Charge Your Smartphone Using USB Cooking Pot | Excess Heat

If you spend a lot of time camping out in the wild, or cooking your meals on open fires, a new USB cooking pot might be an excellent way for you to charge your smartphone while away from the grid.

The new USB cooking pot or Hatsuden-Nabe uses excess heat to charge your smartphone keeping it topped up while you prepare a brew. Developed by TES NewEnergy Corp., the Hatsuden-Nabe transforms waste heat into electric current.

The 16 cm diameter pot,  has a the rmoelectric material developed by TES NewEnergy Corp, at its base that takes advantage of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck effect.  It uses the temperature difference between the heat source (~ 550 ° C) and water boiling (~ 100 ° C) to generate an electrical current of about 200 ~ 250 mA, enough to recharge a smartphone in 3 ~ 5 hours.

The new USB Cooking pot Hatsuden-Nabe is now on sale in Japan for $280.

If you spend a lot of time camping out in the wild, or cooking your meals on open fires, a new USB cooking pot might be an excellent way for you to charge your smartphone while away from the grid.

The new USB cooking pot or Hatsuden-Nabe uses excess heat to charge your smartphone keeping it topped up while you prepare a brew. Developed by TES NewEnergy Corp., the Hatsuden-Nabe transforms waste heat into electric current.

The 16 cm diameter pot,  has a the rmoelectric material developed by TES NewEnergy Corp, at its base that takes advantage of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck effect.  It uses the temperature difference between the heat source (~ 550 ° C) and water boiling (~ 100 ° C) to generate an electrical current of about 200 ~ 250 mA, enough to recharge a smartphone in 3 ~ 5 hours.

The new USB Cooking pot Hatsuden-Nabe is now on sale in Japan for $280.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

A Human-Powered Helicopter Flies First Time | Students of Maryland University

A University of Maryland team has succeeded in building and flying a helicopter powered entirely by a single human pilot. Next Step: The Sikorsky Prize, a human-powered-helicopter award that has been awaiting a winner for 30 years.

With a nod to the zany flying machines of the days of yore, some University of Maryland students will attempt to make history this Wednesday when they test-fly their human-powered helicopter for the first time.

In hopes of propelling them towards winning the Sikorsky Prize, a team of more than 50 graduate and undergraduate students from the A. James Clark School of Engineering will be taking their helicopter, Gamera, for its maiden voyage.

Gamera has rotors at each of the four ends of its X-shaped frame. Each crossbar of the frame is 60-feet long and each rotor is 42 feet in diameter. Under the frame sits a pilot's model, where a student will power the helicopter with a combination of hand and foot pedaling.

Gamera weighs-in at a feathery 210 pounds, student pilot included, and owes its light weight to the balsa wood, foam, mylar and carbon fiber used in construction.

If Gamera can hover for 60 seconds, reach a height of three meters and remain within a 10-meter box from lift off, the team will take home the Sikorsky Challenge's $250,000 prize. Doing so will also nab the team a world record for first human-powered helicopter powered by a female. 

The pilot for the test flight will be University of Maryland life science graduate student, Judy Wexler.

The team has been tinkering on Gamera for two years to compete for the Sikorsky Prize, which is run by theAmerican Helicopter Society (AHS). Currently, the Clark School team is the only team sanctioned by the AHS for making an official attempt. No team has succeeded since the prize was first offered in 1980.

Somewhere, the ghosts of Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright Brothers are giving thumbs-up.

A University of Maryland team has succeeded in building and flying a helicopter powered entirely by a single human pilot. Next Step: The Sikorsky Prize, a human-powered-helicopter award that has been awaiting a winner for 30 years.

With a nod to the zany flying machines of the days of yore, some University of Maryland students will attempt to make history this Wednesday when they test-fly their human-powered helicopter for the first time.

In hopes of propelling them towards winning the Sikorsky Prize, a team of more than 50 graduate and undergraduate students from the A. James Clark School of Engineering will be taking their helicopter, Gamera, for its maiden voyage.

