FeLiCa: A “robot” that gives you cash
Posted: 13 Nov 2008 11:33 AM PST
At the iEXPO 2008 trade show in Japan, a new robot was unveiled. Actually, this really isn’t really a robot, because it is really only designed to stay in one place and do only one job.
The FeLiCa is a robot designed by NEC to be a payment terminal. Think of it as an ATM for virtual cash. The arm is equipped with a reader to check your bank account for a cellular phone. The screen on its chest is a full touchscreen that allows you to chose the e-money application that you need.
FeLiCa is also equipped with face recognition technology, and if I were NEC, I would put that right in the face of the android.
This is normally the part where I say that the FeLiCa is still concept technology and is not available at this present time. However, NEC has said just the opposite, and FeLiCa is actually available now. I don’t have any word on how to order one, or the price.
Still, I can’t help but wonder what the future will bring FeLiCa. They should really make them walk and talk, and be available at places where you really need cash. Then again, I can see muggers bashing these things just so they can get the real green inside. Maybe they can equip FeLiCa robots with guns.
Okay, my imagination is escalating again. However, if you want to give it a try, leave a comment on the future of FeLiCa.
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ FeLiCa: A “robot” that gives you cash copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Remote Control Astronomy with the RAPTOR Telescope
Posted: 13 Nov 2008 10:48 AM PST
This next article is for those who are “scopers” and understand the painstaking work required to map out stars, chart the skies, and all the other unsung work that comes with astronomy.
Apparently, some of the work that most astronomers did before can all be done via automation and remote control! At least for the RAPTOR, a robotic optical telescope array in New Mexico.
According to my source, the RAPTOR was able to track a rapidly rising light signal from a short gamma-ray burst. Apparently, these bursts are the forming of huge black holes are “the most powerful events since the Big Bang”. When these were detected, the RAPTOR called an astronomer who lived 30 miles away to inform him of the discovery.
These bursts did not last very long, and the ROTSE-I (Robotic Optical Transient Search Experiment I) telescope was able to hone in on the signal a lot faster than a human could. This process will be even faster once the RAPTOR gets updated by the RAPTOR-K, which has “better optics and more processing power”.
So, pretty soon we might get all astronomical information from these new computerized telescopes. Still, we need those humans to make the really cool discoveries, right?
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Remote Control Astronomy with the RAPTOR Telescope copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Posted: 13 Nov 2008 10:00 AM PST
Desk lamps are rarely anything to get excited over, but this Floodlamp Desk Lamp is far more unique than most of the desk lamps on the market. Even if you’re not a major football fan this would be an interesting light to add to your desk. Especially if you enjoy nice clean lines and chrome accessories. It also appears as if it would illuminate any task you might be working on extremely well since it’s packed full of six bulbs.
The head of the light can swivel around, so you can shift it instead of the whole lamp when you need it pointed in a different direction. It stands 510mm tall, to give you an idea of how it will look standing on your desk. It uses six 25W bulbs to keep the lamp shining brightly. Unfortunately, the lamp is definitely a bit pricey. You can pick it up on Drink Stuff for £69.95 or about $108.
Source: GeekAlerts
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ The Floodlamp Desk Lamp copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
iBoogie lets a stick figure do the dancing
Posted: 13 Nov 2008 09:51 AM PST
The iBoogie is one of those devices that you may not need, but you will probably want. Simply put, the iBoogie is designed to attach to your MP3 Player, and an LED stick figure gets its groove on to the music. By the way, it also works as a speaker, which would probably be the first reason that you would buy it.
Unless you are easily impressed by dancing stick figures like I am. The stick figure is “sound responsive”, so I’m guessing it is in tune with music. I’ve heard that it has over fifty signature dance moves. It can actually work without an MP3 Player, but it can only play one song: Canned Heat.
The iBoogie is powered by 3AA batteries, and it comes with some audio cable. It is compatible with most MP3 Players including the iPod. All you need to do is plug it into the headphone jack.
You should be able to get the iBoogie at the HSN site for a surprisingly low price of $19.95. For a lower price, you can purchase a blank notebook and draw stick figures on it. Then turn on your music and have a flip-book stick figure do the dancing. That might be tough to synchronize, though.
