Hasta La Gadget!

A three-button mouse that doesn’t actually have any buttons sounds like an oxymoron or some sort of geeky riddle. However, that is exactly what Logitech has created with its new Ultrathin Touch Mouse T630 and T631.

These two mice are absolutely identical in functionality – the difference between the two is that the T630 is black and the T631 is white, though Logitech is targeting the T630 to Windows 8 users, and the T631 to Mac users. Logitech offers software to support gestures for both operating systems.

Since the smooth top of the sleek and portable mouse has no buttons, it can be used for multitouch navigation. The mouse connects to your computer using Bluetooth and features sleek lines, brushed aluminum, and a thin profile that makes it highly portable. It can also be paired to multiple devices and can switch between those devices with the flick of a switch thanks to Logitech’s Easy-Switch Technology. The sounds like the perfect mouse for on-the-go types who value looks and performance.

Both the T630 and T631 can be pre-ordered for $69.99(USD).

Nintendo’s announcement of the Nintendo 2DS is one of the most surprising developments in the gaming world this year. As an entry-level variant of the Nintendo 3DS, the 2DS can play all 3DS games and thousands more DS games. But unlike the 3DS and the 3DS XL, the 2DS can’t be folded. It’s upper screen also can’t display stereoscopic 3D, hence the lose-lose situation regarding its name. It’s an honest name, but for some people it will be like being told that a Honda Bivic exists. And it’s a Civic.

According to Kotaku, the 2DS’ screens are the same size as the ones on the 3DS. The lower screen is still a touchscreen and the 2DS will also come with a stylus. But as you can see its Circle Pad and face buttons are on the upper half of the device. I think the buttons were shifted up so that the shoulder buttons – which are at the top of the device – will still be within your index finger’s reach while your thumbs are on the Circle Pad and face buttons.

Aside from the “slate” form and the lack of a stereoscopic 3D display, the 2DS has a few other deficiencies compared to its big brothers. For one, it only has a mono speaker, but you can still get stereo audio via its headphone jack. It also has no physical Wi-Fi switch; you’ll have to toggle that from within the menu. So it’s a lesser device, but that means it also has a lower price. It will only cost $130 (USD), $40 cheaper than the 3DS and $70 cheaper than the 3DS XL.

*Update: Kotaku also shared Nintendo Europe’s nifty comparison chart (pdf) between all three 3DS models.* The Nintendo 2DS will be available on 10/12/2013, which is also the day Pokémon X and Y are released. That timing should help push units right from the get go; it will be enough for many people to see that the 2DS can play the latest Pokémon game. But only time will tell if Nintendo’s questionable naming scheme and hilarious yet also depressing decision to ditch their system’s main feature will pay off.

Will customers think that there are 2DS games? Or that the 2DS can’t play 3DS games? Will developers still care about the quality and functionality of stereoscopic 3D in their 3DS games? Will Nintendo finally realize that they have to come up with a practical naming scheme for their devices? Seriously, why didn’t they just name it the 3DS Jr.?

[via Nintendo & Kotaku]

The computer keyboard has been a staple tool for both work and play for decades now, but it’s still one of the most uncomfortable devices to use. Its descendant, the touchscreen keyboard, is even worse. An unusual invention called TREWGrip wants to solve both the problem of ergonomics in desktop computing and the efficiency of typing in mobile devices. How? By putting the keys at the back.

The TREWGrip is a Bluetooth keyboard and air mouse. Inventor Mark Parker split the traditional keyboard arrangement into two halves and then arranged it horizontally at the rear of the device. Ideally this setup – along with its wireless capability – provides a more comfortable typing position because your arms remain close to your body. Because it’s also a mouse, you can lean back and maintain proper posture.

The familiar layout of the keys and the visual cues in front should help with the learning curve of using the TREWGrip. The suction pad in the middle holds mobile devices up to 5.3″ wide.

So how fast can you type on the TREWGrip? Parker and his company held a typing competition where seasoned touch typists were required to use the TREWGrip. The winner, Robert Price, typed 115 words per minute to win the contest. I dare you to type that fast on your touchscreen.

Pledge at least $249 (USD) on Kickstarter to get a TREWGrip as a reward. They’ll need to rally a lot of backers within a few days though; as of this writing they’ve only raised $15,794 of their $100,000 target. I don’t know how hard it is to learn how to type on the TREWGrip, but other than that I would love to use such a device on my desk. But on the go? I think it needs to be more portable – thinner and perhaps foldable – especially since it was meant to be used with smartphones and small tablets.

In what is believed to be the first human brain-to-brain interface, a researcher at the University of Washington
(UW) sent a thought across campus to the
brain of another researcher, thereby controlling the recipient’s hand
movements on a keyboard.

Dog breath-vapored and finger-printed windows, shaving-creamed and
water-spotted mirrors are irritating, but seldom rise to the level of
must-clean more than monthly. Actually, I rarely clean the bay windows
or sliding door glass unless company comes and the streaking that
remains makes me wish I’d left them dirty.  But if I had a robot to
clean the buggers, it might just change my view about the whole process.
Alas, here’s the Winbot 7 by Ecovacs….