Gadgets And Design

Skateboard Computer Keyboard-Skater in Geeks

2009-10-21T03:58:00.001-07:00

Skateboards have been the single most important symbol of pop culture that is rooted in youth, health and preference for sunny climates; however, with the growing geekish lifestyle, the days of sun, fun and skateboarding seem to have been replaced with long hours in front of the laptop or the desktop. Thus, the keyboard has almost replaced the skateboard in a figurative sense. Thus, artist Tobias Leingruber has created the Skateyboard, which is a skateboard that looks like the computer keyboard, in fact with all the keys.

I am not really sure if one can actually balance on this and I am not aware if this piece of artwork has hidden ports to which you can connect to the PC. Either way, it seems like a keyboard that you can’t use, and a skateboard that you can’t ride on. However, it certainly underlines the importance of fun and frolic in an otherwise dreary lifestyle that we have come to live.

Perhaps the Skateyboard would encourage all the geeks out there to get off their bottoms and start rolling on the boards, while enjoying sun, adrenalin pump and excitement. You could also take a look at Jud Turner’s Tribute to the Fallen Skater, which is also an artistic representation of how skating has slowly started to fade away from popular culture, and how it needs to be brought back in a big way!

Awesome Transformers Chess Set Game

2009-10-21T03:55:00.000-07:00

Transformers fans who are interested in a challenging game of Chess would be happy to hear about the new Transformers Chess set that was introduced.

Unlike the fictional Mac Vs PC Chess, this is a true Chessboard that comes out with all the continuing Transformers hype of the two movies, a third perhaps on the way, and in addition to all the newest Transformers toys released already.

The Transformers Chess Set includes 32 pieces and allows you to have a battle of Chess representing the Do gooders Autobots with Optimus Prime as leader or take the Evil route with Megatorn and the Decepticons. Whichever you choose, you must know what ccharacters are on your side:

Autobot characters include Ironhide, Jazz, Bumblebee Transformer and Ratchet
Decepticon pieces include Starscream, Blackout, and Bonecrusher

The pieces are not made of real pewter, and you would have figured it out already by seeing the inexpensive price tag of only $20.99, but it would still be a great gift idea for Transformers geeks across the globe.

If you got your hand on this Transformers Chess set…which side would you fight for? The Autobots or Decepticons?

iTwin allows for easy file-sharing

2009-09-18T17:23:00.001-07:00

What you see in the picture here is the iTwin. It isn’t a thumb drive with two USB connections, but a way of transferring your files from one computer to another.

Sure, you could just set up a mainframe network, send a file as an attachment, or just put the file you want on a thumb drive and plug it into another computer. Yes, there are a lot of ways to do file transfers from one computer to the other, but iTwin makes the process a lot easier.

Here’s what you do. The iTwin comes apart into two equal parts. You stick one USB thumb into one part, then the other thumb into another computer. From there, you can drag and drop files from one computer, and it will automatically appear on the other computer.

Yes, the iTwins are connected wirelessly via the Internet, just like the bond between two twins. At least the ones that are psychic.

The creators of the iTwin hope to have this out on the market sometime early next year for a price of $99. You might think that is a lot to spend for this file-sharing device, but you should ask yourself how much you would spend to make your life easier.

Elecom Soap Mouse won’t clean hands

2009-09-15T16:52:00.001-07:00

When one hears of a soap mouse, most would just figure it’s some geeky mouse shaped soap. After all, there have been a few different mouse shaped soap bars that have hit the market. Well this mouse is the exception to the rest, it’s a mouse made to resemble soap. You might be wondering why someone would create a mouse that looks like soap and it’s a valid question. Although, finding out just where this mouse is being sold, pretty much explains everything.

Yes, this is another strange product straight out of Japan. To be a touch more specific, these are coming from Japan’s Elecom. This USB mouse won’t make your computer gadgets sanitary, but it does function just like any other normal mouse. It appears the design is actually pretty new, so there isn’t a whole lot of purchase information out there. Even if there was pricing info on it though, it’d be difficult to get your hands on if you’re living outside of Japan.

