Motorola introduced today a device that can be used as mp3 player and monitor a range of parameters of your body. Motorola Motoactv is a device for people who take regular vigorous physical activities.
There are many watch-like gadgets, some even features telephony functions, but for some reason these gadget-watches never managed to be succesful. Apple has started a new trend because the iPod Nano was originally designed to be just a cheaper and more compact version of the conventional iPod. Instead, because of its small size, it has received addition accessories from other manufacturers that upgrade it to the status of multimedia watch.
Motoactv is a gadget that has a screen 1.6-inch touch screen and 600 Mhz processor. The watch features hardware and touchscreen buttons. Since the device is intended mainly for athletes, there will be situations where you get sweaty or get fingers wet and using the touch screen could be difficult. For this purpose, Motoactv has two dedicated buttons. The first one brings activates the screen and the second leads to the music player.
2012 is almost here so we need to be prepared. Here are some of the coolest gadgets that will be released in 2012 (some presented at IFA Berlon 2011).
Samsung Galaxy 7.7 Tablet
With only 7.89 millimeters thick and weighing 335 grams, the Galaxy 7.7 presents users with a Super AMOLED display that offers high contrast and accurate viewing experience, allowing a wider variety of colors, with better separation between light and shade tones. The battery will last up to 10 hours.
LG Smartscan mouse
The new mouse from LG has a built scanner. All you need to do is press the Smart Scan button located on the left side of the mouse device and roll over the material they want to scan. The scanned image can then be saved in the desired format (PNG, JPEG, TIFF, BMP, PDF, XLS or DOC) or placed in a document or an application with drag & drop. The technology involves a proprietary optical character recognition to convert scanned text to a Microsoft Word document that can be edited if desired. This 2-in-1 device can scan A3 pages.
Sony 3D viewer
One of the most futuristic devices presented at the IFA is "Personal 3D Viewer" from Sony. It is mounted on the head and gives the user a new style of 3D viewing experience. Sony 3D viewer consists of two different displays, one for the left eye and one for the user's right eye. To provide an experience full surround-sound device incorporates headphones.
VIERA Neo Plasma Panasonic: 2D to 3D conversion
The new Panasonic Viera range Neoplasms technology provides an excellent conversion from 2D to 3D image. The newLineis distinguished,are equippedwithtechnologyInfiniteBlackPanelPro,THXcertificationfortheir2D to3Dplaybackandcan connect tocertain Internet contentviaVIERAConnect.Moreover, theyareWi-Fiready(via USB)andDLNAcertification,offersthe possibility of makingvideo callsvia Skype, andcanplaybackpictures and videosthanks toVIERAImageViewer.
I'm into video games so you can imagine how I feel when I see what this has in his living room. Hydraulics, steering wheel, few beers and the party can start!
Men of science at Intel developed a new project involving an experimental CPU that may conduct to gadgets and computers with importantly lower energy usage.
The chip is codenamed “Claremont” and is acknowledged as a near-threshold voltage processor, which grants electronic transistors to engage at super-low, near “verge” emfs to increase efficiency and diminish energy consumption. This degree is very close to the electric potential at which transistors turn on and start conducting current (“threshold” voltage). This brings a 500% increase in energy efficiency.
In the presentation, the prototype low-power CPU was exploited on a PC running Linux Operating System, powered exclusively off a photovoltaic cell the size of a stamp. The CPU was utilized in alignment with other experimental project, a prototype DRAM named the hybrid memory cube (ultra-effective computer memory interface).
“We used a solar cell in the demonstration to show how little power was required,” said Intel spokeswoman Connie Brown in an interview. “But it could run on anything that has power.” Like lemon juice, or perhaps a potato as Brown suggested. “The key message is the low power and how much more transistors would be power-efficient running at near-threshold.”
Numerous years of exploring unknown territories in research have conducted to Intel’s near-threshold voltage-processor design. Claremont changes into NTV mode (under 10 mW in power consumption) when its workload is light.
This implies, besides powering off entirely, a CPU can remain in an “ultra low-power state,” conserving open applications and active processes — “always-on” devices. The technology could even be applied to produce “zero-power” computer architectures powered by solar power. The future is bright!
They say the future of computing is mobile. Rimino project is a concept design E-paper mobile device. It features a user interface animated by print posters. Historically, as applied science has advanced, gadgets have become more blazing. Rimino disputes this trend and exhibits the unconventional: applied science that's more structured and more sensible to the human experience. This project was made in collaboration with Microsoft.
