Posted: 06 Nov 2008 11:31 AM PST
With hard drive capacities going into terabytes now, and getting cheaper while doing it, Western Digital has decided it’s high time to take their bread and butter product and branch out into media centers. Thus, the birth of WDTV.
Using Western Digital’s My Passport portable hard drives, users can daisy chain into the WDTV player and play HD Movies or user-generated videos, listen to digital music and show slideshows of family photos on the living room TV. Users can also plug in other USB storage devices like thumbdrives, digital cameras, camcorders and portable media players.
Full HD playback up to 1080p is the benefit of WDTV, but there’s also it’s seemingly unlimited storage capacities as there’s no limit to how many USB drives which can be added to the WDTV media center. Additionally, users can access two USB drives simultaneously as the WDTV Media Library feature will aggregate both drives into a single, seamless list.
The WDTV Media Center comes with both HDMI and composite (RCA) video connections and runs on the ArcSoft Media Converter software to optimize media content into high resolution HD formats.
And although the WDTV is primarily designed to work with High Definition television, it will work with Standard definition TVs with RCA connections as well.
Comes with:
• HD Media Player
• Stand for My Passport portable drive
• Compact remote with batteries
• Media converter software (Windows only)
• Composite AV cable
• AC adapter
• Quick Install Guide
Hat Tip – Uncrate
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Western Digital goes for HDTV copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
The Leopard is the Six-Million Dollar Chair
Posted: 06 Nov 2008 11:17 AM PST
I just want to clarify the title of this article. I am not implying that the chair that you see here on the left costs six million dollars, but uses a bionic leg to support your weight similar to that of the Six-Million Dollar Man.
The Leopard is under development by the Oki Electric Industry and the Okamura Corporation, and it is designed to rise up and meet your backside as you go and sit down. It will also rise up when you want to get up.
You might ask yourself why someone would make a chair like this. Perhaps someone feels a need to create comfort that is “akin to being held in someone’s arms”. It sounds to me like the inventor of this chair may have some dependency issues, but I’m all for any device that can make you more comfortable, especially if it is an office chair.
The chair can hold about 120 to 130 pounds (55 to 60 kilograms), which isn’t really much if you imagine a fat executive, particularly a CEO. Cleary, this bionic leg that supports this weight does not have the Six Million Dollar Man’s super strength.
I mentioned before how this chair hopefully won’t cost six million dollars, but it looks like it will be in the “expensive” ballpark. We should see once it appears on the market in May of 2009.
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ The Leopard is the Six-Million Dollar Chair copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Blackberry Bold free at WalMart with signup
Posted: 06 Nov 2008 10:37 AM PST
WalMart is offering the new BlackBerry Bold for free with the sign up of a two-year contract with at least the 1350 minute talk plan and unlimited text messaging. The Plan, starts at $79.99 per month or more and is available through wireless carrier AT&T. The $199 mail-in rebate from LetsTalk.com. But is it worth it? If you’re on the “CrackBerry,” it may very well be.
The Bold has been eagerly awaited and looking at the specs, we can see why. It comes with a stunningly sharp and colorful color LCD screen which has twice the Resolution of other BlackBerry devices. The Bold also comes WiFi-Enabled for direct Internet Access. There’s also a built-in GPS Receiver for location-based applications like BlackBerry Maps , both Bluetooth and USB 2.0 connectivity, and a 2.0 Megapixel camera for Picture Messaging.
But the real benefit of the BlackBerry is what it’s always been – the text messaging and mobile email. That doesn’t change as it contains the hallmark BlackBerry keyboard as well. So for those who spend their life on the SMS, perhaps this WalMart offer is ideal. When you consider that the phone costs nearly $400 before subsidizing, it’s rather tempting to amortize that cost over the course of the contract. Especially for something so shiney!
Hat Tip – Gear Live
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Blackberry Bold free at WalMart with signup copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
CNN’s “hologram” is no such thing
Posted: 06 Nov 2008 10:32 AM PST
As you know, history was made last Tuesday as the United States elected the first African-American president. Election night was also historical as CNN aired the first ever holographic interview.