Toilet paper roll plays horrifying sounds

2009-09-15T16:49:00.001-07:00

Some of you might remember when I reported on that Japanese horror novel that was written on toilet paper. It would appear that some company has come up with the perfect audio track for reading that novel with toilet paper roll holder that can play zombie sounds.

Yes, I don’t know why they made it either, except for some cheap Halloween gag. Can’t get enough of those.

Still, you got to admit that would be a Punk’d episode to talk about. Perhaps Ashton could rig up these zombie sounds for George A. Romero the next time he sits on the toilet.

I’m not certain what type of zombie noises that this makes, but I imagine that there is a lot of moaning involved. I would think that zombies work more as a sight gag rather than sound.

While I’m on the subject of zombies, I will have to say that I don’t really see the point of zombie films. I mean, there are armies of undead coming at you at slow speeds, and you can’t simply outrun them? You can then take out a few from a safe distance, and by the time you have gone half a mile, the whole army of undead will be down to nothing.

Still, I like the idea of toilet paper rolls that makes sounds. Maybe they should make one with an microSD slot.

World's Smallest Pac-Man Arcade Machine

2009-09-15T16:37:00.001-07:00

This Pac-Man arcade machine, built by Samuel Seide, just might be the world's smallest. It's powered by a Jakks/Namco 12-in-1 TV Games and boasts an LCD display from a portable DVD player. Continue reading to see it in-action.

Remote control that lets you change the channel and dim the lights

2009-09-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

It is the remote control for the couch potato who finds coping with lots of buttons out of date or just too complicated.

The new uWand developed by Philips allows users to switch the channel, adjust the volume or contrast with the flick of the wrist.

While the technology can even be used to run the entire living room, whether it is dimming the lights or moving an image from the TV to a digital frame on the mantlepiece.

The remote control has many similarities to Nintendo's Wii game controller, which is now familiar to millions of children and adults.

The uWand contains a small infra-red camera which links to two beacons that are either built into the TV set or a detachable bar that sits beneath it.

The wand then creates a cursor on the set that is used to swipe through a TV channel menu or access the settings such as sound and colour.

Effectively the remote control has been turned into a flying computer mouse that can be waved in the air rather than tracked across a mouse mat.

Clicking on a channel will call it up on to the screen. Turning the uWand to the left or right will adjust the sound or colour.

TV broadcasts and the internet are increasingly being married together, delivering the ability to watch a favourite channel or surf the web through either a TV set or home PC

The computer chip company Intel has developed technology that allows TV sets to be used as home computers and, potentially, control appliances around the home.

In the future, for example, the uWand could be used to turn on the kettle in the kitchen by clicking on an icon on the TV set.

Photographs uploaded onto the home PC can be watched on the family TV set, while the uWand has the ability to drag them to appear on a digital picture frame in the room.

While Philips has developed the device it is not proposing to sell them direct to the public. It says they will be manufactured and sold by partner firms, such as Intel, that are developing the technology and software to turn home TVs into PCs.

Philips said: 'uWand is a new market solution that supersedes the traditional remote control to give users fluid 3D gesture control of electronic devices.

'Consumers sitting on a sofa simply point the uWand in the appropriate direction, click to make selections and move the uWand to interact with screen menus, and manipulate objects such as photos, as if they were actually touching them.'

uWand general manager, Navin Natoewal, said: 'The traditional remote control, with its 50 or more buttons, simply isn’t keeping pace with modern interactive television.

'uWand’s gesture-based control removes the need for all the buttons yet provides a much expanded range of interaction.

'Internet based television services no longer need to be restricted to simple ‘up, down, left, right’ control. Menus can be accessed intuitively, without having to remember the right button, and a whole range of applications are made possible - all from the comfort of the sofa.

'uWand is the control device that releases the potential of lean-back interaction.'

The uWand is to be demonstrated at the IBC technology exhibition which starts in Amersterdam tomorrow. They are unlikely to be available to the public until next year at the earliest.

Flower Webcam with 12 LEDs

2009-09-08T07:33:00.001-07:00

Yes, believe it or not, it’s yet another flower inspired gadget. This time it’s a lotus USB 2.0 web camera that will look great together with the daisy flower baby camera monitor.

