Chumby to License its Software to Other Gadgets

Remember Chumby, the cute media player that allows users to pick information widgets and then streams it from the internet?

It is set to get a wider platform as the company executives have decided to port its software on to other gadgets to create a “powered by Chumby” brand, reports Forbes.

The move means instead of selling just the Chumby device, its makers can license the software that powers it to other companies who want similar functionality in their gadgets. Chumby, for instance, can pull together information such as weather, music, news and photos from the Web and stream it to the user.

The $200 Chumby launched in the U.S. in February 2008 and is currently available in U.K, Japan, Australia. But the device hasn’t been a hit among consumers. Moving away from a single box strategy and licensing its software could bring greater exposure to the device and the concept behind it, beleive Chumby executives. It’s a strategy that other gadget makers have tried. Earlier this year GPS navigation device maker, Dash, killed its box and shifted its focus from selling hardware-based GPS devices to just licensing its applications and services to run on other products. In June, BlackBerry maker Research In Motion acquired Dash.

Chumby is betting on a similar strategy. The company is already negotiating with companies such as Sony, Samsung, Broadcom and Marvell to be included in products such as digital picture frames, TVs and Blu-ray players. Chumby powered gadgets are expected to be available this holiday season, the first of which is likely to be a digital photo frame. Photo frames with Chumby software could include pictures from sites such as Flickr, internet radio, weather and even twitter feeds.

Photo: Chumby

source:Gadget Lab

Batman: Arkham Asylum - Gadgets Trailer

There is only two more weeks until the release of Batman: Arkham Asylum for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. The demo has also been released on PSN, Xbox Live Marketplace, and over the internet for the PC. From playing through the demo, there is a lot of potential for the title to be one of the big sellers for the year.

Though in the demo, the only gadget that players can use as Batman is his batarang, but he does have many other tools to perform his detective work and defeat criminals.

Check out below for the newest trailer for Batman: Arkham Asylum that covers his awesome gadgets.

shoe gadgets

Everybody is wearing shoes, right? And almost everybody has a problem with certain pairs of shoes, especially ladies, with the heels most of the time. I gathered here some shoes gadgets which could make your shoe-user life easier, and protect your favorite pairs from damage.

These special shoes were designed for all the ladies who have trouble with driving a car in high heel shoes. This heel shoe can be folded for driving safety purpose, and the grip pattern in the sole adds grip to the pedal, preventing the shoes to slip off. Millions of women are putting themselves at risk by wearing the wrong pair of shoes when driving. There are a lot of ladies who admitted that some of their car accidents were produced because of the shoes slipping off the pedals while driving. This is very dangerous situation, and it can be avoided with these special shoes.

This interesting gadget is a very cool storage solution for people with a lot of pairs of shoes, and I am especially talking about women here. A huge part of shoe manufacturing industry is designing and selling shoes for ladies, so excuse me dear men reading this article, but let's help women to organize a little bit the huge collection of shoes. Variety is very important, so it's cool to wear daily a new pair of shoes, according to the outfit. But what do you do when you can't find that nice blue pair of high heel pair of shoes, which matches perfect with the scarf in your hand. The solution is to use one ( or more) of these shoe storage cool gadgets, which help you organize all the pairs you have. I personally like it very much because you can clearly see what you have in there, and they are also protected of scratches.

If you like to be hot even when you play golf, or when you go out for a barbecue in the nature, or you just have to walk on damaged streets, be sure that the heels of your favorite pair of shoes will be destroyed after this experience. The nightmare is over, because this cool little shoe gadget has been invented, and its main purpose is to protect the heels. Don't be afraid anymore of scratches, because now you can wear those nice high heel shoes everywhere.

Now you don't have to wear a pair of shoes on the way to the office and then change them, to make yourself feel more comfortable on the way to work, because here they are: the adjustable-heel footwear. Ta-da! This adjustable-heel shoes have a heel which can be adjusted from 3 1/2 inches to 1 1/2 inches with a peg system, with secured magnets and a hidden hinge. This shoes are great because they can also be customized using plastic parts, which snap-on, in different shapes, styles and colors. It is much easier now to express your creativity and feel comfortable in the same time. I like this shoes, because, as someone said, they allow you to be a "geekette", and this means you can be geeky and coquette in the same time!

