Gadzooki

Glasses for the Socially Challenged

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Glasses

Glasses that can read your mind?

So you have problems interacting with people face to face. You are not alone. There are countless people out there who seem to have issues conversing with others. Whether it is because they are shy or it is because they seem to say the wrong things (and not even realize it), it can be a painful thing to see other people turn away from you.

If you have always had the problem of NOT being a good conversationalist, have you ever stopped to think that it could be due to the fact that you are not skilled at reading what other people think or how they react to what you are saying? After all, conversation is also about being able to read the person on the other end.

Enter Rosalind Picard of MIT and Rana el Kaliouby of the University of Cambridge, UK. These two individuals have worked to help the socially challenged people of the universe. (Okay, so maybe that wasn’t the driving idea behind the project.)

Their work has resulted in a pair of glasses with an embedded chip and camera. These two things work together to analyze facial expressions of the person that you are talking to. Upon analysis, the system will give you feedback via some LED lights that are also part of the glasses. Green for “you’re doing a good job conversing” and red for “you’re being a social fail”. Now if you want more audible feedback, you can wear headphones which will sum up the data as well. What you do with the feedback – that is totally up to you!

Analysis is all about the facial cues and other non-verbal cues that people have when conversing. In many cases, we learn all about these cues and take our lead from them. One issue I am seeing here is the fact that different cultures will have different cues. It seems, though, that the creators are already working on software that will recognize Japanese cues. That leaves a gazillion other cultures.

In any case, the concept behind the glasses are pretty cool, but unfortunately, we can’t buy them from the nearest accessories shop yet.

Note: The image shown above is NOT the glasses Picard and al Kaliouby have created.

Via
Photo courtesy of Emily Gieczewski

1080P HD Waterproof Spy Camera Watch

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1080P-HD-Waterproof-Spy-Camera-Watch-1

1080P HD Waterproof Spy Camera Watch

Do you spend your spare time watching spy movies or TV shows? Or maybe you like to read and re-read Ian Fleming’s books. If you are into all things spy – in a good way, not the freaky, creepy way – then here is a gadget that you will definitely want to get your hands on.

The 1080P HD Waterproof Spy Camera Watch has recently been listed at Etronixmart ((Buy here)) and it looks pretty promising. It comes with two options – a steel strap or a leather strap. If the idea of having a watch that can take videos (at 1920 x 1280, no less) is not enough to excite you, then maybe the added factor of this baby being waterproof will help. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of an urgent reason to have a video-taking watch while swimming, but I am sure there is one decent reason out there, waiting to be discovered. There is, of course, the option to use this watch instead of an underwater camera, although it might not be possible as with the limited details presented in the site, it seems to me that the watch has to be connected to a computer to record video. Of course, the watch can be used as a regular watch, showing “real” time.

The 1080p waterproof spy camera watch has an embedded operating system and records video in AVI, while it captures images in JPG. For images, the resolution is 4032 x 3024. For video purposes, the watch also has a built-in mic, ensuring that you will not miss out on the sounds. (Again, I won’t delve into the reasons.)

Other important numbers:

  • Uses mini USB
  • Frame rate is 25 frames
  • Powered by a 320mAh Lithium Ion battery; on full charge, the watch can take videos for up to 100 minutes

It may not be the most practical gadget in the market today, but I think that this waterproof spy camera watch will make for a pretty cool gift. It is currently on sale for $52.99, which is the only reason that I would even consider getting one. Otherwise, the regular price is a little too much for something that might not serve me a practical purpose. Then again, it would be a good way to practice one’s spy skills, yes?

Need a Hug? Get the Sense-Roid!

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Are you the kind of person who thinks that you have to always show your tough side no matter what? You know, those people seem to be insensitive and uncaring, but in reality, are actually human beings who also need some tender care. Some of these are lucky enough to have other people to come home to – people who love them and meet their emotional needs. At the other end of the spectrum, there really are people who might not have anyone to turn to when they need a sympathetic ear – or a warm hug.

This is where Japanese inventors will not fail the whole world. One of the latest quirky gadgets to have come from the Land of the Rising Sun – the Sense-Roid.

Hug Yourself Gadget

Hug Yourself Gadget

It doesn’t take much imagination to figure out what the Sense-Roid does based on that image, does it? The Sense-Roids is a “hug yourself gadget”, and it does what it says on the tin. For people who need a hug (and we all need one every now and then!) and don’t have anyone to help out with it, the Sense-Roid will do the job.