This Lotus-Shaped USB Webcam will give you a 640×480 resolution at 30 frames per second. It comes with a built-in microphone and 12 bright white LED lights. This allows you to use the web camera without any problems in low light conditions.

Features:

* Built-in 12 LED lamp and microphone.
* Large Window Capture Size: 640 x 480
* Frame Rate: VGA, 30 frame/second
* White Balance: Automatic
* Exposal Control: Automatic
* Flash Control: Automatic
* Interface: USB 2.0
* Microphone Plug: 3.5mm
* Flexible metal neck for any angle adjustment.
* Separated switch for LED light and bottom suction cup.
* System Requirements: Windows XP, VISTA.
* Cable Length: ~124cm
* Dimension: ~7.6(D) x 20.1(H)cm
* Weight: 260g

The Flower Webcam with 12 LEDs is available over at the Uxsight.com website for $24.69.

Green Machine:Racing Cars Which Run on Vegetables and Chocolates

2009-09-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

A racing car built from vegetables and powered by chocolate is to make its track debut next month, scientists have announced.

The £500,000 Worldfirst - described as the greenest car of its kind in the world - is expected to reach a top speed of 135mph when it hits the track at Brands Hatch.

Built from recycled cars, plastic bottles and off-cuts from aeroplanes, the Formula 3 vehicle has a steering wheel made from carrot fibre and can run on biodiesel made from waste chocolate and stale wine.

Its creators at Warwick University say their invention may be green - but can reach 60mph from a standing start in less than 2.5 seconds.

Project leader Dr Kerry Kirwan said the car was proof that 'green cars don't have to be boring'.

'We'll be disappointed if it doesn't do well,' he said. 'We believe this is the greenest car in its class. It's the first car of its kind built from waste material, recycled material and natural materials, but it has the same performance levels and looks just like a Formula 3 racing car.

'We hope to reach out to future scientists and engineers and give them something they can get excited about and relate to.'

Most of Worldfirst's carbon fibre bodywork started life as aviation industry scrap and plastic soft drink bottles, while the steering wheel was built from the waste of juiced carrots.

Microscopic fibres from the vegetable waste were mixed with a resin and moulded into a wheel

'It's come out purple, but there may have been some beetroot in there,' said Dr Kirwan, speaking at the British Festival of Science at the University of Surrey in Guildford. 'But it's a lovely shade of purple.'

The vehicle is powered by the stripped-down 230 horse power aluminium engine taken from a 2-litre BMW diesel.

It can run on 100 per cent biofuel made from fermented wine dregs and waste from chocolate factories. Chocolate waste is high in fat - and converts well into 'green fuel', Dr Kirwan said.

Although the cockpit and chassis are conventional, they were recycled from an old Formula 3 racing car. However, under the strict rules of motor racing, its tyres had to be made from conventional rubber, the creators say.

They claim that at least half the finished car is made from recycled material or plant waste. When it runs on 100 per cent biodiesel, it is 'carbon neutral' - only releasing carbon dioxide that was captured from the atmosphere in the past few years.

Despite its environmental credentials, it has already reached a top speed of around 135 mph. Its creators say it could reach 170mph. It manages around 35 miles per gallon.

The car makes its debut on October 17 at Brands Hatch, where it will be competing against around 22 other more conventional Formula 3 vehicles.

Worldfirst is an attempt to show that motor racing - a sport hated by environmentalists - can be 'sustainable', Dr Kirwan said.

'The message is that green can be fun and ,' he said. 'It's not boring.'

Toshiba New Camileo Camcorders

2009-09-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

With the world heading full steam ahead into the full High Definition frenzy, it goes without saying that camcorders and digital cameras are next on the list most likely to see full HD standards stamp its authority in that department. Toshiba has announced that three of their new camcorders from the Camileo range will feature full HD resolution, where they are known as the Camileo S20, Camileo H30 and Camileo X100 models. Just to whet your appetite on their standout points, the Camileo S20 is tipped to be one of the slimmest HD camcorders in the world, while the Camileo H30 will bring together functionality alongside ease of use. As for the high end X100 model, you will benefit from a powerful 10x optical zoom.

