AWESOME AMAZING LOVE

Amped Wireless – up to 10,000 Sq. Feet of Wi-Fi Goodness

2012-02-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

I used to spend a lot of time tied to my desk computer, then finally we had wireless routers and laptops, so I was at least able to make it into the living room. I always dreamed of the day I could be out by the pool, in the wine cellar or over in the East wing and still be able to access the internet on my trusty laptop or iPad.

Well, dreams have become reality (almost) as Amped Wireless begins shipping the Premium Series, long range, High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router capable of up to 10,000 sq. ft. of Wi-Fi coverage for large homes, backyards or offices.

Amped Wireless, the leading manufacturer of high-power, long-range wireless communication products for the home and office, announces the nationwide availability of the R10000G High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router.

Through the use of a high-speed 620MHz processor, premium dual high-power Wi-Fi 600mW amplifiers and dual high-gain 5dBi antennas, the Amped Wireless Premium Series gigabit router delivers up to 10,000 sq. ft. of Wi-Fi coverage. The R10000G features gigabit wired ports for connecting additional wired network devices and includes smart features, such as, guest networks, adjustable Wi-Fi coverage controls, parental controls, website blocking and support for the latest Wi-Fi security, including one touch Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

So I guess I’ll be spending much more time in the East wing… Jeeves? Bring me my laptop.

The R10000G has a retail price of $149.99 and is available nationwide from major retailers and resellers like www.amazon.com

source: www.ampedwireless.com

Sony DSC-TX200V digital camera is super slim

2012-02-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Thin is still in where digital cameras are concerned, and while we took a look at a couple of shooters from Panasonic yesterday, Sony too, did not want to lose out on the game, and the Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer has just added yet another model to the ultra-thin Cyber-shot T series – with the model number DSC-TX200V. You might want to look into expanding that external storage space collection of yours if you happen to pick up the new TX200V camera though, considering it is capable of shooting 18.2-megapixel images thanks to its “Exmor R” CMOS sensor.

This would clearly place the Sony DSC-TX200V as the highest-resolution digital camera that is currently on offer in the “point and shoot” market segment, and when coupled with the spanking new BIONZ processor, both of them will work in tandem to create images as well as video files with extremely low noise.

Just what else do you expect the Sony DSC-TX200V to carry? This advanced model is also tipped to deliver lightning-fast AutoFocus speeds of approximately 0.13 seconds in daytime and 0.25 seconds in low-light situations. Bear in mind that the speeds quoted are just on paper, when in real life, they might vary depending on shooting conditions. With such shooting speeds, they will more or less ensure you are able to capture the right moment at all times.

Not only that, the TX200V Cyber-shot will also look good externally, as it comes with a new and beautiful, reinforced glass design which encases a large, 3.3″ Xtra Fine TruBlack OLED wide touch-screen display. Want to bring this with you on your next watersports adventure? Not to worry – considering this is water-proof (up to 5m or approx.16 feet), and I am quite sure that also, to a certain amount of time.

In addition, the Sony DSC-TX200V is also dust-proof and freeze-proof (up to 14F), and will boast a “Photo Creativity” interface which allows you to easily adjust creative settings in order to roll out unique, custom-styled photos. If you happen to have case of shaky hands, fret not – image stabilization will kick in during video and still shooting, thanks to borrowed technology from the Sony Handycam range, where its “Optical Steady Shot Active Mode” drastically reduces blurring caused by camera shake while on the move.

Expect to pick up the DSC-TX200V camera in silver, red, and violet shades for around $500 when it hits the market later this month.

128k Macintosh prototype spotted?

2012-02-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Old is gold, or so the saying goes. Well, if that is the case, then surely what looks to be a 128k Macintosh prototype that appeared in the wild will certainly appeal to collectors of all things vintage. This unique prototype is very rare, considering how not many people keep old school electronics up and running for a few decades. Boasting a 5.25” “Twiggy” floppy disk mechanism, this is in line with the what Apple used in the first generation Lisa workstation.

According to user “mactwiggy” who put up several photos of this particularly rare find (no idea on where he spotted it though), what makes this prototype all the more unique is this – production Mac models relied on 3.5” 400k floppy disk drives, which is a format that Apple by and large was responsible for introducing to the masses.

