Jan 02

Keep Those Shoes On and Look Good

Posted in: Today's Chili

Go take a look in your closet. I’ll bet there are a few pairs of lace up shoes that still have the laces tied. When we buy a new pair of sneakers we always have the best intentions of fully untying and re-tying them. But somewhere along the way, usually when rushing around we end up just kicking them off and slipping them back on without tying.

Brookstone wants to help encourage tie-free shoe use with HICKIES elastic lacing system. Opposing eyelets on a shoe are connected with these stretchy devices. Connect as far as you choose, slip your foot in and HICKIES elastic properties allow your foot to comfortably move while the shoe goes with it even during high impact activities. They literally turn any lace up shoe into a slip on. What makes them unique, however, is the array of colors so you can select one that meets your color coordinating needs. Match to your shoes or go crazy and clash. Your choice.  The ‘stretchiness’ also means one size fits all. For $19.99, a pack includes 14 HICKIES in 1 of 16 color combinations plus 2 extra HICKIES in a surprise color – plenty to set up an average pair of shoes. Unsure how it will look? Download their app and snap a photo of a virtual pair on your current shoes or get instruction on how to put them on.  So go ahead and keep the laziness up, but look stylish and keep the feet in the shoes with HICKIES.

[ Keep Those Shoes On and Look Good copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Dec 31

What Santa Did Not Deliver

Posted in: Today's Chili

Do you ever wonder what the wish lists of the super-rich entail during the holidays? When have bank accounts like Bill Gates or Larry Ellison the world is pretty much yours, I’m sure.  Wired decided to look back on some of the year’s most stupefying products in “Overhyped, Overpriced: 2012′s Insanely Expensive Gear.” I’m guessing these are the things that Bill and Larry probably have on their lists.

The most expensive of the bunch is the $3 billion (yes billion) Rolls Royce 102EX Phantom. This is the electrical version of the Phantom released as a sort of litmus test as to the eco-friendly interests of Rolls aficionados. No, it didn’t cost $3B to buy but to reportedly develop. Then the project was canned.

Other favorites on this Wired list include a $2 million prototype camera lens built for a Sheikh in Quatar and 8 foot tall, $250,000 concert speakers complete with 24 karat gold accents. That lens ought to produce some seriously good pictures. If those are to expensive just stick with the $100,000 two person submarine that allows you to jump and dive like a whale. Check out the other insanely expensive creations and see what things might have made it on the lists of the super wealthy.
[ What Santa Did Not Deliver copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Dec 14

Laptop Functions for an iPad

Posted in: Today's Chili

 

There are hoards of iPad cases, keyboards, speakers and the like out there. Heck, we report on some of the best virtually every day. As iPad’s increase in popularity they really become as valuable if not more-so than our laptops. Slowly but surely we are able to do more and more of our daily functions on these revolutionary tablets. So why not enable yourself the familiar laptop comfort and functionality?

The Brydge enables your iPad to become the laptop form factor you are used to. Simply click your pad into the Brydge dock and pair using Bluetooth. The full-sized, anodized aluminum keyboard is as efficient as the laptop keyboard you know. With stereo speakers built in you will easily hear everything. Flip it open and you get almost 180° rotation for the ‘screen’ to provide the best viewing angle.  Close the device for portability. The keyboard and pad go to sleep and you maintain a sort of MacBook Air profile. Or carry it while open if you choose. The Brydge serves as a stand too. Easily release your iPad with a firm pull. No attachments, cords or cables required. At this time The Brydge is compatible with iPad generations 2, 3 and 4. This smart device got started via crowdfunding earlier this year and is now in full production. Order on their website – currently featuring $10-20 off for the holidays. The full Brydge+ with the above features runs $210. A speakerless version runs $170 and a poly-carbonate version runs $130 during the holiday sale. So get in on The Brydge and don’t sacrifice the comfort you are used to from your laptop.


