Gadgetarium

Your iPhone 4S's proximity sensor's working overtime -- thank Siri (video)

2011-11-10T21:07:00.001-08:00

As far as assistants go, Siri can be rather demanding. In fact, she apparently requires that your iPhone 4S's proximity sensor be on whenever the handset's screen is activated. That's the conclusion iFixit arrived at, upon discovering that, unlike previous generations which flip on the sensor upon firing up a phone call or Skype conversation, the 4S kicks on the infrared detectors whenever the screen turns on. The change would allow Siri to detect just how close your face is as you speak to her without the handset pressed up against your face. More details in the video after the break.

Honda's Small Sports EV concept proves electric can be svelte, comes to Tokyo Motor Show next month

2011-11-10T21:01:00.001-08:00

Honda fans, hope you're down for some last-minute tickets to Japan, as the automaker plans to release not one, but seven (!) stunning concepts at the upcoming Tokyo Motor show. Ranging from plug-in hybrids to electric motorcycles, we're most stoked about the Small Sports EV -- a dashing two-seat roadster that reminds us stylistically of BMW's i8. Details are light, but Honda promises that it'll be fun to drive, yet also achieve "excellent environmental performance." Alongside it is the plug-in hybrid AC-X, which looks like an LED-ridden redux of the lease-only FCX. And finally, there's the Micro Commuter concept, which despite looking the least production-ready of the three, gets kudos for having a dedicated spot to load the accompanying Motor Compo EV motorcycle.

CPR Racing debuts Energica electric streetbike prototype at EICMA 2011

2011-11-10T20:56:00.001-08:00

You might not need an electric streetbike in the near future, but it's still cool to know that the prototype is complete. CRP Racing has just introduced the Energica at the EICMA motorcyle show in Italy. The Energica slides an all-electric powertrain with 100kW of power into a classic Italian-style two wheeler the is capable of speeds up to 220 km/h, 16kgm of torque, and 150km of range on a single charge, features OZ forged aluminum braking discs and a power train efficiency around 95 percent. The niftiness is only compounded by front double caliper radial mounts, a single rear fixed caliper, digital multifunction LCD dashboard and LED headlights. Pricing begins with a deposit of €1,500 ($2042 US) and doesn't include VAT. Of course, the Energica is still in the development phase, so final pricing and specifications might change. Still, if an electric streetbike isn't at least as cool as a penguin in a freezer, then something's wrong with your freezer.

Jawbone UP targets a healthier you

2011-11-10T20:52:00.001-08:00

I know that most of us do have a fitness regime of sorts, even if it involves lifting up the remote control, but the undeniable fact is this – if you want to keep fit and stay trim, don’t you think that it is about time you got off the sofa, stopped snacking on chips and fizzy drinks and start sweating it out at the gym? Yes sir, that is what I’m talking about, and Jawbone wants to help you out with the Jawbone UP – where it has been described as a “revolutionary system” which comprises of a small wristband and an app on your iPhone and iPod touch.

Both the software and the hardware will work in tandem in order to track your daily activity, sleep patterns, as well as eating habits so that you are better able to live a healthier life. Since we all know that most people last longer when they exercise in groups due to motivational factors as well as having peers to cheer you onwards, the Jawbone UP will also integrate a social experience as you can subscribe to personal and team challenges which are specifically tailored to help you achieve your goals.

Icon Solo Flashlight

2011-11-10T20:49:00.001-08:00

Some of you might remember when we reviewed the ICON Link, and I had a chance to review the ICON Solo, the dual-output LED Flashlight.

The ICON Solo flashlight is a different shape than the Link, as it is as long as a pen, but slightly thicker than a normal one. The power switch is a lot like a pen as well. You click for low output, release or click off, and then push or click on again within two seconds, for high output. The ICON Solo has a low lumen output of 5 and a high lumen output of 30. It has a total runtime of 50 hours.

The clip attachment makes it easy to carry, but doesn’t have the security of carabiner clip that the Link has. Like the Link, it has a high-strength aluminum body, and it is weatherproof as it is sealed with O-rings.

DIY Wrist-mounted crossbow

2011-11-10T03:17:00.000-08:00

I always like seeing DIY projects like this, especially if they are weapons. This wrist-mounted crossbow looks like it could do more than a little damage.

