a-gadget : update cool gadget and technology

Samsung's 8-Megapixel Pixon coming to U.S.

2008-12-15T10:05:00.000-08:00

That Samsung's Pixon has an 8 megapixel sensor hardly reassures: the problems of lag and general aggravation associated with cellphone cameras can't be resolved by adding resolution. On the other hand, the reviews are good, suggesting that it at least takes great shots, even if it is just another touchscreen handset in other respects.

Already available unlocked as a gray import, it's likely to be subsidized in the U.S. by AT&T, according to Cellphone Signal:

Today, FCC gave is the information about a new version of ths Samsung Pixon coming to USA market. This is the Samsung M8800L. This specific version of the Samsung Pixon wil come now with 1900 and 850 3.5G, only compatible with AT&T bands

Oddly, the Pixon has GPS and geo-tagging, but no Wi-Fi. If only HSDPA were widespread enough to make that a reasonable proposition.

[via boingboing]

Uncharted 2 Trailer

2008-12-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

Heya Nathan. Long time no see! Looks like Uncharted 2 is REAL. Check out the frosty new setting in the teaser trailer, after the break. Then, tune into the Spike TV Video Game Awards on December 14th at 9PM to catch the full debut trailer.

But wait, there's more! Game Informer's January issue will also feature Uncharted 2 -- and they're calling it: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. According to GI, the sequel will involve the 13th century explorer Marco Polo and his voyages. New mechanics in the sequel include a free climbing mechanic and stealth gameplay. Check out the cover, also after the break.

[via gamespot]

Collect Review: Guitar Hero World Tour

2008-11-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

I'm very interesting in guitar hero world tour so I've googling around to get more detail of the set and also the the reviews. And I think my collection may be useful to others too. Here they are

1. The Drum Kit review from ign which is specifically for the drum.
2. Guitar Hero World Tour : Xbox 360 review from 1up
3. Guitar Hero World Tour: hands-on review from pcadvisor
4. Guitar Hero World Tour Drum Trailer

5. Guitar Hero World Tour cymbal fix part by "Plato Tape"

Nintendo Announce New DS: The Nintendo DSi

2008-11-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

During their Fall Press Conference today, Nintendo have - as expected - announced a new version of the Nintendo DS. Called the Nintendo DSi, it eschews the GBA slot (boo!) in favour of a slight downsizing (it's a little thinner) and a range of improvements. The handheld's screens have been enlarged, and will now be 17% bigger (at 3.25 inches) than those found on the DS Lite. As for the rumoured additions, both have proven to be correct, with "audio enhancements" made to the handheld, while it will also now include a .3 megapixel (640x480) camera. And that's just the start of it.

The DSi also features an SD memory card slot, making it possible to take pictures with the DSi and then view them on the Nintendo Wii. The DSi features a built-in browser, and it's possible to download games and keep them on the DSi.

For digital delivery purchases, there is a DSi Shop, from which users can download DSiWare from. Pricing categories for the DSiWare are: Free, 200 points, 500 points and "Premium" or 800 points. Customers will get 1000 free points to spend at the DSi Shop that are good until March 2010. The DSi will be released in Japan on November 1. It will retail for ￥18,900 (USD$180), and will be available in two colours, white and black. It will be released in other markets sometime "next year

[via kotaku]

iPhone can take photo with Macro mode!!

2008-11-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

Griffin, purveyor of fine plastic add-ons for iGadgets everywhere, has released the Clarifi, an iPhone case with a small close-up lens that can be slid into place over the crappy built-in objective.

As things stand, the iPhone's camera is little more than a tick on an internal Apple spec sheet -- if the company could have gotten away with shipping a camera-free cellphone, it probably would have. But despite its limitations, it is at least useful for taking notes, and scanning barcodes. Or is it? The lack of autofocus means that the iPhone camera can't get close up and stay sharp.

Thus, the iClarifi was born. The pitch is that the slide-over close-up lens lets you scan barcodes and snap pictures of text. This is useful for programs like Evernote, which will whisk your pictures off to its servers and return them with optically recognized characters baked in.