[ Laptop Functions for an iPad copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Dec 13

A Bed Head Savior?

Posted in: Today's Chili

If you don’t have it, someone you know has bed head. Beloved bed head, That condition where after a night of sleep hair looks like something straight out of a modern art museum. No particular direction or purpose. Sort of like some of the Hollywood mop-top/unkempt looks  – Joaquin Phoenix, Kate Bosworth, etc. And trying to brush out bead head proves virtually impossible. Nothing but a full submergence in water seems to work.

In the past we highlighted products from Thanko, the Japanese company who came up with cool – but maybe not necessary – devices like the silent keyboard and USB lunch box. They are back again to help bed head-i-ans of the world. Since water tames bed head, Thanko thought they should put it into a hairbrush. Meet the USB-powered, self-misting hairbrush. Plug into any USB port to charge up the unit. Then fill the 15ml tank with water. Flip the power on and a fine stream of mist comes from the top of the handle. The reservoir will enable about 30 minutes of uninterrupted misting – though you would probably be soaked by then. Recharge after every couple hours of use to keep misting. The device is available via Thanko’s website for about $75 US. Hhhmmm, dampening the brush in the sink is certainly a less expensive alternative. But if you prefer to brush and dampen at the same time, check out this device and defeat bed head with technology.

Thanks: Gizmodo
[ A Bed Head Savior? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Dec 07

A Star Wars-Style Commitment

Posted in: Today's Chili

Face it –  that moment when we receive a proposal is one of the most important in our lives. Well at least one of the most memorable. And that ring stays with us day and night. It is truly the ultimate symbol and reminder of commitment. From what my husband said, the ring instantly expresses personality. The challenge becomes finding a personality that matches the recipient. So when you are ready to take the plunge it is important to take all of this into consideration. No pressure!

A tattoo artist from New Jersey decided to take the plunge and propose to his girlfriend. And he truly put it all together when thinking about the ring: eternal commitment, beauty, Star Wars. Wha? Yes, Joe Pagani used his girlfriend’s love of Star Wars as inspiration. With help from jewelry designer Paul Michael Bieker, Pagani got himself an R2-D2 inspired engagement ring. Included are diamonds and sapphires to make out R2’s white and blue coloring. The structure of the ring resembles the mechanical look of our favorite little droid. The sides even resemble his arms…or are they legs? Regardless it is truly a one-of-a-kind creation that expresses the brides personality and will live for eternity, but maybe not in a galaxy far far away. Oh, by the way – Joe proposed to Emily on Halloween and she said yes! Visit the designers blog for more pictures of the ring and the day.


[ A Star Wars-Style Commitment copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Nov 26

Cyber Monday Gadget Deals

Posted in: Today's Chili

If you pounded the pavement all weekend working on your shopping list it is time to sit back and let your fingers do the shopping. Some of our favorite gadget gurus are offering massive savings this Cyber Monday. Included are offers like:

  • Amazon.com: $30 off Kindle Fire today only. Lightening deals continue and change frequently. But already spotted: 48% off Canon Elph and 42% off Corsair Vengeance gaming headset.
  • Think Geek: Today only – free shipping anywhere in the US. No minimum required. Plus $10 off orders of $60 or more.
  • Geeks.com:  Up to 60% off on electronics, over 30% on laptops and toys (for all ages). Plus free shipping on orders $79.99.
  • Brookstone.com: Cyberweek continues with not only discounts, but free gifts when buying select products.
  • Macmall: Savings up to $649 on laptops (while supplies last). Other discounts available on tablets, accessories, gaming, cases and more.

More Cyber Monday Deals at Geeks.com.

More Cyber Monday Deals at Brookstone.

More Cyber Monday Deals at ThinkGeek.

More Cyber Monday Deals at MacMall.

