to get out and be active. Their competitive nature provides a perfect catalyst to get them back to physical activity.

Meet Sqord, promoting healthy and active play among children. Currently in Beta phase, Sqord enables kids equipped with a Sqord PowerBand to track their activity. After they create their PowerMe profile online â€" including a customizable fav icon â€" they start being active. Running, jumping, hoping, walking. Everything is tracked by the band. Sqord partnered with FitBit to use their advanced accelerometer technology to track activity. Then just swipe the band over a Sqord SyncStation. Activity is all tracked and recorded to the child’s account. As a kid becomes active they can be rewarded with virtual medals or points and get into competitions with friends or classmates. They can even send each other virtual high fives and congrats. Not to fear. The Sqord unit is made for kids and virtually indestructible (see video). Although in beta you can sign up for more information on their website. If you have a houseful or a classroom full of little ones let technology help them be more active â€" rather than less active.

Thanks: Washington Post

Smart Shoes, Yes Shoes

by Alison - on March 12th, 2013

South by Southwest â€" the music, film and interactive festival/conference always guarantees to highlight some of the up-and-coming everything. Venues across Austin are packed to take in new bands and musicians. New directors are discovered through the film festival. And new, sometimes conceptual, technology takes center stage and gain following in the interactive portion of SXSW including technology like Twitter and Foursquare. All the big companies now have a presence. Including Google, who teased attendees with another interactive and wearable technology.

Google Glass will enable you to run your life via your eyes. But what about those days when you need some extra motivation? Maybe you don’t feel so ambitious. You need Google Shoes, speaking basketball-looking shoes.  In conjunction with Adidas and YesYesNo, an interactive project company, and the famous agency 72andSunny, Google developed a device that attaches to the laces of the shoe. The accelerometer and gyroscope contained within help the device understand what you may or may not be doing. Based on your activity it speaks one of 250 pre-recorded and somewhat smart-alec phrases that do everything from praise you to rip on you. So yes, if you are sitting around your shoe could tell you that it is bored. Or if you are intensely working out maybe it will congratulate you. Bluetooth is included if you want to hook it up to a speaker or earpiece. And like other techy shoes this could track your activity too. Don’t hold your breath though. Google made it apparent that there were no long term plans to launch Google Shoes. It was a SXSW concept. But if we all end up toiling in laziness due to the other products that Google brings to our lives maybe this nagging voice concept could become a necessity!

 

Thanks: Huffington Post

Roku 3 announced

by Edwin - on March 11th, 2013

Roku, a name that one should be familiar with when it comes to set top boxes, has just announced their latest version to join the family, the Roku 3. Not exactly the most creative of names when you think about it, but it will suffice for the moment. Roku 3 intends to make it easier and quicker than ever to access over 750 channels of the best movies, TV shows, sports, music and games, and it has even been touted to be the fastest and most powerful Roku streaming player to date, thanks to a speedier processor underneath the hood in addition to an enhanced remote that comes with a headphone jack so that you can listen in private without having to disturb anyone around you. Not only that, Roku 3 would be accompanied by a new user interface that enables a more fluid browsing and navigation experience.

Anthony Wood, founder and CEO, Roku, said, “As Roku continues to build the largest selection of streaming entertainment, we are always exploring ways to improve the TV experience for our customers. Roku 3 introduces thoughtful new features that customers will love. The intuitive new interface makes it easy to find movies and shows quickly while the private listening mode is perfect for late-night streamers who don’t want to wake up the family.”

The remote control of the Roku 3 also doubles up as a motion-sensing game controller, letting you enjoy games such as Angry Birds Space, while you can download Roku’s free app for iOS and Android devices that turns the phone into the ultimate Roku command center, now how about that?

If you are interested in picking up the Roku 3 streaming player, you can now do so (assuming you reside in the US), where it can be purchased over at Roku.com as well as Amazon.com, and Roku has attached a recommended retail price of $99.99. If online shopping is not your cup of tea, you can always choose to bring home a Roku 3 yourself from retail stores around the US from April onwards, which is three weeks away for the more patient ones.

