Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Archerfish Quattro video monitoring and recording system now available at Amazon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/20/archerfish-quattro-video-monitoring-and-recording-system-now-ava/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/20/archerfish-quattro-video-monitoring-and-recording-system-now-ava/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/20/archerfish-quattro-video-monitoring-and-recording-system-now-ava/#comments
Cernium's just announced something that should really please the 'I know the cat is putting my stuff on Ebay while I'm at church' crowd. The Archerfish Quattro is a full scale, no messing aroung video monitoring and recording system that pays attention to the little details while you're not around. Analyzing info in real time, if the Archerfish Quattro spies something funky, it'll send a message to your mobile phone or email. The system is expandable so that you can have as many cameras in the setup as you want, and best of all? It's available at Amazon now, so you can order it without having to leave home -- which you don't want to do yet. It's just not safe. The Archerfish Quattro system can be purchased now for a starting price of $1700. Full PR is after the break.

Continue reading Archerfish Quattro video monitoring and recording system now available at Amazon

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Archerfish Quattro video monitoring and recording system now available at Amazon originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archerfisharcherfish quattroArcherfishQuattromonitoring systemMonitoringSystemquattrospyspyingsurveillancevideovideo recordingVideoRecordingFri, 20 Nov 2009 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY Robolamps are part lamp, part robot, all awesome]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/diy-robolamps-are-part-lamp-part-robot-all-awesome/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/diy-robolamps-are-part-lamp-part-robot-all-awesome/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/diy-robolamps-are-part-lamp-part-robot-all-awesome/#comments While we're mostly concerned with covering the latest in gadgets and technology, there's occasionally some humble creations that spend months building up enough stream to finally break into the public's consciousness, and we'd be remiss if we didn't take notice. One such piece of magic is the Robolamp series of, well, robot lamps that Robert Matysiak has been working on for the past two years, and looks to have recently gone all out with in the last few months. As you can see for yourself in the gallery below, those consist of everything from some fairly recognizable lamp-shaped devices to more elaborate "robots" that can apparently be repositioned and accessorized. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Matysiak is quite ready to part with them just yet, but he is looking for a place to exhibit the designs if there happens to be any adventuresome gallery owners out there.

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DIY Robolamps are part lamp, part robot, all awesome originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomediyhomebrewlamplampslightingrobert matysiakRobertMatysiakrobolamprobolampsWed, 18 Nov 2009 00:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Parrot debuts Android-based Grande Specchio photo frame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/parrot-debuts-android-based-grande-specchio-photo-frame/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/parrot-debuts-android-based-grande-specchio-photo-frame/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/parrot-debuts-android-based-grande-specchio-photo-frame/#comments
We've heard promises of an Android-based photo frame as far back as May of this year, but it looks like the folks at Parrot are now finally set to deliver with their new Grande Specchio designer frame. As you might be able to surmise from words like "grande" and "designer," however, this one doesn't come cheap (a hefty $650), but you do of course get quite a bit for all that extra cash. That includes a large 10.4-inch touchscreen that doubles as a mirror (on purpose), WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and SD card slot for expansion and, of course, Android hiding under Parrot's custom interface. Unfortunately, it's not clear if you can actually use the frame as full-blown Android device, but you do at least have easy access to a web browser, and Parrot is even promising to develop some apps specifically for the frame -- though it curiously says they'll likely be limited since there is "no easy way to get them installed on the hardware." Look for more details when Parrot officially launches this one on November 17th.

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Parrot debuts Android-based Grande Specchio photo frame originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid photo frameAndroidPhotoFramegrande specchioGrandeSpecchioparrotparrot grande specchioParrotGrandeSpecchiophoto framePhotoFramespecchiowifi photoframeWifiPhotoframeWed, 11 Nov 2009 16:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Withings WiFi Body Scale integrates Twitter, launches in the US]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/withings-wifi-body-scale-integrates-twitter-launches-in-the-us/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/withings-wifi-body-scale-integrates-twitter-launches-in-the-us/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/withings-wifi-body-scale-integrates-twitter-launches-in-the-us/#comments
You know that friend -- we all have one -- that bores you with incessant tweets regarding his weight, his caloric intake, number of miles jogged, so on and so forth? Well, don't let him get a hold on this: finally available in the US, the WiFi Body Scale by Withings has received a bit of an upgrade, with its web app now offering Twitter integration. Not only does this bad boy register your weight, body fat, and BMI, but you can now configure it to send your stats to "the Twitter" either daily, weekly, monthly, or each and every time you weigh -- and your followers will start dropping faster than even you could imagine. But don't take our word for it! As our man Cedric Hutchings (the company's general manager) states, "adding this social functionality makes the WiFi scale by Withings the first true flagship of the Internet of Objects." Right. He might have added that the company's given "fail whale" an entirely new meaning. Yours for $159. PR after the break.

Continue reading Withings WiFi Body Scale integrates Twitter, launches in the US

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Withings WiFi Body Scale integrates Twitter, launches in the US originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>body massBodyMassconnected body scaleConnectedBodyScalefitnesshealthhouseholdinternet of thingsInternetOfThingsiPhoneiPhone appIphoneAppscaletwitterweight lossWeightLossWiFiWiFi Body ScaleWifiBodyScalewirelessWiScaleWithingsWithings connected body scaleWithingsConnectedBodyScaleWed, 11 Nov 2009 00:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Art Lebedev's Rozetkus 3D vs. Letout Outlet... Fight! (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/art-lebedevs-rozetkus-3d-vs-letout-outlet-fight/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/art-lebedevs-rozetkus-3d-vs-letout-outlet-fight/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/art-lebedevs-rozetkus-3d-vs-letout-outlet-fight/#comments Just yesterday the internets were buzzing with the latest design from Art Lebedev: the Rozetkus 3D; a standard outlet that pops out of the wall with a simple push to support multiple connections. Lebedev, you'll recall, made quite a name for himself by taking the Optimus Maximus programmable OLED keyboard from art to part, so to speak. Since posting about the Rozetkus 3D we've been informed of another very similar design concept called the Letout Outlet. So similar, in fact, that it would appear that we've got a copycat on our hands. Unfortunately for our friends at Lebedev, designer Damjan Stankovic created his Letout Outlet concept in January of 2009 and was recognized with a prestigious reddot design award in the "domestic aid" category back in August. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and good artists copy while great artists steal, well, then congratulations to one and all. Unfortunately, only Damjan Stankovic will be on stage during the formal reddot awards ceremony on November 24th in Singapore.

