Hydro-4000 or 5000, hydrogen into engine for 60% more mpg

This is the Hydro-4000 that is said to give your car 60% more miles per gallon, and the company behind this gadget also have another version called the Hydro-5000 for 18-wheelers. With gas prices rising and no sign of stopping, many auto owners have been forced to buy gas savers and other devices, but this new gadget hopes to help you get more MPG. When the Hydro-4000 is installed on your vehicle, it only needs water to run and can then give you a 60 percent discount on your gas bill.

The device costs $1200 and I am sure not many homes could afford this kind of price with high gas prices and the credit crunch, but you also cannot afford not to have this installed on your vehicle. The makers say that you will make the $1200 back very quickly, thanks too the huge savings it creates. It would not be the first time we have heard of some great products and then they just turn out to be rubbish, but News Channel 5 wanted to find out with a hands-on look and see if this miracle device really worked.

The results were spot on, with their company truck getting a 61% increase in miles per gallon on a dynamometer and an increase of 58% on the road. The Hydro-4000 works by sending “hydrogen into your engine, creating a cleaner burning environment”. It helps burn all of the gas that goes into an engine, instead of sending unused gas out the exhaust pipe. When you fill up your vehicle with the expensive gas prices, you do not expect to waste some out the exhaust, but that is just what happens without the Hydro-4000.

Nintendo Wii Like Controller Patent: play on Apple TV-based games

We all know how much Apple like to take a trip to the patent office to file a new piece of technology, well Apple have now filed a patent for plans of a 3D remote control system, this will use the same sort of sensing capabilities that we are more used to seeing in a Nintendo Wii remote. Some believe that this piece of technology would be used as some sort of new controller for use with Apple TV based games. This patent was actually filed back in November 2006, so you have to wonder where the product is.

The patent says that the device can also zoom in and out of an image; this would work very well with Apple TV’s photo browsing. The patent also reckons that a console would be able to communicate with the remote by using either a cable or one or more wireless communication protocols; the console that has been described in this patent is able to have one or more connectors of which accessories that can be coupled. The accessories are described as external hard drives, game cartridges, portable memory devices as well as cables and/or game cartridges. Some patent filings cannot be taken as if they will ever make it on to the market, and this is one such device that I do not think that we will see on an Apple device, well what do you expect it is a lot like a Nintendo Wii Remote.

Source - Apple Insider

Livescribe Pulse Pen: like a James Bond gadget

This is the Livescribe Pen and it reminds me of gadgets I have seen in James Bond films, but the Livescribe Smart Pen has been made for people just like me. Not only do I write lots of to-do lists and notes, I lose many of them scrap pieces of paper and always want to put my notes on PC, but prefer to write on paper.

Why is the Livescribe Pen ideal for me? It does the two things I like at once, lets you write on paper and can record what you write. Although you will need special paper to write on, the Livescribe Pen can digitally record your writings and each word in audio as you write it. It has been a year since the pen was unveiled, but its only now that we can get our hands on it for around $200. For that money you will get the Livescribe Pen that’s fitted with a camera, microphone and speaker.

The Livescribe Pens main features include a sleek ergonomic design with anodized aluminum housing, a 2.5mm audio jack, embedded speaker, microphone, 300 mAH rechargeable lithium, a high speed infrared camera that can take over 70 images a second, features a Samsung ARM 9 (32-bit, 150 MHz) processor and comes in charcoal blue with black accents and a silver band. The 1GB NAND version gives you around 100 hours of recording time, while the 2GB NAND sports 200 hours of recording time.

You can get the data onto your computer via the included USB docking station and if you never want to miss a word again, then it’s the perfect device, but you should note that current delivering times are taking up to a month after orders are taken. The Livescribe Pen is not for everyone, but for a device that can record what you hear or say while writing, talk back and provide visual cues on its display…we love it. Visit livescribe.com for more information.

Forget Star Wars R2D2 Projector, now R3-D2 with Apple iPod support

Many gadget buyers have heard of the Star Wars “R2D2 Projector”, but as technology keeps moving it looks like this device has been upgraded to the R3-D2 with Apple iPod support. The new limited Edition model features the ability to connect many move devices including iPod’s, game consoles, USB drives, flash memory cards and many other devices with video content on them.

The Star Wars movies have lasted decades and there is still no end in sight to fans continuing to follow Star Wars, so it looks like we will see many other gadgets in this theme and the R2-D2 Projector will continue to be popular. We saw the previous model at a gadget event last year and it did look impressive, but the limited edition model has so much more. Other improvements include the ability to project a screen up to 260 inches wide, an amazing 1800:1 contrast ratio, 1800 lumens brightness and built-in virtual surround sound.

