Hasta La Gadget!

The idea to create “the toughest watch in the world” came to Japanese creator Kikuo Ibe, when he dropped and broke a precious watch given to him by his father. The first G-Shocks were developed in the 80s, and 30 years on they’re tougher and smarter than ever. One item in particular, “the ultimate G-Shock”, has been developed to celebrate the anniversary, the MR-G. More »

The last time we talked about the ThinkGeek 8-bitty wireless game controller for the iPhone, iPad, and Android devices was way back in February of 2012. At the time, the little old school Nintendo-style game controller was tipped to launch later this year at price of $25. If you liked what you saw in the controller, it is available and shipping right now from ThinkGeek.

The one caveat is that it’s now a bit more expensive than we originally talked about selling for $29.99. It looks very much like the Nintendo controller on my original system way back in the day. The controller is designed to fit in your pocket and supports the iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. It has eight buttons with four face buttons on the right side of the control, two shoulder buttons, and a D pad for movement.

The controller uses Bluetooth connectivity and automatically turns itself off to save power. The little 8-bitty controller is a portable version of the iCade cabinet and is fully compatible with all iCade games. The controller was developed using an open platform allowing app developers to support the controller with no permission from Apple or ThinkGeek.

ThinkGeek notes that the controller is specifically compatible with all the Atari Greatest Hits games available for the iPad via an app. The controller gets power from a pair of AAA batteries, which aren’t included. Honestly, I think this is a more attractive controller for retro gaming than the big and bulky iCade cabinet.

ThinkGeek 8-bitty wireless game controller now shipping is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

I’m of the opinion that it doesn’t matter how old you are; remote-controlled toys like cars and trucks are still a lot of fun to play with. Griffin is a brand typically associated with accessories for Apple gadgets, but it also makes a few remote-controlled toys. Naturally, those toys tend to be controlled by Apple gadgets making them accessories of a sort. through

Griffin has announced a pair of new remote-controlled toys that are controlled by iOS devices running apps. The toys include the Moto TC Racer and the Moto TC Monster. The Monster is a remote-controlled monster truck with big wheels and a working suspension system. The Racer is a smaller racing buggy.

The Monster is available now for $59.99 and uses the Bluetooth connectivity of your Apple gadget for remote control. The truck can be steered using a virtual steering wheel on your Apple gadget or the using motion control and tilting your device. The control system also has a slide feature that allows you to slide your finger across the screen to steer the truck. The app also allows you to set up pre-configured tracks such as a figure 8 for the truck to follow.

The smaller Racer will be available in the middle of November for $29.99. It has an integrated RF transmitter and comes with an accessory that plugs into the headphone port of the iOS device. The vehicle can be controlled using a virtual steering wheel and throttle or with motion by tilting your device. The control app for both vehicles requires iOS 5.0 or later.

Griffin Moto TC Monster and Racer roll out is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Life’s stressful, we’re all busy, and sometimes it all gets too much. But hey, it doesn’t have to be like that: it’s all just a matter of perspective. More »

Today Hyundai has unveiled its fourth concept car that will debut at the 2012 SEMA show. The fourth concept car from the automaker is another version of the Veloster called the Alpine concept that Hyundai says is focused on extreme sports. The car started life as a Veloster sports coupe.

Hyundai then teamed with ARK to modify the way the vehicle looks and to add to the performance of the car. The theme is based on active sports with an Alpine theme, which is to say a winter sports theme. The interior of the vehicle was created by JPM Coachworks using a blend of Alcantara and WeatherTek fabric.

Hyundai says that these materials were chosen for their durability in wet environments. The vehicle uses a 1.6-liter direct injected Veloster engine that was modified with performance parts from ARK Performance. The engine modifications include custom turbo piping, a larger radiator, custom intake system, and nitrous oxide system, oil cooler, and more.

The modified engine produces 232 HP and 240 pound-foot of torque. Since the vehicle is made with a winter sports theme, on the outside it has a number of sports accessories, including a snowboard, bindings, and boots from multiple companies. The car also features custom paint, a carbon fiber hood and deck lid, custom headlights and taillights, and an ARK body kit and rally wing. The car rides on a custom coil over suspension system, has upgraded brakes, and lots more.

Hyundai unveils fourth SEMA Show concept car is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.