Press Release

LG unveils 55” OLED TV in the UK

by Edwin - on March 10th, 2013

You know that most modern day homes these days have a large, flat screen TV sitting in the middle of the living room, but how many of those do look as sexy as what LG has to offer? LG Electronics has just announced their latest 55” OLED TV for folks living in the UK, and just in case you were wondering, yes, this is the model that laid claim to the “world’s first” title, where it was showcased exclusively at Harrods Technology, and will be made available to those who have placed their pre-order as it is delivered later this July.

The LG OLED TV, also known as the 55EM970V if model numbers are your cup of tea, measures a scintillating 4.5mm thin, and despite its 55” size, it weighs under 10 kilograms, now how about that? Despite being super thin that we still find it rather difficult to believe, it is still capable of producing exceptional picture quality as well as delivering spectacularly vivid and accurate colors, thanks to its superior WRGB technology.

Brian Na, President of LG Electronics UK, said, “We are proud to be the first in the world to offer consumers a big screen OLED TV. LG’s next generation display is a true game changer, which will forever alter the way we think about TVs. Since OLED TV was first unveiled, we’ve been working tirelessly to bring what we call ‘the ultimate display’ to market. I’m sure you’ll agree that our 55-inch OLED TV has definitely been worth the wait.”

LG’s OLED TV will merge their leading Smart TV technology and Cinema 3D capabilities, in addition to edge-to-edge Cinema Screen Design, resulting in the most immersive and complete home entertainment experience, not to mention having the kind of stunning style to go along with it. The asking price for the LG 55EM970V? It retails for a whopping £9,999.99. Eeps!

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Gresso Cruiser Titanium White

by Edwin - on March 9th, 2013

If you feel that you have plenty of spare cash lying around, not knowing how to spend it, you can always make a one-off donation to our bank account, or perhaps if you are in need of a spanking new handset, then perhaps you can check out the new Gresso Cruiser Titanium White that offers not only elegance but femininity as well. The thing is, just make sure you have a cool $3,000 lying around somewhere, as that is how much the Gresso Cruiser Titanium White would cost you. Not quite the arm and a leg, but it gets quite close.

Gresso’s idea of introducing this limited edition model of a pearl white Cruiser Titanium is due to them wanting to roll out a phone that complements the style of a true lady. It has been described to be distinguished by delicate design and flawless performance, where you will be able to enjoy a perfect combination of glossy mirror surface and pure snow-white hue, as the entire handset delivers a romantic and sophisticated look. On the outside lies a polished case and steel key buttons, where this one-piece phone case was executed using a high-precision equipment from a solid titanium slab.

Thanks to a complex milling technology, it resulted in a single-piece case containing only 7 % of the original blank. Each case has to go through a 7-hour milling process, followed by a craftsman polishing it for a few hours, before it goes through another 3-stage hand polishing segment to create a luxurious mirror gloss.

As for the round key buttons, they have been precision cut from stainless steel, and all 21 of them have also been accurately hand polished by a craftsman, resulting in a perfect glossy surface. As for the front and back panels, those are made out of solid tempered glass plates. Only 999 of these puppies will be made available, so get them fast when they’re still hot!

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So Much More Than a Computer Speaker

by Alison - on March 8th, 2013

“Nooooooooo” you are saying. “Not another speaker!” There are so many speakers out there, I agree. That’s why we try to keep to the out-of-the-ordinary ones. And Creative did it again with their Sound BlasterAxx. We featured previous Sound Blaster products in the past and have always been impressed with what they do to computer audio. Axx is no exception especially with PC audio’s growing and diverse range of functions.

First off, Axx looks to be more than just a computer speaker. It serves as a high quality speaker and microphone for effective two-way communication. Axx capitalizes on voice commands and voice recognition. The built-in microphone and Smart Voice Management function enable your voice and commands to be heard from a distance. Give a command or enable those on the other end to hear you with no volume loss, even while you move around the room. And Creative’s CrystalVoice™ technology reduces noise and echo, so your TV noise coming from the other room won’t disrupt your call. If that is not enough use the VoiceFocus feature. When activated, Sound BlasterAxx will only pick up noise from a select zone. CrystalVoice FX also enables you to alter your voice with your choice of effects, for those times when you don’t want to be yourself. Easily stream using built-in Bluetooth. Use your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android) or PC to control settings, or use the touch controls on top when needed. Axx even looks like an advanced piece of audio equipment with two speakers vertically in one chassis. Check more of the details and purchase any one of the three desktop sizes on Amazon for $79.99-$199.99. I think you will be impressed with how far speaker technology (especially two way) has come.