Measuring a mere 17mm thin, the Camileo S20 will come with a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, enabling it to capture in 1,920 x 1,080 resolution while its 4x digital zoom lets you get closer to the action than normal. Apart from its super slim form factor and stylish design, it will be accompanied by a rotating 3” display that brings High Definition quality video for style conscious consumers without breaking the bank.

As for the Camileo H30, this robust camcorder merges functionality with supreme ease of use, featuring a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor that is able to snap images in full HD resolution, coming with 5x optical and 4x digital zoom alongside an easy peasy menu system that enables seamless navigation between shooting modes and features. The 3″ LCD TFT touchscreen display also makes it a snap to view captured video. To make your movies even more professional looking, the H30 has video stabilization that assures the quality of all clips and images even when you’re zoomed in via its 10x zoom. Direct YouTube upload functionality does away with the need for a PC to process your captured videos before uploading.

The high end Camileo X100 will come in a stylish black or silver design, offering a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor alongside a powerful 10x optical zoom lens, 10x digital zoom and the ability to shoot 1080i footage at 60fps and WQVA footage (424×240) at 240fps. Of course, it will retain the useful YouTube direct upload function for added convenience. The Toshiba Camileo S20, Camileo H30 and Camileo X100 will retail for ￡119.99, ￡189.99 and ￡269.99, respectively, when they arrive at a local store shelf near you.

Bike Pedal Shoes With Magnets Cling

2009-09-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

This seemed like it might be a good idea at first glance. After all, feet slipping off of your bike pedals is obnoxious. Especially when you’re attempting to get a faster time, your feet slipping is often going to slow you down. Therefore these pedals having magnets built into them that keep your feet fused to the pedal would most definitely help out the situation. However, what’s going to make most people pause and rethink things is how much it’s going to cost to keep your feet on your bicycle pedals.

The biggest catch with these is that you need special shoes to go with the pedals. Those special shoes come from Mavic and Mavic only. Which means little to no chance of finding these any cheaper. The shoes themselves are sold in both male and female forms. Plus the soles of the shoes have been stiffened to make your bike ride a bit more comfortable. The pedals themselves will cost you $60 per pair and then the shoes $90.

Amazing coil Gun

2009-05-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

"Fully semi-automatic, up to 14 shots.
Capable of delivering over 18J kinetic energy, and speeds up to 110km/h! (42 gram projectiles).
It’s a single stage gun, using a 8800uF(4×2200) capacitor bank with max 400v (704J).
Max shot efficiency is 2.8% but reaches almost 4% at lower voltages.

Charge time for 300v (12J kinetic energy 396J capacitor bank) is 8 seconds for the mains connection,

and when using the internal batteries about 90 seconds. It also has a Digital voltage display.

Coil overheat after 14 shots at 300v.
Total weight: 5 kilogram.
Total spend: ~~ 100 Euro
Construction time: ~~40 Hrs"

The eco-friendly Bagalight table lamp

2009-04-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

This is one of those gadgets that I kind of wish they were kidding, sadly, they aren’t. If anyone were to see this on your table, they’d likely think you had a small child that made an attempt at some arts and crafts one afternoon. Although despite the fact that it does look a bit ugly, it is said to be an eco-friendly table light. Actually the people at Liquidesign wanted to come up with an eco-friendly light and that’s how they came up with the idea for this lamp.

The bag is part of an entire series of lighting. Within that series is a pendant light as well, that is made from card and paper, as is the lamp shown here. You can also pick up their desk lamp version of the light. Hopefully the desk lamp version does actually point light directly at your desk. It’s always nice to have eco-friendly lighting. However, it being eco-friendly doesn’t exactly give the designers a free pass to stop caring about the look of the overall design. You can purchase this Bagalight for £29.99 or about $43 from My Deco.

Star Wars Walkie Talkie Watches

2009-02-07T15:00:00.001-08:00

Star Wars fans will soon be available to communicate with each other using a pair of digital watches featuring quite a cheap looking clone trooper soldier style.

