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QiGos Slated as Keys to The Internet

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Internet, Misc. Tech,
Keep an eye out for QiGo (pronounced “key-go”,) a new marketing tool aimed at selected consumers. Attach one to your PC’s USB port and get straight to the point, no password needed. A Yu-Gi-Oh version is already available for access to Konami’s web site. Another one is in the works from Fisher Price that will allow children access to kids’ sites.
“More and more companies are offering paid premium Internet services but there is no compelling way to sell that experience physically, such as at retail or in a gift box,” claims co-founder Dan Klitsner. “Our goal was to make the Internet tangible and intuitive while eliminating user names, passwords and PINs. With a QiGO, you just plug it in and it works.”
Not only can the key be used for advertising purposes such as ongoing promotions or industry related news since the memory will be stored online, it can also be adapted for online video games, your own photo and video sharing, musical groups’ itineraries, and a more child-safe Internet experience. Destined to make a large debut this fall, we are thinking it might be a good idea to keep your Victoria’s Secret QiGo (should they decide to create one) away from prying teenage eyes.
Read More | PR Newswire
Gallery: QiGos Slated as Keys to The Internet
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The Mini Castle Earlarm: A Personal Alarm for Your Ears Only

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Misc. Tech,

We’re not sure if this gadget is going to catch on, but we found it fascinating nonetheless. It’s the Mini Castle Earlarm, a personal, tiny timer you wear in your ear. Use it to remind you when the muffins come out the oven, to wake you when you’re nodding off
on the subway or while studying for exams, to alert you to take your medication, and we’re sure there are myriad other uses. The coolest thing is that the Mini Castle’s alarm doesn’t disturb others—just you. We’re just wondering how well the Mini Castle stays in the ear, as not all ears are shaped alike. Available now for $15 USD.
Read More | Mini Castle via Coolest Gadgets
Gallery: The Mini Castle Earlarm: A Personal Alarm for Your Ears Only
Click and Scroll with Mario and the Invincibility Star

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, USB, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Video Games,
We knew Nintendo‘s Super Mario character (and friends) were incredibly popular worldwide, but who knew how many gadgets and toys they’d spawn? We’ve shared the Mario Race Track, Remote Control Racer, solar toy and keychains with you. Now comes Mario and Invincibility Star USB two-button mice, with a roller ball for old-school cred. The peripherals are modeled after the 8-Bit version of Super Mario Brothers, hence their truly retro, pixeled look. Bring one to work to show you’re a hardcore retro gamer…and proud of it. And we mean that in the best possible way. Available for $25 USD.
Read More | Think Geek
Gallery: Click and Scroll with Mario and the Invincibility Star
earBuddy Keeps Your Buds Safe

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Apple, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
Finally there is an earbud case cool enough to go with your iPod. The earBuddy is made by SendStation of ballistic nylon and can withstand 200 lbs. (90 kg) of force if you happen to get caught in foul weather. The case also has an inside frame so that you can keep your earbuds wound up, as opposed to just shoving them inside. Available with a detachable keyring and weighing less than an ounce, the earBuddy can be yours in orange/silver or black at the SendStation Store for $14.95.
Read More | SendStation
Gallery: earBuddy Keeps Your Buds Safe
Smartpants’ Frame Makes Sideways Upright

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Cameras, Misc. Tech,
This Father’s Day, you might want to get Dad something larger to show off his photographic skills. Smartparts’ SP15MW Digital Picture Frame has a 15-inch screen with a 24-bit, 1024 x 768 resolution and an automatic, variable speed. Smartparts claims that the frame is compatible with all memory cards, and can hold up to 256 MB of built-in flash. It features hidden speakers, a remote control, and OptiPix Pro software that automatically rotates vertical images if your camera contains an orientation sensor. Seeing as how Pop takes many of his pictures in a rather inebriated state, we wonder if the frame will really know the difference.
Read More | Smartparts
Gallery: Smartpants’ Frame Makes Sideways Upright
Toshiba to Release HD Drive for Laptops

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Corporate News, HDTV, PC / Laptop, Portable Audio / Video,

Those of you with portable PC monitors larger than your TV screens can celebrate the arrival of Toshiba SDD’s (Storage Device Division) slim HD DVD-RW drive for laptops. The SD-L912A can read and write to HD DVD-R, standard DVD, and CDs, and also read, write, and rewrite to DVD-RW discs. This drive allows a laptop more back-up capability for a larger amount of data. Hitting the public around July, Toshiba cautions that since it is only a first generation it will only burn at 1x speed, but we are just content in the knowledge that we can burn a few movies to take with us before we take our summer vacation.
Read More | fosfor gadgets
Gallery: Toshiba to Release HD Drive for Laptops
New WiFi Technology Available This Summer

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Corporate News, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, Portable Audio / Video, Wireless / WiFi,
The next generation of WiFi products is set to be released this summer. Referred to as the “n” series (802.11n), it is supposedly five times faster than the present “g” version at twice the range. If you can’t wait to get your hands on the latest technology, you can already purchase some routers, networking cards, and other “Draft N” products which will work with the older technology until the new certification is sprung upon us this June.
Read More | Wi-Fi Alliance
Gallery: New WiFi Technology Available This Summer
Light Up Your Wii with the Crystal Cooler

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, USB, Misc. Tech, Video Games,
Whether your precious Nintendo Wii is having overheating issues or you just want to snazz it up a bit, we have a rather interesting item for you, from those USB-obsessed folks at Brando. It’s the Wii Crystal Cooler, a clear stand for your console that has a built-in “high velocity” fan to cool off the machine. The stand is also lit up by a blue LED light, adding a dosage of coolness
or amusing tackiness
to your Wii. The stand is powered via USB, and the LED has an on/off switch for quieter moments. Available for $20 USD.
Read More | Brando via Engadget
Gallery: Light Up Your Wii with the Crystal Cooler
Take Notes With Livescribe

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop,
Livescribe is an excellent alternative for students who are only half-aware and/or doodling during class. While the latest lecture drones on, all you have to do is write down something for reference with the SmartPen on the special paper and it will record the rest in an audio file. Tap on your notes later and there it is. You can also e-mail them on your PC via its software.
The pen will cost less than $200.00 and the company promises that extra paper will be available at a price that is comparable to regular paper. Available in Q4, visit Livescribe’s site for a demo and/or get on their waiting list. Just don’t forget to write the info down on a post-it to remind you that you won’t have to use them anymore.
Read More | Gizmodo via Livescribe
Gallery: Take Notes With Livescribe
Palm Unveils Foleo

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Handhelds, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video, Wireless / WiFi,

Palm has released the Foleo, a companion keyboard and 10-inch display to go with Treo and other smartphones. Unfold it, push a button, and you receive instant wireless gratification. Uses include longer e-mail capability, larger images, and a speed courtesy of Linux with a dedicated key. The gadget can go for up to 5 hours before needing a recharge.
You can witness the Foleo for yourself with a rather lengthy Palm webcast which was released yesterday. Count on a $499.99 price tag after a $100.00 rebate sometime this summer. Excuse our asking, but isn’t the whole idea to get something smaller to cart around rather than making it larger?
Read More | Palm