Electronics Gadget Review , Digital camera reviews, Electronic Price comparison

THIS IS WHAT A $6 MILLION HOME THEATER LOOKS LIKE

February 27th, 2008


At first glance I thought this home theater had to me a computer fabrication. Not so. In fact, it's all real with more pictures below to tell just how over the top one audiophile went. Although the system is 8.8 channels there are 3 center channels, sixteen 18 subs, 8 towers, 10 tweeters and a Sony ultra resolution (4,096-by-2,160) SRX-S110 digital projector and so much more it's a challenge to list. Stuffed into the back of the room is an 1810 foot screen and all this power, at least the audio is driven by a multitude of tube amps putting out 11,315 watts. Total cost: $6 million. Number of visits to the movie theater: 0

Go here for complete details.

Via Zatsnotfunny

SONY'S NEWEST OFFER, S-AIR SPEAKER, IS EITHER A STREAMING SPEAKER (SWEET) OR A WIRELESS SPEAKER (WEAK)

February 27th, 2008


Sony announced a barrage of products a few days ago. One of the more notable additions to their line up (at least I think so) was the S-Air Speaker system  that allowed wireless streaming of music into any room (up to 164) from a Sony compatible system. But is it streaming or is it just a chincy wireless speaker (AIR-SA10) with a clock and a few other options on it? The Sony Style website doesn't have specs so I really don't know. If its streaming then the audio will be tighter since the signal will be digital and converted at the S-Air Speaker. If it's not, and just a boring old wireless speaker, again minus the clock, then the sound quality will probably blow because the signal has to go through multiple translation of digital to analog - this degrades the sound quality, - as opposed to once in the streaming case.  Looking closer at the on screen display, there appears to be a signal bar indicating the former.

More info here and will be available March 28th for $120.

WIRELESS CHARGING IS VERY CLOSE TO REALITY

February 26th, 2008

You've probably heard of 'wireless power', but disregarded it as myth or mombojombo. In fact, wireless power and wireless charging is teetering on the tipping point of reality. Currently there are a few pads that charge cell phones and MP3 players, but they require a retrofitting for them to work, not to mention they need to be placed directly on top of the pad to charge. True wireless charging on the other hand should be spoken of in feet, not centimeters, and some MIT smarty pants are doing just that.

It all started when Marin Soljačić, an assistant professor of physics at MIT was awoken by an incessant beeping. It was his cell phone (probably a Nokia) calling out in need of a battery charge. It was then that Marin began his search to develop wireless power. He had to find a a transmission tool that wouldn't be harmful to humans and wouldn't lose the majority of it's energy like so many wireless technologies do. What he stumbled on was 'magnetic resonance', which are essentially magnetic fields. Marin and a team working together eventually were able to power a 60-watt light bulb wirelessly through a thin wall.

"The researchers built two resonant copper coils and hung them from the ceiling, about two meters apart. When they plugged one coil into the wall, alternating current flowed through it, creating a magnetic field. The second coil, tuned to the same frequency and hooked to a light bulb, reso nated with the magnetic field, generating an electric current that lit up the bulb-even with a thin wall between the coils."

More info here.

Wireless charging diagram/example after the 'leap'.

Wireless Light (below is courtesy of Technologyreview.com)

Marin Soljačić and colleagues used magnetic resonance coupling to power a 60-watt light bulb. Tuned to the same frequency, two 60-centimeter copper coils can transmit electricity over a distance of two meters, through the air and around an obstacle.



1. Resonant copper coil attached to frequency converter and plugged into outlet
2. Wall outlet
3. Obstacle
4. Resonant copper coil attached to light bulb

GEAR4 BLUFM OFFERS BLUETOOTH FOR YOUR PHONE CALLS AND FM TRANSMISSION FOR YOUR IPHONE

February 26th, 2008


MP3 FM transmitters and Bluetooth speakerphones are nothing new. The combination of two, though, is something that seems to have alluded most manufactures. Gear4s newest offering, the Gear4 BluFM offers just that. Simply plug in your MP3 player and jam out to tunes via the FM transmitter. Pair it with your phone and when there's an incoming call, it should cut the music and transmit the caller's voice over the car's speakers via the FM transmitter. One question remains: will this thing work with an iPhone much like the iSonTalk? The jack probably isn't compatible with the iPhone's recessed input so you'll have to address that with an aftermarket adapter.

Available here for $98.