This gadget was developed by a group from University of Electro-Communications and even won the top prize at IVRC 2010. The Sense-Roid system is composed of a mannequin (or something which looks like a mannequin) and a jacket. Both mannequin and jacket are hooked up with all sorts of tactile sensors, which tells the system if a user needs a hug. That is, when the owner of the Sense-Roid initiates a hug.

When this happens, the sensors activate muscle-like devices in the jacket, giving the user the sensation that he is being hugged back. More than hugging, Sense-Roid can also rub your back and even give a massage. The trick is to give the device input that you want to be done back to you.

Weird – there is no doubt about that, but I won’t be surprised if the Sense-Roid does not get its own circle of followers. Come to think of it, this is not as weird as that Kiss Transmission Device I wrote about.

Here’s a video of how the Sense-Roid works.

Via Japan Probe

AKG K3003 Headphones

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AKG K3003

AKG K3003 Headphones

Audiophiles have their particular standards when it comes to what captures their passion most. I have always loved music, and my entire life, there has always been music in the background. (Now, whether the music was imagined in my head or it was actually streaming through speakers of one kind or another is debatable.)

Recently, I have been introduced to audio equipment that upped the level of my listening. I am a far cry from being a hardcore audiophile – I wouldn’t even dare claim that I am one, but I now accept the need to shell out a few more bucks (okay, maybe more than a few bucks) to get really good sound out of headphones, earbuds, or speakers.

Then I saw the AKG K3003 Headphones on Colette. ((Source)) I should have known better than to allow myself to want a pair when I knew that the headphones are being sold by Colette, but hardheaded me, I checked it out anyway.

At first glance, once can’t deny that the headphones do look nice. Having a propensity for things that have a brushed steel finish, I don’t find much that is not to like with the AKG K3003 Headphones. These babies are handmade and were developed using new technology that improves the sound that comes out of them. The headphones are supposed to provide listeners with totally undistracted listening, thanks to “sealing out most ambient sounds”. That sounds like noise canceling earphones to me, yes? The AKG K3003 Headphones also has an in-line mic and volume control, so they can be used with your favorite mobile phone.

I think that the most interesting things about these earphones are the design details, though – brushed stainless housing, steel remote face, steel “Y” connector, rubberized upper cable, and cloth lower cable. And the box. Oh my, what a box!

AKG K3003 Headphones in Case

AKG K3003 Headphones in Case

All those things being considered, I still would say that I want one. That does not mean that I will get one, though. Not now. Not in the future. Not even if I won the lottery and had €1000 ($1187.71) to spare – because that is how much this thing costs!!! Oh, the dollar value is VAT exclusive, by the way, so at the end of the day, you need $1420.50. As much as I want a pair, I think Sennheiser is more than good enough for me.

Do You Need to Go on a Digital Diet?

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The Digital Diet

I’ve got several questions for you on this Monday morning:

  • Have you ever realized that you were texting while your child was telling you about her day at school and later couldn’t remember any of the details of the story?

  • Does a ringing/vibrating cell phone interrupt and trump everything else?
  • Do you feel anxious if you’re offline for any length of time?
  • Do you know you shouldn’t be texting and driving — but still do it?
  • Have you ever felt that something hasn’t really happened until you post it on Facebook or tweet about it?
  • Do you find that your family can be in the same room but not talking to one another because you’re each interacting with a different device?

Pardon me if answering questions is not on your list of Monday morning tasks, but these questions just might help you live a more fulfilling life – NOT!  Seriously, though, if you have not heard of this book called The Digital Diet, then you might want to check it out.  This is especially true of you answered yes to any of the questions above.

Authored by Daniel Sieberg, tech guru and correspondent for the likes of ABC, MSNBC, CBS, and CNN, the book is all about “de-teching”.  The idea came about thanks to the author’s realization that he was becoming overdependent on technology.  With a career that is largely based on technology, his situation might be more understandable.  But how about the average person who may not need too much tech (and gadgets) in his life?

One cannot deny it – we are overwhelmed by all sorts of gadgets these days.  Think about it – how many computers do you own?  How many mobile phones and mp3 players do you have?  How many gadgets do you “need” when you go out?  I have to be honest and admit that I might have a need to read this book.  As you can see, here at Gadzooki, we do have a penchant for gadgets.  And there is nothing wrong about that.  The problem arises, perhaps, when one can’t go out without a mobile phone, an iPod Touch, an iPad, and a laptop.  Throw in an iPod nano (just because it has music that the others don’t have) into the fray – you get the picture.

The book is all about a 4-step action plan which can help you re-focus and get your priorities straight, without totally eliminating tech from your life.  I’d never suggest that anyway!  Here are those four steps.

