Gadgettes, the blog

If the industry press is to be believed, Tuesday's announcement that Sony would be producing TVs with Tru2way compatibility was a watershed event--the electronics world equivalent of the Magna Carta or the Treaty of Versailles. But let's step back a bit and examine what this really means.

Tru2way is a digital cable technology developed by CableLabs that's designed to be built directly into TVs, eliminating the need for an outboard set-top box. In theory, you'd be able to buy a Tru2way-compatible TV, bring it home, connect it to your coaxial cable, and instantly be able to receive your entire lineup of digital cable and high-def channels--including all the interactive video-on-demand and pay-per-view channels that currently require a cable box.

(Credit: CableLabs)

If this sounds familiar, it's because many of the same promises were made several years ago with a technology called CableCard. TVs that shipped with a CableCard slot were called "Digital Cable Ready" (DCR); they required a smart card, provided by your local cable operator, to receive digital and HD channels. The problem with CableCard was that it was an interim solution that satisfied nobody. Everyone--cable companies, hardware manufacturers, government regulators, and consumers--found CableCard technology lacking. Among the problems:

• CableCard was effectively a one-way technology, so it was incompatible with any interactive services, including video-on-demand and pay-per-view services that customers have grown to like, and cable companies depend on as a major revenue stream.
• CableCard was incompatible with Switched Digital Video (SDV) technology, which
... Read more

EPISODE 91

Frog Design Digital Escape, the virtual reality mask with smells
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/frog_design_dre.php

Fake TV: the continuing appearance of useless products
http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/ fake_tv_the_continuing_appearance_of_useless_products_9892.asp

Laptop backpacks for motherly computer owners
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9941374-1.html

Dynamizer humanoid robot mows your lawn, does your bidding
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/dynamizer_human.php

Digifire, clean-burning fireplaces for the 22nd century
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/digifire_cleanb.php

This week in Hello Kitty:
Hello Kitty named Japan tourism ambassador (thanks, everyone!)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24708771/

A propos (of) nothing
Ex-BoyfriendJewelry.com lets you unload unwanted memories
http://www.chipchick.com/2008/05/ ex-boyfriendjewelrycom_lets_you_unload_unwanted_memories.html

Why didn’t I think of that?: The douche card
http://www.uncrate.com/men/style/accessories/the-douche-card/

Pink Watch:
SimpleTech Signature Mini
http://reviews.cnet.com/hard-drives/ simpletech-signature-mini-320gb/4505-3186_7-32865104.html

What the hell?
FujiFilm’s Z200FD with “love timer” tells you when it’s over
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/ fujifilms-z200fd-with-love-timer-tells-you-when-its-over/

Voicemail:
Jason’s wife:
A BREAKTHROUGH with Jason’s mother-in-law!

E-mail

Flintstones Bigwheel!!!!

I just saw this in Make: magazine: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2007/11/ flinstones_toddler_wheels.html ... Read more

I am a big and vocal fan of Zappos.com for all things shoe. Huge selection, decent (if not bargain) prices, and free shipping. Returns are dead simple, and my love for Zappos has, at times, bordered on actual zealotry.

So, when the Gap Empire introduced Piperlime, I wasn't buying. It seemed like a Zappos rip-off with a more yuppie-friendly design scheme, and even though I'm a Banana Republic card holder and Gap Empire devotee, something about Piperlime just didn't work for me. Plus, they gave me the Web site hard sell--a constant barrage of coupons and insinuations that my BR outfit just wouldn't be complete without some Piperlime pumps. Feh.

But this weekend, I had a little bit of a Piperlime revelation, thanks to, well, my child. See, he won't wear shoes. In fact, if you put anything but Robeez on his delicate little tootsies, he shrieks and growls and moonwalks until you remove them and set his soles free. So, a friend told me about See Kai Run shoes, which have a more flexible sole than the standard Old Navy fare, and might be more palatable to Mr. Picky Toes. When I googled them, Piperlime had them for less than Zappos, with the same free shipping. Plus, checkout was super easy, since I could use my Gap Empire log-in and get all my saved info, just like I do at Zappos. I got to wondering...could Piperlime be better!? I decided a super-scientific ... Read more

EPISODE 90

The KickTrack
http://medgadget.com/archives/2007/12/baby_kick_counter.html

Fusion man soars above Swiss Alps on Personal Jet Wing
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/05/14/ photos.rocketman/index.html