Kids will have hours of fun with this walkie talkie watch set. Whether role playing scenes from The Clone Wars or just sharing secret messages, these digital watches are sure to please. Batteries included.

The Clone Trooper Walkie Talkie Watches (set of 2 watches) ships March 2009 and can now be pre-ordered from the official Star Wars Shop for $29.99.

SpyCobra - USB Covert Computer Logging Device

2009-02-07T14:58:00.001-08:00

The brand new SpyCobra USB device is described as “the next generation of computer surveillance” - like a new and improved version of last year’s KeyShark USB Keylogger.

Extremely useful and highly covert, the SpyCobra is perfect for parents that want to keep an eye on their kids’ internet activities, employers who suspect their staff are up to something or private investigators gathering information, the SpyCobra is a covert computer logging device that’s a giant leap forward in spy technology.

What makes this device different is that it doesn’t have to be left plugged into a PC. You plug it into a USB port and within 15 seconds you can install a small piece of software that will log keys, remember websites visited and take screen shots at regular intervals.

There’s no hardware to detect and when you want to retrieve the information gathered, you just plug the SpyCobra unit into the PC again and everything will be uploaded onto it, so you can take it away and examine it later.

The SpyCobra computer surveillance USB device will soon be available from the Thumbs Up (UK) Ltd website. The suggested retail price is £89.99 (about $126).

Speech Bubble Speakers

2009-02-07T14:56:00.001-08:00

Some of you might have stumbled upon these cartoon speech bubble speakers last year when they were “only” one all all those cool concepts that pops up every week. But guess what? These awesome babies have now become reality.

Speak-er are high-qualtiy multimedia speakers that plug directly into your computer or MP3 player.

Construction: Polished white ABS housing with matte black steel grille.
Dimensions: H 4 x W 6 x L 2 inches per speaker.

The Speak-er speakers will be available this year. A pair will set you back $120. You can reserve your set now by sending an email to speaker@thinkofthe.com.

Car-Shaped USB Hub

2009-01-11T00:46:00.000-08:00

Fans of car-shaped USB mice, flash drives and card readers can now expand their collections with a 4-port USB (1.1 only) hub inspired by the classic Beetle.

Beetle Car USB 4-port Hub allows users to connect USB devices via its wheels. Users also can put their name cards or mobile phone on the stand.

Product Specifications:

* 4 ports hub
* USB 1.1
* LED head lights
* Name card holder / Mobile phone holder
* Plug and play
* Size: 148*82*60mm
* Weight: 95g

The Beetle Car USB 4-port Hub is yours for $12.50 from the gadget4all.com website.

Waterproof USB Mouse

2009-01-11T00:43:00.001-08:00

I’m not quite sure who this computer accessory, a 100% waterproof USB mouse, is aimed at. Maybe for those with an excessive hand sweat problem?

Features:

* 5-Button USB Silicone Optical Scroll Mouse
* Mildew and water resistant
* 100% waterproof, washable and hygienic
* Made by high-quality silicone
* Soft-touch, soundless while using
* 800 dpi optical tracking
* Optical sensor stays precise on the most surface without mouse pad
* Compatible with Windows Vista/XP/2000/ME/98SE
* USB interface (USB to PS/2 adapter included)
* Dimension: 130 x 80 x 48mm
* Weight: 172g

The Waterproof USB Mouse is available from the USB Geek website for $17.

Wireless USB Keypad with Trackball

2008-12-30T01:51:00.000-08:00

This wireless keypad features 19 standard keys, 13 hot keys and a high precision 1000DPI trackball. The wireless transfer is done using a 2.4 GHz radio frequency.

