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

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

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

iPhone Document Scanner

The iPhone Document scanner was designed and built by Kyle Koch and was an answer to problems he had taking pictures of class assignments (so that he didn’t loose them).

Documents taken by hand normally came out clear, but occasionally there was a bit of blur which is why this iPhone Document Scanner was his answer. Mixing this custom document scanner with software like Evernote and you have quite a decent system to store all of your documents digitally and as it’s all stored on the iPhone it means you can sync it with your computer and take documents everywhere with you.

The Phone Document Scanner measures 15.5 inches in length, 9.5 inches wide and 15 inches tall. The unit is handmade but is still available to order at a cost of $45 per unit. Shipping is done all over the world with shipping cost.


source: http://www.gadgetvenue.com/iphone-document-scanner-07300232/

Gadgets, Web sites to make you a better runner

(CNN) -- Admit it, runners: When you're on the fifth mile of your fourth run of the week and there's nothing but you, the summer heat and 5 more miles to go, things can get a bit ... boring.

High-tech gadgets and Web sites can help motivate runners and make training less of a chore.

"That's one of the challenges with marathon training, especially if you're not the type of person who runs every day out of habit," said Popular Science Editor Mike Haney, who is training for his fifth marathon.

Haney started running in 2004 and at first eschewed everything but an Ironman watch and a pair of shoes.

As he's gotten more competitive, though, Haney has turned to running gear not only to make him a better, more competitive runner but also to keep him engaged.

"I like running, but having the music in my ear and having the pace on my wrist makes it more palatable," Haney said, "especially when you're going really long distances."

If the spice is gone from your 10k or marathon training, don't toss aside your running log just yet. Sports-equipment manufacturers keep concocting lighter and more technologically advanced gadgets that make running less of a chore.

Even if you're not a gadget geek, road testing one of these may be all you need to rekindle your running flame.

Some tech-savvy runners and trainers shared their favorite running gear.

Low-tech is the new high-tech

Although shoe developers haven't made a pair that can do the running for you, they have found a way to make running shoes feel more natural, like you're not wearing shoes at all. A popular new breed of shoe tries to simulate running barefoot.

Nike, New Balance and Newton Running all make sneaks designed to give the feeling of an unencumbered "barefoot" gait with the stability of a sturdy yet flexible sole.

The new Nike Free 5.0 ($85) offers a middle ground for those who like the idea of barefoot running but aren't ready to part with the stability a shoe provides. With deep grooves along the bottom, the ultralight shoe allows your feet to move as they please, because the sole bends according to your natural motion.

Then there are the Newton Running trainers (all models $175), which provide a barefoot running experience whether you like it or not.

The shoe is designed to mimic the way a person runs barefoot "because they have protrusions on the forefoot that encourage you to be more of a forefoot striker or midfoot striker instead of landing on your heel," Haney said. Experts say this reduces injuries.

Watch yourself

Runners should know the power of a good heart-rate monitor, as it could mean the difference between winning a race and not feeling prepared enough to even start one. Having a visual reminder of your heart rate lets you develop a consistent pace while knowing whether you should push yourself or slow down.

Today's wrist-wearable computers go far beyond reading your heart's rhythm. Using a model equipped with GPS, speed-calculating shoe sensors (also known as foot pods) and data-analysis tools can be the key to improving your running and inspiring consistency, since you can track every detail of how your performance changes over time.

For trainer and "Running for Mortals" author Jenny Hadfield of Chicago, Illinois, the new Garmin Forerunner 310XT ($349) is the optimal choice.

"The battery life is fantastic, the satellites work wherever I'm at in the world, you can get your heart rate, there's a foot pod so you can get your cadence, elevation, distance, speed, averages of all of those things -- and it's really easy to use," Hadfield explained.

Another option is the new Polar RS800CX ($470), which uses foot pods to measure a runner's speed, distance, route elevation and cadence. Unlike the Garmin, the Polar device can also measure stride length -- how much ground you cover with each stride -- a stat experts say is key in improving your pace.