Update: Artemy Lebedev has responded to our inquiry calling this a "funny (and unpleasant) coincidence." Art tells us that his design shop's Rozetkus 3D was first published in Lebedev's internal idea-collecting intranet dubbed, The Brain, back in November 2006. He assures us that his art is prior, had no knowledge of Damjan's work, and that no wrongdoing should be assumed by either party.

Read -- Letout Outlet
Read -- reddot list of winning concepts 2009 [Warning: Excel]

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Art Lebedev's Rozetkus 3D vs. Letout Outlet... Fight! (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevconceptDamjan StankovicDamjanStankovicdesignlebedevletout outletLetoutOutletoutletredotrozetkus 3dRozetkus3dTue, 10 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Art Lebedev's Rozetkus 3D socket concept gives you five plugs where once there was one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/art-lebedevs-rozetkus-3d-socket-concept-gives-you-five-plugs-wh/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/art-lebedevs-rozetkus-3d-socket-concept-gives-you-five-plugs-wh/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/art-lebedevs-rozetkus-3d-socket-concept-gives-you-five-plugs-wh/#commentsArt Lebedev's Rozetkus 3D socket concept gives you five plugs where once there was one We're getting ever closer to wireless power, but without a doubt have many years of life with plugs ahead of us. It's a drag, but fancy concept receptacles help to make our tethered existences slightly more interesting. The UK Folding Plug concept wowed us over the summer, and Art Lebedev's Rozetkus power strip from a few years ago was great, but now his studio is taking us to a new dimension with the Rozetkus 3D socket. It looks like an unassuming and soothingly blue socket but, push the little button above, and it pops out like a Lemarchand box with openings (and, possibly, eternal damnation) on each face. No word on a possible release, but we're guessing manufacturers foreign and domestic are flooding Art's inbox right this very moment.

Gallery: Art Lebedev's Rozetkus 3D power socket

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Art Lebedev's Rozetkus 3D socket concept gives you five plugs where once there was one originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevart lebedev rozetkusart lebedev rozetkus 3dArtLebedevArtLebedevRozetkusArtLebedevRozetkus3drozetkusrozetkus 3dRozetkus3dMon, 09 Nov 2009 07:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's Tango robot vacuum uses cameras to clean your floors, duvet covers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/samsungs-tango-robot-vacuum-uses-cameras-to-clean-your-floors/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/samsungs-tango-robot-vacuum-uses-cameras-to-clean-your-floors/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/samsungs-tango-robot-vacuum-uses-cameras-to-clean-your-floors/#commentsSamsung's Tango robot vacuum uses cameras to clean your floors, duvet covers Just because a Samsung vacbot never cleaned your floors doesn't mean they're not out there somewhere, attacking dust on hardwood and carpet -- and apparently Egyptian cotton too if the above picture is anything to go by. This Tango is the latest from the company, following in the tracks of the Furot and Hauzen and sharing their dual spinny brush design. Tango is said to use a 30fps camera to tell where he's going, a gyro to keep a sense of direction, and crash sensors that now can detect furniture and feet from up to 2cm away. Prices will range from ₩500,000 to ₩700,000 and, though that equates to between $425 and $600 American, the stores these will be available in probably won't take dollars.

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Samsung's Tango robot vacuum uses cameras to clean your floors, duvet covers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>samsungsamsung tangoSamsungTangotangovacbotvacuumvacuum cleanervacuum robotVacuumCleanerVacuumRobotThu, 05 Nov 2009 08:14:00 EST<![CDATA[eStarling photo frame might just have more social networking skills than you do]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/estarling-photo-frame-might-just-have-more-social-networking-ski/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/estarling-photo-frame-might-just-have-more-social-networking-ski/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/estarling-photo-frame-might-just-have-more-social-networking-ski/#comments Digital photo frames have been more than just photo frames since the earliest days of the product category, but eStarling looks to be expanding things even further than usual with its new 802.11n Touchscreen Connected Frame. In addition to that speedy WiFi connectivity, this one boasts a fairly large 10.2-inch display, 2GB of RAM, an SD card slot and, most importantly, a slew of social networking features. That includes support for photos from Facebook, Picasa or Flickr (more services are also promised), a built-in Twitter client, a video inbox feature to receive videos shot with cellphones (or any other internet-connected device, for that matter), and even its own Gmail address to let anyone easily send photos straight to the frame. Unfortunately for anyone considering this as an alternative to a kitchen computer, there's no full-fledged web browser, calendar apps, or the like, but it will at least give you weather updates, and could well be further improved by some of the promised firmware updates. Of course, all that will also cost you more than your usual photo frame -- $249.99, to be specific.

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eStarling photo frame might just have more social networking skills than you do originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11n Touchscreen Connected Frame802.11nTouchscreenConnectedFramedigital photo frameDigitalPhotoFrameestarlingestarling 802.11n Touchscreen Connected FrameEstarling802.11nTouchscreenConnectedFramephoto framePhotoFramewifi photo frameWifiPhotoFrameThu, 05 Nov 2009 02:16:00 EST<![CDATA[How-to: geek up your pumpkin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/how-to-geek-up-your-pumpkin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/how-to-geek-up-your-pumpkin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/how-to-geek-up-your-pumpkin/#comments BOO! It's Halloween and it's also a Saturday, so let's not hear any pathetic excuses for not carving pumpkins. While we're no experts, we've got a few tips for making your jack-o'-lanterns better looking and more unique:
  • Always mark where you're carving first instead of freestyling, especially for the lid. Once the knife's in there's nothing you can do about it.
  • Want an accurate carving? Draw or print your pattern on paper first and then stick it on the pumpkin, so that you can use a pin to punch an outline.
  • Use a scalpel. Seriously, it's so much better than kitchen knives.
  • Be creative: consider using a variety of carving depths instead of just cutting out holes. It's best to start off with the darkest areas so that you know where the threshold is. If it's too shallow you can always scrape the trench.
  • Don't use candles -- they don't last and aren't safe for the kids and animals; many LED candles have a convincing flickering glow, so try those. Alternatively, why not convert a cheap solar garden light into a lid for your jack-o'-lantern? Or go Ben-Heck and try the Cylon mod?
  • Keep the seeds for roasting -- they make a good snack.
Feel free to refer to our gallery for the whole process. Enjoy and have a happy Halloween!

