remote

First Look video: SugarSync file-syncing

For serious syncers who routinely work from multiple computers or mobile phones, SugarSync is, in more ways than one, a premium solution to file-transferring problems. More flexible than some competing PC-to-PC syncing software or mobile and PC remote access services, Sugar Sync weaves in elements of both. Lite sync some folders for online back-up and fully sync folders or files to load them on each of your computers. A change to one file exacts a change to all.

SugarSync doesn't do everything, and the mobile functionality could use some usability finessing. There are also a few tricks worth knowing … Read more

Gadgettes 94: The Solar Episode

Lindsey's going green, pigeons! Molly and Jason never knew she was such a hippie. But she'll have a chance to explain herself on this week's solar powered episode of Gadgettes. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 94

Microinverters track solar panels via the Web http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-9964732-54.html

The solar powered golf cart at Hammacher Schlemmer http://www.hammacher.com/publish/11164.asp

Floating solar farm juices up winery http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9954667-1.html

Profolio solar bag, take solar with you anywhere you need it! http://www.rewarestore.com/product/profolio.html

Artificial … Read more

Remote-controlled tire boggles the mind

Here's a perfect Father's Day gift if your dad's a fan of unicycles and other single-wheeled vehicles: a remote-controlled tire.

That's right, just the tire--no vehicle whatsoever. The creation of TOSY, a Vietnam-based toy and robot maker, the "R-Tyre" is billed as the "the first radio controlled tire in the world," according to Dvice. And as dubious as we are of "world's first" claims, we're inclined to believe this one.

Endless questions come to mind about this gadget--not the least of which is "Why?"--but there'… Read more

Sony gives remotes a new palette

Sony certainly can't be blamed for designing more electronics products to be fashionable. After all, we've seen other companies try everything from Jetsons-style TVs to designer set-top boxes. But there's a sad social commentary in so much thought being given to the remote control.

Sony has experimented with multi-colored remotes before, even making some of them waterproof (another sad commentary). Apparently, that wasn't enough. Now the company is making yet another remote to match the decor, in metallic finishes of silver, blue, or red.

Promising a bit of detente, the RM-PLZ510D supposedly works with products from … Read more

A battery-free remote control

SMK has a prototype TV remote that tosses out the batteries, relying on kinetic energy instead to work.

According to the literature, the channels, volume control and On/Off power switch are controlled by working a trigger on the handle. When pulled, an electromagnetic induction coil rotates at high speed by means of gears. This, in turn, generates a current of 20-30mA--sufficient to change the channel via infrared light. Two consecutive pulls will turn the TV on or off, while volume control is activated by pulling the trigger and pushing a button simultaneously.

Of course, don't expect any fancy … Read more

Gadgettes 93: The Kelly's extravagant baby shower episode

We are gonna miss Kelly around here while she's away on her maternity leave. So guess what? Molly and Jason both chipped in and bought Kelly a bunch of really cool stuff for her time away from the podcast! Yes, we're that rich. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 93

iPhone 2! (Rumor roundup) http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/06/05/new-iphone-rumor-roundup/?mod=googlenews_wsj

Sanyo Xacti HD1000 4MP MPEG4 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-HD1000-Definition-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B000V79G0M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1212700827&sr=8-1 … Read more

Harman Kardon's 'Bridge II' seems to fall short

Harman Kardon is releasing the second iteration of its iPod bridge dock, which connects the media player to a home sound system, but it seems like a case of too little too late. For one thing, the "Bridge II" is apparently designed specifically for other Harmon Kardon equipment. Second, there's no indication that it can work wirelessly, as do other products such as Monster's "iSoniCast," which also provides similar remote functions. And it's more expensive at $129, as listed on iLounge. But if you're already eyeing Harman's new AVR-354 receiver, you … Read more

One more way to stay addicted to TV

In the course of everyday duty Crave has witnessed some ghastly laboratory experiments that have made for some unnaturally grafted appendages, but there are some gadgets that are deformed from the outset. This combo remote watch falls squarely into that category.

There have been other watches that double as remotes, some of them even featuring a touch screen, but this one looks like it has a goiter sticking out of it. The watch is made in China, according to Technabob, which explains its price--$7.25. That even includes the faux jade-looking buttons, putting it on par with none other … Read more

Is ESPN's new Wi-Fi universal remote the ultimate?

We got an e-mail Tuesday announcing that ESPN's Wi-Fi remote was going on sale just in time for Father's Day. The remote is simply called ESPN The Ultimate Remote, which shouldn't be confused with another heady remote, Logitech's The One.

While The Ultimate Remote did make an appearance at CES in January, we really hadn't heard anything about it. It looks somewhat like one of Logitech's last-generation Harmony remotes, but it's apparently made by tvCompass, "a provider of digital media solutions."

On paper anyway, ESPN The Ultimate Remote looks like a … Read more