Hasta La Gadget!

If you use an Apple gadget with a 30-pin connector and frequent Kickstarter, you may have noticed a project on the website over the last month or so called the POP. This is a squat little circular charger that looks like a miniature garbage can designed to charge Apple devices and other smartphones. The project was originally seeking $50,000 in funding.

Enough people were interested in this charger that 1000 backers ponied up over $139,000 in pledges. Once the project funded, backers were undoubtedly saddened to hear that the project was unexpectedly canceled. The reason for the cancellation was that Apple had withdrawn its approval for the product because they objected to having both a Lightning connector and any other type of connector in the same device. While the rule may have existed for aesthetic reasons, there appeared to be no technical reason that it couldn’t be done.

After a large public outcry, Apple has since gone back and reworked its rules and the POP charger project is back on schedule. The designer of the product has already sent out e-mails to backers telling them that refunds, which were previously announced, will no longer be given and the project is moving forward.

[via Gigaom]

It costs $1,200 to clear a single landmine. But Afghan designer Massoud Hassani has created a device that costs just €40 (roughly $51 U.S.), needs only wind power to operate, and can clear two or three mines in a single trip. In the video above, you can see how his elegant design for the Mine Kafon was inspired by a childhood spent navigating minefields in Afghanistan, and how a simple child’s toy acted as the catalyst for an invention that could change the world.

We’ve seen plenty of activity trackers over the last year or so that are designed specifically to interface with smartphones and other devices. Some of the more interesting of these activity trackers that we’ve seen comes from Fitbit. A new competitor in the market is on indiegogo right now and has eclipsed its funding goal in short order.

The device is called the Misfit Shine, and it is an all-metal disc that is small and very easy to use. In addition to tracking your walking or running exercise; the device is also water resistant so you can track cycling and swimming as well. The disc is only slightly larger than a quarter allowing it to be worn just about anywhere.

Users can tap the device to turn on lights around its edge to give you an easy visual representation of how active you have been during the day. The device is designed to sync with your smart phone, such as the iPhone, using no wires and no complicated Bluetooth pairing procedures. The paring process only requires you to lay the Shine on your iPhone.

Another cool feature of the Shine is that several mounting options are available, including a bracelet and a clip to secure it on the clothing. The Shine disc is 27.5 mm in diameter and 3.3 mm thick. It gets power from a coin cell battery good for six months and weighs under 10 g. It works with any smart phone running Android 4.0 and up or iOS5 and up. This project was seeking $100,000 and has raised over $117,000 with 32 days to go. The cheapest pledge that will get you a Misfit Shine is $79. Shipping is estimated for March of 2013.

Misfit Shine is an all metal activity tracker for those looking to get fit is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

In July, after the Google I/O developer event, I reviewed the newly unveiled Nexus 7 tablet after using it for a bit. Most people fired off snap reactions about their thoughts, but I decided to put it through its paces, and I’m glad that I did. Another guy who took some time to sort out his thoughts was our very own MG Siegler.

I also wrote a review about the Nexus 10 recently, the larger model of Google’s tablet line. In that review, I pointed out that Android’s operating system is, in my opinion, better suited for the tablet experience versus that of what you’ll find on a phone with it installed. That’s why I was looking forward to the updated Nexus 7 line, which include mobile capabilities, something both tablets had been lacking. WiFi only is limiting, and I don’t want to have to tether.

I’ve always been averse to using the phrase and concept of “war” when it comes to technology companies, usually because it’s way overused. I even chided my now-colleague Josh Constine for doing this. I’m eating crow, because with the release of the mobile version of the Nexus 7, this is war.

Starting today, you can purchase the device from the Google Play store for $299, and I feel like it’s the tablet that Google has always wanted to sport. Not only that, but I also feel like it’s the tablet that consumers who use Google products have been waiting for.

This is now the device that Google wants you to purchase for the holidays. Is it worth it? Let’s find out.

Nothing new, but completely different

It’s maddening to me to have a WiFi-only device, and I can only suspect that this was the case with Google’s current line of devices for testing the market. Basically, if the Nexus 7 didn’t grip, why offer a mobile version at all? Why involve AT&T at all? That’s why working with hardware vendors like Asus comes in handy. If it doesn’t take off, go back to the drawing board. Drawing board session complete, the Nexus 7 with mobile is fantastic.

As I mentioned in my Nexus 10 review, the latest version of Android’s OS, Jelly Bean 4.2, is a dramatic upgrade over 4.1. I’m honestly shocked that the company didn’t give it a new name. With features like Google Now getting an update, the addition of multiple accounts, home screen widgets and ridiculous speed, this OS is absolutely hot. The base model has 32GB of storage, and that’s more than enough for me.

