iPad Alarm Clock!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Yeah, when it comes to docks, Apple devices are certainly king of the hill, what with a ton of iPod touch, iPhone and even now, iPad docks arriving to flood the market and help you part with your hard earned money. The iPad Alarm Clock is one of the later models to arrive, where this docking station will turn your iPad into a versatile bedside alarm clock. 

A pre-loaded app will allow you to wake up to the song of your choice, and with a snooze interval that can be set anywhere from 1 to 29 minutes, hardcore snoozers will definitely find this $199.95 purchase to be a good deal! All audio will be played through the dock’s built-in speakers, and the iPad’s display is used to show weather reports, personal reminders, and overnight updates from Facebook and Twitter. 

Talk about waking up connected to the rest of your social network! There is also a failover alarm in the dock just in case the app isn’t running as it should, making sure you will not miss that important meeting or flight.

Parrot Digital Photoframe – NOW you actually want one!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Okay so let’s face it, a digital frame, is a digital frame, is a digital frame, and as you get your 3rd one, as a gift from your soon to be ex-boyfriend, you wonder why the screensaver slideshow on your computer wasn’t already good enough to put some of these guys out of business, but you smile, and put on your “oh I love it” face anyway…

Well, fresh from CES, Parrot just unveiled the DIA, the first digital photo frame that you really will be happy to receive. The DIA is less like an old digital frame and more like a movie screen that has a picture projected upon it.

The DIA’s LCD display is separate from it’s backlight, which gives your favorite photos a beautiful, designer friendly, transparent effect, very different from the digital frames of, well, just yesterday. Continue reading » Parrot Digital Photoframe – NOW you actually want one.

Hot Wheels get some camera action!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

We have seen some neat developments in Hot Wheels cars recently. For example, there were those miniature R/C cars the size of regular Hot Wheels cars. 

I suppose someone decided to give those tiny cars even more of an upgrade with Mattel’s Video Racer. The Video Racer has a small video camera that is able to record 30 to 60 frames per second, as it is speeding down the racing track or the kitchen counter. 

When the racing is done, the user has the option of watching them. This can be done on a tiny LCD on the underbelly of the car, or the footage can be downloaded to a PC or laptop via USB. It doesn’t look like an SD card is an option, but it really should be.

Find-My-Car insures that you never forget where you park your car!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Of course, if the garage had the Park Assist System, there would be a series of high-resolution digital cameras that can track a car by a license plate number. Then it would have scanned me in and told me where my car is after I had attended Pepcom. 

So, instead of wandering around the garage and trying to retrace my steps and what elevator I took, I could have just gone up to the Find-Your-Car kiosks, punch in the plate number, and it could have guided me straight to my vehicle. This would have saved me the hour I took finding my car!

The Most Convenient Bluetooth Headset!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

If there is one thing that I have noticed about Hammacher’s products, it is the use of adjectives. While some of them might sound out of this world (as our readers have pointed out in the past via comments), surely they haven’t gotten slapped with a lawsuit before for false advertising, which means their claims are legit?

Here we are today with another device – known as The Most Convenient Bluetooth Headset. Why is it called that, you ask? Well, apparently it will remain charged in a car and automatically reconnect with your cell phone. The headset will juice up from a base which plugs into your 12-volt DC adapter, hence doing away with the need to charge up your headset inside every time. 

The moment you enter the vehicle, the headset will automatically reconnect with your paired cell phone, which isn’t different at all from the automatic reconnection of a built-in hands-free system. You will be able to enjoy crystal clear conversation since the headset boasts noise suppression technology. 

One hour of charging delivers up to four hours of talk time and 150 hours of stand-by time. Thanks to a USB mini-charger, you can also juice up this $99.95 purchase from any USB-powered source.

iKit rolls out AutoCharge + USB!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

iKit is definitely a name that you should be familiar with when it comes to Apple accessories, and this manufacturer is now back with another innovative offering – the AutoCharge + USB. What makes the AutoCharge + USB so special? Well, it is actually a high-performance 2.1 AMP USB port that delivers a simple and rapid charge to your iPad, iPhone, iPod and USB devices whenever you are on-the-go.

