tech.nocr.at » Gadgets

XDModo Solar Charger

Frank — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 07:04:00 +0000

Most everyone wants to do their part to save our planet. Cars are becoming more efficient with hybrids and full-electric models, even furnaces now-a-days are super efficient wasting less fossil fuel. What most people don’t realize is that leaving a gadget charger plugged into an outlet, even if the gadget isn’t plugged into it still draws power. This not only trickles down to affect the environment, but also your wallet.

Solar chargers aren’t new, but most people don’t like the idea of having their pricey gadgets sitting in the hot sun. The XDModo plans to change that view. The charger draws solar power through a window where it’s stuck on, and uses the energy to charge up your gadget while is sits safely away from the sun.

The XDModo comes with a standard and micro USB outputs and stores power in a 1400mAh lithium battery – which should be good for a full charge on most smartphones.

You can pick it up for under $70 from Design3000.

XDModo Solar Charger originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2012/01/29. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Raspberry Pi: Cheap XBMC HTPC

Frank — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:29:22 +0000

XBMC has to be one of the best open source media centre projects around. It runs on everything from Windows, Linux and OSX to the Apple TV and even the original Xbox. Building your own PC to use for XBMC can be expensive, but now you can have a cheap (and by cheap I mean $25-$35) system on a chip to run XBMC at 1080p.

The Raspberry Pi in an inexpensive programmable computer that can output 1080p video via HDMI. The device also supports AirPlay, which makes this a great device for streaming video from your iPhone or iPad as you can see from the video below.

Currently you will have to build XBMC from source to run on the Pi, but from the sounds of it, they will be offering binaries real soon. In the meantime, drool over the following video of XBMC running on the Pi. Soon, you can have 3 or 4 of these awesome HTPC devices running all over the house for less than $100.

[Link to the Raspberry Pi]

Raspberry Pi: Cheap XBMC HTPC originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2012/01/23. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Behringer iPad Mixers

Frank — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:33:01 +0000

Just more proof that vinyl and compact discs are going the way of the dodo bird. Behringer’s newest offering? Three new mixers that leverage the power of the beloved iPad. These units interface with the iPad via a built in dock and dedicated app.

The innovative feature set included in the new XENYX iX Series USB mixers makes it possible to record and mix on a professional level thanks to the built-in, stereo USB audio interface. Connect these mixers directly to a PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable to record any signal source connected to the mixer.

All iX mixers include the new dual-engine KLARK-TEKNIK FX processor with 32 editable, studio-grade presets such as reverb, chorus, flange, delay, pitch shifter and multi-effects. In addition to literally thousands of apps, the iX mixers use the iPad to control the new KLARK-TEKNIK FX Processor App, enhancing the mix by allowing the user deep control of EQ’s, compressors and reverbs and a full spectrum analyzer.

The iX series mixers also feature high performance XENYX mic pre amps, which represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology. Comparable to far more expensive, stand-alone mic preamps, XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to 200 kHz for transparent, crystal-clear performance.

XENYX mixers’ 3-band channel EQ is based on the same circuitry used in British consoles that allows users to create signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Additionally, “one-knob” compression is available on all mono channels. Dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity.

Behringer iPad Mixers originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2012/01/22. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Arduino Powered Espresso Machine

Frank — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:00:08 +0000

Geeks and coffee go hand and hand, and now geeks who love espresso can have some hackable tech in their coffee (or at least in the device that produces their coffee). This Arduino powered espresso machine has become the sixth highest funded project on Kickstater.

If you know anything about brewing a great cup of espresso then you know the key is constant pressure and precise temperature. These two key things are what make machines complex and therefore expensive. Gleb Polyakov and Igor Zamlinsky are looking to change that by using an Arduino and a PID controller.

Their machine, using simple off the shelf parts, maintains these two key components via the Arduino at a reasonable cost. Their machine will retail at $400, but if you jump in on the Kickstarter project now you’ll get it for $300.

They have raised over $341,000 (their initial target was only $20,000) and they plan to build and ship their units in March of this year

[Link to PID Controlled Espresso Machine]

Arduino Powered Espresso Machine originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2012/01/20. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Steampunk MP3 Player

Frank — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 03:44:16 +0000

If you’re a fan of the steampunk style, then you already know who Will Rockwell is. This time around Mr. Rockwell has blessed us with what he calls the “Pocket Music Library”. You probably already guessed that it’s an MP3 player, since it’s in the title.

Inside this amazingly crafted case lives an Archos Vision – an MP3 player that is also a video player, flash drive, voice recorder and has an FM radio. The Vision isn’t modded at all, instead the case is made to fit the Archos; a smart idea if the Vision ever breaks and you need to replace or repair it. Even though the MP3 player within isn’t modded, the Archos can be fully controlled from the stylish buttons on the case.

The unit isn’t cheap, for $350 you get the Pocket Music Library, headphones, USB connector and a fancy tin case.

[Link to Pocket Music Library]

Steampunk MP3 Player originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/09/11. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

S3 Krypton Laser – Will Fry Satellites

Frank — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:11:43 +0000

The Spyder 3 Krypton laser is the world’s brightest handheld laser, Currently under review by Guinness World records, the S3 is over 8000 times brighter than the sun. I’m not sure why you would want a laser than can travel 85 miles besides the fact that you might want to fry UFOs that might be sniffing around our atmosphere.

As you can see from the video, this isn’t your average meeting pointer laser (unless your plan was to burn a whole in the wall) so be careful with this kids. If your wondering how dangerous this laser is, Wicked Lasers advises:

Warning: This laser’s brightness is potentially hazardous to pilots’ vision and satellite sensors. NEVER point it at an aircraft or a satellite. The S3 Krypton is too powerful to be used as a laser pointer or a gunsight. Never point it at another person, an animal or a vehicle.

They might want to add: tress, buildings, concrete, helicopters, appliances, furniture, well, you get my drift. If you still feel like living dangerously be prepared to fork out about $300 for this and probably a red flag with the Department of Homeland Security just for purchasing one.

[Link to Spyder 3 Krypton Laser]

S3 Krypton Laser – Will Fry Satellites originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/09/08. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Crowd Buster Backpack

Frank — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:44:06 +0000

If you ever see someone coming at you wearing one of these I strongly suggest you turn around and run as fast as you can.

The Crowd Buster can blast pepper spray 150 feet in either a fine mist or the deadly pellet fire mode. Not only will this make you cry more than the day your puppy was hit by that car, but it will also tag you with a dye that sticks with you four up to 3 weeks; allowing whoever is using it to identify you weeks later.

Don’t get any crazy ideas for those family re-unions. It requires two people to operate and is only available to law enforcement.

[Via Law Enforcement Mall]

Crowd Buster Backpack originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/09/02. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Wind Up Batteries

Frank — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:29:18 +0000

We have seen many green projects around these parts and wind up energy products like flashlights are nothing new, but why not wind up batteries to power any gadget?

Designers Yeon Kyeong Hwang & Mieong Ho Kang have come up with this concept design for a battery that can be recharged by twisting the battery itself. By using a built-in spiral spring wrapped around a generator, friction is created which in turn is converted to energy for the built in Ni-mH battery.

While the idea of free energy is great, you would have to twist this thing a whole lot to build up enough juice, not really practical. Maybe if there was a kick-out crank for leverage, but until then I’ll stick with my solar charger.

Wind Up Batteries originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/02/22. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Lightsaber Knows What Side Of The Force You Are On

Frank — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:35:05 +0000

It doesn’t matter if you are a Jedi Knight or a Sith Lord, you still need a Lightsaber. This “Build it yourself” Lightsaber will detect which side of the force you sit on. Perfect for those of you who are sitting on the preverbal Force fence.

As you start to assemble your Lightsaber, place the saber in your hand. If it glows blue you are a member of the Jedi order and if it glows red you must bow to the emperor. I’m not sure how it decides what side of the force you are on, but I’m willing to bet it’s just the luck of the draw. I wonder if it would glow pink if you have no force at all.

