Motorola ATRIX 4G announced

Motorola’s upcoming Android 2.2 Froyo-powered handset, the ATRIX 4G, is set to light up the smartphone world – that’s a given, and we are pleased to bring you news of its availability while it is hot off the press. Available for pre-sales a day before Valentine’s (that is February 13 just in case you do not own a calendar), it will cost you as much as other high-end Android-powered smartphones, that is, $199.99 with a two-year service agreement.

Expect the Motorola ATRIX 4G to soften the blow of losing the iPhone exclusivity deal with Apple for AT&T, as it will hit the market on March 6th this year, and hopefully good sales will follow and boost up their earnings in that particular quarter sometime down the road. Of course, you can also expect AT&T to bundle pricing for the Motorola ATRIX 4G and the Motorola Laptop Dock.

The Motorola ATRIX 4G Android 2.2 smartphone is an AT&T exclusive, and is touted to be the most powerful smartphone in the world when it hits the markets, sporting a 2×1 GHz dual-core processor that delivers a theoretical total of 2GHz of processing power. Apart from that, it also has the world’s first qHD display, alongside built-in Flash support with its Adobe Flash player to make this a multimedia powerhouse.

Apart from that, it will be complemented by breakthrough accessories which will comprise of a revolutionary, super-thin Motorola Laptop Dock, where the ATRIX 4G’s heart is the “engine”. As for the Motorola HD Multimedia Dock, it will rely on the ATRIX 4G’s HDMI video output capabilities and processing power to enable a revolutionary browsing, application and media experience.

You can also take full advantage of the Motorola ATRIX 4G thanks to the included AT&T Mobile Hotspot service that lets you connect additional Wi-Fi-enabled devices right on the spot, so expect to have more friends hang around you just to take advantage of your 4G connection.

Press Release

Motorola’s upcoming Android 2.2 Froyo-powered handset, the ATRIX 4G, is set to light up the smartphone world – that’s a given, and we are pleased to bring you news of its availability while it is hot off the press. Available for pre-sales a day before Valentine’s (that is February 13 just in case you do not own a calendar), it will cost you as much as other high-end Android-powered smartphones, that is, $199.99 with a two-year service agreement.

Expect the Motorola ATRIX 4G to soften the blow of losing the iPhone exclusivity deal with Apple for AT&T, as it will hit the market on March 6th this year, and hopefully good sales will follow and boost up their earnings in that particular quarter sometime down the road. Of course, you can also expect AT&T to bundle pricing for the Motorola ATRIX 4G and the Motorola Laptop Dock.

The Motorola ATRIX 4G Android 2.2 smartphone is an AT&T exclusive, and is touted to be the most powerful smartphone in the world when it hits the markets, sporting a 2×1 GHz dual-core processor that delivers a theoretical total of 2GHz of processing power. Apart from that, it also has the world’s first qHD display, alongside built-in Flash support with its Adobe Flash player to make this a multimedia powerhouse.

Apart from that, it will be complemented by breakthrough accessories which will comprise of a revolutionary, super-thin Motorola Laptop Dock, where the ATRIX 4G’s heart is the “engine”. As for the Motorola HD Multimedia Dock, it will rely on the ATRIX 4G’s HDMI video output capabilities and processing power to enable a revolutionary browsing, application and media experience.

You can also take full advantage of the Motorola ATRIX 4G thanks to the included AT&T Mobile Hotspot service that lets you connect additional Wi-Fi-enabled devices right on the spot, so expect to have more friends hang around you just to take advantage of your 4G connection.

Press Release

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Sceptre releases 24″ LED HDTVs

When it comes to HDTVs these days, widescreen displays are a must since you will need those to enjoy your favorite movies in the format where they were intended for, instead of missing out on additional details on either side. Hence, finding a decent widescreen HDTV these days that is just right for you can be pretty confusing, considering the plethora of options that there are on the open market.

Sceptre wants to step in and fill the 24″ niche, where it has just announced the availability of colors in its Galaxy Series 24-inch LED widescreen HDTV. This is a super slim model that is lightweight as well, boasting 1920 x 1080 resolution as well as a rapid 5ms response time, and you are able to choose in pearl white, red, pink, black, blue and chrome color that will definitely find a place in any living room.

Apart from the colors being part of Sceptre’s stunning Galaxy Series, (with particular attention to the elegant Pearl White), you will soon realize that each LED HDTV functions as a monitor when required, delivering a realistic sensory experience for both movie lovers and PC gamers.

Cathy Chou, Vice President of Operations, Sceptre, has this to say, “Sceptre introduces colors to complement different lifestyles, allowing users to immerse themselves in outstanding images without sacrificing personality, décor and style. Users now have a choice and no longer need to settle for the traditional black.”

As for hardware specifications, expect the 24-inch LED HDTVs to measure a mere 0.9” at its thinnest point, while “bulging” at 1.9” at its thickest. making them slim enough to fit into most settings without a problem. Not only that, you will find dual HDMI ports and a USB port that provides expanded functionality, letting you listen to MP3 files, view photos and enjoy an array of electronic peripherals quickly and conveniently.

These should be pretty easy to find, since Walmart, Target, Sears, Kmart, NewEgg, Amazon and QVC will carry them at a price which is extremely friendly to your pockets – we’re talking about a mere $399.

Press Release

When it comes to HDTVs these days, widescreen displays are a must since you will need those to enjoy your favorite movies in the format where they were intended for, instead of missing out on additional details on either side. Hence, finding a decent widescreen HDTV these days that is just right for you can be pretty confusing, considering the plethora of options that there are on the open market.

Sceptre wants to step in and fill the 24″ niche, where it has just announced the availability of colors in its Galaxy Series 24-inch LED widescreen HDTV. This is a super slim model that is lightweight as well, boasting 1920 x 1080 resolution as well as a rapid 5ms response time, and you are able to choose in pearl white, red, pink, black, blue and chrome color that will definitely find a place in any living room.

