As you can see, someone has even used the safety bars on the DDR game, but made the subject matter of the competition not dancing, but texting, something that the teens these days are really, really good at.

So why not make an arcade game where players must “face-off” with each other on stainless steel phone-like keypads? It sort of reminds me of MasterType, a very old-school computer program that helped me learn to type. In that game, the player had to save a spaceship by typing in the correct sequence of letters to shoot the guns to destroy the aliens. I am assuming the player does a similar sort of game in Textminator.

What makes this game unique is that not only can the high-scoring player enter in their initials, but the Textminator has a built-in camera so the player can snap a pic of themselves for a virtual wall of fame.

So, let’s see how Textminator plays out in a modern video arcade. Perhaps it will spawn Textminator 2: Judgment Page.

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First of all, it has a color screen, something that the Nook can only halfway claim. Qualcomm is playing with mirasol technology for a 5.7 inch display that doesn’t need e-ink, but membranes to create the needed colors.

The mirasol technology uses a lot less power than other readers like the Kindle. In fact, Qualcomm has said that the power that would last a Kindle a day would last the mirasol about a week. Yes, that is quite a claim.

Not only that, Qualcomm is considering putting gaming controls on the thing. This accessory would snap on to the bottom of it, but very little is known about what type of games could be played on this.

However, if you have the ability to do WiFi and 3GS, then you’ve certainly have the option of doing a lot of things. An e-reader like this could really change the market. Not only should the Amazon Kindle people be worried, but Nintendo and Sony should also be cringing as well. Unless the Qualcomm reader does not do as good as it plans. However, the one who perfects color on the reader will probably conquer the reader market, at least.

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I suppose that this would be the time to talk about how most watch phones don’t take into account that Dick Tracy isn’t cool anymore and the idea of having a phone on our wrist just doesn’t appeal to us like it did back then. I mean, most people have cell phones! Hello?

Still, you have got to give the Gauntlet Watchphone credit for trying to make the watch phone relevant in today’s mobile society. You will notice that the watch has a lot of icons on its touchscreen face, just like everyone’s favorite smartphone from Apple!

The icons include a music player, a basic email reader, plus much more. I can imagine that the user will be able to download apps. It can also connect to a headset via Bluetooth.

So, hey, is a watch phone fad in our future? After all, I stopped wearing a watch after I got a cellular phone. Maybe I would ditch my cellular phone after getting a watch phone.

Hey, it could happen. You never know what is going to catch on. I can just see an era when people will be saying: “You mean you still use a cell phone? We have watchphones. Hello?”

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After all, don’t you think it’s odd in this digital age that we still exchange these little paper rectangles every time we want to do business with someone?

In the age of the MelonCard, everyone would have one of these devices that you see here. This card-size piece of scratch resistant glass would be attached to a thin plastic strip that would have its own flash memory, Bluetooth, and power supply.

If two businesspeople want to exchange information, then they would simply slap two Meloncards together like a high-five. Apparently, two accelerometers onboard automatically exchange digital info, so you can contact your contact later.

I love the idea of the MelonCard, but my source believes that if this theoretical device used Bluetooth, it would eat up a lot of power. In other words, you couldn’t use it for too long without recharging, and the usage time is too short, what is the point? Perhaps we need some sort of universal cellular phone app that can do the same as the Meloncard.

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I’m sure this is obvious, but the user has to buy Powermat adapters for whatever device that you have. That’s for the true wireless charging for your iPhone or BlackBerry or whatnot.

The Powermat comes with Powermat Powercube that has seven adapters including 2 DS Lites, one micro USB, one Sony, one Samsung, one LG, and one Apple for iPods. It also has a place for tip storage, a box that is about the same size of the Powercube. In all honesty, I wish they would have included another Powercube, as there already is a holder for the tips that is made of stiff paper.

The neatest thing about the Powermat is when you put the Powermat adapter on the Powermat itself, you literally hear a mechanical whirring sound. The Powermat has three magnetic places for mobile devices, and a light that comes on when it is locked in place and charging.

The Powermat can be purchased for about $99.99. Adapters for mobile devices as well as other Powercubes can be purchased for about $29.99. The wireless Powermat Receiver Dock for the iPod and iPhone is about $39.99.

GE is the pioneer of this new mobile device called the Vscan. It is designed for doctors who are making house calls. Instead of bringing the patient to the hospital or doctor’s office, the device can come to the mother. I’ll bet that they have to use that really cold creamy stuff that is the bane of pregnant mothers everywhere.