If your interested, head on over to the Star Wars Shop and pick one up for $14.99

Lightsaber Knows What Side Of The Force You Are On originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/02/17. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Thunderstorm: Battery Powered Super Soaker

Frank — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 03:04:39 +0000

Sure, a good old water gun fight can get the blood pumping. Nailing someone right in the head with ice cold water is a great stress reliever. The only thing that can put a damper on all that fun is the pumping action that is required to keep the enemy at bay. The Thunderstorm aims to change that.

The Thunderstorm Super Soaker uses 4 AA batteries to provide a continuous flow of water without the need to pump. Simply pull the trigger and work on aiming, not pumping. It also makes reloading easier. The unit comes with “magazine clips” that store ten ounces of water. Load up on a few clips and you are ready to smell the sweet scent of victory.

The Thunderstorm should hit store shelves this coming spring and will run you about $15. Each additional “magazine clip” will ding you around $4.

Thunderstorm: Battery Powered Super Soaker originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/02/15. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

M16 Golf Ball Launcher

Frank — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:08:24 +0000

Have a really bad golf game? Can’t quite get your drives down where you want them? Well, if you have a spare M16 laying around you can launch your golf balls much farther than you ever could with a driver.

The $20 add-on to the barrel of an M16, M4 or AR-15 allows you to chuck golf balls at incredible speeds. By loading the magazine with blanks, gasses from the blanks will shoot the golf ball out of the end like a cannon. The ball is good for as much as 400 yards and you can shoot the thing about 200 yards with 5-10 feet of drop.

I like to golf myself but am more of a traditionalist; Alcohol on the golf course and semi automatic weapons just don’t seem like a good idea to me.

[Link to ARR-225]

M16 Golf Ball Launcher originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/02/14. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Powertrekk Fuel Cell Charger

Frank — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 04:27:23 +0000

Sure, you could build your own solar powered battery charger, but that’s only good when the sun is shining. If your conscious about our environment the Powertrekk Fuel Cell Charger allows your to charge up your USB gadgets with an incredible small impact to the environment. Plus, no need for the sun, just some H2O.

Drop a tablespoon of water into the fuel cell and your good to go. The Powertrekk will charge up anything that can be charged via USB. It’s not the smallest charger out there, but it is one of the greenest we have seen.

Currently there is no price or retail locations announced, but check out their site for updates.

[Link to Powertrekk]

Powertrekk Fuel Cell Charger originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/02/13. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Tiny DreamPlug PC

Frank — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:11:02 +0000

Shrinking these is all the rage. Why not shrink your PC as well. This wall-wart looking device has a full PC crammed inside of it, not quite a full on gaming machine, but perfect for a small file server.

This all in one wonder will only run you $150 and comes with some surprising specs. A 1.2GHz Marvell Sheeva ARM processor, 512MB of DDR-2-800MHz RAM, 1GB of microSD storage for system files, two gigabit ethernet ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA 2.0 port, SD card slot, Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth and a headphone jack. The company also claims that it can save up to 96% on energy costs compared to a standard desktop PC.

This is perfect for small applications like a file server or for cloud computing expansion. Imagine having a power-bar with a few of these plugged in.

[Link to DreamPlug PC]

Tiny DreamPlug PC originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/02/11. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

eLocity A10 Up For Pre-Order On The 15th

Frank — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 06:01:16 +0000

The big brother to the popular eLocity A7, the A10, will be available for pre-order later this month on the 15th.

The A10 will feature a NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, 512 MB of Ram, 10.1-inch 1366×768 multi touch screen and will ship with Android 2.2 (Froyo). Following in the A7′s footsteps, the A10 will also include HDMI, a USB port, and a microSD slot to extend it’s storage by 32GB if you so choose to buy that big a card.

If it’s anything like the A7 it’s sure to be a hot ticket. As soon as I can get my hands on one i’ll pass on my likes and dislikes as usual.

Pre-orders start on the 15th of this month. They will be available in 3 models: The A10 4GB (A10.004), 32GB (A10.032) and 64GB (A10.064) with the 4GB units starting at the discounted price of $399 for early orders, the 32GB model retailing at $599.99 and the 64GB at $699.99.

Check out elocitynow.com for more info.

eLocity A10 Up For Pre-Order On The 15th originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/02/11. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Wireless Dominoes Fall Without Contact

Frank — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:41:46 +0000

As a kid I loved creating massive domino chains and knocking them down. I would spend hours laying them out in the living room only to watch them all fall. These “Esper Dominoes” developed by Jarashi Suki and the IAMAS Ubiquitous Interaction Research Group allow for all the same fun, but they use wireless technology to knock the next one down.

As you can see from the video, when one domino falls it wirelessly triggers the next one to do they same. You can build the same old school chain, but they never have to touch each other.

They are currently on display at the Japan Media Arts Festival and I’m afraid to say they might never see the light of day. They were developed over 2 years ago and if they were to have been mass produced and sold, they would have done so already.

[Via Make]

Wireless Dominoes Fall Without Contact originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/02/02. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Nanocade: Netbook Friendly MAME Cabinet

Frank — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:41:43 +0000

If you have $349 and a spare netbook or mini-ITX motherboard laying around you too can have your very own mini arcade cabinet.

The Nanocade is a kit being offered by designer Rasmus Sorensen. It enables you to use a spare netbook with a 10-inch display as a small tabletop MAME cabinet. With a sweet MAME frontend like mgalaxy, you could have hours of fun play some of those old arcade classics. The price is a bit steep since the kit sans netbook costs more than the actual netbook, but if you don’t have the patience or time to build your own this might be your only option.

Kits should be ready to ship sometime in March.

[Link to Nanocade]

Nanocade: Netbook Friendly MAME Cabinet originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/31. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Charatter Bear Regurgitates Your Tweets

Frank — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 01:27:13 +0000

It can be a chore to keep up with your twitter feeds, countless hours of following people’s daily minutia can quickly chew up your day. This is where the Charatter bear comes in – it synchs with your Twitter account and reads back to you all of your incoming tweets and not on a small screen but out LOUD. How’s that for really annoying, especially if you follow 1000s of people.

The company behind the USB add-on says that sales are exploding. A simple app for your iPhone or PC translates all of your tweets into sound which is then sent to the Charatter bear. Although the novelty of the bear is cute, it can quickly turn annoying. Imagine a co-worker with this on his desk yelping out loud “LOL” or “WTF” every 20 seconds. If would easily drive you to destroying the poor USB bear.

If you lead a really lonely life and want a USB bear to keep you company (and drive you insane) you can pick up the Charatter bear for $28. You will also have to travel to an electronic retailer in Japan to pick one up.

Charatter Bear Regurgitates Your Tweets originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/28. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

flipSYNC II Charging Fob

Frank — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:37:54 +0000

I bet if you reached into your computer bag right now you could easily pull out multiple USB cables. You know what I mean, that birds nest of cabling consisting of multiple iPod/iPhone cables and USB mini variants.

Scosche aims to change that for you with their flipSYNC II fob. Much like the key fob of a car, the flipSYNC is a USB cable that folds up nicely into a keychain fob.

The currently offer two models; one with an iPod/iPhone 30-pin connector and one with dual miniUSB/microUSB. They are sleek, small, and durable and will run you $20 a piece. I already have a nice Lacie USB key on my key chain and will soon add one of these cool units.

[Link to flipSYNC II]

flipSYNC II Charging Fob originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/27. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Tiny Computer Looks More Like A Card Reader

Frank — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 03:46:22 +0000

This is one small computer, actually it looks more like a memory card reader than a computer. Don’t be fooled by it’s incredibly small size, this thing is more powerful that my netbook. CompuLab’s TrimSlice packs one hell-of-a punch for such a small unit.

NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 1GHz

Integrated ultra-low power GeForce GPU

1 GB DDR2-800 RAM

ATA SSD (up to 64GB)

WiFi 802.11n + BT

DMI 1.3 full-HD + DVI (dual head)

Stereo line-out, line-in, 5.1 digital S/PDIF

4 USB Ports

Serial Port

Full size SD and Mirco SD reader

The unit comes in a solid metal case that can take some abuse, doesn’t need a fan to keep it cool and uses only 3 watts of power. CompuLab will be gearing this unit to the HTPC market and hasn’t announced an OS for it yet, but I’m sure the modding community will jump all over this once it’s released. This would be great for a small server connected to your TV running something like XBMC or a MythTV frontend.

