Nintendo DSi announced, larger screens, dual cameras, DSi Shop store

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Downloadable Content, Nintendo, Nintendo DS, Portable/Mobile,

Last week we talked about rumors of a new Nintendo DS, and this morning, those rumors proved to be true. Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata announced the Nintendo DSi at the company’s Fall presentation over in Japan, calling it a “third platform” for the company (where have we heard that before?). It looks fairly similar the the current DS Lite that we all know and love, but there are a few changes that make this one a worthy upgrade. First, it’s about 12% thinner, as it has given up its GBA slot. The screens are a bit larger, each being 3.25-inches in size. One of the bigger changes, though, is that the DSi features two cameras. You have one 3 megapixel camera on the outside of the unit, as well a front-facing camera on the inside so that you can take images of yourself.

The Nintendo DSi also has an SD card slot along with internal storage. You can save your photos right to the card, then put that card in your Wii to pull it up in the Photo Channel. Nintendo is even launching the DSi Shop, an online destination for purchasing DSi software, similar to the Wii Shop. You use Nintendo Points, and content will be priced at 200, 500, or 800 points. 1000 points will be included with the purchase of the DSi. The unit will come in either white or black for the time being, and goes on sale in Japan on November 1 at ¥18,900 ($178).

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Nintendo DSi product page

CBS Employs Touchscreen for Electoral States

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Videos,

We admit that we have been watching CBS news to catch the latest on Sarah Palin, and found that we were really impressed by some of the technology used in their Eye to Eye series. Jeff Greenfield was using this incredible touchscreen that could instantly change a red state to blue (or vice versa) while altering the count at the same time. Here’s hoping that the upcoming Presidential election will have lots of bells and whistles (without so many promos attached.)

Read More | CBS News

Bleeding Edge TV 293: MacBook Air vs. Voodoo Envy 133 - World’s Thinnest Notebooks

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Gizmatic, Short Bytes, Apple, Features, PC / Laptop, Podcasts, Videocasts, Videos,

In the world of gadgets, thin is definitely in. Apple and HP are both aware of this, and the companies currently ship the two thinnest notebooks available in the world. We’re talking about the MacBook Air and the Voodoo Envy 133. We were able to get our hands on both notebooks, and figured we’d put them side-by-side, just so that we could give you a look at the two thinnest portable computers in the world, and allow you to judge for yourself. What do we mean? Well, we think this one is a toss up, due to the shapes of both notebooks. Hit the video, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Gear Live Gives Back 2008: Education Charity Drive

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Announcements,

Alright, let’s take a break for just a moment away from the standard news fare. We know that you guys love the gadgets, gizmos, and consumer electronics just as much as we do.  These expensive and cool toys are often a marvel when you break them down to the technology that drives them. That’s what makes what we do fun, and why we love the interaction we have with our readers. However, we want to focus a bit of attention on the young ones in our country who would be happy to have a calculator for use in class, and the teachers who work for districts that can’t afford things like projectors for use in their schools.

Gear Live has joined the 2008 DonorsChoose Blogger Challenge, and we have chosen eight great causes that are centered around getting some basic technology and literature into classrooms located in our local area, as well as some of the hardest areas still suffering the affects of Hurricanes Ike and Katrina. We’ve chosen eight causes that we thought touched on what we believed in, and you can take a look at them and choose which one(s) you want to help. Our goal is to raise $5,000 for the children of our nation. Just know that the money you donate will go directly to that specific teacher request - not into some big pot of money that is then doled out by the organization.

Some of the most expensive purchases for schools are consumer electronics. We believe that all children need to get acquainted with the tools of the future as they learn so they when they are ready to hit the workforce, they can succeed alongside their peers. Please, help us in assisting teachers, children, and schools in low-income areas get the tools they need to help their children excel.

Read More | Gear Live Gives Back 2008

Prop Human Airbag

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

The Japanese company Prop has developed a Human Airbag for seniors. The strap-on device deploys in a few seconds if the wearer falls and can’t get up. It consists of 3 airbags that inflate with compressed gas, protecting the head and back. Unfortunately, the vest will not work if the user falls forward. The safety gadget costs $1000.00 and we are thinking that maybe Prop could design a mini-version for toddlers learning to walk.

Read More | Trendhunter

iPod to iPod Transfer Device

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

Suppose you and your best bud want to exchange tunes or you have recently bought a new iPod and want a fuss-free way to switch your music to it. The iPod to iPod Transfer Device works without a computer and automatically knows when you plug in. Transfer rate is 5 seconds for a 3 minute song or only 3 minutes for a 30 minute video. The rechargeable battery can be used up to 1 1/2 hours, and an AC adapter recharges in 4 hours. At a size of 3/4 x 2 1/4x 3 1/2-inches and a weight of 2 oz., it also recharges your iPod. The TD is available for $99.95.

Read More | Hammacher Schlemmer

USB Volcano Lamp

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Smart Home, Toys,

Sometimes we have to include the silly, like this USB Volcano Lamp. At a size of 246 x 80 x 80mm, you simply add half of the bag of lava beads and water and let the phony fireworks begin. The light can also be powered up by 2 AA batteries (not included,) and features fan and LED on/off buttons. The volcano comes with a bag of beads, USB cable, and a guide for the inept. You can get your own mini-St. Helen’s for $18.00.

Read More | Gadget4all