Best Gadgets World

by Nilay Patel, posted Aug 5th 2008 at 7:34PMLook, we know the appeal of the occasional Franzia stand or one-armed Rossi pull, but at some point you’ve got to put the 20/20 down and stop drinking like a hobo — and it sounds like a new device being developed in Spain might help you learn to appreciate some classy wine for once. The “electronic tongue,” as it’s called, features six sensors that can measure factors like acidity, sugar, and alcohol levels, and use them to determine the age and variety of the wine, just like NEC’s adorable little drink-bot. The tongue is supposed to be used to help wine industry officials assess wine quality in the field and detect frauds, but we’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a hit around snooty wine bars worldwide.

[Thanks, Yossi]

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Filed under: Misc. gadgets

by Nilay Patel, posted Aug 5th 2008 at 6:37PM
Alright, so it won’t be a laptop, adorable, or have a cheeky Linux-based OS that’s eventually replaced by Windows, but unlike the OLPC or the too-good-to-be-true $10 laptop, the $12 PC currently being developed at MIT will probably hit its price target. The project, being spearheaded by Derek Lomas and Jesse Austin-Breneman, is centered around cheap Apple II-based machines currently on sale in India and other developing nations that plug into televisions, and the goal is to update the systems with more memory, web access through cellphone tethering and actual storage. Considering we’ve already seen Apple IIs updated with Bluetooth and USB, and the less-powerful Commodore 64 can be used at LAN parties, we’d say all that stands between this project and reality is manpower — any Apple II hackers out there ready to help?

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Filed under: Desktops

by Nilay Patel, posted Aug 5th 2008 at 10:52AM
Well, we’ve seen the Nokia 5800 Tube’s keyboard, home screen, video player, and uh, Bat-Sonar, so we might as well keep going with these shots of the browser. Kudos to Nokia for delivering something just slightly more impressive this time around than we’re used to from S60 Touch, but we’re still not feeling the super-90s aesthetic — check out those icons at the bottom. We’re still hoping to be blown away when this thing finally launches, but it’s looking less and less likely with each new screenshot.

[Thanks, Marie]

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Filed under: cellphones

Certainly one of the most unique computer mods that I have seen to date, by far not the most interesting but perhaps practical. With more and more people looking to have an “internet appliance” in their kitchen, the latest modded PC is Toasy, and as you can likely guess its made from a gutted out vintage toaster.

Aside from the fact that this seems like a very strange choice to use for a PC case, it could have some potential benefits, perhaps most important it will offer a kitchen like look and not stick out like a sore thumb, but more important it may be a perfect mod to confuse any would be thieves.

Toasty, the toaster PC includes a C 3600MHz processor, mini-ITX motherboard, 2.5-inch hard drive, a DVD-ROM drive, and a full sized wireless router.

Via [Tech E Blog]

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There was a lot of talk about who would take the biggest blow in the smartphone world with the intro of the iPhone.  A Changewave study shows this chart.  What’s interesting isn’t the data the graph is making obvious, it is the totals. 

If you add up the % of the smartphone market, you’ll find the total market segment being served by Palm, Rim and Apple throughout this period isn’t changing.  It is staying relatively flat at about 2/3rds of all smartphones.  So this would suggest, the merry trio are not bringing new folks into the smartphone market, rather just cutting up the pie differently.

This would also suggest, folks are leaving their Palms Windows Mobile OS to head for Apples.  Presumably, iphone is swiping folks from other smartphone makers too, only compounding the migration away from Windows Mobile. Looking at the trend lines, Palm is going to be usurped by iPhone probably in the next quarter.  Then what?  Can the iPhone battle RIM with just one phone vs RIM’s plethora of options (flip phones too?).

In this interview, Ed Colligan is rightfully up on the 2 millionth inexpensive Centro.  He says he is “ecstatic” about the new technology they are coming up with.  Colligan excited talked about a “breakthrough of innovation”.  Colligan goes into how the B2B business will still be served by Windows Mobile devices and consumers by the Palm OS.  I have doubts about this strategy as the iPhone is showing us, make it fun and people will get it into businesses no matter what. 

