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Gear Lover - by Craig Hill

Gadgets Home - Gear Lover

Brother Develops HD Sewing Machine

January 2nd 2009 13:51

If you're still watching TV in standard definition, think about wha Brother have developed. They have just announced the world's first sewing machine with a built-in camera to display your work on an "HD" screen.

The QuattroT 6000D seems to have some good ideas. 56 LEDs illuminate the sewing platform while its "InnovEyeT Technology" provides a bird's eye view of the needle, which can be enlarged for a better view of precision work. Plus, the camera allows the fabric to be auto-positioned (with the help of a sensor positioning sticker) for automatic embroidery.

Brother QuattroT 6000D

The screen itself, by Sharp, is a 32-(square)-inch display with 260,000 colors. It's not quite gameday ready, but we're sure that it tracks a mean cross stitch.

No word on price at the moment, but we may see more of the QuattroT 6000D at CES should we lose a button or become bored by endless rows of cameras and TVs.

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Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Computers, Gadgets, Home, Visual

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Own your very own Astronaut Moon Watch

August 19th 2008 06:32

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Alaska Project

Buzz Aldrin wearing the original Moonwatch

If you were a child of the 70’s then you were probably like me. Fascinated with all things astronomical, wanting to be an astronaut (or better still Steve Austin, that’s the Six Million Dollar Man, not the roid boy synchronised rumbler) and intrigued with any of the technological breakthroughs needed to survive a journey beyond the confines of the stratosphere.

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch was originally designed by N.A.S.A back in the era of Disco and Farrah Fawcett posters. Now for the first time the public can finally access this Rolls Royce engine of indestructible timepieces.

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch alaska project

The most unique Timepiece

The only Watch ever to be certified by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for all space missions, as you would expect its built to withstand all obstacles that come with space travel. Able to cope with the incredible pressure of re-entry, from Gizmodo:
“Its anodized aluminium body can withstand temperatures from -148 to 260° Celsius”.

Omega defines a millenium

Coming in one colour choice solar flare red, there has been no official price tag attached. BUT, with a run of only 2,000 scheduled for release it’s a pretty safe bet that only those able to afford a the quarter of a million dollars for the Virgin Spaceflight will be able to afford this important collectors item.

The advertising begins

Story from Gizmodo.com

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Gadgets, Home, Visual

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The Polaroid Pogo Portable Printer

July 4th 2008 00:48

The Pogo Arrives

The Palm size Printer

Polaroid, the company responsible for mass producing instamatic cameras back in the day is hoping to launch a new tech revolution with its latest consumer item. Released today (July 4th) the Pogo hand held portable printer is looking to replicate the instant gratification that Polaroids original all in one photo development system had.

USB and Bluetooth compatible the Pogo, prints borderless 2 inch by 3 inch images straight from your digital camera, mobile phone or any other new age photographic devices. Compact and portable, the unit is around the size of a deck of playing cards.

The Pogo at work

Using ZINK technology (zero ink printing) the crystalized paper inside colourises when exposed to heat. From the official Polaroid Pogo site:
“The patented ZINK Paper is an advanced composite material with embedded yellow, magenta and cyan dye crystals, activated with 200 million heat pulses, in 30 seconds, in a single pass. With 100 billion crystals in a 2x3" print, the paper is 100% inkless. A ZINK-enabled printer uses heat to activate and colorize these crystals. Because there is no ink, every ZINK-enabled device has the unique benefits of being small, simple, elegant, and eco-friendly.”

Stephen Smith, the company's UK managing director, said: "There's nothing on the market quite like it. The technology is brand new. Everywhere I go people go "wow" when they see it…We reckon it'll be just as successful as any of our previous launches."

A closer look

If like me the majority of images you capture on digital devices end up on your PC but seldom in hard copy, this invention aims to change all that. Costing around $150 US the paper for the machine is $10US for 30 sheets.

