Archive for August, 2007
Google Earth Flies through the heavens and the earth … almost literally
Usually when a headline starts with the word “Google,” the first thought was – they must be stopped! But not this time. Recently, Google Earth announced it was great for not only mapping the earth, but the heavens as well.
Google Sky is an add-on for their very popular Google Earth software containing over 100 million stars and twice as many galaxies. Google Sky also features layers of constellations, the moon, the planets, a “Life of a Star” tour, and a comprehensive listing of backyard astronomy objects within easy optical reach. It even includes some stunning images taken from the ultimate telescope – the Hubble.
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New Standard Keyboards readies Vista-ready offering
Not all keyboards are built the same – just ask any secretary who spends the better part of the day in front of the computer and a keyboard to find out. Most of them will definitely appreciate an offering that actually comes with some form of ergonomic design so that they won’t take the express train to RSI City too soon. New Standard Keyboards has just announced its NSK535 series of alphanumeric, USB-interface keyboards which have already been tested and are fully compatible with the (not so) new Microsoft Vista.
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TomTom parades TomTom GO 920 T
TomTom has taken advantage of IFA 2007 in Berlin by releasing its new flagship model known as the TomTom GO 920 T that boasts a whopping 4GB of internal memory with complete maps of 41 European countries in addition to USA and Canada pre-installed. Not only that, you also get the brand new Enhanced Positioning Technology that brings a more continuous navigation experience as well as the RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver in order to benefit from up-to-date traffic information. Without further ado, let’s have a deeper look at the maps included in the TomTom GO 920 T after the jump.
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Outdoor Fun for Big Kids – The Video Recording Rocket
As cool toys go this has got to be right up there, literally. The digital video rocket is capable of soaring 500 feet into the air and filming at the same time.
This rocket, made by Estes, makers of model rockets for nearly 50 years, provides enthusiasts a view of the rockets liftoff and flight from the rockets point of view thanks to the impact-resistant digital camera in the nose cone. From as high as 500′, the camera can record a 12-second video at 640 x 480 pixel resolution or take up to three pictures per flight (stores 15 pictures).
It comes ready to fly, and the camera is oriented toward the earth during flight. The camera connects to a PC with the included USB cable to download the flight video. The rocket uses Estes C6-5 engines (sold below and at hobby stores) and includes a launch pad, camera software, and two sets of L1154 button-cell batteries for the camera. Injection-molded plastic.
The rocket is available from Hammacher for $59.95 and a set of three C6-C5 engines will cost you $9.95. Found via GetUSB and TFTS, thanks guys.
MDrive gets protection against water
Gidis has just launched the waterproof USB flash drive known as the MDrive. It comes with the Taegeuk pattern emblazoned across the front, designed by Young-Se Kim, CEO of INNO Design. I know I would find the MDrive handy considering just how often I have sent my USB flash drive into the washing machine without realizing it. There will be a couple of capacities available when September 1st rolls around, with the 1GB and 2GB models retailing for $ 42and $63 respectively.
Source: AVing
Syringe disposal gets a name
Han Pham from Denmark has come up with a concept syringe disposal system simply known as ‘Antivirus’. It is definitely an environmentally friendly solution as it uses a standard aluminum can as the receptacle on top where a one way lid is attached, bringing vaccination to poor and rural areas. What do you think of this concept? Hopefully some medical bigwig sees this as a neat idea and picks it up for altruistic purposes.
Source: Medgadget
USB Badge Drive
You know those pesky ID badges that you wear around your neck at the office? Well, it is mostly useless other than for identification purposes, but the advent of technology has enabled one to include a memory card reader inside, allowing you to insert any SD, SDHC, MMC, Mini SD, RS MMC or microSD/T-Flash memory card into the badge for an impromptu portable storage device. It retails for $14 from Brando.
Sanyo ships worlds smallest HiDef Camcorder
Looking more like a ray gun than a digital camcorder, the Sanyo Xacti DMX-HD1000 can claim the mantel of the world’s smallest 1080p HiDef camcorder. With its pistol grip and large 10x lens (which translates to focal length of 38 – 380mm), the HD1000 can shoot up to nearly an hour and a half on an 8GB high capacity SD card in full 1080p. This is thanks to the MPEG-4 AVC codec and it’s 1/2.5-inch CMOS sensor which translates to a total resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 dpi at 60 fps. Other modes include “HD-HR” 1,280×720 at 60fps, “HD-SHQ” 1,280×720 at 30fps, “TV-HR” 640×480 at 60fps, “TV-SHQ” 640×480 at 30fps and “Web-SHQ” 320×240 at 30fps.
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