Apart from the colors being part of Sceptre’s stunning Galaxy Series, (with particular attention to the elegant Pearl White), you will soon realize that each LED HDTV functions as a monitor when required, delivering a realistic sensory experience for both movie lovers and PC gamers.

Cathy Chou, Vice President of Operations, Sceptre, has this to say, “Sceptre introduces colors to complement different lifestyles, allowing users to immerse themselves in outstanding images without sacrificing personality, décor and style. Users now have a choice and no longer need to settle for the traditional black.”

As for hardware specifications, expect the 24-inch LED HDTVs to measure a mere 0.9” at its thinnest point, while “bulging” at 1.9” at its thickest. making them slim enough to fit into most settings without a problem. Not only that, you will find dual HDMI ports and a USB port that provides expanded functionality, letting you listen to MP3 files, view photos and enjoy an array of electronic peripherals quickly and conveniently.

These should be pretty easy to find, since Walmart, Target, Sears, Kmart, NewEgg, Amazon and QVC will carry them at a price which is extremely friendly to your pockets – we’re talking about a mere $399.

Press Release

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Colorado’s TIP411 – sk8r with 420 @ park

Colorado Springs police unveiled a new, high-tech way to report crime, named TIP411, the new system allows people to send crime tips anonymously via text message. But, police warn, it shouldn’t be used in emergencies. So, if you’re in big trouble, make sure to call it in, TIP411 is more for like, well, snitching.

When you use TIP411, you are assigned a generic number as it’s received by the police department so police can respond back via the text message system without ever identifying the tipster.

The police department hopes that citizens that don’t feel comfortable calling in a crime tip may be more willing to send a short descriptive tip that will help them solve crimes in Colorado Springs, and also that once a citizen submits an anonymous tip via text or e-mail there will be no further obligation on their part if they so desire.

So if you live in Colorado Springs, Colorado and you’d like to submit a crime tip via your phone, text “CSPD” to 847411, or TIP411, followed by any information you may have.

Interestingly, you can also submit tips by clicking on the “submit a tip” tab on the department’s Facebook page or by clicking on the “Submit a Tip” icon on the web atwww.springspolice.com. Seriously? A Facebook page? What’s the word coming to? I guess it’s not so surprising since the police have already been tweeting car theft details since last year. Geez, I gotta start watching my step.

Source: www.coloradoconnection.com

Colorado Springs police unveiled a new, high-tech way to report crime, named TIP411, the new system allows people to send crime tips anonymously via text message. But, police warn, it shouldn’t be used in emergencies. So, if you’re in big trouble, make sure to call it in, TIP411 is more for like, well, snitching.

When you use TIP411, you are assigned a generic number as it’s received by the police department so police can respond back via the text message system without ever identifying the tipster.

The police department hopes that citizens that don’t feel comfortable calling in a crime tip may be more willing to send a short descriptive tip that will help them solve crimes in Colorado Springs, and also that once a citizen submits an anonymous tip via text or e-mail there will be no further obligation on their part if they so desire.

So if you live in Colorado Springs, Colorado and you’d like to submit a crime tip via your phone, text “CSPD” to 847411, or TIP411, followed by any information you may have.

Interestingly, you can also submit tips by clicking on the “submit a tip” tab on the department’s Facebook page or by clicking on the “Submit a Tip” icon on the web atwww.springspolice.com. Seriously? A Facebook page? What’s the word coming to? I guess it’s not so surprising since the police have already been tweeting car theft details since last year. Geez, I gotta start watching my step.

Source: www.coloradoconnection.com

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Star Trek Interactive Tribbles

Are you a full fledged Trekkie at heart, and want to own all the merchandise possible on your meager wages? The Star Trek Interactive Tribbles might just be the ticket for you this season, as these adorable furry beasties from the final frontier will cost anywhere from $14.99 to $19.99.

Just some background information on Tribbles for those who do not follow the sci-fi series – an enterprising trader named Cyrano Jones in the 23rd century procured an interesting and adorable little creature, where they helped people (at least most humanoids) feel calmer, and were known as tribbles.

These tribbles, however, outdo rabbits when it comes to procreation, and proved to be quite a challenge to contain since they multiply at an incredible pace. We’re talking about filling up a whole cargo hold in just three days! Good to know the one you purchased is “genetically altered” (some say manufactured) to be sterile, and you need not rush to the nearest Ikea store to buy new wardrobes and store these away.

Coming in 12″ and 6″ sizes, they are powered by AA and AAA batteries respectively, making Tribble sounds when jostled. To turn off their sound making ability, just flip a switch and you’re good to go.

Are you a full fledged Trekkie at heart, and want to own all the merchandise possible on your meager wages? The Star Trek Interactive Tribbles might just be the ticket for you this season, as these adorable furry beasties from the final frontier will cost anywhere from $14.99 to $19.99.

Just some background information on Tribbles for those who do not follow the sci-fi series – an enterprising trader named Cyrano Jones in the 23rd century procured an interesting and adorable little creature, where they helped people (at least most humanoids) feel calmer, and were known as tribbles.

These tribbles, however, outdo rabbits when it comes to procreation, and proved to be quite a challenge to contain since they multiply at an incredible pace. We’re talking about filling up a whole cargo hold in just three days! Good to know the one you purchased is “genetically altered” (some say manufactured) to be sterile, and you need not rush to the nearest Ikea store to buy new wardrobes and store these away.

Coming in 12″ and 6″ sizes, they are powered by AA and AAA batteries respectively, making Tribble sounds when jostled. To turn off their sound making ability, just flip a switch and you’re good to go.

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The DashLink Console – Because Bikers Like Tech Too

I love the feel of the wind in my hair, my leather jacket against my skin and the power of a Harley Davidson motorcycle under my butt… Just me and the open road, bugs in my teeth, listening to the growl of my American made beast, and um, my iPod… Okay, I don’t ride a damn bike, but if I did, I’d want a Dashlink Console.

Marketed by Hell’s Foundry, the DashLink Console is a replacement fuel tank with a built-in dock for the iPhone or the iPod. The docking station’s design is very unobtrusive and looks great on the bike. The dock contains a self-sensing on/off circuit so when there are no devices present, the bike’s energy is conserved.

