Hasta La Gadget!

Onyx Ashanti has sent us over a demo of his beatjazz controller, and we have to marvel at the direction he’s taken with this custom electronic music machine following more modest efforts. Onyx’s 3D-printed interface receives inputs from a voice / breath-operated synth in the headgear, while the two handheld controls incorporate accelerometers, joysticks and pressure-sensitive buttons. Using this kit and his own software, Onyx is able to create live digital music with an amount of control you would only expect from desktop-based production software. We’ve embedded two videos for your attention after the break — a demo of his latest flashy build complete with lightsaber-like effects, and an earlier live performance that really shows what the beatjazz controller can do.

Continue reading Onyx Ashanti’s beatjazz music machine does everything, looks good too (video)

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wearables

Onyx Ashanti’s beatjazz music machine does everything, looks good too (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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O2 hasn’t exactly given many options to those looking for an internet-sharing mobile device, but today the Euro telco’s announcing a miniature Pocket Hotspot that should solve some of those troubles. The company’s promising max download speeds of around 22Mbps and 6Mbps up — though, needless to say, that’s going to depend heavily on the 3G coverage area. Still, at £60 (one-off cost), this Pocket Hotspot could be a good choice for folks interested in MiFi-like features. Just don’t try and sneak one in to any event at London 2012, you know they’re not allowed.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wireless

O2 announces Pocket Hotspot device, wants to keep you connected at all times originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Move over, Pantene, because you may need to make room for a new addition to showers across the globe. That’s because the iShower, a water-resistant music system for use as you get squeaky clean, is now shipping for $100. Despite its name, the iShower should have no trouble playing the compatibility game, thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity with support for up to five paired devices. What’s more, you won’t need to bust out the tools to install the iShower, as the mounting system’s built-in adhesive lets you pretend to be a handyman without doing any real work — the unit can also be hung over the shower head if you’re wary of sticky residue. The music system runs on three AA batteries and provides up to 15 hours of sudsy listening time, and there’s even a built-in clock, for those unfortunate mornings when you need to cut the rock operas short. To see the system in action, just hop the break for a demonstration of the iShower from the company’s CEO.

Continue reading iShower is ready to get wet: water-resistant Bluetooth speaker now shipping for $100

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Peripherals

iShower is ready to get wet: water-resistant Bluetooth speaker now shipping for $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 07:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Each week Joshua Fruhlinger contributes This is the Modem World, a column dedicated to exploring the culture of consumer technology.

There are two gadget scents: one triggers happiness and anticipation, the other conjures up sadness and fear.

The first arrives like an emotional bullet as we open the box. That plasticky odor wafts in with promised adventures, teases an initial power-up and floods us with curiosity and excitement.

The second shows its ugly head when electronics give up the ghost. That smell — you know that smell — of melting circuits and digital death sends us into a spiral of data-loss panic, guilt and fear for our safety.

Continue reading This Is the Modem World: Do You Smell That?

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

This Is the Modem World: Do You Smell That? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The iDevice clique’s had no shortage of options when it comes to choosing DJ-friendly gear. Now one of the latest peripherals to enter the spinning market is Philips’ Mini Hi-Fi System, which boasts a modest 300W total output power and offers a cozy turntable canvas that has docking room for a couple of iPhones — in theory, iPod touches should be okay to fit as well. Furthermore, the beat-inducing apparatus is also compatible with that rather popular djay application for iOS, making it easier to mix, scratch and blast all your favorite tunes in one place. Philips launched this Mini Hi-Fi add-on a while back, but today it’s finally placing it up for grabs in the UK for a hefty £300, or about $470 if you’re this side of the Atlantic. Be sure to click on past the jump to quickly gaze at a largely appealing pic gallery.

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc. Gadgets, Peripherals

Philips’ Mini Hi-Fi System lets you dock iPhones, spins them into turntables originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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