Step 1//Re: Think:

Consider how technology has overwhelmed our society and the effect it’s had on your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Step 2//Re: Boot:

Take stock of your digital intake using Sieberg’s Virtual Weight Index and step back from the device.

Step 3//Re: Connect:

Focus on restoring the relationships that have been harmed by the technology in your life.

Step 4//Re: Vitalize:

Learn how to live with technology—the healthy way, by optimizing your time spent e-mailing, texting, on Facebook, and web surfing.

At the end of the day, it’s all about living a life that is not centered on technology and gadgets.  And while we may be all about “I want one!” here at Gadzooki, we also understand that there is more to life than cool gadgets!

You can get a copy of this book at Amazon for $9.89.

 

FlashHarp Stores Your Data While You Make Music

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FlashHarp

There are USB flash drives, and there are USB flash drives. There are so many USB flash drives that you can buy today – you can find practically any shape, size, and color. Of course, many of those are not worth much. I am sure you know what I mean – I have seen some USB flash drives that make me want to tear my hair out!

This USB flash drive I saw recently listed on Etsy is something else, though. Combining the functions of a portable data storage device and a harmonica may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but I think that it is brilliant! Perhaps this is because I am very much a music person and would love to play an instrument if I had any skill…

In any case, the FlashHarp is the perfect gadget if you are looking for a new USB flash drive (you can’t have too many of them anyway) AND if you need to go busking every now and then. The FlashHarp doubles as a harmonica, and if you don’t know how to make music on one, the kit takes care of that. It includes a harmonica lesson video titled “Five Basic Steps to Playing”.

The FlashHarp comes in two versions – 2GB and 4GB. The higher capacity version is shipped for free, so you might want to go for that. The kit also includes a plastic cap for the USB plug and comes in a recycled hard plastic box.

It’s a no brainer. For $59.95, you get this kit and you get to learn how to play a musical instrument. Forget all the Star Wars and Hello Kitty flash drives for now. Do you know anyone who has a USB flash drive cum harmonica? Worst case scenario – you can always play for some money to get coffee or whatever your poison may be.

Hatsuden-Nabe Thermo-electric Cookpot: Cell Phone Charger for Natural Disasters

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tes-new-energy-cookpot

With natural disasters occurring practically every day – at least in some parts of the world, it is only common sense to do as much as you can in case you actually find yourself in the middle of an emergency – or even the aftermath. We have emergency kits, first aid kits, and all sorts of other kits that can help keep you alive.

What Japanese company TES NewEnergy has done is to add to the arsenal of emergency supplies that everyone has to have. Think about it – after an earthquake, a typhoon, or a flood, electrical power may not be readily available. You might find yourself camping out in an area where there are no facilities. Even evacuation centers may not have a steady supply of electrical power. You probably will have some gadget that needs electricity – chances are that you will have your mobile phone; maybe you’ll have an mp3 player. While these things may be frivolous in times of a natural disaster, they can help survivors make their situation a tad better. Your cell phone can be used to call relatives and friends. It can be used to call for help. At the very least, if your situation is not that bad, it can be used to amuse yourself. The problem is if you’re out of juice.

That’s where TES NewEnergy’s gadget comes into the picture. It is basically a cookpot which can be placed over a campfire. At the end of the pot’s handle comes out a wire which has a USB connector at the end. This connector can then be used to hook up a mobile phone or any other compatible gadget, allowing for the transfer of electric power. This is made possible by the temperature differential between the bottom of the pot (which can reach up to 550 degrees Celsius) and the boiling water that the pot contains (100 degrees Celsius). With this set up, it can take anywhere from three to five hours to fully charge an iPhone. At the same time, you can make lunch or heat it up!

The use of the pot is not limited to emergency situations. The gadget can also be used in places where electricity is not yet available. When you go camping, you can also lug this pot around – it is small enough to carry around.

The gadget is already available in Japan for $284.55, and the company is planning on marketing it in other parts of the world soon.

Via

Northern Brewer’s Starter Kits for the Beer-Loving Dad

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Starter Kit

It’s Father’s Day on Sunday – at least in certain parts of the world – and if there’s one thing that practically all dads worldwide have in common, that is the love for gadgets. It doesn’t really matter what kind of gadget – dads seem to have this propensity for nifty things. And if the father figure in your life is a beer lover, then I have the perfect suggestion for you – Northern Brewer’s Starter Kits.

Northern Brewer is a homebrew supply store that offers all sorts of cool things that can help you make the perfect drink. For them, homebrewing is a passion, even a lifestyle. Definitely an obsession.

Now you – or your dad – don’t have to be an expert in homebrewing to enjoy the kits that Northern Brewer has to offer. In fact, these starter kits (as the name implies) are perfect for those who may not have any previous experience in making their own beer.