Via T3

APPLE STOCK BY PRODUCT RELEASE

February 28th, 2008


The guys at Wired put this together. Interesting, yes, but accurate, not entirely, especially (and Wired makes this point) since Apple's stock fell before the Macbook Air was released. Nonetheless, the svelte bodied machine didn't help matters. Take it as you will and talk to Wired if you got a beef.

LOOKING BUBBLE FOR THE DOGGY AT YOUR DOOR

February 26th, 2008


The pet-obsessed doing everything pet-possible to make their pets happy, especially dog owners.  The 'Pet Peek' does exactly what is pictured.  It would probably give some good laughs the first few times the mailman visits.  It's so popular in fact, it's sold out via Amazon, but available direct for $30.

Official site and purchase info here.

8GB SINGLE DIMM MEMORY MODULES CUT COSTS 90%

February 26th, 2008

MetaRAM, a company founded by AMD's former CTO, claims to have invented a single DIMM 8GB RAM module. Currently DIMM RAM capacity is maxed out at 2GB. Its founders, Fred Weber, a former chief technology officer of AMD for a decade, and Suresh Rajan, a former Nvidia executive said they've used "a sort of 3D stacking technique to maximize how much memory fits aboard the chip, then using a proprietary controller to trick the host computer into thinking it’s an ordinary memory module". Ultimately, and to MetaRAM's point. the new 8GB single DIMM memory chips should cut the cost of adding new memory chips to servers by 90% - just replace the old 2GB chips without having to upgrade to new and often costly hardware. Expect MetaRAM's memory modules to start showing up in servers at the end of '08, but don't expect them in laptops anytime soon.

Via Digitaltrends

CUSTOM HORNTONES

February 26th, 2008


Are you sick of that boring old horn? Can't score the evil eye from chick joggers? Horntones MP3 will without a doubt garner some stares. Just install and upload MP3s of your choice to the devices 256MB of memory. Up to 10 different tones can be be assigned to the Horntones' triggers, and if the 256MB doesn't meet your quota, than jam in a USB memory stick. To be clear, this doesn't replace your car's stock horn - you'll still be able to pass inspection at the DMV.

Available here for $300.

Via Zapnat

ADOBE ENTERS THE HARDWARE MARKET

February 22nd, 2008





Adobe is entering into the hardware market with a camera lens that can capture a single shot at a variety of angles. Later the photographer, via software (probably Photoshop), can manipulate depth of field, and no doubt a whole slew of other options Adobe has yet to reveal. Only if they had one of these things on the 'grassy knoll'. Check the video above.

WORLD'S LARGEST DISPLAY CAN COVER AN ENTIRE BUILDING OF ANY SIZE (VIDEO)

February 27th, 2008





If you don't watch out we might see entire buildings wrapped in displays. ADTI (yeah, I never heard of them) announced the Skynet display (I'm thinking "Terminator") today. Made up to thousand, if not millions of LEDs, the display can be wrapped around any building, is light weight, transparent, can be viewed in direct sunlight and is only 3 centimeters thick. It will withstand all sorts of weather conditions (up to 115 degree F) and is limitless in size. Boy, I'd like to get my hands on the remote to this thing.

The video above is an example of a building wrapped in LEDs found in Barcelona, Spain. The graphics displayed seem pretty rudimentary. Let's hope Skynet's are more detailed.

More info here.

SONY'S NEWEST OFFER, S-AIR SPEAKER, IS EITHER A STREAMING SPEAKER (SWEET) OR A WIRELESS SPEAK (WEAK)

February 27th, 2008


Sony announced a barrage of products a few days ago. One of the more notable additions to their line up (at least I think so) was the S-Air Speaker system  that allowed wireless streaming of music into any room (up to 164) from a Sony compatible system. But is it streaming or is it just a chincy wireless speaker (AIR-SA10) with a clock and a few other options on it? The Sony Style website doesn't have specs so I really don't know. If its streaming then the audio will be tighter since the signal will be digital and converted at the S-Air Speaker. If it's not, and just a boring old wireless speaker, again minus the clock, then the sound quality will probably blow because the signal has to go through multiple translation of digital to analog - this degrades the sound quality, - as opposed to once in the streaming case.  Looking closer at the on screen display, there appears to be a signal bar indicating the former.

More info here and will be available March 28th for $120.

