News about Miscellaneous Gadgets:
How crowd scenes are done in some movies: Inflatable people
I’ve always wondered about scenes in films where large crowds are needed. Especially in older films, where they didn’t know anything about computer generated crowds or other special effects. I’m pretty certain that many scenes in epics like The Ten Commandments and Ben Hur actually used thousands of extras.
Hands on with the Eton Raptor, and I can’t stop talking about it
We have reported on Eton products several times before such as the Solarlink FR360 or our hands-on review with the Scorpion. I got a chance to see Eton at CES last January, and they announced the Raptor then.
Disney’s Haunted Mansion gets an upgrade with some better special effects
I remember riding the Haunted House ride at Disneyland a few decades ago, and I must admit that I thought it was pretty cheesy.
At the end, I believe that I could see mirrors that had holograms of ghosts in them, to make it appear that ghosts were deliberately haunting you personally. The classic ride has recently got an upgrade with some pretty impressive effects.
Tempest Freerunning Academy brings video game fantasies to life
I think we all know that video game characters can do some pretty amazing things. Whether it be Lara Croft or Mario, we all would like to wall-jump or do things that would otherwise be impossible without proper training.
The 3D Hero System – Because Two Cameras are Better AS One
The 3D HERO System is a modular casing design that lets customers combine two 1080p HD HERO cameras to form a single, really cool, 1080p 3D camera… and the world’s smallest and least expensive one at that. Waterproof to 180 feet, the 3D HERO System can be worn on the body, mounted on gear and vehicles, and used as a handheld camera. A dual-camera, polycarbonate, waterproof housing holds the two cameras together and something called a synchronization cable plugs into the back of each camera, enabling them to function as a single camera and a single shutter button controls both cameras.
Skataz motorized skates
It seems like I have written on a lot of motorized skateboards and skates, and I suppose I might as well add to the mix with the Skataz.
Weta Workshop creates a mermaid prosthetic device
I am certain that you have heard of Weta Workshop before, they are the group responsible for the special effects for The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia movies.
WHIM architecture’s “Recycled Island” is made of garbage
This is the “Recycled Island”, designed by a Dutch architect named Ramon Knoester. His firm, Whim Architecture, is working on this island made of garbage with the help of a grant from the Netherlands Architecture Fund.
Sega Toys Tokyo Sky Tree Indoor Planetarium
There is nothing like a starry night, but if you can put the beauty of the celestial heavens indoors, there’s a way to do that.
We have reported on a lot of indoor Planetariums before, such as the Death Star Planetarium. This particular is the Homestar Aqua Tokyo Sky Tree, and like the Star Wars themed one, this shows more than just the stars.
Gmail Motion- Write your E-mails with Body Movement
So many thing have changed over the years, computers are leaps and bounds ahead of what they were in the beginning, but since the advent of e-mail, the way it has been composed has stayed exactly the same, until now…
I’m sure you can find a good use for this Real Life NO Sign
This NO Sign somehow manages to merge two fads of the early eighties into something that is still contemporary.
The fads I am referring to is that negation sign that was already on a lot of road signs before it made Ghostbusters the most recognizable logos in all of movie history. That film came out in 1984, and, during that time, there was a small fad of 3D. Yes, there was a lot of 3D movies that came out then, just like there are now. I remember most of these 3D films getting a lot of bad press like Jaws 3D, Space Hunter, Amityville 3D, and Metalstorm.
Augmented reality helmet shows you bad weather on a sunny day
There’s nothing I like more than the application of augmented reality, especially when mixed with a healthy doses of VR.
The Machete Slingshot, sure to be in a movie soon!
The moment that I saw this Machete Slingshot, all I could think about was all the movies that it could be in. Slasher movie villains now have a new weapon. I can just see the helpless victims running as machetes are hurled at them with deadly accuracy.
Neutral Power Drill combines screwdriver, laser level, and stud finder in one
I am definitely in need of a new electronic screwdriver, as this old Wal-Mart one seems to have out-lasted its short life.
Hyper Touch Guitar has no strings
Some of you might remember when we reported on the Misa Digital Kitara, a guitar that has no strings. As I recall, it exchanged the literal guitar strings for a touchscreen. I’m not certain what this Hyper Touch Guitar has replaced the strings with a touchscreen, and it is also the guitar without any strings, just like Pinocchio.