The DashLink console offers the rider the abilty to listen to music or use the GPS Navigation enabled on their iDevice and some models even allow the volume controls of the iPhone or iPod to be adjusted with the stock handlebars.

The original DashLink Docking console is compatible with the Harley Davidson FLHT/FLTR and the FLHR. Watch for Dashlinks compatible with other models like Sportsters, Softtails, and Dynas coming soon.

Some bikes don’t have a sound system, in fact there are some motorcycle purists that believe that anyone who needs to play music while riding a motorcycle is someone who would bring a Nintendo to the Superbowl, but that discussion is for another time.

Priced at around $400, the DashLink Docking Station will be available in three colors – chrome, gloss black, and a carbon fiber finish.

Source: www.baggers.automotive.com

I love the feel of the wind in my hair, my leather jacket against my skin and the power of a Harley Davidson motorcycle under my butt… Just me and the open road, bugs in my teeth, listening to the growl of my American made beast, and um, my iPod… Okay, I don’t ride a damn bike, but if I did, I’d want a Dashlink Console.

Marketed by Hell’s Foundry, the DashLink Console is a replacement fuel tank with a built-in dock for the iPhone or the iPod. The docking station’s design is very unobtrusive and looks great on the bike. The dock contains a self-sensing on/off circuit so when there are no devices present, the bike’s energy is conserved.

The DashLink console offers the rider the abilty to listen to music or use the GPS Navigation enabled on their iDevice and some models even allow the volume controls of the iPhone or iPod to be adjusted with the stock handlebars.

The original DashLink Docking console is compatible with the Harley Davidson FLHT/FLTR and the FLHR. Watch for Dashlinks compatible with other models like Sportsters, Softtails, and Dynas coming soon.

Some bikes don’t have a sound system, in fact there are some motorcycle purists that believe that anyone who needs to play music while riding a motorcycle is someone who would bring a Nintendo to the Superbowl, but that discussion is for another time.

Priced at around $400, the DashLink Docking Station will be available in three colors – chrome, gloss black, and a carbon fiber finish.

Source: www.baggers.automotive.com

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World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle

Are you one who loves jigsaws? Perhaps you feel that your brain needs a little bit more exercise than all the passive feeding its been doing in front of the TV, and hence looking upon the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle might just jog your grey matter by a bit.

Some others might call it as one of the more challenging art pieces to assemble at home, but it really depends on how you look at it. Available for pre-order at £199.99 when available, it comprises of a whopping 32,256 pieces. Good luck counting them to make sure that you do not have any pieces missing…

Tipping the scales at around 17kg, this premium grade, soft-click monster will be accompanied by its own trolley and is a Guinness record breaker. All we have left to say about this is, ensure there is enough space in your pad to put this behemoth up once you’re done!

Are you one who loves jigsaws? Perhaps you feel that your brain needs a little bit more exercise than all the passive feeding its been doing in front of the TV, and hence looking upon the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle might just jog your grey matter by a bit.

Some others might call it as one of the more challenging art pieces to assemble at home, but it really depends on how you look at it. Available for pre-order at £199.99 when available, it comprises of a whopping 32,256 pieces. Good luck counting them to make sure that you do not have any pieces missing…

Tipping the scales at around 17kg, this premium grade, soft-click monster will be accompanied by its own trolley and is a Guinness record breaker. All we have left to say about this is, ensure there is enough space in your pad to put this behemoth up once you’re done!

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Rap Battles Game

You know those movies where rappers and dancers get together, and they hold “battles”? Now I am not that musically inclined, and I definitely do not have any idea on how the judging on points come about, but I guess that there is always a time and place to start, what with the £19.99 Rap Battles Game.

Yup, imagine yourself to be the next Ice T or Eminem (or Vanilla Ice if you’re a 1980s kid), waiting to unleash your skills of a lyrical poet or master MC. Challenge your mates as well as drive your family nuts with this, as you earn hip hop dollars (the game’s denomination of choice) as you wax lyrical in your living room.

To win the game, just be the first player (or should we say, rapper?) to earn $1,000. Each purchase will come with a Boom box, 40 Rap cards, 40 Star cards, Dice, and the relevant Rap dollars. To play, there must be a Rap manager who is in charge of paying each player $100 if they successfully complete a rap. Each player will take turns to pick up a Rap card and Star card, rolling the dice and letting the number decide which track the rap will be performed to.

Best to dress up for the part, no?

You know those movies where rappers and dancers get together, and they hold “battles”? Now I am not that musically inclined, and I definitely do not have any idea on how the judging on points come about, but I guess that there is always a time and place to start, what with the £19.99 Rap Battles Game.

Yup, imagine yourself to be the next Ice T or Eminem (or Vanilla Ice if you’re a 1980s kid), waiting to unleash your skills of a lyrical poet or master MC. Challenge your mates as well as drive your family nuts with this, as you earn hip hop dollars (the game’s denomination of choice) as you wax lyrical in your living room.

To win the game, just be the first player (or should we say, rapper?) to earn $1,000. Each purchase will come with a Boom box, 40 Rap cards, 40 Star cards, Dice, and the relevant Rap dollars. To play, there must be a Rap manager who is in charge of paying each player $100 if they successfully complete a rap. Each player will take turns to pick up a Rap card and Star card, rolling the dice and letting the number decide which track the rap will be performed to.

Best to dress up for the part, no?

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Check out the new sport, 360ball

We’ve previously reported about budding sports here at Coolest Gadgets with Knokkers, a game that combines bowling with billiards.

This 360 ball is a game of tennis combined with, I don’t know, maybe Tiddlywinks? I have a video of it after the jump so you can see how it is played. As for me, I can’t figure out how to play it. Then again, I’m not that good at sports and couldn’t explain to you the rules of football if you asked me.

Here’s what I can understand: there are four players that must start in a particular quadrant. One of them hits the ball into the central circle that you see there. The players from the other team must hit it back, but they are allowed to touch the ball twice in the process.

