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Gear Lover - by Craig Hill

Toys - Gear Lover

iPhone App Solves Rubik's Cube In 20 Moves Or Better

February 18th 2009 13:41

Now you can use this century's greatest gadget to do battle with last century's most-beloved geek toy.

A new iPhone app called CubeCheater helps you solve the classic Rubik's Cube puzzle toy using a mix of sophisticated algorithms and simple image-recognition technology. CubeCheater sells for $1 in the App Store.

Here's how it works. You take six pictures of your mixed up Rubik's Cube using the iPhone's camera — one photo per side. If you have an iPod Touch, you can also tap in the color combos manually. CubeCheater is able to recognize the placement of each colored square and generate a map of your cube. It then figures out the quickest path to solving the puzzle and gives you a set of easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.

Using software to solve Rubik's Cube isn't new. Mathematicians have been bending their brains into virtual cubes since the toy's debut in the late 1970s, but the math behind the puzzle-solving continues to evolve.

The current guru of Rubik's computer algorithms is Herbet Kociemba, creator of the open source Cube Explorer software program. Kociemba's solver software is currently used by computer science students at universities to build cube-solving robots, some of which also use a camera and image-recognition tech to figure out the color patterns.

CubeCheater uses Kociemba's algorithm to solve scrambled cubes. The app can also be tweaked to solve cubes with nonstandard color variations. CubeCheater even works in reverse; create a virtual mixed up cube inside the app, and it will tell you how to twist a solved cube to match your creation. Could be useful in making pretty geometric patterns.

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Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Cellphones, Toys

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Blu-Ray - The Ultimate Matrix Collection with Nebuchadnezzar

October 16th 2008 00:30

Boy oh boy are Matrix fans gonna love this!

To celebrate the Japanese release of the Matrix trilogy on Blu-ray, Warner Brothers has created a special limited edition collection featuring a 2-foot, exquisitely detailed model of the Nebuchadnezzar - the ship from the movies - which houses 7 discs.

The 7 discs are: The Matrix trilogy and The Animatrix (Blu-Ray) plus 3 additional DVDs featuring the ‘making-of’ documentaries. Seriously, I don't even care about the discs. How bloody cool is the Nebuchadnezzar? If only if they sold separately...

Anyway, appropriately dubbed the "Ultimate Matrix Collection", Japanese fans will be able to get their hands on limited quantities when it goes on sale on December 17 (just in time for X'mas, eh?) for about US$375.

Expensive? Hell yeah! But there's no stopping it from selling like hotcakes. Mark my words. [ohgizmo.com]

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Gadgets, Toys, Visual

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Sega adds Hamster to Dream Pet Series

August 4th 2008 06:26

At first glance, you might think that this post belongs on Pet Lover more than Gear Lover but you're wrong - this is actually an animal robot.

Created by Sega Toys, the "Dream Hamster" is the latest addition to the company's dream pet series of robotic animals to be released on August 8 priced at 1,260 yen (AU$12).

While it's not the real thing, it does have its benefits such as not having to clean hamster poo amongst other things plus it will also 'interact' with you when the switch located on its abdomen is pressed, making some cute and specific movements that mimics a real hamster.

Measuring 55 × 55 × 90mm (width x depth × height), the "Dream Hamster" fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and runs on four alkaline batteries. The rest of the Dream pet series features the "Dream Cat" and "Dream Chick". [segatoys.co.jp]

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Toys

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Nintendo Wii2 on the way and it maybe Mind Controlled

August 1st 2008 03:48

Nintendo Wii 2 in 2010?

Could it be true?

As Nintendo’s stocks go through the roof and the Wii and DS continue to sell faster than Sonic the hedgehog at full blast this week comes confirmation that rather than relax with success the Wii 2 is currently in development.

A possible Wii 2 remote

Saturo Iwata, the President of Nintendo spoke to Forbes stating that the company is “always preparing for the next hardware” but that ultimately, it’s the games and the experience that will sell a console.