Wacom just released Inkling, a fresh digital sketch pen that captures a digital likeness of your drawings with its ballpoint tip on any sketchbook or normal piece of paper.
If you read this blog for some time, you know that I'm a fan of solar energy. The main reason is that solar energy is clean, green and assures the sustainability of planet Earth! Another important reason is that solar energy is FREE, and this means you will save a lot of money by using solar powered gadgets. The other day I was browsing Amazon for solar powered gadgets. So, here are my findings: my top 5 Solar Powered Gadgets:
1. Eton NSP500B Soulra XL Sound System for iPod and iPhone Soulra XL will change the way you listen music on your iPod or your iPhone. With this amazing solar powered device you'll be able to harness sun's power and use it to play your favourite music.
features: (via Amazon)
Power: 72 square inch enhanced monocrystal solar panel, rechargeable lithium ion battery pack, charges iPod and iPhone
Protect with: Rubberized end caps and anti-glare tinted iPod chamber
Sundanzer Solar-Powered Chest Freezer is perfect for off-grid solar homes or diligences where power system electricity is not yet available, such as cabins, hunting camps, farms, boats and other places. This solar-powered freezer provides exceptionally low energy consumption. The package requires 215 Watt solar panel, 300 Ah battery and 15 Amp charge controller.
MAXSA Innovations 40218 Motion-Activated Dual Head LED Security Spotlight are one of the best solar powered security lights on the market. It's pretty easy to install, uses only solar energy and it's gread for sheds, steps and porches. I think my grandmother would appreciate a gift like this.
I love Casio, and this water resistant watch is on my Amazon's wish list for some time. The coolest thing about G-Shock is that is solar powered. This watch features atomic timekeeping,leading in highly precise time that can be measured on instruments. G-Shock 6900 receive thermal and electrical energy that recharges the batteries through solar panels found on the face of the watch.
I hope you like my picks. Do you know any cool solar powered gadgets? Share with us!
You should know one thing about technology: its advancement and progress never stops. That's why I'm putting together this list of top 2012 technology trends and predictions.
Blu-ray players The technology is here for some time, but in 2012 it is slowing replacing the old dvd-players in our living rooms. I think 2012 is the year when Blu-Ray take over! Many catalogue titles are being released day by day and discounts have enabled unit shipments to grow fast.
1080p vs 720p Everyone owns at least one HD recording device. But in 2012 many of us will replace the old 720p recording devices with the new wave of 1080p gadgets. Manufacturers have already released 1080p video recording capable phones (Samsung Galaxy S II) and this is only the beginning. 1080p is the new standard for home video.
Mini Projectors for everyone Projectors will carry on to develop fame. In 2012 many will desire to opt a home theater projector over a TV, when it comes to filling up space. In spite of the economic downswing, projectors are selling like crazy. Folks choose this device instead of giving $10 for a movie ticket. It's cheaper and more facile for everyone.
Energy-efficient Gadgets Consumers will be chasing energy-efficient gadgets. Everyone gets into the environment subject, and this means technology of this type of products growths, the proliferation of energy-efficient and green products will step-up. Solar technology it's growing by jumps and leaps recently. We see in stores merchandises like solar-powered chargers, and photovoltaic cell phone batteries. Designers have created bags with solar power, so you can imagine that everyone wants to get involved.
There is a huge demand for these items so be sure to hear more of this in 2012.
Although I like Kindle, it seems that Barns & Noble improved the their first generation of eBook reader. I love the new features that include touchscreen technology, long battery life, lightness and the E-Ink technology features.
The new Nook comes with 2GB of internl memory and feature a support for external SD memory.
I don't really see a reason to use this, but it's interesting to see what people can do this days. This USB typewriter was design by Kelsey Halliday Johnson. On their website you'll be able to find a DIY kit.
David Braben is a very known game developer, the chief of the UK development studio Frontier Developments, but is even as known for being the co-developer of Elite.
The studio he's working in brought Rollercoaster Tycoon series, Thrillville, Lost Winds, and most lately Kinectimals. Along these functions, he's trying to get programming and general computer learning back in schools.
Braben debates that pedagogy since we acceded the 2000s has converted towards ICT which instructs utile skills such as composing documents in a word processing system, how to make presentations, and primary computer use skills.
His answer isn't to create his personal trend, but alternatively to construct a very low-priced microcomputer that can be donated to kids and classes built up around their use. When we state low-priced, we think of so low even the OLPC would be struck.