Tune in

A favorite with athletes around the world despite its lack of GPS technology, the Nike+ Sport Kit ($29) uses a sensor that's tucked inside a compatible Nike shoe to track speed and distance. The sensor then sends that information wirelessly to an iPod Touch or iPhone. The system also works with the older iPod Nano via a small receiver attached to the mp3 player.

You can see how far you've gone, how fast you ran and about how many calories you burned, all while listening to a running mix of your choice, and later upload your data to the Nike+ site.

Nike also offers the slim, watch-sized Nike+ Sport Band ($59), which displays your distance, pace and calories burned and holds 30 hours of workout data.

There's an app for that

If you fear that running without GPS could land you in dangerous territory, there's also the free iPhone application RunKeeper, which takes care of the basics: speed, time spent and distance.

The upside? You've got your GPS-enabled phone, your music and a portable running log, and you can share the status of your workouts with friends on Facebook and Twitter. The downside: The iPhone is a bit bulky, and you'll be sweating all over it in no time, so don't forget to buy a waterproof case.

Run the Web

Of course, if the thrill of a new gadget isn't enough to push you out of the door, peer pressure and friendly cajoling may do the trick, even if it's not face-to-face.

Both Polar and Nike+ have comprehensive Web sites where runners upload information from their runs and find new training plans. With the new, more intuitive NikePlus.com -- the beta version of which rolled out in early July -- runners can create running and fitness goals, log data, track their progress and even challenge others.

Lisa Katayama, a San Francisco, California-based technology blogger and new runner, said the Nike+ system is one of the few things that keeps her going.

"For me, [the Nike+] is crucial," she said. "It has the biggest and strongest online community in the world, it's easy to use, and it's really well integrated with the Web, so you can share with your friends."


credit: http://edition.cnn.com

Mobile Security: How Gadgets Evolved

CSO publisher Bob Bragdon still has his first mobile office gadget from 1987. We take a trip down memory lane and examine how mobile device security has matured to meet today's data protection needs

CSO Publisher Bob Bragdon is a self-proclaimed "gadget head." His collection, which spans from 1987, runs the gamut from primitive digital address book to the latest generations of today's Blackberry and iPhone (Check out the slideshow to see pictures of all of them).

Bragdon, who is also a pack-rat, rifled through his attic and gave us the devices for a little retrospective. We enlisted mobile-office-tech expert Catherine Roseberry, author of 'Moving to Mobility: Creating a successful remote work environment,' to give us the details of each device's features and security. In just over two decades, we see how mobile technology security has transformed from simple password protection to platforms that now secure data transmission with encryption, authorization, access control and firewall protection (But they still include plenty of vulnerabilities. Check out 3 Simple Steps to Hack a Smartphone).

1989: Sharp Dial Master EL-6250H
Bragdon began buying gadgets for work in 1987. His first purchase: A Sharp Dial Master EL-6250H, which he used to store contacts for several years. According to Roseberry, the device was a telephone book, memo pad, calculator and auto phone dialer with an 8KB memory. While it was manufactured long before concerns about data privacy and breaches dominated headlines, it did have a security feature. A secret key was pressed to keep items password protected, according to Roseberry. A key icon indicated whether an item was password protected.

1997: RIM Inter@active Pager 950
Bragdon used his Dial Master until about 1991, but it wasn't until 1997 that was issued a RIM Inter@active Pager 950 by a former employer. It was his first experience with mobile email communication, he said. The pager had a small keyboard and a full mailbox that held more than 500 contacts. Users could also send and receive two-way pages, faxes and send voice-to-text messages, said Roseberry. It had 2MB of memory and also included an address book, calendar, alarm, calculator and memo pad. While the device was a definite step up in terms of functionality, the only security feature included was password protection, said Roseberry.

1999: HP 6601x
The HP 6601x was the first mobile device Bragdon used that had connectivity. A "brick," as Bragdon described it, it had 32MB of RAM, included a PCMCIA WiseCom 56.6kbps modem, and had Windows CE Services 2.1. It also had an IR Port and a docking cradle to connect to a PC.

Security included password protection similar to that of a PC, said Roseberry. However, if you lost your password, the device required a hard reset. All data was lost.

adget: HTC G2 Running Windows Mobile

Place of Origin: China

"Inspired" by: The HTC Magic

Like the iPhone, when HTC announced their successor to the G1 and released pictures of the mobile, the copy masters over at China began their process of making a mold to make a fake version of the phone.

The phone was not named specifically in the beginning (it was first called Ion then it took them awhile to come up with Magic, then the US called it myTouch 3G), so everyone just called it the G2 to identify it as HTC's next Android running smartphone. The name stuck with the fake-phone makers and thus we get the HTC G2.

The G2 runs on a Huawei K3 460MHz processor with a Windows Mobile 6.1 OS, has EDGE (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and that's all I know about this phone. Oh, it comes with a stylus.

You can tell the differences between this phone and the real thing. The most obvious ones being the lack of the Android-required buttons: Home, Menu, Back and Search and the missing trackball (it's replaced with a D-pad which looks like the rumored HTC Click's with a smaller middle). Subtle alterations are a smaller touchscreen with the 'htc' logo (which kinda looks like 'ntc') making up for the loss of screen space and the top speaker is only half complete. What? Did they poke holes and then gave up halfway?

What's pretty interesting about the mobile is the back carries a very familiar logo:

Yes, Vodafone. I guess the makers decided to put the telco's name since the HTC Magic was announced to be a Vodafone exclusive in the EU. Don't know what's up with the logo though, it's not a flame is it?

This phone has not been released yet so we've got no price tag but expect it to come in at around NZ$400 plus shipping. I will update this post as more information is released.

My arbitrary score for almost-the-real-thing-ness : 5/10

Gotta stand about 3 meters away for it to look real. Even then you shouldn't be waving it around.

25 Mind-Blowing Gadgets

Few weeks ago we’ve presented a number of innovative gadgets, devices, designs and concepts. Unless explicitly specified, none of them has been officially released or produced yet, and none of them is currently available for end-users. But what about existing products? What about innovative designs which are already available in stores and can be bought straight away?

As part of our monday inspiration series we present 25 mind-blowing gadgets and devices which are already available today. Among them you’ll find loudspeakers, turntables, TV sets, furniture, laptop sleeves and further accessories. Please notice: most of them aren’t cheap at all, and many of them cost over $10,000.

You might want to take a look at

• the article Innovative Designs and Devices which covers innovative, futuristic gadgets, devices, designs and concepts, and
• further articles from our Monday Inspiration series.

BeoLab 4 PC

BeoLab 4 PC is a no-fuss version of the popular BeoLab 4, optimised to bring outstanding stereo sound to the desktop. All it takes is a mini-jack cable from your computer, portable music player or any other source with a headphone jack. Price: $990.

credit: http://www.smashingmagazine.com

Thanko’s new USB gadget: “Action Camera”

USB gadget specialized Thanko strikes again. This time, the Tokyo-based company gives you a small portable camera [JP] that can be attached to your bike or helmet, for example. The so-called Action Camera is similar to a device Thanko released in May, but this new model isn’t waterproof.

But it can record video at 30fps (in 640 x 480 VGA), weighs just 80g and stores video on MicroSD cards (up to 2GB, the internal memory is 32MB only). Charge the battery for 2.5 hours and you can use the Action Camera for up to 2 hours. Needless to say, there is also a USB 2.0 port (this is a Thanko product, after all).

You can get the thing for $102.90 plus shipping at Geek Stuff 4 U (at the Japanese retail price).

credit: http://www.crunchgear.com