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ iBoogie lets a stick figure do the dancing copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
The UFO USB Web Cam with built-in fan
Posted: 13 Nov 2008 08:46 AM PST
Usually when something has UFO in its description it typically means that it’s in the shape of a flying saucer. However, this strange little web cam looks more like a droopy eared dog with a fan attached to its tail. Then again this product does come from Chinavasion, which is known for its odd products. The bright red little web cam could be easily shifted to make sure you’ve captured the perfect angle for the shot.
It also features a built-in microphone and a fan. Making sure that you can keep yourself cool during those all night gaming escapades. Not that I’d know what that’s like, I’d never stay up till six in the morning just because I got too absorbed into Kara. Alright, so I have a couple times. The web cam also has built-in LED lights if you need some extra task lighting. As of now there is no price for this on Chinavasion, but the web cam itself is not available just yet. Hopefully they’ll update that information soon though.
Source: Geeky-Gadgets
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ The UFO USB Web Cam with built-in fan copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Skyaak Wing Ring Glider, betcha can’t make just one!
Posted: 13 Nov 2008 07:00 AM PST
From the mind of the Canadian artist Michael Gaudet comes a cool new D.I.Y. toy. It’s fun!
The Skyaak Canadian Ring-Wing Glider features two cone-shaped wings on opposite ends of a central weighted shaft that you toss around with your buddies for fun.
Skyaak, from Canada with love comes a great new concept in do it yourself toys.
The Skyaak Deuce is the do it yourself model of the Skyaak. All you need to do is click the buy link to download the .pdf for $2.00. Cut it out, decorate it (if you want to, I’d recommend nice bright colors, when it spins through the air it looks great).
All you need are some scissors, tape, and a couple of paper clips to assemble it, and you can be tossing it around in 15 to 20 minutes for your first one (then as you make more, you’ll get a bit faster).
It’s great since it works well inside or out (read: toss it at your cubicle mates). When you get better at tossing it about, move up to the professional model he has at his site as well (link here).
The Skyaak ring-wing glider has had a few incarnations, but this is the best “intro” to a toy ever. For $2.00 you just use Paypal, pay your 2 bucks and download the Skyaak deuce. Then you print it out, decorate it (come on, you know you want to decorate it). Then you cut it out, assemble it, and start tossing it around.
Here’s the fun part, it’s the midpoint between a Frisbee and a javelin.
Have a fling with Skyaak!
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Skyaak Wing Ring Glider, betcha can’t make just one! copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Dell releases (PRODUCT) RED artwork on Dell Studio laptops
Posted: 13 Nov 2008 05:00 AM PST
Dell has a heart for those who are fighting against the deadly disease known as AIDS, and they have just unveiled the new range of Dell Studio laptops with stunning (PRODUCT)RED artwork. This artwork exemplifies the unique visions of artists who are passionate about going up against AIDS in Africa. All purchases will see a certain percentage contributed to The Global Fund’s fight against AIDS. Prices for the Dell Studio 15 start from $649 while the Dell Studio 17 will begin from $799 upwards, and you can choose to have these personalized with (PRODUCT)RED artwork or Dell’s other popular Art House designs by Mike Ming.
You can now personalize your Studio laptop with original artwork by three exceptional artists: Joseph Amedokpo, Siobhan Gunning and Bruce Mau. With each purchase of a new Studio 15 or 17 laptop with (PRODUCT)RED artwork, a $20 contribution will be made to The Global Fund from Dell – which will help fund AIDS programs in Africa. To learn more, visit www.dell.com/joinred. Dell’s (PRODUCT)RED portfolio also includes the new XPS One 24 desktop (PRODUCT)RED and the Dell V505W (PRODUCT)RED all-in-one printer as well as the XPS M1330 (PRODUCT)RED and XPS M1530 (PRODUCT)RED laptops. Since the artwork is permanently infused into the Dell Studio laptop’s display back, it is extremely durable, resists scratches and won’t fade.
Below are more details regarding the designs and artists.
“New World”: African artist Joseph Amedokpo resides in the town of Vogan, Togo (West Africa) with his wife and five children. He supports his family through painting, using locally produced oils he blends by hand, on canvases made from recycled flour sacks. While painting, Amedokpo chats with frequent visitors
and listens to a short wave radio, gaining a global perspective on peoples’ failures and weakness, as well at their core strength and hope, which is reflected in his art.