If the ball hits the ground or another player, then the other team gets a point. If the ball strikes that inner orange circle after hearing the central circle, I believe the ball must be played on, but it makes for some interesting ricochets.

I would imagine that this type of circular court would be more difficult to built then a tennis court, but it certainly looks quite interesting. Right now, the first official court has been set up in Knysna, South Africa. If there are spectator seats for that, I’m guessing most of them get a good view.

We’ve previously reported about budding sports here at Coolest Gadgets with Knokkers, a game that combines bowling with billiards.

This 360 ball is a game of tennis combined with, I don’t know, maybe Tiddlywinks? I have a video of it after the jump so you can see how it is played. As for me, I can’t figure out how to play it. Then again, I’m not that good at sports and couldn’t explain to you the rules of football if you asked me.

Here’s what I can understand: there are four players that must start in a particular quadrant. One of them hits the ball into the central circle that you see there. The players from the other team must hit it back, but they are allowed to touch the ball twice in the process.

If the ball hits the ground or another player, then the other team gets a point. If the ball strikes that inner orange circle after hearing the central circle, I believe the ball must be played on, but it makes for some interesting ricochets.

I would imagine that this type of circular court would be more difficult to built then a tennis court, but it certainly looks quite interesting. Right now, the first official court has been set up in Knysna, South Africa. If there are spectator seats for that, I’m guessing most of them get a good view.

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Snack & Stack utensil set

Don’t you just love words that rhyme? That’s what the Snack & Stack utensil set is all about, where$22 will definitely make your child’s dining experience a whole lot more fun and saving you plenty of frustration in the process. Sounds pretty much like a good investment, no?

At point of publishing, there are only three of these puppies left available, so you might want to hurry up and make a beeline for your purchase. After all, opportunities to liven up your meal times come once in a while, and you wouldn’t want to wait for another 100 years, do you? (we jest here).

The Snack & Stack utensil set can be easily stacked up for easy transportation, especially for folks who buy their lunch and bring it back to the office, requiring some utensils of their own since they are paranoid about using those from the office pantry. It is also small enough to fit into lunch boxes, picnic baskets, desk drawers or glove compartments.

Don’t you just love words that rhyme? That’s what the Snack & Stack utensil set is all about, where$22 will definitely make your child’s dining experience a whole lot more fun and saving you plenty of frustration in the process. Sounds pretty much like a good investment, no?

At point of publishing, there are only three of these puppies left available, so you might want to hurry up and make a beeline for your purchase. After all, opportunities to liven up your meal times come once in a while, and you wouldn’t want to wait for another 100 years, do you? (we jest here).

The Snack & Stack utensil set can be easily stacked up for easy transportation, especially for folks who buy their lunch and bring it back to the office, requiring some utensils of their own since they are paranoid about using those from the office pantry. It is also small enough to fit into lunch boxes, picnic baskets, desk drawers or glove compartments.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Automatic Programming Radio Scanner

Let us be honest here, how many of you out there own a radio scanner? We would think that someone who does so probably has some sort of nefarious activity up their sleeves, such as robbing a bank or pulling off the next big museum heist. Looking for a radio scanner, your search might have led you to nowhere, but the Automatic Programming Radio Scanner could just be the item you’ve been looking for.

We’ve got to warn you first though – this puppy won’t come cheap at $599.95, but read on to find out why it costs six Benjamins. For starters, this is the only radio scanner which is capable of finding local police, fire, and emergency medical service channels automatically whenever you enter your location. It will come pre-loaded with radio channel information for the U.S. and Canada, and as its name says, there is no need for programming unlike other models.

All you need to do is enter a zip code or city and let it do its work, or run an auto scan instead, where it will automatically find all local unencrypted, non-proprietary radio system frequencies up to a 30-mile radius. This lets you monitor local police, ambulance, fire, utility, aviation, and federal bands, where among them include NOAA weather alerts.

Hardware specifications include a 3.5″ color touchscreen that offers easy navigation with your gestures. Transmissions can also be recorded and played back, while channel updates are delivered via the included software. A quartet of AA batteries can deliver up to 5 hours of juice, where plugging it in via an AC adapter will take up to 14 hours for a full charge.

Let us be honest here, how many of you out there own a radio scanner? We would think that someone who does so probably has some sort of nefarious activity up their sleeves, such as robbing a bank or pulling off the next big museum heist. Looking for a radio scanner, your search might have led you to nowhere, but the Automatic Programming Radio Scanner could just be the item you’ve been looking for.

We’ve got to warn you first though – this puppy won’t come cheap at $599.95, but read on to find out why it costs six Benjamins. For starters, this is the only radio scanner which is capable of finding local police, fire, and emergency medical service channels automatically whenever you enter your location. It will come pre-loaded with radio channel information for the U.S. and Canada, and as its name says, there is no need for programming unlike other models.

All you need to do is enter a zip code or city and let it do its work, or run an auto scan instead, where it will automatically find all local unencrypted, non-proprietary radio system frequencies up to a 30-mile radius. This lets you monitor local police, ambulance, fire, utility, aviation, and federal bands, where among them include NOAA weather alerts.

Hardware specifications include a 3.5″ color touchscreen that offers easy navigation with your gestures. Transmissions can also be recorded and played back, while channel updates are delivered via the included software. A quartet of AA batteries can deliver up to 5 hours of juice, where plugging it in via an AC adapter will take up to 14 hours for a full charge.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Moshi Moshi Office Phone

The old school traditional handset of a house phone is definitely something that will usher in nostalgia for the older generation out there, as the younger ones will most probably hardly use a home phone, relying instead on their iPhones and plethora of smartphones. Well, Firebox intends to usher in nostalgia with the Moshi Moshi Office Phone.

What does this puppy do? All you need to do is plug in your iPhone or iPad into this smart, high quality handset through a 3.5mm jack, and you’re good to start yakking and catching up with old times over the phone. Heck, it can also be used in conjunction with Skype and iChat, and on the bright side, your head won’t be bombarded with mobile microwaves (if you’re paranoid, of course).

