Hasta La Gadget!

Good news Windows 8 users, if you were looking forward to the Window 8 Metro version of the media player, you’re in luck because it seems that the app is close to being released. According to the team at VLC who posted on their Kickstarter page, the app had been submitted to the Windows Store, but apparently due to an audio crash, they failed to receive certification. While they’re working on getting it fixed and resubmitting it, this is good news because it signifies that the app is pretty much ready to go, save for some bugs here and there.

The app will perform like the regular VLC and will support the usual formats, including file and network streaming support, and even subtitles. The team is hoping to resubmit the app for certification this weekend, so if all goes well, it shouldn’t be too long before we see its release. As for the ARM version of the app, including Windows Phone, the team is still working on it and they are hoping that they will be able to deploy it in a matter of weeks, stating that the main reasons behind the delay is due to compiler related issues.

It was back in 2012 when VLC first announced their plans to make a Windows 8 Metro version of their app. The team then launched a successful Kickstarter campaign and have been slowly making some progress over the course of the year. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for a release and will update you guys once we learn more.

VLC For Windows 8′s Metro Close To Being Released original content from Ubergizmo.

Another contender for smart(en)ing up your home has taken to Kickstarter to raise funds. The Beijing-based startup behind Plugaway has put together Wi-Fi connected plugs and LED lightbulbs which, used in conjunction with its Android or iOS app, can remotely switch your appliances on or off, or dim or kill your lights.

The system can also be used to monitor electricity consumption, schedule and time appliances, and set up device alerts and notifications. Or it will, assuming it hits its Kickstarter goal and transitions from the current prototype stage to commercial product (Plugaway is aiming to ship kit to backers next April). It’s very close to making its funding goal at least, with more than $47,500AUD raised of a $50,000AUD target and still 34 days left on their crowdfunding campaign.

Updating standard electrical household objects, such as your trusty old desk lamp, to turn them into smart app-controlled objects – by augmenting them with tech such as Philips Hue’s psychedelic Wi-Fi bulbs – can be an expensive business. It can also, frankly, be a bit of a faff. In the case of Hue a Wi-Fi bridge is required to plug into your router to link the bulbs to your broadband. And that bridge is pricey (and, in my experience, the connection between app and bridge can be flaky – or, at least, it was on an earlier iteration of the tech).

Plugaway’s aim is to reduce the costs of hooking your old school household appliances into the tap-happy convenience of apps. They’re doing this by offering two pieces of kit: smart plugs, so you can plug any appliance in and remotely switch it on or off; and smart LEDs, so you can remotely control lights.

Their Wi-Fi-enabled smart plugs cost $30 a pop – which means Plugaway is undercutting Belkin’s WeMo plugs. And their LED lightbulbs are also priced cheaper than LIFX’s similar kit (which starts at just under $90 a pop – or will when it goes on general sale in retail stores in January).

Plugaway has also decided it needs to embrace openness to get under the skin of big name competitors in this space – so, for instance, it’s going to let users customise its app:

We have decided to let everyone, including small firms, interior designers, developers, restaurant owners, even hobbyists, build an app in their own style with limitless functionality, share their skins on our website and brand the software with their logotypes. In short – to give it your personality.

Its openness also extends to interoperability with other apps and services, such as IFTTT, or other open smart home devices & systems.

Our open software means two things. Developers are able to integrate other devices into the app and share their add-ins. The other is that Plugaway will also be compatible with other systems, so you don’t even need to use our app unless you absolutely want to! Provided your existing system is open, you may use the Plugaway app’s API to connect with your current home-automation system.

Plugaway’s project is also an interesting study in how to polish the gem of an idea into something with more commercial potential with the help of the Kickstarter community. Its original Kickstarter for the Plugaway smart plug concept, kicked off back in May, but it subsequently decided to cancel the project to rethink the design of the plug (1960s orange wasn’t proving too popular with backers), and to make being an open platform more of a focus.

It also evidently spent some time polishing its Kickstarter pitch, as the before and after videos show. Here’s the earlier one, and below is the new pitch:

Modular Robotics, a company that hails from Boulder, Colorado, is all set to roll out a collection of robot-building kits to those who are interested, where it would enable you to work on just about any kind of robot that you would like – just use your imagination. Even better is the fact that there is no need for any kind of programming, now how about that? These kits are called MOSS, and they will come in a variety of sizes.

The larger sized MOSS kits will feature pieces that let you build your robot, where all of the plastic has been molded around several exposed magnets and ball bearings, so that connecting them would be a snap. Apart from that, Modular Robotics also has plans to roll out an app which would let you use a compatible mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet to control your semi-autonomous creations. Eric Schweikardt, the CEO and design director at Modular Robotics, mentioned, “It’s trying to give kids education and exposure to these computational components without putting up that barrier.” It is nice to know that what started off as a Kickstarter campaign has already surpassed its goal of $100,000. Expect it to ship in February next year – so if you want to propose to your other half, why not use this creative method then?

MOSS Robot Kit Helps You Get Started Even Without Having A Clue original content from Ubergizmo.

As it stands, there are speakers and systems already available in the market support WiFi streaming from mobile devices to speakers, allowing you to adjust your music’s volume or playback wherever you are in the house, and change songs when you feel like it without having to get up and to go the computer or to your hi-fi. Of course some of these systems require you to buy new speakers that are compatible for such wireless streaming, but what if you had a pair of really old, but amazing speakers that you’d rather not give up? That’s pretty much where the ROCKI WiFi Music System comes into play. (more…)

ROCKI WiFi Music System Lets Any Speaker Playback Wirelessly original content from Ubergizmo.

Taking panoramic photos using only your own hands can be problematic, as it’s tricky to keep steady and to turn around at just the right speed. That’s why RadiantModo Studio decided to make an accessory that will allow you to take perfect panoramas every single time.

The PanoPal helps smartphone users take quality panoramic shots, thanks to its motorized rotating stand and a remote control. It will work with iPhones and Android phones.

The device can be used for five hours before needing a recharge, and has a handy tripod mount or can be set on a flat surface. It’s definitely something to add to your mobile photo arsenal if you’re into panoramic photos.

PanoPal is being funded via a Kickstarter project. You’ll have to pledge at least $35(USD) to get yours.