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 Chris - 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 Edwin - 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 Edwin - 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

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

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 Chris - on August 9th, 2013

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 Edwin - 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

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 Edwin - on November 9th, 2013

If 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

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

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 Edwin - on November 13th, 2013

Olympus 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

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 Edwin - on November 12th, 2013

Have 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

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

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

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

by Edwin - on November 8th, 2013

Everyone 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 Edwin - on November 7th, 2013

When 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 Edwin - 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

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

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 Edwin - on November 3rd, 2013

Let 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

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 Edwin - on October 31st, 2013

When 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

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.