iPhone Carbon Monoxide Detector Case Concept Could Save Lives

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Inhaling enough of the gas can poison you and possibly kill you, but because of its nature, you’ll have no idea when or if you’re being exposed to it. The presence of the gas can be identified using carbon monoxide detectors, though.

People don’t really have carbon monoxide detectors installed in their homes or in their cars. So David Tyer decided that the best way to go is to design an iPhone case with a built-in carbon monoxide detector in it.

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His design makes sense. For one, people carry their phones with them wherever they go, so if they’re being exposed, then their phones could alert them of the risk.

The only downside is probably the fact that having a built-in carbon monoxide detector might make the case bulkier and burn through more battery than most users would like. Most detectors are a little on the bulky side, so I’d expect a small and compact detector to cost a bit more than usual.

Tyer’s design is only a concept for now, but who knows? Some manufacturer out there might just decide to make it.

[via Gadget Review]

ASUS VivoPC and VivoMouse make a high-design play for your living room

Lest you think ASUS‘ Computex 2013 range is all tablets and glossy ultrabooks, never fear: the company also has some new desktop PCs, kicking off with the Mac mini-rivaling VivoPC and its matching hybrid VivoMouse controller. Angling for a spot under your TV, the ASUS VivoPC is a compact Windows-powered media center, while the VivoMouse tries to take on the duties of a mouse, a touchpad, and a remote control all in one.

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ASUS hasn’t fully detailed the VivoPC’s specifications yet, though an Intel processor inside seems more than likely. It’s also been designed with upgrade potential in mind, not something you could normally say about a SFF computer of this scale: lift off the lid, and you can pull out the hard-drive and RAM for replacement. There’s a standard SATA 6GB/s connector inside.

Connectivity, meanwhile, includes WiFi a/b/g/n/ac, an SD card reader, two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and HDMI. There’s also an optical digital audio output, a legacy VGA port, wired ethernet, and audio in/out. ASUS is pretty keen on its use of SonicMaster audio, too, and is positioning the VivoPC as an ideal hub for squirting music and video wirelessly around the home.

The whole thing stands 56mm tall, and ASUS says it takes up less of a footprint than an A4 sheet of paper (that’s under 8.3 x 11.7 inches).

ASUS VivoPC:

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You’ll need something to control all that from your couch, of course, and that’s where the ASUS VivoMouse waddles in. The round-faced peripheral slaps a touchpad on top of a standard mouse, which means you can fondle and stroke it around the screen as well as use Windows 8 gestures.

There’s also remote control functionality, for playing/pausing and skipping through content you’re watching on the media center. It’s wireless, of course, though like the VivoPC there’s no word on how much it will cost when it reaches store shelves in Q3 2013.

ASUS VivoMouse:

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ASUS VivoPC and VivoMouse make a high-design play for your living room is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Logitech Wired Keyboard for iPad eschews Bluetooth for old-school connection

Logitech isn’t short on keyboards for the iPad, but for those sick of changing batteries its new wired version may be the answer. Billed as ideal for the classroom – where, as Logitech points out, more and more schools are deploying Apple’s tablet as a learning aid – the new ‘board would also work in a home desktop setup, with versions for both the new Lightning port on the iPad mini and fourth-gen iPad Retina, and a Dock Connector model for older slates.

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Both get their power from the iPad, so there are no batteries to switch out or recharge, and since you’re not relying on Bluetooth there shouldn’t be any lost-connection issues either. Logitech has given the Wired Keyboard for iPad full-sized keys, and while they’re low-profile, that should be at least familiar to those coming over from a laptop ‘board.

It’s also spill resistant, capable of shrugging off at most 60ml of liquids (though not of withstanding full immersion). Heavy-handed typists can expect it to handle more than 5m keystrokes.

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The layout itself is basically the Mac-usual, with shortcut buttons for brightness, search, media playback, and volume. There’s also a dedicated lock button.

The Logitech Wired Keyboard for iPad will go on sale in the US from August, in Lightning Connector form, while the 30-pin connector version will follow on in October. Both versions will be priced at $59.99, and it’s up for preorder now.


Logitech Wired Keyboard for iPad eschews Bluetooth for old-school connection is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Mophie Juice Pack Plus straps a 2100mAh battery to your iPhone 5

Mophie has been making battery cases for various smartphones for a number of years that extend the runtime between charges. Some of the most popular battery cases that the company offers are designed for Apple’s range of iPhones including the new iPhone 5. Mophie has announced a new battery case for the iPhone 5 that promises to significantly increase the runtime of the device.