You will be able to choose from the soft touch black or high gloss white finishes, depending on what your taste in color is like. Each £49.99 Moshi Moshi Office Phone will come with a weighted base that is equipped with a silicone mat that prevents your precious mobile device from being damaged.

The old school traditional handset of a house phone is definitely something that will usher in nostalgia for the older generation out there, as the younger ones will most probably hardly use a home phone, relying instead on their iPhones and plethora of smartphones. Well, Firebox intends to usher in nostalgia with the Moshi Moshi Office Phone.

What does this puppy do? All you need to do is plug in your iPhone or iPad into this smart, high quality handset through a 3.5mm jack, and you’re good to start yakking and catching up with old times over the phone. Heck, it can also be used in conjunction with Skype and iChat, and on the bright side, your head won’t be bombarded with mobile microwaves (if you’re paranoid, of course).

You will be able to choose from the soft touch black or high gloss white finishes, depending on what your taste in color is like. Each £49.99 Moshi Moshi Office Phone will come with a weighted base that is equipped with a silicone mat that prevents your precious mobile device from being damaged.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

ZMP City Simulator Experiment

Some of you might remember the last time we covered theRoboCar ZMP, which is essentially the Knight Rider dream of a car with an autopilot.

I’m not certain whether this City Simulator Experiment is related to this story, but it sounds like it could be how the robot car works.

Think of it as a way to operate a remote control car just like you would operate a real car. You will notice this man at the giant screen, and I have a video of it after the jump in action. I also have another video of the car if you want to see it for yourself.

I think this might be a very fun toy for kids who can’t drive as yet. Just be sure to wear your helmet. In fact, while we are on that subject, why is this man wearing a helmet? I mean, real drivers aren’t required to wear helmets, for crying out loud.

It certainly looks like a lot of fun. You know those people that like to go to Go-Cart tracks to do some racing, even though they can drive actual cars? Well, perhaps they would love to race around some serious tracks with this bad boy. I’m not certain what ZMP has in store.

Some of you might remember the last time we covered theRoboCar ZMP, which is essentially the Knight Rider dream of a car with an autopilot.

I’m not certain whether this City Simulator Experiment is related to this story, but it sounds like it could be how the robot car works.

Think of it as a way to operate a remote control car just like you would operate a real car. You will notice this man at the giant screen, and I have a video of it after the jump in action. I also have another video of the car if you want to see it for yourself.

I think this might be a very fun toy for kids who can’t drive as yet. Just be sure to wear your helmet. In fact, while we are on that subject, why is this man wearing a helmet? I mean, real drivers aren’t required to wear helmets, for crying out loud.

It certainly looks like a lot of fun. You know those people that like to go to Go-Cart tracks to do some racing, even though they can drive actual cars? Well, perhaps they would love to race around some serious tracks with this bad boy. I’m not certain what ZMP has in store.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

iKit juices up your iPhone 4 independently

The Apple iPhone 4 has certainly been one of the best selling phones of this generation, creating a whole lot of buzz and rumors when it was first announced, not to mention having third party manufacturer accessories getting spotted in the wild. Well, since its launch, the iPhone 4 has steadily made its way into the hands of many, and with it, a fast growing accessory market.

One major gripe from those iPhone 4 owners who use it for just about everything is this – it does not have sufficient battery life to last you through the whole day. Of course, this applies to the above average user, and if you happen to leave your Internet connection to always-on, getting email pushed to you, replying tons of mails and text messages, a portable power pack should be right up your alley.

iKit intends to step in and offer some respite from low battery warnings with their NuCharge case which is compatible with both the AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4. We will take a look at just how it will serve you better in the extended post.

The NuCharge is touted to almost double your phone’s battery life, delivering a quick and powerful charge solution so that you will never run out of juice not to make phone calls during the most crucial of moments. This black lightweight case measures a mere 6mm thin and tips the scales at just 2 ounces, and despite its diminutive size, it packs a powerful charge that maxes out at 1400 mAh of power.

Doubling as a protective case, you can be sure that your iPhone remains safe and sound from reasonable drops and scratches. Apart from that, the NuCharge is equipped with an ON/OFF switch that helps conserve power when not in use. You can tell just how much battery life there is left on it thanks to the blue LED light in front. Expect to pay $64.95 for additional power on the go that should last you the distance.

Press Release

The Apple iPhone 4 has certainly been one of the best selling phones of this generation, creating a whole lot of buzz and rumors when it was first announced, not to mention having third party manufacturer accessories getting spotted in the wild. Well, since its launch, the iPhone 4 has steadily made its way into the hands of many, and with it, a fast growing accessory market.

One major gripe from those iPhone 4 owners who use it for just about everything is this – it does not have sufficient battery life to last you through the whole day. Of course, this applies to the above average user, and if you happen to leave your Internet connection to always-on, getting email pushed to you, replying tons of mails and text messages, a portable power pack should be right up your alley.

iKit intends to step in and offer some respite from low battery warnings with their NuCharge case which is compatible with both the AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4. We will take a look at just how it will serve you better in the extended post.

The NuCharge is touted to almost double your phone’s battery life, delivering a quick and powerful charge solution so that you will never run out of juice not to make phone calls during the most crucial of moments. This black lightweight case measures a mere 6mm thin and tips the scales at just 2 ounces, and despite its diminutive size, it packs a powerful charge that maxes out at 1400 mAh of power.

Doubling as a protective case, you can be sure that your iPhone remains safe and sound from reasonable drops and scratches. Apart from that, the NuCharge is equipped with an ON/OFF switch that helps conserve power when not in use. You can tell just how much battery life there is left on it thanks to the blue LED light in front. Expect to pay $64.95 for additional power on the go that should last you the distance.

Press Release

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Esper Dominoes re-defines the domino effect

It seems like we as human beings just have to put technology in things that don’t require it. Case in point: Dominoes.

I believe that Dominoes are one of the oldest games in the world, and these particular stones (I believe that is the term for individual dominoes) can be adjusted for different values. All you have to do is shake it one way to increase the value from 1 to 5, and shake it another way to decrease it from 5 to 1.