Notes No One Can Miss

by Alison - on February 21st, 2013

Making notes to ourselves has become so much easier with the evolution of phones. We can now basically set up reminders, alerts or alarms for whatever we need. When it comes to others leaving notes for us things are not so advanced are they? Sure, they can send an email or ping you on Facebook. But really â€" does anyone want to have to create an invitation to remind your teenage son to take out the trash? Notepads are fine too. But if your household is like mine, there is no central place to leave a note where you can be positive the recipient gets it.

What if you woke up with the note on your pillow?! Short of taping a note to someone’s forehead I am thinking the pillow is a good solution. The Doodle Pillowcase, $25.49 at Perpetual Kid, will let you leave your notes under their head â€" virtually assuring you they will see your request. Before that teenager lays their head down to take the nap they so desperately wanted, your reminder to take out the trash will be seen. Conversely, if you wake up in the night with your million dollar idea just grab the pen and write on the pillow. When you find a more responsible place for your notes or the task is done simply wash the pillowcase. If the pillowcase would only guarantee the task gets accomplished I think we would all make the investment.

A Case for a World Traveler

by Alison - on March 6th, 2013

Ever notice that SIM cards keep getting smaller and smaller? You know that they will eventually end up about the size of a pinhead or something ridiculous. The small SIM card does not prove a problem for most of us since it pretty much just lives in the phone. But there are a batch of international travelers out there who do see their card on a regular basis. Whether going from the US to Uzbekistan, Malaysia to Malta, Australia to Argentina or anything in between those of you that travel know the importance of 1) getting a SIM where you are going and 2) keeping track of your SIMs.

Currently receiving backing on Kickstarter is a perfect solution for the iPhone 5-owning world traveler to conquer the SIM card challenge. SIMPLcase™ provides a sleek, protective case with SIM card storage and more. Made of an engineering grade polymer, the case provides low profile but durable protection. When you take off the case however, you notice storage for 3 SIM cards and a SIM card eject tool. How logical is that? No more need to use a paperclip, earing, staple or other random objects to eject the SIM. Now when you travel from India to Italy your SIM awaits in your case. And one other great feature of the SIMPlcase? Get your wallet out when you need to Skype or want to watch a movie. The back contains a credit card sized slot so you use your card to prop up your iPhone. Get in on their Kickstarter campaign now for as little as $12, which will get you a case (estimated in June). And with 23 days to go and over 50% funding it appears that is a reality. Holding on to your iPhone 4/4S? Visit their website to put in a request for one of those cases. And never let yourself get caught off guard when traveling abroad.

A Smarter Skewer

by Alison - on February 27th, 2013

Skewers give a great way to feed just about any crowd. Prep your proteins and veggies and let your guests load up their own creations. Everyone gets fat and happy so to speak. Do you ever look at the grill after such an undertaking? Inevitably some food gets sacrificed to the grill. A lopsided zucchini slice does not hold on or a cube of beef just gives way. There is only so much a skewer can take after all. Which provides a perfect reason to invest in a set of Grill Comb Skewers for $14.95 on Amazon.com.

Rather than spearing that cherry tomato and hoping it stays on, let these grill gadgets secure the food. Nineteen teeth provide ample space to create a skewer masterpiece but also enable multiple stabs per chunk of food. Your meat and vegetables will not slide around like on a single stick. No need to squeeze or flatten food to get it on the comb either. Detaching food becomes a cinch as it easily slides off since they are made of stainless steel. Which also means the days of soaking wooden skewers and risking splinters are gone. So prep your chicken, beef, shrimp, peppers, (I’m making myself hungry) tomatoes, onions and mushrooms and don’t let them get sacrificed to the grill.

Star Wars on Your Wall

by Alison - on February 20th, 2013

Decorating a kid’s (little or big) bedroom must involve something entertaining, that looks good and yet does not drive you insane when installing. Tough combination sometimes. And then of course you don’t want it to be TOO permanent, as inevitably they will change their interests. The Strawberry Shortcake girl’s room will have to be converted to a teenage hangout at some point. And little Bobby won’t always want to sleep in a room dominated with “Cars” characters. If your little ones are passing through a Star Wars phase we may have the perfect, unique solution for their wall(s).