Touted to be a pre-production system, this prototype, as mentioned before the jump, will sport the proprietary Apple Twiggy 5.25” disk format. I guess that some good came out of this particular rare disk format – it proved to be rather unreliable, and was eventually shelved in the Lisa 2 with the 3.5” floppy disk drive taking over after that. Bear in mind that none of the Macs shipped to date ever came with such 5.25” internal disk drives, so this is either a very clever hoax, or a true blue prototype that never made the grade to be released to the mass market.

The person behind this prototype claimed to have purchased it through an online advertisement, where a retired engraver had this piece of digital treasure that he wanted to let go. The company which he worked for was hand-picked by Apple to create some award medallions for a ceremony at Apple, and somewhere around 1983 thereabouts, this Mac was sent as a model for him to work off of – once the job was completed, several arrangements were made to have him send it back, but somehow or rather, Apple finally told them to keep it.

Basically, the retired engraver did not sell this to make a whole wad of cash on the double – rather, he was just pleased that someone out there knew the intrinsic value of this, and would definitely appreciate in a living room. Talk about a vintage piece of computing in your living room!

The Breadcrumb Tracker – Your Teen’s Worst Nightmare

2012-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but it seems like more kids are getting into trouble, or worse, ending up missing. It seems like everyday I hear a news report about a child abduction, or a missing mom… there are Silver alerts on the highway warning us to be on the lookout for a “lost” senior. I don’t know whats going on, but it does keep me up nights. I remember when I was a kid, wandering the neighborhood for the entire day, coming home in time for dinner, its not like that anymore.

Breadcrumb is offering a unique location technology software that is able to provide parents or caregivers the ability to view the precise location of their family members right from their Smartphone, or any Internet connected computer. The software also allows children to send a request for help to their parents with a simple push of a button on their Smartphone. A parents dream, a teenagers worst nightmare.

The software also allows you to receive special alerts on your Smartphone via text message when a family member arrives at a specified destination or has traveled outside agreed upon boundaries. The program does not however, disclose the location of the parents, of course maximizing punishment potential when your kid tries to tell you they’re at the library and you’re standing outside the party.

Optionally, with Breadcrumb’s Automated Vehicle Locator you can also view the real-time location of your family vehicles on a Google or Bing map, also right from your Smartphone.View the travel route of your vehicle each day, and receive optional alerts when a family member is exceeding the speed limit on the highway.

Basic service starts at under 8 bucks a month per person (I’d almost pay that to find my Smartphone everyday) and enables you to find your kid within 9 feet of their location in about 3 seconds… Like I said, its not like it used to be..

Source: www.breadcrumbgps.com

Say Good-Morning with Nostalgia Electrics Toaster with a Flip Down Griddle

2012-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

I wake up every morning at 6 am and while the rest of the house is still fast asleep I have a quiet bowl of cereal while I ponder my day, Sure I’d like a more substantial breakfast sometimes, but I don’t want to make a mess in the kitchen and I don’t want to spend too much time rattling around, I especially don’t want to wake them up and ruin my quiet time.

Well, now enjoying a hearty breakfast is easy! Nostalgia Electrics (the folks that bring us many kitchy cooking items) introduce us to the 50′s Breakfast Toaster & Griddle. This bread and bagel toaster features a wide 2-slot toaster and, wait for it.. a flip down griddle all in one cute and compact appliance. It’s perfect for a dorm room or small apartment (Although I’m leaning towards keeping it on my desk at work) and the non-stick griddle heats up to 450 ° and features a removable grill plate and drip tray for easy cleaning.

The unit measures 6.8″ W x 8.2″ H x 13″ D so it will fit anywhere a regular toaster will, and the variable temperature controlled griddle even has a separate on/off switch for those mornings when toast will suffice. The toaster itself features a cancel button to prevent your precious toast from burning and the electric cord stows easily by wrapping it around the bracketed base.

Yup, I can see one of these in my future… but I’m not going to limit myself to just bacon and eggs… I’m going to be at my desk making frajitas and some shrimp stir fry, that should allow me to annoy people even more than usual.

The Nostalgia Toaster & Griddle is available for under 30 bucks at www.amazon.com

source: nostalgiaelectrics.com

Comfe Hands should be compulsory

2012-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

There is one great thing about the iPad – it still has one of the best battery life for any tablet in the industry, and for those who tend to take long flights across continents, you know that it is always better to hold the destiny of your in-flight entertainment in your hands instead of being subjected to what is shown on the screen in front of you. Of course, the iPad does much more than just function as a pretty looking portable media player, but for those who use it to get their portable entertainment kicks in, you would have realized by now that holding it up for hours at a stretch are not exactly kind to your hands.