Not only that, these dominoes can fall by themselves. I have a video after the jump so you can see all the fancy combinations. I highly suggest that you watch it.

The automatic falling is done by ZigBee radios inside. So when you knock domino number one over, it will knock the next one higher down. There must be some sort of shaker thing in it to cause it to fall.

As you can see from the video, there are a lot of fun things you can do with these. You will notice that stones can be spaced further out to create the domino effect. I also like the way certain other domino effects can be created by turning the dominoes the other way.

Yeah, the future is looking good for dominoes, but I don’t know when these Esper Dominoes will be available for purchase.

It seems like we as human beings just have to put technology in things that don’t require it. Case in point: Dominoes.

I believe that Dominoes are one of the oldest games in the world, and these particular stones (I believe that is the term for individual dominoes) can be adjusted for different values. All you have to do is shake it one way to increase the value from 1 to 5, and shake it another way to decrease it from 5 to 1.

Not only that, these dominoes can fall by themselves. I have a video after the jump so you can see all the fancy combinations. I highly suggest that you watch it.

The automatic falling is done by ZigBee radios inside. So when you knock domino number one over, it will knock the next one higher down. There must be some sort of shaker thing in it to cause it to fall.

As you can see from the video, there are a lot of fun things you can do with these. You will notice that stones can be spaced further out to create the domino effect. I also like the way certain other domino effects can be created by turning the dominoes the other way.

Yeah, the future is looking good for dominoes, but I don’t know when these Esper Dominoes will be available for purchase.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

T-Mobile makes two big announcements today with the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and the G-Slate

T-Mobile had two announcement today, and just one of them would be a big deal. As it is, they are both a big deal.

The first is that the Galaxy S 4G (pictured right) is coming to the carrier this month. It is a sequel to the Vibrant, but with the largest 4G network (21 mbps HSPA+) with Android 2.2 (Froyo).

The second announcement has to deal with the coming of the G-Slate. It’s not like it wasn’t announced at CES 2011, but it definitely will have Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) as well as built-in support for 3D graphics, allowing for 3D video and experience 3D content on the device, with 3D glasses. See a picture of the tablet after the jump, as well as more info about the Galaxy S 4G and the G-Slate

The Galaxy S 4G for T-Mobile allows for streaming on a mobile HD TV, Video chat with Qik, and pre-loaded with the film Inception.

I have already discussed the G-Slate’s 3-D capability which apparently is the big selling point. To let you know, it has an 8.9 inch screen (1280 x 720), an NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, HDMI port, rear camera with five Megapixels, 32GB internal storage, as well as the 4G connectivity of the aforementioned Galaxy S.

Source 1 and Source 2

T-Mobile had two announcement today, and just one of them would be a big deal. As it is, they are both a big deal.

The first is that the Galaxy S 4G (pictured right) is coming to the carrier this month. It is a sequel to the Vibrant, but with the largest 4G network (21 mbps HSPA+) with Android 2.2 (Froyo).

The second announcement has to deal with the coming of the G-Slate. It’s not like it wasn’t announced at CES 2011, but it definitely will have Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) as well as built-in support for 3D graphics, allowing for 3D video and experience 3D content on the device, with 3D glasses. See a picture of the tablet after the jump, as well as more info about the Galaxy S 4G and the G-Slate

The Galaxy S 4G for T-Mobile allows for streaming on a mobile HD TV, Video chat with Qik, and pre-loaded with the film Inception.

I have already discussed the G-Slate’s 3-D capability which apparently is the big selling point. To let you know, it has an 8.9 inch screen (1280 x 720), an NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, HDMI port, rear camera with five Megapixels, 32GB internal storage, as well as the 4G connectivity of the aforementioned Galaxy S.

Source 1 and Source 2

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there is a way to lift fingerprints off fabric

I think that we all know that most of the technology that we see on that CSI show is more advanced than actual forensic science or, in some cases, just plain non-existent.

However, some researchers in Scotland have just discovered some new techniques that could crack a case on the next episode of CSI: Whatever city we’re in. The technique involves getting fingerprints off of clothes.

It involves vacuum metal deposition, which is already good for plastic and glass. In the case of fabric, it is put in a vacuum chamber, and heated and evaporated and spread in a fine layer over the fabric. When heated zinc is applied, it attaches to the gold layer where the fabric has no fingerprints, and leaves the treated fabric to shine out where the contact has been made.

Of course, it isn’t a perfect method of identification, but later research will make it so the print is clearly visible. As the process stands now, it works most clearly on silk and polyester.

Well, I can picture some exciting new episodes of CSI in future seasons. I wonder if it is possible to take a fingerprint from a glove that has been turned inside out. That would make certain a killer with gloves on would still get caught.

Source

I think that we all know that most of the technology that we see on that CSI show is more advanced than actual forensic science or, in some cases, just plain non-existent.

However, some researchers in Scotland have just discovered some new techniques that could crack a case on the next episode of CSI: Whatever city we’re in. The technique involves getting fingerprints off of clothes.

It involves vacuum metal deposition, which is already good for plastic and glass. In the case of fabric, it is put in a vacuum chamber, and heated and evaporated and spread in a fine layer over the fabric. When heated zinc is applied, it attaches to the gold layer where the fabric has no fingerprints, and leaves the treated fabric to shine out where the contact has been made.

Of course, it isn’t a perfect method of identification, but later research will make it so the print is clearly visible. As the process stands now, it works most clearly on silk and polyester.

Well, I can picture some exciting new episodes of CSI in future seasons. I wonder if it is possible to take a fingerprint from a glove that has been turned inside out. That would make certain a killer with gloves on would still get caught.

Source

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Rainbow paints a rainbow in 15 seconds

Last week, I saw a documentary film entitled Exit Through the Gift Shop, and it was a film about street art. You can watch it for free at Hulu.com now.

The film opened my eyes to see that some of the graffiti isn’t there for “tagging” or going against the system, but an attempt from artists to make the streets more beautiful. Many of these great street artists, including the now legendary Banksy, bring in cardboard stencils so they can do their work faster. Also, so they won’t be apprehended by the law.