Star Wars gadgets like this do not come cheap and you can expect to pay around €2,799.00 at Exclusive StarWars (hit the read link below this post), even if you have the money, its limited to just 4000 units and only available in Europe. One other feature I will mention is that the R3-D2 is motorized; you can tilt it to the ceiling to watch movies while lying down or in bed.

Source: Read

Ford’s Microsoft Sync-like technology: going to KIA & Hyundai

Microsoft has teamed up to bring what they call a “music and information system” to Hyundai and KIA cars sold in North America by 2010, now this sort of technology has been exclusive to Ford in the past with their Sync gadget, although it’s not being called Sync (it sure sounds similar).

Microsoft and Hyundai Motor Group have setup the Automotive IT Innovation Center, with Hyundai Motor Group adding $166 million and Microsoft investing $113 million to this project. Bill Gates has personally met the South Korean President to talk about the level of involvement from companies in his country. We also hear that Gates will be signing the agreement with Hyundai in Seoul. While the first product to be released in this partnership is a “voice-controlled system linking mobile devices to car stereo systems”, we also hear that in the near future, other products will be released that has multimedia and navigation features.

The first product will also feature remote firmware updates and this makes things so much easier, and less costly for manufactures. The real question here, is how comes Hyundai needs Microsoft for getting music into cars, when iPods and iPhones can be added very easily or are we missing something?

Source: Read | Via

Be Your Own DJ with New HERCULES Wireless Mobile DJ MP3 Controller

Hercules, the computer DJ entertainment specialist, brings the fun of DJ mixing to music fans everywhere with the first wireless digital mixing mini-controller, the Mobile DJ MP3. An intuitive, user-friendly DJ mixing controller for PC, the Mobile DJ MP3 allows users to, personalize music and host parties like a DJ. The portable Mobile DJ MP3 is available for the retail price of $99.99 in black as well as white online at djdeals.com, J&R Computer World, Musician’s Friend, American Musical Supply, and more.

Until now, DJ mixing novices have found only semi-professional or professional DJ hardware or complex mixing software requiring practice and agility to progress beyond the basics. The Mobile DJ MP3, the most mobile, dual deck, DJ mixer available, is an affordable, general consumer solution for anyone 12 years and up looking to mix his or her favorite digital tunes and be the hit of their house party. Indeed, with this wireless, handheld mixer the host of the party can control the music while still mingling and dancing with friends.

“In light of the explosion in the popularity of MP3s, we have created a novice MP3 mini-controller that puts DJing within reach for all music and entertainment enthusiasts of all ages” explains François Garet, Development Director for the Hercules Music product line. “Our new portable controller makes mixing easy by giving everyone the tools to have fun putting their own touch on their digital music”.

The mixer is powered by two C* batteries and has a dual LCD display that allows the DJ to pick tracks and mix them, away from the computer. If the DJ hesitates, the Automix feature will automatically select the next song, ensuring a smooth set. The Mobile DJ MP3 includes two decks for mixing, scratching and synchronizing the MP3 or WAV files stored on the PC. Additionally, the mini-controller includes two jog wheels emulating two vinyl/cd decks for scrolling through tracks quickly and scratching, a cross fader slider that allows quick transition from deck to the other deck and two volume sliders, four sound and effect buttons per deck, pitch sliders and 25 control buttons. Sound effects, song loops and changes in tempo let you modify songs according to your taste, and put your own individual musical mark on the mixes you share with your audience.

The Mobile DJ MP3 is easy to install. Simply plug in the USB radio receiver key for wireless connectivity and insert the software CD. The wireless and handheld Mobile DJ MP3 simply requires a computer equipped with a sound card, amplified speakers and your favorite music (CD-Audio or MP3, WAV or WMA files). DJing software is included.

Learn more about the Mobile DJ MP3 at hercules.com

Devotec Solar Charger: Nokia, Blackberry, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, PSP/Digital Cameras and Ipod

Devotec Industries are proud to announce their smallest and lightest charger yet! Weighing in at a slim 80g and measuring about the same as a 1st gen Ipod Nano, the new solar charger still packs enough energy in its 1800mAh Lith-ion battery to charge a phone/blackberry/mp3 player 2 times or more before needing to be re-charged. And when the Solar Charger does need to be toped up, you can charge the device via its solar panel, or use either the supplied AC adapter or USB cable.

Retailing at a fantastic £19.99, ($40) this fully featured pack has a higher spec and more connectivity than solar chargers costing twice as much. And for added convenience, the Devotec USB Travel Plug can be added to the pack, giving access to charge the unit in over 180 countries!