How long before we start seeing some new Palm products leaked?  Will they build on the Centro’s success or just jump right back in with $500 phones and gamble folks will like them?

Read [Electronista] Colligan interview [CNBC]

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iRiver came out with a new batch of Mickey Mouse Mplayer Swarovzski edition of their famous digital audio player.

The Swarovski edition of the Mplayer comes in 7 various colors and 4 different designs with each one having its own distinct appeal. Each Mplayer will be studded with 133 to 210 Swarovski crystals; throw ribbons along with those and you got shiny new players which look a lot better than the first Swarovski edition iRiver came up with. The player can hold 1GB of songs and can play MP3 and WMA files although, as per usual complaint, it lacks a screen. It will be sold in Japan for 14,800 Yen (or 70) and probably a must have for those who care more about design than functionality.

via

Memorex has just announced their new lineup of portable hard drives, aptly named the Essential TravelDrives. The new lineup will be good for the person on-the-go as the drives are USB powered, which means at least one less power cord to carry around. Boasting just the essentials, these drives include backup software to keep your data safe along with a blue LED that flashes when the drive in use. They will be available in a selection of “nature-inspired colors” that include spring blossom, tropic green, caribbean blue or cool silver. The Essential TravelDrives are available in a variety of storage sizes to include a 160, 250 and 320GB option and are priced beginning at $89.99.

Read [PR Newswire]

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The Axon Razorback is the first anti-gravity racer RC vehicle in the world, so you will definitely be able to wow kids (and adults alike) around the block with your latest $249.99 purchase.

Similar to a hovercraft but designed for speed, this futuristic R/C vehicle can do speeds of 25mph right out of the box, with a motor upgrade to 50mph. Available in Ready to Run or Receiver Ready packages. Ready to Run includes a 3 channel 2.4GHz surface radio and rechargeable 3 cell 1300mAh 25c Lipo Battery pack. Dual Brushless motors, Lexan Body and Polyethylene foam bottom make it nearly indestructible.

Sounds like fun, and you don’t have to worry about keeping it off sand and gravel as there aren’t any wheels to get jammed in the first place. I would love to have a review unit, Al *hint hint*

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Memorex has just announced its latest range of portable hard drives - the sexy and stylish Essential TravelDrive that uses 2.5″ hard drives of up to 320GB capacity, and it will come in a plethora of vibrant colors while fitting into a pocketbook or purse easily.

With capacities of 160GB, 250GB and 320GB respectively, the Essential TravelDrive portable hard drive provides users convenient, portable sharing and safeguarding of precious data, including photos, videos and music. The drive’s USB interface ensures compatibility with both Mac and PC desktops or laptops, and is powered via a USB connection, eliminating the need for an additional power source. Backup software and a blue, flashing LED data transfer display completes the package.

You will be able to pick the Memorex Essential TravelDrive portable hard drive from Spring Blossom, Tropic Green, Caribbean Blue and Cool Silver colors. Prices start from $89.99 upwards, depending on the capacity.

Press Release

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I’m not certain if this is one of the most useful or useless devices that I have ever reported on. This next device is for those who try to refuel their car with the wrong type of fuel. So if you’ve ever put diesel instead of unleaded in your car by mistake, perhaps this could prevent you from ruining your engine all over again.

Yes, I have never done that either, but I guess it couldn’t hurt to have a little preventative measure like this. All that is required is to install the gadget on the inside of your fuel flap, and go ahead and hold the fuel nozzle up every time you fill ‘er up. If you put the wrong type of fuel in, a little light will go off.

I don’t know about you, but most of the gas stations have the diesel pump separate from the regular, premium, or unleaded choices. Also, isn’t the nozzle of the diesel pump slightly larger than that of regular gas tanks?

I see one good use for this. Parents can put it on their gas tanks so when their kids fill the car up for the first time, there will be a warning in case the wrong gas is used.

So, you may not feel that you need something like this, but for those who are incredibly cautious, you can purchase it for about $40.

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