The irony is that these kinds of plastic slide-in lenses are extremely old-school. I used to have a little 110 format camera (a Halina, if I remember correctly) which had a switch to flip between the lenses (both of which were poor). By leaving such basic functionality out of the iPhone, Apple remains a darling amongst the third party accessory makers, although for the customer, all these add-ons do is to add-on to the cost. $35.

Product page
[via wired]

New Air Powered Car For Our Clean Future

2008-10-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

The car will be powered by MDI's compressed air system, which uses electricity to compress huge amounts of air in small tanks. The air is then slowly released from the tanks, driving pistons that move the car. This system is hopefully going into American cars by 2010, and was licensed by Tata Motors for use in India and Europe.

The AirPod seats three (one facing backward) and the "playful and futuristic" design allows for an extremely light-weight and inexpensive vehicle. The top speed of the thing is just over 40 miles per hour and it has a range of only 130 miles before a refill is needed, so...obviously it will be just for city use.

Refilling an air car can be extremely quick (if you happen to have an aircar fueling station nearby) or quite slow (if you have to charge using an inexpensive home compressor.) But these cars are never dirty. Even if the power used to compress the air is pure-coal-fired power, these things are way cleaner than gasoline, and even cleaner than electric vehicles.

[via ecogeek]

Onkyo portable wireless Ipod headphone !!

2008-10-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

Audio snob, now you can listen to your Ipod with a portable and high-fidelity wireless stereo earphone system. Onkyo wants to preserve the originality of audio playback, unlike Bluetooth technology with compressed audio; their MHP-UW2 wireless system uses an uncompressed and robust 2.4Ghz digital connection, promises to deliver truly CD quality sound over the air.

The transmitter weights in 35 grams and is made compatible with Ipod classic, Touch, Nano and Mini and has audio inputs for other portable audio devices. The system draws its power from Lithium-ion batteries with ability to playback music for 8 hours of continuous use. Recharging takes 3 hours via conventional AC adaptor or USB. The weight of the headphone includes the batteries is about 105 grams. The Onkyo MHP-UW2 will be released in November for 20,00 yen ($200).

[via slashgear]

SteelSeries WoW MMO gaming mouse

2008-10-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Wrath of the Lich King is coming and SteelSeries wants to make sure you drop out of the human race for a good long time. The mouse features 15 programmable buttons and a new in-game configuration utility that lets you graphically assign the buttons where you need them and save different profiles. You can also choose what color you want those LEDs down the back to be.The laser mouse will be available on November 13th to coincide with the Lich King launch, for “under $100.”

[via slipperybrick]

Toshiba's Talking Robot acts as a universal remote - ApriPoko

2008-09-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

This clever little robot weighs 5 lbs and measures 8 x 11 inches. ApriPoko learns how to operate various remote control by watching and asking questions.

Set him up in your living room and when you use your TV remote he will ask you ‘What did you just do?”, you then tell the robot what you just did, for example “switched to channel 1″, the next time you want to switch to channel one, you just say the command and ApriPoko will change the channel for you.

ApriPoko can be programmed to work with any device with a remote control, so you could have him closing your electric curtains or dropping your project screen from the ceiling all from voice commands.

I have to admit this is one of the coolest gadgets I have seen in a long time. Although the ApriPoko is only a prototype at the moment, lets hope he goes into production as I bet this would be a really popular gadget.

[via geeky-gadgets]

Metal Gear Solid rubber band gun is non-lethal overkill

2008-09-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

When you're caught between the lines of dueling mercenary armies, trapped in a rapidly aging body that doesn't quite react the way it used to, you need a reliable side arm to protect yourself. That was Solid Snake's situation in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, his chosen weapon the Silver Wolf pistol, recreated here in as a Japanese fan's stainless steel and rubber band DIY masterpiece. Constructed of numerous cross-drilled plates and featuring both a laser sight and integrated flashlight, the result looks to be impressively accurate and likely quite painful, as you can see for yourself in a video just below. Bonus reloading footage included!