Connectivity comes courtesy of the included adapters, with tips for Nokia (old and new), Motorola/Blackberry/mini USB, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, PSP/Digital Cameras and Ipod all being part of the package.

Lasting up to 3 months on a single charge, the Devotec Solar Charger has been extensively tested and re-engineered to include all the necessary accessories straight out of the box, including a stylish pouch to keep the solar panel scratch free when not in use.

The Devotec Solar Charger is a great way to keep safe and not have to worry about your phone or Blackberry losing battery when you are away from home.

Alex Devoto, founder and MD, said: “We are really excited about this release. After working to perfect this concept for three years, we feel we have a finely tuned product ready to meet the needs of the mobile consumer, with the widest selection of compatibility at an unrivalled price-point.”

Microsoft COFEE (Computer Online Forensic Evidence Extractor) for law enforcement

Microsoft have always aimed to help computer users do tasks better with their software, while Windows XP and Vista have been loved and hated by some, I am sure investigators and law enforcement will love the new plug-in device called “Microsoft COFEE”. It does not contain caffeine, but it does contain 150 commands that will help investigators work faster when gathering digital evidence.

The quicker they can extract forensic data from computers, the faster crimes can be solved and maybe it could save more lives. We have pointed out it’s not Coffee, but what COFEE really stands for is “Computer Online Forensic Evidence Extractor”. This plug-in device (basically a small USB hard drive) can analyze data stored on a computer, analyze Internet activity and decrypt passwords.

Last June the Microsoft COFEE device was distributed to a handful of law-enforcement agencies, but today we hear that over 15 countries and 2,000 officers are using this gadget. While we do not know how much this will help stop crime, you can count on it helping a lot…well done Microsoft.

So what do you think of Microsoft making the COFEE device free to law enforcement agencies and how much do you think this will help in real world crime?

Source: Read | Via

PureDepth MLD Technology: coming to cell phones, gaming and in-car navigation

PureDepth, based in Redwood Shores CA, has developed what they call Multi-layer Display (MLD) technology. Essentially, the idea is to build displays that are in fact two or more layers of LCD panel that share a common back-light source – as data is displayed on the various layers, a depth effect is created. Optical correlation, compatibility and interferences between display layers are managed via patented interstitial elements within the optical stack of a MLD. Each display panel receives independent control signals and, through the coordination of the images, a true multi-layer visual display is presented to the user. The content of the images, combined with smart coordination can provide remarkable and eye-catching results for static images and even more so with full in-motion video sequences.

The technology lends itself to a broad array of applications. PureDepth is currently actively developing several of these: the company has signed agreements with Samsung for development of displays and mobile handsets, and is also collaborating with SANYO on mobile handsets, gaming technology, and automobile electronics (including in-car navigation). In fact, Samsung recently featured PureDepth’s display technology at CeBIT, the world’s largest technology trade show. The public-information configuration, placed adjacent to Samsung’s groundbreaking 80-inch flat panel display, received significant traffic and rave reviews.

The company expects to see first products – in gaming – hit the streets during 2008, with more products and applications to follow shortly thereafter.

Apple The Benchmark Brand: MacBook Air, iPod, iPhone, iTunes & Mac Computers

I have been reporting on different products and technology for many years now and it seems Apple have done very well for themselves, they have changed from the Apple Mac Computer vs. PC days to getting their brand in many product areas. The company have come from when the Apple logo was allowed by the Beatles if they did not enter into the music business (well that all changed, remember the lawsuit) to these days being more than just Mac’s.

When I say “Apple The Benchmark Brand”, it could not be truer as many of Apple’s products and services have every product after them compared to it. Nearly all new music download services are compared to Apple iTunes, most portable music/media players are compared to the iPod Touch and other iPod products, the lightest and thinnest laptops are now getting compared to the Apple Macbook Air and the best cell phones get compared to the Apple iPhone.

You got to say “Well Done” to Apple for making all this possible, although we have also heard many bad things about these products, the Macbook Air has had its share of problems and the iPods have been known for their share. This will happen when your at the top, but what’s next for Apple and if they enter another product or service area will they set a new benchmark again?

The future is never certain but Apple are now a more established brand in more homes around the world than ever before…keeping there is the hard bit.

Hands-on: EzVision Video Eyewear on Sony PS3 playing Call of Duty 4

Being a massive gadget fan I could not wait to give the EzVision Original Video eye-wear a hands-on review, these so called glasses give a 50inch virtual screen on your head that can be connected to many AV sources including video iPods, portable DVD players and games consoles like the Sony PS3 in my review.