No official pricing has been announced yet, but CompuLab is aiming for a sub-tablet price and it should be shipping sometime in April.

[Link to TrimSlice]

Tiny Computer Looks More Like A Card Reader originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/25. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

© tech.nocr.at 2011 | Permalink | One Comment | Read more in Gadgets | Explore more in: 2.1, ac, arm, book, bus, car, case, computer, ds, ea, gpu, hd, htpc, id, ir, irc, led, loa, memory card, metal, mod, mythtv, netbook, os, pc, pocket, power, rc, rim, ring, server, small, tablet, tech.nocr.at, time, tiny, usb, wifi, xbmc | Add to del.icio.us | Stumble it | Reddit

FlipIt – Never Hog An Outlet Again

Frank — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:02:25 +0000

If you spend any time in hotel rooms then already you know how vauable a resource and outlet can be. If you don’t carry a power bar around with you your gadgets have to compete for the one or two outlets that may be free in your room. Nothing is more annoying that swapping around plugs just to make sure you charge up all of your gadgets.

FlipIt is a brilliant design to help you with just that. The idea it quite simple, a normal plug slips through the slots in the FlipIt, allowing both cords to be connected at the same time and using up only one outlet.

Currently they only offer a USB charging device, but hopefully we will see universal AC cords with this brilliant design at the end so we can charge our laptops or other devices.

For $15 you really can’t go wrong, head on over to their site to order one.

FlipIt – Never Hog An Outlet Again originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/21. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Kensington’s PowerLift Backup-Up Battery

Frank — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:33:09 +0000

I was just talking to someone from Steam TV Networks about the need for a sturdy dock that can hold up a tablet or phone, something that keeps the device propped up when using it to watch video. Kensington has release just such an item built for the iPhone.

Kensington’s new PowerLift is a sturdy dock that also contains a 1,200 mAh lithium-ion polymer backup battery. This bulky yet small unit is perfect for those long flights; prop it up on the fold out tray and you can enjoy countless hours of media goodness. 20 additional hours of music playback, 5 additional hours of video and even an extra hour and a half of FaceTime.

The unit also has a built in USB cable, perfect cable management, and it has some LEDs to let you know where the charging level is at. Its up for pre-order on Kensington’s site and will run you about $50.

Kensington’s PowerLift Backup-Up Battery originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/19. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

AA Battery / USB Flash Drive

Frank — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:48:10 +0000

Are they batteries or are they USB flash drives? OR are they both? These clever batteries also double as USB flash drives. The neat thing is that they charge the battery side of the mutant while using the flash drive.

Now, the next time you need a flash drive you can reach for your batteries or the next time you need some batteries you can reach for your flash drives. I know, it’s like a modern day Spork!

At this point these are nothing more than a concept, a good one at that, but still a concept.

[Link via Yanko Design]

AA Battery / USB Flash Drive originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/19. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

U-Socket’s Now Shipping

Frank — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 04:07:12 +0000

For those of you who have been waiting patiently for their U-Socket’s to ship rejoice, they are on their way. FastMac’s U-Socet is a wall socket that offers your standard dual 110V outlets alongside dual USB ports to charge your multitude of gadgets.

For under $20 you can equip each outlet in your house with these valuable USB outlets. Imagine not having to cary around multiple USB bricks to charge your iPhone or Droid, simply plug the USB cable into any outlet and you are good to go.

The retail site says that delivery time is about three to four weeks. The sooner they can crack the big box home improvement store’s like Home Depot the sooner everyone will have USB jacks-a-plenty to charge gadgets.

[Link to U-Socket]

U-Socket’s Now Shipping originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/17. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Review: eLocity A7 Android Tablet

Frank — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 04:18:35 +0000

I’ve been playing with this surprisingly fast Android tablet for about a week now and so far I am impressed. Stream TV’s eLocity Android 2.2 powered tablet might not be an iPad killer, but it sure puts up a good fight.

The solid 7-inch tablet is powered by NVIDIA’s dual core Tegra 2 processor, comes with Froyo out of the box, is rooted by default and can output a crazy amount of video formats at 1080p via it’s included HDMI port. Although it shows some impressive stats in the video arena, the eLocity does more than that. 4GB of internal storage, a USB port and a MicroSD expansion slot coupled together with the super beefy Tegra 2, the A7 acts more like a powerful computer in your pocket than a PMP.

Not only is the video playback smooth and crisp, this is the only Android device I have ever used that can actually do Flash well. Even when you are on a website with multiple Flash ads watching a video, the A7 came through without a single hiccup. Mix that in with the fact that the device is rooted out of the box, you have one powerful device that is open and free, unlike the “other” guy’s tablet. The only problem I have seen so far is the unit’s battery life. I’ve been able to get about 4 hours out of it with moderate use and only about 2.5 hours of video play. This is more than likely due to the processor as the dual core Tegra 2 could easily power a full size laptop.

The unit doesn’t come with the Android Marketplace out of the box, but a crafty hacker has already created an alternate ROM that offers the Marketplace as well as Ad Hoc networking support. The eLocity A7 is currently WiFi only, by using the Ad Hoc network you can tether your unit to an existing smartphone’s 3G connection. Stream TV is toying with the idea of partnering up with a carrier and offering a 3G model.

At time of print there still is no word on any accessories for the unit, but it does have an expansion port on the bottom that will probably be used for a dock at a later day. A dock would be greatly welcomed, the fact that it can do 1080p without a problem makes this device a perfect addition to your home theater setup.

If your looking for an alternative to the iPad and don’t want to pay a monthly cost for something like the Galaxy Tab, Stream TV’s eLocity A7 is perfect. Priced at $350 it’s a great deal for such a powerful little unit.

[Link to eLocity A7]

Review: eLocity A7 Android Tablet originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/12. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

© tech.nocr.at 2011 | Permalink | 2 Comments | Read more in Gadgets | Explore more in: 3g, ac, android, battery, car, computer, dock, ds, ea, elocity, fast, flash, hack, hd, hdmi, heat, id, ipad, laptop, led, loa, make, mod, network, open, os, osd, pen, phone, pmp, pocket, power, press, proc, ring, root, stream, tablet, tech.nocr.at, tether, theater, time, tor, usb, video, watch, wifi | Add to del.icio.us | Stumble it | Reddit

Oxygen Audio’s iPhone Car Deck

Frank — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 05:57:36 +0000

If your car doesn’t come with some sort of built in iPhone control then you know your limited to bluetooth or cable hook-up to enjoy the tunes on your phone. If you want to eliminate the need for all those wires then the O Car stereo deck from Oxygen Audio might be something to consider.

The unit turns your iPhone itself into your car stereo by allowing users to control of the stereo functions right from their iPhone; Internet radio stations, GPS navigation, Google maps and pretty much anything your iPhone can play or do. Your iPhone docks right into the head unit and melds right into your car’s dashboard.

For US$349, the O Car has pre-amp outs, 4×55 watts of power, FM/AM presets and supports the iPhone 3G/3GS/4. The price seems a little steep, but if you want to enjoy streaming apps like Pandora and don’t want all of the clutter on your front seat it’s one of you’re only choices.

Oxygen Audio’s iPhone Car Deck originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/11. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

$2,220 HDMI Cable

Frank — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:39:57 +0000

We’ve seen the $1200 Mouse, the $150 Outlet, and the $8450 speaker cable and now was can add the $2,200 HDMI to the list.

Before the cable holy war starts over this, let me just state that the signal that passes over an HDMI cable is 100% digital. Unlike an analog signal it won’t degrade unless it’s over a very long distance. This “coffee” cable is only 40-feet, a far cry from a long distance. I understand that some materials conduct an electrical signal better than others, but since you can get a comparable cable for about $50 online trying to justify $55 a foot is crazy.

If you light your cigar’s with $100 bills or line your cat’s litter box with $20′s you still shouldn’t spend all this money on an HDMI cable.

[Link to $2,2200 HDMI Cable]

$2,220 HDMI Cable originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/10. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Electroluminescent iOS Charger

Frank — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 05:18:25 +0000

I can’t begin to count the amount of iPhone chargers I have. Multiple ones from Apple, knock off units I bought because I left them at home, I even have an awesome unit from iGo that can charge two USB devices from it’s internal battery. But I bet that none of them are as green or as cool as this unit.