[ Cyber Monday Gadget Deals copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


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Nov 24

8-Bitty Wireless Game Controller

Posted in: Today's Chili

Do you have a penchant for all things retro, especially when it comes to video games? Those who are younger might think that 16-bit video games are retro, but if they were to really look back into the past, they would have realized that 8-bit gaming were the original glory days, of course this is if we were to discount other titles like Galaga and Pac-Man. Here we are with the £29.99 8-Bitty Wireless Game Controller that will be compatible with your smartphone or tablet device, and since the 8-Bitty Wireless Game Controller relies on an open interface system, it will also be compatible with hundreds of arcade games and emulators. Not only that, it is easily adaptable for future releases.

The 8-Bitty Wireless Game Controller is a fully wireless device, and it boasts of a full 8-button control including 4 face-buttons, select, start, and a couple of shoulder-buttons and a D-Pad for directional movement. Perhaps this will bring back memories of the special Konami Code, no? It will connect to modern day devices over Bluetooth, and is powered by a couple of AAA batteries.

[ 8-Bitty Wireless Game Controller copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


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Nov 22

Thanksgiving Apps to Help and Entertain

Posted in: Today's Chili

Happy US Thanksgiving Day! On this day of food, family, friends and football ensure that your iPhone, iPad or Android device is loaded up with these apps to make the day go more smoothly:

KitchenPad™ Timer (iOS, $.99): Manage all the timing and cooking, oven and burner use. Keep multiple timers going at once, and see them all on screen.

Thanksgiving Turkeys (Android, free): How about a constant stream of Turkeys and pilgrims on your home screen? Little ones will be entertained for hours watching them chase each other around. Upgrade to the full version for fun options like gobbles when you unlock the screen.

Tom the Talking Thanksgiving Turkey (iOS, free): Tom will repeat what you say. You can also make him dance or bop him on the head. And of course a game is included – see if you can out eat Tom.

And no Thanksgiving story would be complete without a mention of Black Friday:

BlackFriday (Android, free): Powered by dealnews.com, this app will show you all the leaked bargains and circulars as released to keep you on top of all the deals.
[ Thanksgiving Apps to Help and Entertain copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


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Nov 17

Advice: Don’t Buy Electronics at a Gas Station

Posted in: Today's Chili

Every year about this time we start hearing the crazy holiday shopping stories. Packed stores, slow economic growth and our ferver for technology make a dangerous combination. People get in the mood for a deal and suddenly lose all sense of reason. The video highlights one of those cases. While filling up at a gas station a Texas lady was offered, and paid $200, for a mirror wrapped up to look like an iPad.

Do us a favor this holiday season. Keep your head screwed on straight. And don’t buy electronics from strangers in gas station parking lots.

 

Thanks: NBCDFW.com
[ Advice: Don’t Buy Electronics at a Gas Station copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


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Nov 09

People-Powered Medical Devices?

Posted in: Today's Chili

Medical devices seem to get smaller every year. Think of something as simple as a pacemaker or hearing aid. Like their bretheren PCs, these gadgets that help enhance and extend our lives continue to shrink. Yet the size of a power source to drive the device cannot decrease in size at the same rate.

Like with solar power, what if power for medical devices could be generated by natural means – our bodies? There would truly be no limit as to how small an electronic medical device could get. And therefore replacement surgeries could be a thing of the past. Did you know our bodies maintain fluids in the ear that contain an electrochemical gradient? A report in Nature Biotechology featured Boston scientists who harnessed power from this liquid in the inner ear of a guinea pig. Using a tiny circuit board implanted into the furry friend’s ear they measured electricity via radio waves. Though only a nano watt every 5 hours, it is a start. It certainly won’t power the world, but the important thing to know is the guinea pigs hearing was not harmed in the entire process – making the experiment a minimally invasive process with no damage. So yes, perhaps a day will come when our bodies can be used as a power source and decrease the need for replacement surgeries on life saving devices.

 

Thanks: Technology Review
[ People-Powered Medical Devices? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


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