GE has just unveiled this device at the Web 2.0 summit, and they estimate that its cost will be about $250,000. That is not enough for every expectant father to own one of these, but at least low enough so a hospital could have at least one handy.

Personally, I like the idea of every expectant father owning an ultrasound device. I heard Tom Cruise purchased a Sonogram machine when he was about to have baby Suri, and I think every new dad should watch with expectation the birth of their children. Perhaps the technology will improve and the ultrasound will be an iPhone app in a few years.

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Well, at least you can have one place to do three at a time, which is what the Portable Charging Valet from Sharper Image is designed to do. Yes, because it is made by Sharper Image, it is a Charging Valet, not a charging mat. All the user has to do is unfold the Valet, plug it in, and there are three cords ready to charge his or her favorite mobiles. There is a video of it in action after the jump if you want to see more.

The Charging Valet comes with five of the most used power tips such as Apple, Micro USB, Mini USB, plus Samsung and LG. The valet conveniently folds up and magnetically locks together, and then can be placed in its included case that also locks magnetically. It is perfect for travelers, especially those who want to put their gadgets on the table near the side of the bed, and sleep while they charge.

You should be able to obtain the Sharper Image Travel Charging Valet from the Sharper Image website for a price of $49.99.

B&N goes after Amazon Kindle with the PLD

Book retailer Barnes and Noble is going squarely at the Amazon Kindle by announcing an eBook application which will enable readers to enjoy eBooks on everything from the iPhone to the Blackberry, to their own “plastic logic device.”

The PLD promises full color and will be made available this coming Spring. The PLD also vaguely promises to have “other features” which were not available when the “other device that’s out there” (presumably the Kindle) was released. That’s rather hard to imagine since the Kindle has wireless access for not only downloading eBooks from Amazon, but also magazine subscriptions and the ability to check your own email.
Could the latest fad known as “augmented reality” be one of those features? Only time will tell. But since Amazon has also created an iPhone version of the Kindle reader, it’s hard to imagine what selling point would cause users to move from Kindle to the PLD, unless it’s a far better price point and improved battery life
One thing is for sure, competition is a good thing. And if Barnes and Noble thinks it can wage a legitimate challenge in the eBook reader market, the consumer will be the main beneficiary.

Hat Tip – Gadgetell

“My name is Nio.”

Not the first time that I have used dialogue from The Matrix to introduce a new product. This seems to happen every time I report on a product with a name that sounds like “Neo“. Today it is the Nio security system.

The Nio is a very simple concept. It uses “tags” that are synced via Bluetooth to a mobile device. These tags can be placed on briefcases, expensive gadgets, or anything else that you don’t want to let out of your sight. There’s a video of it after the jump.

This would come in handy for preventing theft. For example, if someone were to try and take your briefcase and run, the Nio alert would go off. I suppose you could run after the thief with a merry chase. In all honesty, this is probably to prevent you from accidentally or carelessly leaving something behind. Believe me, I have done this. Sometimes it is hard to believe that the things we value the most get left behind so easily.

Whoa, that was a bit deep for a gadget review. Now I’m sure most of you are asking what would happen if you lose your mobile device. The Nio security system is designed to prevent that. The video shows a woman arising from a table in a coffee shop, and leaves her mobile behind her. The Nio tag in her pocket that is on her keys goes off like an alarm.

In other words, the Nio prevents all forms of gadget separation anxiety. It is available for about $70, which may be a small price to pay for mobile insurance.

Growing up a fan of Dick Tracy, I longed to have Dick’s cool watch radio phone which enabled him to communicate with headquarters. But in reality, the deployment of such a device has been left “wanting,” mostly do to reception problems due to analog cell systems. But with the advent of digital carriers and broadband highspeed wireless internet, the promise is now hopeful for not only improved cellular audio capability, but video capability as well. And that means, a video watchphone is now a reality. Well, I’m excited.

A video watch phone is definitely cool. But will it work?

In addition to being able to make standard and video calls, the GD910 can also make text messages and goes completely wireless with a bluetooth headset so the user doesn’t have to scream to talk. The GD910 also sends email and has voice commands to access it’s features. And there’s even a cool, stereo mp3 player. Oh, and it’s a watch, too. Fancy that.