The Visible Green Charger will reduce standby power by up to 85% when your iOS device is not in use. The awesome electroluminescent cord will light up and flow quickly to indicate that your iOS device is charged up to 65% and will slow down as the device’s battery starts to fill up.

The Visable Green Charger will retail for $40 when it hits store shelves later this month. Currently the device only supports iOS devices but the company behind the unit, Dexim, hopes to expand it to other gadgets that can take a charge through USB.

[Link to Visable Green Charger]

Electroluminescent iOS Charger originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/10. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Video Camera Hot Wheels Car

Frank — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 06:41:03 +0000

I’ve tried really hard to stay away from all the CES stuff that has been flying around the inter-webs but this story about Mattel cramming a camera into one of their 1:64 scale Hot Wheels car was too good to pass up.

The idea is for people to get a first person view of what it would be like if you could ride inside a Hot Wheels car. Each car comes with enough memory to capture 12 minutes of VGA video that can be downloaded to your computer via USB or viewed on the tiny screen located on the underside of each car. With such limited memory using this as a spy camera is out of the question, unless something happens really quickly.

They should be available this fall for about $60. I’m sure the novelty of using it to record video will wear off quickly, leaving you with a very expensive small metal car.

[Link via Oh Gizmo!]

Video Camera Hot Wheels Car originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/08. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

10 Weird USB Drives

Frank — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 04:17:43 +0000

With CES going on this week and the tech media flooding the blog-o-sphere with reports of new gadgets and technology I thought I’d brake the mundane stream of press releases and “first looks” at gadgets that might never make it to market.

Here are 10 really weird USB drives that are sure to make you laugh.

The sperm drive. When you pull this out of your pocket you are going to have people wondering exactly what you were doing with your hand in your pocket in the first place.

The typical food item converted to a USB drive. Just don’t try to eat it, no matter how much wasabi you add to it.

I guess this is where the name “Thumb Drive” originally came from. Kinda creepy actually.

For those that just can’t let go of old technology. I just hope this USB drive has a greater storage capacity than it’s case did.

The clothes pin drive is creative and different, plus it’s great for hanging your shirts up to dry.

Maybe when you pull the sperm drive out of your pocket you can pull this poop drive out of the other one. That should really get the conversation going.

It’s the old “Teddy Bear jammed it’s head into the USB port” trick. You can’t fool me!

Probably one of the weirdest ones on the list. Not sure why would would want a spoonful of cereal to have a USB drive attached, but then again this is the Internet.

The eraser drive is perfect for fixing mistakes, just don’t try to run out your red underlines in MS Word.

This humping dog drive is sure to get the ladies. Plug it in and it actually starts to hump the side of your computer.

10 Weird USB Drives originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/06. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Fling iPad Joystick

Frank — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:54:30 +0000

It’s no surprise that the iPad has taken off as a mobile gaming platform. The only downside to all that mobile gaming is the lack of a physical joystick. Virtual on-screen keyboards are okay for certain games but if you are into any type of sports or driving games using the virtual joystick can be a major pain. Ten One Designs aims to change all that with Fling, a tactile game controller for the iPad

You simply stick it onto the screen of your iPad using its removable suction cups, and you end up with a real analog stick. It’s made our of transparent flexible resin so you can see through it, accept when you are using your thumb on it but the same can be said for the virtual joystick.

The unit will run you about $25 and comes with its own microfiber case that can be used to clean the screen. Ten One is accepting pre-orders of the Fling starting January 6th.

[Ten One Desgins' Fling]

Fling iPad Joystick originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/04. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Coolest DIY Lightsaber

Frank — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:41:00 +0000

Bradley Lewis of Sloth Furnace has created easily the coolest homemade lightsaber ever. Since we are still quite a ways away from having an actual lightsaber this will just have to do.

This saber is the brightest replica I have ever seen. It lights up almost instantly and has some sweet detail in it’s construction. Check out the video after the break of it in action. There is a complete gallery or pictures and videos over at SlothFurnace.

Coolest DIY Lightsaber originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/02. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

A Cane With A Hidden Punch

Frank — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:45:32 +0000

Just because someone is using a cane to help them walk doesn’t mean that they are defenseless. This not so innocent looking cane packs one massive punch, about a million volts to be exact. If you are some low-life who like to pick on the disabled beware, the next time you pick on someone who you think will be easy prey you might just end up roasted.

The unit comes with a stylish carrying case, charger and a built in flashlight so you can see who you are roasting. The unit will set you back about $90 and is illegal in some states.

[Zap Cane]

A Cane With A Hidden Punch originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/12/30. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Turn Your iPhone Into An IR Remote

Frank — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 07:48:30 +0000

By using Bluetooth technology, the UnityRemote box takes orders from your iPhone and transmits those commands via IR to any IR device in view including your TV, cable box or satellite reciever.

The app that you install on your iPhone to control IR devices not only allows you to send single commands but allows you to create macros (called “actions”) that will follow a set of pre-programmed commands to your device. For example, you can set an action to turn on your TV, change it’s input to your Blu-ray, turn on your Blu-ray player and start playing a disc.

Since the iPhone doesn’t come with a built in IR transmitter, this adds more functionality to your already multi-functional device. Reminds me of the old days of IR Commander on my Palm.

The UnityRemote box will you about $100

Turn Your iPhone Into An IR Remote originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/12/29. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Carbon Fiber Toilet Seat

Frank — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 07:15:20 +0000

I’ve alway heard that adding fiber to your diet helps to regulate you, but i don’t think this is what the doctor ordered.

Carbon fiber is one of the great inventions of the 20th century. It’s light, strong and very durable. All things that you would look for in a toilet seat, no? Well maybe not the light part.

So if your the type that like the carbon fiber style/look you can shell out $280 for this carbon fiber toilet seat. My only concern is if you will be able to find matching towels and bathroom accessories.

[Via Dvice]

Carbon Fiber Toilet Seat originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/12/26. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Rubber Band Gatling Gun

Frank — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:43:02 +0000

Do you remember the Disintegrator that shot 40 rubber bands per second? Well how about a rubber band gatling gun that shoots 100 bands a second? It will cost you $500 but if you have money to burn or are just crazy then it will be perfect for you.

The unit weighs nearly 20 pounds and even has varying length barrels for different size rubber bands. It comes with it’s own stand so that it can be used as a turret (can you say arduino hack to turn this into a sentry) and works off of crank power.

Just keep in mind that at $500 you could go out and buy a real gun but if you live somewhere where guns are frowned upon this is perfect for you.

[Rubber Band Gatling Gun]

Rubber Band Gatling Gun originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/09/14. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Holy Surge

Frank — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:49:21 +0000

Although this is still a concept, this holy power bar might just work when you need a prayer to keep your gadgets from being fried by power surges. With a full 12 outlets, this will be perfect for oversized power bricks and adapters, it’s the catholic way!

If these actually make it to production, I’m sure the various archdiocese’s across the world will be lining up to buy them. You know that every church will want one to power their circa 1970′s PA system. It’s the holy way to power your sermon.

I’m going to stop making all sorts of jokes about this or I very well might be the way who gets hit by lightening.

Holy Surge originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/09/03. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Steampunk Optimus Prime

Frank — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:47:59 +0000

As someone who grew up in the 80′s there is nothing more I love than some good old 80′s cartoons like G.I. Joe and Transformers. As an older fellow I also have a great appreciation for modern geeky art like steampunk creations. What happens when I find someone who mashed the two together? I run out and try to purchase it.

The Encline Design team did just that, created a very detailed steampunk version of the famous Autobots leader Optimus Prime, best of all is the fact it transformers into a steam engine.

The paint scheme looks awesome; while still maintaining Optimus’s Red and Blue, they managed to add just the amount of buff to it to make it realistic to the steampunk style.

Make sure to check out their site for some more picture and some other great steampunk designs.

Steampunk Optimus Prime originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/09/01. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Aerial Surveillance Drone

Frank — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:16:53 +0000

How about your very own aerial surveillance drone that is launched from it’s own mailbox? I know your probably calling me crazy right now for even thinking of it, but it’s true!

