GadgetAddiction.com » Gift Ideas

Small Investments for Your Big Devices

AceFisch — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:00:56 +0000

We don’t always treat our technological devices in the best way possible. Our cell phones get tossed around our bags and sat on in our pockets, while our iPods fall and our laptops slam. Sometimes the best investments you can put in your gadgets are small accessories that make all the difference.

With the fluctuating shape and size of cell phones, finding a good case can be tough. Many times a clip-on holder is a great idea, but for walk on the wild-side you can try the Nanaco Banana cell phone holder (as seen above). While it does have a good grip on it, this accessory is really a matter of personal style. But when looking into serious cell phone cases, it’s best to go with what your individual cell phone manufacturer advises for your model.

The iPod is a popular device, obviously, and in its wake has sprung up a wealth of accessories. But one company, iFrogz, makes a wonderful assortment of cases for any and every iPod need. From thick skins and additional grips for rough use, iFrogz allows you to first choose your iPod model and go from there. They even sell wheel covers for that added personal touch. Literally.

When I’m on my laptop, I admit it’s usually on my lap, or my floor, or my bed- just about anywhere but my desk. As is true for most laptop users, freed at last from the constraints of the cord we never seem to put our computers back where they belong. That’s why lap desks, like the SA’s Comfort from Logitech, are a great investment. Laptops always have the propensity to overheat, especially if they’re put on fabric surfaces such as the bed or the carpet. Particles can easily clog the fan and cause the machine to shut down to protect data, or worse, data can be lost.

Lap desks provide a portable perch for your laptop, allowing for the battery to disperse heat and often allow the computer to be placed at a more comfortable angle for typing or browsing. The SA Comfort runs for about $40, but cheaper examples can be found at just about any electronics store. A small purchase that can make your computer run smoother.

New iPod Gets Snagged on Headphones

AceFisch — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:00:52 +0000

With Apple’s current release of their newest version of their music player sensation, the iPod Shuffle, there seems to be a little snag on the side of their new control-touch headphones. The new 4GB version of the popular MP3 player features a new VoiceOver application, which allows the player to speak song titles in up to 14 different languages. The actual dimensions of the player have also decreased while the GB increase allows for an estimated 1,000 song capacity and as ever the Shuffle retinas its signature sleek look and easy-wear clip.

But the uproar has come when discovering that the controls for the player and embedded in the headphone cord. In essence, it’s a good idea, allowing for the designing of a smaller player and an ease of control, with the ability to change song or playlist without having to dig out the actual player from a pocket or bag. But the questions come when consumers switch-out Apple’s specialty-made headphones for third-party models. Those signature little white earbobs aren’t always the most comfortable to my ears either, but should I choose to use a third-party set the shuffle will still play, but I will have no control over volume, song, or playlist.

Many critics have called the move “sneaky” on the part of Apple, claiming the company is beginning to shove out third-party accessory manufacturers, or in the end will start charging them to use Apple’s “authentication chip” technology, which supposedly enables the new headphones to work.

Right now two companies, V-Moda and Scosche, are planning on releasing headphone models that utilize Apple’s authentication chip, but the price tag is estimated at anywhere from $49.99 to $99.99- a pretty penny for a set of headphones, especially when they’re necessary to enjoy the music. Why so high? In part because of the cost to use actual Apple technology within the product, and also because of the current monopoly on the market. It’s a poor move, say many critics of the computer giant, foreboding a new age of Apple-compatible technologies, all of which are under patent protection, meaning much more costly equipment.

I suppose buyers of the new iPod Shuffle should really take good care of their headphone, they may be the only pair they can afford, or you might be back to making your own music.

Nubrella; it May Look Strange, But Look Again

AceFisch — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:00:05 +0000

Living for the past month in the south of Ireland, one of the world’s most notoriously rainy landscapes, is enough to make me re-evaluate not only my footwear and wardrobe, but also my pitifully weak first defense; my umbrella. With all the talk of the climate change and rainfall, it’s no wonder the Nubrella, caught my eye. When featured on the Today show, I was naturally curious about this odd-looking piece of equipment. Could it keep me dry? But not only me, can it also protect my laptop and other valuables that tote on the walk to campus every morning?

The website has a lot to say about this device, boasting a reliability at up to 50mph- perfect for those really nasty days- waterproof and rip proof nylon, and a design that will never flip-out. The dome-like look of the nubrella is intriguing, to say the least. Much like the popular bubble umbrella, the wind stands little to no chance of catching under this design, actually keeping you warmer as you walk. There is also the option to use a “shoulder support,” eliminating the need to hold you Nubrella in place.