After opening up the box and thinking they looked really cool and something I have seen on Star Trek, I could not wait to connect them to my Sony PS3 and play Call of Duty 4 and this is just what I did. My first impressions are sadly not good, as soon as all was connected I placed the EzVision device on my head and it felt a nice fit until they rested on my nose, pain was the first feeling I got and this is from a device that only weighs 68g. Checking the power device was on the floor (which it was) the pain was still there, I handed them to a friend and my wife and they both also felt that the EzVision eyewear hurt their nose as well. After reading the box we found out the review product we had been sent did not include the two nose guards you’re meant to have Read more

Honda develops device to help the disabled and elderly walk

When it comes to developing cars Honda are one of the best in the business however; the Japanese automaker also develops other things like a jet as well as that cool looking walking robot called Asimo. Getting Asimo walking on its own was a hard but worthwhile task and Honda are about to put that kind of technology to good use.

Honda will be taking some of its robotic technology to the International Trade Fair where they will showcase the technology that they used for the robot to walk unaided and will offer it as a unique aid to help the disabled and elderly walk. These devices will be available in three sizes and will use brushless DC motors which are powered by lithium ion batteries. These batteries will allow you to use the device for about 2 hours between charges.

Auto Companies such as Honda do take a lot of criticism from tree huggers who do not like how some of their cars pollute our earth; however they do not think about all the good work that they do to help how we live our lives. What I would like to know is would a person who works for someone like Greenpeace turn one of these walking devices down if they had trouble walking, knowing that it has been developed with money from and auto maker.

Source - AutoBlog

24kt Gold Apple Macbook Air with Sapphires and polished gold superdrive

The Apple Macbook Air made a statement as it was with a 0.16-0.76 inch height but how about a 24kt Gold Macbook Air with Sapphires, now there is a statement. With all the different pimped products before it including iPods, iPhones and other gadgets getting gold plated, this gold Macbook Air looks stunning and is sure to cost a nice premium.

According to Computer Choppers, this is the world’s first 24kt Gold Apple Macbook Air and because the Mac Air has no optical drive they have a polished gold Superdrive to go with it. You can see some photos on this page of the Gold Macbook Air; they have sent this one to New York and are working on a second.

The photo above shows the Apple logo ensconced in multi-colored sapphires, no expense has been spared with revamping this laptop, but if you had the money would you really want a 24kt Gold version…let us know what you think.

We will have to leave it to your imagination to think what will happen to the Macbook next.

Source: Read

Earth Day: Doing your bit with the technology you buy

To say Earth Day is a big event would be an understatement, today over 1 billion people at rallies, concerts and neighborhood cleanups will take part and that’s also in 174 countries. Why should we care? Well the answer is simple, it’s the Earth that place we all live on and should look after. This is why we wanted to highlight the products and technology you buy on Earth Day, in the rest of 2008 and year after year.

You should think about the products you buy for your home, the gadgets you have in your office and many other products as these can be replaced with ones that help look after our planet a little more. One product we found on IWOOT is the “Solar Powered Keyring Torch”, this is a tiny device that is also very cheap and can help shine a little light when you need it thanks to the free power of the Sun and this helps not use other methods that will harm our planet.

While some people will say that nothing in life comes for free, they are wrong as sunlight is given to us all and does not cost you a thing. So why do we not use it a little more in the technology we buy, you can view a nice list of greener products on IWOOT here and they include things like a Can Crusher to help be more environmentally friendly, a Wind-up Multi Mobile Charger and a Solar Power Charger that can recharge many appliances including Blackberry phones and Apple iPods.

Think a little greener on Earth Day.

Nintendo Wii Remote Innovations: digital whiteboard, touchscreen, head-mounted 3-D viewer

For people that follow gadgets, technology or gaming I am sure you have heard the name “Johnny Lee”, if you have not then your going to love the video below that shows Johnny Lee demonstrating some innovations that he has created. This man is a genius and people should respect him for what he has done, although that will not be the case for all gamers.

Johnny Lee took what we all know as the Nintendo Wii remote with its amazing motion sensor and turned it into a digital whiteboard, touchscreen and head-mounted 3-D viewer. How he did this is shown in the video below, but simply put, he is using the high performing infrared camera that’s on the tip of each controller.

Its amazing that for around $5 you can make an infrared pen, combined with a Wii remote makes an interactive whiteboard out of around $50 of hardware. There are limitations making a Multi touch interactive whiteboard like this, but it gets you 80% of the way for 1% of the cost (great for schools on a budget). The software for making everything come together is a free download on his site, and in the first 3 months it has been downloaded 500,000 times.