Yes sir, this means you no longer need to be confined to your home and wait for the mentioned devices to juice up, as the AutoCharge + USB will play nice with standard 12v accessory outlets. It will be accompanied by a charge sync USB cable that delivers the utmost in convenience and functionality.

 

Apart from that, you will find that the rubberized coated finish is a nice touch since it delivers a durable grip and a slick appearance, making your car look good even though the jalopy has been handed down from your dad. Too bad the color choices are scarces with just black or white to choose from. Fancy parting with $24.95 for the AutoCharge + USB?

Maxis Goes To The Movies!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Maxis today announced that it has released an app to help you book movie tickets on your mobile phone, specifically, the iPhone/iPad and Android smartphones.  

The tie up allows you to book movie tickets using Paypal, and as part of the launch promotion, there’s a “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” offer when you pay via Maxis’-partnership-with-Paypal service.  At the moment, bookings are only possible for TGV cinemas, so the “buy 1 free 1” offer is also only applicable for TGV cinemas for now.  GSC cinemas will be supported at a later date.

Click here for more details.  The official press release is not out yet.  Get the iOS app here, and the Android app from the Android Marketplace.

Skype’s updated app one-ups Apple with mobile video chat!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Skype has launched a video chat feature for their iPhone app which adds 3G capability, as well as being able to chat with iPhone 3GS users in a limited one way video basis.

Users who have the iPhone 4 or 4th generation iPod Touch can initiate video calls with friends who use the iPhone 3GS, iPad, and 3rd Generation iPod Touch, while 3rd Gen Apple device users can only receive the video chat and while talking audio only. Mac Desktop users can also jump into the fray using the Skype client.

But what’s really challenging to Apple’s Facetime dominance is that Skype can video chat over 3G, not just WiFi only. And according to Red Ferret, the data usage isn’t too bad, chiming in at about 1.3MB per minute.

Frankly, I’m amazed that Apple approved this update, but it may be that they’ll be announcing a “one more thing” update next month that will do the same.

The Skype App update is free can is available right now at the App Store.

Satarii Star has its eye on you!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Do you use your iPhone often for Facetime? Well, if you’re one of the select few who does so, then you might want to check out what the Satarii Star is capable of doing. This unique device will definitely need your iPhone to remain docked within, where it can swivel around to track your movement. To make things more flexible, it allows you to dock your iPhone in either portrait or landscape mode, literally allowing you to position it where you want it. 

As for the second part of this setup, it comprises of a small tracking device that allows you to clip onto the subject. The tracking device will communicate with the base within a 25 foot radius, where the base can rotate up to 180 degress, aiming at the tracker always. No idea on when it will be released commercially and for how much, since this is still part of an in-development project from a team of California-based designers. 

Wedgi offers hands-free smartphone operation!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Everyone knows that driving around while yakking on your cell phone without a hands-free kit (be it a speakerphone or a Bluetooth headset) is dangerous, not only to you but to other road users as well. After all, having your concentration taken off the road by an iota could potentially lead to a catastrophe down the road, pun intended. This is why getting a hands-free kit is of utmost importance, but which one do you choose?

Out this week by C & C Designs Technology, LLC, the patent-pending wedgi can be said to be the most versatile smartphone kickstand and dashboard mounting device available on the market at point of publishing. Of course, that is just PR spin, but we will have to test it for ourselves (or wait for our dear readers to be an early adopter) before coming up with our own conclusion.

iKit juices up your iPhone 4 independently!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

The Apple iPhone 4 has certainly been one of the best selling phones of this generation, creating a whole lot of buzz and rumors when it was first announced, not to mention having third party manufacturer accessories getting spotted in the wild. Well, since its launch, the iPhone 4 has steadily made its way into the hands of many, and with it, a fast growing accessory market.

One major gripe from those iPhone 4 owners who use it for just about everything is this – it does not have sufficient battery life to last you through the whole day. Of course, this applies to the above average user, and if you happen to leave your Internet connection to always-on, getting email pushed to you, replying tons of mails and text messages, a portable power pack should be right up your alley.

iKit intends to step in and offer some respite from low battery warnings with their NuCharge case which is compatible with both the AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4. We will take a look at just how it will serve you better in the extended post.

iPad case goes bling!!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

The Joy Factory – ah, that name itself should evoke a smile on your face, after all, who would want to turn down some bling? Well, the company knows that you treasure your iPad a whole lot (although that affection will most probably be transferred over to the iPad 2 when that arrives later this spring), and has just unveiled a Swarovski Crystal-studded, special edition Arc-PurpleRomance iPad case and stand. 