The ScanCam 200 is exactly what you want for security surveillance of your property. The unit is a small quad-rotor UAV drone that comes with it’s own climate controlled hangar. The unit can be remotely launched and even set to come back and land right where it took off from.

The unit sends live video back so you can see what it sees. The unit is completely autonomous and navigates itself from one preset point to another. While the unit is docked in it’s mailbox looking hangar, the unit recharges itself until it’s called back into action.

Aerial Surveillance Drone originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/08/30. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Shogo Linux Powered Tablet

Frank — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:45:24 +0000

Looks like someone is trying to de-throne Apple’s iPad. Japanese company Redstar are taking pre-orders on their Linux powered tablet.

The 10″ tablet is multi-touch friendly, comes with 1024×600 resolution and is powered by a Freescale iMX-37. It will also include 4GB of internal memory, 256MB of RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G and a SDHC memory card slot.

No pricing information or shipping date has been set yet, but I know as a happy hacker I can’t wait to get my hands on one, especially since it will run Linux. Imagine all the possibilities. If you know Japanese, then you can hit their website to get more info, otherwise, check the video below of the unit in action.

Shogo Linux Powered Tablet originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/08/30. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

$8450 Speaker Cables

Frank — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 05:50:40 +0000

I’m not about to open the debate about expensive audio cables. There are definitely two camps when it comes to expensive cables; One run by Monster Cable and the other run by everyone else and these $8450 speaker cables prove which side is right!

These baby’s are made of “Solid PSS Silver” and feature “Dual Star-Quad Geometry”. WTF is that? Ohh, I know, it’s bullshit talk so that people with way too much money can be fooled into buying these. They are currently on sale at Amazon for $6800, maybe you should run out and buy two! Check out the following comment from a satisfied user on Amazon:

If there is one cable I would whole-heartedly trust to my Chimera-hunting needs, this would be the cable. No other cable has the tensile strength to properly and efficiently garrote a lycanthrope, asphyxiate an Esquilax or even gag a mermaid. Last week, using my trusty AudioQuest K2 (retrofitted with lead weights, bright orange latex paint and a generous coating of crushed glass stolen from the window of an abandoned church at midnight), I managed to snuff 3 golden unicorns in swift succession!
Pros: Quickly tears through scales, fur, bone, and adamantium with ease
Coils and uncoils from hip holster (optional) quickly and quietly
For a product fabricated from 1,000 Onyx Dragon fetuses, the price is unbelievably reasonable!
Cons: Shipping from the R’lyeh took far too long
Doesn’t come in 10′ lengths (which would be perfect for hydra, cerberii and other multi-headed creatures)
After every use, I can feel 6 ounces of my soul slipping from my core into the ether. But this may be due to the fact that I prefer to work without gloves. YMMV.
Overall, I would recommend that any hunter buy one, nay, two, of these immediately, and experience the difference that upgrading to the K2 will make in your next quest!

If you want one you can get it here, otherwise, I’ll sell you a version that’s just as good for a mere $4000

$8450 Speaker Cables originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/08/26. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

VuQube Portable Dish

Frank — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 05:28:52 +0000

If you are a true satellite TV junkie and absolutely must have it everywhere you go then the VuQube is for you. I must warn you, it isn’t cheap.

This isn’t like you average folding dish that move RV and truckers use, this unit provides you with a signal even while your moving. The unit is also small and compact and can pretty much guarantee you a decent signal. The unit is compatible with pretty much any circular LNB provider like Dish Network, Express VU, and DirectTV.

So if you just can’t live without you DirectTV be prepared to spend $1699 getting it.

[Link to VuQube]

VuQube Portable Dish originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/08/26. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Old School GPS

Frank — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:19:32 +0000

Come on, we have all experience the dreaded “Satellite Lost” syndrome when using a GPS unit. A crafty hacker has created his own low-tech steampunk navigation system.

He soldered together a couple of brass tubes to a backplate and added a crystal face. Now all he has to do is print out step by step directions from Google maps and he will never have to worry about a lack of a clear sky view or even batteries. Plus, check out the resolution of that bad boy, perfect.

[Via Hack A Day]

Old School GPS originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/08/24. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Boost USB Port Voltage

Frank — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:49:16 +0000

Most larger gadgets that recharge via USB require at least 10 watts of power like Apple’s iPad. The iXP1-500 dongle claims it will allow devices to recharge from underpowered USB ports.

I’m not quite sure how they accomplish this for $5, but I assume it must have some sort of capacitor inside that stores juice from these underpowered ports and then sends it down the USB port.

XMultiple Technologies (the makers of the iXP1-500) say that its “100% guaranteed to work”. Hocus pocus or simple electronics? I’m not sure, but if anyone out there gets one be sure to let us know.

Boost USB Port Voltage originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/08/20. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Affordable P1 Jr Pico Projector

Frank — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:10:12 +0000

Projector technology has really come a long way from the days of lugging 30 lbs projectors around. In recent years we have seen the advent of some really small units but nothing that was ever affordable, until now.

Claimed as “the world’s smallest LCOS pico projector” the P1 Jr comes with it’s own battery, external AV connectors so you can hook up a DVD player or iPhone and it has an SD card slot so that you can use it’s built in mp4 player to watch some video.

With it’s 10 lumen LED light source you are only going to be using this thing in a very dark room, but for $119 you really can’t ask for much.

[ AAXA Technologies P1 Jr Pico Projector ]

Affordable P1 Jr Pico Projector originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/08/19. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Transforming Thomas

Frank — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:20:05 +0000

As a father of a small child I know all to well who Thomas the Train is. My little guy has a really cool train table with 100′s of trains (I step on the stupid things all the time). Although I do enjoy the morals that the show teaches my child, I often wonder what ever happened to the awesome violent cartoons of my childhood. Show’s G.I., Joe, Thundercat’s and Voltron?

Well, now you can mix the two and enjoy play time with your kids.

This awesome Chinese knockoff brings the joy of Thomas and mashes it with the awesomeness of Voltron. I’m sure if you head on down to your local Chinatown you’ll be able to pick one up.

Transforming Thomas originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/08/18. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Allegro Portable Internet Radio

Frank — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:04:12 +0000

Let’s face it, terestrial radio is all but dead. Who wants to wade through all the commercials and limited avalability of the FM or AM dial? I listen to internet radio all the time, when at work at my desk and even on my iPhone when in my car and this little baby while now complete my internet radio experience.

The Grace Allegro Wi-Fi internet radio can run for about 8 hours on six AA batteries and streams over 16,000 radio stations from the likes of Pandora, Sirius and Live365. Is has built in 802.11b/g/n support and even has an iPhone remote control app so you can change stations without walking up to the unit.

You also get MP3/WMA/Real Audio/WAV/AAC/AIFF codec support, alarm functions, built-in speaker, 4-line display, standard remote control.

The unit will cost you $170 and is available right now from Grace Digital Audio

Allegro Portable Internet Radio originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/02/25. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

© tech.nocr.at 2010 | Permalink | One Comment | Read more in Gadgets | Explore more in: 2.1, 2010, AA, ac, alarm, arm, audio, batteries, car, codec, commercial, control, dead, display, ds, e3, ea, experience, internet radio, iphone, ir, live, live365, loa, mit, mp3, nda, os, pandora, phone, portable, radio, rc, remote, remote control, sirius, stream, tech.nocr.at, time, ui, walking | Add to del.icio.us | Stumble it | Reddit

Glow In The Dark Toilet Paper

Frank — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:10:07 +0000

How many times have you been in the bathroom taking care of business when suddenly the lights go out? Never you say? Well I have, once. Trust me, when you are caught in a situation where you are in complete darkness the only thing you want to know is where the toilet paper is, and when the lights are off you have no idea.

Enter the glow in the dark toilet paper. If you are ever caught in a situation like I mentioned above you will be thankful that you spend $8 a roll (ya that’s right, cleaning up you business with glow in the dark toilet paper is expensive).

You can grab you very own roll at I Want One of Those

Glow In The Dark Toilet Paper originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/02/22. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Solar Powered Cellphone

Frank — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 05:05:07 +0000

Ever been caught with a dead cellphone and no source of juice anywhere to power that puppy up? Come on now, you know you have. Well, Sharp is ready to settle that problem once and for all.