Japan plans face recognition cigarette vending machines
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/japan_plans_fac.php

Analyst: Amazon.com’s Kindle to generate $750 million by 2010
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9945112-1.html

Space shuttle bunk bed
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/blast_off_to_sl.php

Why teach your kids to walk when they can drive?
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/why_teach_your.php

Why didn’t I think of that?
If Only Peanut Butter Came In This Double-Ended Jar
http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/05/15/ if-only-peanut-butter-came-in-this-double-ended-jar/

Grilling Tool Light
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/grilling_tool_l.php

Hot Asian gadgets: No eay edition
Solar-powered bra? I say what now?
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/solarpowered_br.php

PinkWatch:
Creative Vado camcorder, portable YouTube studio for less than $100
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/creative_vado_c.php

It’s about time (thanks, Liz!)
http://www.geekologie.com/2008/05/ another_annoying_alarm_clock_t.php
“It might succeed in waking me up but I’d start the day frustrated & angry. Think Hulk…alarm clock go smashie smashie. Or I’d just give up, ... Read more

EPISODE 89

The photograph-to-digital-picture converter
http://www.popgadget.net/2008/05/the_photograph.php

Track your missing purse via GPS
http://www.popgadget.net/2008/05/track_your_hand.php

What Molly thinks you should buy
http://themolly.com/blog/?p=73

What Molly got her mom for Mother’s Day:
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-QuickCam-Deluxe-for-Notebooks/ dp/B000O9GGLY/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s= electronics&qid=1210278711&sr=8-5

A headset for Mom that’s not even pink!
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9937849-1.html

10 gadgets you should NEVER buy your mom
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/10_gadgets_you.php

PinkWatch: Mother’s Day edition
'Blush' earbuds for Mother’s Day: For fashion-forward moms
http://www.popgadget.net/2008/05/blush_earbuds_f.php

The robot segment: Mother’s Day edition
A robot to cook you breakfast in bed!
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/robot_taught_vi.php

It’s about time:
Wake up to some early morning shooting with the laser target alarm clock
http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2008/05/wake_up_to_some.html

PRETTY:
Perfect ice spheres for high-class cocktails
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/perfect_ice_sph.php

VOICEMAIL:
Brock: How to 'recycle' plastic bags

Bill from Portland: What to do for your 100th show.

E-MAIL: ... Read more

(Credit: Reprodepot.com)

Standard black laptop cases: boring. Fancy laptop cases: expensive. Sewing your own laptop/iPod case: Probably totally inconvenient, but in the end perhaps rewarding--if, that is, you like bobbins and seam rippers, or even know what they are.

Still not convinced? You probably can't buy a laptop case in crazy tattoo-inspired fabric (see below), but you could make one. And because this is a family friendly-ish blog, you'll have to click through to some of the other, ahem, interesting fabrics you could pick. Of course, sewing your own will require a few hours of precious time and owning a sewing machine. Or maybe, if you're lucky, you could sweet talk a crafty friend into sewing a case for you.

Wouldn't your laptop look fierce in this?

(Credit: Reprodepot.com)

If you do decide to get all crazy creative, Reprodepot.com is selling this Amy Butler pattern, which includes instructions for both laptops (adjustable for most sizes) and some MP3 players (namely: iPod Classic, iPod Touch, iPhone and the Zune).

Via Craftzine

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Accessorizing gadgets is an addiction, and it can sometimes be a chore as well. Finding the right bag, sleeve, case, or even screen protector for your music player or notebook can be a harder decision than choosing the device being protected. Here's another company that may complicate the decision even further: Fabrix, a made-in-Singapore brand of cases for tech products.

Fabrix seems to have its focus on design. For example, all its iPod cases are slip cases, which mean you have to remove the player to view a video or to change the volume--a no-no for people who'd rather not ever have to fiddle with their protective gear. And if your notebook--say, a ThinkPad X300--isn't listed as one of its laptop case sizes, you can just key in your model and corresponding dimensions and Fabrix will make one for you that'll fit.

If you are one of those fashionistas who would rather die than be caught wearing the same piece of clothing as someone else, this company's limited run of notebook and iPod cases might just tickle your fancy. Fabrix will be collaborating with some Singapore-based artists to create this batch of cases and should be available in the coming months.