When you’re using this thing on the go, as intended, you find yourself realizing how Google has tied together its products so elegantly. With its flagship feature, Google Now, I can honestly say that I’ve found it to be more helpful than Apple’s Siri. Apple apologists can now sound off in the comments over that one. Also, Google Maps and Directions are just flat-out phenomenal. Not only do they work better than Apple’s iOS 6 Maps, they over-perform in the sense that you will get to where you want to go, and correctly and it never fails. Now that you can have that experience in your car, on the go, the world will see how good Google’s mapping technology really is, Apple be damned.

Oh, and I still use, love, and carry my iPhone 5. We’re talking tablets, here. The screen is gorgeous though and I love that it’s unlocked. Yes, use it with whichever service you like.

The cameras? Gorgeous. The Photo Sphere feature that was released with Android 4.2 will blow your mind. Check this out:

Basically, you can take full 360 degree photos that spin around. I highly suggest seeing it on the fly.

Speed and on-the-go delight

I don’t know much about the deep technical jargon when it comes to 3G/LTE/HSPA+, but I will say that the connection that I get with this device is plenty fast. If that weren’t the case, I would say so. The Nexus 7 works with AT&T (for me, but you can use whatever you like since it’s unlocked) and sports the HSPA+ variety of speed, which does up to around 168 Megabits per second. That’s fine by me. Obviously, LTE on my iPhone is blazing fast, but I had no trouble with the Nexus 7 +Mobile.

Being able to use this device on the train, at the coffee shop, walking around the office and sitting on my back patio is what I’ve wanted since July’s Nexus 7 unveiling. I don’t want to tether, as I mentioned, because it seems too janky to even do with a straight face.

I can stand in the middle of the street now, sans cars, and ask Google Now “Where is the closest Starbucks”, and within seconds, I have an answer thanks to Google Maps. When I did this, I shook my head in appreciation. Try that with Siri and iOS 6 Maps.

Now why doesn’t this experience translate to a great one on an Android phone for me? I have no idea whatsoever. I feel like Android needs more screen real-estate. Maybe I’m weird, but when I’m on the go or at home relaxing, I just want to do things with ease, and I am a Google product user, so it makes sense that I would gravitate to the device that provides the superior experience for those products.

I use Google search, Gmail, Google+, Calendar, Drive, etc. Those apps don’t work too well on Apple devices, for reasons. If you don’t “get” Google+ and the integration of social into all of Google’s products, give the Nexus 7 a whirl and you’ll finally have your “a-ha” moment.

The War

It’s a two-horse race between Apple and Google. I’m not even going to suggest that Microsoft is ready to enter the race with its Surface offering as of yet, since I laughed hysterically after using it for an hour. Feel free to fire off in the comments about that, too.

With Apple releasing the iPad Mini, which is larger than 7-inches, but barely, the company has positioned itself in the driver’s seat without a doubt. A lot of people have iPhones and iPads, and those people are evangelizers for the products. They are simply amazing and well-designed. But when I used the iPad mini for a few days, it just felt like a big Touch or a smaller iPad. For me, that’s not worth spending the money.

For $299, you can get the new Nexus 7 with mobile capability. At first blush, you might think “Yeah, another cheaper version of the iPad mini. Do not want.” Well, that’s not the case. In fact, while I sat in Starbucks reviewing it over the past few days, multiple people came up to me and asked to play with my “iPad mini.” When I told them that it was a Nexus 7 they said “No way!” Then they used it. Then I had to ask for it back. Yes, that’s not bullshit. Yes, it’s that good. Yes, I’ve owned an iPad with 3G connection, and I gave it away. My iPad first gen sits in the closet.

So what does this mean for Apple? Does a war put them out of business? Of course not. However, the race for the hearts and minds of consumers just got a bit more difficult for them this holiday season. Once a few people get their hands on the device and experience what I’ve experienced, there will be some people who “convert.” Or, people who have never owned a tablet will choose to go with the Nexus 7 as their entry device. My opinion is that they won’t put it down.

Apple has a war on its hands when it comes to tablets. And Google will trade punches with them, blow for blow.

Written on my lovely MacBook Pro.

The system consists of a handheld transmitter and tiny receivers that look like something out of a 60s spy movie. The little receivers are about the size of a quarter and are black. To use the system you stick one of the little receivers to whatever it is you tend to lose be it a smartphone, your keys, or your glasses.

The system promises enough range to work even in a large 3000 square-foot home. The transmitter has four buttons that you can label to correspond to the specific devices you tend to lose. When you need to find one of those devices, you press the button associated to it and seconds after you press the button the receiver on your lost device begins to alarm.

The manufacturer says that the signal can be transmitted through walls and allows you to find your lost devices, even if they’re in another room. This thing sounds like a modernized version of the key chain my mother had when I was growing up that set off an alarm when you clapped or whistled.

The Gadget Hound is on Indiegogo seeking funding now. A pledge of $99 will get you the standard version featuring for receivers while $129 will get you the deluxe version with six receivers. The project is seeking $60,000 and has 117 days to go. So far, only $603 has been raised.

The Gadget Hound is perfect for people who lose stuff is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.