Jan 09

The Polaroid Socialmatic – “Instant” Gratification

Posted in: Today's Chili

Official_1_little

Ah the memories, our old Polaroid SX-70 camera and the uber-expensive 10 pack of film… mugging it up, and then waving the pic in the air, or rubbing it on your pants thinking that magically would make it develop faster. The Polaroid instant camera is an icon, and one that has taken up where it left off, with this new high-tech development.

Welcome the New Polaroid Socialmatic, a cool concept gadget that has become the real deal. Comprised of a 14 megapixel front facing camera with flash, a 4.3 inch touchscreen LCD display, a Zero Ink printer and GPS, Wifi and Bluetooth capabilities, this baby’s cool-factor comes in its printing and sharing capabilities.

Check it out… when you take a picture with the back, or front facing camera, you can instantly share it on Facebook, or other social media sites using the built-in software over a Wi-Fi network, but the magic is that, at the same time, you can print out a little photo that will contain a QR code so other Socialmatic users can easily scan it and get a digital copy from Polaroid’s servers, and reprint it for themselves.

The Android based Polaroid Socialmatic looks like a fun, must-have for every teenager, or social media junkie on the planet… but I don’t know the price yet, that will certainly be a determining factor. It will be available early this year, we’ll keep you posted!
[ The Polaroid Socialmatic – “Instant” Gratification copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Dec 06

16 of the Coolest “Retro” Gifts

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Looking for a more “old school” gadget gift, check out our selection of retro gadgets and toys.

[ 16 of the Coolest “Retro” Gifts copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Oct 21

Shredder Scissors are perfect for those who love busy-work

Posted in: Today's Chili

Scissor Shredder
There are times at work where you wish you had something to do. You can only organize your desk or go to the bathroom so many times, and if you work ahead, you’ll only be facing the same problem in a day or two. Sometimes you just want some meaningless, arduous task to keep you occupied until more work crops up. Just so it’s stated, checking Facebook does not count.

Shredding documents seems to be a normal thing to do around an office space. However, with all those new-fangled machines, the job is done in the blink of an eye. This only means that you’ll have to trudge back to your desk sooner with no hopes of an escape. If you really want to stretch out this process, get a pair of Shredding Scissors.

This is extremely cheap at around $8, and will shred paper the same way its electric counterpart would. The major difference being that you have to operate the pair of scissors, which will likely give you cramps in your arm. It’s made of metal, but that’s not going to stop this from getting jammed up, or having the blades bend. Honestly, this is a terrible idea, but would definitely eat up a lot of your free time at work. Mainly because those little uneven shreds you create will get everywhere, and you’ll spend weeks, if not months trying to find them all.

Available for purchase on Amazon, found via thisiswhyimbroke
[ Shredder Scissors are perfect for those who love busy-work copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Jul 10

Vinylize turns old records into glasses

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The last few years have given rise to a new breed of people. They can be found at vegan coffee shops, using the Instagram app to take “artistic” photos of their coffee next to a book that looks interesting, so that they can tweet it to their friends. We call these people “hipsters.” When not in a coffee shop, you can also find them in record stores, letting you know why you shouldn’t listen to music unless it’s on vinyl, because digital music is an affront to your ears. Hipsters do tend to be fashionable, which is why I’m not surprised to see a company making glasses that are marketed to this specific demographic.

Now don’t get me wrong, I understand the appeal of listening to vinyl. I just think that some people take it to an extreme. A company called Vinylize is more than happy to take money from these people however. By bonding a vinyl record with cellulose acetate, they are able to cut out the frames for a pair of glasses that will let everyone know just how much you love your records.

The glasses come in a variety of styles, including the classic hipster frames that you see above. You’re going to be paying a hefty premium on these, however. For a pair of sunglasses, you’re looking at around $440. If you want prescription lenses, you’ll need to send them an email for a quote. I actually think the concept of recycling old records is a great one, however, the price is going to be hard for all but the most fanatical of vinyl lovers.

Source: Gizmag
[ Vinylize turns old records into glasses copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Jun 25

Retro Digital Flip Clock takes you back in time

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If you’ve been around the block a few times, then you’ll understand just how much technology has changed over the years. Just look at something as simple as your average alarm clock. These days most of them are digital, with glowing numbers staring back at you. If you go back and look at one that say, your parents had as a kid, you’d probably see one of two things. Either they had a clock with hour, minute and second hands, much like your average wall clock, or one with flip-down numbers.

If you want to pretend that you’re living in the days of old, without actually having to search out a decades-old device, you might want to check out the Retro Digital Flip Clock. This small alarm clock has a similar feel to what you would have found in the 70′s. It even simulates the individual leaves that flip down when the minutes change.

The digital numbers are displayed on an LCD face, and should you need to look at it during the night, just tap the button on top to activate the backlight. This retro timepiece comes in red, orange, and white, and can be yours for just $49.

Source: CraziestGadgets

[ Retro Digital Flip Clock takes you back in time copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Mar 05

Look Your 8-Bit Best

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Sure, technology moves at a quick pace these days. New phones and tablets come out weekly. But that does not mean you have to throw away the past. Expressing our true love of all things techy yet retro means we can acknowledge our geekiness of today while paying homage to tech roots of yesteryear. Big Big Pixel features some tech accessories from product designer Mike Mak that will do exactly that.