THE AUDEO: THINK WHAT YOU'D SAY AND YOU'LL CONTROL IT (VIDEO)

February 26th, 2008


The Audeo, a Texas Instrument company, is a communication device that when worn can communicate with people or objects without the use of voice. Although similar to the Epoc Headset in end goal, the device captures the brain waves or signals at a different location. The Audeo is placed on the user's neck, adjacent to the vocal cords. When the user tries to speak brain waves are transmitted to the voice box. The Audeo then captures the neurological signals and digitizes the information for interpretation by a nearby computer for face-to-face communication, or a cell phone for telephone calls. TI's specs state an 8+ hour operation time. Other real world tests, outside of placing a phone call, have been the ability to wirelessly control an electric wheelchair without any physical movement. The Audeo is set for release by the end of 2008 and is targeted at folks with disabilities preventing them from speaking and/or physical movement.

Check the video after the 'leap'





More info here and here.

THE BIZZ: BLUETOOTH HEADSET + USB MEMORY STICK

February 26th, 2008


The BIZZ headset from Bluetrek does double duty as a Bluetooth wireless headset and a USB memory stick. To access the drive's contents, and charge the BUZZ, simply unplug the ear piece from the body and insert into a USB port - there's an optional car charger. Memory capacity comes by way of microSD card and supports sizes up to 8GB. Expect up to 7 hours of talk time and 10 days of standby. Weighs 10 grams and set to go on sale in the UK for just over $78.

More info here and video here.

Via Gadgetell via Pocketlint

SIMPLE $20 IPHONE CAR INTEGRATION

February 26th, 2008


How so you ask? Start by purchasing an iSonTalk Microphone Headphone Adapter and a cassette-to-3.5mm adapter. Next, plug everything in into its respective receptacles. Crank your tunes and take a spin around town. When a call comes, simply click the mic's answer button, the music stops, and the caller should be heard over the car's stock speakers. I'm not sure on the feedback implications of the mic picking up the caller's voice (it's designed for headphone use), but if all goes right it's a super cheap yet slick iPhone integration into any car with a cassette deck, and it's only $20 (plus whatever the cassette adapter costs you).

Available here for $20.

IPHONE UPDATE TO 1.1.4

February 26th, 2008


Apple released an update for the iPhone today that'll take you from 1.1.3 to 1.1.4. It's 162 MB and doesn't seem to do much for the iPhone's feature set. With that said, it's probably safe to assume that a small percent of the MBs are dedicated to fixing bugs while the remainder is in anticipation of the SDK.

To nab the update just hit the Update in iTunes to 7.6.1

ALL WEATHER 46 LCD TV

February 25th, 2008


SunBriteTV (never heard of them) is set to introduce and all weather addition 46 LCD. I'm not just talking rain or shine (it will survive a garden hose onslaught by the way), I'm talking a temperature range of over 140 degree Fahrenheit: -24 to 122 degrees. It's no slouch in the specs either, boasting a 1080p antireflective, scratch resistant screen for in sun viewing. Included is a water resistant remote - not sure why they didn't make it waterproof to match the TV.

Available March '08 for $5,495.

More info here.

Via ElectronicHouse

WORLD'S FIRST MRI GUIDED NEUROSURGICAL ROBOT ARM (VIDEO)

February 22nd, 2008


Unbeknownst to me, and probably 99% of the population, surgery under the guidance of a live operating MRI was impossible due to the magnetic fields. The NeuroArm is the world's first MRI-guided neurosurgical robot allowing for microscopic surgeries. The NeuroArm's motors were designed and built using ceramics, enabling it to work within magnetic fields and allowing surgeons and scientist to navigate and see how the brain is impacted during surgery.

More info here.

Video after the 'leap'

TOUCH MENU PEN

February 22nd, 2008


Ordering at any restaurant never seems to be a simple task, especially if you have a half witted high school kid manning your table. The Teroka Deli Touch Pen might change all that. The pen is simply touched to a picture that reads the embedded barcode, and the order is received. I don't know what happens if you touch the wrong item, but perhaps their is some sort of confirmation process. 45,000 Yen a month (yes, Japan only right now) or about $420/month and includes 30 pens. Cheaper then a touch screen system and half as fragile. I wonder if they include some sort of tethering device for the pens?

More info here.

Via Core77

FULL SIZED FOLDING BIKE FITS IN A BACKPACK

February 26th, 2008


This bike is so damn cool looking I keep forgetting that it can folded up like a pretzel. No word on sturdiness (it's still a concept, though), but as you can see the seat extends from the frame that runs parallel to the ground. This looks to be the key to the Cube Urban Street Bike Concept's contortion like abilities. Also, it looks like it can be folded with wheels on to accommodate a medium sized car, or the wheels can be removed to achieve ultimate compactness.