Here are the specs from the official Polaroid Pogo Site:
2” x 3” borderless, sticky-back prints
Bluetooth, PictBridge compatible
Smudge-proof, water-resistant, tear-proof photos
Fade-resistant, long-lasting images
No waste – no ink cartridges
Prints in about 60 seconds
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

How it Works - The Polaroid Pogo

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Cameras, Gadgets, Home, Video

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The R2-D2 Digital Projector

June 8th 2008 04:46

Multimedia the Star Wars Way

The R2D2 Digital Projector

“Help me Obi Wan Kenobi, (static) you’re my only hope.’ The holographic image projected out of a little R2 unit “in a galaxy far, far away” seemed fantastical back in 1977. Now in 2008 Nikko Electronics have constructed the ultimate home entertainment device.

Not that the unit has holographic capabilities but pretty much everything else state of the art technology allows is packed into this robotic treasure. Built to half scale the feisty little droid is equipped with a CD/DVD player and a 260 inch (6.6 metre) digital projector. (800 by 600 resolution image/shining at 1000 lumens/ 500:1 contrast ratio)

The Droid and his command ship

Excited, we Artoo, offering external USB connectivity for analog and digital video, music and pictures there is also a docking port for your iPod for full playback and display. R2 pumps stereo and surround sound out of 20W speakers but I’ve saved the best for last, the inverted trash can with wheels is fully motorized!

Almost short circuiting this writers cerebrum the command panel that allows you to take complete control over R2 comes in the form of the Millenium Falcon. Holding the ship that made the “Kessel run in less than 12 parceps” in your hand you can navigate through all your media with complete operating functions and also pilot your geek boy prize around the room and adjust the projectors trajectory and setting on the wall.

The full package

Of course Artoo comes with an array of his familiar beeps and tweets from the films and the top of his dome does spin. Only a very limited number have been manufactured so to gain this unique slant on your next cinema night at home demands immediate action. According to Star wars.com this luxury collectable costs $2,995.00 US and the features are:

* Picture by DLP from Texas Instruments
* Project to ceilings and walls up to a 260-inch picture
* Resolution: 1024x768
* Contrast Ratio: 1800:1
* Lumens: 1500
* Built-in CD/DVD player. Also plays MP3/MP4 video
* iPod docking station, memory card and USB slots
* Built-in 20 watt stereo speaker system
* FM wireless audio out (channels 1 through 7)
* Full-function: forward, reverse turn 360 degrees and recline
* Millennium Falcon remote control with removable stand
* Head turns using Millennium Falcon remote control
* Plays the most popular R2-D2 sound effects
* 1 year hardware manufacturer warranty
* 180 day projection lamp manufacturer warranty
* Height 25 " Width 15" Weight 14lbs

Watch a demo video of Artoo in action

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Gadgets, Home, Toys

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Gadgets for Mother’s Day - Part 1.0

May 7th 2008 00:10

Sonaki Vitamin C Showerhead

The Sonaki Vitamin C Showerhead

Here in Oz its Mothers Day this Sunday. Shopping for mum can sometimes be easy if you pay attention to what your mum talks about when out at the mall. Other times finding a gift for the women who brought you into the world seems a complex ordeal.

Do you go for the practical solutions to her problems or try to find that holy grail that expresses every volume of your love and admiration. Perhaps something that’s fun and would make her feel like a young girl. This two part post aims to offer some technological ideas for that special lady’s annual day.

A popular place to start is Beauty gadgets. For 1000’s of years better ways to maintain health, wellbeing and appearance has been a goal of civilizations. In the new millennium personal grooming and hygiene has seen some marvels of invention arrive. Some an extension of what has come before, others a culmination of knowledge.