Gallery: How-to: geek up your pumpkin

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How-to: geek up your pumpkin originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carvecarvingfeaturesglowhalloweenjack-o-lanternlamplanternlightpumpkinSat, 31 Oct 2009 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Qooq recipe and cooking tablet launched for French speakers only]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/qooq-recipe-and-cooking-tablet-pc-launched-for-french-speakers-o/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/qooq-recipe-and-cooking-tablet-pc-launched-for-french-speakers-o/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/qooq-recipe-and-cooking-tablet-pc-launched-for-french-speakers-o/#comments
Cooking tablets and recipe readers have been pretty limited (and not very good) in the past -- but this one looks extremely promising. Called the Qooq, the 10.2-incher boasts -- in addition to a bunch of recipes, of course -- complete meal prep videos, instructions and advice on choosing ingredients, shopping lists, meal planners -- all which can be updated monthly via a subscription service. Specwise, we're looking at a glass touchscreen, Ethernet and USB ports, an SD slot, WiFi, and a built-in stand. The custom UI looks pretty attractive, but there are some drawbacks. The Qooq does not have a browser (though it's got built-in weather, digital photo viewing, and internet radio apps), and it's only available for French language speakers for now. If you do speak the language of love, you can get one of these puppies for €349 (about $513), with the subscription service running an additional €12.95a month (about $19).

[Via Red Ferret]

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Qooq recipe and cooking tablet launched for French speakers only originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookbookcookingfoodfrancefrenchfrench cookingFrenchCookinghandheldsqooqrecipestablettablet pcTabletPctabletsyummyThu, 29 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[AlterG's M300 treadmill: same 'anti-gravity' vibe, now 'only' $24,500]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/altergs-m300-treadmill-same-anti-gravity-vibe-now-only-2/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/altergs-m300-treadmill-same-anti-gravity-vibe-now-only-2/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/altergs-m300-treadmill-same-anti-gravity-vibe-now-only-2/#comments We've always heard that holiday calories "don't count," but disregarding urban legend for a minute, we'd say AlterG's timing here is nothing short of impeccable. Nearly 1.5 years after the outfit's P200 series was a-okay'd by the FCC, an all new walking machine has entered the fray. The M300 treadmill brings along the same "anti-gravity" feel (useful for rehabilitation and athletic training), but in a machine that's a third of the price and way, way sleeker. The idea here is to reduce the strain on joints and muscles as one exercises, and while that's certainly commendable, we're still thinking it'll take one or two more iterations to get one priced for the everyman. You know, unless you consider $24,500+ (or $499+ per month for the rest of your Earthly life) "affordable."

[Via MedGadget]

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AlterG's M300 treadmill: same 'anti-gravity' vibe, now 'only' $24,500 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-galter-g m300Alter-gM300AlterGalterg m300AltergM300anti-gravityexercisefitnessgravitym300nasatreadmillThu, 29 Oct 2009 05:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Machined Gear Clock makes watching the time pass a true joy (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/machined-gear-clock-makes-watching-the-time-pass-a-true-joy-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/machined-gear-clock-makes-watching-the-time-pass-a-true-joy-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/machined-gear-clock-makes-watching-the-time-pass-a-true-joy-vid/#comments We've seen no shortage of homegrown clocks in our day, and while most are cute for their time, few are worthy of being lauded in this manner. Alan Parekh's Gear Clock is a delightful mishmash of machined gears, thrown together in a fashion that resulted in an actual time-telling gizmo. Hop on past the break to watch this thing spin, but be sure to hold the mute button for the lead-in. Clearly 'Sound Check' wasn't activated.

Continue reading Machined Gear Clock makes watching the time pass a true joy (video)

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Machined Gear Clock makes watching the time pass a true joy (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cncdiygeargear clockGearClockgearshackmodtimetimepiecevideoWed, 28 Oct 2009 03:58:00 EST<![CDATA[US government lays out cash for wall-based, in-home 'smart meters']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/us-government-lays-out-cash-for-wall-based-in-home-smart-meter/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/us-government-lays-out-cash-for-wall-based-in-home-smart-meter/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/us-government-lays-out-cash-for-wall-based-in-home-smart-meter/#commentsGoogle has its PowerMeter, Microsoft has its Hohm and Obama has his "smart meters." Got it? Good. Around two years after UK taxpayers began footing the bill for in-home energy monitors, it seems as if America's current administration is looking to follow suit. While visiting the now-open solar facility in Arcadia, Florida today, the Pres announced that $3.4 billion in cash that the US doesn't actually have has just been set aside for a number of things, namely an intelligent power grid and a whole bundle of smart power meters. Aside from boring apparatuses like new digital transformers and grid sensors (both of which are designed to modernize the nation's "dilapidated" electric network), 18 million smart meters and 1 million "other in-home devices" will be installed in select abodes. The idea here is to give individuals a better way to monitor their electricity usage, with the eventual goal set at 40 million installed meters over the next few years. Great idea, guys -- or you know, you could just advise people to turn stuff off when they aren't using it, or not use energy they can't afford. Just sayin'.

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US government lays out cash for wall-based, in-home 'smart meters' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack obamaBarackObamachargingeco-friendlyelectricityenergygovernmentgrantgreenmetersobamapowerpresident obamaPresidentObamaprojectsmart metersSmartMetersstimulusstimulus packageStimulusPackageususausageTue, 27 Oct 2009 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Shape-shifting 'Breathing Chair' looks to make the beanbag fashionable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/shape-shifting-breathing-chair-looks-to-make-the-beanbag-fashi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/shape-shifting-breathing-chair-looks-to-make-the-beanbag-fashi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/shape-shifting-breathing-chair-looks-to-make-the-beanbag-fashi/#comments
Shape-shifting chairs may not always be the most attractive additions to your living room, but Taiwanese designer Yu-Ying Wu is hoping to change that with her so-called "Breathing Chair," which has already won a few prestigious design awards but hasn't yet snagged any commercial partners. The secret, such as it is, is the array of "professionally calculated" holes spaced out through the three layers of foam plastic, which are designed to compress into the shape of an armchair when someone sits in it and spring back into a cube when they stand up. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any video of it in action, but the chair will soon be on display at Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore if you happen to be in the area.