A long, long time ago in a kids room far, far away came the Walltastic Star Wars Wall Stickers, £39.95 at Prezzybox. Characters literally jump out at you as the appliques are 3D. This is not your typical wallpaper nightmare either. Installing the stickers is actually a cinch. The mural comes in 12 numbered strips. Hang them, in order,using a little wallpaper glue in one corner to complete the work of art. You won’t hassle with glue everywhere and unbearable mess. Once up, don’t worry about mucky hands as a damp cloth will easily clean the scene. And plenty other characters and themes are available including Dora the Explorer, Peppa Pig and The Avengers. So if you are looking for a simple yet fun way to decorate the kid’s domain, invite some of their favorite characters in.

Swann Sky Duel helicopters bring the fight indoors

by Edwin - on March 3rd, 2013

I know that most parents would want their little ones to head out to the great outdoors and play whenever the weather is just fantastic, especially during those summer months, instead of being cooped up at home in front of the computer or the TV. Well, sometimes the weather does not seem to be too co-operative, so some sort of indoor entertainment is required that does not involve seeing a display for prolonged periods of time. Confiscate the kids’ smartphones, tablets, and consoles, and bring out Swann’s latest Sky Duel helicopters for some indoor dueling fun â€" the safe way, of course.

The Swann Sky Duel twin indoor helicopters will enable you to shoot infrared beams at your opponent, and when all of that action is going on, it will be accompanied by actual whizzing sounds as well as flashing lights when you fire a missile. I guess the only special effect to make it more realistic that is missing would be smoke, no? Once you have successfully registered three hits, your opponent’s helicopter will be disabled, and fall from the sky.

The moment the duel is over, the two of you can compose your nerves, relive those tense moments over a cup of hot chocolate, and throw yourselves straight into action all over again. You need not have to worry about damaging your recently purchased toy, as the Sky Duel was specially manufactured for indoor flying, and is said to be able to withstand its fair share of impacts as well as crashes.

Equipped with Swann’s Easy-Fly Gyro Technology, the controllers will boast of a couple of analog control joysticks that have been styled after classic video games. The trim controller will feature a laser fire button, while its precise 6-way multi-directional Up/Down, Forward/Backward & Left/Right turn movements are a snap to execute.

A full charge (via USB or through the remote control) will give you 7 minutes of flying per chopper. Each purchase of the Swann Sky Duel Helicopters will set you back by $79.99.

Company Page

Help Lost Stuff Find Its Way Home

by Alison - on March 1st, 2013

Have you heard about RuMe? Great concept. It is a Denver based company that created a line of reusable (hence ReUseMe…RuMe) bags, travel accessory bags, even a cuff with a pocket. Yet theirs don’t look like your typical ‘go green’ type bags. These have a sense of style. Recycled aluminum iPhone cases crept into the product offering too. In the interest of safety â€" both for property and people â€" RuMe has another product category that could come in handy for our luggage, pets or anything you don’t want to lose.

Using QR code technology, RuMe produced a line of pet tags, key tags, luggage tags and decals they call the RuMeID. After purchasing a unit you hop on their secure website to register your information. Then place the tag or decal wherever you choose. Should some kind soul find your coded item they simply scan the code and get necessary contact information â€" but never all your information â€" and can reach out to you. Obviously it is a cinch to hop online and change your information as needed, even per trip. Fido may get lost, but anyone with a QR scanning app can help him find his way home. And if your child has lost a Nintendo DS you can probably relate to the importance of the decals (and fellow sympathetic parents that know its importance in a child’s life). RuMeID pet tags, key tags and decals start at $9.95 with luggage tags starting at $14.95 on their website. And there are a variety of shapes, colors and patterns to suit anyone. What a unique gift idea! Or maybe you need it to just keep track of your own life.

Griffin MouthStick Stylus

by Edwin - on March 1st, 2013

I know that we live in an age where medical advances abound, but we are still not quite on the same level as that of Star Wars or Star Trek yet, where neural implants and cybernetics have advanced to such a point, where even a severely weakened Darth Vader could still end up being an imposing Sith Lord with the help of Emperor Palpatine and his reconstructive medical center. Having said that, here is a new age device that has debuted at HIMSS13, where it is known as the Griffin MouthStick Stylus and was specially designed after receiving the necessary input from medical professionals.

