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Museum of the Obvious and Duracell Pre-Charged Rechargeable Battery

We have all used rechargeable batteries for a long time and personally I have loads of rechargeable batteries at home, but I always seem to end up buying non-rechargeable batteries because of losing them. One day I will get organized, but for now I would like to point out to you gadget fans something you may or may not know.

Duracell have launched the Pre-Charged Rechargeable Battery, now you may think, what do you mean Pre-Charged? And simply put, the rechargeable batteries come ready to use right away. It does seem obvious rechargeable batteries would already come pre-charged, but they don’t, well apart from Duracell’s new range.

To promote this simple idea, Duracell have created the videos below and put them on YouTube. They show obvious inventions such as sliced bread, a football helmet, the oven mitt, and of course, a Duracell Pre-Charged Rechargeable Battery.

Watch the videos and let us know what you think, also feel free to visit the Museum of the Obvious, which is an interactive Web site that allows consumers to play games, watch videos and interact with displays and exhibits about obvious inventions.

All-in-one Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Apple iPod for about $25,000

Its not often you will see the Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Apple iPod come together in one product but this is just what you get with the ITC One from SE2 Labs. This all-in-one gadget will let you play Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii games from the one device, the Wii is an optional choice but you will get the Apple iPod dock and 360 with controller ports as standard.

Other features on the ITC One Home Theater Box include all controllers operated from one remote control thanks to a 125-watt amp that is fed from a THX capable sound processor and a Netlinx controller. You also get a touchscreen on the front if you like to touch, a built-in high definition digital video recorder and also the option of AppleTV.

The speaker outputs include a couple of sockets for a humble TV cable, Ethernet and phone jacks, analog audio-in and HDMI out. While the starting price of $25,000 sounds a lot, you can add many extras and if you start adding the optional Blu-ray player, cables, customizing the color and other extras, the price can reach over $35,000 and if you want to add optional speakers and displays you can hit a price much higher than this.

Visit their site from the link below to choose the specifications you would like on the ITC One and see what price yours would cost. The reality is, the ITC One will be a price well out of reach of most people and a gadget that should be on every fathers day gift list, that’s if you know some loaded people.

Would you want all this in one gadget and even if you had that kind of money, would you really pay this much?

You can buy the ITC One on SE2 Labs

Vanity Table with built-in folding LCD display and desktop computer

The reason I do not have an old looking Vanity table in my home is because I like modern looking furniture and also the latest technology, but this gadget aims to please those that like the retro look with a touch of new technology. The Vanity table in the photo above also has a built-in folding LCD display and desktop computer.

This might jot be the first desk to become a PC, but its glossy wood finish and ingenious design make it stand out from the desk-come-computers already available. Born Rich had this to say about the Vanity PC “The news might be bit old, but I am sure our readers are pretty much interested in such creations.

The Vanity PC is not as high-tech as the XYZ Computer Desk, MILK desk, and the Sync Desktop, but it does score well with its ingenious make and glossy wood finish. With the Vanity PC, you can hide your computer and all of its wires and cables in an elegant piece of furniture. In short, the Vanity PC is a desktop computer with flat screen display that folds away in seconds”.

The Vanity PC is currently waiting for a patent to be approved for its design methods; they hide all electronic hardware components and also the wires that can become unsightly as we all know. You not only get a desktop computer but also with a stereo sound system with a sub-woofer. Do you like new technology hidden in furniture?

Product Page | Via BornRich

Hands-on with the Thermaltake BlacX SE SATA to USB Dock

This is the Thermaltake BlacX SE SATA to USB Dock and some people may be wondering if it brings anything else worthwhile compared to the standard BlacX version. The Thermaltake BlacX SE gives us everything that the Blacx does, and it surpasses it in the features department. With the price between the two being less than three Dollars, go for the SE. If you need full SATA transfer speeds then take the time to look for the USB + eSATA version; they should start appearing on shelves next week.

Tweak Town have given this product a hands-on over 7 pages and in their final thoughts they said, “The Thermaltake BlacX SE is everything we expected it to be, and everything Thermaltake claims it to be for that matter. As was the case with the BlacX we looked at last week, the BlacX SE is not able to transfer data as fast as native SATA, so your drives are not going to see full performance as they would when mounted inside of your PC. Hopefully Thermaltake gives us a BlacX SE eSATA version just like the BlacX does.

Currently the BlacX SE can be found for just a couple of Dollars more than the BlacX; just a hair above 40 US Dollars, even though the MSRP is close to 15 Dollars more at the MSRP level. When choosing between the BlacX (USB only version) and the BlacX SE, I would opt for the SE since it adds a little more value to the product.