By dropping your conventional backlit LCD and using a passive matrix LCD screen the SH6230C will use a lot less power than a conventional phone. The passive matrix screen can display the time and SMS/e-mail all the while using an incredibly small amount of power. Don’t count on too many features either. Besides offering your standard dumb phone features the only extra bell you get is a 5-megapixel camera, but if you spend a lot of time outdoors this phone should never leave you high and ~~dry~~ dead.

The phone will run on GSM networks and is set to make it’s debut in China sometime this month with a $500 price tag.

Solar Powered Cellphone originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/02/21. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

© tech.nocr.at 2010 | Permalink | One Comment | Read more in Gadgets | Explore more in: 2010, ac, camera, cell phone, cellphone, cellular, dead, display, door, dry, ds, ea, gsm, id, lcd, loa, mail, make, matrix, mobile, nda, network, pen, phone, power, rc, ring, sharp, small, sms, solar, tag, tech.nocr.at, time, ui | Add to del.icio.us | Stumble it | Reddit

Windows Phone 7 In Action

Frank — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:08:35 +0000

Earlier this week at the World Mobile Conference Microsoft announced the Windows Phone 7. Microsoft, the once high and mighty in the smartphone market looks like it’s getting serious about taking back their smartphone crown.

I have never been a Microsoft fan but I must admit I was a heavy user of the Windows Mobile environment a few years back and I quite enjoyed it. Development and improvements in their mobile os quickly fell to the way side and they were quickly overshadowed by the like of RIM and Apple.

The OS looks clean and simple, following the Zune’s UI but it is already suffering from some bad play like the fact that there will be no backwards compatibility with older WinMo software, no multi-tasking and no Flash (could this finally be the death of flash?), and a super late roll out date (Q4 of 2010).

Check out the video after the break of the new shiny OS.

[link to Windows Phone 7]

Windows Phone 7 In Action originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/02/20. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Vega Tablet With Android 2.0

Frank — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:57:00 +0000

With all the hype surrounding the “maybe possibily” release of the Apple tablet, other possible tablet like devices have been over shadowed. Take this uber sexy looking Innovative Converged Device called the Vega.

The Vega will be offered in 7, 11 and 15-inch models and will all run Android 2.0 software. The largest of the bunch will have a 15.6-inch resistive screen that supports a resolution of 1366 x 768, come with a Tegra processor, 512MB DDR DRAM, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi (no N), and Bluetooth 2.1. The built-in 512MB NAND Flash storage can be expanded via MicroSD cards. It’ll weigh about 45 ounces and have a battery life of around 4 hours.

Look for them to hit tier one cell phone carriers sometime in early 2010. No pricing is available on them yet, but the company does say that they intend to let them go for little cost, so it looks like the carriers might be subsidizing them.

Vega Tablet With Android 2.0 originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/11/13. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

iSteady Shot: Camera Stabilizer For Your iPhone

Frank — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:01:06 +0000

If using your iPhone 3G S to shoot a movie is in your plans you will quickly learn that such a small and light weight device won’t be the easiest thing to keep stable. Gladly someone has got your problems covered.

The iSteady Shot is a camera stabilization unit for your iPhone 3G S. Although this won’t improve the video quality of the video that the iPhone produces, it will defiantly make it a lot smoother (check the video out after the break). It can be adjusted if your iPhone has a case and comes with a two-axis gimbal for real smooth 360 degree movement.

The unit will run you $149.99 and can be pre-ordered right now from their site.

iSteady Shot: Camera Stabilizer For Your iPhone originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/11/13. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Cup Communicator

Frank — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:19:19 +0000

When I was a kid you communicated with two tin cans connected with a string, and that was the early 80′s for God’s sake. If you want to relive your childhood with a modern twist (some of us supres our childhood memories of have a Sega system while everyone else had moved on to the NES) then check out these walkie talkies that are designed to look like paper cups connected by string.

The design of the Cup Communicator is focused on the gesture of use and the relationship between the users and object. I aim to explore the potential of the product as a medium for interaction and reassess the way we use technology.
The form and function of the Cup Communicator refer to the ‘two-cans and string’ children’s toy and the physical factors involved with that device. This typology and its associations remind us of the magic and playfulness of our first communication devices.

Not exactly the form you’d want for this type of function, but it will definitely turn heads.

[Link to Cup Communicator]

Cup Communicator originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/11/12. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

mPower Illuminator: A $250 Flashlight

Frank — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:59:06 +0000

You might be wondering why you would spend $250 on a flashlight, especially since you can pick up a cheap one at a dollar store for, well, a dollar. There are two reasons you would do so. One would be because you are filthy rich and really don’t care how much you spend and Two, hmmmm, well you decide for yourself.

The mPower Emergency Illuminator was designed by the Porsche Design Studio (so far not worth the $250).
It comes with what the company calls “groundbreaking battery technology”. The unit has dual battery barrel’s. One barrel holds you run-of-the-mill batteries and the other holds the “mPower Reserve Battery” that has a minimum shelf life of 20 years from activation. The user chooses when and where to active it. (still can’t see why I would pay $250)
A built in USB port for charging other gadgets (Maybe. Actually, nope. Still not worth it)

So as you can see, you’ll have to be filthy rich to justify this purchase, or just an idiot.

[Via DVICE]

mPower Illuminator: A $250 Flashlight originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/11/12. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Enterprise Chandelier, For The Geeky

Frank — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:52:46 +0000

I know my wife would love to have me hang up this Enterprise chandelier in our dining room. She would love it so much that it would easily be grounds for her to divorce me. On the other hand, if your already single and your a hardcore trekie then this $189 USS Enterprise chandelier might just be perfect for your residence.

[Link to Enterprise Chandelier]

Enterprise Chandelier, For The Geeky originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/11/12. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

A Cell Phone For Grama

Frank — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:07:55 +0000

With the massive amount of multi-function “smart” phones out there people tend to loose the focus of what cell phones actually are; phones.

My mother couldn’t care less if her phone plays mp3′s or if it’s got a twitter client. All she wants is a phone and a super easy one to boot. As she starts to approach her twilight years (still love you mom), this generic brand mobile phone with oversize butons with a screen that can be read from across the room might just be perfect for her.

The oginal idea was to design a phone for seniors who aren’t very tech savvy, but you can also use it if all you want is a really simple cell phone.

The 6380 Senior Mobile Phone does actually carry a few handy features, including a flashlight, a massive “SOS” button on the back the can auto dial a pre-set number and emit a loud warning tone (if you think pocket dialing people is bad, just imagine this in your pocket), a phone book, SMS messaging, a calendar, alarm clock and an FM radio. The display is kept to a bare minimum with a massive font and, ready for this, a whopping 128×60 screen resolution.

The 6380 only works in the 900/1800 GSM bands, so it will work everywhere except for North America (sorry mom). If it’ll work on your home network, expect to pay $74.99 for one.

[Link to 6380 Seniors Mobile]

A Cell Phone For Grama originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/11/06. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

© tech.nocr.at 2009 | Permalink | Comments | Read more in Gadgets | Explore more in: ac, alarm, alarm clock, arm, band, book, boot, bra, car, cell phone, cellular, clock, cross, design, display, ds, ea, flash, flashlight, gsm, id, light, loa, lock, mini, mit, mobile, mp3, nda, nes, network, number, os, phone, pocket, radio, senior, sms, tech.nocr.at, twitter | Add to del.icio.us | Stumble it | Reddit

USB Boobie Warmers

Frank — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:26:10 +0000

I have seen my share of of really weird USB devices, but a set of breast warming pads that work off of USB? Just imagine plugging in your bra to your laptop as you are working at your desk.

I’m not sure how much good this will do you while your out and about, where keeping your boobies warm might be what you want, but then again you can always have a battery pack or solar panel on the back of your jacket to power it.

[Link to USB Breast Warmer]

USB Boobie Warmers originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/11/05. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Fuel Cell Charger

Frank — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:25:28 +0000

We have all heard about how fuel cell technology will revolutionize the world of power since they are instantly recharged with a small shot of methanol. Toshiba finally releases a practical fuel cell charger for real world geek use; a gadget charger.