More pics after the 'leap'

More info here.

Via Treehugger.

ZZZPHONE ACTUAL HARDWARE PIC AND INFO UPDATE

February 21st, 2008


Crunchgear got their hands on an actual pic of the ZZZPhone.  Furthemore, it apparently doesn't run Windows Mobile as initially stated.

INDIANA JONES STATUE

February 25th, 2008


It's only been over a week and some since the Indiana Jones 4 trailer emerged and we're already seeing the would-be collectors items appear. Standing 11 tall, this statue is an ode to the first film and depicts the 'Golden Isle' escape. Not the terror on Harrison Ford's Indiana's face. It'll hit you back just shy of $138 and will be available in July.

Available here.

More pics after the 'leap'

Via Gearfuse

RHINO SKIN ALUMINUM 3RD GEN IPOD NANO CASE

February 22nd, 2008


Much like a Rhino's skin, the Rhino case for the 3rd gen iPod Nano protects the player from damage and perhaps even attacks. It features a hard back crafted from aluminum, and a clear scratch resistant and shatterproof front. Also included are rubber sides to insure a firm grip, and a lanyard for over the neck laxing.

Available here for $25.

Via Macworld

VACUUM CLEANER MOUSE

February 25th, 2008


It's disturbing how many people eat at their desks and spill crumbs everywhere. A dust buster might cause some unwanted attention from the office manager, but Thanko's Vacuum Cleaner Mouse will do the job while you work. Included in the mouse's base is a small vacuum that is said to suck up crumbs and other small debris. It includes a small collection bin that can be easily emptied by lifting its rear and removing. Compatible and powered by USB 1.1 or higher.

Available here for $29.

More pics after the 'leap'



Via Register

DELL SHIPS LAPTOP(S) WITH KEYLOGGER INSTALLED

February 21st, 2008


An unknown computer techie is reporting that Dell shipped a keylogger device (Keyghost) preinstalled in his laptop’s Ethernet board. When he called Dell and asked them about the suspicious device, they told him that “The integrated [sic] service tag identifier is there for assisting customers in the event of lost or misplaced personal information." The man quickly called the police and was connected with Homeland Security. Based on the scanned letter (on the 'leap') it doesn’t look like he had much success reporting Dell for spying. Does Dell include these on all laptops? Did Dell succeed AT&T and hence Homeland Security's lax response?


More info here.

Via Hacknmod

INTERACTIVE LED COFFEE TABLE ON THE SIMPLE

February 25th, 2008


Throw in 480 bright LED lights and 32 near infrared optical sensors and you've got the "The Wave", an interactive light emitting coffee table. Drag your arm, glass, or any object across the table and a wave of light will follow. Let the table sit idle and it will sparkle like the stars in the sky. "The Wave" is customizable and comes in a variety of glass finishes and colored LED lights. Did I mention that it's built of "100% certified sustainable high-quality zero-formaldehyde maple plywood, and finished with a durable eco-friendly water-based finish". Each table is built to order so expect a 10 week wait time and a price tag of just over $2,200.

More info here.

Via Coolhunting

RFID CAT DOOR

February 21st, 2008


If you ever owned a cat and had a cat door, then you know you can end up with unwanted critters in your home. Take Racoons for instace. They’re notoriously smart and often enter homes via the cat door to steal the oh-so yummy cat food and whatever else they can get their human like paws on. You have a couple options to prevent this: install a magnetic cat door (this is the cheap and easy fix), or invest in the RFID cat door with included LCD display. The RFID cat door (comes in 2 models) is perfect for the obsessed cat owner. Not only can you assign access times to each individual cat via the RFID tracking tag (this double as an identification tag as well), but you can review enter/exit times for each cat and determine whose still on the prowl. Available in 2 models starting at $146.

More info here.

Via Severnvets via Gearfuse

VW SET TO INTRODUCE ELECTRIC DIESEL HYBRID

February 25th, 2008


Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, VW is planning a 70 mpg Rabbit. According to Treehugger, the diesel-electric hybrid is said to spew out just 89 g/km of carbon dioxide compared with Toyota's Prius 104 g/km. Expect this hybrid setup to emerge in other models such as the Jetta, A3 and more. Not too long ago I wrote about a new Audi hybrid. I wonder if this will supersede that model here in the US?

