e-Tech Gadget

Here is an interesting concept that allows the user to save energy, the easy way.

Think of it as a power strip made up of egg timers. Even if you’re too young to know what an egg timer is, you can still figure out how to use it. Just turn it to the proper setting, and it will tick down until the bell goes off. It’s technology that has been almost completely replaced with digital clocks. My children have never seen one, I’m sure.

The Wind up Socket is designed to save energy by plugging in your device, and then turning it to the time that you want it to run. It’s perfect for devices that don’t need to be always plugged in.

The Wind Up Socket is so easy that even your grandmother can use it. I realize that this could come across as a slam to most senior citizens, but hey, just watch her try to program a VCR. She still hasn’t figured out that the VCR has been replaced by DVR. She probably still uses egg timers, though.

Of course, this looks like an easy way to get your cords tangled up, doesn’t it? That seems like an obvious design flaw in an otherwise good-intentioned idea from designers Dongwon Joo and Jieun Choi. Perhaps that figure out another way of doing this idea by simply putting dials near the plugs, not as the plugs.

Source

Read the original: 
Wind Up Socket Concept Timer

This concept project is one that I would love to see on any city street at night. The Intersection Signaletique uses special projectors from above to create messages on the streets, and its use is three-fold: advertisement, direction, and decoration.

As advertisement, it could be quite effective. Just imagine walking home, and you are wicked thirsty. Then imagine the Coca-Cola logo under your feet. I don’t know about you, but I would probably stop by the nearest store and get a Coke for the way home. Granted, the streets would get pretty gaudy with multiple advertisements, but advertisers could boost the town’s economy by paying for “street space”.

As for the directions, I would rather follow the signs from above than a map any day. Of course, these directions would be tough to see during the day. For cities that never sleep, like Las Vegas, this would be the next cool thing. I wonder if you could get it so the lights above could sync with your GPS or mobile phone, to give individual people the directions that they need.

I guess the last usage, decoration, would be perfect for any holiday. Just picture boughs of holly being projected during Christmastime, turkeys at Thanksgiving, pumpkins on Halloween, and so on.

Too bad this is only a concept for now. However, to implement this, you would have to affix these special lights to where the streetlights are, and the streetlights could outshine these Intersection Signaletique lights. Let’s work that out.

Source

Continued here: 
Intersection Signaletique gives you signs from above

The Game Developers Conference (GDC) was more than stellar with the presence of Silicon Valley-based NeuroSky Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Technologies, thanks to the latter’s range of technology which promises to revolutionize the traditional gaming paradigm, enhance interactivity and in many instances, add further evidence to the increase of mental health benefits when it comes to game play. Those who attended GDC will be able to experience the efforts that developers are making to ride the wave of the next revolution in gaming via brainwave integration. Apart from that, NeuroSky’s new bio-command features and next generation headset which were specially designed for gamers were also unveiled, alongside a developer program which will support third party developers in creating or enhancing BCI applications.

Among the new applications demonstrated by a fistful of NeuroSky’s partners will feature games within the iPhone and cellphone industry, serious, casual and educational, as well as market research applications. Of course, what is the point of attending GDC as an exhibitor if you do not have any new products up for review? NeuroSky’s latest product announcements include the Mindset Wave Brain Gaming Headset, where this gamer-centric headset is capable of delivering a lower price point and imaginative new features. Being a snap to wear while being extremely lightwight, it will be able to fit securely to enable an active gaming experience. You can opt for wireless or self-pairing USB connectivity for an effortless setup. Depending on volume and bundling options, the Mindset Wave Brain Gaming Headset is going for $49 to $99, shipping before the frantic Christmas 2010 holiday season begins.

Another interesting device would be what they call the Zone Meter. Gamers will be able to identify with athletes when it comes to ‘the zone’, since sometimes you are placed in a situation where all of your shots hit the target, not to mention you can pull off a variety of moves flawlessly without taking a single mos-step. For the first time, ‘the zone’ can be quantified and harnessed, thanks to a proprietary combination of mental attention with balanced relaxation in order to open up a whole new dimension in video games. Looks like gaming has just become a whole lot more scientific, eh?

Press Release

Read the original here: 
NeuroSky Brain Computer Interface takes to the stage

Companies are always trying to find new innovative ways for you to carry an iPod outside of your pockets.  Some of them have looked a bit on the odd side.  This Quiver actually walks in a gray area.  Sure, it’s a bit different, but it actually offers some volume control directly on the shoulder strap.  That at least gives it a little bit more of an edge.

It’d be nice to have something to carry your small gadgets within that actually does something besides hold onto them.  This will control volume and even let you skip between songs.  It even has a headphone management system to help you keep things organized.  It features stretch fabric that repels water and still allows for the material to breathe.  It’s designed for everything from walking around town to more vigorous activities like jogging and biking.  You can purchase it for $84.99.