This is part of a product suite of lifestyle-driven digital companion accessories that will target smartphone and tablet users, where the versatile Arc boasts of a deep violet hue and will most certainly complement the lifestyle of the stylish, sassy woman.

Samsung ST6500 digital camera comes in an ergonomic package!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Samsung intends to break new ground with their ST6500 digital camera, where it will sport a design which is not only pleasing to the eyes, but ergonomic to hold as well. Sure, you won’t be able to get carpal tunnel syndrome from using a digital camera, but anything that fits into the palm of your hand in an easier fashion or manner is definitely worth looking at, don’t you think so? 

The ST6500 takes an unconventional approach as it has an angled design, where the camera’s body is curved around the lens and angled at 7 degrees to make for a more ergonomic fit in the hand. This is certainly innovative thinking, taking a good step away from the conventionally designed models that currently flood the market. In essence, the overall design helps ensure that creative images are perfectly captured, and you are guaranteed to make a style statement at any social event whenever you pull this puppy out from your bag.

Samsung ST95 digital camera brings balance to your world!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Samsung is a company that does seem pretty intent to dip their fingers into many a niche market, and the world of digital cameras is no different. Of course, while they are not as famous as established names such as Canon or Nikon, the South Korean consumer electronics giant has certainly made large strides since their early forays into the imaging market. 

In fact, with the latest release of the ST95 digital camera, Samsung underlines their serious intent of staying in the digital camera market for a long time to come, and perhaps even with the hope of being top dog one day down the road. The ST95 will not compromise in terms of performance for a device in its class, packing in some decent technology despite coming in an ultra-slim line design. We shall look at the ST95 in greater detail in the extended post.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS10 and ZS8 ready to rock and roll!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Panasonic has a couple of digital cameras available up their sleeves for the compact digital camera market, where they will come in the form of the LUMIX DMC-ZS10 and ZS8. First of all, the LUMIX ZS10 will remain as versatile as its predecessor, boasting a 24mm ultra-wide-angle as well as a powerful 16x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens. Apart from that, it also sports full-High Definition 1920 x 1080 video recording capability that captures all those defining moments in your life for all time in High Definition.

Apart from that, it also sports a generous 3″ Smart Touch Intelligent LCD display which paves the way for Touch Zoom, Touch Auto Focus (AF), Touch Shutter, and Touch Playback. Is your memory failing you? Let the lack of memory enhancing pills and herbs be damned – the LUMIX ZS10 is smart enough to geotag all of your photos and videos thanks to an integrated GPS function, letting geotagged images be pinpointed via online maps which are subsequently shared with friends and families.

Ricoh does digital photography with new CX5!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Ricoh knows that the market for digital cameras is huge, and they have just revamped their range with the new CX5 digital camera model which boasts a wide-angle, high magnification 10.7× optical zoom (28–300 mm) lens that will in turn deliver a higher autofocus speed courtesy of Ricoh’s new hybrid AF system.

With this, the new CX5 will feature AF focusing times that are decreased to as low as 0.2 seconds, irregardless of whether you’re using wide-angle 28mm or telephoto 300mm, which is nearly half as short compared to its predecessor (the CX4), thanks to the aforementioned new hybrid AF system. To put it in a nutshell for the average layperson to understand, the CX5 is perfectly adept at helping you shoot the image you were waiting for without having to miss the moment.

Sony DSC-HX100V Cyber-shot digital camera!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Sony’s foray into the world of digital cameras has expanded further with the DSC-HX100V Cyber-shot, where this model is the first compact digital camera of its kind that will come with a 27mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonar T lens as well as a 30x optical zoom – this is definitely one of the rarer compact digital cameras that boast such a high zoom level – optical to boot.

Of course, as with any other digital camera worth their salt, this puppy will also pack in full HD (1920 x 1080/60p) video recording capability. Accompanying that would be a 16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS sensor that is located inside both cameras, supporting a brand-new Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR (High Resolution) mode. Let’s see how that works in the extended post.

