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i-Fly Vamp Peers in the Dark

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: CES, CES 2008, Misc. Tech, Toys,

Somehow we managed to overlook this rather unique ornithopter from our CES reports. Interactive Toy’s i-Fly Vamp is less than 10-inches, will soar both indoors and out, and is recommended for those over the chronological age of 8. It features a built-in lithium polymer battery that can last up to 30 minutes. The controller itself need 6 AA batteries. We have to admit the kewlest feature, however, is that glowing red eye. The Vamp is available at Radio Shack for $35.99, recently marked down $5.00. Here’s looking at you, kid.

The Remote Control Rubber Duck

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Smart Home, Toys,

Remote Control Rubber Duck You know we’re in a technologically-obsessed world when rubber ducks get the remote-control treatment. Still, it sounds like tons of fun and think of the possibilities: if you get two, you and your kid can engage in silly rubber duckie drag races! And don’t worry, even though the motorized bird seems electrocution-friendly, Duckie and the controller are both waterproof. The controller requires 2 AA batteries while the charger requires 4 AA batteries. A 5-minute charge yields 15 minutes of bathtime joy. Available for $27 USD.

RC Tarantula, for Furry Fun

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Toys,

There is certainly a plethora of remote control gadgets lately. We might have passed on this one, but how funny would it be to creep out the neighbors’ kids with this RC Tarantula on Halloween? The hairy arachnid has eyes that light up and hustles on smooth surfaces. The spider’s infrared remote is an egg that allows him to rotate or move in any direction. About 20 cm long, it needs 2 AA and 2 AAA batteries (included,) and can be greeting the neighbors for £19.41 (~$38.00.)

Mecha Mushi Spreads its Wings

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Toys,

Our latest find in RC toys is the Mecha Mushi. At a size of 1.7 x 3.6 x 6.5-inches, the insect with foam body is available in silver or rainbow hues, with separate frequencies for each. Its internal battery is chargeable by connection to its remote. The MM is designed for internal flight, so make sure you bring it along to work to see if your co-workers are paying attention. Available for pre-order at a price of $79.00, the bug requires 6 AAA batteries to fly.

Pterosaur Takes Flight

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Toys, Wireless / WiFi,

Take this, mini-helicopters. If you want to impress other RC toy operators, this Pterosaur could be just the way to do it. The 440 x 340 x 80 mm lizard has flapping wings, glowing LED eyes, and is made of EPP foam so that it is lightweight and almost crashproof. The dinosaur’s remote is also it’s charger and it will fly in all directions up to 100 feet. With a charge of 30 minutes, you can get about 10 minutes of flight time. The Pterosaur runs on 6 AA batteries (not included) and is available for £39.95 (~$81.00.)

Keep Those RC Toys at Home

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Editorial, Misc. Tech, Science, Toys,

RC Car Next time you take a plane trip, don’t bring your RC gadgets along with you. The Transportation Security Administration said this week, “It appears that terrorists may have an interest to use these remote-control toys as a means to initiate devices used in a terrorist attack.”

A Congressional Research Service claims that the toys have been improvised by both U.S. and Iraqi troops so that they can be run into unsuspecting areas and explode insurgent bombs, while the remotes can be set to trigger explosive devices. The only problem we see with this is that every time we are told that we cannot bring something on an airplane, those that make the announcements tell everyone, including the potential bad guys. Perhaps we should also caution Radio Shack not to open an outlet in the Middle East.

Make Tracks With This USB Car

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Toys, Transportation, USB,

Our pick for USB toy of the week is this RC car. You control its six directions from your computer with software for up to a distance of 4 feet (cable included.) The minute vehicle’s size is 8.5 x 4.5 x 3.3 cm, weighs 44 g, and is compatible with Windows 2000/XP. After only a few minutes in its garage for a charge, add decals, honk the horn, and off you go for only $29.99. Check out the demo on brando to watch it go through its paces.

(Thanks, Fanny)

Windows Vista RC1 Available to the Public

Posted by Yuan Zhao Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, Software,

Vista is here for the masses On its website, Microsoft reports that “Windows Vista RC1 is available for participants of the Windows Vista Customer Preview Program. Please go to the Customer Preview Program website to register and receive a Product Key, which is required to install and activate the software.”

“Before upgrading from Beta 2 to RC1, please install any Critical Updates from Windows Update for Beta 2. Go to Start, All Programs, Windows Update, and click the “Check for Updates” button.”

The keys for Windows Vista RC1, the first release candidate for Microsoft’s upcoming operating system, were sent out via email to CPP participants. The download is a 2.5 GB ISO and Microsoft servers seem to be holding up well, as we am currently downloading at around 600 kb/s.

Here are the download links:

English: http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc1/en/download.htm
German: http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc1/de/download.htm
Japanese: http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc1/jp/download.htm

If you are not part of the CPP, don’t worry. Registrations will open in the coming weeks. The release candidate expires June 1, 2007.

Windows Vista RC1 Released

Posted by Yuan Zhao Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software,

Windows Vista RC1 Released Despite rumors and speculation from testers of Windows Vista Beta 2 that the operating system was woefully incomplete, Microsoft has pulled through and released the first release candidate (RC1) earlier today. Windows Vista is the next-generation Microsoft OS meant to replace Windows XP, adding new features and eye-candy. Microsoft’s Jim Allchin posted an announcement concerning the release, but it is only availible to TechBeta or TAP participants. There is no word yet on the stability, usability, or new features in this release but it is probably safe to assume that the OS is considerably less problematic than the previous build. So, if you are a tester, hurry on up to download the file.

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