Popcornflix.com – 1000‘s of Free Movies Online
Popcornflix.com launched a few days ago and I already had a chance to check it out. Popcornflix is a new online digital platform that allows movie lovers to watch ton of fun movies for free online, anywhere in the U.S. The service will expand internationally in the coming months, and eventually almost everywhere movie viewing platforms are available, including web-enabled TVs, DVD players and set-top boxes.
MARTUS – Paramilitary Protection for Activists
There’s a panic button included in MARTUS, a software program designed by a California based nonprofit called Benetech. The actual program is designed to covertly store data about human rights abuses in countries around the world, were talking serious abuses, like murder and torture. It was ultimately designed to assist human rights workers worldwide who are collecting just such information and using it to document human injustice in nations run by vicious dictators in the hopes that someday they will be held accountable for their actions.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 Puts Makeup on for You, Seriously
Okay, so first the regular stuff, the camera looks cool, it’s very slim, has a shiny front panel and easily fits in a pocket or purse. It enjoys 16 megapixel resolution. It comes packed with a four-times zoom for a little up close action and a pretty responsive 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen to page through your photos and change your camera settings. But, purchase the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 digital camera, and you’ll find that it makes you look better, literally.
Gogobeans – Sharing your Stuff with a Handshake
Your digital life is constantly changing, and one new way to manage it, is with Gogobeans, a company which allows you to store information in a digital locker in the cloud and then easily share it by “bouncing” a bean to the person you’re looking to share with.
The Cool Global Warming Warning Ice Bucket
At times I do wonder how folk come up with the cool product ideas, introducing the Polar Ice Bucket.
The Polar Ice Bucket is a poignant reminder of the current effects of global warming. Just add your ice cubes to the top of the bucket and as they melt the arctic tundra below becomes submerged from the dripping above until the polar bear eventually also becomes submerged.
My talk with Gallagher at CTIA Spring 2011
You’ll never know who you will meet at CTIA, and I heard that Gallagher would be in attendance, and I got some time to sit down with him during one of Sprint’s presentations.
Chumby Gets an Update – He’s Back and Better Than Ever
We have certainly told you about Chumby before, and while I am a huge fan of what I have called a glorified alarm clock, it has always come up a bit short of spectacular. It’s a lot of fun, don’t get me wrong, but it could have been great. It just fell short of utilizing what it seemed like it had the capabilities of doing all along.
SuperTooth HD – Hey Mom! I’m Texting and Driving
My daughter is only 8, but I’m already worried about when she starts driving. I keep saying that all the high tech distractions we face, will be gone by the time I have to worry about her. I thought I was just making myself feel better, but no, things really are changing. It looks like we already have the option to text, dial our phones and use Facebook, without ever taking our eyes off the road. Phew!
The Amazon App Store – Coming Soon?
I have to admit I love my iPad, it is far from a perfect gadget, but it’s fun nonetheless, especially since I really only use it for games and entertainment. Of course it’s getting pretty costly loading all that stuff on my iDevice, iTunes is expensive and limiting, but the Android Market just doesn’t seem as user friendly, that’s about to change, IF rumors are correct.
The Hologram Kit – Not From a Galaxy Far, Far Away
I don’t know how old most of you were when Star Wars came out, but I’m sure most of you saw it. Does everyone remember the scene where Chewbacca and R2-D2 play that holographic chess game? Well, now you can make your own holograms with the help of this innovative kit. It seems like some kits have been around for a little while, but who knew you could make holograms at home? Not me.
iWallet to prevent unwanted loss of valuables
Safety and security are two things that are more or less floating in the back of one’s head these days, as it certainly helps you sleep better at night when they’re well managed. For those of us who are part of the paranoid android group, you will be pleased to know that CEO and founder of iWallet Corp., Steve Cabouli, has come up with the iWallet which intends to protect others from easily gaining access to your wallet’s contents.
Burglar Blaster alarm puts pepper spray in a Burglar’s eye
Some of us have homes that require a security system with precision video cameras, laser-tripped alarms, and other such high-priced precautions.
Some of us would like to protect our valuables on a lower budget, which is why simpler systems have been invented. For example, there are alarms that do nothing but make a loud sound, but assume that someone else is going to call the police. If you really are worried about burglars, and don’t want to spend that much, you could buy a numeric keyboard with a few flashing LED lights. That’s about enough to make a burglar hesitate.
emPower! Eyeglasses – You Gotta SEE This!
These aren’t your daddy’s bifocals, although these emPower! eyeglasses have the same look, weight and feel of regular eyewear these babies have microchip, micro-accelerometers, and miniature batteries hidden inside the temples of the eyeglass frames. The transparent liquid crystal layer in each lens is able to electronically change and activate the near focus lens only when needed with no moving parts and all without making a sound.