The Griffin MouthStick Stylus intends to expand the world of tablets, where it will bring touchscreen and button interaction to those who are living with manual disabilities. Yes sir, have you ever wondered how a disabled person, especially one who has lost their limbs or use of them, be able to make use of all current generation touchscreen handsets? The Griffin MouthStick Stylus will fit the bill nicely, where it was specially designed to provide comfort, stability and control while being held in the mouth.

According to Melissa Lapsley, B2B Education & Assistive Technology Product Specialist at Griffin Technology, “Everyone wants access to tablet technology. With our MouthStick Stylus, we’re providing a customized tool that allows people with motor disabilities the ability to have complete control and access to modern-day technology.”

The Griffin MouthStick Stylus will play nice with touchscreen interfaces, laptop keyboards, and Apple’s Magic Trackpad, where those who lack fine motor skills are still able to easily access and control touch-technology. Thanks to a well-balanced design, the stick can be held comfortably in the mouth without causing any form of strain or discomfort. The Griffin MouthStick Stylus will comprise of four parts, including a food-grade stainless steel mouthpiece, BPA- and latex-free silicone rubber mouthpiece sleeves, a conductive silicone rubber tip, and an adjustable aluminum gooseneck shaft.

Expect the Griffin Mouthstick Stylus to be available to the masses this coming Q2 for $29.99 a pop.

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Silicone to Save the Chef’s Day

by Alison - on February 25th, 2013

I just learned some quick facts about silicone. It withstands heat of up to 500°. It is virtually resistant to oxygen, ozone and UV light. It can be created to conduct electricity. Microbes cannot grow on silicone. Thanks Wikipedia. After understanding factoids like that I get why silicone has become a go-to product for kitchen tools. We found a few on Solutions.com that make all the sense in the world.

One of the ongoing debates about plastic bags and plastic food containers is the toxicity of them when heated and their effectiveness as food cooking devices. Knowing what I now know about silicone I say every pro and amateur chef should invest in one or more Silicone Cooking Bags. Available for $19.98, these eco-friendly containers hold about 4.5 cups of liquid or food. The sliding lock gives you a leakproof seal. Then pop it in the microwave, hot water or freezer. It can handle both extremes. And once you are done drop it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.  Another silicone savior is the $24.98 roasting laurel. If you have ever cooked a turkey you know that quest of getting air underneath it. Roasting pans work, otherwise you have to build that pile of vegetables to create some space. Or if you try to bake stuffed vegetables and keep them upright in the process you probably have a need for this device. And obviously it is easy to store and can be put in the dishwasher. I say, yeah for silicone!

Remotely Control Your Home

by Alison - on February 27th, 2013

Did your grandparents have a light timer in their living room? I think many did. Back when burglaries were fewer and farther between it made sense. Unfortunately crime is on the rise. (I’ll resist going on a political tangent) Burglars are much smarter. So we the home owners/dwellers must better prepare our domiciles. House sitters have become a popular option. Or maybe your neighbor stops by to turn lights off and on. Smarthomes enable remote control of many items in the home. But not all of us can afford a True Smarthome (or can’t retro fit ours).

Announced yesterday at Mobile World Congress, and covered by CNN, in Barcelona is a solution to use our everyday technological capabilities when it comes to remote household control. The BeeWi Mobot will make your grandparent’s timer look archaic! At its simplest the device is a power socket. Plug your light, appliance or gadget in however, and Mobot takes over the control. Multiple Mobots in the home can communicate via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, with  master Mobot also having a SIM card installed. This, of course, means the master Mobot communicates with the outside world via iOS app (no mention of Android yet). Voila. You can control the full gamut of Mobot connected devices from anywhere in the world. Change the lighting while you are away from home. Pop on the TV to entertain the dog. Turn the TV off as a reminder of teenagers about bedtime. Start the washer while on your way home from work. Or scare the heck out of family that may be home! In addition to controlling power on devices, Mobot offers a motion detector which texts you after movement in the house or you can set it up to turn lights on when you walk in. BeeWi anticipates launch later this year at about $195 (£130) for a master and $80 (£50) per additional plug. Sure it is an investment, but for control and awareness of activities at home it should be worth the money.