Features:

* 19 keys slim link off keyboard
* Built-in trackball for optical mouse
* Resolution: 1000
* Powerful office function with 19 keys and 13 hotkeys
* Operating distance: 10 meters
* Operating frequency: 2.4GHz Radio frequency
* Operating current: 35mA max. (Keybaord)
* Operating current: 15mA max. (Receiver)
* FN: Num lock change function
* Support Windows 2000/XP/Vista
* Dimension: 114 x 134 x 25mm (approx.)
* Weight: 143g

Hot Keys:

* Mouse Left Key, Mouse Right Key
* Num Lock
* Window Magnifier
* www, Email, Media, Power Point, Word, Excel
* Play/Pause, Prev Track, Vol +, Stop, Next Track, Vol

The Wireless USB Keypad with Trackball is available from USB Brando for $37.

Christmas Tree USB Flash Drive

2008-12-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

This Christmas tree inspired USB 2.0 flash drive comes with an 8GB storage capacity and the option to protect your files with an AES-256 bit hardware encryption.

Features:

* Durable Solid Rubber Casing with Bold Colors
* Custom Design Options Available with Nominal Tooling Fees
* Hot Plug and Play; Functions Like Another Hard Drive
* Supports Password Protection
* Supports AES-256bit Hardware Encryption (optional)
* No Driver Needed for Most OS (Windows 98SE Driver Available Online)
* LED Indicates Power, Busy
* More Than 10 Years Data Retention
* Capacity: 8 GB
* Interface: USB 2.0
* Dimension: 63.7 x 26.3 x 15 mm

The 8GB Christmas Tree USB Flash Drive is yours for $13.99 from meritline.com.

USB Cow Speaker

2008-12-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

Fans of small animal inspired speakers, like these previous pig, penguin and sheep models, can now expand their audio gadget collections with this new cow version.

Product Specifications:

* Lovely cow design speaker
* Mini in size and portable
* Can be connected to computer, iPods, MP3 and MP4 players
* Environmental-friendly gadget which embedded a rechargeable Li-ion battery
* Li-ion battery is recharged by USB power
* Battery should be charged at least 2 hours
* Green LED indicator
* On / Off switch
* Volumn control switch
* Size: 85*73*58mm
* Weight: 60g

The USB Little Cow Speaker is available in blue or pink for $14 from gadget4all.com.

49-Foot-Tall ASIMO Robot

2008-12-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

If you thought Asimo falling down the stairs was funny, wait until this epic 49-foot-tall version of Honda's robot falls down during the Rose Parade, crushing dozens of bedazzled dancers.

Yes, Honda made a nearly 50-foot-tall version of its not-so-nimble robotic friend, and it'll be heading down the Rose Parade route on New Year's Day. Also, it will be wearing a big top hat, which is a nice touch.

Honda will also provide the pace car for the parade with its hydrogen fuel cell powered FCX Clarity. There will also be music, dancing and flowers, but you probably knew that already.

Mad Devil USB Flash Drive

2008-12-19T06:36:00.000-08:00

This purple little “mad devil” is far from evil. In fact, he is more than happy to offer you his 4 gigabytes of storage space, so that you can take your important files on the go.

Features:

* USB 2.0
* Plug and Play
* Hot-Swapped
* Capacity: 4GB
* Support Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS and Linux
* Dimension: 3.5 cm x 4.4 cm x 1 cm
* Weight: 12g

The Mad Devil USB Flash Drive is available from the GizFever.com website for $19.99.

USB Gas Stove Cup Warmer

2008-12-18T07:06:00.001-08:00

We’ve covered a few USB cup warmers here at GeekAlerts, like the the hub and clock one. But if you like to go more retro, maybe this gas stove model will be better suited.

Product Specifications:

* Designed as a classic gas stove
* On / Off switch
* Flame-like LED
* Powered by USB
* Available colors: Orange and Blue
* Size: 140*125*28mm
* Weight: 145g

The USB Gas Stove Cup Warmer is available from the gadget4all.com website for $15.

Talking Photo Frame

2008-12-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

This photo frame won’t hold you favorite digital photographs, but it allows you to record short messages and have them played back to you by touching the glass.

Features:

* 10 seconds Recording time
* Touch a photo to play back
* Photo Size: 10 x 15.5 cm (4″x6″)
* Size: 17 x 21.5 cm
* AAA battery x 3 pieces

The Recording and Talking Photo Frame is yours for $23 from Gadget Brando.