“Shine Within”: Award-winning artist Siobhan Gunning was born in Mombasa, East Africa and has had the opportunity to visit many of the unique locations in Africa, like the Great Rift Valley, the Serengeti Plains, the Ngoro Ngoro Crater, and even traveling up the Nile to its source. During these travels she has been privileged to observe wildlife in their native habitat and visit with tribes like the Masai and Samburu. Currently residing in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Gunning combines her passion for Africa with her life experiences and her love of art, design and photography, creating digital collages that often result in “happy accidents” that bring her joy.
“Healing Patterns”: Bruce Mau is the creative director of his self-named design firm, plus founder of the Center for Massive Change. His prolific body of works cuts across many sectors and disciplines including creating books, exhibitions, retail environments, building graphics, park designs, corporate identities to name a few. Mau was inspired by the science behind the fight against AIDS. His artwork represents the chemical bonding of the anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs that help save lives, combining the patterns with inspirational thoughts about the fight against AIDS.
Planning to get a new notebook? Why not consider these new (PRODUCT)RED notebooks?
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Dell releases (PRODUCT) RED artwork on Dell Studio laptops copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Samsung develops new bright 70″ LCD panel
Posted: 13 Nov 2008 04:30 AM PST
Samsung isn’t just content with releasing LCD TVs for the home market, but have also trained its guns on the outdoor advertising market. This time round, they have just developed a 70″ “super bright” LCD digital signage panel – touted to be the brightest panel in the world. The best news of all? This is more than ready to be mass produced, so it remains to be seen whether the advertisers are willing to take a chance with this new LCD panel. More details on Samsung’s glorious entry right after the jump.
The new Samsung LCD panel will feature 2,000 nits of brightness, making it 33% brighter compared to the previous brightest digital information display (DID) display (1,500nit) available, and it has been specially designed to optimally accommodate the wide range of lighting conditions affecting outdoor displays. Samsung hops that their new DID will be used as digital signs for transit centers, bus shelters, museums, and for the outside of retail centers, helping phase out less noticeable poster advertisements. I wonder which is more environmentally friendly in the long run though - while posters do take paper to create and they can only be used once, DIDs tend to suck up plenty of juice.
According to Samsung, their new “super bright” DID panel is able to generate four times the brightness of a typical LCD TV today, and boasts a unique brightness control feature that enables that allows outdoor advertisers to lower the brightness level at night to the level of a conventional HDTV. Sounds pretty fine and dandy - that means one will also be able to reduce the amount of power consumed. Local dimming technology incorporated within lets the new panel increase its dynamic contrast ratio up to 200,000:1. Other features of this new DID display include full HD (1080p) screen resolution, the ability to show off a stunning 16.7 million colors and a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees. It weighs just 80kgs, and can be used in either landscape or portrait formats.
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Samsung develops new bright 70″ LCD panel copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Posted: 13 Nov 2008 04:00 AM PST
Moshi has just released its IVR Alarm Clock that comes with TimeSet technology, and is the first clock in the world that allows you to set not only the time but alarm simply by speaking to it. Commands are initiated by saying, “Hello Moshi” (sounds like a Motorola ad, eh?), where it will respond accordingly with, “Command Please.” Hopefully the Interactive Voice Recognition technology used is sensitive enough to cater for even non-native English speakers. There is a total of 12 Voice Activated Commands to choose from.
The IVR technology utilizes an unique hybrid model of Neural Net and HMM Phonetic Speaker Independent (SI) Recognition software. It allows for large vocabulary recognition which is highly accurate, noise robust and capable of accommodating a wide variety of accents. Without any pre-programming, each Moshi IVR Alarm Clock can recognize every user’s voice right out of the box. Advanced features such as continuous word and phrase spotting work to eliminate the limitations of “discrete word command-and-control,” creating a more natural user interface. The Moshi IVR Alarm Clock is continuously screening conversations, waiting for the user to initiate by saying, “Hello Moshi.”
It will be available for $49.99 a pop, making it one of the more interesting Christmas gift ideas for this year.