This street artist named Mudlevel has created a Robo-Rainbow, which can make a perfectly formed multicolored rainbow on a wall in 15 seconds. You can see it on a video after the jump.

The Robo-Rainbow uses a mechanical sweeping arm with spray cans. That might sound incredibly simple, but the device is quite complicated with an Arduino processor controlling an electric drill and servos to trigger the spray can nozzles. Apparently, it is harder to make a colored arc, and requires varying speeds of the swooping arm to make it work.

Well, this is definitely for any town that could use a little more rainbow-colored goodness on the walls. Personally, many cities could use decorations like this.

robo-rainbow from mudlevel on Vimeo.

Last week, I saw a documentary film entitled Exit Through the Gift Shop, and it was a film about street art. You can watch it for free at Hulu.com now.

The film opened my eyes to see that some of the graffiti isn’t there for “tagging” or going against the system, but an attempt from artists to make the streets more beautiful. Many of these great street artists, including the now legendary Banksy, bring in cardboard stencils so they can do their work faster. Also, so they won’t be apprehended by the law.

This street artist named Mudlevel has created a Robo-Rainbow, which can make a perfectly formed multicolored rainbow on a wall in 15 seconds. You can see it on a video after the jump.

The Robo-Rainbow uses a mechanical sweeping arm with spray cans. That might sound incredibly simple, but the device is quite complicated with an Arduino processor controlling an electric drill and servos to trigger the spray can nozzles. Apparently, it is harder to make a colored arc, and requires varying speeds of the swooping arm to make it work.

Well, this is definitely for any town that could use a little more rainbow-colored goodness on the walls. Personally, many cities could use decorations like this.

robo-rainbow from mudlevel on Vimeo.

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DIY – From Grape Juice to Party Beverage in Just 2 Days

Okay, there’s a couple of ways I can go with this post, I can explain the finer points of the German Federweisser (or young wine) typically made and consumed in wine making regions, because it used the grapes that were not good enough to be made into fine wines, and its fermentation process was also so quick that it couldn’t travel well and needed to be consumed in a matter of days, or conversely, I could simple say, where the heck was this when I was in college?

The Do It Yourself Juice to Alcohol Kit, you need only to select a 64oz bottle of juice, then pour in a packet of the Juice to Alcohol Kit’s magic powder, lose the bottle cap in favor of the included airlock and rubber stopper (or it will explode) and store it at room temperature. The yeast will change the juice into a tasty, carbonated alcoholic beverage in around 48 hours (you can start tasting after 24). If you enjoy a dryer taste with a higher alcohol content, continue to ferment it at room temperature until it’s just the way you like it. Imagine a fine cabernet aged in oak barrels… okay, now forget about the cabernet and enjoy this light, refreshing and surprisingly delicious drink, reminiscent of a wine cooler, only it has some science and history behind it, and you made it yourself, gotta love the Germans.

Kit available from www.thinkgeek.com for about $9.99 (includes 6 packets of powder)

Please remember to drink legally and responsibly… in that order…

Source: www.spikeyourjuice.com

Okay, there’s a couple of ways I can go with this post, I can explain the finer points of the German Federweisser (or young wine) typically made and consumed in wine making regions, because it used the grapes that were not good enough to be made into fine wines, and its fermentation process was also so quick that it couldn’t travel well and needed to be consumed in a matter of days, or conversely, I could simple say, where the heck was this when I was in college?

The Do It Yourself Juice to Alcohol Kit, you need only to select a 64oz bottle of juice, then pour in a packet of the Juice to Alcohol Kit’s magic powder, lose the bottle cap in favor of the included airlock and rubber stopper (or it will explode) and store it at room temperature. The yeast will change the juice into a tasty, carbonated alcoholic beverage in around 48 hours (you can start tasting after 24). If you enjoy a dryer taste with a higher alcohol content, continue to ferment it at room temperature until it’s just the way you like it. Imagine a fine cabernet aged in oak barrels… okay, now forget about the cabernet and enjoy this light, refreshing and surprisingly delicious drink, reminiscent of a wine cooler, only it has some science and history behind it, and you made it yourself, gotta love the Germans.

Kit available from www.thinkgeek.com for about $9.99 (includes 6 packets of powder)

Please remember to drink legally and responsibly… in that order…

Source: www.spikeyourjuice.com

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HEX Sport Watch Band

HEX is a name that is associated with fashionable tech accessories, and this time around the company has rolled out its latest offering for the masses – especially those who own the latest iPod nano (6th generation) as they can then slot it into the HEX Sport Watch Band.

The HEX Sport Watch Band will not only let your iPod nano function as a watch, it also doubles up as a protector and makes sure your iPod nano stays in place even during intense workouts, boasting a NIKE Plus port for added functionality.

Just like the other HEX Watch Bands that have been released, the Sport Band will come with a “Pop in, Pop out” design for easy insertion of the iPod nano. Expect this watch band to deliver full access to all iPod nano controls courtesy of its integrated control buttons. Made out of perforated premium silicone, you can be sure that this is top class material for added breathability and comfort during athletic activities.

Expect to bring home this puppy in April for $29.95 a pop.

HEX is a name that is associated with fashionable tech accessories, and this time around the company has rolled out its latest offering for the masses – especially those who own the latest iPod nano (6th generation) as they can then slot it into the HEX Sport Watch Band.

The HEX Sport Watch Band will not only let your iPod nano function as a watch, it also doubles up as a protector and makes sure your iPod nano stays in place even during intense workouts, boasting a NIKE Plus port for added functionality.

Just like the other HEX Watch Bands that have been released, the Sport Band will come with a “Pop in, Pop out” design for easy insertion of the iPod nano. Expect this watch band to deliver full access to all iPod nano controls courtesy of its integrated control buttons. Made out of perforated premium silicone, you can be sure that this is top class material for added breathability and comfort during athletic activities.