Update: Thanks to commenter Deny for digging up a video of the chair. Check it out after the break.

[Via MAKE]

Continue reading Shape-shifting 'Breathing Chair' looks to make the beanbag fashionable

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Shape-shifting 'Breathing Chair' looks to make the beanbag fashionable originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breathing chairBreathingChairchairconceptdesignred dotred dot design awardRedDotRedDotDesignAwardyu-ying wuYu-yingWuTue, 27 Oct 2009 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[How-to: recycle your old gadgets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/how-to-recycle-your-old-gadgets/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/how-to-recycle-your-old-gadgets/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/how-to-recycle-your-old-gadgets/#comments We see a lot of gadgets come in the door here at Engadget. In fact, getting them in the door is actually the easy part... it's getting them back out that's a bit confusing. Recycling -- something that most of us do on a day-to-day basis with our trash -- is a bit stickier when it comes to gadgets. In recent years, however, most major consumer electronics companies have stepped up their games a bit and begun "take back" recycling programs of their own. There are a lot of resources out there if you want to rid yourself of old gadgets in a responsible way, but it can be a pretty overwhelming prospect, especially if (like us) you have an actual pile of old cellphones which has been growing since 1998. We thought about that a lot, and decided to try to make sense of all the wild masses of information out there on the internet, and to provide our readers a central location to look for all that information. Read on and see what we've come up with!

Continue reading How-to: recycle your old gadgets

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How-to: recycle your old gadgets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-cyclinge-wasteecoeco-friendlyewastefeaturefeaturedfeaturesgreenguidehow tohow to recyclehow-toHowToHowToRecyclerecyclerecyclingrecycling guideRecyclingGuideTue, 27 Oct 2009 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyson DC25 Blueprint impressions: is the 'Ball' worth it?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/dyson-dc25-blueprint-impressions-is-the-ball-worth-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/dyson-dc25-blueprint-impressions-is-the-ball-worth-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/dyson-dc25-blueprint-impressions-is-the-ball-worth-it/#comments Dyson's DC25 Blueprint just started shipping en masse this month, and with an MSRP of $529.99, it's significantly more pricey that the "bargain-minded" DC23 Turbinehead that we had a peek at last month. The company's range of 'Ball' vacuum cleaners have been around for years now, but this is the first chance we've had to roll one over our own carpet. With a striking white finish, impeccable build quality and a design to make any gadget nerd blush, there's quite a bit here that you won't find on your average vac, but is the sphere really enough to warrant the lofty sticker? Read on for our two pennies.

Gallery: Dyson DC25 Blueprint - Limited Edition

Continue reading Dyson DC25 Blueprint impressions: is the 'Ball' worth it?

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Dyson DC25 Blueprint impressions: is the 'Ball' worth it? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balldc25dc25 blueprintDc25Blueprintdysondyson ballDysonBallfeatureshands-onhouseholdimpressionslimited editionLimitedEditionvacuumvacuum cleanerVacuumCleanerTue, 27 Oct 2009 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[ReNu solar panels announced for iPhone charger, sound dock, LED desk lamp]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/renu-solar-panels-announced-for-iphone-charger-sound-dock-led/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/renu-solar-panels-announced-for-iphone-charger-sound-dock-led/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/renu-solar-panels-announced-for-iphone-charger-sound-dock-led/#comments
Sure, we've been frustrated by solar-powered iPhone chargers and amused by the irony of solar-powered lamps in the past, but that doesn't mean we're not looking forward to the day when we can meet our gadgets power needs without relying on fossil fuels. That's why we're pleased to note that a company called ReNu has just announced a solar panel that can be used to charge your iPhone or iPod, power the device's sound dock, or even keep your desk light shining sans mains power. Featuring a modular design, the panel can dispatched to your window to soak up the rays for 10 or 20 hours (depending on the amount of sunlight it receives) and then returned to your dock for about nine hours of music playback, recharge your iPhone (twice!), or provide about four hours of light with the LED desk lamp. Of course, most people are going to hang this thing in the window once, forget about it, and then spend the next several years powering their devices with the included AC adapter -- but at least they're trying, right? Available for pre-order now, the ReNu solar panel ($199) and the Renu panel / iPod dock combo ($249) both ship in February 2010, while the Side Light desk lamp ($89) ships in next March, and the Sound Dock ($149) should see the light of day sometime in April. Hit the read link to place that order, but not before peeping the galley below.

Gallery: PR shots for Renu's solar powered iPhone charger, desk lamp



[Via TreeHugger]

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ReNu solar panels announced for iPhone charger, sound dock, LED desk lamp originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dockgreeniphoneiphone dockIphoneDockipodipod dockIpodDockregenrenusolar panelsolar panelsSolarPanelSolarPanelssound dockSoundDockMon, 26 Oct 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 5 landline: all the cool kids have one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/bang-and-olufsen-beocom-5-landline-all-the-cool-kids-have-one/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/bang-and-olufsen-beocom-5-landline-all-the-cool-kids-have-one/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/bang-and-olufsen-beocom-5-landline-all-the-cool-kids-have-one/#comments

We know what you're thinking: what could be more impressive to your "friends" than an incredibly super sweet landline telephone about 9 years after most people stopped having them? That's right, a landline. Bang & Olufsen's BeoCom 5 is destined to take things to the next level with hot functions like "hold" and the ability to store up to 400 contacts. The BeoCom 5 also boasts a rad looking speaker phone if you want to get a whole group convo going like we did back in junior high. Other good news here is that this baby can handle two separate lines -- in case one is simply not enough. No word on when the newest BeoCom will be unleashed, or how much it will cost, but we're going to guess it won't be cheap.