Designed by Patrick Priebe, it would have been already been classified as one of our coolest gadgets if he would have just made a wrist-mounted crossbow. Instead, the creator took it a step further and gave it a laser sight.

You can watch the video after the jump to see it hit some balloons, light bulbs, soda cans, and other targets. You will note how accurate that it is, and you can see how it is powered by two AA batteries.

It reminds me of something that James Bond had in Moonraker with a wrist-mounted dart launcher. Granted, that movie was one of the worst and completely unbelievable of the Bond films, and I suppose that you have to again suspend your disbelief in order to accept that such a device like this could ever be concealed.

Yeah, I’m not certain what situation would call for a weapon such as this. Perhaps it would look awesome in some movie, like some sort of Mad Max genre. I don’t know. The issue is that we here at gadgetarium know what gadgets are cool and innovative, and this is one of them.

Tick Tock iPhone Alarm Clock

2011-11-10T03:11:00.001-08:00

I must take my hats off to the traditional alarm clocks that tend to create quite a din in an effort to get you up and running to face a brand new day, but after a while, their incessant ringing might actually help you get out of bed – on the wrong side, unfortunately. Don’t you think it would be better if you could wake up to a tune of your choice, or perhaps even to your favorite DJ on a radio station? Why, with the advent of iPhone accessories, you are now able to do so – and what better way than to merge the old and the new in the form of the 59.99 Tick Tock iPhone Alarm Clock?

Sure, the Tick Tock iPhone Alarm Clock might come in its classic round face and twin bell design, but that doesn’t mean it will ring its way through the morning and make a pest of itself. No sir, it is a modern docking station that will hold your precious iPhone inside when you go to bed at night (while juicing it up at the same time, of course), sporting a couple of 360 omni-directional full-range speakers so that your ears (and perhaps your partner in bed) will wake up to rich, multi-directional sound.

Other features include a built-in FM radio, an LCD display for FM/aux/alarm/time/date functions, five preset alarms and time synchronization with your iDevice. Want a more conventional alarm clock setup? That can be accomplished by pivoting the dock out of the way.

Soft Kitty Singing Plush

2011-11-10T03:10:00.000-08:00

There is just something about plushies that soften the heart – and the $29.99 Soft Kitty Singing Plush is one of them. This is an officially-licensed Big Bang Theory product, where whenever you press its paw, it will start crooning “Soft Kitty” so that your emotions will be soothed, and no matter how dark the clouds are on the outside, a silver lining would most probably present itself at the most opportune moment.

Measuring 10″ in length, the Soft Kitty Singing Plush will boast a collar that has a little Bohr-model atom tag coupled with the Big Bang Theory logo. You will need a trio of 1.5V button-cell batteries to get this going, forget about giving it some Friskies. At least there is no kitty litter to pick up after, and you need not worry about boarding issues and vaccination jabs when you go traveling. The Soft Kitty Singing Plush is made out of polyester fiber and just like any other self-respecting feline, hates water – so don’t send it to the washing machine, but use a damp cloth instead.

Panasonic does the 3D gig with Lumix DMC-3D1

2011-11-10T03:07:00.000-08:00

Stereoscopic 3D is the way to go where the future is concerned, but it will still take a fair bit of time before it catches up with the masses. After all, not everyone is lining up and rushing to purchase a 3D HDTV, and you don’t see a mad craze for all movies to be shown in 3D glory although you might say that film executives think otherwise. If you have a 3D-capable HDTV sitting at home (preferably part of the Panasonic ecosystem for obvious reasons with this post), then why don’t you take full advantage of it with the newly announced Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1?

Yes sir, just like all other 3D cameras out there in the market, this particular model will also come with a twin-lens design so that it can shoot not only 3D images but stereoscopic 3D videos as well. Want to shoot regular stills without any eye-popping visuals? Not a problem, the Lumix DMC-3D1 does that equally well.

Dell M110 Ultra Mobile Projector

2011-11-10T03:03:00.000-08:00

The advancement of miniaturization technology has resulted in many things becoming far smaller without sacrificing on performance – and the same can be said of the projector. Even until now, projectors are still rather bulky in size, but then again they certainly have shed plenty of weight over the years, and at least you need not wait until the bulb cools down completely before turning off the main power in select models. What happens when you take a shrinking ray and point it towards a projector? Why, you end up with the Dell M110 Ultra Mobile Projector, of course!