Source:  Gizmodiva

Original post:
Dew Quiver iPod Shoulder Strap

Who would have thought that playing video games might actually get you in the fitness groove? We do admit, however, that the Wii has gotten many couch potatoes off the couch in some ways, and while that won’t make you the biggest loser (after the reality show) in your family, it does burn a wee bit more calories than just sitting around, thumbing that joypad. Well, the Wii Balance Board Push Up Bar takes things one step further by functioning as a push up bar attachment on your balance board, featuring adjustable grips that let you “go deeper than you would if the floor stopped you.” Compatible with Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus as well as the New U Fitness and Jillian Fitness Ultimatum titles, this uniqe gaming accessory is going for $25 on Amazon as a pre-order.

More here:
Wii Balance Board Push Up Bar

Skullcandy is back with their 50/50 composite ear buds which come complete with in-line microphone as well as track and volume control that are compatible with the iPhone of all generations. The whole line will be released this May, although those who want to pick up the black and white/green buds can do so on an exclusive basis from Apple stores at the moment. Sporting a rugged look as with all Skullcandy products, we do hope that the audio quality will live up to its name as well. ACcording to the manufacturer, composite materials with aluminum are more or less guaranteed to provide superior audio. The whole line will consist of half a dozen color options, so you should be able to find something that suits you.

Source: Geardiary

See original here:
Skullcandy 50/50 composite ear buds

Buying a speaker, you have to decide what’s important to you.  There are so many available you can pretty much be as picky as you like.  Well these small square speakers are eco-friendly and you can either choose one of the ones already available or have one customized.  They’re a simple set of speakers, but they’re more than enough to make sure that your music stays up and going.

Each one of these foldable speakers comes with a design printed on them.  You can have your logo printed onto one for some cheap advertisement or just use one of the several already available.  Upon purchasing you’ll receive two 1 watt speakers made from recycled materials.  These can be purchased in squares and triangles and are collapsible for travelers.  You can purchase one of these self-powered speakers for around $19.99.

Source: Technabob

Read more: 
OrigAudio Self-Powered Speakers

Back in the early nineties, we all thought that the video games of 2010 would be with goggles and a toy gun. We were wrong with Virtual Boy, and we never figured out a way to get a player to run in a game while standing still in the gaming area.

Better late than never, VirtuSphere is here to bring our virutal reality dreams to life. As you can see, the VirtuSphere looks like the Ball of Death from The Simpsons Movie, and it allows a player to move somewhat freely in any direction for the game that they want to play.

There is a video after the jump, and you can see that it takes a team to get a player in this giant, metal, stationary hamster ball. To me, it looks just plain unsteady. I would think that it would get used to, but this player in the vid does not even trip once. The game that he’s playing doesn’t look very good, though. Couldn’t they set it up for Metroid Prime or Tomb Raider?

This video was taken at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, and, as you might have guessed, it would be quite expensive to get it on your own. It would cost about $55,000.00, and you would need a lot of space to make it work. Not to mention a team to lock you in, I guess.

I’ve heard that there will be one at the Excalibur in Las Vegas. Maybe I’ll check it out during next year’s CES.

Source

Read the original here: 
VirtuSphere for virtual reality games at GDC

Boot and shoe dryers are definitely convenient, but they only work for your shoes.  It seems like a waste of money to spend your hard earned money on a gadget with only one function.  Instead you need something like this Universal Drying Apparatus.  Instead of just drying just your shoes it can handle other things like your clothing or even your umbrella.  It’s definitely a must have gadget for the rain filled season we’re about to begin.

The device has adjustable arms that allow for it to work in more ways than one.  Adjust the arms and it holds your umbrella, move them around again and the dryer will hover over your shoes.  Not only does it dry off your clothing, umbrellas and accessories, but it also can dry out seeds and berries.  It’s definitely a more useful gadget to have around.  This design by Olga Kalugina is unfortunately still in the concept phase though.

Source: Ubergizmo

Originally posted here: 
Universal Drying Appartus for shoes and more

There are times I genuinely feel sorry for teenagers these days.  Usually a lot of people grumble about all the new electronics that kids get to use, that they never got to have as kids.  Personally, I really have no desire to be a kid in this day and age.  When you’re in high school you’re going to cause a certain amount of mischief.  I was one of the many that enjoyed driving fast down back roads.  Had my parents had this device I’d have never had any fun.  Now that being said, it’s an awesome day and age  to help parents make sure their kids aren’t up to anything.

This SafeDriver Wireless Vehicle Monitor is easy to install and has a tamper-proof pin number.  The device records the highest speed traveled on their trip, plus it keeps track of any sudden braking.  It’ll also let you know the distance traveled, so you know if they did any extra driving that they weren’t supposed to be doing.  You can purchase it for $69.99 through Think Geek.

Source: ChipChick

Continued here:
SafeDriver Wireless Vehicle Monitor