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Cinema Glasses.

February 5th 2008 00:06

Glasses through Celluloid Lens

The Zeiss Cinemizer Movie Glasses

Innovations in the way we experience and receive our digital media entertainment is moving faster than Big Blue on an international server. Now comes Cinemizer video eyewear from the Carl Zeiss school of logical optical electronics progression.

The plan is that you “will be able to watch any movie stored on your ipod, anytime and anywhere.” (Or is that any wear?)

Boasting an assortment of colours in one basic style, the sports cut makes them look more durable than they may really be. As a movie lover this idea sounds like it has potential and at a cost of around $AUS600 it may be worth the gamble investing in a pair once they have had some consumer road testing.

Here are some FAQ’s from the official zeiss.com website, including the release date.

Can all video-capable iPods be connected to the
cinemizer?
Yes. The cinemizer is compatible with iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod with Video, and iPod nano (3rd Generation).

Is the cinemizer also compatible with the iPhone?
With the current connector, we do not recommend using the cinemizer with the iPhone as there is no official certification as yet. Compatibility to the iPod and iPhone is established through an authentication chip in the connector of the cinemizer. Currently, the cinemizer is certified for video-capable iPods and comes with a corresponding connector. There will be a corresponding connector and clip for the cinemizer as soon as certification for the iPhone is received.

Is the cinemizer also compatible with other multimedia players, DVD players and game consoles?
Yes. You only need a 4-pin, 3.5 mm A/V phone jack (see technical note). Connect the cable to the jack on the battery box. An iPod should not be connected. You can also remove the iPod connector to get a flat battery box.

Can the cinemizer also play movies from a computer?
If you would like to use a video source other than the iPod, you need a standard 3.5 mm, p-pin AV plug (see technical note) and possibly a corresponding adapter cable, e.g. for the TV port of the graphic card on your computer. It is not possible to use a USB cable. An iPod should not be connected. You can also remove the iPod connector to get a flat battery box.

What is the resolution on the cinemizer?
Both displays on the cinemizer have resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.

Can eyeglass wearers use the cinemizer?
Yes. You can select a diopter setting between 3.5 and -3.5 on your cinemizer.

Can I see anything through the video eyewear while I am using the cinemizer?
No. It is not possible to see through the glasses because the housing accommodates the optics and technology. You will only be able to look out below the lower edge of the glasses e.g. to operate the iPod.

Can I already buy the cinemizer?
The cinemizer will be available in Germany at selected GRAVIS outlets beginning in February/March 2008.

Please visit zeiss.com for more information.

Here is a promo spot for the Zeiss Cinemizer

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

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The Zap Alias Electric Car may not park in 2009?

February 2nd 2008 02:23

Zap Alias Electric Car an unrealistic schedule?

The Zap Alias E.T.A 2009

Electric cars are nothing new, in fact in the early days of auto pioneering the electric car dominated. The battle for superiority on the roads was eventually won by the petrol driven internal combustion engine, largely due to behind closed doors wheeling and dealing.

In 1996 the Electric was set for a return to the market with the GM’s EV1 turning up on the roads in California. Sadly a combination of auto makers self sabotaging, a lack of consumer awareness and inevitable corporate kick backs rendered its early extinction.

Now with the community crying out for more environmentally responsible alternatives to combat global warming/cooling (nature again proves its universal balance), peak oil and dependence on foreign suppliers car manufacturers are taking development more seriously.

Meet the $100,000 competition. The Tesla Roadster

Leading this technological race is the $100,000, high performance Tesla Roadster. A bit pricey for the average Joe, news of the Zap Alias sportster seems to be the everyman’s light at the end of the rainbow.

Scheduled for a 2009 debut, speculation is now rife that the 321.85 horse power three wheeled sports mobile may be delayed. Sceptics are saying that it’s overzealous to think the release date will be met considering that Zap has only just began development with financial constraints in mind.

The Zap Alias Concept and on the right the XR3 from Riley.

According to an article on Wired.com the reason for the claim is that even big auto manufacturers like Toyota and GM take 3-5 years from drawing board to final product even with a prototype in place.

Countering on Wired.com Zap chairman Albert lam says "Looking at our initial project-development plan and our discussion with a number of key engineering and technology partners, I believe we can go into production by the second quarter of 2009,"

So the California company remains optimistic that there flashy voltage driven promise can be met while many in the industry remain unconvinced. Premature or not it is reassuring to know that the development continues.

Here are the Zap Alias vital statistics from the official website.

