Mar 26
Casio has been making bulky, rugged, and rather clunky watches in the G-shock range for as long as I can remember. The company has unveiled some concept watches that carry … Continue reading
Mar 24
Are all speakers created alike? The answer is a definite “No”, and here we are with something that will definitely pique your interest. I am referring to the $59.99 Water Drop Bluetooth Speaker, where it allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes wirelessly courtesy of a Bluetooth connection at just about anywhere. Coming in an aqua light blue color as well as a unique raindrop shape, those happen to be constant yet fun reminders of it’s water resistant capability. It does not matter whether you place it in the bathroom, by the pool, or simply hang it off your beach umbrella with the included strap, it will be equally at home.
Of course, what the whole point of having a waterproof speaker if it were be unable to dish out impressive sounding audio? With an audio output of 3 W and a frequency response of 120-17,000 HZ, it ought to be able to satisfy most folks. If you are an audiophile, you would not even be looking at this in the first place. Of course, apart from playing your favorite tunes, the Water Drop Bluetooth Speaker can also double up as a hands-free calling device, now how about that?
[ Water Drop Bluetooth Speaker looks absolutely cute copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Mar 24
Sony announced a new line of wireless high-end speakers recently. Three new speakers have been added to the SRS line of wireless units including the SRS-X9, SRS-X7, and the SRS-X5. … Continue reading
Mar 23
LG has revealed its first smart bulb, the LG Smart Lamp, a low-wattage bulb that is said to be 80% more efficient than typical incandescent bulbs. However, while frugality is … Continue reading
Mar 21
The Bluetooth speaker market is very crowded, so it’s quite difficult to decide what speaker to go with. Well, the portable speaker that has now jumped to the top of my list is the Grain PWS (Packable Wireless Speaker). This compact Bluetooth speaker measures just 7″(W) x 2 3/8″ (D) x 3 1/8″(H), but it packs a punch, and looks great doing it.
The first thing you’ll notice about the PWS is just how substantial it looks and feels. Its case is made from solid walnut, so right there it’s got a big advantage over other portable speakers. Wood is just a much better material for speaker enclosures than plastic. There’s a reason that high end audiophile speakers are made of the stuff. Grain is quick to point out that the wood will change color with time, which just adds to its design panache. In addition to the wood enclosure, the speaker has metal grilles with a soft rubberized bezel which just looks sharp.
Of course, a case does not a speaker make. Inside, you’ll find a pair of 2″ drivers and a passive radiator, backed by a stereo amp and Waves award-winning MaxxAudio sound processing. While the wattage of the amplification system isn’t specified, the speaker pushes out sufficient volume to fill my 15′ x 20′ living room. At full volume, distortion was inaudible to my reasonably well-trained ear, and at normal listening volumes, audio was well-rounded and warm, without the tinniness usually associated with small speakers.
Connecting your wireless device to the PWS is brilliantly simple too. Just press the power button for five seconds, and a voice will announce “pairing mode”. Then select the PWS with your mobile device’s Bluetooth settings and the voice will announce “pairing complete”. The Other than play/pause, the speaker forgoes any sort of remote track control feature like some Bluetooth speakers, but this is okay by me. I use the controls on my mobile gadgets to choose tracks and playlists anyhow, and I’m pretty sure that most of you do too.
Naturally, the PWS has a built-in rechargeable battery too, so you can take it wherever you go. Battery life for the PWS is rated at eight hours, and I had no problem achieving (and slightly exceeding) this in my testing at medium volume levels. A handy LED indicator inside the rubberized power switch changes color to indicate when the battery is at 25% remaining, and then again when it’s at 10%. When you plug it in to charge, a voice announcement says “charging” and then “charge complete” when it’s done. Charging an empty battery takes somewhere between two to three hours.
Not only does the Grain look and sound great, its packaging is top notch. Inside the box, you’ll find a soft carrying pouch, a matching dark grey Grain USB power adapter, a MicroUSB to USB cable and a 3.5mm stereo cable for directly connecting audio sources.
To sum up, I’m impressed with this little speaker, and it’s currently my favorite Bluetooth travel speaker. While other speakers may be more rugged or waterproof, or offer more bells and whistles, I’m giving the Grain PWS the win on sheer sound quality and aesthetics.
The Grain PWS is available for order now, and sells for $249(USD).
Mar 20
I really like the technology of things. I can’t wait for the next gadget or gizmo to come around, I simply have to have it. What I don’t like? Cords and wires everywhere. I have things plugged in all over my house. Wires everywhere. Wouldn’t it be great if you could ditch the cables on even just a few of your devices?
Well, now you can. Check out the ADAPT Bluetooth Adaptor, turning almost any of your devices (that have a 3.5 mm audio jack) into a modern, Bluetooth enabled piece of high-tech equipment. As cute to look at, as it is easy to use, the adapter features a quick and simple interface, and a handy Sport clip that attaches your ADAPT to your coat, straps, shirt, or bikini top. The clip also gives you access to the ADAPT’s external controls that let you to adjust volume, change tracks, play/pause and answer calls. It also boasts a built-in microphone, truly making it, your world a wireless one.