The next gadget is for someone who likes gadgets and shoes in the same time. If you already have the personal teleporter and also a submarine, now you can have your personal Ultraviolet Shoe Dryer. This cool gadget gives you something piping hot to step into, and it definitely kills all the germs as well. The long tubes you can see in the image pump air at 104 F degrees around the inside of the shoes, and the UV takes care of the bacteria in there.

If you got sick being like the others and having an iPod for listening music, you can be special now and try these CD player shoes, which bring your tunes wherever you go! It would be an interesting concept, but until now it hadn't been produced, it's still at the idea stage. It would definitely irritate the runners in the park, but they would make you happy. In the same shoe-entertaining, here they are: the Gameboy shoes!

These futuristic Prana shoes include a phytovascular sock (made by biomimetic leafy fabric which collects and stores body heat), some exothermic contact pads which direct energy to key pressure points, and an interesting bioelectric delivery system, which consists of a woven microwire framework, designed to distribute the energy to the exothermic contact pads. Quite special shoes, huh? This pair of shoes was created by Frog Design ( Prana, the model's name means "life-force", or more accurately "soul" in old Sanskrit ) at the opening of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's "Design Afoot: 1995 to 2000" exhibit. This exhibit was the first of its kind, and it consisted of presentation of the best running, athletic and outdoor footwear and also the futuristic footwear fot 2005 (the exhibition took place in 2000).

Next models of shoes aren't really gadgets, but they are have pretty special designs:Christian Loubouti's latest collection. They have 16 cm heels, and they are actually pretty uncomfortable to wear. They were designed for movies, photographic art, or just for wearing them a few minutes.

Another interesting shoe model from Christian Louboutin, which represents the women who have landed on Earth from Venus:

Shoes gadgets' palette is quite large, and you can almost get anything you want for your shoes. Gadget inventors are daily working on more and more inventions, so if you didn't see until now the gadget you were waiting for ages, keep your eyes on the news and in short time you will see the cooking shoes too.

source:Cool Gadget Concept

Q From Bond gadget inventors sought to help fight terrorism

If you live in a country where democracy is the system of rule and freedom is valued then the chances are there is a group of people out there who would seek to end your way of life. Terrorists are increasingly turning to technology and electronic gadgetry to gain the upper hand in their fight. And the British government is looking to fight fire with fire.

Terrorists have existed throughout history. It’s just the form they take, the religion they follow, the cause they fight for, and the methods they use which change. The ways in which we fight back has obviously also changed through the years, with a constant fight to stay one step ahead.

According to BBC News, the latest initiative in this fight comes from the British government, which is asking for budding amateur inventors to come forward with their ideas for gadgets to aid in the fight against terrorism. That’s correct, the government of the U.K. is currently seeking people who resemble Q from the James Bond films.

The British Home Office is currently engaged in a three-year-long Science and Technology Counter-Terrorism Strategy codenamed CONTEST. The call to arms for amateur inventors is as a result of an initiative known as Innovative Science and Technology in Counter-Terrorism (INSTINCT).

Security Minister Lord West said of the scheme:

The UK currently faces a real and serious threat from terrorism and we need to utilize our position as a world leader in science and technology to counter this. We need to match products and ideas to problems, which is why we are actively inviting people to join us and share expertise.

The UK is a leading innovator in the design and provision of defence and security solutions. British technology can have greater practical applications across the world and is just one more tool in our fight against those who would wish to do us harm.

The document discussing the initiative predicts that terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda will increasingly use modern technology to harm sovereign nations, “not just to plan and carry attacks, but also to spread propaganda and bring in new recruits.” The government is reaching out to scientists and technology experts by publishing a brochure which it hopes will help get talented people all working towards the same goals.

Anything that gives ordinary citizens the edge over the groups of people trying to disrupt and destroy their lives is a good thing. However, I do worry that this is just another form of scaremongering intended to spread fear. I trust the governments of the world about as much as trust the terrorists they are fighting.

source:Blorge

Google introduces social gadgets

So, iGoogle (Google's customizable homepage) introduced social gadgets. I know what you are thinking: “Ahhhh another cocktail lounge on my computer screen.”

Google said on its blog that its 19 new social gadgets include photo-sharing, games and media-sharing tools. The one that really caught my eye? The social ToDo list, where you can create multiple lists to share with friends. (It’s official, if you don’t have an iGoogle page, you’re going to be screwed for the next decade of potluck parties.)

Most of the gadgets seem pretty non-revolutionary and similar to annoying Facebook applications (“Today’s horoscope,” “TVGuide.com”… Who cares?) But the photo-sharing tool could be huge.

