By now many people are using their smart phones to wake up every morning instead of a traditional alarm clock. In the case of the iPhone, there are numerous applications that enhance this with images, weather updates, and other features. The Lark alarm goes much further by including a wrist band that can softly wake you by slightly vibrating. This is particularly useful because it will typically only wake up the wearer of the wrist band and not the sleeping partner. It also includes a sensor and Continue reading “A next generation alarm clock”
A virtual keyboard and remote control
Computers are more and more forming part of a home entertainment system. An Apple Mac mini for example now comes with an HDMI connector and supports native HDTV resolutions. It is often cumbersome to have to deal with a traditional keyboard and mouse in the family room. A great alternative is the Mobile Mouse Pro application. It allows for wireless remote control of a Windows or Mac computer using an iPhone. The application works in tandem with a program that runs on the computer being controlled. It is a great buy for $1.99 at the iTunes store. Continue reading “A virtual keyboard and remote control”
HD videoconferencing for the family room
Cisco recently announced the Umi high definition video conferencing system for the home. The system is composed of an HD camera, control station, and remote control. The camera is designed to mount atop a flat panel display. At almost $600, it is at the high end of the residential conferencing offerings. A close competitor is the Logitech Revue with an accessory camera, which together will cost about $150 less than the Umi. Cisco has a long history of producing great video and teleconferencing products. We will have to wait until it is released to see how the Umi stacks up to the competition.
Watch TV in a new way with GoogleTV
It seems that Google might again revolutionize another area of life, watching TV. The Logitech Revue will be one of the first devices to come to market with the innovative GoogleTV technology. The device connects between your TV and video source. The video source will typically be a CableTV or satellite receiver or digital video recorder. To accomplish this, the Revue has two HDMI connectors. This allows for the display of a video overlay with menus and other GoogleTV options. For example, you could be watching a football game and need to check scores of some other games. You would simply bring up Google Chrome on the Revue and go to Yahoo while still watching the game on a picture-in-picture window on the screen.
Several other content providers also signed up. Services like Netflix, Amazon, CNBC, and Pandora Radio are some of them. Users will also be available to use the Revue to access digital media locally stored like family pictures, music, and movies.
The device goes head to head with the AppleTV, with the main difference that the Revue provides seamless TV integration. Google is also working with other manufacturers like Sony to embed the software within TVs and Blu-ray players.
Meet the next generation chemistry set
Not too long ago I came across a Thames & Kosmos chemistry set. I looked further into the company and discovered that they make a plethora of other science experiment sets. The experiments cover areas like electronics, astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, alternative energy, and many others. The kits range from under $20 to well over $100. They are designed for children over 5 or older. The fundamental series is a great place for a young scientist to start, particularly the Core Science kit.
A better dock for the iPad
There are only a few stands available in the market for the ever famous iPad. Apple’s version is designed to charge the iPad once docked, but it is somewhat difficult to undock. The BookArc stand, designed by Twelve South, is nicely crafted and easy to use. Combine it with a Bluetooth wireless keyboard from Apple, and you have a great typing platform. The stand sells for about $40 directly from Twelve South or at most Apple retail stores.
View digital media on your TV using a Boxee Box
The Boxee application has been available since 2008. It can be used to conveniently access widely available audio, video, and other digital media on the Internet. One of the great features of Boxee is that it can be operated with a simple remote control. The software can run on MacOS, Windows, Ubuntu Linux, and on an AppleTV. Most recently, a dedicated Boxee appliance has been announced and will be manufactured by D-Link. For about $230 users can play almost any media available on the Internet as well as on the local network in a Boxee Box. The Boxee RF remote is also very innovative because it includes a QWERTY keyboard in the back side. This makes navigating and entering text very easy. The Boxee appliance contains an HDMI, optical audio, RCA, Ethernet, USB, WIFI, and an SD card slot. It will be available for shipping in November of 2010.
Redesigned AppleTV announced
Apple recently announced a new redesigned AppleTV. It is the first major redesign of the multimedia network appliance since its introduction in 2006. Different from its predecessor, it does not have sizable internal storage and it is much smaller in size. It also appears to use Apple’s iOS, which also powers the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Also new, Netflix subscribers will be able to stream videos from their instant queue. They will also be able to rent and buy movies as before. A Windows or MacOS computer running iTunes is required to stream content. This includes movies, music, podcasts, and photos. The new AppleTV has a USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and optical ports. It also supports resolutions up to 720p.
Reinventing the pen
For ages the pen has been the premiere writing instrument. It has been somewhat forgotten with the broad use of the computer keyboard and electronic communications. Most people just use the traditional pen to sign documents. Several years ago, a company called Livescribe reinvented the tool with the introduction of the SmartPen. They just released their newest product addition, the Echo. The system uses a combination of a custom notebook and “smart” pen. The pen records anything that it writes, hears, and draws. It then allows for playback at a later time. The files can be archived, searched, and distributed to other people if necessary. It is great for meetings and specially for college lectures. The pen is compatible with Mac and Windows and sells for about $170 (4 GB model).
An eclectic combination of product finds
Not too long ago I came across Werd.com through a friend’s Linkedin posting. The site continually compiles a list of, as they say, “Unique Finds for Men”. The products are organized by categories like Tech, Gear, Wear, Rides, and many others. They can also be sorted by price. This is a great place to have your friends ask you “where’d you get that?”. The authors are located in the design hub of southern California and call themselves “testosterone-fueled personal shoppers”. Of course, my favorite category is TECH.