Gizmos for Geeks

Solar Powered Sun Jar

will — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:53:06 +0000

If you’re looking for something to brighten up your dark nights then the solar powered sun jar might just be for you. Throughout the day it charges via light from the sun and when it gets dark it releases its glow out into the night. For the spiritually-minded of you out there you might want to think of it as capturing a little piece of the sun in a jar, and releasing it later on.

The jars are available in a variety of colors; pink, blue and sun colored and can be used indoors or out (just beware of it attracting midges!) as it is ’splash proof’. It’s a really nice way to create a unique ambiance on a lovely summer night

Buy now!

Price: $29.43
(Please note prices are subject to change and the listed price is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting)

Facebook revamping privacy controls

Chief Gadgeteer — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:10:00 +0000

If you read this blog, there’s a pretty good chance you’re also a Facebook user. If so, and you care about your privacy, you should probably set aside some time to take a look at Facebook’s new privacy controls when they are rolled out to you.

Facebook is in the midst of reorganizing the controls that users have to their privacy settings. Currently, those settings can be found on multiple pages.

In a recent press conference call, Facebook also announced that they will be ditching regional networks as only half of the members even joined them or joined the ‘wrong’ ones.

Gmail Tips - become a ninja!

Chief Gadgeteer — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Gmail user? Bet you didn’t know that you could sign out your Gmail session remotely?! If you did, then you might be considered a Gmail master.

The Google Gmail team has put together a nice set of tips grouped by ‘belt level’ so that you too can become a Gmail Ninja. As much of an avid Gmail user that I am, even I learned something.

UK police could be using remote weapons scanner in a few years

Chief Gadgeteer — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:36:33 +0000

Here is some more movie-magic made real by today’s science. UK University researchers funded by the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and supported by London’s Metropolitan Police have come up with a weapons scanner that picks up concealed guns & knives without needing to be close to the subject.

The scanner works using electromagnetic waves and neural net technology to determine whether it’s a weapon or some other non-dangerous object. It also does not produce an image of the subject’s body.

The scanner could be put into use as soon as the next 2 years.

Press release.

Nintendo Wii Vitality Sensor

will — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:19:12 +0000

First came Wii Fit and you canceled your gym membership, but now it looks like Nintendo are set to get rid of doctors as well with their new vitality sensor. This little device was revealed at E3 2009 and it can measure your heart rate (ideally while excercising). Nothing on pricing/release date yet but do you think that this will somehow integrate with Mario Kart? The angrier you are, the faster your kart goes?!

Google Reader gadget for Google Desktop now available

will — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:53:45 +0000

Google’s recent addition to Google Desktop is the much-awaited RSS Reader gadget, which lets you read your Google Reader RSS Feeds/subscriptions straight from your desktop.

Download from desktop.google.com.

Nokia is ‘greenest’ electronics company says Greenpeace

Chief Gadgeteer — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Greenpeace’s latest edition (12th) of their Guide to Greener Electronics still has Nokia at the top with Samsung and Sony Ericsson rounding out the top 3. Holding extremely poor scores, Nintendo, Lenovo, Fujitsu and Microsoft are at the bottom of the 17 company list. While this isn’t meant to be an all out examination of every electronics manufacturer out there, covering the top vendors makes sense as they would contribute directly or indirectly to pollution and environmental damage.

Greenpeace has the latest rankings at their website, and you can download the full report in PDF format as well.

Deal: Free shipping @ Smarthome

Chief Gadgeteer — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:07:44 +0000

Right after we blogged about the INSTEON I/O Linc Doorbell and Phone Ring Alert Kit, we found out that Smarthome is offering a free shipping weekend special for the 4th of July holiday. Orders over $100 get free shipping.

Use the promo code: ESHIPF when you checkout.

INSTEON I/O Linc Doorbell and Phone Ring Alert Kit

Chief Gadgeteer — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:40:57 +0000

Here’s another cool add-on for your INSTEON home automation system - the I/O Linc Doorbell and Phone Ring Alert Kit. Use this kit to generate a visual alert when the phone or doorbell rings.

This is great for when you’re in a noisy environment - listening to music, working in the backyard/garage, partying. Also great if you’re hearing impaired or have trouble with certain frequencies.

This I/O Linc kit is easy to connect yourself and can be linked to a remote INSTEON-controlled device. Remember too that there is a host of I/O Linc kits available, including rain sensors, garage door control, freeze sensors and more.

Buy now!

More info from the manufacturer
Price: $89.99
(Please note prices are subject to change and the listed price is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting)

Microsoft file patent for ‘Magic Wand’

will — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:29:01 +0000

Microsoft seem to be filing patents left, right and center these days, and the latest discovery is one that may sound ridiculous at the moment, but it is quite easy to imagine it being common practice in the future - the ‘Magic Wand’. This ‘wand’ doesn’t have quite as many uses as a wizard’s, but does sound pretty handy; it can support connections between various types of technology in your home, whether it be your home cinema or pool cover.

Okay, you say - just another home automation remote control. But wait. This new ‘Wand’ sounds like it could take on a more advanced form of the Nintendo Wii control, whereby accelerometers (like in the high-end Nokia N-series and various other phones), various speed sensors, pre-existing communication frequencies and even by video cameras on the device! Maybe it could be left on a desk and programmed to hide all your games when your boss walks in the room? Let’s hope the patent gets granted!

Patent Filing