The second part of the video below shows how Johnny Lee took the Nintendo Wii and added an extra $10 of hardware to make a Head Tracking solution which EA have an Easter Egg for this type of head tracking on an upcoming game, Johnny Lee made that possible within 5 months of prototype. This just sums up the progress he has made and the massive games publisher “EA” see this as well by making an Easter Egg in a game for Head Tracking.

Watch the video and let us know how you would use the head-mounted 3-D viewer, touchscreen and digital whiteboard.

Life+Gear Releases Emergency Auto Packs; road-ready survival kits

There is nothing like being prepared when you’re on the road and Life+Gear know this, that’s why they have released the new Emergency Auto Packs. These road-ready survival kits are the first to offer a complete preparedness package.

The new Life+Gear emergency roadside kits follow their critically acclaimed Life Pack line of emergency preparedness products. The Roadside Emergency Auto Packs are designed to combine all the essentials needed in an auto emergency in one small package. The Packs will be available in two models, Roadside Emergency Auto Pack I for $29.99 and Roadside Emergency Auto Pack II for $19.99.

The kits will include the following: Auto Pack I will cost $29.99 and includes an Emergency Preparedness Quick Guide, Drinking Water 1-day emergency supply, Mask -Highly rated N95 breathing mask, Hygiene Kit with 5 individual items, Multifunction tool with 9 functions, Waterproof Poncho, Thermal Blanket, First Aid Kit w/ 33 Emergency items, Battery Emergency Jumper Cables, Pocket Light Rechargable 3 LED flashlight and a Grab & Go Emergency Bag w/ Strap.

The second (Auto Pack II) will cost $19.99 and includes a little less with an Emergency Preparedness Quick Guide, Waterproof Poncho, Grab & Go Emergency Bag w/ Shoulder Strap, Pocket Light Rechargable 3 LED flashlight, Battery Emergency Jumper Cables, Thermal Blanket and a First Aid Kit w/ 33 Emergency items.

The Auto Packs are available now at Target, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, LifeGearCompany.com and various other retailers.

Source: Press Release

OHM Cycles are unique: 4 new electric-assist hybrid bicycles are radical

Now when it comes to making cycling easier I am well up for it, well it seems OHM Cycles want to help us with their brand new range of bicycles. They say that they are a radical new way to get around; they say they have intelligent control, power on demand and have a microchip inside, all I say is game on looking good.

These OHM bikes are very good for long range cycling, the new range includes the Urban XU450 and XU700 which are for the less energetic and adventurous and then there are the Sport XS700 and XS750 which are for those who love going off road every now and then.

.Each bike however has silent BionX motors of various wattage plus Molicel lithium-ion batteries that OHM says can be fully recharged in about three hours, you will also get a command console that will display all the important vitals plus and integrated security system complete with alarm that will keep them from being stolen.

No prices have been set yet, but apparently they should be released this month sometime.

. No word on prices for any of them just yet, but the bikes are apparently making their way to dealers this month, so you should be able to get a quote soon enough.

Source – OHM

$4000 Limited Edition Globalight: collaboration between Veuve Clicquot & Karim Rashid

This is Veuve Clicquot’s latest collaboration with Karim Rashid. It’s called Globalight and will be launching on April 16th during the Milan Furniture Fair. The Globalight is a limited edition product (only 500 pieces created) with pure and sensual lines; it’s the Second collaboration between Veuve and Karim following the “Loveseat” last year.

It’s a multi-functional design object, a portable cooler with a soft halo of light (keeping the champagne at ideal temperature for 2 hours) and a decorative design piece on its own. This is the latest collaboration between Veuve Clicquot and leading figures in the design world such as Andre Putman, Pablo Reinoso, Pucci, Christophe Pillet, Christian Schwamkrug of Porsche Design Studio, and Jason Bruges.

The Globalight cost $4000 and will be available on e-clicquot.com

Onitsuka Tiger has launched UK’s first trainer vending machine

A Japanese trainer and sports fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger has just launched a UK’s first trainer vending machine and plans to roll out the concept across the UK.

Today the vending machine was launched in Carnaby Street, London. It’s said that the machine can hold up to 24 pairs of trainers in 6 sizes.

What do you think of this idea?

source

Maplin Launch tactical head camera

Maplin have launched a new high-resolution tactical head camera which is worn by police for surveillance. This camera is a perfect portable camera for recording your every move.

The camera, which clips securely on to your ears and feeds the wires round the back of the head has a built-in microphone for audio recording and a 4.3mm lens which will give you an 80 degree viewing angle. You can get this camera from Maplin’s online store at a price of £229.99.

source