Gamera has rotors at each of the four ends of its X-shaped frame. Each crossbar of the frame is 60-feet long and each rotor is 42 feet in diameter. Under the frame sits a pilot's model, where a student will power the helicopter with a combination of hand and foot pedaling.

Gamera weighs-in at a feathery 210 pounds, student pilot included, and owes its light weight to the balsa wood, foam, mylar and carbon fiber used in construction.

If Gamera can hover for 60 seconds, reach a height of three meters and remain within a 10-meter box from lift off, the team will take home the Sikorsky Challenge's $250,000 prize. Doing so will also nab the team a world record for first human-powered helicopter powered by a female. 

The pilot for the test flight will be University of Maryland life science graduate student, Judy Wexler.

The team has been tinkering on Gamera for two years to compete for the Sikorsky Prize, which is run by theAmerican Helicopter Society (AHS). Currently, the Clark School team is the only team sanctioned by the AHS for making an official attempt. No team has succeeded since the prize was first offered in 1980.

Somewhere, the ghosts of Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright Brothers are giving thumbs-up.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

« TechiePK » Easy Cap

It seems like technology always finds us better and simpler ways of doing things, even if it only saves us a few precious seconds of labor.

Remember when ring tabs used to be on soda and beer cans? I guess people would just carelessly litter by tossing the ring tabs over their shoulder. Someone in the early eighties figured out that you can attach the tab to the can itself. Now, this easier method of manufacture is a standard.

I suppose that the same could apply to soda bottle caps. I’m not talking about the glass bottles with the improved twist-off caps, but the plastic ones that always twisted off, probably from day one. It’s all right to admit that you sometimes have a hard time opening these things, but the “Easy Cap”, designed by Shao-Nung Chen, should give you some more leverage with its teardrop shape. Heck, if you position your thumb just right, you can open your bottle with just one hand.

I suppose that if this particular cap catches on, it will be like the ring tab. I can barely remember the ring tab, and I have to explain it to my children. I wonder if my children will have to explain to their children hard caps. (That would be soda bottle caps that are not the Easy Cap).

Source

It seems like technology always finds us better and simpler ways of doing things, even if it only saves us a few precious seconds of labor.

Remember when ring tabs used to be on soda and beer cans? I guess people would just carelessly litter by tossing the ring tabs over their shoulder. Someone in the early eighties figured out that you can attach the tab to the can itself. Now, this easier method of manufacture is a standard.

I suppose that the same could apply to soda bottle caps. I’m not talking about the glass bottles with the improved twist-off caps, but the plastic ones that always twisted off, probably from day one. It’s all right to admit that you sometimes have a hard time opening these things, but the “Easy Cap”, designed by Shao-Nung Chen, should give you some more leverage with its teardrop shape. Heck, if you position your thumb just right, you can open your bottle with just one hand.

I suppose that if this particular cap catches on, it will be like the ring tab. I can barely remember the ring tab, and I have to explain it to my children. I wonder if my children will have to explain to their children hard caps. (That would be soda bottle caps that are not the Easy Cap).

Source

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

RC Superhero (Remote Control Super Hero) | New Type of Aircraft

if I saw a man-sized figure flying through the sky, I might think that I was looking at a real superhero. This is probably the purpose of this kit, which weighs in at 3 pounds and has a motor with 6 pounds of thrust. Check it out on the video after the jump, with glowing eyes and feet.

I suppose that this is probably as close as we are going to get to superheroes in real life. It reminds me of the superhero shows where the hero is a huge robot with his sidekick, the guy who built the robot. I guess I’m not certain who would be the sidekick, then.

Anyway, if you want to get in on this action, it is definitely a DIY project. You should be able to get the kit as a PDF file for about $19.95 for the 57-inch and 75-inch version. It is possible to get a more advanced kit with pre-cut parts for about $295. Don’t expect your RcSuperhero to be fighting crime, though.