The official website appears rather loath to show its product in use, but from what I can see, it’s a very… interesting look, and strangely enough, one I can see it catching on. Indeed the Nubrella is hands-free, almost appearing like an overlarge spaceman’s helmet, but the novelty of two-handed access to my cell phone or iPod while also staying dry is a big plus point.

I have to admit, while at first the idea to redesign the umbrella seems folly, the Nubrella has some very serious merits, and could do well in metropolitan markets with a wet forecast. My qualms seem to be with size. The Nubrella involves a rather large crescent-shaped carrying case that seems inconvenient to tote around, not to mention storage once you get to your destination. No quick grabbing my umbrella and putting in my bag before I run out the door. There is also a price consideration. At $49.99, it is far more costly than any umbrella I have encountered before.

For now I think I’ll have to stick to my good ‘ol quick-collapse Totes. But I have to admit, however strange the Nubrella looks at first, look closer and you’ll see the merits. Especially when broken umbrellas in trashcans is a daily sight.

Microsoft for the iPhone?

AceFisch — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Perhaps you were lucky enough to find an iPhone stuffed in your stocking this Christmas. If that’s the case, you’re also in luck because in December Microsoft officially released its first application for the iPhone, titled “Seadragon Mobile.” The application, which currently lacks a platform from its own manufacturers, is developed to change the way the user interacts with the screen, allow them to navigate screens and see pictures regardless of the amount of data in the image or the bandwidth of the network.

By using Seadragon, iPhone users can view a wider array of high-resolution images with enhanced zoom levels without using up bandwidth.
Microsoft developers praise Seadragon for allow quicker navigation speed, depending only on the ratio of bandwidth to pixels. The transitions while navigating appear smoother and more streamlined and zooming as well as scaling photos is perfect regardless of screen resolution.
But Seadragon is not just designed for use on the iPhone. This application can be used on any cell phone, TV or computer screen, the main aim is just to make your browsing experience that much faster and smoother.
Partner programs include Photosynth, which is able to transform images into a 3D model on your monitor. Seadragon Ajax helps embed images and viewers into your own webpage, as well as the Deep Zoom Composer, which does much the same thing while using Seadragon to keep the picture clear without increasing download time.

With the fierce competition between Microsoft and Apple since the introduction of the iPod, it’s a big step for Microsoft to make an application specifically for a competitor’s product. But perhaps by putting its name into a competitor product, Microsoft can win back some of it lost fans. Certainly both companies have their merits and flaws, but Microsoft seems to think the release of Seadragon a great business opportunity, following it with their second application release, Tag.

With Tag the user can learn about an object just by scanning it’s “tag” with their camera phone. The tags are created specially by Microsoft and featured on most of their current products. Just like scanning a barcode, these tags enable to phone to identify and find information on the product.

These two programs appear to be just the tip of the iceberg for Microsoft as they come to embrace that Apple is here to stay.

The Blockbuster Set-top Box

Steve — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:30:03 +0000

Blockbuster has for a long, long (long)
time been struggling. It seems that buying 30 copies of “Hottie and the Nottie”
for hundreds of Blockbuster locations was not (contrary to common sense) a good
business move. It’s also been rumoured for some time that Blockbuster has been
plotting an entry into the set-top box market. Such a move would allow for
(conceivably) unlimited copies of “Hottie and the Nottie” to be rented. The MediaPoint
player, built by 2Wire, is actually going to be offered gratis “with the
advance rental of 25 Blockbuster OnDemand movies for $99 at www.blockbuster.com” so says the movie
rental giant. So, what gives?

Well, it seems an understandably tentative
Blockbuster is a little tepid about getting into the set-top market, which has
been burgeoning of late. Thus, the Blockbuster branded MediaPoint is merely a
project; a trial if you will. Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes simply states that it’s
a step towards “keeping[ing] up with emerging technology”. In regards to the
tech, the box features two USB ports, a SD slot, Ehternet, WiFi, and an HDMI
port.

So, what happens after the 25 movie
splurge? Just $1.99 a flick after that actually. And if you like rhetoric,
Blockbuster claims that “Unlike subscription-based services, which typically
offer movies years after their release, Blockbuster OnDemand includes hot new
releases, many available within weeks of leaving theaters.” Unwrap one of these
bad boys from under the Christmas tree and maybe you’ll be watching “Bolt” by
Boxing Day (okay, probably not, but a guy can dream, can’t he).