The LG GD910 Watchphone, will be available August 27th in limited quantities from Orange in the UK, but it won’t be cheap. It’ll cost about $1,000 US, and that doesn’t include a monthly contract fee, details of which have yet to be announced. But you can bet that with bandwidth for video and punitive fees for going past arbitrarily small data caps, that this technology may be priced right out of existence to anyone but business and government personnel.

Hat Tip – Gadget Venue

Of course, we didn’t have texting and driving when I was in high school, which is the cause of many auto accidents. If we did, then I’m sure my driver’s education teacher would have insisted on showing the PSA video that you can view after the jump.

The video itself is about the first four minutes of what will be a 30-minute video, and it is quite graphic. It begins with a teenager texting while driving, and you can probably figure out what happens next. There is a lot of blood, and even though it could be gorier, there are some scenes that are just downright sad.

For example, the video doesn’t hesitate to show a baby who is not blinking, or a little girl who wonders why her mummy and daddy can’t wake up. This is probably something they couldn’t show on television in America unless it was TV MA, but I believe the rules are different in the UK.

The video was made by the Gwent Police Department, and none of the footage that you see is real. I’m not certain what the full 30-minute video of this will be called, but if this doesn’t stop teens from texting while driving, then I’m not certain what will.

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If you look closely, you can see the wires charging your favorite mobile devices. The purpose of the BlueLounge is to give your gadgets their own space so they spend a lot less time cluttering your room. As if your mobiles aren’t dominating your space already.

The BlueLounge Refresh comes with six built-in connectors including two regular USBs, one Mini USB, a micro USB, and then two for the iPod/iPhone. Of course, there are more connectors available to buy separately, like Nokia and Motorola products, not to mention the Nintendo DS Lite or Sony PSP, for those of you who like mobile gaming.

So, the BlueLounge Refresh apparently isn’t the wireless place to put all of our mobiles, but does it really have to be? Most of these wireless chargers seem to require some adapter that I have to put on my device, so I think we are a long way away from just putting our devices on a little shelf and just forgetting about them until they power up.

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Welcome to the new age of the Cinemin Swivel, a mini-projector with 480 x 360 resolution, a three-hour battery life, and an adjustable 90-degree hinge.

It is designed to work with the iPhone, iPods, and other mobile devices, as well as laptops. Once it is connected, it projects what the user wants, wherever the user wants. My source does not say how big the projection is.

I’m not certain how good the sound is, as it has a tiny speaker, and I’m not certain who wants a tiny projector. I suppose it might be nice to project my favorite DVD on a screen and pretend that I am watching it in a walk-in theater, but it isn’t really my dream to project my films wherever I want. I mean, if I was on the bus, does anyone else want to see my vids but me?

The Cinemin Swivel is available for pre-order in U.S. and Europe for about $349.99.

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Sadly, Polymer Vision went bankrupt on July 7th, and they have recently laid off over 50 jobs at their Southampton location. I’m not certain that we have the economy to blame for all of this, as e-readers such as the Kindle and their recent versions have been dominating the e-reader market.

It is certain that the Readius, with its scrolling effect, would have made quite a splash on the e-reader users, but the price for it might be more than they would be willing to pay.

However, there is hope. Karl McGoldrick, President of Polymer Vision, says that he is not giving up, and that the product shall live on. He is looking for new investors, and he wants to “re-start and get our technology and product into the market, where it should be”.

Personally, I think there is a lesson to be learned from the Readius. That would be one of perseverance, of not quitting simply because the odds are against you. In the case of the Readius, I think the public might like this e-book reader, so don’t give up, Polymer Vision!

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The answer is that I can’t, so here it is. The problem is that I don’t really have much information about this product, other than it’s got a transparent screen. I do know that the information can be seen on both sides, but I’m not certain if the print, when viewed on the other side, is reversed. You may notice the lack of keypad buttons on the Kiki, but they will show up if the phone is on.

So, since that is all we have, let’s go to speculation. For example, can the user watch video footage on this thing? I mean, I didn’t realize that we can watch TV on a clear plate of glass now, but hey, technology gets better all the time.

Also, is the clear glass screen a touchscreen? I see three buttons that correspond to the balloon, mail, and clock icons on the screen, but that is about it.

So, now it is the time on Coolest Gadgets where we add comments. For example, is it possible that the transparent screen could become a standard for cellular phones? Chime in if you agree or disagree.

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The ARCHOS 9, presumably named for its 9 inch screen, and it is quite a piece of work. It is also very thin at just 0.63 inches, and weighs in at 22.29 ounces.