“The hardware is a kind of box that consumers reluctantly buy in order to play our games,” he said. Adding that the next-gen Wii is still very much “under development.”

“It’s natural for the current customer to expect Nintendo is going to once again do something different,” he said. “If the people are expecting so many different things from Nintendo, it’s going to be difficult for us to go beyond that expectation again.”

Speculation is already amping up that “something different” may include Nintendo embracing the newly tested Neural Headset Technology effectively making the Wii 2 the first mind controlled gaming platform.

T3 magazine even ran a feature story this month exploring the possibilities of such radical technology being put on the fast track through Research and Development. The images on this page are from that latest issue of T3.

Mind Control to Major Tom

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Gadgets, Gaming, Toys, Visual

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The Ultimate Porsche Experience

June 28th 2008 00:12

The Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel.

The ultimate Euroride

Whenever any kind of auto game, on a PC or PS3 has the option to race as the ultimate German Sports Car badged Porsche, in this house there is no substitute. Injecting another 500 horse power to the high octane illusion a site called Fanatec.com now sells an authentic Porsche steering wheel, 6 speed gear shift and 3 pedals clutch, brake and accelerate.

Strap yourself in and feel the G's!

The force feedback wheel is wrapped in leather so as your fingers clinch the circle of ultimate control a feeling of prestige should immediately lace the experience. The wireless pedals enhancing the driving simulation to a Porsche-centric zenith.

Breaking it down

Compatible with PC and PS3 only a 1 GB USB stick comes with the installation software.

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

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The Wrist Watch Recorder

June 13th 2008 03:25

Audio Time Piece

The Wrist Watch recorder

Remember the days when a phone was just for calls, watches just told the time and a cigar was just a cigar? Well those simple technologies have come along way in a short time.

Cruising around a site called spycatcheronline.co.uk you will find a host of covert equipment that lays to waste the theory a banana is just a banana. One product that caught my attention is the kind of thing I dreamed of as a kid watching james Bond films, it’s a voice recording watch.

Boasting 1GB of memory for hours of wrist directed dictation the time piece itself looks rather elegant considering its novelty attraction. Coming complete with USB compatibility the watch also doubles as an MP3 player.

A built in rechargeable battery facilitates up to 9 hours of additional power on top of a separate independent source. Durable and practical it is shock and water proof so your portable voice recorder/music player.

Note to self....

Details from spycatcheronline.co.uk:

Supplied with - Stereo earphones, AC Adaptor, USB data cable, CD Driver and Instructions.

Windows 98 driver all later operating systems should work automatically without external drivers.

Specifications:

1GB flash memory.
Total recording capacity: up to 500 hours.
Nearly 9 hours of battery life when fully charged.
Recharge time: 4 hours on first charge, 1.5 hours on subsequent recharges.
USB port for playback and charging.
AC Adaptor
Internal rechargeable battery, 1 1/2 to 2 hours to fully charge.
USB 2.0.
MP3 compression.
Voice recordings stored as .WAV files
Operating system Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/MAC OS 9.X/MAC OS X,Linux 2.4

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

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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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USB Exercising Mouse

April 29th 2008 00:07

USB Typing enhancer

The USB Mouse with a difference

Most USB toys tend to entertain more than they exude a practical application, the USB exercising mouse from crazyaboutgadgets.com is an exception. Sure the little rodent peddles away on his bike to provide giggles but what powers him up is your typing speed. The more words you type in per minute, the faster the little varmint goes.

An LCD screen in the front keeps tabs on your output and even delivers a daily total for you to try and best. Less formal and rigid than any number of typing tutor software packages, this is a clever way of getting the children to accelerate their keyboard knowledge.

Actually forget the kid’s, I’m sure most of us adults would find a simple pleasure in coaxing the speedy Gonzalez cyclist to reach terminal velocity.