On the whole though, Blockbuster’s tentative
approach gives cause for concern. If the company doesn’t back their own product
with enough faith beyond a trial period, then the only question you should be
asking is: are there 25 movies I feel like renting?

Source and Source

The Official Word from Blockbuster:

Blockbuster and 2Wire Introduce New Digital Media Player

MediaPoint™ digital media player provides instant entertainment from BLOCKBUSTER ® ONDEMAND straight to television

Thousands of titles offered including new releases like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Smart, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, The Strangers, The Love Guru

DALLAS, TX and SAN JOSE, CA — November 25, 2008— Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B), a leading global provider of media entertainment, and 2Wire, a provider of integrated broadband solutions, today introduced the 2Wire MediaPoint™ digital media player, an easy-to-use, on-demand video solution that offers movie fans instant access through their television sets to BLOCKBUSTER® ONDEMAND content, including thousands of titles from the latest movie releases to classic favorites.

Beginning today, for a limited time, the MediaPoint digital media player is available free with the advance rental of 25 BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND movies for $99 at www.blockbuster.com. Unlike subscription-based services, which typically offer movies years after their release, BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND includes hot new releases, many available within weeks of leaving theaters. After the initial 25 rentals, movies are available for as little as $1.99 each. The players will begin shipping in time for the holiday season.

“The MediaPoint digital player, featuring BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND, is entertainment made easy. We are bringing Blockbuster, and the thousands of movies in our digital library, straight to customers’ televisions,” said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster Chairman and CEO. “The player is simple to use, delivers DVD quality video, and there’s no monthly subscription commitment. We are delighted to team with 2Wire to give consumers this great entertainment product.”

Easy to install, the MediaPoint digital media player works seamlessly with any broadband connection, either wirelessly via built-in Wi-Fi or wired via Ethernet cable, to deliver the hottest new movies, classics, foreign films and television shows from the BLOCKBUSTER digital library. With full fast-forward, rewind, and pause capabilities, the viewing experience is DVD quality, no matter the speed of the broadband connection. Movies can be played right away or saved to watch later. Additionally, the player supports HD video content and can be connected to HDTVs.

“To be successful, a broadband video offering needs to deliver movies that people want to see, in the quality they expect, with minimal setup requirements,” said Pat Romano, chief executive officer of 2Wire. “BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND and the MediaPoint digital media player give movie fans what they want. We are thrilled to help bring this service to the living room, providing immediate access to high quality movies directly on the television set.”

The MediaPoint digital media player is extremely compact – about the size of two boxes of movie candy – and can be integrated seamlessly into home entertainment systems through composite cable, HDMI, component cable, or Toslink.

Technical Details

In the Box

* 2Wire MediaPoint Digital Media Player (8” x 8” x 1”)

* Quick Installation Guide

* Power Adapter

* Composite A/V cable (supports SD viewing)

* Remote Control

* AAA Batteries

- more -

Blockbuster/2Wire

Page Two

Video and Audio Connections

* Composite

* Component *

* HDMI*

* Stereo Audio

* Toslink (digital optical audio)*

Network Connections

* Ethernet*

* Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)

*cable must be purchased separately

Apple’s Newest Accessory?

AceFisch — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:00:21 +0000

Apple might be getting on the wearable electronics bandwagon with designer Gopinath Prasana’s new iPod concept design, tentatively called the “iBangle.” Taking the miniature size of current iPod Nanos to the next step, the iBangle is a thin metallic bracelet the houses all the normal iPod controls and features in a convent wearable form.

Designs feature all normal play, pause, stop and skip features as well as a hold button alongside a thin horizontal trackpad for volume and menu navigation while a small silver the Apple logo will act as the home button. The iBangle does not feature a screen, however. Instead auditory directions are given for menu navigation. Further features include the use of wireless in-ear headphones, further minimizing the design and keeping cord tangles out of the way.

But the best features seems to be the adjustable size brought about by a thin inflatable lining that increases and decreases pressure around the wrist for a comfortable, slip-free hold on any wrist. This also increases the usefulness of the horizontal trackpad, preventing it from hanging limp on the wrist or slipping off.

The iBangle seems like another in a long line of aesthetic concepts Apple is wont to produce. Playing off of IBMs wrist-computers this computational accessory will certainly cater to a certain demographic keen on not only the function, but the form of their gadgets.

While the thin design leaves questions as to the memory capacity of such a device, it is sure to be on par with the latest iPod nanos, and getting better all the time. Some supports hint at a screen being designed in the future to mimic a watch-like form, but for now the unisex stability of the sleek aluminum design appears just right.

The iBangle is about as far from homemade jewelry as one can get, but may just go with any outfit- given you’re willing to rock out in it.

There are some questions such as how to charge the iBangle, as well as USB and accessory compatibility, but it must be remembered that as of yet Apple has no released plans to purchase Prasana’s design. Still, the concept still opens the doors to an new age of electronic accessory based not just off of size, but of wearable aesthetic.

USBatteries

AceFisch — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:00:29 +0000

Reusable batteries are toted as a great money-saver for the electronically minded, as well as the environmentally conscious, for their help in reducing excess battery waste. They’re even becoming popular in the search for alternative fuel sources. But our day-to-day rechargeables can also be a pain with bulky rechargers and short lives.

As good as rechargeable batteries are, they could be better.

This is where the USBCELL comes in. Developed by Moxia Energy, an investor in renewable energy sources, the USBCELL is a new type of rechargeable battery that is charged through any ordinary USB port. Nickle Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells, utilized in the USBCELL, are able to be recharged up to 500 times, as opposed to just 50 times with a normal alkaline rechargeable battery. NiHM batteries also have the bonus of not needing to be fully drained to recharge correctly and without corruption. Whether the battery is full or not, just plug it in.

Because USBCELL lasts longer, it reduces not only the amount of C02 waste from regular alkaline batteries, but also from rechargeable alkaline and Nickle-cadmium (NiCD) batteries that don’t last as long. Besides holding 10-25% more power than normal NiCD batteries, NiHM cells are also devoid of cadmium, a toxic metal commonly found in the millions of tons of e-waste generated annually. NiHM batteries are also able to utilize recycled nickel from industrial scrap.

Moxia makes a variety of USBCELL sizes, from AAA to 9volt batteries, as well as specialized phone and PDA batteries. All include a USB plug, either hidden under a lime green cap or flipped into the device itself. Any USB plug will charge the cell, including laptop, game station and keyboard outlets. The USBCELL NiHM batteries do require a rather long 5 horu charge, better done over night, but they do hold up to 2500mAH (milliamps per hour), as opposed to NiCD batteries ranging at about 800mAH.

A twin-pack of USBCELL AA batteries will run you about $20 (US), depending on where you shop. The price can be a shock, considering the lack of charger, but well worth the investment in lifespan and ease of use.

Fashion and Function- Together at Last

AceFisch — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:28:00 +0000

USB drives are a necessity for just about everyone, and there are a number of cute and fashionable ways to secure your USB, but recently USB drives, as well as other computer componets, have begin to not only become more intriguing, but more fashionable.

The Swarowski Heart Beat USB takes on a dual role as fashion accessory and storage device. The actual storage device is nestled in between two sides of a stainless steel heart-shaped pendant, one half of which is set to sparkle with Silver Shade crystals set in Cerulian. Just imagine storing all your memories within the sparking 1GB device. This new romantic gesture of the computer age will set you back though, at $178.

Swarowski is a company better known for its crystal than its computer gadgets, but its newest product marks a trend in more fashionable computing devices. Gone are the days of the big yellow plastic monitors. More and more companies are seeking to combine the fashion aesthetic and the computing demand.

“Digital Jewlery” has it has been dubbed by IBM, is another interesting concept on the computer-fashion table, taking Swarowski’s USB pendant to the next level. Instead of simply storing information, IBM’s goal is to make complete computing more pervasive by putting all the components of modern computers or PDAs into fashionable jewelry pieces. Ideas include microphones in necklaces, speakers in earrings or ear cuffs, and rings with track points. Getting a little too small? There’s even a bracelet with text entry capabilities and a small screen.

The question arises; is this another stage of the ever-evolving market of smaller and more pervasive computing, or is it simply a more fashionable way to do what we’ve always done? Imagine all those unwieldy cell-phones and all the energy they use instead reduced to a small silver teardrop in your ear, not unlike the headpieces already on the market. Would people be more willing to use devices with a more appealing aesthetic? IBM hopes so.

I for one find digital jewelry a great way to get quicker news without the unappealing notion of carrying your laptop with you. But this technology is still at its start, in time the range of motifs for this idea is sure to grow.