Enter the Comfe Hands, and as the name of the peripheral suggests, your tablet will obtain a shape which fits your hand’s natural contours with a soft, gripping feel. Heck, the website claims that it will make the iPad “feel lighter”, although empirically on the physical plane, that is definitely an impossible situation, but you know how your mind sometimes plays tricks on you, right?

The Comfe Hands will come in a beautiful design which is good enough to compliment the iPad without taking any glamour away from Apple’s design and engineering team. It uses a specially engineered surface which paves the way for a firm, no-slip hold, and the intuitive push-on construction is able to fit on any side, being a snap to use. In addition, Comfe Hands will double up as an incline stand, and can also function in a third role – that of a vertical stand. If you want to stretch your imagination a little bit further, then this puppy will quadruple up as a protective bumper with one on each side.

Since organic shapes are always easier to grasp with our human hand, the Comfe Hands takes the same route, turning the painful pinch grip into a power grip. Similar to human skin, Comfe Hands is soft to the touch, and it certainly makes the iPad more well-endowed. It does not matter if you want to use the Comfe Hands at a desk or in the kitchen, life will still be easier in the end, and your iPad will not lose its style.

SKLZ Shoot Around

2012-02-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Love shooting some hoops? Getting those three pointers in from a distance is certainly one feeling that cannot be beat, even more so when you are in a crowded stadium, with hostile opposing fans all around you, doing their best to heckle you so that you miss your shot, and there are mere seconds on the clock before your team loses by one point. You jump, and you shoot! Scoring such a winning point is definitely high on the list of many a kid or teenager, and to be able to deliver under such circumstances, practice is the keyword. After all, should you be rewarded with more than just a nice feeling for getting the ball in? With the £39.99 SKLZ Shoot Around, each time your ball goes through the basket, you will have it go down the chute, and back at you – so there is no need to walk towards the ball to retrieve it.

Certainly sounds like a decent time saver to me, and rewards you for getting the ball back faster so that you can continue to line up the next shot. With the Shoot-Around’s rotating 180-degree ball return, you are able to take aim from just about any area around the hoop.

Doctor Who Build Your Own Sonic Screwdriver

2012-02-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

For the DIY enthusiast who loves conjuring his own contraptions during one’s free time, here is the $39.99 Doctor Who Build Your Own Sonic Screwdriver that says it all. You, being the 12th doctor, will need to build your very own tool. With more than 80 different combinations, you can even select your choice of lights and sounds to make it a truly personalized experience. After all, I would say that for a Doctor to build his own Sonic Screwdriver is somewhat akin to the rite of passage that all Jedi padawans go through, when they are required to construct their own lightsabers. This is definitely for the true blue Doctor Who fan in the house, get it for someone who does not watch or follow the series, and you will most probably be on the receiving end of a really strange look, wondering why you could not have spent such money in a wiser manner.

Nikon Coolpix L810 delivers super zoom capability

2012-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Nikon is back with yet another digital camera for the mass market, pushing out its Coolpix L810 shooter this time around. Just what does the L810 have in terms of improved performance over its predecessors? For starters, it will come with a CCD image sensor that has an effective pixel count of 16.1-million pixels, in addition to a 26x optical zoom NIKKOR lens which is capable of covering angles of view from the wide-angle 22.5 to super telephoto 585 mm (equivalent in 35-mm format), and a new lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) function.

Despite all of those capabilities, the Coolpix L810 will still deliver the same form factor that will be able to support a firm, steady grip and side zoom control which has become the signature physical format for its predecessors, delivering high performance without a second thought.

Never mind the relatively compact size, the L810 will still be able to boast of a CCD image sensor that has an effective pixel count of 16.1-million pixels for superior image quality and a 26x optical zoom NIKKOR lens which will cover a wide range of angles of view from 22.5 to 585 mm (both equivalent in 35-mm format). This alone will make shooting the entire lot of everyday scenes a snap, from wide-angle landscapes to close-ups of people using zoom. The firm and comfortable grip that we mentioned about earlier will also be able to support operation using both hands so that you have a steadier grip on the camera, helping reduce camera shake in the process.