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Moshi IVR Alarm Clock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Sanyo PLC-XW57 ultra-portable 3LCD projector
Posted: 12 Nov 2008 06:30 PM PST
Sanyo’s latest projector would be the PLC-XW57, and this ultra-portable 3LCD projector will target the education and business presentations market with its very capable specifications. Sanyo engineers have really outdone themselves this time round where the PLC-XW57 is concerned, and it will tip the scales at just 6.4 lbs., taking up a minimal amount of space courtesy of its tiny footprint of 13″ x 3.15″ x 9.3″. Now how about that - it is a far cry from the pico projectors that we’ve seen in the past, but at least it isn’t that heavy to not being able to be carried around on your business travels.
As with all other projectors, most of us (or rather, all) would be extremely interested in the specifications to see if it offers enough bang for your hard earned buck. The Sanyo PLC-XW57 does not seem to disappoint (thankfully), as it comes with a 2,000 lumens brightness, courtesy of its 200-watt UHP lamp that offers outstanding brightness and well-balanced color reproduction. The inclusion of a 3D Automatic Uniformity Correction Control (AUCC) circuit also makes sure that uniformity is retained, balancing uneven color and brightness gradations for a more natural image.
Features include a PIN lock code function that allows only the authorized owner (or anyone else who knows the PIN code, of course) to use it, while the key lock function can be set from the operation menu to make sure that nobody else messes with the projector settings when you’re not around. Installation is a snap, and operation is equally easy. The Sanyo PLC-XW57 comes with 1/4x to 16x digital zoom, making it possible to throw an image of up to 100″ within 14 feet, and you also get a vertical keystone correction with a range of +/- 20-degrees. Just in case you need to use it in the classroom more often than not, the blackboard mode is pretty self-explanatory, using the blackboard as a screen while adjusting its colors accordingly. The projector is compatible with all incoming SD and HDTV (except 1080p) signals including 480i, 480p, 575i, 575p, 720p, 1035i, and 1080i. It will retail for $895 a pop - not too shabby, eh?
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Sanyo PLC-XW57 ultra-portable 3LCD projector copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Posted: 12 Nov 2008 06:21 PM PST
Callpod has just released its Drone - a plug and play VoIP and Bluetooth stereo USB adapter that can be used on both PCs and Macs. The Drone itself aims to make conversations a snap no matter which platform you’re on, where it was specially created from die-cast zinc and high impact polycarbonate for greater strength and durability. The Drone can also switch seamlessly between Bluetooth headsets and headphones, connected to a computer via USB. Just to make sure your conversation continues in a crystal clear manner, make sure you don’t go beyond the 100 meter radius! The combination of features in the drone is touted to surpass just about any other Bluetooth USB adapter ever released.
Folks who use Skype as well as other VoIP programs on a daily basis might want to consider giving the Drone a shot, since it is akin to relying on a Bluetooth headset without having to remain tethered to your computer or desk. At least you can now walk over to the fax machine and let the person on the other end of the line know that you have received whatever was sent, all without having to say “Excuse me for a moment, I will need to put you on hold while I check it out.” As we all know, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, which is why the Drone is also perfect for music lovers as it allows you to listen to your favorite tunes without being tied down literally. Basically, the Drone is one multi-tasking device that can be used for work, recreation or play, taking on chores, video games and MP3s with equal aplomb. Audio is clear and efficiently streamed, just bear in mind at all times that you need to remain within a 100 meter radius.
You will be able to pick up the Drone for $49.95 a pop.
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Callpod introduces Drone copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Posted: 12 Nov 2008 06:07 PM PST
Those who grew up in smoke-filled, dank arcades will definitely remember the challenge of Space Invaders as you attempt to save the earth from a horde of ever advancing aliens who are absolutely ruthless, stopping at nothing until our home is reduced to mere rubble and ash. Of course, the addictive musical ditty that speeds up as they approach nearer to the earth’s surface makes it all the more exciting, and will probably remain fresh in the minds of many for years to come. Firebox has a brand new retro alarm clock known as the Space Invaders Alarm Clock. This officially licensed piece of merchandise will light up in a bunch of zany colors when it is time to wake up, and you’ll be greeted by a cacophony of familiar sound effects. Choose from black and white colors for £24.95 a pop.
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Space Invaders Alarm Clock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
No comments:
Post a Comment