I suppose that if RcSuperhero needed a real superhero name, it would be Balsa Wood Man. I’m not certain whether or not the RcSuperhero is made of Balsa wood, but technically, Iron Man’s suit isn’t made of iron.

if I saw a man-sized figure flying through the sky, I might think that I was looking at a real superhero. This is probably the purpose of this kit, which weighs in at 3 pounds and has a motor with 6 pounds of thrust. Check it out on the video after the jump, with glowing eyes and feet.

I suppose that this is probably as close as we are going to get to superheroes in real life. It reminds me of the superhero shows where the hero is a huge robot with his sidekick, the guy who built the robot. I guess I’m not certain who would be the sidekick, then.

Anyway, if you want to get in on this action, it is definitely a DIY project. You should be able to get the kit as a PDF file for about $19.95 for the 57-inch and 75-inch version. It is possible to get a more advanced kit with pre-cut parts for about $295. Don’t expect your RcSuperhero to be fighting crime, though.

I suppose that if RcSuperhero needed a real superhero name, it would be Balsa Wood Man. I’m not certain whether or not the RcSuperhero is made of Balsa wood, but technically, Iron Man’s suit isn’t made of iron.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Officially licensed by Volkswagon the VW Camper Tent

Officially licensed by Volkswagon the VW Camper Tent is a full size replica of the 1965 Camper Van. Available in yellow, red or blue, it is certain to stand out from all other tents. Like the VW camper van the VW tent is large enough to stand up in (5 feet and 11 inches), and internally is divided into two rooms, sleeping 2 people in each one.

The VW Camper tent is available on pre-order from Firebox for £299.99 (approx $486)and will be available from August 25th 2011, just in time to catch the end of the festival season.

Officially licensed by Volkswagon the VW Camper Tent is a full size replica of the 1965 Camper Van. Available in yellow, red or blue, it is certain to stand out from all other tents. Like the VW camper van the VW tent is large enough to stand up in (5 feet and 11 inches), and internally is divided into two rooms, sleeping 2 people in each one.

The VW Camper tent is available on pre-order from Firebox for £299.99 (approx $486)and will be available from August 25th 2011, just in time to catch the end of the festival season.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

« TechiePK » Aero Train | Japanese Researchers working on Aero Train

I always liked how those maglev trains can hover on the tracks, and Japanese Researchers are working on another type of floating train with this prototype that you see here.

I realize that this prototype looks more like a plane than a train, but this uses air and several plane wings in order to levitate like it does.

You can watch the video of how it hovers after the jump. You will note that it does tend to drag a bit.

I believe that the plan is to create an “Aero Train” that can travel at speeds of 124 miles per hour, which is just a wee bit slower than bullet trains. It has to travel in a U-shaped concrete channel. I am guessing that someone will need to put up a fence around the concrete channel so that people do not fall in. After all, I don’t know how good the brakes are on this train.

For now, the prototype was presented at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics, but I can see the future could possibly be bright for this particular train. By the way, is this really a train, per se? I mean, it doesn’t look like you could drag a bunch of cars behind this, unless they could hover too.

I always liked how those maglev trains can hover on the tracks, and Japanese Researchers are working on another type of floating train with this prototype that you see here.

I realize that this prototype looks more like a plane than a train, but this uses air and several plane wings in order to levitate like it does.

You can watch the video of how it hovers after the jump. You will note that it does tend to drag a bit.

I believe that the plan is to create an “Aero Train” that can travel at speeds of 124 miles per hour, which is just a wee bit slower than bullet trains. It has to travel in a U-shaped concrete channel. I am guessing that someone will need to put up a fence around the concrete channel so that people do not fall in. After all, I don’t know how good the brakes are on this train.

For now, the prototype was presented at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics, but I can see the future could possibly be bright for this particular train. By the way, is this really a train, per se? I mean, it doesn’t look like you could drag a bunch of cars behind this, unless they could hover too.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

iPhone controls your kitchen island | iPhone World's iNews Aggregator

No longer is the superwoman multi-tasker the queen of the kitchen – it might seem as though your kitchen island will soon be controlled by nothing but an iPhone! Yup, the smartphone that has clearly revolutionalized the way we look at how humans interact with phones is not only able to let you enjoy your favorite music on the go, snap great photos and shoot videos, it will now be able to control stuff in your kitchen island.