Not only that, the Coolpix L810 boasts of being the first high-power zoom model in the Coolpix L series which will come with a lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) function, delivering high-precision optical camera shake compensation which can also be used with movie recording. Other hardware specifications include a 3″ TFT LCD display, and the ability to run off AA batteries, making this a true blue worldwide digital camera without having to worry about power outlet types and what not when you travel. You can choose from black, red, bronze, or blue shades.

USB Floppy Disk Drive

2012-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

The famous 5.25″ floppy – single-sided or double-sided, sir? Imagine swapping such disks when playing games, and installation proved to be a pain when you have seven, nay, eight of these floppies to go through. 3.5″ floppies were far sturdier and less prone to damage, so why not usher in a modern interpretation of a retro device? The £26.99 USB Floppy Disk Drive is as what it says – all you need to do is plug this into any available USB port, and it is capable of transferring all 1.44MB of data on a 3.5″ floppy disk over to your computer. Pretty pointless actually, and in this day and age, probably the only things you can carry around on the floppy would be a couple of sized down images and perhaps a text file or two.

If you are one who basks in nostalgia, and would love to hear the sounds that come from a floppy disk drive of old being read, then this is it. Otherwise, it would still make for a great conversation starter, and there is even the classic LED which lights up when plugged in to indicate power, read and write activity.

Color Changing Umbrella

2012-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

If you have stayed in London for some years, you would know that carrying around an umbrella is always a good idea – as well as for those living in tropical countries, as the umbrella not only keeps the glare and heat off from your skin, it also makes sure you remain somewhat dry to a certain extent should the heavens decide to feel extra generous and pour out its abundant “blessings” onto the masses down here. Well, if you are going to tote an umbrella around, you might as well make the most of it with the £19.99 Color Changing Umbrella.

The name of this umbrella gives the game away, where this rather compact device will feature a white raindrop pattern located around the canopy, making it more than enough to be an attraction the moment you lay your eyes on it, and should it come into contact with water, the white drops will suddenly bloom into a full spectrum of colors as though an invisible fairy flitted past and sprinkled some magic dust on it. The design will revert to white when all is dry, changing color only when it is wet. This is made possible thanks to a layer of white hydro-chromatic ink coated across, although I am not quite sure just how long this special coating can last.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 is slimmest digital camera with 20x optical zoom lens

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Superlatives are often used to describe a particular product or device in order to have it stand out from the rest of the crowd – and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 is one of them, where the Japanese manufacturer has proudly proclaimed this as “the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 20x optical zoom lens” – measuring a mere 1.1″ thin compared to its rivals in the market. The Lumix ZX20 will tote around a powerful zoom, a 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and the ability to shoot full-High Definition (HD), making it a formidable choice if you are in the market and on the lookout for a spanking new digital camera.

The reason it can be this slim is due to the newly-redesigned lens system, where the Lumix ZS20 will carry a new mechanical structure and optical system that is said to further improve image quality as well as getting the help of Nano Surface Coating technology. More on the camera right after the jump.

Another feature that you might find interesting would be the built-in GPS functionality, hence making life far easier for you to pinpoint the various locations where you shot those photos earlier, sharing them with family and friends on an Internet map. Additionally, you can also install map data onto the Lumix ZS20 thanks to the included DVD, enabling the camera to enjoy detailed worldwide maps of major regions on a scale of 1/25,000 or more precise. All map data of a designated city can be copied over to an SDXC/SDHC/SD memory card for quick geographic information access.

Other hardware specifications include a 14.1-megapixel sensor, their advanced image processor known as the Venus Engine, Full HD video recording capability at 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, a powerful 20x optical zoom with 2-step Zoom function, an Auto Wind Cut function which reduces wind background noise whenever you record a video to makr voices clearer, while mechanical noise that is caused by zooming remains suppressed to improve overall video sound quality.

Manual control options has also been thrown into the mix, letting you adjust shutter speed and aperture, and 3D Photo Mode, meaning the Lumix ZS20 is able to offer a range of special effects which definitely add far more fun to a photography session. You can opt to control the camera with physical buttons or through its 3″ Smart Touch LCD Screen, while charging up the ZS20 is a snap thanks to USB charging or conventional AC adapter charging methods.Expect to pick this puppy up in March for $350 each.

