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Gear Lover - by Craig Hill

Home - Gear Lover

Measurement Gloves For Construction

January 28th 2009 14:02

There's never a ruler around when you need one, but these measurement gloves can conceivably clip to your jacket to always have on the job (you know, like mittens).

Packing centimeter and angle measurements along with a few cute grids that we're fairly certain are just for grids' sake, the only flaw with the measurement gloves is that they're fabricated from stretchy knit that will skew your data. Then again, the blood, boogers, hamburger grease aren't doing anything to help readings, either. Seriously, throw your gloves in the wash already. And stop picking at your scabs, nose and that dumpster behind Wendy's already.

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Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Home

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SkiGym Simulator

January 3rd 2009 05:28

The SkiGym simulator looks like it's going for realism rather than the silly fun offered by the Wii, but some people probably want an accurate depiction of brief exhilaration before the inevitable faceplant.

The SkiGym hooks up to a PC to use the included game Alpine Ski Racing, or it can be used as a standalone gym. The game includes 32 different courses from 18 real-world mountains, just to add to the realism. It's available for a bank account-crushing $2300, which if I'm not mistaken could purchase a pretty sweet ski trip, but if you're loaded and scared of crashing, give it a look.

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

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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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Weenie Wing Commander

January 2nd 2009 13:17

While some prefer encapsulating their hot dogs in a black crust of carcinogens prior to ingestion, there are others who prefer a slow roasted wiener. Some even prefer involving a spaceship in some way.

From the same brilliant creators of the Roast My Weenie, the Weenie Wing Commander exploits the classic X-wing schematic to support a double armament of meat tubes. Simple. Effective. But be wary of young ones who may be temptrd into touching a fiery-hot grill. Sells for around US$20.

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Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Home

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New In 2009: Wireless HDMI

January 2nd 2009 11:57

A multitude of companies have various wireless HDMI technologies, but there's no set standard (two warring factions need to settle the fight before we can have interoperable products). The technology is there, now it's just a matter of logistics and handshaking. With luck, by next Christmas, you'll be able to add it to a sub-$2000 1080p projector for the ultimate no-mess home theater.

Belkin FlyWire

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Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Home, Visual

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New In 2009: A Decent Sized OLED TV

January 2nd 2009 11:46

The Sony XEL-1 OLED television was met with great enthusiasm when it was released in 2008, but there was a catch; its screen size was a only 11 inches. While we can't expect 50-inch screens just yet, we do anticipate a very expensive mid-sized set, between 27 to 32 inches, to hit the market in some form in 2009. Sony actually showed off a prototype that was 27 inches at CES 2008, so it remains what will be seen at CES 2009.

Sony OLED XEL1

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Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Home, Visual

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New In 2009: Cheap Blu-ray Players

January 2nd 2009 10:40

It is possible that such players could be priced under $100, and LG have announced they will have expanded services such as Netflix, YouTube, CinemaNow, and perhaps even Amazon VOD, Hulu and Rhapsody. If LG start, it is only a matter of time before the other companies start competing for the download dollar.

LG has announced that their 2009 line of "Network Blu-ray Players" will not only include Netflix, but YouTube support along with CinemaNow downloads. They will unveil this new line of players next week at CES.

While many may interpret all this connectivity as a sign of actual home theater/internet convergence, a more skeptical onlooker may see LG hedging their bets on Blu-ray to entice consumers into buying new media players.

LG Blu-ray With Netflix

MEDIA RELEASE FROM LG

LG ELECTRONICS ANNOUNCES NEW STREAMING CONTENT PARTNERS FOR ITS NETWORK BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS

LG to Offer Consumers Unparalleled Access to Streaming Entertainment from CinemaNow, YouTube and Netflix

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Dec. 30, 2008 – LG Electronics today announced the expansion of network entertainment options for its Network Blu-ray Disc players through new alliances with CinemaNow and YouTube.