There is a hydraulic scissor lift that is bolted to the cement, where a small frame is also built on top of the scissor lift table. Right on top of that is a subfloor, flooring, followed by the island. Its cabinet doors are located on the other side, where all of them will come with safety push button switches which ensures electricity from the Smart Home Insteon switches are “killed” to prevent any movement whenever the doors are not fully closed.

What are some of the other iPhone controlled items that you would love to have in your pad?

Source: Hacked Gadgets

No longer is the superwoman multi-tasker the queen of the kitchen – it might seem as though your kitchen island will soon be controlled by nothing but an iPhone! Yup, the smartphone that has clearly revolutionalized the way we look at how humans interact with phones is not only able to let you enjoy your favorite music on the go, snap great photos and shoot videos, it will now be able to control stuff in your kitchen island.

There is a hydraulic scissor lift that is bolted to the cement, where a small frame is also built on top of the scissor lift table. Right on top of that is a subfloor, flooring, followed by the island. Its cabinet doors are located on the other side, where all of them will come with safety push button switches which ensures electricity from the Smart Home Insteon switches are “killed” to prevent any movement whenever the doors are not fully closed.

What are some of the other iPhone controlled items that you would love to have in your pad?

Source: Hacked Gadgets

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Pop Art Toaster | Kitchen Gadget

Introduce some fun during breakfast time with thePop Art Toaster, where it will come in a 1950′s inspired design not to mention cool-to-touch plastic finish with chrome accents for that added touch of class. Of course, breakfast will never be the same ever again with this, since you will be able to include inserts burns of “Bite Me” or “Ugh…” coupled with a frownie on your morning toast.

Retailing for $44.99 a pop, it will definitely introduce a whole new way of eating breakfast for the rest of your family. The morning routine will never be the same as your cup of coffee, plate of toast, morning paper are augmented with newly “composed” messages that might just jolt that sleepy head into a brand new day. These templates can always be removed if someone more serious and senior in your family decides to drop by…

Introduce some fun during breakfast time with thePop Art Toaster, where it will come in a 1950′s inspired design not to mention cool-to-touch plastic finish with chrome accents for that added touch of class. Of course, breakfast will never be the same ever again with this, since you will be able to include inserts burns of “Bite Me” or “Ugh…” coupled with a frownie on your morning toast.

Retailing for $44.99 a pop, it will definitely introduce a whole new way of eating breakfast for the rest of your family. The morning routine will never be the same as your cup of coffee, plate of toast, morning paper are augmented with newly “composed” messages that might just jolt that sleepy head into a brand new day. These templates can always be removed if someone more serious and senior in your family decides to drop by…

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Easy on the Creases | Origami DVD Player

I came across this amazing foldable DVD player concept while browsing online, but before I could marvel at its ability to be fold up and be put in a pocket, I had to understand the technology behind it. Unbeknownst to me, For almost 30 years now, over a dozen companies have been working on what’s called, electronic paper technologies. Their work has now evolved into being able to combine the flexibility of digital information with the convenience of a foldable, bendable paper-like product, well, more like a thin foldable plastic placemat.

Which brings us to this Origami DVD Player concept, which is actually a portable DVD player that may someday be manufactured using this new e-paper technology, all in full color. It looks amazing, and has tons of “wow-factor” but off the top of my head, I can envision many more substantial applications for e-paper, can’t you?

Wow, what lies ahead? Will e-paper be the future of newpapers? menu’s? window shades? computers? Well, just for today, concepts are still just concepts and we don’t know when, or if they will make the Origami DVD Player, but I have a sneaking suspicion that e-paper will be entering your life sooner, rather than later. And I for one, look forward to it!

I came across this amazing foldable DVD player concept while browsing online, but before I could marvel at its ability to be fold up and be put in a pocket, I had to understand the technology behind it. Unbeknownst to me, For almost 30 years now, over a dozen companies have been working on what’s called, electronic paper technologies. Their work has now evolved into being able to combine the flexibility of digital information with the convenience of a foldable, bendable paper-like product, well, more like a thin foldable plastic placemat.