[Via Acquire Mag]

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Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 5 landline: all the cool kids have one originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actual phoneActualPhoneawesomebandobang and olufsenBANG OLUFSENBangAndOlufsenBangOlufsenbeocombeocom5landlineluxuryphonetelephonetelephonesWed, 21 Oct 2009 01:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic serves up latest prototype robots, dish washing servant included (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/panasonic-serves-up-latest-prototype-robots-dish-washing-servan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/panasonic-serves-up-latest-prototype-robots-dish-washing-servan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/panasonic-serves-up-latest-prototype-robots-dish-washing-servan/#comments
Keeping those dreams alive by scrubbing dishes at your least favorite eatery? Best put those aspirations on the front burner, as Panasonic's got a mighty fine robot swooping in to take your place -- and for a whole lot less cash, to boot. At Panny's robotics laboratory in Osaka, the company recently showcased its latest gaggle of prototype robots designed to help humans take it easy more often. Among the usual suspects were a porter robot designed to help with heavy lifting, while the star of the show was undoubtedly the dish washing bot that wasn't afraid to get its metallic digits wet and soapy. As expected, an array of integrated sensors kept it from grabbing a wine glass too tightly, and its four fingers enabled it to do most everything a human washer could (sans the kvetching). Have a peek at these guys in action just past the break.

[Via Impress]

Continue reading Panasonic serves up latest prototype robots, dish washing servant included (video)

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Panasonic serves up latest prototype robots, dish washing servant included (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishdish washingdishesDishWashinghouseholdhumanoidkitchenpanasonicprototyperobotvideoSun, 18 Oct 2009 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyson's Air Multiplier is the overpriced bladeless fan you never asked for]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/dysons-air-multiplier-is-the-overpriced-bladeless-fan-you-never/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/dysons-air-multiplier-is-the-overpriced-bladeless-fan-you-never/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/dysons-air-multiplier-is-the-overpriced-bladeless-fan-you-never/#comments We can't fault Dyson for chutzpah. After putting the company's spin on vacuum cleaners and then hand dryers, we probably should've guessed that a revolution in table fan engineering was next up. When we first saw an image of the Dyson Air Multiplier "bladeless fan" a few spurious theories popped into our heads as to how it works, but it didn't take long to figure it out: it has blades in it. It's just that these blades are inside the lower canister, rather similar to, dare we say it, how a vacuum cleaner is set up, with the air then routed through the ring up top. The benefits of this tech are that there are no nasty blades to get fingers caught up in, but also that there's no "buffeting" -- that on-off gush of air caused by fan blades unceremoniously chopping up the air into inelegant segments. Unfortunately, the downside of the Dyson method is that you can't make Darth Vader voices through the backside of the fan, and the whole assembly is closer in noise pollution to that of an actual vacuum cleaner than a regular table fan. And then there's the matter of price: $300 for the 10-inch model, $330 for the 12-inch, and neither of them offer nearly as much wind as a regular fan this size -- quite a steep entry fee for the gentle breezes that emanate out of this plastic wind tunnel. Full PR is after the break.

Gallery: Dyson's Air Multiplier

Continue reading Dyson's Air Multiplier is the overpriced bladeless fan you never asked for

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Dyson's Air Multiplier is the overpriced bladeless fan you never asked for originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bladeless fanBladelessFandysondyson air multiplierDysonAirMultiplierfanfeatureshands-ontable fanTableFanMon, 12 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Towards telepresence's tipping point]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/switched-on-towards-telepresences-tipping-point/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/switched-on-towards-telepresences-tipping-point/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/switched-on-towards-telepresences-tipping-point/#commentsRoss Rubin (@rossrubin) contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

To steal a line from Las Vegas' tourism board, what happens in the custom install channel has stayed in the custom install channel. While technologies routinely filter down from the enterprise to consumers, products and services that are the province of professional system integrators rarely become something the average consumer can manage, despite their perceived coolness, convenience and, in the case of some electrical and thermostat control, cost benefits. Examples include automated lighting, heating and air conditioning, multi-room video, and surveillance.

But this is starting to change. One capability that has somewhat filtered through recently has been multi-room audio, which had to go wireless with the Sonos music system. While a Sonos system is still a relatively expensive product, but it is a drop in the bucket when compared with systems such as those from Russound. And telepresence may be getting next in line. The recent release of the Avaak Vue lives up to its promise of being a relatively simple and affordable product that extends webcams to walls, allowing consumers to peek in at will at what is going on at their home. Access is from a simple Web site that allows you to view up to 50 cameras around the home by dragging and dropping them onto a Web page.

Continue reading Switched On: Towards telepresence's tipping point

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Switched On: Towards telepresence's tipping point originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>home audioHomeAudiohoome videoHoomeVideoswitched onSwitchedOntelepresencevueFri, 09 Oct 2009 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Roof tiles change color based on the temperature, your house's mood]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/roof-tiles-change-color-based-on-the-temperature-your-houses-m/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/roof-tiles-change-color-based-on-the-temperature-your-houses-m/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/roof-tiles-change-color-based-on-the-temperature-your-houses-m/#commentsRoof tiles change color based on the temperature, your house's mood Okay, sure, ideally your entire roof would be comprised of solar tiles that would meet your entire house's energy demands and would also water your lawn and clean your gutters while they were up there. But, despite pledges of "affordability" something tells us it'll be awhile before your roof starts juicing your gadgets. This solution from MIT looks a little more practical -- and affordable. They're simply tiles that change color based on the temperature, Hypercolor style. In the cold they turn jet black, absorbing the sun's warmth and channeling that into the house. In heat they turn white, reflecting that same light and cutting down on cooling bills. Simple and smart. The MIT team calls the tech Thermeleon, and while early prototypes do change color as designed, it remains to be seen how durable the tech will be, and a leaky roof is no good regardless of how efficient. Asphalt shingles reign supreme for yet another year.

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Roof tiles change color based on the temperature, your house's mood originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>massachusetts institute of technologyMassachusettsInstituteOfTechnologymitroof tileRoofTilethermeleontileFri, 09 Oct 2009 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Dow's POWERHOUSE solar shingles get along with non-solar siblings, your HOA]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/dows-powerhouse-solar-shingles-get-along-with-non-solar-sibling/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/dows-powerhouse-solar-shingles-get-along-with-non-solar-sibling/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/dows-powerhouse-solar-shingles-get-along-with-non-solar-sibling/#comments Oh sure, massive photovoltaic installations on rooftops are nothing terribly new, but by and large, the ones we've seen are stuck on massive warehouses or elaborate stadiums in foreign lands. Dow Chemical is doing its darnedest to change all that with the introduction of the POWERHOUSE line of solar shingles. As you'd expect, these solar shingles are aimed at roofers looking to tip their hats to Ma Earth while providing shelter for well-endowed homeowners, and unlike most of the futuristic alternatives, these actually look somewhat similar to traditional shingles. Dow claims that "affordability" will be a feature when they become widely available in 2011, but we're understandably skeptical of such a claim given just how pricey solar roofs currently are (and you know, considering the company's for-profit standing).