[via engadget]

Photos of Apple's latest second-gen iPod Touch

2008-09-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

As you will probably be aware, Apple’s latest Let’s Rock Event have unveiled not only just a new iPod Nano but also a second-gen iPod Touch.

Though no major changes in terms of its design, Apple have managed to put in bits and pieces of new features without increasing its weight. The new chromed back and curved sides are like the iPhone but the new touch comes in even lighter than the old one. The 3.5″ screen remains unchanged, there’s now volume controls on the side and Apple has even squeezed in an internal speaker for ‘casual listening’. Battery life for music playback has been boosted from 22 to 36 hours, but remains the same at 6 hours for video.

The new second-gen Touches will support the iTunes 8 Genius playlist creation tool, it will also come built-in with Nike + iPod support, including in-built receiver and App Store access via Wi-Fi and games. Prices for the new iPod Touch will be exactly what everyone’s been hoping for, a further price slashed! With the 8GB, 16GB and 32GB versions priced at £169, £219 and £279!

[via gadgetlite]

Swype. The next generation for text input - Touch Screen

2008-09-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

Check out Swype, the next generation input for text messaging created by the same people who brought us T9 predictive text messaging, included in most phone models. Soon to be released on the market.

“Swype will let you swipe your finger across the keyboard when writing. No more lifting your fingers, no more pressing the wrong letters. It will even have support for stylus too, so you will be kind of ice-skating on the surface of your handset. There’s predictive text too and there are lots of editing choices.”

[via latest-mobile]

Real Ultimate Wall-E Robot!!

2008-09-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

After watching the wall-e movie I think many people will fall in love with wall-e and eva. Many people want to have them at home and here it is !!

Wall"E really comes to life in this full-function robot with movie-like movement and original character voice & SFX. Turn-on WALL"E and he instantly comes alive with light-up eyes and realistic character expressions. His exceptionally cute personality soon emerges with his interactive original character voice, pre-programmed SFX and a range of highly advanced creative technology interfaces. Interactive play and pre-programmed IR controlled animation includes: Independent, motorized rubber treads for forward, reverse, left, right, tilt-forward chassis and 360* spins. Independent up/down arms with left/right wrists with rotating and gripping hand articulation. Fully articulated left/ right & tilt-up/down head unit. Independent eye components with tilt-up/down movement and realistic blinking light-up eyes. Wall¬-E's engaging, autonomous interactive-play with you and the environment is achieved through the addition of voice activation command and object avoidance sensors and pre-programmed character SFX. Audio sensors in his body allow him to respond (turns his head to the source) and react (then turns his body to the source and talk) for a very life-like, interactive experience.

[via toysrus]

Top 10 Gadgets by Time.com

2008-09-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

#1. Apple iPhone

#2. Nikon Coolpix S51c

#3. Netgear SPH200W Wi-Fi Skype Phone

#4. Palm Centro

#5. Sony Handycam HDR-CX7

#6. Samsung P2

#7. Toshiba Portégé R500-S5004

#8. FlyTech Dragonfly

#9. Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive

#10. Belkin N1 Vision Wi-Fi Router

[via time]

Dell Studio Hybrid PC Goes Green To Tangle With The Mac Mini

2008-09-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

Despite what your gut may tell you, the Dell Studio Hybrid doesn’t actually run on a combination of ethanol and D-cells. It does, however, consume about 70 percent less electricity than those hulking desktop towers, meaning you can green up your digs and improve the décor in the process. This uber-cute little media-cruncher comes in your choice of rich automotive colors (or bamboo, for Pier 1-themed abodes), and you can swap colors on demand with interchangeable sleeves.

The Hybrid starts at $500, but by the time you trick it out with goodies like a slot-loading Blu-ray drive, Wireless-N adapter, Logitech’s diNovo Mini Keyboard (a must if you’re planning couch time), a digital TV tuner, and the bamboo sleeve (a $130 upgrade—WTF?), the price rockets north of $1,300. Thankfully, Dell provides carte blanche in configuring the system, so you can pick and choose until you’re tapped out.

Hybrids can serve desk duty or accent your living room: Even the base model comes stocked with an HDMI port (DVI, too), so it’s a cinch to pair with an HDTV. Granted, the system’s integrated graphics don’t have the muscle for 3D games (that’s what Xboxes are for), but they do just fine with Blu-ray movies at 1920 by 1080. Well, mostly fine: For some reason the video stuttered every time we adjusted the volume.

Mini PCs are nothing new—Apple Mac Mini, anyone?—but Dell scores big points for style, power conservation, and customization. This compact, sexy desktop should prove equally appealing to decorators, environmentalists, and users with really small desks. —Rick Broida

$1,365 (as tested), dell.com

[via wired]

Xbox 360 Chatpad and headset hands-on, impressions

2008-09-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

So we snagged ourselves an Xbox 360 Messenger Kit (aka Chatpad + Chatpad headset), unboxed the hell out of it, and here's what we think:

Blister packs suck. Microsoft, we're sick of 'em.
The Chatpad is a little difficult to get on and off, but once engaged it fits perfectly on the controller (duh), and feels like a seamless extension. Unfortunately there are two awkwardly placed screw holes on the underside, but you'll learn to ignore 'em.
Players with longer fingers may be annoyed, this thing kind of prevents finger-wraparound.
The keys are nice and tactile. And with the keyboard sounds the 360 makes in text entry you can be sure your typing is getting through. Still, thumb touch-typing on this is going to be almost out of the question for most, the thing is basically a straight up button grid.
The shift / caps / alt green and amber buttons were kind of wonky and took some getting used to. No big deal though.
It feels light at first, but after not too long it really starts to affect the balance of the controller, and could weigh you down a little. We suggest removing it when you don't need it.
The headset now has an inline mute / volume switch (with clip), so now you have move your hand off the controller mid-play to adjust the audio. Super lame.
The Chatpad headset can be used on the controller without the Chatpad, but why would you want to? The old style headset is more efficient (see above) and sounds just as good.
In fact, while we're on the topic, the original headset doesn't use those two data paddles either -- so we have no idea why the Chatpad didn't just skip bundling a second headset and instead include a port that could accept the original kind. We suspect this was to raise the consumer price of the package without raising Microsoft's cost much more. Either way, it's sucky.

Should you buy one? Well, $30 isn't really too crazy of a price for this thing, but we'd say if Microsoft releases a $20 version that doesn't come bundled with the new headset (and can use the old headset kind), yeah, plunk down. Otherwise, we have a feeling only completionists and heavy message senders will really need this thing.

[via engadget]

PSP and 360 Chatpad are a match hacked in heaven

2008-09-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

Some dedicated hackers have finally managed to get the PSP and Microsoft's Xbox 360 Chatpad typing. There are still a few kinks to smooth out, but the hard part seems over, with l0rdnic0 managing a tiny bit of soldiering using a PSP remote cable and some software from the Open Keyboard Project. It's all still pretty nerdy at the moment, and we're still miffed at that Logic 3 getting cancelled way back when, but we suppose this will have to do.

[via electronicsinfoline]

Sony sorts out the UK PSP-3000 release situation

2008-09-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Fear not, UK friends, you will be getting the eye-pleasing, battery-draining PSP-3000 just like everyone else, but it seems you won’t be getting quite as many bundle options as others in Europe. According to GamesIndustry.biz, the silver PSP-3000 bundle with Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters and the black PSP-3000 bundle with a 4GB Memory Stick won’t be making it to the UK, at least initially, leaving you with only the Go! communication, FIFA, Harry Potter, and Buzz! Master Quiz bundles to choose from.

That, as you may have noticed, doesn’t include a stand-alone PSP-3000 option, but Sony assures us that’ll be arriving as well sometime after the bundles are released.

[via latest-mobile]

iRobot's Roomba Pet torments the dog, sweeps away dander

2008-09-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

iRobot just announced its new Roomba Pet robotic vacuum cleaners. Boasting the core tech found in the 530 and 560 series of vacuums, the Roomba 532 ($349) and more advanced 562 ($399, includes on-board scheduling) Pet series feature higher capacity sweeper bins; counter-rotating, carpet-digging brushes; and additional accessories to keep those brushes hair and dander free. We hear it's pretty good at herding the kids too. Available now.