Toshiab’s Dynario charger uses as little as 50 ml of methanol to recharge itself in about 20 seconds. This really is the first stab for them at consumer commercial fuel cell chargers and they have only created 3000 units that they plan to sell for $328, plus another $34 for 5 cartridges.

This is still a far cry from being affordable for common use, but it is a first step in easing power issues for all of us geeks.

[Link to Toshiba's Dynario]

Fuel Cell Charger originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/11/04. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Batteries For The Web 2.0 Generation

Frank — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:59:22 +0000

Seriously, why has no other company come up with the idea of creating sexy looking batteries? We have gradients on every web 2.0 website out there, why not some colour on our batteries too?

Well first off, most devices that use batteries keep them hidden so nobody will ever see the flashy looking skin to your powercell and secondly, does it really matter? DC power is DC power. It’s doesn’t matter if it comes from a black and copper Duracell or a Volta.

[Link to Volta Battery Packaging]

Batteries For The Web 2.0 Generation originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/11/03. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Remote Controlled Tissue Box

Frank — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:05:27 +0000

Yes, you read it right, a remote controlled tissue box. You never know when you might need to blow your nose and feel way to lazy to get up and get the tissue box that’s like 2 feet away. Actually, now that I come to think of it, how many people actually keep their tissue boxes on the floor? I mean wouldn’t this thing need to be rugged if you say, keep your tissue box on a end table or on the coffee table? I’m just asking here.

If you do keep your tissue box on the floor and are interested in purchasing this remote controlled unit it costs $25, it has a maximum range of 8m and it’s 250x65x123mm so make sure your kleenex box fits inside. Oh yeah, and it’s only available in Japan.

Remote Controlled Tissue Box originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/30. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Electronic Guitar Shirt

Frank — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:50:20 +0000

When only wear a shirt with a picture of your favorite instrument when you can actually play it? The Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt from the clothing masters at ThinkGeek isn’t just a picture of a guitar, it’s actually a real instrument that allows you to play your favorite tunes right on the shirt. The shirt works via touch sensitivity and come with a magnetic pick that even allows you to strum. All sounds that the shirt produces were recorded on a real guitar and you even get a tiny amp that clips on to your belt. Check out the video after the break.

Just don’t fall asleep with the shirt on as it can easily wake you up if you start tossing and turning. Either that or you might stumble on some great new musical style.

[Link to Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt]

Electronic Guitar Shirt originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/29. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Sucker Alert: $1200 Mouse

Frank — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:36:45 +0000

Don’t get me wrong, a good solid mouse it a must, especially if your a hardcore gamer, but $1200? I don’t think so. The ID Mouse from Intelligent design looks great and I’m sure it’s comfortable (at $1200 no wonder they won’t send us a review unit), but the last thing I want to do is spend more money on a mouse than I did on the whole fracking computer.

I’d be afraid to actually use this thing. It would sit behind glass, just for show. Plus, look at that finish, imagine all of the finger prints and smudges that would hold. Hey, if you have more money than you know what to do with go nuts, not me, this coming from the same guy who purchased his wife a $900 purse from Coach.

[Link to ID Mouse]

Sucker Alert: $1200 Mouse originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/27. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Sucker Alert: Wattgate 381 “Audio Grade” Socket

Frank — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:23:22 +0000

Wow, there really is a sucker born every minute, but is there anyone out there stupid enough to spend $147 on a so called “Audio Grade” electrical socket?

The Wattgate 381 and claims to bring you crystal clean sound. I’m no electrician but doesn’t the quality of your sound actually come from the components inside your amplifier? WTF does electricity flow have to do with it? It’s not like this is some surge suppressor that cleans your power and makes sure that you don’t have power fluctuation. It’s a freaking socket.

I’m sure this will go perfectly with the $400 Monster Cable you bought and that $500 Denon Ethernet Cable.

If your stupid enough to buy one, you can pick it up here

Sucker Alert: Wattgate 381 “Audio Grade” Socket originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/25. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Asus Keyboard PC

Frank — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:14:53 +0000

The long awaited modern day Commodore 64 look-a-like is delayed once again. The Asus Eee Keyboard PC is a self contained pc inside of a keyboard. Remember the old Commodore 64, 128 and Amiga 500? Well this is essentially that with modern day hardware and options.

One of the reasons Asus held back the release of the Eee Keyboard PC was to further develop it with 720p/1080p HD output. This cool gadget will turn out to be the perfect Home Theater PC. I only hope you can cram a pci card in there so you can add your own DVB-T or DVB-S video capture card.

With still no official announcement as to when you will be able to pick up your very own Eee Keyboard PC here at the very least is a taste of the unit in action.

Asus Keyboard PC originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/22. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Second Gen Flip MinoHD

Frank — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:06:12 +0000

Flip is set to release an upgraded version of it’s MinoHD pocket camcorder just in time for the holiday season. The second gen MinoHD features a brushed metal body, double the internal memory (8GB vs 4GB), a 2-inch LCD and an HDMI connection (sorry, no cable included).

The corners are now rounded giving it a sleeker appearance and the FlipShare software package has been tweaked to include direct uploads to Facebook in addition to the already available uploads to YouTube and MySpace.

You can get the new MinoHD in silver or you can opt for a custom finish for no extra charge directly from the Flip website.

Second Gen Flip MinoHD originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/17. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Portable Data Center

Frank — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:04:13 +0000

A pioneering Dell employee has create a prototype portable data center. This won’t be replacing any of the big shipping container data centers that the likes of Google or Sun are building, but this is a great start to of things to come. This would be great in a disaster recovery plan to bring systems back up on a temporary basis after a catastrophic event.

Pike has crammed two servers running dual-core, 2.5 GHz Intel processors (Harpertown), 32 GB of memory, 4 TB of disk space for storage, a power supply, a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet Switch and even some solid-state drives into a metal box. The box consumes about 325 watts, is relatively portable and provides enough performance to act as a DNS server or a data center for a small business

With those specs this thing would make one awesome war driving machine, lol.

[Via GigaOM]

Portable Data Center originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/17. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

© tech.nocr.at 2009 | Permalink | Comments | Read more in Gadgets | Explore more in: ac, briefcase, bus, case, cat, data cener, dell, drive, ds, ea, ethernet, google, id, intel, loa, Mac, machine, make, metal, nes, os, portable, power, proc, recovery, ring, server, small, space, switch, tech.nocr.at, tor, ui | Add to del.icio.us | Stumble it | Reddit

Vulcan Flash Drive

Frank — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:47:02 +0000

Now this is only for the Trekkie hardcore. The IMM Vulcan 2GB USB Flash Drive comes in the shape of a hand throwing down the traditional Vulcan gang sign (i’m trying really hard here to make this sound cool). If your not a trekkie you might not want to be caught dead with one of these in your computer bag. On the other hand this could be used as a female pleasure device (it would have to be bigger) so it might actually help you score instead of sending women running the other way.

If you want the geek cred then dropping $35.99 for this isn’t going to be a problem.

Vulcan Flash Drive originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/16. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

70′s PMP

Frank — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:32:24 +0000

Why would you want that sleek modern looking iPod or Archos portable media player when you can have this 1970′s styled Q10 from MyRacer? Just look at that volume knob that sticks out, just like your parents old record player.

Don’t let the retro look fool you. This old school media player supports all the major formats you would expect like divx, xvid, mp3, aac and even wmv. It comes with 4GB of internal storage and a 3-inch touchscreen.

No idea on pricing yet but expect to pay 2009 dollars for this one.

70′s PMP originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/13. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

USB Prankster

Frank — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:40:50 +0000

This $32 USB device can easily cause some great laughs or it will cause you to be beaten senseless. Plus this flash drive looking USB device into an unsuspecting users computer and your victims computer will look like it’s possessed. Random mouse movements, caps lock turing itself off and on, or random garbled text and phrases. The Prankster also features a time delay switch so that you have time to make a getaway before all of the mayhem begins.

Although the unit is annoying it will never save a document or close out of anything. Still, make sure you know your victim well enough to know that he or she won’t be calling in the cops to investigate some terrorist action being performed on their computer.

You can try to pick this unit up (they are currently sold out) at Thumbs Up!

USB Prankster originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/13. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Flash Drive Comb

Frank — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:05:36 +0000

File this one under the “what the f*#k are you doing spending money on something so damn stupid” category.

