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!!

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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!!

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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.