InFlight Messenger – Instant Messages From 30,000 Feet
InFlight Labs, LLC has just announced the very first advanced in-flight messaging service for use during air travel and on the ground. This new communication tool will allow airline passengers to stay connected with up to 25 business associates, family and friends all at one time while in-flight. Excellent! InFlight Messenger makes use of the aircraft’s Wi-Fi Internet connection to provide passengers with real-time two-way communications while in-flight. InFlightMessenger.com integrates all the best features found in text messaging tools and instant messengers to create a great user experience.
Cyberdyne’s HAL-5 Exoskeleton, that’s right, Cyberdyne
While I was at CES last January, I passed a booth for Cyberdyne. I saw that and wondered: “don’t they know that this is the organization that ended the world in the Terminator movies?”
The Lumen Lamp – Stands Out in the Shadows
We are constantly invited to parties, no, I’m not singing the praises of my sparkling personality, in fact, I’m quite sure the only reason we get invited anywhere, is because of my husband. He’s a people person, the one everyone remembers long after they meet. Me, not so much, but behind the scenes, I’m actually the one who is the most thoughtful, trying to find the perfect gift, the nicest bottle of wine, the “wow, where did you find that gift” and everyone thinks he’s so great.
Cellulon evoMouse is the Mouse without the Mouse
We have reported on special computer mice in the past, like the one from Swiftpoint, but the Cellulon evoMouse claims to be something very different.
Talking Tape – No Electronics
I was looking through the “memory box” yesterday and came across my daughters very first birthday card. It was one of those talking ones that when you opened it, Cinderella’s fairy godmother waves her wand and sings happy birthday, alas, the card was dead, no more bibbidi bobbity birthday, if only there was a way to add voice to stuff with no batteries required.
Equipois x-Ar makes repetitive tasks easier
This is the x-Ar exoskeletal arm from Equipois, and it is designed for lifting. You might think that this thing is designed to be one limb from a Power Loader like in Aliens, but it is not designed to be a strong arm to give you superhuman strength.
LockCracker picks any combination lock
Have you ever been blocked from something by a combination lock that you didn’t know the combination for? I once had a locker in junior high school that someone put a combo lock on. Not one of my better days.
The Wireless Luggage Finder – Let Your Luggage Find You
It’s happened to me more than once, the last time was on a trip to Venice Italy, one of my suitcases was dropped into the Grand Canal, the other never showed up at the baggage claim. Did it ever make it on the plane? Who knows. I spent over 2 weeks in Italy in the one outfit I was able to dry on the radiator at the hotel. It was a great trip, but I sure didn’t make any fashion statements.
Cheap Surprise Awesome Geeky T-Shirt Offer
Our friends over at ThinkGeek are having another of their mega cheap random geeky T-Shirt deals, prices start from $5.99. Think Geek have a HUGE inventory of T-Shirts with prices normally from $15.99 so this is a cool deal if you need to fill your wardrobe with some surprise geeky goodness. Lasts as long as stocks do, get shopping.
National Geographic show makes the “UP” flying balloon house a reality
One of the problems I had with the movie Up from Disney/Pixar was that I had to completely suspend my disbelief for the basic premise. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is one of the best films the studio has put out, but I’ve heard that it takes significantly more balloons to lift a house than the ones that Pixar’s animators put in.
Wake Up with a Stripper?
Okay, I have always had male friends, so I have been privy to more “man stories” than I would care to recount. While I have always enjoyed being one of the boys, some stuff took a while for me to understand. I would never tell them, but there are definitely some boy things that I could have been happier not knowing, but now that I get it, I’m sorry to bring to your attention, the Pole Dancer Alarm Clock.
Check out this Matryomin orchestra
Did you ever see something so unusual, that you just had to stare at it, like a spectator at an auto accident?
Jetpack and skis are going uphill fast
I haven’t been skiing in a long time, but if you’ve never been, it can often be twenty percent going downhill and eighty percent waiting or riding on a chairlift.
Computer Engineer Barbie – Does Barbie like Windows?
I have to admit that as a kid I was never a Barbie fan, and all that Ken business, I for one was glad when they broke-up. I always wondered why they never made “perfect divorce Barbie” She could have come with the Dream House, the Corvette and most of Ken’s stuff, including half his paycheck, but no, they made baby-sitter Barbie, ballerina Barbie and dog groomer Barbie, dolls I could never really get into, until now…