A touch of classy aromatherapy

First up we have the Sonaki Vitamin C Showerhead. Vitamin C has numerous benefits internally but it has also been found to have the ability to remove chlorine from water. Soothing for the skin and goodness for the hair the Sonaki is available through Amazon.com. They list the product features of use as:
Removes 99.9% of chlorine and chloramines from tap water by using Vitamin C
Easy to install and use
2 Spray patterns and off position with switch control
Up to 50% Water saving, Environmentally Safe
Improves dry, irritated and itchy skin conditions

Want to know more? Here is the product description from Amazon.com:
“Sonaki's Shower Filter is formulated with and made of 100 % natural and food grade Vitamin C, making it the best and safest way to remove chlorine from the tap water, and it is an ideal method to protect the sensitive skin from the chlorine. The topical use of Vitamin C works as an anti-oxidant on the skin and makes hair shinier and softer. Vitamin C has long been recognized as playing an important role in the appearance of firm and youthful-looking skin. Vitamin C helps to assist with skin disorders, prevent dry skin, lines and wrinkles, and stimulates collagen production for a great anti-aging product. SONAKI products also promote healthier, more manageable hair and prevents dry, itchy scalp. Removes 99.9% of chlorine and chloramines from tap water by using Vitamin C filter, a Filter life is up to 3,000 gallons, Good for fish aquariums - no need to age tap water or use shock treatments, Prevents chlorine-caused dandruff, Protects hair condition and dyed hair coloring; Works effectively on any temperature water, regardless of water quality; no loss in water pressure. Meets EPA’s de-chlorinating requirements per the Clean Water Act. Product was featured on HGTV, 'I Want That' show. Episode 204 In the USA Today paper under the Life section May 26,2006. Self-proclaimed "beauty skeptic" Jean GodfreyJune of Lucky magazine says vitamin C generally helps exfoliate and improve skin. "The beauty industry keeps coming back to it," he says. "There really is a difference in the way skin looks. It just looks better."

Would your mum like this?

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Gadgets, Home, Visual

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Logitech’s Harmony One Advanced Remote Control

March 28th 2008 04:23

Logitech’s Harmony One Advanced Remote Control

the latest Logitech harmony Universal Remote

A few weeks ago I did a post on the Phillips Pronto universal remote control, now comes a worthy competitor from Logitech. As stated previously Universal remotes are not cutting edge and have been around for over a decade now.

What is fresh and new is the speed and ease of use with which these devices can now be programmed. As the technology evolves these single unit, multi function hand held lords of home entertainment centres are offering more practical options than ever.

Remote with charger

Here is the official information on The Logitech Harmony from Logitech.com

Simplify your home entertainment.

* One-touch access to your entertainment: Enjoy easy, one-touch access to the home-entertainment activities you love. Want to watch a DVD? One simple press of the touch screen and the Harmony One remote does the rest.
* Replaces up to 15 remotes: Reduce the clutter and complexity of your living room.

Exceptionally user-friendly design.

* Full-color touch screen: Gives you easy, one-touch access to any entertainment activity—such as watching a DVD, watching TV, listening to music, and more.
* Sculpted, backlighted buttons in logical zones: Allow you to find the right channel—even in the dark.
* Ergonomic design: Fits comfortably in your hand.
* Rechargeable design: Eliminates the worry about replacing batteries.

Sophisticated setup help, long-term solution.

* Guided online setup: Helps you when you need it. You don’t have to be an expert. Helpful online setup software. Live customer support team.
* World’s largest A/V control database: Be confident your Harmony remote can control virtually any home-entertainment device you have today or buy tomorrow. Online database supports more than 225,000 devices from more than 5,000 brands – and the list grows larger every day.

Specifications
System Requirements
PC
o Windows® 2000, Windows® XP, Windows Vista®
o USB port
o CD-ROM drive
o Internet access

Mac

o Macintosh® OS X 10.3 or later
o USB port
o CD-ROM drive
o Internet access

Package Contents

o Harmony® One remote control
o Charging station
o USB cable
o AC adapter
o Lithium-ion battery
o Installation CD
o Installation guide
o 1-year limited hardware warranty

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Audio, Gadgets, Home

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Do Your Favourite Gadgets Have A Name?