Their starter kits provide everything that a homebrewer needs – from the necessary equipment to step by step guides. The starter kits range from $79.99 (Basic Starter Kit) to $409.99 (Ultimate Starter Kit). The Basic Starter Kit includes the following:

  • Homebrewing 101: Getting Started DVD
  • Six gallon fermenting bucket with lid
  • Six gallon bottling bucket with spigot
  • Fermentation lock
  • Siphon tubing
  • Bottle filler
  • Bottle brush
  • AutoSiphon
  • Bottle capper
  • 144 bottle caps
  • Hydrometer
  • 8 oz. Easy Clean Sanitizer
  • Complete instructions

There is a massive difference in the price, but the Ultimate Starter Kit does have a lot more to offer. I suggest that, for someone who is really only starting, you go for the basic kit as you can incrementally expand it anyway. And of course, you’ll also need to get ingredients and recipes so that the recipient of your gift will only have to sit down and get to brewing! Check out what Northern Brewer has to offer, and you just might find yourself a new hobby!

HTC ChaCha: For Certified Facebook Addicts

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HTC Chacha

Or maybe that should be “HTC ChaCha – if you get one, then you’re a certified Facebook addict”. Even the least technologically inclined person I know is aware of two things. One, that there is such a thing as Facebook. Two, that there are so many kinds of mobile phones in the market that your head will swim trying to figure out which one to buy.

Luckily for you, if you think in terms of Facebook statuses, and if you take photos/videos with posting on Facebook in mind, then you don’t have to think twice when it comes to buying a new phone. HTC has solved the issue for you by releasing HTC ChaCha. For the lack of a better name, I call it the Facebook phone.

See the image above? You can’t miss the magnifying glass highlighting the blue square button with the universally recognizable “f” within its borders. Facebook button. On a mobile phone. What else will it do but send everything and anything that you want to your Facebook account at a mere press?

It’s not all about sending photos and updating your status, though. This phone was really designed for people who just can’t live without Facebook. As buggy as Facebook chat can be (although I have to admit that it has improved lots), people still use it a lot. The HTC ChaCha has a built-in Facebook chat widget which allows you to get in touch with your Facebook contacts much like you would using a computer.

This phone does other things that well, one could expect from a “normal” mobile phone. You can make calls, send text messages (QWERTY keyboard FTW!), browse web sites, and send/receive e-mails. However, one really cannot deny just how Facebook-centric the ChaCha is. From the product description: ((HTC ChaCha))

Your friends are your life, so you want to be close to them. That’s why HTC ChaCha comes with a load of Facebook widgets that bring you closer to them. Like a clock with a Facebook stream of updates as a ticker, and a Calendar widget so you never miss your friends’ birthdays and events. You can also follow your special favorites and all their news with the Friend Stream widget. With HTC ChaCha, you’re no longer a friend – you’re a super-friend.

I am sorry, but “super-friend” just cracks me up. I do use Facebook like crazy, but I don’t know…is it just me or is this a little too much? It’s either brilliant or it’s a pathetic way of encouraging overdependence on social networking. How do you call it?

Cadence 4-Bit Binary Watch

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4-bit binary watch

Father’s Day will be here in less than a week – do you have something for the man in your life yet? For the guy who is into watches, that baby up there is the perfect gift! And even if your man isn’t a father yet, I think that anyone who appreciates some binary goodness will not say no to such a watch.

This 4-bit binary watch is made by Cadence, a watch maker based in Philadelphia in the USA. Designed by John Flear, this watch displays numbers using binary (as the name implies) instead of Arabic or Latin numerals. After all, everything is cooler when displayed in binary, right? If you (or your dad) does not know how to read binary, then it is time to learn! Alternatively, you really don’t have to work that hard to figure out what the bits represents as long as you know how to tell the time. 😉

The watch case is made with jewelry grade (316L) stainless steel, while the hands and dial are made from brass. The overall look of the watch is rather classy, making it wearable for practically any occasion. The only thing that might take away from it is the leather wristband, which is not the first choice for some people (yours truly included).

More specs:

  • Saddle stitched two part leather strap with stainless steel buckle.
  • Miyota quartz movement.
  • Five year limited warranty on movement and hands.
  • Case size: 40mm diameter, 9mm thickness.
  • Water resistant to 3ATM.
  • Saphire coated quartz glass.

Here’s the sweet thing – if you buy today (or in the next few days, I assume), you can use this coupon code (REDDIT4BIT) to get 25% off! The regular price is $90, and it is currently on sale for $79.98. If you apply the coupon code on top of that, you’ll have even more savings!