The Dell M110 Ultra Mobile Projector is said to be more than just a projector, as it is a truly portable media hub that can see action either at home or at the office. It will tip the scales at a mere 0.8lbs, but despite the relatively small size, do not be deceived by its super small package – the M110 is still able to pack a punch!

Tiki Pepper Grinder

2011-09-23T04:19:00.000-07:00

Somehow, when I see the Tiki Pepper Grinder, it reminds me of Captain Jack Sparrow and the many adventures that he went through, getting all exciting especially when he tries to run away from a tribe of cannibals (although there was not a single element of Tiki in the movie). The same kind of situation has also been depicted in many other adventure films, so why not bring home a little bit of movie magic into your dining room with the $15.99 Tiki Pepper Grinder?

Definitely the perfect tool to perk up your luau or party, where pressing the Tiki’s nose will start the inner mechanism that grinds pepper within. This is nearly hands-free, but you sure as heck cannot deny that it is hassle free! Just like the original Game Boy, the Tiki Pepper Grinder will be powered by a quartet of AA batteries, although I am quite sure you will replace those batteries at a far slower rate than those on your Game Boy.

AOC announces portable USB Monitor

2011-09-23T04:17:00.000-07:00

When we talk about monitors, most of us would definitely think of the most common models that are sitting there, prim and proper on our desks. Well, AOC not only delivers said monitors, but they too know how some people feel about not getting enough viewing real estate whenever one travels. Guess this is why they have come up with what they deem to be the ultimate laptop accessory – a portable USB monitor that ain’t too small it might be deem useless, but is large enough to warrant more than a second look.

This lightweight and sleek 16″ monitor will boast a convenient built-in USB port which allows it to receive not only power, but also signal from the computer. Basically a single USB cable eliminates the need for you to tote around a power cord or VGA cable on your travels, now how about that? It isn’t only good for dual-monitor setups, but multi-monitor configuration as well.

Electronic Rock Guitar Bag

2011-09-23T04:15:00.000-07:00

You might not be Joe Satriani or Santana, but that does not mean you cannot express yourself using a guitar, can you? Since technology has clearly advanced by leaps and bounds these days, it makes perfect sense for the guitar to be transported onto a totally unexpected item – that of a tote bag. Hence, ThinkGeek presents the $49.99 Electronic Rock Guitar Bag.

The name of the bag gives the game away – you can basically crank out your favorite rock tunes and guitar riffs with this without needing much skill. After all, all the major chords are recorded from an actual electric guitar, where all you need to do is strum your thumb across the fingerboard and you’re good to go. There is also a mini amp that brings the volume level up by several notches, while the tone knob lets you adjust the sound just like the real thing.

Every button on the neck is a major chord, so without much skill, you will definitely be able to play some classic tunes while impressing those around you. Powered by four AAA batteries, this is one bag that we would not put into the washer or dryer unless you want it to remain silent – forever.

Logitech iPad Joystick

2011-08-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

In addition to its new folding QWERTY iPad 2 keyboard and case, Logitech has also unveiled a new joystick designed for iPad gaming. The neat little joystick is equipped with a couple of suction cups which allow it to be positioned anywhere you require on an iPad screen, and should be able to be used with any touchscreen tablet device. Providing a thumb-stick style game controller you can use with just about any game with an on-screen joystick or d-pad.

The design looks very much like the Ten One Fling joystick which was launched back at the beginning of 2011 and had a patent pending at the time of release. So it will be interesting to see just how this new addition to the iPad joystick market pans out.

The Logitech iPad Joystick is available to purchase for $19.99

Trek Light Cycle Push Bike

2011-08-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Tron has clearly has an influence on “geek culture”, and I don’t see why someone hasn’t made a push bike that looks like a Tron light cycle.

It appears that Trek designer Ryan Callahan has created a Tron scooter with the Trek Light Cycle Push Bike. Yes, that is its full name, as long and drawn out as it is. My Source does not have much information on this, but you will note the blue lights in between the wheels. I wonder if this is battery powered or if the wheels in motion power these lights. I don’t know if it has the feature, but I know that it does not have the ability to make a wall behind it as it rides.

Pac-Man Moneybox

2011-08-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Looking at the world’s economy, it makes perfect sense to start saving up from a young age. Well, what better way to make sure your little one is taught the value of saving up for a rainy day than to give him/her a coin box? The standard issue ones which you get from banks or the store are pretty boring, and they hardly respond – in fact, the best sound it makes would be when the porcelain porcine figure is smashed on the floor so that you can retrieve the fruit of your labor some time down the road.

