Hasta La Gadget!

While I don’t have diabetes, it is a disease that my family deals with everyday. I am particularly interested in how technology is able to fight this illness and like so many others, I hope that a one day a cure can be found. I just finished reading an article about Duedenal Bypass surgery and that current testing suggests it may someday be promising in actually offering a cure for type 2 diabetics. That’s certainly something to keep an eye on.

In the meantime, I guess we still need to do all the right things, and monitor our blood sugar. A new way to do that is with the Telcare Wireless Glucose Meter. The Telcare Meter actually automatically uploads your test results online, and the wireless connectivity is free. The meter and the test strips may be covered by your insurance and while you don’t need any additional hardware or an iPhone, there is an associated (award winning) app that auto synchs with your device. The Telcare meter will also remind you when to order supplies, which of course you can do… right from the device!

Your healthcare provider has the option to receive your readings, and to offer you feedback and coaching information right on your meter, and printable reports and graphs are viewable on your PC, Mac or smartphone, allowing you to spot trends, adjust personalized blood glucose target zones, and closely monitor your progress so you can be proactive with your diabetes management.

The Telcare Meter is available for under 100 bucks, with a contract that provides customers with discounted prices on the Telcare BGM and Test Strips, or for around 149 dollars without a contract. The website telcare.com has more purchasing and product information and it let’s you check to see if the cost might be covered by your insurance.

[ Telcare Wireless Glucose Meter – New Tech, for an Old Problem copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Here at Coolest-Gadgets.com we have already told you about the availability of civilian space travel, now I’m not naming any names, but some of us are simply a little too nervous to just whip into space, no matter how comfy the ride may be. Thats not to say I’m not curious…

Well, let me introduce you to Spacecraft 3D, a NASA-created application that brings some of the agency’s amazing robotic spacecraft to life. The app uses animation to show how spacecraft can maneuver and manipulate their outside components and it’s able to put high definition, three-dimensional models right into the hands of kids of all ages. And it has augmented reality capabilities to boot.

Spacecraft 3D uses the iPhone or iPad camera to overlay information on the device’s main screen. The app instructs users to print an augmented reality target on a standard sheet of copy paper. When the device’s camera is pointed at the target, the spacecraft chosen by the user materializes on screen.

Spacecraft 3D also has a feature where you can take your own augmented-reality picture of the Rover or GRAIL spacecraft. You can even take a self-portrait with a spacecraft, putting yourself, or someone else in the picture.

Spacecraft 3D is currently only available at iTunes for your iDevice, but it should be available on other formats in the near future and best of all, its free.

[ Spacecraft 3D – Up Close, and Personal with NASA copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

I’m up till all hours of the night. I feel more productive at night and it’s just the way I’ve always been. That being said, my husband goes to sleep early and gets up early, I use headphones so I don’t disturb him (and so I can hear over his snoring). Have you ever fallen asleep with headphones on? or earbuds in? I think my right ear is still a little sore.

Check out Sleep Phones, developed by a doctor, these soft, moisture wicking fleece headbands actually contain ultra thin and removable speakers that can plug into most of your audio devices, leaving others completely undisturbed, and your little ears in cozy comfort.

Sleep Phones, dubbed “pajamas for your ears”, are especially designed with falling asleep in mind. Sleep Phones won’t fall off, allow you to lay on your back or your side and produce some fabulous sound. Perfect for listening to soothing music, relaxation tracks or even meditation or hypnosis tapes. And don’t they say you can actually learn while you’re sleeping? It might just be time to brush the dust off those Spanish language CD’s.

Simply plug the Sleep Phones into your music system, like an MP3, iPod or CD player and relax. If your device has an alarm feature you can use the Sleep Phones for that too… Which is especially useful if you have to get up earlier than your spouse and you’re thoughtful enough to let them sleep in.

Sleep Phones come in a deluxe version that includes volume controls and “play and pause” functions starting at around 55 bucks, and at their website, sleepphones.com they have CD’s and accessories all designed to finally get you a good nights sleep.

[ Sleep Phones – Count Sheep to your Favorite Tunes copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

We all know that Apple churns out some really spiffy looking devices, and have done so for a fair number of years already, without any hint of them stopping anytime soon. Well, if you happen to own at least one of the following – the iPad, iPod touch, iPhone or MacBook, then you might want to check out the Carbon Audio Zooka slide-on speaker bar which was specially designed as an accessory for the mentioned devices.

Of course, for anything to work in tandem with Apple’s devices, they will certainly need to look their best – or at least, flow along with the general design principles over at Cupertino. Good to know that the Carbon Audio Zooka slide-on speaker bar conforms to such lofty standards, and we shall take a closer look at just what it is capable of delivering for your ears to enjoy right after the jump.

First and foremost, we are looking at what Carbon Audio claims as “extraordinary sound quality”, where the Zooka is tipped to deliver a concert hall experience which is capable of significantly enhance the kind of music you hear, movies you watch, and games you play – amongst others, of course. Not only that, you can live in complete wireless freedom with the Zooka thanks to the ability to “project” sound via wireless Bluetooth, leaving you with the choice of placing the speaker a good 30 feet away from the primary device.

There is also an integrated microphone thrown into the mix, allowing the Zooka to work in tandem with the iPad, transforming it into a high quality speakerphone that will make your Skype and Facetime experiences a whole lot more pleasant. Of course, having said that, it will also play nice with other communication software to boot. Sporting a unique patented design, the Zooka can slide onto the edge of an iPad or MacBook without getting into the way of the camera.

To make sure the Zooka lives up to its purpose, there is also a removable kickstand that lets your iPad stand up, making it ideal for watching videos on the go without leaving your hands tired. The Carbon Audio Zooka slide-on speaker bar can be yours for $99.95 each, where it will come in nine colors including black, blue, dark grey, green, orange, pink, purple, red and teal as it rolls out sometime this August.

Press Release

[ Carbon Audio Zooka slide-on speaker bar for your Apple devices copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

I’ll lie if you ask me in person, but on paper I’m not afraid to admit that I grew up before computers, took typing lessons in high school and always envisioned myself writing the great American novel on an old typewriter in a cherry paneled study. I still have that old typewriter, now it seems, I just have to write the darn book.

Check out the USB Typewriter Computer Keyboard, a genuine antique typewriter that has been modified to work as a real USB keyboard for your PC, Mac or even your iPad. Already have that gorgeous old typewriter? That’s no problem, with the do-it-yourself typewriter conversion kit,  you can easily bring that baby right back into 21st century functionality.

The modification is quite simple, and leaves the typewriter looking, feeling, and working just like a regular typewriter. You will be able to use the USB Typewriter Keyboard as your regular keyboard, or you can actually turn off your high tech monitor and type on decidedly low tech paper, all while simultaneously saving your work to disk. How cool is that? If an iPad is more your style, the Typewriter also functions as the most awesome keyboard dock your iPad has ever seen.

There’s no special software required and it seems to work with almost all desktops, laptops, iPads and tablets, but please check with the manufacturer just to make sure. The USB Typewriter Computer Keyboard sells for 699 bucks, and the conversion kit to renovate your old clickity-clack is only $74 and available at etsy.com.

[ USB Typewriter Computer Keyboard – Put some Old School in your High Tech copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]