Available on new LG Network Blu-ray Disc Players in the first half of 2009, these new services complement LG’s instant streaming from Netflix and advanced Blu-ray capabilities to deliver consumers an exceptional entertainment experience. (In 2008, LG was the world’s first manufacturer to stream movies instantly from Netflix on a Network Blu-ray Disc Player.)

CinemaNow – an innovator in digital entertainment technology, delivering high-quality movies, TV shows and videos to users through online connectivity – and YouTube – a leading online video community for people to discover, watch, and share originally created videos – will be available in LG’s 2009 line of Network Blu-ray Disc players to be unveiled next week at the 2009 International CES.

“As millions of U.S. consumers view and download movies or TV shows through the Internet, they are demanding easier ways to access content and more home entertainment options,” said Tim Alessi, director of product development, LG Electronics USA.

“From Blu-ray to instant streaming from Netflix to CinemaNow and YouTube, LG is bridging the gap between packaged media and video-on-demand services to provide entertainment solutions for consumers’ demand for content,” he said. “With these new alliances, LG continues its innovation leadership by allowing consumers easy access to multiple entertainment options in one device.”

CinemaNow: Instant Streaming of Hollywood’s Latest Hits

CinemaNow has pushed the envelope of digital video distribution, becoming the first Web site to offer Pay-Per-View movies from major studios and the first broadband distributor of high definition (HD) content. Collaborating with CinemaNow will enable LG Electronics to offer consumers access to more than 14,000 titles from the major movie studios, broadcast and cable television shows, more than 250 independent film titles and music videos from all major labels. Key benefits include the capability to:

* Browse the entire CinemaNow premium content catalog, including latest Hollywood hits,
* Instantly stream content to enjoy on compatible devices, and
* Access and watch movies purchased from other CinemaNow-powered stores.

“We are extremely pleased to be providing CinemaNow premium content services to these innovative new products from LG Electronics that are helping to drive convenient consumer access to digital entertainment at home,” said Mark Ely, executive vice president of strategy, Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), parent company of CinemaNow.

YouTube: Original Streaming Video Content

Leading the way in providing unlimited access to online content, LG’s alliance with a prolific online video community, YouTube, will allow consumers to instantly stream millions of Web videos directly from the Internet to an LG Network Blu-ray Player for viewing on their television (without a personal computer). Key benefits include:

o Unlimited access to millions of videos on topics such as current events, instructional videos for hobbies and interests, comedic and viral videos and

o Easy searching, thumbnail previews and multiple screen size viewing options.

Netflix: High Definition Instant Streaming

Now available to consumers as a free on-line upgrade, LG’s first Network Blu-ray Disc Player (BD300) now delivers a growing number of Netflix titles in high-definition (HD). This new access to high-definition streaming content enhances the existing standard-definition streaming service that LG and Netflix first brought to consumers in 2008.

Future LG Network Blu-ray Disc Players will also offer consumers a variety of ways to enjoy more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes from Netflix. Netflix members owning these devices pay one low monthly subscription for unlimited DVD rental and unlimited streaming.

LG’s full line of Network Blu-ray Disc Players, additional new content alliances and other new products will be revealed at the LG Electronics CES press conference on Jan. 7, 2009 at the Venetian/Sands and will be on display at the 2009 International CES – Booth #8214, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

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Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Audio, Home, Visual

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Skybar Wine Preservation & Optimization System

September 26th 2008 04:45

Serious about your wines? Are you fussy with how well they're chilled and preserved when in storage or served to guests?

Fret no more buddy - let the Skybar Wine Preservation and Optimization System handle things for you. This is, apparently, the first wine bar for the home that not only perfectly chills your reds to optimum temperature, a vacuum inside the compartment also naturally preserves your opened bottle of wine for up to 10 days - for when hangovers just aren't an option.

As you can see, the system features independently chilled chambers for up to 3 different wines with digital temperature readings for each chamber ensuring the wine is served at its ideal temperature, of which, there are 9 wine type presets (white, red, etc.) or use the manual temperature controls and set it for yourself.

Crafted in a premium wood finish so it won't look out of place in your plush premises, this system is perfect for the ~~gear~~ wine lover. [frontgate.com]

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Home

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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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