The ADAPT Bluetooth Adapter has a rugged, rubberized coating, a built-in Li-Polymer/rechargeable battery, it features noise suppression, echo elimination, and duplex sound for crystal clear quality calls. Has up to six hours of talk time, almost 150 hours of standby, and works from up to 30 feet away. Can you hear me now?
The Bluetooth Adapter comes with a USB to 3.5mm charging cable and a user manual. So if you’d like to ditch some of the cords in your life, go ahead and get one for well under 40 bucks from amazon.com, or just go check out the video.
[ ADAPT Bluetooth Adapter – Making it a Wireless World copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Mar 20
It seemed so superfluous to have a smartwatch for your phone that would tell you what your phone is up to. One motion of pulling it out of your pocket will do the same thing. However, that’s not to say that bringing back the wristwatch aesthetic isn’t appreciated. Paying several hundred dollars for something that can do just about everything your phone can without actually being a phone seemed a bit off.
The creators of the Exetech XS-3 likely felt the same way. This is a smartwatch that will act just the same as any other phone that runs on Android 4.0. It has a MediaTek dual-core processor, 2GB of internal storage with the option to put in a 32GB microSD card. Of course, you’ll also be able to put in a microSIM card as well.
This can sit on standby of about 18 hours, but with use it will snuff out after about 6-7 and need a recharge. Honestly, it’s not much worse than any other smartphone, but it is annoying to have a wristwatch on that’s not doing anything. It can access Google Play, but not everything will be running in tip-top shape as you’ll be seeing things play out on a 1.54-inch LCD touchscreen display that has 240×240 resolution. There is a 2-megapixel camera on it as well, so you’ll still be able to snap selfies, if not even more discreetly than before. You’ll be able to purchase this for around $481, with color options of white and black.
Available for purchase on Exetech
[ The Exetech XS-3 is a standalone Android smartwatch-phone copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Mar 19
Can you think of how many different texts, emails, and comments you write in a day? It seems like an endless amount, but it is spread across your phone, tablet, and computer. Of course, when you’re sitting at your desk, you use all three almost simultaneously. Instead of bringing up a keyboard and making it harder to see what you’re writing due to screen size limitations, why not use your computer keyboard for everything?
The Kanex Multi-Sync Keyboard will allow you to type on any three devices you choose with the same keyboard. All it takes is a press of a button, and you will switch from one Bluetooth device to another. In style and function, this was meant to be paired with Apple devices. It will still work with Windows or Android, but some of the hotkeys or shortcuts might not be of use.
This can also be paired with your Xbox360, but only in USB mode. This will cost you around $70, and sadly works primarily on AAA batteries. It does come with a stand that will accommodate either an iPhone or iPad. This is great for multi-taskers who want to keep things organized and seamless. There is a number pad, volume, brightness, play, and pause buttons for you to adjust things exactly as you like it. As this is wireless, it’s also great for those who enjoy having a keyboard for on-the-go situations.
Available for purchase on Kanex, found via thegeekchurch
[ The Kanex Multi-Sync Keyboard will play nice with every device copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Mar 19
While we manage our lives fairly efficiently, there are always items out of place. Keys seem to love playing hide and seek, pets run further than they should from home, and the remote seems to find itself a new spot to hangout almost daily. It is impossible to micromanage the location of every object in your house, so why not put together a system that will do all the hard work for you?
The Pebble Bee was made by someone who has a family with both children and pets, meaning that things are misplaced far more often. This is merely a Bluetooth motion sensor that can be applied to just about anything because of its list of abilities. Not only does it have a 3-axis gyroscope, compass, and thermometer, but also flashing lights, a buzzer, and the capability to send alerts to your phone for whatever you need.
There are three options available called the Honey, which is mainly just a Bluetooth device which can flash or buzz, the Hornet, with the three 3-axis sensors, and Dragon, which has all of the above, as well as an induction coil and voltage regulator. This crowdfunding campaign seems to be built on the Hornet and Dragon more than anything else, but the Honey was likely added to give a lower priced option. They range in price from about $18-40, but that’s only one a piece. If you want a variety pack, you could go for the $261 option, which would give you three of each kind. These are rechargeable, and will last anywhere from one to six years depending on which kind of battery you put in it. This will work seamlessly with whatever phone you have that is Bluetooth enabled.
Available for crowdfunding on Kickstarter
[ The Pebble Bee is a motion tracking device for every occasion copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Mar 19
GateKeeper Locks Your PC Automatically, Perfect for the Lazy and Security Conscious
Posted in: Today's ChiliAn interesting new product is on Kickstarter that those who often lose things and are too lazy to lock their computer each time they walk away from it will appreciate. The product is called GateKeeper and it is a combination of a Bluetooth locating device and a proximity lock.
The proximity feature will automatically lock and unlock your PC or Mac when you walk away from it. That will keep your machine from sitting unprotected until your screen saver password protection kicks in.
The Bluetooth locator feature is just what it sounds like. It is a feature that will set off an alarm on your smartphone if you walk away from something you have tagged like a smartphone or bag. A pledge of $35(USD) or more will get you one GateKeeper this July. Fundraising ends at 11am CDT tomorrow, so you’ll want to move quickly if you want one.
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