I have included a YouTube video of the holographic interview between Anderson Cooper and will.i.am of the Black-Eyed Peas. You can view it after the jump, and you can watch Cooper as he underplays the whole aspect that this is the first ever holographic interview on television.
As well he should. You see, will.i.am is not an actual hologram, but a special effect. Technology from SportVu and Vizrt shot the footage of will.i.am live with 35 high definition cameras in a ring. These cameras captured the subject in a 3-D realtime setting, and then synced with the cameras at CNN studio.
As you can see, the effect went off without a technological hitch with perfect panning shots, but is not really a hologram. It is more of an adaptation of the “bullet-time” technology used in The Matrix.
This is probably not the last time we will see a holographic interview, but I really hope that talk shows and Barbara Walters interviews don’t start using this technology. Be sure you watch the video to see Anderson Cooper cut off will.i.am’s comment about Star Wars, and make a completely unrelated allusion to Star Trek. Listening to it is like geek kryptonite.
[ CNN’s “hologram” is no such thing copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
The goLite Blu from Phillips gets rid of winter blues
Posted: 06 Nov 2008 10:00 AM PST
Gloomy winter days can get to even the most cheerful of people eventually, so companies have started making light therapy clocks. It triggers your release of “active” hormones and keeps you feeling more cheerful. Oddly the light can even help you sleep better at night. Since it gives you so much more energy during the day, it makes it so that at night you’re a lot more restful. Which just about anyone could do with a better nights sleep. Apparently the key is with the blue light itself, due to our bodies reactions to a bright blue summer sky.
All you have to do is flip on the light for 15 minutes a day. Which would be easy to fit into a morning routine. Whether it be while eating breakfast, or for the ladies while putting on makeup and fixing their hair. The light comes with a two year warranty, but unfortunately it is a bit expensive. To pick up the light it will cost you $279. However, if you tend to get really down every winter it might end up being worth it to spend the money.
Source:bbgadgets
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ The goLite Blu from Phillips gets rid of winter blues copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
SmartLock uses color dye to prevent theft
Posted: 06 Nov 2008 09:47 AM PST
I’m sure all of you have seen movies where special dyes are used to catch criminals who have stolen valuable items. Remember at the end of Speed when Dennis Hopper is on the subway after he thinks he has made a clean getaway with lots of cash? He goes to check his loot, and gets a face full of purple dye.
Considering there is a whole show devoted to non-existent technology used to catch criminals, I was surprised to discover that this technology actually exists. The Smartlock takes this crime-fighting technology and puts it on a more commonplace item: a bike lock.
The SmartLock is a bike-lock cable filled with compressed air the special liquid dye. So if someone tries to cut open the cable with a file or bolt cutters, there will be sudden squirt that the criminal won’t forget.
Best of all, the dye has a distinct residue that works as an “invisible forensic property marking liquid”. I’m not certain what that means, but I’m guessing the dye is not only hard to wash off, but leaves some sort of stain that is visible only under certain lighting.
The SmartLock is just concept at this present time, but it is one of those that should be rushed to production due to its usefulness.
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ SmartLock uses color dye to prevent theft copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Posted: 06 Nov 2008 08:01 AM PST
Plain white toast is not for everyone, frankly it’s just a bit boring. Now for all the Star Wars fans you can have Darth Vader toast. Even if you aren’t a fan of the dark side, I’m afraid Luke isn’t going to look nearly as cool on a piece of toast as Darth Vader does. However, Yoda would, but he doesn’t quite have the ominous look to him. So if you prefer your toast looking nice and evil this toaster is the way to go. There is also the Star Wars emblem on the side of the toaster, so that even if your friends aren’t making toast they will officially know how far your Star Wars addiction has gone.
It is just a toaster so beyond burning Vader onto your toast, it doesn’t really do anything interesting. You can adjust how dark it makes your toast but that’s about it. Sadly it’s not released just yet, you’ll have to wait for it to ship in January. Thankfully, you can pre-order yours to make sure you’re going to get one in the mail. You can pick it up for $54.99 at the Star Wars shop.
