Mar 12
The SafeToSleep company does it again with a breakthrough anti-SIDS bundle that will bring parents peace of mind.
Mar 11
Before flat screen TVs became so affordable, I used to be a big front-screen projection user. While most of us are more than satisfied with our LCD and Plasma displays these days, you still can’t do any better than a front projector if you want a screen bigger than about 80 inches – unless you’re the ruler of a small nation. While I’m not sure if the picture quality of this inexpensive projector is anything spectacular it differentiates itself by having a complete Android computer built into it.
The DroidBeam Projector touts a long-life 120W LED projection source, claiming a bright 3000 lumen output level. It can project images from 25 to 250 inches, from a distance of 1 to 6 meters. Under the hood it’s got a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and built-in 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. This means you can not only watch content from traditional video sources, but play games and media from the Google Play store, watch YouTube videos, and surf the web without any additional hardware. Yes, you can theoretically play a 250-inch diagonal round of Angry Birds on this thing.
The projector has dual HDMI inputs, as well as composite, component, S-Video and VGA inputs. You can also play back media from an SD card. It’s also got a pair of speakers and a 2x2watt amp built in, so it’s truly self-contained. On-board storage is 4GB, and it’s got 1GB of system RAM. It’s unclear how you control the cursor, but it does come with an infrared wireless remote, so it’s possible that has some sort of motion control in it. It’s also got USB ports, so I imagine you can plug Android-compatible devices into those.
You can get your hands on the DroidBeam projector over at Chinavasion for about $450(USD). The product listing claims the projector offers “Full HD 1080p” resolution, but I’m suspicious that at this price, its native resolution might be lower. You’ll want to confirm with Chinavasion before plunking down your hard-earned cash on this one.
Mar 11
I’ve been waiting a very long time for somebody to build a single game system which could play all of today’s console games. Well that day is today – courtesy of master modder Ben Heck. For his latest project, Ben has created a single mutant machine that combines a PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U.
Heck’s wood-cased Ultimate Combo System may not be the sleekest and most modern looking thing, but it’s still an impressive build, having combined these three current-gen consoles in a single box. We don’t know too much about the final build other than the picture shown above. However, Ben and element14 have teamed to release a 3-part series chronicling this epic build. Here’s Part 1 for your enjoyment – skip to about 1:25 to get to the meat of the mattter.
Surprisingly, this is the first time that Heck has disassembled a Wii U or the new PS3 super slim, but he digs right in and starts ripping things apart right away, giving us all a glance inside the two most recent consoles. Parts 2 and 3 of the build video will be released on element14 on March 15th and March 23rd, respectively, and will reveal the construction of the case and assembly of all of the components. From what I can tell, the final build will include HDMI switching to a single output, and I’m betting it’ll have a power strip built in so you can plug it in with a single cable – but that’s just conjecture on my part. Personally, I can’t wait to see exactly how the finished thing works.
While I’d assume Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo will never collaborate on such a console, you can still get your hands on this one. Those of you interested in the build can enter to win it over on element14 now.
Mar 11
Spy cameras have come a long way since their introduction back in the late 1800’s. See ten of the most clever hidden spy cameras currently available.
Mar 11
3D printing has really taken off these last couple of years. We’re seeing not just affordable 3D printers but ones in all shapes and sizes as well. Last month we featured the 3Doodler, a pen-shaped 3D printer. But if you’re interested in making mid-sized objects without completely breaking the bank, the Gigabot just might be the 3D printer you’ve been waiting for.
Made by re:3D, the Gigabot has a build volume of 24″ x 24″ x 24″ in. For comparison’s sake, the build volume of the MakerBot Replicator 2 is 11.2″ x 6″ x 6.1″, while the Form 1 has a build volume of 4.9″ x 4.9″ x 6.5″. Not only does its extra capacity enable you to print large objects in one piece, it will also let you print several smaller objects at once.
As huge as it seems, it’s still got nothing on this house-printing behemoth. At least the Gigabot is for sale. Pledge at least $2,500 (USD) on its Kickstarter fundraiser to reserve the unit in kit form – or for $4,000 you can get one that has been mostly assembled and flat-packed for quick final assembly.
