Find Our Latest Video Reviews on YouTube!
If you want to stay on top of all of our video reviews of the latest tech, be sure to check out and subscribe to the Gear Live YouTube channel, hosted by Andru Edwards! It’s free!
Latest Gear Live Videos
Runner Hub is Functional, Stylish
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Design, Misc. Tech,
For someone who is always on the go (or on the run,) the Runner Hub may be your answer. The 4 ports hub will work with either 1.1 or 2.0 USB, has a transfer speed of 480 Mbps, and will work with either Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, or Mac OS 8.6 or above. At a size of 100 x 60 x 123mm and a weight of 71g, the device, with its rotating connection, comes with its own USB cable. Find it at Brando for a mere $12.00.
(Thanks, Fanny)
Read More 
| Brando
Gallery: Runner Hub is Functional, Stylish
Advertisement
SOTAB Assists in Oil Spills
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Science, Transportation,
Researchers from Osaka University have developed SOTAB 1 (Spilled Oil Tracking Autonomous Buoy 1) with imaging sensors that can spot globs from a distance. The GPS bot dives down and when it senses something that resembles oil, floats back to the surface and “swims” towards the oil spill. SOTAB then helps cleanup crews by providing data on wind speed, and depth and temperature of the water. Still in the developmental stage, head researcher Naomi Kato hopes the 243 lb. robot will be available commercially in a couple of years.
Read More | Pink Tentacle
Gallery: SOTAB Assists in Oil Spills
NYTE Shows Patterns of Communication Through Art
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Internet, Misc. Tech, Science,
Once again, science has crossed over into the area of art. MIT has teamed with AT&T to create New York Talk Exchange, which debuted this week at the Museum of Modern Art. The NYTE measures the volume of IP and telephony that goes in and out of the city anonymously. It then is portrayed visually at the museum as well as on the Internet. Globe Encounters displays NY’s connections to other cities globally. Pulse of the Planet shows how they alter during a 24 hour period with time zone changes. The third exhibit studies the five boroughs and how they vary.
Studying the data shows that New York tends to “reach out and touch” Asia and South America, whereas London concentrates on New York and Europe. They are hoping that it will help in studies overall in the area of globalization.The display will be active through May 12.
Read More | MIT News
Gallery: NYTE Shows Patterns of Communication Through Art
What do you wear when your T-Equalizer shirt is dirty? The latest in geekwear, the sound sensitive 4D Equalizer Tee which keeps the beat to the music, even if you can’t. Like most shirts of this type, the battery pack fits into a pocket and is removable for washing out the remnants of the night before. Made from cotton and available in four sizes, the t-shirt runs on 4 AAA batteries (not included) and will be in stock February 29 for £24.99 (~$49.00.)
Read More | Gadget Box
Gallery: EQ T-Shirt Keeps Time
Store Your CDs Aesthetically
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Design, Smart Home, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
We keep our CDs in shoe boxes for the most part, but if you like to be a little more discerning, we found two new cases that will cheer up your shelves. At the a size of 14.17 x 5.71 x 5.04-inches and a weight of just over 27 oz., the Mini-Van Style Case holds 40 CDs for $25.79. On its box is the description as having a “unique patented design (that) ensures motion device works smoothly, slowly, silently.” While we believe this to be a comment on its opening and closing, you just never know. If you want something a little less expensive, you can opt for the Hamburger 12 CD Flannel Storage Bag that has a 7-inch diameter and weighs about as much as a real Quarter Pounder for $4.95.
Read More | Deal Extreme
Gallery: Store Your CDs Aesthetically
Smartphones are expensive but more desirable all the time, so why not get one that is also eco-friendly? The Chute, created by Industrial Designer Michael Laut, works like any other phone but is made of bamboo, which is not only biodegradable, but lighter and stronger than plastic. It probably won’t dent or crack if you drop it and if a friendly panda comes strolling by and looks hungry, perhaps he/she would appreciate the green gift. Contact Michael Laut for price and availability.
Read More | Yanko Design
Gallery: Chute is Smart and Green
We couldn’t resist this one. Elmo Live has come a long way since his Tickle-Me days. During the recent New York Toy Fair, the new and improved Muppet was almost scary in its authenticity, if you can call a Muppet real. Tickle him and he moves, he grooves, he tells stories and jokes. From sitting to standing to crossing his legs, you would almost think you were on the Sesame Street set. You had better pre-order this one now, as he will probably be out in the 3rd Quarter and on the hot toy list this holiday season for ~$60.00.
Read More | Toyology
Gallery: Elmo Comes Alive, Almost
SoakTV’s Wireless Waterproof Televisions
Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Design, Home Entertainment, Smart Home, PC / Laptop, Portable Audio / Video, Wireless / WiFi,
Wouldn’t you love to be able to watch your fave TV shows while lounging in the tub? If so, consider the SoakTV Wireless Waterproof Television. It has an LCD screen, stereo speakers and you can hook it up to a DVD player…or even a PC! Perfect for bathtime, the kitchen, even pool parties…and since it’s wireless, you can take it anywhere. Unfortunately, this particular model isn’t available yet, however the company’s similar Soak104 model is for $972 USD.
Read More | SoakTV via Chip Chick
Gallery: SoakTV’s Wireless Waterproof Televisions
Homer lights up: USB LED lamp
Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, USB, Design, PC / Laptop,
For someone as perpetually lazy as Homer Simpson, he keeps finding ways to make our lives more fun, such as the Jukebox and USB hub. Now comes this USB-powered lamp, which features Homey in total Lay-Z-Boy mode, while adding LED light (and a little levity) to your desk. Available for only $17 USB. Wanna totally Simpson-ize your workspace? Check out the
Mr. Burns webcam.
Read More | Perpetual Kid via Shiny Shiny
Gallery: Homer lights up: USB LED lamp
Home Garden is Auto-Greenhouse
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Smart Home, Misc. Tech,
For those who do not have green thumbs but like a touch of it in their home or office, the Smeg Home Garden is just the thing. Created in conjunction with PIANO Design, the mini-greenhouse will supply the proper lighting, humidity, and temperature and display the levels on highlighted LEDs. You can create your micro climate with its remote. The site’s experts even suggest what kind of Garden you need for whatever you want to grow. Choose from closed or open Home models and select your favorite background, surfaces, and/or floor. Contact Smeg for specifics and pricing.
Read More | Smeg