[Via Jetson Green]

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Dow's POWERHOUSE solar shingles get along with non-solar siblings, your HOA originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buildingconstructiondowdow chemicalDowChemicaleco-friendlyhousehousingPhotovoltaicPOWERHOUSEroofroofingscienceshinglessolarsolar poweredsolar shinglesSolarPoweredSolarShinglesThu, 08 Oct 2009 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Google signs PowerMeter partnership with The Energy Detective, lets everyone play along]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/google-signs-powermeter-partnership-with-the-energy-detective-o/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/google-signs-powermeter-partnership-with-the-energy-detective-o/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/google-signs-powermeter-partnership-with-the-energy-detective-o/#commentsGoogle signs PowerMeter partnership with The Energy Detective, opens door to energy tracking nirvana It's hard to lose weight without a scale. That's more or less the idea behind Google's PowerMeter program, enabling users to view real-time power usage and unplug things accordingly to both reduce their demand and increase their feeling of eco-cockiness. Before today you needed to be getting your juice from one of a very few utility companies to audit your infos, but now you can break free thanks to a partnership with The Energy Detective. That company makes a line of straightforward power monitors that simply plug into a power outlet then connect to the internet via Ethernet to dump your kilowatt gluttony online. The TED 5000-series devices start at $200 and go up from there with optional displays and packages that allow the detection of solar or wind generation, and while they previously allowed online monitoring of power usage, this Google partnership ups their hipness by a factor of at least 10. And, if you were so cool you already bought one of these trackers before they went mainstream, you're just a firmware update away from tracking it with the Googs.

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Google signs PowerMeter partnership with The Energy Detective, lets everyone play along originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle powermeterGooglePowermeterpowermetertedted 5000Ted5000the energy detectiveTheEnergyDetectiveTue, 06 Oct 2009 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Belling's Media Chef digital cookbook]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/04/bellings-media-chef-digital-cookbook/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/04/bellings-media-chef-digital-cookbook/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/04/bellings-media-chef-digital-cookbook/#comments You know, back in our day, we would've imagined a digital cookbook being some virtual, possibly animated version of... you know, a book with recipes in it. These days kids and their fancy rock and roll cooking shows have taken over, and Belling's new Media Chef digital cookbook -- which looks like a glorified digital photo frame -- actually houses 48 cooking instructional videos from chef Brian Turner for playback on its 8-inch screen. Brian can be harnessed with an included compact remote control, and the unit can also act as a general media player, calendar and photo frame. It retails for £170ish (about $271 US) but we're not sure when.

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Belling's Media Chef digital cookbook originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh sure, we Americans love our fast food. And we love our technology. But do we really love the latter? Withings has just announced that the world's first WiFi-enabled bathroom scale has made its way into the States after a few months abroad, and we have to say, this could change everything. When pouncing upon it, the scale automatically records the user's body weight, lean / fat mass and calculated body mass index (BMI) to his or her secure webpage, and if you're more the iPhone type, it can beam data to a Withings iPhone app as well. It's available now for $159, but you can certainly wait 'til your latest diet has had some sort of effect before bringing one home. A delightful demonstration video is waiting for you just past the break.

Continue reading WiFi-enabled bathroom scale slides into USA, overweight Yanks sluggishly back away

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WiFi-enabled bathroom scale slides into USA, overweight Yanks sluggishly back away originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeapplicationAppStoreBodyMassconnected body scaleConnectedBodyScalefitnesshealthiPhoneiPhone appIphoneAppnow availablenow shippingNowAvailableNowShippingscaleshipshippingshipssoftwareweightweight lossWeightLosswifiwifi scaleWifiScalewirelessWiScalewithingsWithings connected body scaleWithingsConnectedBodyScaleThu, 01 Oct 2009 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby Guts kit lets you build your own Chumby device]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/chumby-guts-kit-lets-you-build-your-own-chumby-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/chumby-guts-kit-lets-you-build-your-own-chumby-device/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/chumby-guts-kit-lets-you-build-your-own-chumby-device/#comments
Chumby may now finally be branching out with a few less cuddly products of its own, but it looks like you can now also expand your Chumby options yourself with a few basic DIY skills -- or you could if you were lucky enough to get in on the first batch of Chumby Guts kits. Offered exclusively through the Maker Shed, the kit includes all the necessary "guts" to let you build any sort of Chumby device you like, and has apparently proven popular enough to sell out before the first shipment even arrived. Those hanging on for that Chumby toaster of their dreams won't have to wait too much longer to get their fix, however, as the second shipment is set to arrive in late November, and will run the same $99 as before.

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Chumby Guts kit lets you build your own Chumby device originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbychumby gutsChumbyGutsdiydiy kitDiyKitkitmakemaker shedMakerShedWed, 30 Sep 2009 21:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby, now with less adorable softness: meet the One]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/chumby-now-with-less-adorable-softness-meet-the-one/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/chumby-now-with-less-adorable-softness-meet-the-one/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/chumby-now-with-less-adorable-softness-meet-the-one/#commentsWrapping one's brain around Chumby's original concept -- drop some Flash-based widgets inside a plush vinyl sphere with WiFi and a touchscreen -- has never been an easy task, but after a couple years of low-key retail action, it looks like the company's finally ready to bring a new version into the mix that might be a little more mainstream. The simply-named One dispenses of the old model's squeezable shell, earning a more businesslike appearance and trading up to a slightly speedier 454MHz core (not to say you need a lot of horsepower when you're lackadaisically cruising feeds, weather forecasts, and clock faces on a QVGA screen, but we're not complaining). Otherwise, specs seem to be about the same -- and at a rumored $100 or so when it hits next month, it might finally be cheap enough to get some traction even though it's not as thin, slick, or normal-looking as those concept Sammy frames from earlier in the year. And hey, Chumby's got an Engadget widget available for download, so it must be worth the cost of admission, right?