ANOTHER GUITAR HERO TOY

February 25th, 2008


As if Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, and U-Dance weren't enough, the makers of Guitar Hero are bringing us cordless, go anywhere guitar mayhem. Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker is simply leveraging the success of these games and based on the 'try me' associated with the mini belt buckle sized amp, it's probably safe to assume that it's all preset tunage. Simply strumming the face of belt buckle will elicit up to 10 riffs. Available Spring 2008.

More info here.

BACKPACK BICYCLE CHARGES WHILE YOU PEDDLE

February 21st, 2008


In today's congested world of highways, trains and even side walks, it's no wonder we don't all work from home. Biking to work has often been a great healthy option, but with everybody jumping on the 'green/health' bandwagon lately, I'm surprised their aren't parking garages dedicated to bikes. The Everglide bike is just the solution as it's a mini-bicycle that compactly folds into a medium sized backpack, which can then be carried or dragged along like a suitcase directly into the office. Better yet, it'll charge your gadgets as you pedal. It's still a concept, but here's hoping.

More pics after the 'leap'




More info here.

SONY INTRODUCES A 13.6 MEGAPIXEL COMPACT: DSC-W300

February 25th, 2008


Boasting over 13 megapixels, a 3x zoom, and a titanium scratch resistant body, Sony's newest camera, the DSC-W300, is a serious contender in the heavy weight division. Included in the package is an ultra sensitive image sensor at up to 6400 ISO (I think my Canon does 1600 max), 2.7 LCD, intelligent scene recognizer, smile shutter (the camera will wait until everyone smiles), and a whole lot more. Measures 3.7 x 2.3 x 1.1in so it's not the slimmest of all compacts, but the trade off in pixels and features are there.

Should be available here in the next few months for $350.

More pics after the 'leap'



Via Slashgear

HOLOGRAPHIC DISPLAY (LIKE IN STAR WARS) BECOMES REALITY

February 25th, 2008





Researchers in Arizona have crafted a rewritable, autostereoscopic, 3 dimensional display. In other words you don't need any special glasses to see the 3-D image, and unlike other previous Hologram tech you can write over the original image. Currently the tech is limited to a 10 by 10 centimeter palette and a still image. Nasser Peyghambarian, the lead scientist dude behind this tech, hopes to increase that to 30 by 30 centimeters and improve the write times to 30-60 times a minutes (currently write times are 2 minutes per image) such that moving images are achievable. Grandiose as it may sound, we might see a commercial holographic display in 3 - 5 years. The applications could be endless and range from movies to surgical procedures.

More info here.

EVERY SEGA DREAMCAST GAME EVER MADE UP FOR SALE

February 22nd, 2008


If you remember the Sega Dreamcast video game system then you're probably are, or were a hard core gamer. The idea alone of having a controller with a built-in screen/memory card was more than enough reason to purchase the system. If you're still rocking that hefty slab of Sega white, then break out your Platinum credit card. One eBay seller claims that he's got his hands on every Sega Dreamcast game ever made. That's 606 games brand new, factory sealed. How many bids you ask? 0 of course. Why so? Starting bid is $19,999.99. Course, it's a better deal then the $15k Nintendo game we saw last week.

Auction here.

Via Techdigest

ROB A BANK SKI MASK FREE WITH THESE LEDS

February 22nd, 2008


If you're still debating that bank heist due to your wool allergy (i.e. you can't wear a ski mask); worry no more. Strap on this neck tie of LEDs and the surveillance cameras will be blind to your face. I don't know how you'll deal with the bank patrons, but perhaps you should start with an ATM jacking (as picturedI thinkwhich is so wrong) or two to get up the nerve.

More info here (translated page)

Via BoingBoing

MILITARY GRADE TABLET TOUCHSCREEN COMPUTER

February 20th, 2008


Beating the crap out of your equipment with no regret is always an interesting proposition. Last week it was the Sonim XP1 cell phone that could take a 9mm bullet. This week it’s the Duros 8” Rugged Tablet PC. Rated military grade (MIL STD 810F) the Duros can survive significant shock, dust, water, and freezing or heat blistering temperatures. It rocks a 8.4” sunlight viewable SVGA touchscreen LCD, an AMD Geode™ LX 800 Processor or Intel Celeron M 1.0 GHz, up to 1GB of memory, and a 120 GB hard drive, or an optional 64GB SSD drive. Its feature set includes, GPS, WiFi, EDGE, Bluetooth, GRPS, and UMTS makeing this touchscreen tablet a true wireless wonder ‘puter. Weighs 4.8lbs and it won’t slip into a manila envelope at 1.7” thick.

More info here.

More pics after the ‘leap’