Panasonic Lumix TS20 rugged digital camer

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you out there who tend to be a little bit careless with your belongings, no matter how expensive they are, then it would always be better to pick up something which is cheap instead of gunning for an expensive make or model all the time. After all, it is rather difficult to predict just when you are going to be at your butterfingers best – which is why Panasonic figured out the consumer digital camera market has a need for the Panasonic Lumix TS20 rugged digital camera.

This entry-level shooter is not only shockproof and dustproof, it is also waterproof, so that you can continue to shoot photos with this puppy even when it pours outside, or should you want to go snorkelling and take underwater shots, the Lumix TS20 would also deliver results just as well.

The design itself gives the game away, being angled in nature instead of boasting all the curves that you would normally expect from standard consumer electronics devices these days, making it look tough from the get go already. Touted to be waterproof to approximately 16 feet (5 meters), shockproof to approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters), dustproof and freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14 degrees F, you can throw just about anything out of the ordinary at the Lumix TS20, and this 16.1-megapixel shooter will still continue to function without missing a beat.

It boasts of a flat and slim profile that has a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and a 4x optical zoom, and even better news is the Lumix TS20′s zoom can extend to 8x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function, where everything is made possible courtesy of Panasonic’s Intelligent Resolution technology. Want to shoot in High Definition? No problem, as the Lumix TS20 does just that at 720p in the MP4 format, and 4x optical zoom is also made available to you during video recording.

I would not go out of the way to test the Lumix TS20 to its limits though, but everyday use with some knocks here and there should not be an issue.

Tobii’s Lenovo Laptop – Keep your Eye on it!

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am a firm believer in the less is more theory, but I probably dont mean it like you think. I believe that the less I HAVE to do the MORE time I have to do all the other stuff I want… I really enjoy gadgets that do things for me. I am waiting in breathless anticipation for the washing machine that will iron my clothes and a self cleaning refrigerator. Yup, my favorite gadgets are those that help me do less, and now that Tobii Technology has teamed up with Lenovo and come up with a laptop that doesnt require you to use a mouse – or a keyboard, well, lets just say the future looks bright.

To use the Lenovo laptop you just need your eyes. The process seems relatively user friendly, you simply sit in front of it and after a thirty second calibration test that consists primarily of following several dots around with your eyes you’re done, and the laptop will go through the paces that your peepers suggest, look at an icon,voila! information about that icon. If you are reading, the text scrolls as needed. It’s an unencumbered way to interact with your laptop, and one that could be ready for consumer applications in as little as 2 or 3 years.

Tobii’s new method of input and its accompanying software can be used in any number of ways, from taking over cursor control from the mouse, letting you move the cursor with your eyes to tracking gaze points, where gazing at an image for a few seconds brings it to the forefront and in a slideshow format, you can pan through images by looking from right to left. How very Mission Impossible!

While it might be a while before we can actually get our hands on technology like this, it sure sounds like fun, how practical will it be? That remains to be seen… I do see some amazing gaming possibilites and some strong usefullness to differently abled folks who might not otherwise be able to use a keyboard. I dont know why I’m so impressed, I can get my 8 year old to do almost anything just by the way I look at her…

Source: www.tobii.com

The Immobilizer Phone – Don’t Take That Call!

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

You know the feeling of leaving a store late at night, and walking out into a dark parking lot? While you don’t actually believe that anything is going to happen, you breathe just a little faster knowing that it could. I know I always like to hold my keys in between my fingers thinking I could hurt someone with them, but holding 5 million volt stun gun that looks like a cell phone, well, that could give me an almost unfair advantage over a would be attacker!

Imagine being able to catch a criminal totally off guard with the Cell Phone Stun Gun from Security Products in Disguise. With the look and feel of an actual cell phone, complete with a full color display, this stun gun is obviously very easy to carry and easy to use. With up to 5 million volts of electricity, this Stun Gun will effectively short-circuit the attacker’s nervous system, and allow you to get away. The stun gun is designed to work as long as you make contact with the attacker’s body–and sends more than enough charge to work through the persons clothing.

The Cell Phone Stun Gun operates with a rechargeable battery and is easy to charge up anywhere with a wall plug-in feature. The stun gun is additionally equipped with flashlight and of course it has a safety switch to prevent accidental firing. Hello Mom? ZZZZZZZZZ ouch!