Which brings us to this Origami DVD Player concept, which is actually a portable DVD player that may someday be manufactured using this new e-paper technology, all in full color. It looks amazing, and has tons of “wow-factor” but off the top of my head, I can envision many more substantial applications for e-paper, can’t you?

Wow, what lies ahead? Will e-paper be the future of newpapers? menu’s? window shades? computers? Well, just for today, concepts are still just concepts and we don’t know when, or if they will make the Origami DVD Player, but I have a sneaking suspicion that e-paper will be entering your life sooner, rather than later. And I for one, look forward to it!

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

We’ll be able to print your own hardware parts with 3D printers in the future

Technology is rapidly advancing and thanks to the technology of ’3D printing’, we might be able to print out our own pc hardware parts in the future.

If you’re familiar with the technology of 3D printing, you know that 3D printers can ‘print’ real objects. Well, it seems that 3D printers will be able to produce real hardware parts within a decade according to the CEO of EADS U.K. We should mention a bicycle that was made with 3D printer that was shown on BBC as an example of this latest technology. Unlike other printed objects, this bicycle is made from nylon that is melted with other materials by laser so it can be strong and heavy as steel. This technology can change the economy since we won’t have to buy actual parts, instead we could simply purchase the model and print it on our own.

Technology is rapidly advancing and thanks to the technology of ’3D printing’, we might be able to print out our own pc hardware parts in the future.

If you’re familiar with the technology of 3D printing, you know that 3D printers can ‘print’ real objects. Well, it seems that 3D printers will be able to produce real hardware parts within a decade according to the CEO of EADS U.K. We should mention a bicycle that was made with 3D printer that was shown on BBC as an example of this latest technology. Unlike other printed objects, this bicycle is made from nylon that is melted with other materials by laser so it can be strong and heavy as steel. This technology can change the economy since we won’t have to buy actual parts, instead we could simply purchase the model and print it on our own.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

ZAGG sportLEATHER availability announced

ZAGG, a name that has long been associated with quality mobile device accessories, has something special for the iPhone 4 this time around with their sportLEATHER case. Available via AT&T company owned retail stores nationwide, this case is made from genuine leather with sports equipment styling, where the patent-pending ZAGG sportLEATHER for Apple’s iPhone 4 is definitely an exciting and eye-catching way for one to protect one’s phone.

ZAGG sportLEATHERs will come in a thin, pliable cover which is applied directly to personal electronics similar to a film, albeit being made up of genuine leather. ZAGG sportLEATHER relies on a patent-pending adhesive process to get that job done, as it holds the skin firmly in place on the device while boasting the ability of being removable. This not only offers your gadget some much needed protection, but doing so in style as well.

You can choose from basketball, football and baseball designs (very American, I say) at$29.99 a pop, although the price goes up to $44.98 if you decide to add that to invisibleSHIELD screen coverage.

Press Release

ZAGG, a name that has long been associated with quality mobile device accessories, has something special for the iPhone 4 this time around with their sportLEATHER case. Available via AT&T company owned retail stores nationwide, this case is made from genuine leather with sports equipment styling, where the patent-pending ZAGG sportLEATHER for Apple’s iPhone 4 is definitely an exciting and eye-catching way for one to protect one’s phone.

ZAGG sportLEATHERs will come in a thin, pliable cover which is applied directly to personal electronics similar to a film, albeit being made up of genuine leather. ZAGG sportLEATHER relies on a patent-pending adhesive process to get that job done, as it holds the skin firmly in place on the device while boasting the ability of being removable. This not only offers your gadget some much needed protection, but doing so in style as well.

You can choose from basketball, football and baseball designs (very American, I say) at$29.99 a pop, although the price goes up to $44.98 if you decide to add that to invisibleSHIELD screen coverage.

Press Release

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

National Geographic show makes the “UP” flying balloon house a reality

One of the problems I had with the movie Up from Disney/Pixar was that I had to completely suspend my disbelief for the basic premise. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is one of the best films the studio has put out, but I’ve heard that it takes significantly more balloons to lift a house than the ones that Pixar’s animators put in.