Samsung rolls out PL20 and ES80 compact cameras!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Are you looking for a compact digital camera to bring along with you to capture impromptu moments, without being weighed down while having some money left over at the end of the month as well? Samsung might have answered your prayers, perhaps not with Micro Four Thirds technology that offers pretty close performance to DSLR shooters, but with the PL20 and ES80 compact cameras.

Both of these stylish point-and-shoot cameras will be able to capture clear, sharp images for most folks, unless your hand shakes excessively, of course. The PL20 will come with a 14-megapixel sensor, a 27mm wide angle and a 5x optical zoom, in addition to a staple these days – HD movie recording, while its Li-ion battery ensures you need not look for rechargeable AA batteries in lieu.

The last rolls of Kodachrome have been processed … !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Singer Paul Simon said it best. And anyone serious into photography remembers the stunning images they got when shooting Kodachrome film. Yes, that’s right, I said film. The old school analog medium which was as cool a gadget as there was from beginning to the end. But according to Gizmodo, the end has come as the last rolls of Kodachrome have been developed at Dwayne’s Photo, the last surviving lab in Missouri.

Kodak stopped making Kodachrome last year and so it was only a matter of time before the last rolls would trickle in for developing. In many ways, Kodachrome was the first experiment in high dynamic range photography. It offered amazingly bold colors and fine grain. The gamut of color was simply stunning. And it was always used for when the photographer meant business.

Then along came digital and the end was nigh. Even Kodak “read the writing on the wall” and stopped manufacture last year. And now, the final images have been captured, processed and printed. And it’s time to turn off the lights on one of the coolest gadgets ever to come to photography.

Lexar to announce 128GB SD cards!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Now, Lexar is poised to surpass that mark by nearly 10 times with an announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show of an SD card that is 128GB!

Using the SDXC standard (secure digital eXtended Capacity) which will eventually allow for up to 2TB of storage capacity, the 64GB and 128GB cards that Lexar is announcing will be aimed square at professional users and will also have a write speed rating of 133X, which translates to the ability to read and write data at 20MB/sec (my first hard drive was 20MB!).

And they are not stopping there. According to Cnet, the SDXC standard Lexar is pursuing will also have improved electrical contacts that will make transfer speeds three times as fast in the near future, nearly getting on pace with where compact flash cards are today.

This will be great for a market which has now firmly added HD video to still cameras and pocket camcorders, giving users far more storage and faster write times to keep up with those Kodak moments.

And the sky appears to be the limit.

EyeFi Mobile getting cooler and cooler with apps and direct transfer!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

First came wifi capable SD cards. Then they added GPS. Now, Eye-Fi is turning it up to 11 once again with a cool bevy of iPhone & iPad apps, and a direct transfer capability for easy backup.

With the idea of making it easier and easier to share photos people take, EyeFi has created Direct Mode transfer so that your camera can transmit photos directly to a mobile device, beit smartphone or tablet. This makes it far easier to upload to photo sites like Facebook and Flickr. The Apps will also allow for simple one touch integrated sync with online storage sites.

Genius. I know that when I want to share something on Facebook, I tend to go for a my lower res iPhone, rather than shoot with my camera and have to jump through a few hoops to transfer to my PC and upload. This new direct mode transfer will enable me to easily shoot a shot and have it up on Facebook within seconds.

Look for it to appear later this year, with Direct Mode being an upgrade for all Eye-Fi X2 cards.

Kodak Adds two more HD cameras to its pocket line!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

So many new announcements for new toys. And this one is great for those loving to capture the moment with a pocket video camera. Kodak is adding two new HD cameras to it’s line of great pocket camcorders. 

The first is a very slim PlayFul, which will sport the usual autofocus and image stabilizaiton, but also smart face tracking and full 1080p HD video. And the dedicated SHARE button sends video directly to media sites like Facebook, Youtube and Flickr via USB and your PC. It’s available in silver, blue-silver, purple-silver and blue-black.

The next is an upgrade to the Playsport camera. In addition to similar features in the Playful, the Playsport also has low light performance, shock and waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet) design, and a cool feature on it’s LCD which adjust automatically to the lighting conditions it faces. The Playsport is available in Black, Red, Green, White and Aqua.

Both cameras record to SDHC up to 32GB. Look for them in the Spring with a cost of $150 for the Playful and $180 for the rugged PlaySport.