Technical Specifications; (From crazyaboutgadgets.com)

• Requires 2 x AA Batteries (Included)
• Compatible with Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP

Video of the USB Exercising Mouse

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Fitness, Gadgets, Toys, Video

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The Apripoko Robot

April 10th 2008 01:15

Toshiba's new Robotic friend

The Apripoko says hello

Reading a recent article on Electronista.com brought to my attention a cool new gadget from Toshiba called the Apripoko Robot. Immediately I wanted to get one but soon discovered that it’s probably going to be released in Asia first.

So what does this cute looking contraption do? Well essentially it’s a universal remote control with artificial intelligence. Voice activated and interactive the mechanical biped detects when you are using your home entertainment remote and after requesting permission will memorize the infrared codes of the buttons you push. The cool thing is that once it’s done this you only need to give it a verbal command and it will switch on the TV, fast forward a film or skip a tune or pump up the volume on your amp.

A working prototype of the Apripoko appeared last month at a Toshiba showcase. Though there has been no firm date set yet for release to the public excited techno heads including me are already anticipating where this could lead.

At 11 inches tall, with a Pokemon inspired design obviously this is a kiddie friendly starting point, but how long before a T-1000 style machine carries the same hardware? Open the pod bay doors H.A.L.!

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Gadgets, Toys

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Radio-controlled Flying Cockroach

April 3rd 2008 22:07

Cockroaches are nasty little critters that gives a lot of people the creeps with their shiny exoskeletons giving off a false impression of sliminess. They dart around like they're on steroids and have a tendency to run and hide rather well just when you're about to squat them.

And when they start flying, all hell breaks loose...

Which is why this realistic-looking helicopter mounted R/C 'Flying Cockroach' from Japanese toy maker Taiyo is so cool! Controlled via infrared, the multi-directional remote lets you control the pest through many different flight paths and to also charge it as a docking station.

A thirty-minute charge is all it takes to give you five minutes of extreme and evil pleasure as you inflict your unsuspecting victims with terror using the flying cockroach. [kilian-nakamura.com]

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Gadgets, Toys

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Top 10 Bond Gadgets

April 3rd 2008 00:06

Top 10 Bond Gadgets

Gadget Master Q

A few weeks ago I did a post on how a new range of working james Bond Gadgets are due to hit the market. Now an article on Timesonline.com has decided to list the top 10 gadgets in the James Bond films.

Like the Bond series itself, some selections are better than others, Not what I would choose, but that’s not to say there aren’t a few crackers in the Top 10.

The list from Timesonline.com:

10. TV watch (Octopussy, 1983)

9. Bowler hat (Goldfinger, 1964)

8. Rebreather (Thunderball, 1965)

7. Weaponised bagpipes (The World is Not Enough, 1999)

6. Crocodile mini-submarine (Octopussy, 1983)

5. X-ray glasses (The World is Not Enough, 1999)

4. Swiss-Army surfboard (Die Another Day, 2002)

3. Virtual reality training system (Die Another Day, 2002)

2. Briefcase (From Russia With Love, 1963)

1. Jet packs (Thunderball, 1965)

The Jetpack from Thunderball

I do agree with the Jet Pack, in fact I still want one, just for fun.

The re-breather also seems to have such a practical benefit that having one in my pocket would never go astray when near the water. You know for picking up coins off the bottom of public swimming pools of course.

So what would I have included on list, well the biggest over sight seems to be some of the Bond mobiles. The Lotus Esprit (The Spy Who Loved Me) that can go underwater would be a buzz for sure and best of all they are working on one in real life.

The Submarine Lotus from The Spy Who Loved Me

Not that I come into high combat situations when driving often but I can imagine an Aston Martin with Machine guns (Goldfinger) would come in handy during road rage incidents. Just quietly, an Ejector seat is tempting for those times on long road trips when the wife gets a little to persistent in expressing her own point of view

The Aston Martin from Goldfinger

Little Nellie the compact helicopter (You Only Live Twice) always captured my imagination. It’s a portable air travel device that fits in a briefcase after all. (Again this one actually existed in reality)

Little Nellie from You Only Live Twice

So what would your choices be for the coolest Bond Gadgets?