Well, with the £14.99 Pac-Man Moneybox, things have changed – for the better, I might add. Who doesn’t know Pac-Man? This iconic arcade character from the 1980s is more than happy to have you drop your collection of loose change inside, where each coin dropped will see him respond his trademark “wakka-wakka” sound bite. All you need to do is make sure there aren’t any of those nasty ghosts around, waiting to swoop down on your coin collection when you’re not looking! Needless to say, make sure there are three AAA batteries inside if you want the Pac-Man Moneybox to respond accordingly.

VooMote One available in the US via Zero1.tv

2011-08-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

Zero1.tv has just announced that they will make the highly-anticipated VooMote One available in the US, selling it over various retailers – virtual or otherwise, such as Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, B&H, and BrandsMart amongst others. Just in case you were wondering what all the fuss surrounding the VooMote One is all about, this particular device will “mate” with your iPhone, without letting your iPhone look as though it was some sort of badly designed device. No sir, your iPhone will look sleek – in fact, sleeker than ever before with the VooMote One slipped over it.

This particular device will be able to work in tandem with a free app that will convert your iPhone and/or iPod touch into an intelligent universal remote control, delivering features that you won’t be able to find on the market in devices from other manufacturers.

QWERTY Premium Leather Wallet

2011-08-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

Most of us would think that the only device that has a QWERTY keyboard imprinted on it comes in the form of a smartphone, but ThinkGeek has something different this time around to tease you. We’re talking about the QWERTY Premium Leather Wallet, and you can tell by its name that “investing” $39.99 in it would make you own one of the geekiest money holding equipment in the market!

This premium leather wallet will feature embossed keyboard keys, sporting half a dozen slots for cards, a couple of folding money pockets, in addition to two hidden pockets. The red lining inside does resemble that of a typewriter ribbon for old times’ sake. There is also an “All work and no play…” quote embossed on the inside of this wallet, slowly nudging you to make purchase decisions with whatever money you have left inside to make sure you don’t end up as the dullest boy in class – or at the office.

Celluon virtual laser keyboard

2011-08-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I never thought that I could get used to those laser-powered virtual projection keyboards. While I think it would be handy to pair a device with something that would create a keyboard on any flat surface, I need the haptic feedback of the clickity-click of the keyboard.

I know that I should just evolve out of this, because touchscreen keyboards are quiet, and I think we are moving away from traditional button keyboards. Fortunately, I can wait a little while to get over my fascination with keyboard sounds as the Cube Laser Virtual Keyboard comes with gesture recognition software so that the user can hear the click to indicate control gestures as well as keystrokes.

iPhone Virtual Reality Viewer

2011-08-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

The iPhone is able to do a whole lot of stuff – not just over the screen itself, but you can also use it to control remote controlled helicopters as well. This extreme versatility that had never been seen before in any phone prior to it has made it a hugely desirable handset, so you can more or less expect the frenzy that will surround the iPhone 5′s release. Well, for the moment, you might as well as add another job description to the already long list on the iPhone 4′s resume – the iPhone Virtual Reality Viewer.

Yes sir, this unique device will work with the iPhone, rolling out immersive, three-dimensional viewing experiences. You will need not spend anything more than the $49.95 asking price since you will take advantage of free downloadable applications that will use the iPhone’s accelerometer, allowing the 3D environments within to move when the iPhone is moved.

You wear the iPhone Virtual Reality Viewer just like a pair of binoculars, where a couple of finger holes are located at the bottom so that you can access the smartphone’s touchscreen display. 3D movie trailers aren’t the only way to keep yourself entertained with this – you can also use it to play a smattering of interactive games. It will play nice with the iPhone 4, iPod touch (4th generation), iPhone 3G/3GS, and 2nd/3rd Generation iPod touch.

DIY Klingon LED Coffee Table

2011-08-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

Since it is the weekend already, why not dust off the table in the basement and indulge in a little bit of DIY action? Fans of Star Trek will definitely love the DIY Klingon LED Coffee Table, where it might even fool some into thinking that this is a true blue, movie-licensed piece of furniture instead of one that was constructed using nothing but love for the series (and the relevant technical know how, of course).