[via Engadget]
Mar 11
Tech Deals of the Day: 3/11/2013
Posted in: Today's Chili
Our friends at TechBargains.com compile a list of daily deals to help you save money. Keep in mind that as with any good deal, products are limited in quantity and can sell out quickly – so don’t hesitate to check them out now.
If you’re looking to buy a product from a specific store, save money with updated and verified coupon codes here.
Computers & Peripherals:
- D-Link Amplifi HD Media 1000 (DIR-657) Wireless N300 802.11n Gigabit Router $17.99 plus free shipping (normally $169 – use coupon code: VMEPROMOMAR13)
- Lenovo Yoga 11 NVIDIA Tegra 3 11.6″ Touchscreen Tablet/Laptop Hybrid $499.99 plus free shipping (normally $799 – use coupon code: VMEPROMOMAR13)
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- Pogoplug Classic Network Media Sharing Device $14.99 plus free shipping (normally $29)
- Seagate Backup Plus 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive $69.99 plus free shipping (normally $99)
Home Entertainment:
- Gears Of War: Judgment Game (Xbox 360) on pre-order $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $59 – use coupon code: EMCYTZT3079)
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- Nikon S100 Coolpix 16MP 5X Compact Camera $129.99 plus free shipping (normally $299)
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- Turbofrog T06-42082 4.3in Hard Shell Case for GPS FREE plus free shipping (normally $19 – use this form)
Mar 11
Google presented the Glass’ funny younger brother at the 2013 SXSW multimedia festival. While the Glass was made to act like your butler, the aptly named Talking Shoe is meant to serve as your hype man. What? It’s not like everything Google does has to be useful. Remember Google Wave? Or the Nexus Q? The company has a sense of humor.
As is only appropriate for a talking shoe, its brains are mounted on its tongue. It has a pressure sensor, an accelerometer and a gyroscope to help it detect whether you’re stationary or moving about, and what kind of movement you’re doing. It also has a Bluetooth radio to help it connect to an Android phone or computer. Last, but not least it has a built-in speaker, which it does not hesitate to use. It can also broadcast its comments over the Web if you’re brave enough to allow it.
Google made the shoe in collaboration with interactive media specialists YesYesNo and the wearable tech enthusiasts of Studio 5050. Just in case you’re thinking that the video above isn’t for real, here’s a demo filmed by The Verge straight from SXSW:
Up next, Instagram’s Talking Fork.
[via Google via Inventor Spot & The Verge]
Mar 11
Is your wrist sore from pushing a mouse around all day at your computer? Well, with the BAT Levitating Mouse, you can live in the future and prevent Carpal tunnel syndrome at the same time. But you’ll have to lift more than a finger to do it.
Mar 11
Giant And Tiny 3D Printing
Posted in: Today's Chili
Two news stories today talk about 3D printers from different sides of the scale. First we have the Gigabot, a large 3D printer for larger prints, and then the Nanoscale, a tiny printer able to create very small 3D models.
Mar 11
Hyperkin RetroN 4 to Play Original NES, SNES, Genesis, and GBA Carts via HDMI
Posted in: Today's ChiliFans of classic gaming systems will be happy to hear that HyperKin is working on their latest retro console, and this one has a couple of new tricks up its nonexistent sleeves.
The latest system, dubbed the RetroN 4, leverages today’s technologies to bring improvements to retro gaming. Like the RetroN 3 before it, the new console can play NES, SNES and Genesis cartridges, but can also play Game Boy Advance carts too. It can also handle both NTSC and PAL formats. But the big upgrades come in the form of Bluetooth wireless controllers, and an HDMI output for use on today’s HDTVs.
In addition, the new console will sport an interface called “Perdana,” which is expected to provide capabilities like button reassignment and “other features” to be announced. Personally, I’m hoping for some sort of ability to save game states or run cheat modes, but those aren’t confirmed.
The RetroN 4 is expected to be revealed at the Midwest Gaming Classic in Brookfield, Wisconsin on Saturday, March 23 at 11:00am Central.
[Midwest Gaming Classic via Wired]
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