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The case is called the juice pack plus and promises 120% extra power in a thin case. Not only does the case provide extra runtime the iPhone 5, but it also helps to protect the phone from drops and impacts. Inside the case is a 2100 mAh battery promising 120% additional battery life for the iPhone 5 user.

Mophie also promises that the case itself won’t damage the iPhone 5 thanks to features like anti-scratch guides to buffer the impact of falls and a direct injection sleeve engineered with a special shockproof band. The case is offered in three different colors including a soft touch black case, glossy white, and metallic red. The red case is a collaboration with Product (RED).

The large battery pack inside the case promises up to 10 additional hours of talk time on a 3G network. Users can also get up to 12 additional hours of Wi-Fi use and up to 50 additional hours of audio playback. The battery pack can also provide up to 12 additional hours of video playback. Users can charge the phone and sync the device without removing it from the case.

It features a lightning pass through using the included micro USB cable. Users can also connect their headphones to the iPhone 5 without removing it from the case. A flip switch is integrated to allow users to toggle between charging using the juice pack plus battery or standby for the battery so it’s there when you need it. The case is also fitted with an LED indicator showing how much power is left in the case and the case has one amp charging allowing it to charge quicker than when using a standard .5A system. You can purchase the iPhone 5 juice pack plus right now for $119.95.

SOURCE: Mophie


Mophie Juice Pack Plus straps a 2100mAh battery to your iPhone 5 is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

GoStacked iPhone Case Has Swappable Add-ons: Machina Ex Machina

There are already many iPhone cases that incorporate an additional battery. But what if the extra battery runs out as well? Or what it you’d rather have extra storage at times instead of extra power? The inventors of the GoStacked think they have the answer. Their iPhone case has interchangeable add-ons, forming case and machine, power xtreme!

gostacked iphone smart case

The first add-on for the GoStacked is the 2000mAh GoBattery. But if that runs out and there’s no outlet in sight, you can swap in the GoSolar solar panel to charge your device.

Finally, there’s the extremely useful GoDrive 64. Sorry, it’s not a 64-bit console, but it is a wireless flash drive with 64GB capacity. It creates its own wireless network; all you need is the GoStacked+ app and you can access what’s in the GoDrive 64. Other iOS devices can access the GoDrive 64 in the same way, even if they don’t have a GoStacked case. It also has a 3600mAh battery to keep your iPhone juiced up while you stream media or review documents from the drive.

A pledge of at least $60 (USD) on Kickstarter qualifies you for a GoStacked case and at least one of the add-ons. The case has two versions – one for the iPhone 4 & 4S and one for the iPhone 5.

Sadly, as of this writing GoStacked’s fundraiser only has 11 days to go but they’re still a long ways off from reaching their desired amount of money. Is it because the case is bulky? If you ask me the trade off is worth it. Heck, the GoDrive64 alone is worth having a thicker phone.

[via Nibletz]

NewerTech crams an optical drive in the miniStack Max, combines SD reader and up to 4TB storage

NewerTech crams an optical drive in the miniStack Max, combines SD reader and up to 4GB storage

It’s no secret that Apple is trying to push the optical drive the way of the Dodo, but if you have a need for the legacy technology, then you might consider going all out with the miniStack Max from Newer Technology. Like other products in the miniStack lineup, it shares the same footprint as the Mac Mini, which makes for a perfect stackable solution. There are a number of options for configuring the miniStack Max, starting with the optical drive, which extend from a DVD writer, to a Blu-ray drive or even a Blu-ray burner. Likewise, the base configuration lacks storage, but can be configured with drives that range in size between 500GB and 4TB. Rounding out the miniStack Max, you’ll find an SDXC reader, three USB 3.0 ports, one eSATA port, two FireWire 800 ports and a Kensington lock slot. The miniStack Max is available now for $249.99 with a DVD burner and 1TB storage, and ranges in price from $149.99 for a bare unit (sans optical drive and storage), to $569.00 for the model with a Blu-ray writer and 4GB storage.

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Source: Newer Technology

Nokia DC-18 external charger is like a Live Tile for power-ups

Nokia’s Asha 501 may be catching the attention this morning for its slick design and $99 price, but the new DC-18 charger isn’t going to let a smartphone get all the style kudos. It may only be an external power pack, but the Universal Portable USB Charger DC-18 manages to look better than most such bricks we’ve seen, though its 1,720 mAh capacity probably means you’ll only get a single recharge out of it.