So could this seriously compete with other social networks? Who is even competing anymore? For instance, no one ever thought, back in the day, that Microsoft and Google would be in a cat fight.

I have yet to add social features to my iGoogle page. But after all, my iGoogle real estate is filling up fast. Nowadays you can even add a gadget to display your 401(k) balance.

Tweeters or Twits? Gadget fad takes hold

After seeing the success of Barack Obama's online presence during his election campaign, Thai politicians saw a new channel to communicate with voters. Twitter and Facebook have suddenly become very popular.

They use the tools to chat and publicise their activities with supporters. Reporters have even interviewed them through these social networking sites.

Some of the famous "tweeters" are leading politicians and those among the Democrats include Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (his fan club registered for him), Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu, PM's adviser Apirak Kosayodhin, and PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey. Earlier, the Democrats' tech-smart team had chatted via BlackBerry Messenger.

And no great surprise, even that great fan of mod cons, Thaksin Shinawatra, has jumped on the band-wagon.

The ousted PM marked his 60th birthday with an official launch of Twitter and Facebook accounts to keep in touch with as many support-ers as possible.

And despite just a brief stint tweeting, the former tele-com tycoon won the title of "Mr Twitter of Thailand" and is leading in a competition for "Mr Twitter of Asia.

But how long before these politicians get tired of the social network bug?

President Obama hasn't tweeted once since being sworn into office. Some think Obama supporters have been "pumped and dumped" now the election is over. Others believe that as president Obama has been restricted because of federal restrictions on presidential communications.

In similar vein, the tech-savvy Abhisit has had an account on Hi5 for years but since he became PM he's been too busy to update the site. Now, his staff do updates for him, including his Twitter.

Unlike their boss, Korn, Korbsak, and Satit seemed to be more active with these gadgets. They are regular users of the social network sites.

Korn sometimes tweets by himself but sometimes aides type for him. Korn could be the most active tweeter among this lot. He tweets both about his work and daily life. Wherever he goes, he has been spotted by reporters taking pictures and posting them on his twitter. It now has many exclusive pics.

If you want to see them, you won't be disappointed. For example, one from a Cabinet meeting room; another shows Abhisit blowing out candles on his birthday cake. Pictures of Korn and his family were also posted.

Korn sent a note from a press conference about the government's first six months, and when the Senate passed an executive decree for Bt400 billion ($17 billion) worth of loans. The lanky finance minister seems to enjoys tweeting and posting pictures, while Korbsak uses a micro blog to update folk about what he does.

Let's hope politicians don't regard these posts as part of their achievements. It's hardly what they're expected to do.

source:AsiaOne

Logitech's new Harmony remote can see through doors

Laughs in the face of closed cabinet doors. Image: Logitech.

Looking to make remote gadget control even more versatile than it already is, Swiss accessory and peripherals maker Logitech has unveiled its new Harmony 900 remote unit, which laughs in the face of extreme distance and closed doors and will allow tech lovers to “say good-bye to clutter”.

More pointedly, Logitech’s latest Harmony controller boasts a completely redesigned RF system that not only enables the unit to relay commands from a distance of up to 100 feet, but also means users can control all manner of entertainment-based gadgets that might be neatly hidden behind cabinet doors.

“Like all Harmony remotes, the Harmony 900 simplifies home entertainment, which is particularly relevant with more and more people staying home to watch movies on their big-screen TVs and enjoying surround sound and hi-def video from the comfort of the couch,” commented Ashish Arora, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s Harmony business unit.

“Unfortunately, more remotes and more wires tend to be byproducts of increasingly sophisticated home-entertainment systems,” he continued. “With the Harmony 900 remote’s RF technology and ability to control up to 15 devices, you can say good-bye to the clutter while gaining better control of your devices.”

The remote works in conjunction with an included IR blaster and two mini blasters, which receive and distribute remote commands after being placed within close proximity to any compatible entertainment devices – whether they be visibly open to the Harmony 900 or secreted away from sight.

Equipped with an intuitive one-touch control system and a colour touch-sensitive interface screen, the Harmony 900 remote will, according to Logitech, enable friends and family, “and even the babysitter,” to effortlessly navigate between devices and select what they want to do.

It all sounds too good to be true, eh? From a technical standpoint, it would certainly appear Logitech’s Harmony 900 is able to deliver on its promises.

However, it remains to be seen whether the controller’s suggested retail price of €399.99 Euros convinces gadget lovers to adopt it en masse ahead of the apparent inconvenience of multiple controllers and closed cabinet doors.