Anyhow, you can carry the Cell Phone stun gun with the assurance that you’ll have protection if you need it, yet it certainly wont draw the attention of a regular stun gun and it will definitely be more protection than my keys ever were… *Of course it’s not available everywhere, and in some places you’re not even allowed to carry it, but it would make me happy to be able to send my kid off to college with it…

SKLZ Power Base Tennis

2012-02-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

After watching the marathon Australian Open 2012 final between the Djoker and Nadal, you can say that anyone with a passing interest in tennis would also be pumped up to up their game’s ante, so getting some practice in will definitely be required. If you happen to find it hard to cajole a friend into being your playing partner, fret not – there is help in the form of the £34.99 SKLZ Power Base Tennis. After all, playing with a wall is just too predictable, and for situations where you cannot fnid a real partner, this is where the SKLZ Power Base Tennis comes in handy.

Relying on a standard ball that is tethered to a weighted base by a lightweight, stretchy cord, all you need to do is find adequate open space, and serve the ball just as though you would do so to an opponent. The 15-foot cord is able to stretch up to 30 feet, and the distance largely depends on how much “Ooomph!” you put into the shot, before it comes screaming back at you – in theory, at least. This is a constant battle to prevent the ball from losing its bounce, and each shot is critical to help you maintain a rally, keeping you on your toes at all times.

Hand Reflexology Massager

2012-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

When we talk about reflexology, most of the time we are drawn to something that has to do with the feet – but the folks over at Hammacher have very different ideas of associating the verb with, by introducing the $119.95 Hand Reflexology Massager. This device will apply a gentle, soothing massage to both the top and bottom of your hand, making me feel as though I ought to place an order for this puppy right away considering the amount of typing that I do each day in order to bring home the bacon.

This is a machine that intends to replicate the hand reflexology treatment, where it will compress trigger points on the palm and back of hand using a mechanical air pressure system which kneads the hand. A bunch of physical therapists realized that this massager has proven itself to be effective in relieving pain and discomfort in the hands, and thanks to its soothing rhythm, it is capable of relieving tension, stress, and fatigue that are normally associated with extended keyboard and mouse usage. Once your hand is inserted into the device’s soft polyester interior, a single push of a button will kick start your choice of either a 5-, 10-, or 15-minute session at one of four pressure levels. Even far infrared heat is delivered during sessions in order to promote better circulation.

SocialShield – They Know What You Dont.

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

I worry about my daughters Internet use. Obviously, I spend a lot of time on the computer myself, and I feel as though I have taught her well, but lets face it, if you put an 8 year old up against an adult, well lets just say most of the time the adult is going to have the upper hand. I dont want her to feel as though I am treating her like a baby. I just want her to be safe.

Enter SocialShield, a leading cloud-based social network monitoring service. SocialShield gives parents affordable and easy to use tools that help them provide Internet safety for their children in their online environment. SocialShield technology warns parents of any questionable activity on their child’s social network accounts so they can feel comfortable about who their children are interacting with online, what photos and conversations are being posted, and where their children have profiles and because SocialShield works specifically based on ”exception reporting” technology, children can still use these networks with a feeling of privacy and independence.

“Many parents think friending their child on social networks is enough to monitor their activities and protect them, yet time and time again it’s shown that it isn’t,” said George Garrick, CEO of SocialShield. “Most parents don’t have the time to keep up with the sheer volume of interactions or have the understanding of the online language to really get what their kids are saying or what people are saying to their kids. This makes it really easy for problems to go unnoticed.”

So let SocialShield notify you if they find anything you should be concerned about, and you’ll have all the information you need to keep your kids safe – online at least. SocialShield is currently offering a free 60 day trial of their service and its under 10 bucks a month after that.

source: www.socialshield.com

Faker$ – Creative Fun with Forgeries

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

I remember being a kid and trying to make it look like I was visiting with a famous celebrity by having someone take a picture of me next to a cardboard cut out advertisement, I also remember those photo booths by the beach that let you put yourself on the cover of a well known magazine… complete with the body of a Goddess. Those were some fun times… but now being someone you’re not just got a whole lot easier!

Heliceum, a company specializing in the development and publishing of entertainment applications for smartphones iPods and iPads, announces the release of its newest application, Faker$. Faker$ is an app for everyone with a sense of humor-that wants to share it. With a multitude of crazy and spoofy templates to work with, Faker$ lets its users create fake magazine covers, ridiculous newspaper headlines, off-the-wall ID cards, and downright weird diplomas in record time, and thanks to its intuitive interface, impressing and stupefying friends and family is child’s play.