Still, it is rather neat, isn’t it? A show produced by National Geographic known as How Hard Can It Be? shows how hard it is to make a house fly.

You can watch the Good Morning America video after the jump to see the house, and it is definitely modeled to look like the house from the film. As for the balloons, it uses weather balloons instead of carnival ones. These balloons are about the size of a person and take an entire helium tank just to fill.

The entire structure with the balloons is about 10 stories high, and it manged to reach a level of 10,000 feet for about one hour. I don’t have any word of how they got the house to come down. Maybe they had some guy with a key inside who slowly cut away some balloons.

The National Geographic show that will feature this floating house will premiere some time in the Fall of 2011. In all honesty, I’m surprised the boys at Mythbusters didn’t do this first.

One of the problems I had with the movie Up from Disney/Pixar was that I had to completely suspend my disbelief for the basic premise. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is one of the best films the studio has put out, but I’ve heard that it takes significantly more balloons to lift a house than the ones that Pixar’s animators put in.

Still, it is rather neat, isn’t it? A show produced by National Geographic known as How Hard Can It Be? shows how hard it is to make a house fly.

You can watch the Good Morning America video after the jump to see the house, and it is definitely modeled to look like the house from the film. As for the balloons, it uses weather balloons instead of carnival ones. These balloons are about the size of a person and take an entire helium tank just to fill.

The entire structure with the balloons is about 10 stories high, and it manged to reach a level of 10,000 feet for about one hour. I don’t have any word of how they got the house to come down. Maybe they had some guy with a key inside who slowly cut away some balloons.

The National Geographic show that will feature this floating house will premiere some time in the Fall of 2011. In all honesty, I’m surprised the boys at Mythbusters didn’t do this first.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Magic Carp-pet – Please don’t feed the fish

We’ve been so bombarded with all these 3D images and special effects, that sometimes I find myself waiting for even newer and more complex technology. My daughter doesn’t even want to go see a move anymore if it isn’t in 3D and I wonder to myself, whats next?

Let me share with you John Leung’s “Magic Carp-pet,” made in collaboration with Australian architectural and design firm, ClarkeHopkinsClark, which uses what looks like a slatted coffee table and a black and white carp print rug to produce an effect that allows anyone moving around the table to see a school of swimming carp gracefully animating. Decidedly low tech, but the idea, the design, still wonderfully innovative, as you shall see after the break.

Check out some pictures and a video of this carpet and coffee table combo in motionhere.

I guess sometimes, we get so tied up in the marvel of high tech things, that we can easily forget to enjoy something seemingly simple, something old, thats made new again, like this non-electronic but equally captivating, optical illusion.

I must say I am amazed at all the new and surprising things I come across, some of it is important, some of it incredible, and some if it is, well, just darn fun. I can’t help but smile thinking about my next cocktail party, serving wine and cheese around a table like this… it would certainly make for an interesting evening.

We’ve been so bombarded with all these 3D images and special effects, that sometimes I find myself waiting for even newer and more complex technology. My daughter doesn’t even want to go see a move anymore if it isn’t in 3D and I wonder to myself, whats next?

Let me share with you John Leung’s “Magic Carp-pet,” made in collaboration with Australian architectural and design firm, ClarkeHopkinsClark, which uses what looks like a slatted coffee table and a black and white carp print rug to produce an effect that allows anyone moving around the table to see a school of swimming carp gracefully animating. Decidedly low tech, but the idea, the design, still wonderfully innovative, as you shall see after the break.

Check out some pictures and a video of this carpet and coffee table combo in motionhere.

I guess sometimes, we get so tied up in the marvel of high tech things, that we can easily forget to enjoy something seemingly simple, something old, thats made new again, like this non-electronic but equally captivating, optical illusion.

I must say I am amazed at all the new and surprising things I come across, some of it is important, some of it incredible, and some if it is, well, just darn fun. I can’t help but smile thinking about my next cocktail party, serving wine and cheese around a table like this… it would certainly make for an interesting evening.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Tama-Robo follows the light

This is the Tamo-Robo, and it is one of those toy pets made for those kids who live in a place that doesn’t allow pets and have parents who hate Zhu-Zhu pets.