The Tech Herald, fond as we are of multiple remotes, unsightly clutter, and the physical act of opening doors, probably won’t be investing such an amount – not least because that could buy us a PlayStation 3.

source:GADGET

Travel gadget: Smiley tags

Have you noticed that almost everyone in the world now has a black travel bag? I came to a belated awareness of this the other day as I was waiting for our luggage to come off the airport carousel.

As it happens my suitcase is brown and is further differentiated from the masses by a luggage strap with red tikis on it. However my wife's is black and therefore indistinguishable from all the others.

If it wasn't for the fact that we had cunningly left on a couple of brightly coloured tags from previous trips I'd have had to join the many other punters who were forced to pick up every passing black bag, scrutinise the label, then put it back on the carousel.

But if you don't have access to any garish labels then a good alternative is one of these Smiley tags - happy, smiling faces in a range of luminous colours, 7.5cm in diameter, and very easy to pick out amid the mass of black luggage.

They cost $6 each - plus $4 freight, so you might want to consider buying something else as well - from globaltravelproducts.co.nz.

Then you've just got to hope everyone else doesn't get the same idea.

Kill yellow teeth with USB microscope?

Japanese uber-gadget maker Thanko continues its drive to turn the entire universe into a USB gadget after giving us our last fix with its e-cigarettes.

The retailer, based in Tokyo's Akihabara electronics mecca, has launched a USB dental microscope that can turn your teeth into glorious 640?480 images or 1280?1024 video.

The 12-inch wand-shaped device has 6 LED lights and a 1/4 inch CMOS camera with 40x magnification. A shutter-release button is built into the underside. The device connects to a Windows XP or Vista PC with USB 1.1 or 2.0 and is available in Japan for about $80.

For the follicularly challenged, Thanko says the scope is handy not only for "checking cavities and tartar, but skin and hair as well." Many Japanese hair products aimed at men claim to help with thin, flaccid hair.

Thanko's USB dental microscope keeps tabs on your follicles.

(Credit: Thanko)

You can get imaginative with the scope since the USB cable is more than 6 feet long. And for that special someone, it's available in a choice of three gift wrappings.

The dental microscope isn't available on Thanko's English Web site yet, but another scope is. The USB Versatile Microscope ($151) has more LED lights buts is less ergonomically designed. It's ideal for those keen on viewing their inner ears and other nooks and crannies.

Mobile Computing

They have not rather made KITT – the most heard AI (Artificial Intelligence) added into the automotive star of TV’s Knight Rider but Dashboard Devices are available out there which can allow you to give your normal motorcar a touch of smart abilities with just 2,750-USD ENV-XC.

This computer is made about a 1.66-GH Intel Core Duo processor, with 1-GB of memory and a 160-GB HD. It links up to an in-dash touch screen that will replace your car radio controllers. It is featuring
a) A DVD-read/write.
b) A USB porthole to plug-in more devices like keyboard for typing emails.
c) A GPS navigation system.
d) WiFi.

It is coming with Windows, but any advanced user can set up the Linux OS rather. And best of all, it can also talk to you. Visit www.dashboarddevices.com

21ST Century Radio

Fed up of typical old AM/FM? Then look at this car radio that can link up you to internet stations all over the world. It works with Bluetooth technology to piggyback on the data link given by any device such as the 3G-enabled iPhone. MiRoamer is releasing some models to hit the shelves of the consumer market during this year with price ranging from $300 to $400. www.miroamer.com

Solar Powered Phone

Many states are insisting that drivers should have hands-free devices while using them during driving. One great choice is the $100 LG solar-powered speakerphone. This phone can tap Bluetooth to link up to your mobile phone. One little button can let you answer calls. Moreover, you can also make calls if your phone is featuring voice commands. By giving 1-hr for charging the speakerphone you can enjoy approximately 2-hrs of talk-time in daylight. On purchasing you will also receive a car adapter, which will let you charge directly from the dashboard. Visit www.lge.com

Portable GPS Device

If it is unaffordable for you to get full computer upgrade for your motorcar, you still have an option to get some navigation help from this portable GPS device. This unit is controlled thru touch-screen. The $189 GY 135 speaks directions and sends along a different route. The unit is full of maps of the U.S.A. right out of the box. If you want to get more U.S.A. or Canadian maps, you can add by utilizing a memory card. Visit www.thencc.com

source:http://www.ixibo.com

Sony announces cheaper competitor for the Kindle; I remain weirdly unmoved

Sony unveiled its new e-book readers today, and the big news is that the Reader Pocket Edition will tip the wallet scales at only $199, making it about a hundo less than a Kindle and less than the $250 Cool-er, too. The beefier Reader Touch Edition, with touch-screen tastiness, will be $299, and both come out at the end of the month.