(Source: Crave Asia)

EPISODE 88

Robometer concept device promises to help you feel happy
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/ robometer-concept-device-promises-to-help-you-feel-happy/

BAE Systems working on spider-bots, other ways to scare you to death
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/ bae-systems-working-on-spider-bots-other-ways-to-scare-you-to-d/

Coffin sofa brings creepy furniture to new extremes
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/04/coffin_sofa_bri.php

Push-kun, the cute robot with the menacing silhouette
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/04/pushkun_the_cut.php

ABB FlexPicker robot’s legs move so fast it’s scary
http://gizmodo.com/371917/ abb-flexpicker-robots-legs-move-so-fast-its-scary

Bloomframe folding balcony
http://www.popgadget.net/2008/04/bloomframe_fold.php

Why didn’t I think of that!?
Transforming heels
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/04/transformers_ca.php

PRETTY
The most beautiful bathtub ever
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/04/is_this_the_mos.php

What the hell!?
$12,000 is too much to pay for a CD player shaped like a UFO
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/12000_is_too_mu.php

This week in Hello Kitty
Travis:
http://www.kittyhell.com/2007/11/08/hello-kitty-douche/

Shalin SkyMall segment
Street scene photo frame
http://www.skymall.com/shopping/search.htm

VOICE MAIL:
Quinn: why you need a jewel-encrusted XLR cable

E-MAIL:

AH HA!

Molly, you said the iPhone cannot record video, but BEHOLD THE MAGESTY!... Read more

EPISODE 87

New Dell PC made from ‘bamboo, bottles, and jugs’
http://www.hippyshopper.com/2008/04/new_dell_pc_mad.html

Asus' bamboo laptops
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9926662-1.html

Fujitsu shuns bamboo, goes with cedar
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9916945-1.html

Cowon does burl walnut
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9927855-1.html

No wind-up: The self-powered vibrator
http://www.hippyshopper.com/2008/04/no_windup_the_s.html

Terrapass
http://www.terrapass.com/

Pingg
http://www.pingg.com/

PinkWatch:
Elsa Pataky and the LG Black Addict Washing Machine: Because women love to do laundry in heels?
http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2008/04/elisa_pataky_an.html

Hello Kitty watch
Hello Kitty cocaine (thanks, Cameron!)
http://www.kittyhell.com/2008/04/17/hello-kitty-cocaine/

Tool time
Tooliest pants we’ve ever seen
http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/23/ keyboard-infused-pants-make-it-okay-to-grab-your-crotch/

What the hell?
B&O: Get your paws off our ‘TouchLess’ remote
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9927620-1.html

VOICE MAIL:
Casey:
The fear of sharks!

E-MAIL:

Hey Gadgettes,

I saw these and thought instantly of you!

http://www.audiojunkies.com/blog/1284/ neutrik-crystal-xlr-connector-is-bedazzled

I am intrigued as to which market they are trying to sell these to?
Possibly the 13-year-old girl who owns her own recording studio?

Love the show,

Iain from the UK

*******************

Hey its Brad from Buffalo, N.Y., and i have two things to say (AND PLEASE ANSWER BECAUSE THE HEADS OF ME AND ... Read more

Belkin FlyWire: A wireless HDMI product that's due later in 2008.

(Credit: Belkin)

HDMI has certainly had its growing pains, but the connection is finally beginning to deliver on its original promise: a single-cable solution for delivering high-bandwidth, all-digital HD video and multichannel audio. HDMI is nearly universal in the home video market, present on all current HDTVs and Blu-ray players, as well as nearly all HD-capable cable and satellite set-top boxes; DVRs; game consoles; AV receivers; upscaling DVD players and recorders; and network video streamers such as the Apple TV. In fact, you realize just how convenient HDMI is when you come across a product without it--I'm looking at you, Nintendo Wii--and then have five cables (three component video wires plus two-channel stereo) instead of one crowding the back of your home entertainment system.

But one aspect of the HDMI promise remains unfulfilled: wireless HDMI. It's an attractive idea, especially for anybody with a wall-mounted flat-panel TV or a ceiling-mounted projector: have all of your HDMI-capable gear running into an AV receiver or HDMI switcher with a wireless HDMI transmitter, and have the TV equipped with a matching receiver--thus allowing you to have all your AV sources across the room from the actual display. We've been hearing about it for years, but to date, there are few--if any--products that you can actually buy. Here's a quick update on the wireless HDMI products we've heard about to date--including when (or whether) we can expect to see them: