Hasta La Gadget!

QR codes are showing up everywhere. I have to admit it took me a while to understand the appeal. I’m finally starting to see how useful these odd little pattern filled squares are. A simple scanning app, and you can be connected to all sorts of information. Is it any surprise that they are making their way onto wearable items, and into social media?

Well, check out Skanz… a cool new product, that that lets you wear your entire social profile, by means of a trendy little QR-coded bracelet. Simply choose a thin, or a wide band in the color of your choice, register it with skanz.com, and create your own personal, mobile “Skanzsite”. Skanzsites allow anyone that scans your unique QR code with their smartphone to connect all of your social media accounts, like Facebook,  or Instagram,  any contact info you would like to share, like phone numbers, or addresses, and your favorite photos, music and more.

The Skanz bracelets also come in a Jr. version that allows your kids to build a fun homepage that includes all the fun things they would like to share, like TV shows, music videos, favorite things, all without revealing any personal info, that could be dangerous. There is never any charge to customize or maintain your Skanzsite and both regular and Jr. Skanzsites have the ability to be password protected.

If you’d like to get in on the newest way to indulge in your social media obsession, or just want another way to answer the question “can I have your number?” then a Skanz bracelet is just what you’re looking for. Get yours at amazon.com for under 12 bucks.
[ Skanz – Where Social Media and Fashion Collide copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Our phone can give us just about any piece of information we could want to know. All it takes is typing in the search bar (you might need to be in a specific app if you don’t want to jump through a few hoops, but still). However, the screen is fairly small, and if you have any difficulty seeing, you’ve likely jammed this device in your face trying to read the small script.

If you wish you had a bigger screen, but don’t want to get a phablet, then the iPhone Raku Raku Magnifier can help you out. This is literally a clip-on loupe that will allow you to see your screen close-up at a distance. Essentially, this is taking away the need to zoom. While this would be very helpful when looking at maps if you use your smartphone for directions, this would be annoying for everyday use as it makes your phone a bit bulky. Unless of course, you have eyesight issues to the point where you don’t mind the extra addage of this clip-on.

To use, you’ll want to unscrew the vice wide enough to put your smartphone in (anything that is 8-10mm thich), and clamp it down. This can be attached to a case, but depending on the type, this could be more annoying than helpful. When you don’t need its assistance, you can simply flip it over the back, and pull it out again when necessary. This will cost around $16, and would be great for grandma and grandpa if they’re trying to join the modern world by using a smartphone.

Available for purchase on raremonoshop, found via redferret
[ The Raku Raku Magnifier For iPhone aides troubled eyes copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Do we all remember learning how to brush our teeth? In my day that meant those little red disclosing tablets that you would chew, and they would leave bright red stains on the teeth you neglected. My kiddo should know how to brush, but I’m not sure she gets the consequences of not doing it properly. Of course modern technology has a solution…Check out Kolibree, a cool new gadget designed to help you brush smarter. Used like your regular toothbrush, Kolibree sends real-time data directly to your smartphone. Easily check to see if you’ve brushed for long enough, or brushed in all the right places, using intelligent sensors and connected technology. Yup, its a Bluetooth toothbrush with a nifty associated app.

Kolibree’s toothbrush actually contains a sensor that can track the areas of your mouth that you’re brushing, and it lets you know what sections might need a little more attention. The toothbrush measures how often, and for how long you spend brushing and, if you’re not gettin’ it done, you’ll get a low brushing score. Good for kids and adults alike, Kolibree will help anyone who cares about their smile, to brush smarter.

Kolibree tells us that it’s an open platform, which means they can create limitless digital dental experiences through the use of creative apps, including games, music & video apps, healthcare & well-being apps, even interactions with your dentist. I think Kolibree will do more for kids learning to brush their teeth than a musical toothbrush and an egg timer ever did. Watch for the Kickstarter campaign sometime this summer… they’re expected to price out between 100 and 200 bucks depending which one you get.  It seems like brushing your teeth might never be the same. To sign up for notices, or for more info, visit kolibree.com.
[ Kolibree – Your Dental Health, Now on the Net copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

We keep telling ourselves that we’re going to drop those winter pounds, and keep up with jogging or going to the gym. One week of not feeling well can kill that pretty quickly if you don’t have a good exercise buddy. If you’re wanting to target one aspect of your body, then you might try and find a way to incorporate a workout into your daily regimen that you won’t even notice after a while.

If you’re wanting to tone up your arms a touch, then lifting weights will help with this. However, we’re not going to carry around a dumbbell all day. Unless your phone is acting as one. The ToneFone is a weighted iPhone 5/5s case that will make sure you don’t forget a single day of lifting. Any time you want to pick up your phone or have a long conversation will now be a test of willpower and strength.

This case is made of 100% steel that has been coated in a durable and grippy rubber that is only available in white. You can choose whether you want to put yourself through carrying around a 2.2 or 3.3 pound case which will cost you $32-35 depending on your choice. The obvious drawbacks are getting annoyed with this and taking it off as it will weigh down your bag, the case is going to eventually get dirty, and it’s a bit questionable as to whether or not your phone will be safe attached to a weight. Surely you’re not going to drop it more because it weighs more, right?

Available for preorder on desirablebody, found via gizmodiva
[ ToneFone won’t let you escape a workout regimen copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Some communities have a neighborhood watch, and I like that idea. There is something to be said about knowing there are people, awake and alert, that care about you, your home, your town. I’d like to see the concept taken up a notch, I’d like to know when there’s an accident clogging up my way to work, or that a break-in has occurred at a business in town… that would be some good information to have.

So check out Local Alarm System (LAS),  a brand new app that can help increase the safety in your neighborhood in a quick and easy way. You simply need to download the LAS app, and then invite your friends and neighbors to join your group and, if an emergency occurs, LAS allows them to inform the entire neighborhood with just the press of a few buttons.

If something happens, press the relevant alarm button, indicate the group you want to inform, and indicate where the danger is. Everyone in the group will automatically receive a push message telling them what is going on, then, the alarmed members of the group can respond easily through another push message.

LAS can also be of great value for shopping centers, store owners, parks, beaches, first aid posts at fairs and festivals or other special events etc. to inform the right people within seconds, about burglary, fire, casualties or just about any unsafe situations. Of course, for all emergencies; first call 911, then, use LAS for immediate assistance from your vicinity.

If you would like to sleep a little easier, and be informed about what’s going on around town in real time…head on over to the Appstore or Google Play for your download, or visit lokaalalarmsysteem.nl for videos and more information.
[ Local Alarm System – Neighborhood Watch in an App copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]