NTT Urgent Earthquake Bulletin

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

Those in Japan waiting for the big one can breathe a semi-sigh of relief. NTT has established an Urgent Earthquake Bulletin service that opens an alert window automatically on their PCs in case of a pending disaster. An alarm goes off and an estimated seismic intensity is displayed as well as arrival time. A standalone Flash FLET’S Type is also available from NTT. It has flashing LED lights and an audible alarm, arrival time and countdown. NTT claims that their service is more precise and up to date than others available.

Read More | Lets Japan

Acoustibuds Flexible Fins

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: CES, CES 2009, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video,

You liked the Koss CC_01 earbuds but figured they were two pricey. Here is an inexpensive alternative. Acoustibuds are soft hypoallergenic silicone fittings that will fit an iPhone, iPod and most other MP3 player earphones. A CES award winner, the company claims the “flexible fins” provide enriched acoustics and better sound isolation. They also say neither extreme physical movement nor perspiration will interfere with the Acoustibuds’ ability to stay in and provide comfort. At a price of only $12.99 for 2 pairs (in 2 different sizes,) this is a heck of a deal, especially if you have sweaty ears.

Read More | Acoustibuds

WowWee Cinemin Suite Projectors

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: CES, CES 2009, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video,

WowWee, the company that brought us Robosapiens and animatronic creatures, has now branched out. They have a series of iPod compatible multimedia pico projectors powered by TI’s DLP technology. The Cinemin Suite’s Swivel is a lightweight micro projector that has an adjustable 90º hinge to adjust the lens, full volume control and a 3 hr. battery life. The Stick has an internal memory with an expandable SD card slot. The Station is somewhat larger but includes an iPod docking station and media center. Unveiled at the CES, no price has been announced.

Read More | Gadgetell

Garage|Shadow Turns BlackBerry into Remote

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

Turn your BlackBerry into a remote for your garage door. The Garage|Shadow from Unify4Life has an easy interface to control opening, closing and stopping of the door while still within your car or outside of it. The device, which will also work with any other Bluetooth enabled cell phone, features “automatic open” that knows when you come home and will raise the door when you are in sight of it. The Garage|Shadow can be downloaded without PC access and connects by plugging in the wires to your existing switch. The G|S has SoundStreaming technology and a price of $99.99.

Read More | Unify4Life

Samsung MBP200 Projector With Screen

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, CES, CES 2009, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop,

Now you can have your projector and screen, too. The Samsung MBP200 can create a 50-inch projection and also has a bonus 2.2-inch QVGA LCD viewing screen. Other features include a micro SD card slot and a TI DLP pico chip to run it. Connect to Samsung mobile phones or laptops, attach a piece of paper to its hidden screen holder and you get instant projection. The projector also has a built-in speaker and headphone jack. A CES Design winner, expect the MBP to be released later this year and contact the company for exact date and price.

Read More | PC World

Koss CC_01 Adjustable Earbuds

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Music, Portable Audio / Video,

It seems we can never find earbuds that are comfortable. Koss thinks it has the solution with their new CC_01. Turn a metal screw at the back of them and you can adjust them to fit your unique aural shape. We’re not sure how that works exactly, but we do like the concept of shape-shifting earphones. While Koss usually offers their products for very little funds, the CC-01 buds will set you back about $150.00 this March.

Read More | Slippery Brick

Cellular Bluetooth XLink BT

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

Trying to finally divest yourself of that little used landline? The XLink BT gives you the ability receive and send calls from a landline utilizing your mobile service. The gateway can be used with up to 3 cellphones with different ringtones and has the advantage that you can use your free nights and weekend calls at home. Keep your phone within Blutetooth range for access, and calls that are made from your regular phone will be redirected to your cellie without worrying about poor indoor reception. Simple, eh? Even simpler is the price. The XLink BT will set you back a mere $79.99 with 60 minutes of free long distance. You can also get unlimited outgoing calls for a flat $25.00 a month.

Read More | XLink

Computer Magnifier and Carson E-Z Reader

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

Tired of squinting at fine print? The Computer Magnifier mounts on your 17 or 19-inch display and gives you 2x glare-free images. Available in beige, it is priced at $109.98. The Carson E-Z Reader is even simpler. Plug the 10 ft. power cord into a wall outlet and another cord in your TV RCA input, place it over your book, newspaper or photos and the magnified image appears on the screen. The reader’s price is $109.98.

Read More | Full of Life

Handheld Paper Shredder

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech,

Every time we throw out a bank or credit card statement, we carefully destroy the part that has our account number and toss it into at least two different trash bags. Would that we had the Handheld Paper Shredder. Running on 4 AA batteries (included,) it has 28 steel cutting plates and can handle up to 5 pages at a time. At a size of 5 x 5 x 25.5cm, you can carry it with you to take care of restaurant and ATM receipts on the spot. Pre-order for $35.96 and you will get an email notice when the shredder arrives.

Read More | Latest Buy

iVoice Diamond-X Dual Mic Bluetooth Headset

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Wireless / WiFi, USB,

iVoice’s has unveiled the Diamond-X Dual Mic Bluetooth Headset that they claim is the first to report the caller’s name from the owner’s address book. It also has auto-volume control, 200 hours of standby and 5.5 hours of talk time, and two microphones. It comes with a mini-USB power adapter, and car and wall charger. The headset also has 3 sizes of rubber ear gels for better fit and should be out this month at a price of about $100.00.

Read More | iLounge