Want to impress your friends by appearing on the front cover of famous magazines? Or, give your buddies their own exclusive “License to Score?” Then FAKER$ is the app for you! Just select a template and embed any photo. Enlarge, reduce or rotate the image any way you like. Edit headlines, texts, and captions. Faker$ is the only app of its kind that lets users modify text. Templates can be customized until they look just like the real thing!

I’m leaning towards being a swimsuit model on the cover of a travel magazine and then posting it on Facebook so my ex can see it… ahhh the good old days. Look for it for $1.99 at iTunes.

source: heliceum.com

Basic House offers shelter on-the-go

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am not quite sure what to make of the Basic House – yes, it might be able to provide a temporary shelter wherever you go, but it definitely will not do in the long run. After all, the Basic House which was designed by Barcelona-based Martin Azua is actually a lightweight balloon which is compact enough to be carried in your pocket, and should the weather turn foul (or you need some privacy), just step into it and get a good night’s sleep. Too bad there is no washroom facilities inside, so if you need to take a leak or a dump, you will still need to hunt down the nearest public toilet and make do.

Still, it might prove to be a hit among the homeless or street folk, especially since it can be stashed away into your pocket. Good luck trying to fold this back to the original small size once you’ve spent some time inside, but as with all things, you will most probably get better at it in time. The Basic House will self inflate using body heat or from the heat of the sun, so you need not bust your lungs blowing into this puppy. Not only that, the material will reflect your body heat in order to keep you nice, warm and cozy inside. If you want to remain cool during the summer months, then just reverse it.

Outback Motion Activated Camera

2012-02-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

I do not think that you are going to catch a Pulitzer winning photograph anytime soon with the £99.99 Outback Motion Activated Camera, but at least it will help you nab that pesky fox who seems to like to drop by your backyard and rattle the nerves of your pet rabbits? If you intend on shooting that elusive Yeti, the Outback Motion Activated Camera might not be the best equipment, but at least carry one around as a backup as part of your gear collection.

This is a compact, battery powered unit that can be stashed away in a tree or hole somewhere, and it will lay in wait like the hunter that it is, ready to shoot any beasties regardless of whether it is day or night – as long as they activate the motion sensor to trigger the camera into action. All images captured are in 2-megapixel glory, and it will take some time before the 2GB SD memory card will be filled to the brim. Night shots are not a problem either, as the IR function will get the job done even in the dead of the night.

Swap-O-Matic vending machine

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

It is rather encouraging to see society realize that we do not inherit the earth from our parents, but rather, we are just custodians of it for the next generation. After all, there is only one earth, and if it ends up inhabitable, where else are you supposed to go? Having said that, recycling efforts have clearly stepped up a pace over the years, and we are all more eco-conscious when it comes to our consumption and purchasing decisions. Will your next vehicle be a hybrid or a fully electric car? Are you purchasing organic foodstuff and support sustainable farming and fishing? All these questions have answers that lie in your conscience, and for those who want to take the next step, here is the Swap-O-Matic vending machine.

Brooklyn designer Lina Fenequito has come up with this unique vending machine that will not dispense mass-produced snacks with wrappers or other kinds of junk food, but rather, it will hand out second-hand belongings (or rather, pre-loved items) which are in need of a new owner who knows how to take good care of it.

This one-off machine will come with a bunch of compartments that will contain just about anything you have placed within, and to keep up with the times, the outside has a touchscreen interface. You will not use money but credits instead to obtain the items of your choice. Everyone will begin with three free credits, and each time you donate something to the machine, you will earn a credit. To receive something from the machine, you will obviously need to spend one credit. Of course, for those who prefer to hoard their credits, just swap an item of your own for one that is already in the machine.

Just how do you prevent unscrupulous folks from exploiting this system that relies on goodwill and honesty? You need to enter your email to access your account, and each account can be flagged should you be caught infringing on the terms of agreement. It does not sound too practical to install in today’s society, but at least it is a proof of concept that is guaranteed to make a statement more than anything else. Fenequito says, “Initially, the Swap-O-Matic is intended to inspire all of us to rethink our consumption habits, and consider more sustainable methods such as trading and reusing goods. On a much larger scale, the ultimate goal is for the Swap-O-Matic to inspire a movement, affecting change for large numbers of people and communities.”