[Via thegadgetsite, thanks KC Kim]

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Chumby, now with less adorable softness: meet the One originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbychumby oneChumbyOnewidgetwidgetsWed, 30 Sep 2009 01:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon bubs flub, hawk their last Hub]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/verizon-bubs-flub-hawk-their-last-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/verizon-bubs-flub-hawk-their-last-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/verizon-bubs-flub-hawk-their-last-hub/#comments No, we didn't accidentally link to the wrong page -- that "page not available" you're getting over on Verizon's site is where the Hub's product site used to reside. The whole thing's been unceremoniously yanked and the product sunsetted, suggesting that the carrier's functionality-rich VoIP base station wasn't getting the love it needed to justify its continued existence, Verizon didn't know how to market it, or some combo thereof. We got the following statement from Verizon today, which doesn't exactly come right out with the discontinuation -- companies often avoid admitting that a product's said its last goodbyes, for whatever reason -- but basically says the same thing in a more wordy fashion:
"Verizon Wireless, like many companies, continually changes and updates the products and services it offers to customers. Our sales teams in all channels will continue to focus on providing our customers the latest and most innovative wireless products and services. Verizon Wireless will continue to support existing Verizon Hub customers with post-sale service or support ."

So the good news is that current Hub owners should be good to go without disruption in service -- for the time being, anyhow. Question is, where's that Hub 2? Is the company completely abandoning the curious practice of competing with itself by pitting traditional landlines against VoIP and Verizon Communications against Verizon Wireless, or are they just making way for something a little more awesome?

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

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Verizon bubs flub, hawk their last Hub originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hubverizonverizon hubverizon wirelessVerizonHubVerizonWirelessvzwTue, 29 Sep 2009 20:21:00 EST<![CDATA[New VTech cordless can download cellphone address books over Bluetooth]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/new-vtech-cordless-can-download-cellphone-address-books-over-blu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/new-vtech-cordless-can-download-cellphone-address-books-over-blu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/new-vtech-cordless-can-download-cellphone-address-books-over-blu/#comments We've seen plenty of landline phones that can also double as Bluetooth headsets, but VTech's new DS6321-3 takes it to the next level: it can also pull down your phone's address book, meaning you'll never have to remember a number again. Apart from that it's the usual cordless phone stuff, with DECT 6.0, three handsets, and -- they still have these! -- an answering machine, but it's really the Bluetooth stuff that's interesting here, so much so that VTech's even promoting this guy for use in homes without landlines. Should be out now for $100.

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New VTech cordless can download cellphone address books over Bluetooth originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothcordless phoneCordlessPhonedectdect 6.0Dect6.0DS6321-3ds6361ds6361-2ds6361-3falselandlinephonevtechTue, 29 Sep 2009 06:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyson DC23 Turbinehead impressions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/dyson-dc23-turbinehead-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/dyson-dc23-turbinehead-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/dyson-dc23-turbinehead-impressions/#comments Dyson. Just the mere mention of the name conjures up a litany of emotions, though we suspect the most common feeling associated with it is "eh, too expensive for a vacuum." For years now, Dyson has managed to make an otherwise drab sector exciting, with its array of vacuums (and hand dryers, to be fair) being amongst the only ones out there that gadget nerds could actually get into. The eldritch designs, promises of never-ending suction and stratospherically high price tags have helped Dyson garner an almost cult-like following, but at long last, it seems the outfit is looking to slide into homes of the somewhat less affluent. Granted, $399 for a vac ain't exactly cheap, but considering that the DC23 Turbinehead is the outfit's cheapest canister ever, we couldn't help but give it a spin. Head on past the break for a few impressions.

Gallery: Dyson DC23 Turbinehead unboxing

Continue reading Dyson DC23 Turbinehead impressions

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Dyson DC23 Turbinehead impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cleancleanercleaningDC23DC23 TurbineheadDc23Turbineheaddysonfeatureshands-onhouseholdimpressionsvacvacuumMon, 28 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT students develop new 6dot braille labelmaker prototype]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/mit-develops-new-6dot-braille-labelmaker-prototype/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/mit-develops-new-6dot-braille-labelmaker-prototype/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/mit-develops-new-6dot-braille-labelmaker-prototype/#comments A group of students at MIT have just unveiled a new prototype of a braille labelmaker / printer, the 6dot. Though not the first, the MIT group's model is apparently more advanced, easier to use, and cheaper than currently available models. Designed with the blind and visually impaired in mind, the labelmaker features an around the neck strap, and six buttons (for each of the dots of a braille character), allowing quick production of accurate labels, including contractions. The internal processor of the device can store up to 16 characters, and "prints" the characters onto adhesive label paper, which the user can then affix for easy identification of household items, such as medications, canned goods, and so on. Though it's still in prototype phase, it's possible the device could cost as little as $200 when it does hit the market.

[Via Coolest Gadgets]

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MIT students develop new 6dot braille labelmaker prototype originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6dotblindbraillebraille printerBraillePrinterhouseholdlabellinglabelmakermitprinterprototypevisually impairedVisuallyImpairedSat, 26 Sep 2009 04:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic's Robotic Bed makes sleeping with robots a reality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/panasonics-robotic-bed-makes-sleeping-with-robots-a-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/panasonics-robotic-bed-makes-sleeping-with-robots-a-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/panasonics-robotic-bed-makes-sleeping-with-robots-a-reality/#comments
Know what we hate? The long groggy walk from our beds to the computer. It's only 10 feet but its potentially dangerous and honestly, exhausting. Panasonic's Robotic Bed is set to change that by automatically transforming from a static bed to a mobile wheelchair... and back. Once converted, the robotic chair can navigate the home while avoiding obstacles with "no need for training," according to Panasonic. The canopy is fitted with a television and plugs into the home network so you can control home appliances and view security cameras. Obviously, its primary purpose is to give people with limited mobility more independence. However, bloggers can dream can't we? The Robotic Bed will be unveiled for the first time at the Tokyo Big Sight show on September 29th.

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Panasonic's Robotic Bed makes sleeping with robots a reality originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bedpanasonicrobotrobotic bedRoboticBedwheelchairFri, 18 Sep 2009 04:42:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS AiGuru SV1T videophone adds 7-inch touchscreen to 70s nostalgia]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/asus-aiguru-sv1t-adds-7-inch-touchscreen-to-70s-videophone-nost/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/asus-aiguru-sv1t-adds-7-inch-touchscreen-to-70s-videophone-nost/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/asus-aiguru-sv1t-adds-7-inch-touchscreen-to-70s-videophone-nost/#comments You've got to hand it to ASUS -- the little Taiwanese company isn't afraid of pushing the limits in niche markets. Above is its latest Skype-certified AiGuru dedicated videophone, the SV1T. The major new feature of the all-in-one device with WiFi (or Ethernet), VGA webcam, mic, and speaker is that large 7-inch 800x480 pixel touchscreen. A compelling device if they can get the price right; its predecessor listed for $300 -- about $201 too much in a market saturated by cheap netbooks.