March 18th 2008 00:05

Do Your Favourite Gadgets Have A Name?

This massive Samsung would be known as Rex in my house

Come on I know you do. I am the first to admit some of my most appreciated gizmos have names other than the one printed on the logo. I always knew that I was not alone in my re-branding of certain personally essential pieces of technology.

In this house the LCD screen over a metre is referred to as "Rex", as in big as Tyrannosaurus Rex. The cell phone is often just called “the outside world”. My iRiver has become "The Canoe", I don’t know why. That’s enough embarrassing myself for today.

It still surprises me that we humanise our machinery, hasn’t science fiction warned us of this from day one? Yet here I am admitting to that very thing. It’s a machine, its made up of inanimate objects, has no feeling, no soul and certainly never responds to its name. (Though I did always want voice recognition for the PC)

The evolution of intelligent design may one day see organic computers constructed from genetic materials. Nano-technologies that carry all the traits of a disease or varied micro-organisms, actually that ones already happening because of there ant swarming core purpose programming.

Point is will we still be so happy to give our contraptions pet names once they actually do display traits of life? In the meantime, do your gadgets have names?

Note: This Post was triggered when I stumbled across an article on Cnet.com’s “whaddyareckon Facebook” Page that asks this very question. Bringing up an interesting angle that technology is becoming more personalised with an ever widening degree of cosmetic and technical choices. Please click the link to see many more responses.

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Gadgets, Home, Toys

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Never Mow Your Own Lawn Again!

February 27th 2008 00:05

The Lawnbott 3500

The Rolls Royce of Mowers

Mowing down the competition, (Just had to get that out my system) this is an invention that in my mind will make manual lawn mowers an inanimate antique.

Personally I’m allergic to grass, on a bad day it can give me a rash and hay fever simultaneously. Add to that the harsh Aussie sun in the middle of summer and you will have the reason why I HATE mowing the lawn.

The Evolution of Grass Cutting

For some one like me the news a few years ago that the Lawnbott 2000 was released was met with an initial wave of pleasure. Soon it subsided though because this earlier Robot gardener was restrictive rather than freeing. It’s impractical design meant larger back yards required multiple charges due to inadequate battery life and it failed to tackle some basic physical obstacles like hills.

LawnBott 3500

Now the Brand new LawnBott 3500 from KA Home Robotics promises more range, longer life and increased abilities. Coming armed with Blue tooth compatible and the capability to work up gradients of 30 degrees this top of the range model boast the drive to cut back 1.5 acres of the ever growing green stuff.

Directly from lawnbott.com:
“The homeowner can program which days of the week and what hours of the day the LawnBott needs to come out of its charging base and cut the grass. At the end of its work cycle, the LawnBott will go back to its charging station and take a nap while it recharges, ready to come out again for the next cycle.

Safety and Security are further enhanced with the LB3500 through a higher sensitivity, free-floating, 360° bumper shell, blade stop proximity sensor, and an on-board alarm system should an unauthorized user pick up the Lawnbott.

Utilizing two (2) lithium-ion batteries to propel more powerful motors, the LB3500 can handle slopes up to 30°. It can also maintain a larger yard area, up to 38,000 sq. ft. That’s well over a 1 ½ acre home’s typical yard size.”

I don’t know about you but once these become more common place and drop in price I will be amongst the first to grab one.

To find out the price of owning your own LawnBott and for further technical information visit lawnbott.com

Here is a video of the Lawnbott 3200 Evolution

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Gadgets, Home, Video

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CarMD - A return to Auto Independance?

February 22nd 2008 00:26

CarMD - Your personal mechanic.

The CarMD Package

Remember the good old days of the internal combustion engine. Back when something went wrong with your car you could just lift up the hood and with basic mechanical knowledge fix most simple problems? Having electrical symptoms meant going for the distributor cap and spark plugs. A hiccup in fuel feed started with the carburettor?