General Info

Front wheel drive
•Wheel motors X 2
•Pure EV
•Motors: 2 x PML 15.75 inches (400 mm)
- Peak Power – 321.85 Horsepower (240 kW) total
- Peak Torque – 557.52 lb/ft (756 Nm)
- Max Revs - 2100 rpm
- Water cooled

•Performance
0 – 60 mph ( 96.56 Km/h): 5.7 seconds
Vmax: 156 mph (251.06 Km/h)
EV range: 100 miles (160.9 kilometer)
• Vehicle kerb mass: 1612.6 lbs (733 kg)

Safety
ZAP-3 Homologated as a motorcycle
•Recommended safety requirements to provide enhanced safety features
compared with a conventional motorcycle
–Seatbelt provision
–Vehicle structure features
•Roll hoop
–Consideration of other enhanced safety features
•CAE will guide the development of structural safety solutions

Here is a brief look at what the Alias could deliver

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

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Dual-Zone Heated Cargos Nut Warmer

November 22nd 2006 22:49

The cold, winter season is upon us yet again so why take the risk of freezing your nuts off each time you walk out of the door? The Dual-Zone Heated Cargos from Brookestone is just the thing to keep you warm and cozy, from waist down at least. It looks like a normal pair of cargo pants from the outside, but like momma always told me, never judge a book by its cover.

This khaki-colored cargos come with fleece lining on the inside, but that's not the thing that makes it special. It is the integrated carbon-fiber heating elements inside that are strategically positioned across the lower back and inside of the pockets which keep your hands warm. The heated cargos come with a rechargeable battery that can keep you warm for a few hours at a stretch before requiring a recharge. A wired remote is included with each $150 purchase for you to control the temperature.

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Posted By: Edwin - Category: Toys

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Light Sensor Christmas toys bring cheer

November 8th 2006 01:31

The holiday season is upon us now, so what better way to usher in the Yuletide mood by propping your desktop with a bunch of Christmas-themed toys that will literally light up the mood in the office? Sure, there are deadlines to meet and reports to hand in, but you can now do that in a more cheery mood with these USB Light Sensor toys from Brando which come in Santa Claus and Snowman flavors.

Each Light Sensor toy is USB-powered, so there is no need to lug around any large AC adapters. These Christmas icons will glow in various colors, and the integrated light sensor will automatically turn them on when plugged in whenever the surrounding light levels are too low. Each Light Sensor toy retails for $12.90, making them affordable toys to give to family and friends alike.

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Posted By: Edwin - Category: Toys

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Wonderjock for small, bruised egos

November 6th 2006 08:00

Are you suffering from a bad case of low self-esteem, as your little brother down there does not quite measure up to the expectation of others? Is it being weighed down by pressure of being the largest in the gym? All those fears and insecurities can now be disspelled with the Wonderjock from Aussiebum.

Featuring ball/extension support technology, the Wonderjock helps portrude your nether regions outwards to create the illusion of an extremely fulfilling life, instead of hanging and looking downcast on the floor due to those insufferable cold and lonely nights

[ Click here to read more ]

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Posted By: Edwin - Category: Toys

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Choke-a-Duck relieves stress

October 23rd 2006 07:42

So you can't really take it anymore, and even the Stress-o-Meter cannot register the tremendous amount of stress that you are feeling at the moment. You desperately need to release some of the tension in your body, but throttling your boss' neck is probably a bad idea.

The Choke-a-Duck offers a more peaceful alternative as our avian friend is unable to fight back. He waddles around with an annoying tune blaring from within, and will emit choking and gagging noises when you wring its neck in an effort to keep it quiet. The moment you let it go, he will continue as if nothing happened, prepping itself for another round of asphyxiation

[ Click here to read more ]

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Posted By: Edwin - Category: Toys

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Saucy gadgets to spice things up

October 3rd 2006 12:54

MATURE CONTENT

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Posted By: Edwin - Category: Toys

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Here we go around the mulberry bush

October 3rd 2006 11:57

At first glance, you might think that this is a hamster-powered keyboard. A closer look will reveal that it is actually a fake hamster, so there is no need to pick up the phone and report us to the closest SPCA center. Yet.

This USB Hamster Wheel is a desktop toy that is bound to elicit laughter from your colleagues. All you've got to do is to plug it in via USB, install the necessary program and start typing away on your Windows-based PC. The faster you type, the harder the hamster to run, resulting in an ever faster spinning wheel

[ Click here to read more ]

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Posted By: Edwin - Category: Toys

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Bluetooth-enabled timepieces

September 28th 2006 16:02

Most people don't wear watches these days as their primary method of telling the time is through the use of their cellphones. This pervasive attitude has led many to think of watches as relics of the previous generation.

Thankfully, Fossil and Sony Ericsson has worked together to produce updated watches that come with a twist - they are equipped with Bluetooth connectivity which comes with Caller ID capability as well as allowing you to reject or mute the call if the situation calls for it

[ Click here to read more ]

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Posted By: Edwin - Category: Toys

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USB Lampshade drives away darkness

September 27th 2006 01:09

Here's a perfect gift for those who travel frequently and get more work done on their laptop than anywhere else. You plug in this funky-looking USB Lamp into any available USB port, and you're good to go. The design sports a real lampshade in order to give you that homey feeling when you're far away in a hotel room. You can pick one up from Bim Bam Banana for $33. One question though - what happens when the bulb dies out? Will it be easy to get a replacement bulb like any other ordinary lamps, or will you need to fork out another $33?

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Posted By: Edwin - Category: Toys

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