It has internal power of the Z515 Intel processor, plus Microsoft Windows 7 Operating system. It also features Bluetooth 2.1 and 802.11b/g connectivity for all email and web-surfing needs.

The user is able to navigate with the full touchscreen, as well as optical trackball with buttons. Typing is performed with a built-in virtual keyboard, and the ARCHOS 9 includes Microsoft Office, as well as Web TV and Radio, video conferencing, plus antivirus protection, parental control, and more.

I mentioned earlier about how the UMPC market has been nearly overshadowed by the netbook market, but I think we all envisioned PCs of the future as being handheld with a full touchscreen. It would appear that ARCHOS is on the cusp of the portable PC market. The ARCHOS 9 PC tablet will be available in the Fall, but there is no word on the price.

I suppose it is only fitting that Motorola has put out a special version of the Aura to commemorate this historic event. It is called the Celestial Edition, and it includes the historic audio clips.

I’m sure you know the clips I’m talking about: “that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. By the way, I heard that Neil Armstrong actually screwed up his famous line, as he was supposed to say: “that’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind”. Makes more sense that way, doesn’t it? I mean, he might as well have said: “one small step for man, one giant leap for man”.

By the way, I have just learned that Motorola was the company that provided the original radio transponder aboard the Eagle as it landed. In other words, they own the rights to moon transmission. Just kidding. I really hope that is public domain.

I think Motorola also got the video footage from the moon too. I always wondered how they got the camera several feet away from the lunar lander for that historic walk. Maybe they were faked. Also just kidding.

Anyway, the Motorola Aura Celestial Edition should be out soon, but no word about price or availability.

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Pocket projectors are all the rage now, the ability to use a projector the size of an iPod to display information on a wall is a godsend for the business set, who look to expand the ability to make presentations without having to travel with expensive projectors or having to customize their presentations to what equipment is available. But while getting more popular, projectors like the PICO and the Mili Pro – which can connect to an iPhone or iPod Touch – are still in their infancy.

At it’s current state of technology, the MiLi Pro can project a 640×480 resolution image up to about 30 inches away before the lumens simply dissipate from distance. So, while it won’t project in very large meeting places, it can work for small, intimate gatherings where the presentation can be seen on a 40″ screen area.

The Pro, which has a dock for the iPod Touch/iPhone also comes with VGA and RCA connectors which enable it to work with larger LCD screens directly. And it’s own adjustable stand makes for easy tweaking to get the image just right on screen. Charges in about three hours and comes with integrated speakers as well.

But don’t forget you’re only talking about a resolution just about VHS quality, so don’t expect to be watching HD video with it.

Hat Tip – The Giz

An iPhone user proves it’s not the “Jesus phone” after all by dropping it in the pool!

Hat Tip to Crave for this YouTube link of a user videotaping poolside using his iPhone 3Gs. He suddenly drops it and into the drink it goes. But here’s the amazing part. It continues to video tape while in the water and according to C’Net, two days after dropping it into the pool, IT STILL WORKS.

The iPhone comes with a 3 MP video/still camera with autofocus. Now, obviously, since it sunk like the proverbial rock, rather thank walk on water, it simply can’t be called the “Jesus phone” anymore. But considering that the phone continued to record while sinking to the bottom of the pool (including some uber cool underwater sound effects) and even works after the owner dove in and retrieved it (witness his comment “crap! it still works!), and days later it’s still working, it’s pretty amazing and shows how well these phones are put together, especially when it isn’t rated as being water proof.

Only time will tell if corrosion doesn’t set in and brick his iPhone. But if it doesn’t, this is a Timex moment to be sure.

Considering that most countries have that whole “no handhelds law while driving”, you need something to hold the mobile devices. Of course, I assume laws like that were made so drivers would not be distracted, but I can’t think of anything more distracting than this device that looks like a baby’s mobile.

However, this really is a handy device for holding a cellular phone, a satellite navigation system, and an MP3 player. Yes, this one thing can pretty much do it all and attach to the windshield with a strong suction cup. From there, all three goosenecks can adjust for all sorts of mobile views.

Okay, I think that is about all I can say about this particular device. I’m not certain what else you can use this for, really. It’s too bad they don’t have some attachment that can hold your coffee, but I guess that’s what a cup holder is for.

Well, if you want to get your paws on this one, head over to the USB fever website. You might be wondering: what does a USB have to do with this product? Absolutely nothing. Just shell out $29.99 for the Super Universal Car Mount!

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