It’s now official, I have now seen every stupid possible way to jam a USB flash drive into even stupider objects. The only possible need to this $36 2GB comb flash drive is if your a barber who wants to hide some sort of secret document. Scratch that, that was a stupid idea. I stretching here really hard to try to find an actual use for this product but I can’t.

Flash Drive Comb originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/09. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Nuclear Battery In Your Pocket

Frank — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:30:16 +0000

Yep, you heard me correctly, a nuclear battery. Researchers at the University of Missouri have created super tiny nuclear power sources that can be used as batteries. Dead gadgets and XBox 360 controllers will soon be a thing of the past.

The secret to these tiny power plants is the use of new liquid semiconductors instead of solid ones. Don’t think you can run out and pick a set up at Radio Shack just yet. The current focus is on powering nano electromechanical systems not your digital camera. Which in my opinion might be a good idea. We have all heard of cell phone and laptop batteries exploding, imagine if something goes wrong with one of these. You’ll have a lot more to worry about than burn wounds.

Nuclear Battery In Your Pocket originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/08. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

© tech.nocr.at 2009 | Permalink | Comments | Read more in Gadgets | Explore more in: 360, ac, batteries, battery, camera, cell phone, control, controller, dead, ds, ea, hack, ical, id, laptop, loa, nano, nes, nuclear, phone, pocket, power, radio, rc, ring, secret, tech.nocr.at, tiny, tor, ui, wrong, xbox, xbox 360 | Add to del.icio.us | Stumble it | Reddit

4K TV Only $76,000

Frank — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:35:57 +0000

If you have been holding out on buying that new 1080p HD TV because you know that 4K TVs are only around the corner then your wait is over. It will definitely cost you though, around $76,000 to be exact.

This Sony 4K 56-inch TV sports a 3840×2160 resolution. Thats 4 times the size of full resolution HD TV. You could div up your screen into quads and still watch 4 HD streams at the same time. It might just be cheaper to purchase 4 HD TVs to be honest with you.

Like the title says only $76,000 and this could be yours, a bit pricy but just think of all the AV cred you’d build up with one of these in your Mom’s basement.

4K TV Only $76,000 originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/07. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Mini Lighter Cufflinks

Frank — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:21:23 +0000

Seriously, you’d have to be a cast member of the TV Show Madmen to be able to pull off something like these mini lighter cufflinks. Seriously, who smokes any more (besides me. I know I know). Not even the modern day super spy would want to be caught with these things, they’d opt for the mini laser cufflinks.

If you still think that walking around with something attached to your very flammable shirt that can easily catch fire since it carries flammable fluid inside, then you can head over to Etsy and pick them up for $40 off of YougNeek.

Mini Lighter Cufflinks originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/07. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

RAAL Coffee Can Sound

Frank — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:31:49 +0000

At first glance you might think that this is a small set of steel drums or maybe just two tin cans stuck together but in reality these metal cylinders will impress you with with the sound they put out.

Each cylinder has midrange drivers mounted at each end with a ribbon tweeter mounted between the cylinders that reflects off of the aluminum surface for omnidirectional output. The two units are mounted on an arm that resembles a desk lamp with a third cylinder on the floor which acts as a subwoofer.

Production for the unit starts in a few months and all the speakers including the arm will be sold as a kit. With a massive $4000 price tag this unit better impress.

RAAL Coffee Can Sound originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/04. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Your Very Own Tricorder

Frank — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:23:44 +0000

I’m a hardcore Trekie. I’d almost go as far as saying i’m one serious ass trek head, but i’m not sure if walking out in public with this $49.99 Tricorder replica, especially if i don’t want to be laughed at or beaten in public.

On the other hand if you plan on attending Comic-Con or a Star Trek convention then bringing this along to show all of the massive nerds it’s working sound effects and lights you should be alright.

If your cool with the later scenario, then you can pick this baby up from Amazon on June 4th 09 for a mere $49.99.

Your Very Own Tricorder originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/05/18. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

USB Powered Tardis Micro Fridge

Frank — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:54:36 +0000

You must show your true colours when it comes to this gadget sitting on your desk. People from far and wide must know that you have a serious addiction to the Dr. Who series or else you will be ridiculed to no end.

If you are will to suffer the harassment then you will appreciate the famous time travelers phone booth turned fridge. The unit will hold a 12 ounce can f soda and comes with a flashing Tardis light with some sound effects. All this joy can soon be yours for the low price of $44.99 from Entertainment Earth

USB Powered Tardis Micro Fridge originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/11/06. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Pure Gold PC

Frank — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:56:56 +0000

We have featured many things that would explain why people with tons of money are really stupid. But it seems that every time I stumble across some new over priced useless piece of technology it beats the last.

Take this solid gold (yes solid, not plated) PC. I’m not quite sure how much gold is used in the case, but I am sure that it costs more than the internals, which are; an Intel Core 2 Duo, 100GB drive (WTF, solid gold and all you get is 100GBs?), 4GB of RAM, 8 USB ports, and 2 FireWire ports (and Apple wouldn’t put any in the latest MacBook).

No word on pricing either, but I’m pretty sure none of us could afford it.

Pure Gold PC originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/10/31. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

AndroidBoy – Game Boy Emulator For The G1

Frank — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:49:40 +0000

What good is a powerful smart phone if you can’t double it as a Game Boy? It hasn’t taken much time for someone to do just that, create a Game Boy emulator for the Android phone OS. The emulator isn’t quite ready for the masses just yet (unless you feel like pulling you hair out trying to figure out why you can’t play Madden 99 on it), but it’s a start in the right direction.

Enjoy the bleeding edge of game play from 99 on your bleeding edge from from 08. Who would have thunk?

[Link to AndroidBoy]

AndroidBoy – Game Boy Emulator For The G1 originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/10/31. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Margarator – Make Margaritas In Your Car

Frank — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:15:47 +0000

How many times you been cruising down the road when the craving for a nice tasty cold Margarita? I know I never have, but if I ever did the Margarator MSB-585 would come to save the day.

The blender was clearly created for on-the-go drinkers. IMHO, drinking and driving is a really bad idea. Making a drink while your driving in an even worse idea, but this 12V cigarette lighter powered blender could come in handy while your on a camping trip. Just don’t even get pulled over by the cops with one of these in your front seat plugged in, you’ll be in for a big surprise.

You can pick up your own Margarator for $110 from BarWare

Margarator – Make Margaritas In Your Car originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/10/25. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Imerge MS1 Media Server – 6 Terabytes Of Fun

Frank — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:24:56 +0000

Got a fetish for all the media you can handle? Well, the Imerge MS1 home media server might just be right for you. The Imerge MS1, when combined with a storage system like XiVA’s three and six terabyte disc arrays, will give you an amazing high-quality audio and video streaming solution over your network.

The unit comes with HDMI out that can play 1080p video, an audiophile-grade sound board with Wolfson Delta-Sigma 24-bit DACs, a night GUI, and more connectors than you can shake a stick at.

When you add that and the raid arrays which come with 8 500GB or 1 TB drive in a RAID-6 configuration (which will give you something insane like 1700 hours or 71 days of video), you’ll be forking out a ton of cash. $22,500 for the 3TB model and $24,500 for the 6TB model.

[Link to Imerge]

Imerge MS1 Media Server – 6 Terabytes Of Fun originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/10/20. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

USB Monitor

Frank — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:46:51 +0000

This monitor is small. I mean really small. It measures 77mm x 127mm x 17mm, with a 4.3 inch backlit WVGA (800 x 480) display. So what is so special about a tiny monitor anyways? We see them all the time in our gadgets and in our cars. This tiny unit is 100% USB powered. That’s right, no power cables, no VGA cables, just a single USB cable does it all.

The idea is not to have this act as your main monitor (although I guess you could if you were using something like an NSLU2) but to use it to house a chat window or a widget so that it doesn’t get in the way of what you are working on. For $200 you get the unit with a built in kickstand to keep it upright. Yeah I know, $200 is a tad expensive, but if you don’t want to deal with all of the extra cords then you will have to pay the price.

[Link to USB Monitor]

USB Monitor originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/10/13. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.