My only question now is does Ursula count as the ultimate gadget?

139

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

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USB 3D Boxer Stress Relief

April 2nd 2008 00:05

Desktop World Title fight

Ding, Ding...get ready for round 1

Gadgetshop.com is a cool site that offers a variety of off the wall gizmos designed as much for entertainment as practicality. Cruising through the site I found a number of very tempting toys, which I will be posting on over the next few weeks.

First up comes a clever little alternate choice to a stress ball. It’s an interactive USB boxing figurine. The idea is simple, you work out your tensions by using mouse and keyboard to control a real world statue that sits beside the desktop.

The only reason I’m reluctant to purchase one is that I can see myself getting completely addicted to the thing.

Meet pain in the virtual world

From the gadgetshop.com site:

“The biggest hitting USB toy on record has just entered the ring - and he's an awesome sight. The USB Boxer is one of a fabulous new generation of computer games that are taking the action off the screen and on to your desktop in glorious 3D plastic. Now your interactive gameplay is about to get a good deal more physical.

Now, as you manipulate your keyboard, one can really see the punches land and feel the excitement build as you test both your skills and your rhythm. As each successive hit on the speedbag registers a score, fully interactive software keeps tabs on your performance and realistic boxing ring sounds add to the intensity of the atmosphere - making this a most satisfying way to get the day's office frustrations out of one's system.

The boxer puts you in the driving - or should that be punching - seat with an array of options to choose from, including the length of each 'round' as well as a whole set of game modes enabling you to take complete control or let the boxer loose to show you how it's meant to be done.

Then there's only three things left to do. Plug in. Power-up. Log-in. And let punchbag battle commence.”

Includes:

3 game modes: auto, manual and keystroke
Realistic arm movements
Bell and crowd sounds
Interactive software

Please Note
4 x AA batteries are required to operate the USB Boxer (batteries not included).

Specification
Dimensions: Height: 21.0cm Width: 13.5cm Depth: 13.5cm
Weight: 0.9Kg
Batteries: Energizer Ultraplus - AA Battery

Inspired by a post found on stuff.co.nz

In case your not already sold, check out this fun video of the USB boxer in action.

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Computers, Gadgets, Gaming, Toys

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Disco Ball: Underwater Light Show

March 26th 2008 07:45

Want to impress your mates at your pool party? Usually, a big pool, a large keg filled with booze and a bevy of lovely ladies would be enough to do the trick but what if you wanted to go a little further and really your mates something to remember? A disco theme perhaps?

Well, the Underwater Light Show Disco Ball is your answer.

Suitable for use in a pool and spa (or even your bath-tub when you're bored), the Underwater Light Show is a funky waterproof lightbox that you can pop underwater in your pool, spa or bath tub, to create a beautiful light display perfect to get the party started or for a relaxing night in.

The disco ball features five coloured LEDs and five different light patterns to ensure maximum versatility and option to select a display to suit the occasion and your mood.

This fabulous underwater disco ball can even float so projecting the light patterns onto the sides of the pool, walls and up into the night is just a flick away. The outer case of the disco ball includes a magnifying cover which maximises the area of illumination and makes for some pretty impressive light effects.

And when the pool party heads indoors, so can the Underwater Light Show disco ball - just place it on a table or wherever you fancy and let it work its magic. [gizoo.co.uk]

Specifications:

-- Easy On/Off function
-- 5 Modes of Light Patterns
-- Easy Battery Installation
-- Tether Loop
-- Product dimensions (H)8cm x (L)8cm x (W)8cm
-- Box dimensions (H)16.5m x (L)10cm x (D)10cm
-- Package weight 150g
-- Power requirements x3 AAA (LR03) batteries (not included)

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Gadgets, Toys

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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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