Of course, we all know that these toy pets are never as life-like as their organic counterparts, but this guy can do something most artificial pets can’t, it can follow a light.

You know how your cat loves to play with a laser pointer? The Tama-Robo is designed to follow the brightest source of light, like the flashlight that you see in the picture here.

Of course, there is some assembly required, and it is “customizable” by adjusting the weights inside the body for changing the way that it can move. I’m not certain what that means, but that’s just what my Source tells me.

I don’t know how long this particular toy has been on the market, but if it has just been released, then it certainly is a victim of bad timing. This would have made a great toy gift for Christmas, and would be better than the aforementioned Zhu-Zhu pet.

Still, if you want this, you should be able to get the Tama-Robo for about $70.

Source

This is the Tamo-Robo, and it is one of those toy pets made for those kids who live in a place that doesn’t allow pets and have parents who hate Zhu-Zhu pets.

Of course, we all know that these toy pets are never as life-like as their organic counterparts, but this guy can do something most artificial pets can’t, it can follow a light.

You know how your cat loves to play with a laser pointer? The Tama-Robo is designed to follow the brightest source of light, like the flashlight that you see in the picture here.

Of course, there is some assembly required, and it is “customizable” by adjusting the weights inside the body for changing the way that it can move. I’m not certain what that means, but that’s just what my Source tells me.

I don’t know how long this particular toy has been on the market, but if it has just been released, then it certainly is a victim of bad timing. This would have made a great toy gift for Christmas, and would be better than the aforementioned Zhu-Zhu pet.

Still, if you want this, you should be able to get the Tama-Robo for about $70.

Source

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

SieMatic Grid S2 is a multimedia cabinet for the kitchen

This is the SieMatic Grid S2, and it is a multimedia cabinet designed to give us what we all want: to bring the living room entertainment center to the kitchen.

I suppose that this is to alleviate the problem that we all have of trying to cook while watching TV or a DVD. I once burnt up a meal because I was distracted by a really good scene on TV.

I can’t tell if this is a cabinet because this touchscreen is some door of an actual cabinet or if “cabinet” is some figure of speech. Either way, you can play a TV, DVD, or even dock your iPod and watch a video that way. Not only can you watch a video while you’re cooking, but it will give you warnings of when your dish is done with on-screen progress reports.

The Grid S2 also has a pullout drawer behind the monitor for all sorts of accessories like a remote control, wireless keyboard, and DVDs. As I have said before, everyone wants TV in the kitchen, but the one thing that prevents that is how sauces and other kitchen messes get on the screen. What I don’t know is how this one needs to be cleaned. It had better be as easy as Windex and a paper towel.

So far, there is no word on when this will be available, but I am sure there will be eventually, and this will be for very expensive homes.

Source

This is the SieMatic Grid S2, and it is a multimedia cabinet designed to give us what we all want: to bring the living room entertainment center to the kitchen.

I suppose that this is to alleviate the problem that we all have of trying to cook while watching TV or a DVD. I once burnt up a meal because I was distracted by a really good scene on TV.

I can’t tell if this is a cabinet because this touchscreen is some door of an actual cabinet or if “cabinet” is some figure of speech. Either way, you can play a TV, DVD, or even dock your iPod and watch a video that way. Not only can you watch a video while you’re cooking, but it will give you warnings of when your dish is done with on-screen progress reports.

The Grid S2 also has a pullout drawer behind the monitor for all sorts of accessories like a remote control, wireless keyboard, and DVDs. As I have said before, everyone wants TV in the kitchen, but the one thing that prevents that is how sauces and other kitchen messes get on the screen. What I don’t know is how this one needs to be cleaned. It had better be as easy as Windex and a paper towel.

So far, there is no word on when this will be available, but I am sure there will be eventually, and this will be for very expensive homes.

Source

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

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

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

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.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

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

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?

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

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 »