The 8-Bit Bumper, $24.95 and $26.95,will trick your iPhone 4, 4S or (newly launched) 5 out in homage to old school CPUs. The plastic casing will keep your pretty phone from getting too exposed to the elements. There is even an 8-bit style Apple logo on the back side. And to top off the whole experience you can download 8-bit wallpaper from Big Big Pixel so your phone can give you a digitized smile whenever you choose. Don’t let your iPhone be the only 8-bit clothed technology. 8-Bit Sleeves are also available for iPad Mini, iPad, MacBook Air (11”, 13”) and MacBook Pro 13” and run $29.95-$37.95. Your device will take on the look of an 8-bit envelope in these synthetic leather carriers but stay safe with a soft fiber inside. In this world of constantly changing technology, let yourself stand out in how you dress yours up. Go retro with 8-Bit Bumpers and Sleeves.
[ Look Your 8-Bit Best copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Feb 18

Thump Through Your Day

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Remember your first boombox? Did you have the one with the removable speakers? Maybe yours was skinny enough to carry on your shoulder. So when you walked to your friend’s house you could listen – and force others to listen – to your tunes the entire way. There were the dual cassette versions that were cool too. And oh boy, didn’t we all love the ability to record off the radio!  Whatever your style, having your own portable cassette player (boombox just sounds so much better) was da bomb back in the day.

Keep that boombox feel with a couple modern day meal must haves from Perpetual Kid. Start your morning right with the Boombox Mug, $11.49. Every time you tip your cup of joe the world will flashback to boombox days.  Leave it drying on its side to give a smile to all who pass by. Though I don’t think you will want to take this one breakdancing. When you are ready for food show off your Boombox Lunchbox, $13.99. This tin contraption will contain your vittles and illustrate your love of ghetto blasters. You can even walk into lunch or school with it on your shoulder to really work it. So stay cool and retro, with these boombox reminders and you will be the hippest person at the office.

[ Thump Through Your Day copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Dec 06

Ultimate Retro Table

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We laugh when we think about floppy disks now. Yet they were a lifesaver back in the day. And the 3.5” introduced that sweet plastic cover and metal slider thing which meant you could throw them in your backpack or wherever. Ahhh, the good ol’ days. But how will future generations ever know the technologies that preceded them? Guess we need to remind them.

Two Berlin-based artists want us to commemorate our computing roots. They sought inspiration for a table from our beloved 3.5″ floppy friends. Neulant van Exel design firm have launched their Floppy Table. Made from hot-rolled steel and stainless steel the unit provides a unique, sturdy and retro statement. The 28” x 18” x 26” (w d h) table contains detail we all remember like insertion arrows and a movable, metal shutter complete with a storage space inside. Each unit is laser marked with a serial number for authenticity too. This trip down memory lane will cost you $930 (before shipping). The product website gives few details but email them if interested or learn more on their Facebook page. For the right user – you know who you are – and the right home I am sure the memories will eclipse any cost. So if you miss the days of floppies there is only one coffee table for you!

 

Thanks: Digital Trends
[ Ultimate Retro Table copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Nov 16

Old School Gifts

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Whether just a fan of nostalgia or a true Frank from Old School, plenty of gift receivers in your life would love something a little retro this holiday season. Check out the array of coolest old school gifts to make their year. 

 

Need more ideas for your gift giving this year? Visit the Coolest Gadgets Gift Picker. Tell us what they like and we’ll find the perfect gift.

[ Old School Gifts copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


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Sep 14

The Impossible Instant Lab – for High Tech Retro Photos

Posted in: Today's Chili

Is there anyone out there (thats old enough) that didn’t own a Polaroid camera? I remember when one of those little fold up leatherette SX-70 cameras was about as high tech as you could get. Listening to the little motor grind as the picture fed out of the hopper, warming the picture against your chest or waving it in mid-air in the hopes of hastening the developing process. The camera is a dinosaur, and its demise marked the end of an era.

Or did it? Who knew there was a whole bunch of us out there that still loved the instant photo? Well, The Impossible Instant Lab will make you smile, while it bridges the gap between digital and concrete, by taking the photos stored away on your iPhone and turning them into actual Polaroid-esque prints, to have, and to hold, or simply to give away.

The folks over at Impossible (located in Germany) were so passionate about the old Polaroids they actually bought the factory (to ensure film stockpiles) and set out to develop a device that would get your stored photos out of digital storage, and into the real world with all the style and wonder of those beloved foldable cameras.

The Impossible Instant Lab is another really cool Kickstarter project that raised a lot more than its original 250 thousand dollar goal, all with time to spare. So if you’re itching for a picture you can watch develop before your eyes complete with the iconic white border then  keep your eye out for The Impossible Instant Lab , available for pre-order at a discounted price of around 229 bucks. Shipping is expected in February of 2013. Please visit kickstarter.com for video and more information. Say cheese!

[ The Impossible Instant Lab – for High Tech Retro Photos copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


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