Sony Ericsson does Xperia arc!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Sony Ericsson decided that they will no longer release smartphones that are far behind in terms of OS updates compared to the rest of the mobile manufacturers, hence their latest addition to the Xperia family – the Xperia arc. This is one handset that will definitely stun you whenever you take a look at it, running on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system. First unveiled at the recently concluded CES 2011, it is the first of a new generation of Xperia smartphones, so you can be sure that there will be more to come! 

As we mentioned above, the design is what makes the new Xperia arc a looker, where it is super slim and hence, extremely light. Measuring a mere 8.7mm at its thinnest point, it will not sacrifice anything when it comes to performance, boasting an extra wide 4.2” multi-touch screen display. Sony Ericsson has certainly not gimped on material since they used premium materials to form its stunning arc body, so while you might think that this is going to break far more easily than a Hershey chocolate bar, it is still strong enough to fit nicely into your hand. One word of advice though – if you’re going to wear a really tight pair of jeans, we would suggest that you not put this in your rear pocket – you never know when it is in there and just jump onto a hard seat somewhere!

As for its innards, expect the best of Sony technology to be found, from its Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine for exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image, to Sony’s award-winning Exmor R for mobile sensor (at 8.1-megapixels) with the f/2.4 lens that is capable of shooting high quality, bright pictures and HD videos even in low light conditions. Of course, all images shot can be viewed over a HDTV (preferably a Sony one) using the built in HDMI-connector. Needless to say, other specifications are pretty standard such as a 3.5mm audio jack, aGPS navigation, Bluetooth and DLNa connectivity, and Wi-Fi support among others. There is no word on pricing or availability though.

How to unlock an iPhone with a ring!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Recently got a Motorola Droid X phone (which I will probably review later on this site), and I found that getting yourself a smartphone with a pure touchscreen interface can lead a user to all kinds of security issues. 

After all, the screen will activate with any touch, and so anyone with a finger can access my e-mail and possibly the important information available there. 

A man named Michael Knuepel has come up with a way to make an iPhone screen accessible with a secret ring. It sounds like something from a spy movie (a bad one) but he’s perfected the proof of concept, as seen in the video after the jump. 

I’m not certain how the ring works. Perhaps there is some sort of chip in there that sends a message to the iPhone that the “key is in the lock” so to speak. It reminds me of the days when messages had to be sealed with wax and a specially molded ring. 

Granted, the ring in the video looks like something that only Green Lantern would wear, but if it could be put on a normal-sized ring, like a wedding ring or class ring, then we have a marketable iPhone accessory with the bonus of some added mobile phone security!

Joby unveils two new iPad Accessories at CES 2011!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Most of you are familiar with Joby, and they are most famous for their Gorillapod accessories. These are tripods with some very flexible feet for cameras, flashlights, and even the iPhone 4. At CES 2011 Unveiled last night, the company revealed that they have two new iPad related products. 

The first is the Yogi, and it is a case for the iPad with those famous Gorillapod legs (seen on the left). Not only can the user take these two legs and twist them around to mount the iPad in many places, but it makes the iPad so it literally stands on two feet for viewing in portrait and landscape mode, perfect for those who like to watch iPad vids. 

The second iPad product is the Ori, and it doesn’t have the Gorillapod feet. It does allow the iPad to stand up by itself. Not only can it stand it up in portrait or landscape mode like an easel, but the case itself can fold up and around the iPad, giving the user an extra layer of metal protection for their favorite Apple tablet. 

I wasn’t able to get the release dates, but I do have the prices. The Joby Ori will sell for about $79.95 while the Yogi will go for about $49.95.

Apple breaks 1 million app download mark on Mac App Store!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Mac App Store in just its first day. This is pretty amazing, considering there are just slightly more than a thousand free and paid apps to choose from, so it goes to show just what kind of strength of depth that Apple has with their customers and loyalists. 

According to Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, “We’re amazed at the incredible response the Mac App Store is getting. Developers have done a great job bringing apps to the store and users are loving how easy and fun the Mac App Store is.” 

Apps in various categories such as Education, Games, Graphics & Design, Lifestyle, Productivity, and Utilities are available, alongside a user ratings and review system to help you make a more informed and educated decision before purchase.