Scosche flipCHARGE burst and flipCHARGE rogue announced

2012-02-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Scosche has just announced a couple of devices that will help solve the “short of power” issue that plagues many first world societies these days, considering the sheer number of gadgets that they tote around. The Scosche flipCHARGE burst and flipCHARGE rogue will come with a flush folding USB cable that paves the way for easy synchronization (not to mention not having any risk of losing a cable connector cap or anything of that sort), while a blue LED will let you know just how much juice it has left inside, not to mention a convenient carabiner clip that lets you hook it up to just about anything and anywhere.

Both of them will further expand Scosche’s back-up battery and charger range, and they will also work in tandem with Scosche’s free reVIVE App for advanced power management. Kas Alves, Executive Vice President of Scosche Industries, says, “Not being able to make calls, send texts, watch videos, surf the web, access email or listen to music because of a dead battery can be extremely frustrating. The flipCHARGE line addresses that problem in a smart, convenient form factor that is easy to always have with you.”

Scosche’s spanking new flipCHARGE rogue will come with a powerful 1800mAh lithium polymer battery (nowhere near what the new Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX offers at 3,300mAh, but it will do for the moment) that can fully juice up a dead iPhone or iPod, just like how a Phoenix Down revives your fallen Final Fantasy character. As for the smaller flipCHARGE burst, it will live up to its name by offering an emergency 30% power burst to an iPhone, and has enough juice stashed inside to power up a dead iPod up to 70% capacity during emergencies.

Regardless of which model you purchase, the flipCHARGE devices can be juiced up by plugging them into any computer, wall or car charger. The Scosche flipCHARGE burst and flipCHARGE rouge will retail for $44.99 and $59.99, respectively, if you are interested.

Glofish – Patented Easy to Care for Fun

2012-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

I was searching for that special gift for my daughter and I was looking for something that would be a little more magical than your average wind up toy, or board game. Of course she wanted a puppy or a rat. I tried to find a compromise and I think I found something pretty cool, while its not a rat, it is quite beautiful to behold and easy to care for. We set it up this weekend.

Welcome Glofish, really amazing fish originally bred to help scientists detect environmental pollutants( that add vibrant color and excitement to your tank.) These little fish are flourescent and seem to retain the light, or glow. When coupled with a special blacklight aquarium, the effect is nothing short of psychadelic. While they are as easy to care for as regular fish, there isnt anyone who hasnt seen the tank and been mesmerized.

Glofish are unique, and their sale is covered by a number of patents and pending patent applications, so unfortunately at the present time these fish are only available in the United States (except California) The fish are available in Starfire red, Sunburst orange, Electric green, Cosmic blue and the new Galactic purple. The fish are available online or in-store at select retailers, check petsmart.com to see the fish, available for around 5 bucks a piece.

For the ultimate display of your new friends you may want to opt for a Glofish aquarium, optimized with special color enhancing LEDs that dramatically enhance the look of your fish and are available from amazon.com for around 42 dollars.

So we love our new aquarium and she uses it like a nightlight, enjoying her glow in the dark fish.. but we all know she still wants a rat. Right?

The Descender – Never be “board” again

2012-02-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of Winter, I love the snow and everything that comes with it, like sledding, skiing and skating. Truth be told, I often get a little sad when it becomes obvious that the last flakes have fallen. It means I need to wait another year to feel the wind in my face as I fly down a hill, only to run back up, breathless and ready for my next ride… well this year I wont have to wait…

Welcome our friends over at Rockboard, who have taken boarding to an all new level with the totally never before seen ”Descender”, the very first of its kind! It’s not a sled, its not a skateboard and it features some innovative high-performance treads never before applied to the boarding experience, this unique cross-over board bridges the gap for summer and winter outdoor sports enthusiasts and enables riders to “surf” down grass and all-terrain hills.

With its four treads wrapped around triple sets of wheels, designed for maximum traction and power, The Descender extends the fun of snowboarding and surfing into every season. The Descender officially measures to be 31” x 10” x 5” and it can hold riders up to around 200 lbs.

So not only does the “Descender” LOOK amazingly different than anything you’ve ever seen, it opens up a whole new world of exciting downhill opportunities. I guess spring doesnt seem so bad after all, since thats when The Descender will be available, so watch for it in a store near you… its gonna be big. Woo-hoo!

Source: rockboard.com