Expect to bring home this puppy in April for $29.95 a pop.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

eyeSight delivers software-based gesture recognition technology

eyeSight has just launched a software-based gesture recognition technology that intends to see action on portable computer devices, and it does make us extremely interested to see how eyeSight is going to improve upon the numerous touch gestures used on touchscreen devices that are already on the market these days via a new method.

Apparently, this technology will enable users to control applications, programs and tools on a host of devices including (but not limited to) Android tablets and Windows-based notebooks and netbooks – all through the use of simple hand gestures. Apart from that,eyeSight’s solution for Windows will ensure seamless integration to Windows applications. Hmmm, gestures with the Android platform and with Windows? That is certainly something worth looking into.

This new move by eyeSight does seem to be a step up from last year’s efforts, where eyeSight introduced the Natural User Interface for Android mobile devices. With its new hand gesture interface solution for computer-based Android and Windows platforms, expect a whole new world of possibility to open up for you.

eyeSight’s Hand Gesture Recognition Technology will rely on the current standard built in 2D camera, and good news for those who want to adopt it – you will need not fork out additional dough to purchase new hardware or an expensive 3D camera.

According to Gideon Shmuel, eyeSight’s CEO, “Users can remotely control their music and video player, browse through eBooks, manage presentations, play games, control PC apps and carry out many other tasks without touching the keyboard or touchscreen. It is ideal for functions that do not require hands-on management and offers a new and improved user experience.”

It will boast advanced real-time image processing and machine vision algorithms to keep everything running fine and dandy, and various manufacturers of portable devices that use different operating systems will be able to let their users have a whole new user experience. Imagine remotely controlling applications on a wide variety of devices, such as tablets, notebooks, netbooks, All-In-One PCs, portable computers, and mobile phones among others.

Press Release

eyeSight has just launched a software-based gesture recognition technology that intends to see action on portable computer devices, and it does make us extremely interested to see how eyeSight is going to improve upon the numerous touch gestures used on touchscreen devices that are already on the market these days via a new method.

Apparently, this technology will enable users to control applications, programs and tools on a host of devices including (but not limited to) Android tablets and Windows-based notebooks and netbooks – all through the use of simple hand gestures. Apart from that,eyeSight’s solution for Windows will ensure seamless integration to Windows applications. Hmmm, gestures with the Android platform and with Windows? That is certainly something worth looking into.

This new move by eyeSight does seem to be a step up from last year’s efforts, where eyeSight introduced the Natural User Interface for Android mobile devices. With its new hand gesture interface solution for computer-based Android and Windows platforms, expect a whole new world of possibility to open up for you.

eyeSight’s Hand Gesture Recognition Technology will rely on the current standard built in 2D camera, and good news for those who want to adopt it – you will need not fork out additional dough to purchase new hardware or an expensive 3D camera.

According to Gideon Shmuel, eyeSight’s CEO, “Users can remotely control their music and video player, browse through eBooks, manage presentations, play games, control PC apps and carry out many other tasks without touching the keyboard or touchscreen. It is ideal for functions that do not require hands-on management and offers a new and improved user experience.”

It will boast advanced real-time image processing and machine vision algorithms to keep everything running fine and dandy, and various manufacturers of portable devices that use different operating systems will be able to let their users have a whole new user experience. Imagine remotely controlling applications on a wide variety of devices, such as tablets, notebooks, netbooks, All-In-One PCs, portable computers, and mobile phones among others.

Press Release

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Samsung Galaxy Tab has pretty high return rates

Isn’t it a wonder what good marketing can do for you? That is what’s happening with the Samsung Galaxy Tab after the real story breaks cover, where the return rates of this Android-powered tablet device is far higher than that of its main rival, the Apple iPad. We’re talking about a Wall Street firm estimating that around 15% of the Galaxy Tabs sold are actually returned, which is nearly 700% higher than what the iPad is looking at (2%).

Of course, this 15% rate comprises of sales from the tablet’s debut since November through January 16 this year. The culprit behind the high return rates? It could be because Samsung decided to go ahead with Android 2.2 while rushing the Tab out to the market for first mover advantage, despite Google already stating that Android 2.2 Froyo is unsuitable for tablet use, where Android 3.0 Honeycomb is a whole lot better since it was specially optimized for such use.

Hopefully with the advent of Honeycomb-powered tablets, the return rate of future Tabs won’t be that high, and the whole ordeal will be forgotten soon. Guess all those record breaking feats (2 million sold milestone) do not mean that much anymore, while the recent price drop might just lure more people to end up under the “return” pile. We await further developments with bated breath.

Source: Unwired View

Update: Apparently, all of this is a miscommunication, and the Galaxy Tab has fared much better than reported. We apologized for riling the feathers of Samsung fans, and Samsung says that the Galaxy Tab has a return rate of only 2%.

Isn’t it a wonder what good marketing can do for you? That is what’s happening with the Samsung Galaxy Tab after the real story breaks cover, where the return rates of this Android-powered tablet device is far higher than that of its main rival, the Apple iPad. We’re talking about a Wall Street firm estimating that around 15% of the Galaxy Tabs sold are actually returned, which is nearly 700% higher than what the iPad is looking at (2%).

Of course, this 15% rate comprises of sales from the tablet’s debut since November through January 16 this year. The culprit behind the high return rates? It could be because Samsung decided to go ahead with Android 2.2 while rushing the Tab out to the market for first mover advantage, despite Google already stating that Android 2.2 Froyo is unsuitable for tablet use, where Android 3.0 Honeycomb is a whole lot better since it was specially optimized for such use.

Hopefully with the advent of Honeycomb-powered tablets, the return rate of future Tabs won’t be that high, and the whole ordeal will be forgotten soon. Guess all those record breaking feats (2 million sold milestone) do not mean that much anymore, while the recent price drop might just lure more people to end up under the “return” pile. We await further developments with bated breath.

Source: Unwired View

Update: Apparently, all of this is a miscommunication, and the Galaxy Tab has fared much better than reported. We apologized for riling the feathers of Samsung fans, and Samsung says that the Galaxy Tab has a return rate of only 2%.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »