Archive for July, 2009

Here comes the robotic bride

Posted in Robots by Conner Flynn on July 23rd, 2009

Here comes the robotic brideThe thing about robot brides is, if you get cold feet, you’re dead. Yes, this is a humanoid robot marching down the aisle in a wedding dress. And yes, it’s freaky. So it must have happened in Japan.

The HRP-4C humanoid robot was featured in a fashion show in Osaka, walking down the runway in a wedding dress, looking forward to giving her hubby some deaded bliss if he doesn’t say I do. She didn’t actually get married on this day however, but it should serve as a reminder that there are lonely dorks out there who will marry a robot. For the sex of course.

Unique Autosports pool table balances on wheels, might peel out

Posted in Home by Conner Flynn on July 23rd, 2009

Unique Autosports pool tableThe Unique Autosports pool table from Hurricane Billiards looks like it might transform from a pool table to a car, to a robot. It sits on a row of four wheels, yet is perfectly stable. Perfect for the upscale garage, it goes well with beer and pin-up calendars.

Rest assured, it’s priced for those who aren’t affected by such things as the economy. It will likely cost you tens of thousands of dollars. Now, if those wheels helped it to move itself wherever you wanted it, then we’d have something.

Blinx Sound Responsive LED Headphones

Posted in Headphones by Conner Flynn on July 23rd, 2009

Blinx Sound Responsive LED HeadphonesIf you love a good rave, why not shell out £24.95 for this pair of Blinx Sound Responsive LED Earphones? Each pair comes with a trio of LEDs that will pulse in time with the music currently being played. It accomplishes this with an inline LED equipped control box, that will work with any device that has a 3.5mm jack.

Who doesn’t want others to see their rockin’ tunes? We aren’t sure if the batteries are replaceable or not. We only know that people will see you coming at night. And when you arrive…Party time.

Rubik’s TouchCube debuts on QVC this weekend

Posted in Toys by Conner Flynn on July 23rd, 2009

Rubik's TouchCube: The first touchscreen Rubik's CubeRemember that Rubik’s Touchcube that we told you about back in February? Looks like QVC has it first, so if you want to be the first on your block to get one, you better watch.

The touch sensitive, swipe-controlled cube will be available to buy on the Christmas in July segment this weekend. Instead of turning the segments, just swipe a finger in a straight line or an ‘L’ shape. There’s even an accelerometer built into the cube so that only the upwards-facing surfaces respond to your touch.

Best Buy announces exclusive Next Class laptop line

Posted in Best Buy by Shane McGlaun on July 23rd, 2009

bbnextclassStudents only have a few weeks left before they have to head back to school in many areas of the country. It may seem like summer just started, but the end of July is already here and back to school shopping season is underway.

Best Buy has announced a new and exclusive laptop line for students heading back to school called the Next Class line. The line has products from HP, Toshiba, Sony, and Dell and is available in Best Buy stores nationwide and online now through the fall.

Plastic Logic eReader to use AT&T 3G network

Posted in Plastic Logic by Shane McGlaun on July 23rd, 2009

plasticlogicreader-sbWhen the Amazon Kindle launched one of the coolest features of the device was the free and lifetime access to the 3G mobile network allowing users to grab new books anywhere they are. All new versions of the Kindle have offered free data connectivity as well.

Many are waiting for Plastic Logic to launch its eReader to battle the Kindle. Few details are known about the Plastic Logic reader itself at this point, but the company announced what mobile data service will be used this week.

Rock Band Country Track Pack now available

Posted in Games by Shane McGlaun on July 23rd, 2009

rockband2-logo-sb1Rock Band is one of the most popular music games available for fans of the genre. Typically, the game sticks to rock and pop music but country fans can now get their fix of playable tracks form some of the most popular artists in country music.

The new Country Track Pack is now available in America and can be purchased in retail locations for $29.99. The track pack has 21 country tracks from artists like Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean and Shania Twain.

Blackberry Curve and Javelin get integrated Bluetooth headset

Posted in Mobile Accessories by Shane McGlaun on July 23rd, 2009

mogotalk-javelincurve-sbIn many states a Bluetooth headset or hands free kit are a requirement when using your phone and driving. In other areas headsets are merely a safer and more convenient way to talk while driving. The problem is that often we don’t have our Bluetooth headsets on us when we need them.

A new Blackberry Curve and Javelin specific Bluetooth headset is now available from Mogo Talk. The headset piggybacks on the Blackberry devices and charges there as well. A new back cover has the 5mm thick headset and charger integrated into the phone.

Olive Opus stereo with 2TB of music storage

Posted in music by Conner Flynn on July 22nd, 2009

Olive Opus stereo with 2TB of music storageOlive has unveiled a new line of stereos today in the form of the Opus. And it has some serious storage capacity and a unique design. It’s official name is the Opus No. 4. This stereo will conveniently save imported CDs in lossless FLAC format and has a touchscreen menu.

It will let you make playlists, listen to online radio stations and more. There’s also wireless playback. The Opus is available in several models to suit your needs. There’s a 500GB model, a 1TB model and an extreme 2TB model.

Elecom 10-Port USB hub

Posted in USB by Conner Flynn on July 22nd, 2009

Elecom 10-Port USB hubChances are your laptop only came with three or four USB 2.0 ports. You probably have more USB toys than ports. You could always opt for an octopus USB Hub or a Star Wars droid USB hub, but If you want something a little more conservative, with even more ports, this one is for you.

The U2H-Z10S 10-port USB hub from Elecom. The slim USB hub even comes with a magnet so you can place it almost anywhere out of your way. You can pre-order the Elecom 10-port USB hub for 9,500 Yen or $101. Whichever you have. It’s all good.

Denon AVC-3310 7.1 AV Amplifier

Posted in Denon by Conner Flynn on July 22nd, 2009

Denon AVC-3310 7.1 AV AmplifierThe specimen above is the latest 7.1-channel 180-watts amplifier from Denon. The AVC-3310 7.1 AV Amplifier features AL24 Processing Plus and video upscaling capability for DVDs.

It won’t set the world on fire with it’s radical design, but it is compatible with Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz and it supports HD playback via the HDMI port. If this one is for you the AVC-3310 will be available in Japan in August for about $1,346.

Samsung’s ‘world’s thinnest’ watchphone

Posted in Watches by Conner Flynn on July 22nd, 2009

Samsung's 'world's thinnest' watchphoneWe’ve seen our share of wrist phones, most of them looking huge on your wrist. Now Samsung has one with a slimmer design. It’s model S9110 “the world’s thinnest.”

Thin is one thing, but this one is also small. That’s the magic formula for wrist phones. Trouble is you need excellent eyesight to see that 1.7-inch touchscreen. It sports Bluetooth, voice recognition, a speakerphone, and can even play music and check your e-mail.

Panasonic’s EVOLTA robot goes for new endurance record

Posted in Robots by Conner Flynn on July 22nd, 2009

Panasonic’s EVOLTA robot goes for new endurance recordPanasonic’s cute battery-lovin’ mascot is at it again. Last time, he was showing off his abilities by scaling a Grand Canyon cliff. Now EVOLTA is back and he’s still all about breaking records and the hearts of fan-girls everywhere. This time he will be riding a mini tricycle in order to set a world record for distance traveled by a robot.

We’re rooting for the little guy, but we aren’t so sure he is gonna make it. I mean EVOLTA isn’t exactly fast is he? The bot does have some upgrades from his previous version however. He can ride a bike and follow an infrared path set up by his human handlers.

Avatar Digital Binocular Sports Camera

Posted in Cameras by Conner Flynn on July 22nd, 2009

Avatar Digital Binocular Sports CameraIs that an Avatar Digital Binocular Sports Camera or are you just happy to see me? The Avatar Digital Binocular Sports and Spy Camera is from where else, China. It’s for the gadget lover who loves powerful magnification and is not afraid to use it in a silly over-the-top form factor.

It’s got a 2 megapixel camera with a 21× optical zoom and 2.5″ display. There’s 1 GB of internal storage, a microSD slot, TV out, a voice memo and you can record stills or video.

The HTC Firestone?

Posted in HTC by Conner Flynn on July 22nd, 2009

The HTC Firestone?There’s no way to know for sure if this is the real deal or not, but this is purportedly a leaked render of the HTC Firestone. Here are some specs to go along with it: GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS900, UMTS2100. Windows Mobile 6.5. 3.6-inch WVGA touchscreen. A Qualcomm 8250 processor at 600MHz. 512MB ROM/256MB RAM. Micro SD. Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR. WiFi b/g. aGPS. G Sensor. 3.5mm headphone jack. And a 8MP camera.

None of this is official of course. When we know more, you’ll know more. One thing is certain. It sure is shiny.