It’s good news for the cheap-but-gadget-hungry among us — especially because books will be $9.99, down from $11.99 — but I’m still not as gung-ho about e-readers as I’ve been about other new gizmos. When digital cameras hit the mass market, I had one of those it will be mine moments. Sometimes I need a test drive to generate that kind of bloodlust; I was meh on iPods until I borrowed a friend’s for a day and became a convert, lo those many years ago. But I have tried both Kindles and Cool-ers, and despite the inherent gee-whiz factors for both of them — it’s a book! from the fuuuuutuuuure! — neither made me weak in the gadget knees.

Are you an ebook evangelist, PopWatchers? Have you been fully converted to the joys of e-ink and downloadable content? Or are you in the “maybe someday” camp with me?

original post:http://popwatch.ew.com

Gadget Leak: Sprint WiMax Rollout Schedule For 2009

WiMax’s fate hasn’t been sealed just yet, but based on its success so far, or lack there of, I’d say that’s it demise is only a matter of time. But contrary to popular belief Sprint is plugging ahead with their WiMax rollout, that is assuming this leaked roadmap is accurate. Next on the list is Portland, OR, which is already seeing street team marketing in full affect, so big yellow will have some catching up to do. As far as the remaining roll out schedule, I’m just surprised to see the list devoid of any major metropolitan coasts cities.

Radio-Controlled Feed Boat

Gear | Gadget

It is not just a toy with the tipper, this 60cm (19ft6") boat featuring includes a sonar sensor as the fish finder, the remote control's LED display shows you where to find the fish and a water temperature sensor. The Radio-Controlled Feed Boat(GBP 435; about $726): With sonar sensor, tipper for 4.4 lbs of bait, underwater LED light and a 948ft range. Around reed islands and in shallow water. In remote waterside areas and under overhanging branches. This Radio-Controlled Feed Boat will bring your bait and floaters to places that can��t even be reached with the best casting technique. Up to 300m (984ft) from your location. The one-hand control is easy to operate and will take the agile electric boat to the exact spot where the fish are �C tracked by the built-in sonar sensor. The 5.3 x 5.4cm (2" x 2 1⁄10") display on the remote-control will show you where to find the fish and at which depth the shoal is moving (up to 30m /98ft in 2m/6ft5�� units). In addition it will indicate the water temperature (0-40��C) and the absolute water depth as well as all boat movements and activities. The tipper discharges up to 2kg (4.4 lbs) of bait at the touch of a button. Along with your hook bait, too, if you wish. Two powerful jet motors (540 Series) are situated within the hull so you can also navigate in severely overgrown waters: Algae and twining plants won��t get caught up in the propellers. original post: http://www.likecool.com/Radio-Controlled_Feed_Boat--Gadget--Gear.html

Google Checkout Gadget Lets Sellers Create an Online Store Anywhere By Ina Steiner

Google Labs has launched a widget (or gadget, as Google calls it) that lets users set up an online store powered by its Google Checkout online payment service. Sellers can embed a large version of the Google Checkout store gadget on their own website or on Google Sites - a free webhosting service - to act as the user's ecommerce store. Sellers may also embed a small version of the gadget on their blog or website.

Sellers must use a Google Docs spreadsheet, where they manage their inventory, and must have a Google Checkout seller account. They can then embed the online store anywhere.

According to Google, sellers can get their first online store up-and-running in under five minutes. A tutorial shows three examples of how sellers might use the widget.

Kodak Theater HD Player with motion-sensitive remote, available now

Kodak after announcing new Zi8 HD cameras also introduced a new HD player called Kodak Theater HD Player.

This device is designed to connect directly to the HDTV via either WiFi or Ethernet connection. Moreover, not only can play videos, but also images, podcasts, music and web content.

Kodak Theatre HD Player has brings a “point and play” remote control that also has motion-sensitive controller. Its motion-sensitive controller is like a mouse but without a flat surface.

It also has support multi card reader of SD/MMC/xD/MS/CF and a USB port. It has provided to playback your videos or images. Kodak Theatre HD Player allows play YouTube video and other on-demand streams.