To make it all the more appealing to the masses, this homemade Klingon LED Coffee Table will even feature lights that help it glow – they’re all located right below the acrylic top sheet, numbering 26 flashing RBD diodes and one blue LED in total. Pine legs are used to keep this table standing securely, while clear acrylic rods will play their role in providing support. Nick Woodrow is the man behind this DIY Klingon LED Coffee Table, and he welcomes pre-orders via email.

Sony digital binoculars

2011-08-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Sony intends to introduce far more interesting optical device than your usual digital camera with the first pair of digital binoculars in the world. Yes sir, we are talking about the DEV-3 and DEV-5 models that will be able to record all that you see in the AVCHD 2.0 format, making them the perfect tools for nature/bird watching. Not only that, these videos that you record are stored in Full HD resolution and stereo sound for added effect, and if you so desire to make things all the more interesting, there is even a 3D mode which will record scenes as thrilling stereoscopic video footage – just make sure you have a compatible 3D HDTV for the playback.

You will be able to choose the variable zoom on both models in order to scan a wide area at low magnification before you zoom in seamlessly to pinpoint a subject, ranging from birds in a field to some other forms of wildlife on your next safari adventure. You can turn on the digital zoom at magnification settings of over 10x, but of course with digital zoom on, you make a sacrifice in terms of image quality.

Fancy Water Pistol Umbrella Can Get You In Trouble

2011-08-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

In light of last week’s awful rioting, carrying an umbrella with a pistol attached to the handle is a bad idea. Can’t expect the police to be in a jolly mood these days. If you’re wondering how this works, don’t fret. It’s basically an umbrella that funnels water down to the pistol on the handle, thereby allowing the holder to squirt passers by. Take it form us: This will get you in trouble.

Just imagine squirting some unsuspecting bloke and royally pissing them off. A fisticuff ensues and you go home with a bloody nose, the pistol/umbrella broken in half. While this is mighty entertaining for kids, it’s a disaster for adults considering how infantilized and emotionally immature most ‘grown ups’ are these days.

The state of modern adulthood aside, further research reveals this umbrella pistol is more of a design project (though not a commissioned design) than a real product. We were actually hard pressed to find a retail price. Oh well, with the likelihood of awful possibilites resulting from a pistol/umbrella in the wrong hands, might as well steer clear from this. If you do happen to be packing a water pistol, it might be good for driving away small feral animals like rabid dogs or zombie squirrels. Better yet go buy a real gun.

Philips Unveils DiamondClean Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush with USB Charging

2011-08-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

Everything is getting a USB port or USB charging today. It used to be that only your MP3 player needed a USB port to charge and then our phones got them and not our Toothbrushes are getting USB charging too. Philips has a new toothbrush called the DiamondClean Rechargeable.

The brush can be plugged into the wall in the bathroom. But, if you need to charge on the go at a hotel or the office, you can charge the toothbrush from the USB port of your computer. The toothbrush has a battery that will brush your teeth 42 times per charge.

The thing also promises to remove 100% more plaque than a normal brush and whiten your teeth too. It comes with a carry case and two toothbrush heads. The brush has five cleaning modes. You can pick on up for about $220.

DIY Shuriken USB Gratifies The Ninja Fanboys

2011-08-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

Indeed, the world is full of ninja fanboys. They obsessively watch Naruto and fantasize about embarking on a suicide mission someday for a noble cause–like avenging their sworn enemies. Ever heard of the shadowy assassin who attacked an Apple store under cover of darkness by ramming his car through the glass plate window? Actually, that’s old (read: stale) news but we were trying to make a point.

Yes, points. This Shuriken has more than a couple of them. Four pointy edges total and a flash drive. The real attention grabber is what’s seen above is a DIY project. It’s also made of foam cored poster board. That means it’s non lethal and can’t be used on genuine stealth missions. Still, don’t try throwing this around once it’s in your possession. Someone might lose an eye.

Keep in mind, however, that this is not the first Shuriken USB ever made. An earlier Shuriken USB was featured here a couple years back. That was nice too and came in a fancy box, if you ever wanted to gift one.

If you plan on bringing these along when you travel, we suggest not. Remember what happened to Steve Jobs when he tried to bring home Shurinkens after a Japan trip? Okay, so that’s being dismissed as an ugly rumor, but knowing Steve he probably did try to bring home a couple.