Source: NerdApproved
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ The Darth Vader Toaster copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Ecolectric Toaster helps save on bills
Posted: 06 Nov 2008 05:30 AM PST
Going green is the in thing these days, and many appliances released also have the environment in mind - same goes for the Morphy Richards Ecolectric Toaster. Not only does this toaster use up less energy, it is able to make toast faster, courtesy of its auto-close lid which retains all the heat when cooking. Main features include :-
- Energy efficient – uses 35% less energy than standard 2-slice toasters
- Auto-close lid retains heat for fast toasting
- Deep vari-width toasting chamber for skinny to fat slices
- Even browning every time
- Motorized bread carriage does the work for you
- Cook two slices at once
- Stylish black and silver model
- Delicious toast that costs you less
£34.95 is what Gizoo is currently asking for the Ecolectric Toaster. Why not go green this holiday season and get the missus something nice like this if you’re on a tight budget?
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Ecolectric Toaster helps save on bills copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
More light shed on Optoma Pico Projector
Posted: 06 Nov 2008 05:00 AM PST
It seems that tiny projectors are here to stay - there are no two ways about it. Here we have more information regarding the Optoma Pico Projector that measures a diminutive 2″ x 4.1″ x 0.7″, making it tiny enough for you to tote around anywhere you go without weighing you down with its 4.2-ounce weight. Despite its small size, it has decent specifications to show off your PowerPoint slide to a small audience without much problems. Specifications and features include :-
- 480 x 320 resolution
- 9 lumens of brightness
- Minimum projection distance of 8″
- Maximum projection distance of 8′ 6″
- USB rechargeable
- 20,000 hour bulb lifespan
Unfortunately, the bulb is not replaceable. Good thing the Optoma Pico Projector isn’t too expensive at $430 a pop, so purchasing a new one after the old has gone shouldn’t be too painful on one’s pockets.
Source: Engadget
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ More light shed on Optoma Pico Projector copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Fujitsu launches LifeBook U820
Posted: 06 Nov 2008 04:30 AM PST
Just as how convertible cars are extremely reliable, so are convertible notebooks. The LifeBook U820, however, introduces a new category - a convertible netbook, as it comes with an extremely tiny 5.6″ display which surprisingly enough, manages to cram in a whopping 1366 x 768 resolution into the tiny area. It even boasts touch screen functionality to boot, and like most netbooks, is powered by an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor aided by 1GB RAM. If you opt for the hard drive option, you will be able to choose from 60GB or 120GB flavors, while those who have more dough to splash can always settle for the shock-mounted 64GB SSD. Other features include GPS navigation, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and an SD/CF memory card slot. Prices start from $999 upwards.
Source: Electronista
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Fujitsu launches LifeBook U820 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Panasonic Toughbook H1 Mobile Clinical Assistant
Posted: 06 Nov 2008 04:00 AM PST
Panasonic is back with yet another Toughbook for those who work in tough and rough conditions, and this time round it is the Toughbook H1 Mobile Clinical Assistant (MCA) that targets the medical fraternity. It comes with a digitizer by InPlay Technologies, GOBI-enabled broadband, and dual hot-swappable batteries to keep you going long after the average notebook has given up the ghost (battery-wise, of course). Check out the rather impressive list of specifications below :-
- Genuine Windows Vista Business with Service Pack 1 (with Windows XP Tablet downgrade option)
- Intel Atom 1.86GHz processor
- 1GB RAM
- 80GB hard drive
- 10.4” XGA sunlight viewable 500 NIT Dual Touch LCD screen (1024 x 768 resolution)
- InPlay Technologies digitizer
- Anti-reflective screen treatment
- Integrated 2.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with dual LED lights
- Fingerprint scanner
- Contactless smartcard reader
- RFID reader
- MIL-STD-810F and IP54 compliant
- 3 foot drop approved
- Magnesium alloy chassis
- Sealed all-weather design
- Rain-, spill-, dust- and vibration-resistant
- Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/draft-n
- Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR connectivity
- Optional integrated WWAN/Gobi-enabled mobile broadband (EV-DO and HSPA)
You won’t be able to get your hands on it just yet, although it will be out in January with a starting price point of $2,799.
Source: Gotta Be Mobile
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Panasonic Toughbook H1 Mobile Clinical Assistant copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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