The construction of both units is similar and the quality is high. The BlacX did have a small problem with light scratching on the door cover, and that is eliminated on the SE since there is not a door that covers the slots. As someone who has dropped or knocked over more than a couple of hard drives in my day (two WD Raptor 150GBs last year alone), I like the security door on the SE. If you do not like the look of the SE with the door installed, it is easily removed.”

Read the seven page review.

48 years since the invention of the first laser: we salute Theodore Maiman

Back on May 16 in 1960 Theodore Maiman did something special by inventing the world’s first laser, so today we celebrate its 48th birthday. When the laser was first invented it was described as a solution looking for a problem, however before long it was looked at as a harness for medicine as well as science and technology. Today it does not matter where you turn lasers are all around us, I even have one in my mouse as I tap away writing this article.

Theodore Maiman managed to get the worlds first laser working while he was at the Hughes Research Laboratory in California, on that day back in 1960 he used a high-power flash lamp which he then shinned on a ruby rod that was covered with a silver coating. The funny thing is he submitted his report of his findings to the Physical Review Letters but that editors turned the report down. Many believe the reason why they turned the laser finding down was that they were receiving too many papers on the maser, which used a longer-wavelength than that of the laser.

You have to wonder where we would now be without the invention of the laser; it is one of those things that we take for granted. If you were to go back 20 years and you asked someone what they thought about the laser, they would mention something about Ronald Regan’s Star Wars Project. Today though a laser is not though of as a weapon, it is a piece of technology that gives us precision like the one in my mouse, as well as the ones in our supermarkets, hospitals, building sites, hey the list is endless but you get what I mean.

Happy Birthday too the laser.

New Gadgets: Guitar RockStar and Rolerball

Guitar RockStar for £14.99, drunken air guitar while you’re Dancing in the Dark might make you feel Hotter than Hell. But at last, the Guitar Rock Star can give you More Than a Feeling. SORRY… but we just can’t help it. One look at the latest piece of musical kit from iwantoneofthose.com and we’re leaping around faster than Jumpin Jack Flash. This little beauty is perfect for those who were born to rock - but whose musical talents are less Led Zeppelin and more Les Dawson.

The Guitar Rock Star is a handy gadget which is made up just of the guitar machine-head, and the very top of the fretboard. Switch it on, and invisible infra-red beams appear in place of the remaining fretboard and strings – just strum away, and you’ll sound like the missing member of Pink Floyd. OK, well, maybe Status Quo. As well as covering all the basic chords from A to G, there are even buttons for sharps, flats and sevenths to give you all the notes you need. Hey, it’s only rock and roll. But we like it.

Rolerball for £999, this gigantic Rolerball is simply awesome, potentially dangerous but nevertheless awesome. Once inflated this behemoth stands about 3 metres high and the idea is to put it at the top of a slope, strap yourself in and roll down the hill trying not to lose your lunch. Inside the centre shell are two harnesses, you could have 2 people feeling the adrenaline rush together. There is a version of this mad sport that requires you to remove the harnesses, add a bucket or two of water, tie in the seal and launch yourself off…
The ball is made from a very tough material, and comes with a puncture repair kit, but you want to be sure you’re using it in a clear area, only on provate land and with supervision. It comes with a powerful pump that will inflate it in about 15 minutes. If you’re into doing mad stuff then this is surely the recipe for it. See movie of it in action on YouTube

You can buy both these products on iwantoneofthose.com

Batman Joker action figure modeled on Heath Ledger: popular by death

We all knew the latest Batman movie “Dark Knight” was going to be popular, but as Heath Ledger died a few months back, this has made the movie and merchandise even more popular, especially if its to-do with Heath Ledger. The Joker action figure modeled on Heath Ledger was given the OK by his family, toy giants Mattel have launched two versions of the Heath joker doll and they released this month. The first is armed with a knife and the second has a rocket launcher. The family said that “Heath was very proud of his work in the film” and it looks like they wanted to-do what he would of wanted.

The problem has been that in the few days of this action figure releasing, they have been flying of the shelves. This may be in support of the movie or it could be collectors thinking of a toy being worth a lot of money in the future. The stores are having problems keeping the shelves stocked and the $9.99 Joker action figure has been ended up on eBay and just like other products that are in short supply, the sellers are putting a massive price increase on it. It’s been reported that one of the toys was seen at $55, that’s over $45 extra. One Toys R Us employee said that people would have to wait a while if they want one; they also said that none were left in the warehouse.

Do you think these toys are just selling out because The Dark Knight is a popular movie or is it down to Heath Ledger’s tragic circumstances?

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