[via engadget]

Skeleton hand serving forks for Halloween

2008-09-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Perhaps its simply the sense of artistic frugality that daily life scrounging for kitchen utensils as a new home owner in Berlin has inured in me, but I don't see the point of spending $50 for these silver-plated skeletal serving forks when I already live right across the street from a perfectly serviceable graveyard. Heck, there's a hacksaw and can of silver spray paint right in the closet, already! YMMV, of course.

Skeleton Hand Serving Forks

[via boingboing]

Super Card Reader 80 in 1

2008-09-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here is the new one in the card reader fever. Thanks to iMono. It supports just about everything, including SDHC, MMC4.2, CF4.0, micro SDHC and mini SDHC. It also had an average read speed of 32.6MB/s and an average write speed of 24.4MB/s when tested with a Sandisk Extreme IV. Plus, it measures about 4″ x 1″ x .5″—making it extremely portable. And the best part is that it costs you only $17

World's slimmest USB bluetooth !!

2008-09-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Check out what is currently claimed to be the world’s slimmest USB bluetooth dongle, I don’t know why it’s not the ’smallest’ but instead ’slimmest’, maybe that title has been taken already. What I do know is that I use a bluetooth dongle for my laptop, for transferring data to my mobile and it’s massive, like the size of a USB flashdrive. At just approximately the size of a 50-cent Euro, this will definitely come in handy for anyone who is frequently on the go and needs everything to be lightweight and convenient to handle!

Here are it’s main features…
Features:

* Super Tiny and slim
* Bluetooth 2.0 compliant
* USB 2.0 compliant
* PLAY-N-PLAY, NO NEED TO INSTALL DRIVER!
* Driverless (*for Windows XP and Vista only)
* LED Indicator when Plugged
* Supports Bluetooth voice (A2DP) / data
* Enables wireless Personal Area Network (PAN)
* Connecting to your Cell phone, PDAs or PC for data transfer, networking or even dial up, fax…

Compatibility:

* Windows XP
* Windows Vista

The world’s ’slimmest’ USB bluetooth dongle is currently available online for just $14.99 USD…

[via gadgetlite]

Sony Unveils World's 'Thinnest' TV With Wi-Fi

2008-09-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

"Thinner is better," says Hollywood -- and now the tech industry. And Sony claims to have made the thinnest LCD television yet.

Sony's 40-inch Bravia ZX1 measures a mere 9.9 millimeters at its thinnest point. And even more interestingly, the TV utilizes a wireless base station to broadcast its signal, sparing you the jungle of AV cables plugged into it. The base station is compatible with older digital TV boxes, and it even includes a built-in tuner.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but you can expect it to be astronomical. Sony announced the Bravia ZX1 in Europe, and there's no word on an international release yet.

[via engadget]

Remote Controlled Hovering Space Surfer

2008-08-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is the remote controlled 9" space surfer that hovers in the air, spins 360, and moves left, right, forward, and backward--all while levitating parallel to the ground. Capable of indoor or outdoor flights, the space surfer has dual propellers that generate enough thrust to send the device from a stationary position to 66-feet in the air without requiring a hand-launch. The radio frequency remote control has proportional throttle and trim settings that allow it to be precisely controlled through climbs, descents, and turns. Made from durable EPP foam, the aircraft's body withstands turbulent flights and crash landings. Pre-assembled and ready to fly, the device is powered by a rechargeable battery that recharges via the included AC adap ter. Remote has a 27' range and requires a 9-volt battery. Operates for 15 minutes after a 70-minute charge. Ages 6 and older. Imported. 9" H x 7" W x 16" L

[via hammacher]

Teddy Bear USB drive is a headless horror

2008-08-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Teddy Bear USB drive does a really nice job of switching from sickly sweet to just sickening -- just rip its head off and plug its neck into your computer and it looks like you've crushed a little anthropomorphic bear's noggin and forced it into a tiny, little USB port. Teddy Bear USB Drive

[via boingboing]