Ion LP 2 Flash Turntable Does What it Says

thepete — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:00:31 +0000

If you are a member of Generation X or older, or if you are into old-school storage media from the 1900s, you might want to have a look at the Ion LP 2 Flash Turntable. If a boombox from Sony that accepts iPhones and iPod Touches as though they were last-century audio cassettes isn’t enough for you, then you might also be someone who should consider the Ion LP 2 Flash Turntable. Of course, if you hate vinyl records, then don’t bother. But if you love vinyl records and you enjoy modern technology then definitely check out the Ion LP 2 Flash Turntable.Sorry, you’re probably tapping your fingers waiting for the point of this post to become apparent. Well, here it comes.The Ion LP 2 Flash Turntable allows you to not just play vinyl records, but it will record them for you directly to flash cards, flash drives, and to USB-based external drives.Yeah, pretty sweet, huh?If you’re like a lot of gadget addicts you have a healthy respect for technology that has come before. You might even have an unhealthy obsession for old-school tech. Either way, there’s no point in not being able to listen to your old vinyl while on the go, so why not transfer it all to digital? The Ion LP 2 Flash Turntable has an SD card slot if you’re really in a hurry to get those songs digitized. According to the product image (above) the Ion LP 2 Flash supports SDHC cards as large as 32GB. That means you can convert quite a few records before swapping out that card.It also has a USB port that you can plug a thumb drive into. Logically, a USB external drive can be used, as well. The important thing to note about this is that what you don’t need to convert records to digital is a PC. This is particularly nice since it means Windows, Mac or Linux people can take full advantage of this thing.The other really nice feature is that it has a mini-headphones jack input port on the front of the device for easy access. This port means that you can feed any kind of audio into it from just about any source.Pricing and availability hasn’t been announced at the Ion LP 2 Flash Turntable’s official product page at Ion-Audio.com but at least this article at Harmony-Central.com seems to think it’s currently available but only in the UK. Based on the prices for other, similar devices at Ion-Audio.com, however, it would probably be safe to assume that it’ll price in at around $100.

Ye Olde Sony Boombox iPhone & Touch Dock

thepete — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:00:23 +0000

The Sony ZS-S4iP Boombox is Sony’s attempt to give iPhone and iPod Touch owners a great way to listen to their music with a few nostalgic hints of the past. You may remember those days of long ago, where music came “recorded” onto “magnetic tape” using primitive “analog” technology. This magnetic tape was wrapped around tiny plastic reels. The reels were then encased inside a plastic frame that would keep the tape from unspooling without control. These constructions were known to the people of the time as “audio cassettes” or sometimes “tapes.”

Never heard of them? Don’t worry. Your parents may remember them. If they do, they may also remember that some of these “cassettes” could be played in “tape players” that came in the form of music players with large speakers, sometimes called “boomboxes” (based on how loud their volume could be raised to). You could insert these cassettes into trays that would fold out from the faces of these boomboxes, push the trays back into the face and allow a “magnetic tape reader” to come into contact with the tape inside. This would also allow spinning gears to turn the reels, sliding the tape across that magnetic tape reader. The reader would then send the magnetic impulses stored on the tape through an amplifier and then onto speakers.

So, what does Sony’s new ZS-S4iP Boombox have to do with any of this technology from the 1900s?

It turns out the ZS-S4iP Boombox has a tray in it’s face much like those old-time magnetic tape players from the dark, low-quality audio times of the pre-digital music era (a time known to most modern observers as “The 80s”). This tray swings out from the face of the ZS-S4iP and allows you to slide your iPhone or iPod Touch into it. You then push the tray back into the face of the ZS-S4iP and you are then able to listen to your digital music on the device’s large speakers.

The other nice thing about the Sony ZS-S4iP Boombox is that it actually does embrace another, somewhat less antiquated technology, known as the “Compact Disc” or “CD.” This technology is still in use by some people for music and data storage. The ZS-S4iP will play traditional CDs (like the ones your parents first bought over two decades ago) and it will also play CD-Rs and CD-RWs which were the precursor to writable and re-writable DVDs. You can burn mp3s onto these CDs and the ZS-S4iP will play them just fine.

Sony’s homage to boomboxes of old also includes one final tribute to twentieth century technology: AM/FM radio. Long before the podcast, long before even the Internet, there was a thing called “radio” and… is this whole “ye olde tyme technology” joke dead and buried by this point in the post?

While this may not compare to high end home theater surround sound speaker systems, it is sufficient for most iPod listening needs.

OK, good–the Sony ZS-S4iP Boombox should be available October 2008 for a price assumed to be around $140. This is all according to a post at SonyInsider.com on the Sony ZS-S4iP Boombox.