Kodak Theater HD Player is available now and their price is for $199.99.

Source
Kodak Theatre HD Player with motion-sensitive remote

The World’s Largest iPod

Jonathan Ive, the man behind the design of Apple iPhone and iPod, recently created a giant iPod model that he sent as a gift to British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith on his birthday.

While a device of that size may not be very practical, ft.com has revealed that Apple is actually working to release a large-screen iPod sometime during Christmas.

Apple is racing to offer a full-featured, tablet-sized computer in time for the Christmas shopping season. The touch-sensitive device will have a screen that may be up to 10 inches diagonally.

It will connect to the internet like the iPod Touch - probably without phone capability but with access to the web, and to Apple’s online stores for software and entertainment.

The price of the new 10" Apple iPod Tablet could be anywhere between $600 and $1,000 according to the same report.

source: http://www.labnol.org

Our love of gadgets defies the recession

THEY have long been derided as nothing more than geeky big boys’ toys – but the demand for gadgets could be about to hit an all-time high.

Technology experts say sales of hi-tech electronic gizmos such as the iPhone are beating the recession thanks to a broadening appeal that extends beyond the traditional market of men and teenage boys.

Sales of mobile phones, satnavs, and games consoles such as PlayStation 3 and Wii, will help push technology sales past the £50bn mark by the end of 2010, according to market analysts Mintel.

The research says that between 2004 and 2008, annual sales of technology rose almost £6.2bn (13%) to reach £49bn in 2008, and consumers are now even sacrificing nights out and leisure activities to continue to get their “gadget fix”.

And in despite the current economic uncertainty, annual sales are forecast to hit £60bn by the end of 2014.

Jim Clark, senior technology analyst at Mintel said: “In many ways, the recession has had a positive effect for the technology market and encouraged consumers to consider the latest, converged devices coming to the market in a quest for greater value.

“The likes of the Apple iPhone, for example, does away with the need for a digital camera, video camera, MP3 player, PDA and web browser – avoiding up-front costs of buying the device through a manageable monthly subscription.

“Smartphones, in particular the iPhone, are being marketed around an ability to record video, take pictures, surf the web and do computer-like things.

“The iPhone design appears to have cast a spell over the British mobile phone-buying public.”

Mr Clark said there were a number of impending gadgets that could boost the market over coming months, with rumours of an Apple “tablet” mini PC hitting the shops at Christmas.

The iPhone has also led to Apple’s competitors raising their game, he said.

“We’re seeing the launch of the new HTC G1, a really cool Google Android-powered device and the Nokia N97

“There’s also the LG watch phone, which will have buzz when it becomes available end of this year/2010.”

The research shows that around 41% of adult internet users are going out less during the week than they were a year ago and, significantly, they are just as likely to be playing games now at home as watching television.

“We’ll see continued success of games consoles, the Wii in particular, which has upped its motion sensor credentials,” said Mr Clark.

“Next year the Xbox will be even bigger, with the expected release of ‘natal’. This is a motion-sensing device, with tie-ups with the likes of Sky, to broadcast on-demand content to Gold live subscribers, as well as link-ups with Last.fm, Twitter and Facebook, bringing web 2.0 to the big screen.

“Given that consumers are spending more time at home and looking for value, this will appeal as they look to the living room for their entertainment needs.

“Retailers will be able to market devices around their long-term savings, over expensive family days out.”

Dr Mike Reddy, a technology expert from the University of Wales, Newport, said consumers were prepared to spend “a fortune” on gadgets that make their lives easier, in a revolutionary way.

“It is not just a case of being big boys’ toys – youngsters and women of all ages too like to have gadgets that make our lives easier too,” he said.

“The most successful companies are not necessarily the first to invent a gadget; they are the ones who work at making them significantly better than the rest.

“You only have to look at the early MP3s, which a section of the population bought compared to the general popula-tion who chose the sleek and colourful iPods, which had iTunes.

“One of the most likely future success stories will be the 02 Joggler, a touch-screen device that is used like a fridge door but sends reminders about birthdays or school events to family members’ mobile phones.”

Rhys Evans, deputy senior director for Consumer Focus Wales, who has the new iPhone, said: “Our research confirms these findings, with our figures for 2009 showing an increase in ownership across a wide range of technologies, particularly sat-navs, in comparison with the figures for 2007.

“These products have a short shelf life.

“They quickly go out of date so there will be a tendency for people to view them as needing regular updates.”