Now everything is engineered through computer chips. Fuel injection systems and auto electronics are all governed by a silicon mind that demands professional tools for diagnosis. My father complained endlessly about the development of the technology because it swiped his automotive independence.

Today I found a practical and somewhat revolutionary gadget that could change all that. It’s called CarMD, a digital handheld unit that plugs directly into your engines computer and provides easy to read analysis of your cars systems.

CarMD doing it's job

From the official CarMD website:
"The handheld tester automatically links to your vehicle’s computers through a port found under the dashboard. It’s easy-to-read LED’s give quick indications of the vehicles health.

You can use the tester to monitor and maintain the health of your 1996 and newer car, light truck, minivan and/or SUV for the life of your vehicle.

The CarMD can help you to:
Examine a used car before buying
The green, yellow and red lights on the CarMD tester can tell you if the used car you're considering is jewel, a possible lemon, or a big red flag.

Give your vehicle a clean bill of health before road trips
Again, watch the lights. Green = go, Yellow = proceed with caution, Red = consult your mechanic.

Pre-”smog/pollution” test your car
Yellow or red lights mean you may not pass a state emissions test. Be sure to consult your mechanic.”

Visit CarMD.com for more information and to see a demo video.

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Gadgets, Home

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Introducing the Gravity Light

February 20th 2008 00:05

Greener Gadgets Conference

The Bamboo Kinetic Phone - Crazy but interesting

Over on greenergadgets.com they have just had there annual one day conference that includes a design competition. Directly from the sites press page, the winner was:

The EnerJar DIY Energy Meter Kit
Designed by Matt Meshulam and Zach Dwiel

MacGyver enters the energy race

This little downloadable DIY kit uses household materials to monitor and measure the energy output of a variety of everyday devices, allowing the user to take personal responsibility over energy use.

Not bad, I can see the practical uses but the astounding accomplishment that inspired this post is what came in second prize:

The Gravity Based Kinetic Energy Lamp - Gravia
Designed by Clay Moulton

What goes up must come down

Reminiscent of a grandfather clock, this gorgeous floor lamp uses the weight of a hefty component to kinetically power itself.

A light that works on Newton’s primary principle, is there any fuel supply more readily available? So how does it work you may ask, well an interview with the Gravity lights creator Clay Moulton on newswise.com has a few answers.

“The light output will be 600-800 lumens – roughly equal to a 40 watt incandescent bulb over a period of four hours.
To "turn on" the lamp, the user moves weights from the bottom to the top of the lamp. An hour-glass like mechanism is turned over and the weights are placed in the mass sled near the top of the lamp. The sled begins its gently glide back down and, within a few seconds, the LEDs come on and light the lamp, Moulton said. “It’s more complicated than flipping a switch but can be an acceptable, even enjoyable routine, like winding a beautiful clock or making good coffee,” he said.
Moulton estimates that Gravia’s mechanisms will last more than 200 years, if used eight hours a day, 365 days a year. “The LEDs, which are generally considered long-life devices, become short-life components in comparison to the drive mechanisms,” he said.”

Green Cell Battery Cellphone - Not available in Bamboo

The marvel of nature’s invention, leaving these tools for us to play with. Now with the initiative of that whole climate disaster end of the world scenario looming the human race is again striving forward to develop and discover new energy sources that lie above and below this blue planet.

The cynic in me acknowledges the potential to make big bucks out of the added media hype and corporate greed is an epidemic. Still the ends may justify the means. No matter what your stance on climate change less draining of our natural resources guarantees the future stock for many generations.

To strive for alternate fuel and power is an obvious ambition for the human race. Variety and variation inevitably lead to optimising technology. As a gadget lover the idea of my various components and portable devices being able to run on something as simple and cheap as sunlight or in this case, Kinetic energy or gravity, that's invention.

Please visit greenergadgets.com and newswise.com for more information about Clay Moulton and other revolutionary technology.

Here is some footage of the Green Gadgets Awards Ceremony with some stunning innovations.

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