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The small capacity is down to the relatively small size, with the DC-18 measuring in at just 57 x 57 x 14.9 mm and 65g. Up front there’s a battery status indicator, which lights up with the current charge level when you pull out the retractable microUSB cable.

Pulling the cable free turns the DC-18 on, while tucking it back into place turns it off. That does leave the microUSB plug itself protruding, which seems like a recipe for getting it caught on your bag or the lining of your coat pocket, however.

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Nokia will offer the DC-18 in four colors – a Lumia and Asha 501 matching cyan, magenta, white, and yellow – though the company is yet to confirm pricing. We’re guessing it’ll be relatively affordable, however, since the DC-16 (which actually has a larger, 2,200 mAh battery) portable charger comes in at around $40.

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Nokia DC-18 external charger is like a Live Tile for power-ups is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Stinky Gaming Footboard meets funding goal

Back in late March, I talked about a new gaming peripheral but it turned up on Crown source funding site Kickstarter called the Stinky Gaming Footboard. The device was a gaming controller that allows you to use your feet to and control input to various video games. The project was originally seeking $75,000.

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The gaming controller has a special cross shape and four programmable buttons. You can map those buttons to various commands using the videogame software. The device is designed to be very flexible allowing the users to place it in any direction they want and teasing with one or both feet.

The designer made the footboard to be easy to return to neutral position after you activate key. One of the more interesting features of the Stinky Footboard is that the device shipped with multiple Springs allowing you to customize the tension to your preferences. The project has now met it Kickstarter funding goal.

In fact, it raised a bit more than its goal of $75,000 racking up a total of $79,562. The funding goal is met yesterday and the controller cost those who backed the project $89 or more. Shipping is expected to happen in July of 2013, but you’d be safe to expect some delays. The laser very common with Kickstarter projects as roadblocks are hit during the ramp-up to production frequently.

[via Kickstarter]


Stinky Gaming Footboard meets funding goal is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Pyle PBTR70 turns your iPod dock into a Bluetooth speaker

If you’ve been using the iPhone for a long time and upgraded to the iPhone 5 when it launched, I’d wager you have a number of accessories, such as speaker docks, in your house or office that you can no longer use. That’s because the iPhone 5 went to a new docking adapter that is incompatible with previous generation chargers and accessories without using an Apple adapter. That adapter isn’t exactly an attractive solution and may not work with some speaker docks.

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Pyle is an audio brand that has been around for a long time and the company has announced a new Bluetooth receiver specifically designed to connect to iPod docks and turn them into wireless speakers. The Bluetooth receiver is called the Pyle Home PBTR70. One of the more interesting things about this Bluetooth receiver is that it makes your previously Apple only speaker docks universal.

It uses Bluetooth technology supporting anything including your iPhone, BlackBerry devices, Android devices, and more. It also has a 3.5 mm audio input for devices that lack Bluetooth connectivity. The wireless adapter promises a range of 33 feet and should give you plenty of distance for streaming your music all around the room or office.

The adapter measures 2.15 a 2.15 x 0.45-inches. The PBTR70 is available to order right now for $66.99. This is an interesting and decently priced product to help you get more use out of your obsolete speaker docks.

[via Pyle Audio]


Pyle PBTR70 turns your iPod dock into a Bluetooth speaker is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Adonit launches Jot Touch 4 stylus for iPad users

There are a lot of things you can do with the tablet such as the iPad other than simply surfing the Internet, replying to e-mails, and watching video. Many professional and semiprofessional artists all around the world use iPads and other tablets as digital art books. You can draw on these tablets with various applications using your fingers or other accessories.

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A company called Adonit has launched a new stylus specifically aimed at the iPad user called the Jot Touch 4. The stylus supports 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity and is able to provide natural lines. The stylus also supports palm rejection allowing you to rest your hands on the screen as you work. Knowing that your palm or other fingers isn’t going to accidentally destroy your art is a big deal.

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The stylus pairs to the iPad using Bluetooth 4.0. Battery life for the stylus is one month per charge and it charges via USB. The stylus also features a pair of shortcut buttons close to the tip allowing you to access software tools quickly and perform undo functions or switch colors with a press. The pointed tip of the pen isn’t what touches the screen of your tablet.

The round clear disk is what actually glides across the screen of your tablet and since it’s clear you can see exactly what sort of line you’re making. The tip also has a dampening functionality that makes it feel as if you’re writing with a pen on paper. That dampening tip also helps reduce noise allowing you to work in silence. The stylus is available right now for $89.99.

[via Adonit]


Adonit launches Jot Touch 4 stylus for iPad users is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.