David Braben has produced a small USB stick PC that features a HDMI port in one end and a USB port on the other. This microcomputer can be plugged into a HDMI socket, then plug in a keyboard via the USB port applying you a fully running PC running a version of Linux. The cost for this device? $25.
Boyo VTG43 Rear View Mirror with 4.3-Inch Touch Panel LCD with Navigation/Bluetooth is the best crazy cool gadget you'll ever have in your car. Substitute your typical rearview mirror with this all-in-one Bluetooth Rearview Mirror for hands-free cellular phone calling, inbuilt GPS navigation, and exquisite multimedia on-the-go! Also featuring a 4.3 inch touchscreen, this sophisticated rearview monitor is among the safest and smartest car crazy gadgets you'll ever find.
General Features...
Bluetooth for safe and hands-free calls
Built-in GPS navigation
4.3 inch touchscreen
Fits over your standard factory mirror
Free 4GB SD card included for storing maps, pictures, videos, etc.
Lego Mindstorms is a line of programmable robotics/construction toys, manufactured by the Lego Group. It comes in a kit containing many pieces including sensors and cables. This guy used 20 GBC modules built by him, 4 modules(screw,sweeper,shovel,pump) based on Philo's. The module at 5:24 based on Isogawa's and the pneumatic module at 7:00 using Linmix's image. Some other modules were inspired by GBC fan's.
I liked the fact that at 2:33 the module is sorting the balls by color. Too bad they are mixed together after that. I was hoping for something more.
The Evolution of Mobile is a viral video presented by Vodafone using 3D projection technology. What's interesting is that this is the first small-scale projection mapping installation. In order to achieve these effects they used a hand-held camera.
It's interesting to see how far we've come! What's next?
This amazing concept is called LIFEBOOK X2 and starts from an amazing idea: a folding laptop. The best thing about this laptop is its compactness and it's amazing design.
As you can see in the pictures, the laptop has 4 superimposed components that could be opened in two ways.
What I like about this concept design is that you have a full size laptop if you unfold all the components, but you can have a compact laptop if you unfold only two components.
The downside of this design is the middle line of the screen. When in full size, a line can be observed in the middle of the screen. This cannot be avoid due to the unfolding concept. But I'm sure you'll get used to it!
GoPro HD is one of the best action camera under $300. You should know this camera has a fantastic value for its money. It takes a bit of getting used to it but it's damn small and it can be used for hockey, dirt bikes, skydiving or snowboarding. I've read some reviews on it and it seems that the 720p x 60fps resolution looks better than 1080p.
One of the best features of this camera is that it features a large variety of mounts. It has 5-15 different types of mounts. The other cool thing about it is that it's case is waterproof.
features (via amazon) Professional-grade full HD video up to 1080p 60 frames per second option in 720p and WVGA resolutions provides liquid smooth slow motion playback Videos can be easily edited with iMovie or Windows Movie Maker Industry’s widest angle (170ยบ) and sharpest lens captures more of the scene Includes easy to apply mounts for attaching camera to virtually all helmets
The Invisible Camera is a project started in 2009. The project focuses on analog photography. The technology used by Invisible Camera is called light amplification.
The invisible camera uses the same principle as a normal analog camera, with one exception: it is fully transparent. It's constructed using a special polarized glass that lines the ambient light and amplify the energy that forms the image.
As you can see in the video, it uses a special digital film technology.
When you see this gadget you'll know it has a cool futuristic vibe. Tokyo USB Concept Watch comes with amazing features like skype, MP, Bluetooth and memory space for storing data or music of your choice.
The idea started from the fact that the designer used to lose his USB key all the time. So it was inevitable: let's combine an USB key and a watch. The result is a futuristic design just like the ones found in Sci-Fi movie.
Listen to your favorite songs on bluetooth headphones. The headphones have the same futuritic design as the Konect Tokyo USB, and features blue ligths and features a cool shape.
The watch features various buttons and indicators: lights for hours an minutes, buttons for volume, mp3 player.
Although the watch can't be found in stores yet, it's obvious that this one is the perfect choice for jogging. Of course, the term "perfect" has different meanings for each person. This is the the most important aspect you need to consider when choosing a watch: establish the purpose of the watch. An alternative to this watch is a mechanical watch. You will find pre owned watches for sale that are not expensive and are considered elegant watches that will last for ages.
Mp3 Players has been here for some time and are very popular these days. This is an amazing concept from Giha Who. It can be charged directly from the wall socket.
The controls are just like the ones on the classic iPod: simple to use.