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ASUS AiGuru SV1T videophone adds 7-inch touchscreen to 70s nostalgia originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiguruall in oneAllInOneasusportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoskypesv1ttouchscreenvideophoneFri, 18 Sep 2009 03:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Mission-style PC casemod easily slides into your La-Z-Boy collection]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/mission-style-pc-casemod-easily-slides-into-your-la-z-boy-collec/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/mission-style-pc-casemod-easily-slides-into-your-la-z-boy-collec/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/mission-style-pc-casemod-easily-slides-into-your-la-z-boy-collec/#comments Jeffrey Stephenson is to case mods what Benjamin Heckendorn is to console mods. There, we said it. After watching the former pump out wood-grained mod after wood-grained mod, Sir Jeff has issued yet another -- wait for it -- wood-grained mod. The black walnut mission-style side table is actually a full-blown PC in disguise, with a standard ATX mid-tower within that's equipped with an Intel Core i7 CPU, NVIDIA graphics and dual stage temperature-controlled exhaust fans. He notes that it'll be available next Spring for those with fine tastes, though we're sure he'd customize it to fit your living room suite for the right price.

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Mission-style PC casemod easily slides into your La-Z-Boy collection originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rivalries. Controversy. Government intervention. The life of a light bulb isn't easy these days, and it looks like things are about to get even more complicated. While CFLs and LEDs may now be fighting it out to replace traditional incandescent light bulbs, Seattle-based Vu1 Corporation says it has developed a new type of bulb that's better than either of 'em, and could hit the market by mid-2010. Making use of ESL technology (or electron stimulated luminescence), the new bulbs seem to be the cure-all many folks have been looking for, with them promising to provide a more natural light than CFLs or LEDs, turn on as quickly as an incandescent bulb, and eliminate some of the pesky problems associated with CFLs (like their use of mercury). According to the company, they'll also be about as efficient as CFLs, although they will cost about $20 a pop to begin with, which Vu1 says is comparable to a dimmable CFL reflector bulb. Some bold claims to be sure -- claims made even bolder by the must-see "documentary" after the break.

Continue reading Vu1 Corporation sees bright future for ESL light bulbs

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Vu1 Corporation sees bright future for ESL light bulbs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electron stimulated luminescenceElectronStimulatedLuminescenceesllight bulblight bulbsLightBulbLightBulbsvu1vu1 corporationVu1CorporationThu, 17 Sep 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[HP's new DreamScreens pack Pandora and Facebook into a wireless photo frame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/hps-new-dreamscreens-pack-pandora-and-facebook-into-a-wireless/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/hps-new-dreamscreens-pack-pandora-and-facebook-into-a-wireless/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/hps-new-dreamscreens-pack-pandora-and-facebook-into-a-wireless/#comments Photo frames sure have come a long way -- from back when they were photo frames. The new HP DreamScreen 100 and 130 (which we spotted back in July) pack in 2GB of built-in storage, and all the assorted connectivity for pulling in photos from a camera, drive or networked PC (802.11b/g or Ethernet), but stack on top of that 10,000 internet radio stations, Facebook, Snapfish internet photos, a full-featured music player, Pandora, weather and even a fancy clock. The unit has a built-in speaker, but you'll probably want to use the sound-out jack to get any reasonable enjoyment in listening. The 10-inch DreamScreen 100 goes for $249 and is available today, while the DreamScreen 130 bumps it up to 13.3-inches and will be out this fall for $299. PR is after the break.

Gallery: HP DreamScreen press shots

Gallery: HP DreamScreen hands-on


Continue reading HP's new DreamScreens pack Pandora and Facebook into a wireless photo frame

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HP's new DreamScreens pack Pandora and Facebook into a wireless photo frame originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Long-lasting light bulb technology is nothing new -- people have been trying to up the lifespan these bad boys for some time. Long-lived light bulbs are generally uber-expensive, too, but we like to keep our eyes on such things. Panasonic's just unveiled the EVERLED, a line of bulbs set to be launched in Japan at the end of October. Lighter and more efficient than other LEDs on the market, these babies use 85 lumens per watt for a 40W bulb. Though the bulbs are not going to be cheap -- about $40 -- the company claims they'll have a lifespan of 19 years, bringing the overall costs down considerably. Still, we'd have to see them last that long to believe it.

[Via Inhabitat]

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Panasonic's new EVERLED light bulbs to light up your life for 19 years originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roomba not sucking the way it used to? Samsung sure hopes not, as it has just recently pushed out a robotic vacuum cleaner of its very own. Quietly showcased during IFA earlier this month, the Furot II packs an oh-so-familiar design and sports an integrated camera and mapping system that enables it to find its way, remember its course and clean your floors with practically no human assistance. There's also an array of sensors that keep it from slamming into this and that, and the rechargeable battery keeps it humming for around 1.5 hours before petering out and making a beeline for its charging station. We get the impression that it'll be available in both black and refulgent red, though no price and release date is currently available.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

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Samsung's Furot II robovac wants a piece of your Roomba originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sure you can monitor your home energy use with any number of "useful" and "easily readable" gauges and gadgets, but why settle for straightforwardness when you can have something verging on art? That's the thinking behind the so-called Visual Voltage exhibition created by a group of Swedish designers, anyway, which features this eye-catching clock-like device front and center. As with other energy monitors, it promises to do nothing more than monitor your daily electricity use and let you know when you're using more than you should. Instead of spewing out a series of digits and blinkin' lights, however, this one creates a nifty visualization of your homes daily energy rhythms to attract a bit more attention -- or it will if it ever turns into an actual product, that is. The designers aren't stopping there with the whole "visual voltage" idea tough, and are also showing off a power cord that lights up when in use, and a concept for a set of solar-powered blinds that can absorb energy during the day and provide ambient light at night (check it out after the break).

[Via Engadget German]

Continue reading Visual Voltage clock turns electricity monitoring into art

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Visual Voltage clock turns electricity monitoring into art originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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