USB Sniper Rifle lets you pick at colleagues from afar

usb-sniperDo you happen to have the reputation of being a practical joker at the office? If you have answered in the affirmative, then you would definitely want to check out this unique USB-powered desktop toy – which will cost you $100 after conversion, and while that might sound rather pricey, it is super cheap for a sniper rifle. Of course, this particular USB Sniper Rifle is not something that is capable of killing your target (although some of you would have preferred it to be that way), but rather, it will be able to catch some of your unsuspecting colleagues by surprise, although I am quite sure that it will not be long before they figure out that you are the culprit.

The USB Sniper Rifle is powered and aimed through the USB connection on your desktop or notebook, and it even comes with a built-in camera so that you can check out your targets on the monitor instead of having to get up and expose yourself with but a glance. Needless to say, thanks (or rather, no thanks) to the relatively short range of most USB cables, your circle of targets are limited to how far this USB cable can run, and the range of the USB Sniper Rifle itself.
[ USB Sniper Rifle lets you pick at colleagues from afar copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Genius Mouse & Camera combines two unlikely devices

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There are certain things in life that just go together. Peanut butter and jelly, Macaroni and cheese, Simon and Garfunkel, the list can go on. Hardware manufacturers know that this is true, and occasionally they’ll step outside the box and start adding in features to their products that go naturally together. This is why cell phones have cameras, newer TV’s can access the internet, and many keyboards have special media keys to control the music and movies on your PC. However, sometimes the pairing of functions doesn’t always make the most sense.

Genius recently announced their All-in-One Mouse & Camera, which, as you can guess from the name, serves as both a mouse, and a digital camera. Though I think that having two functions doesn’t really deserve the title of “all-in-one”, but that’s just me.

The mouse is a pretty standard 1200 DPI pointer with just the two regular buttons, and a scrollwheel. On the camera side of things, you’ve got a 2.0 MP sensor, which can shoot at up to 720p, and a dedicated shutter button. You can switch between modes by sliding the panel on the underside of the mouse to reveal either the mouse sensor, or camera lens. You’ll apparently be able to instantly post the pictures on social media sites, and edit the photos with the included tools. With most people having a decent camera on their phones these days, I don’t see a lot of everyday uses for something like this. Perhaps an office that regularly takes pictures of documents or small objects might find it useful, though. If this is a must-have for you, then you’re looking at a price of $35.

 
[ Genius Mouse & Camera combines two unlikely devices copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Microsoft unveils Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop

ms-sculptDo you remember sometime in the late 1990s? Microsoft did roll out their fair share of hardware, be they mice or keyboards, and one of the most memorable keyboards from Microsoft that I have used back then for typing out all of my assignments would be the ergonomic keyboard, the one with its keys split right down the middle, where the keyboard itself is contoured in such a way so that your hands would just rest on it comfortably for long hours of typing without experiencing fatigue too quickly. Sure, Microsoft has since then concentrated a whole lot of its efforts on its operating system through a variety of versions, but that does not mean they have forgotten about the hardware scene. No sir, the latest products would make up the all new Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop.

The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop was specially developed after Microsoft had looked into user surveys on how they hoped that keyboards and mice could end up easier on the hands to use, and this is the latest evolution of Microsoft computer peripherals that will look beautiful on your desk without having to sacrifice any of the ergonomic benefits delivered. The Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop is made up of the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and the Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse, where the former will boast of the now classic split layout, being specially designed so that it is able to help users position their wrists and forearms in a natural, relaxed position.

The palm rest itself is cushioned, while the keyboard sports a “domed” shape as you can see above so that wrist pronation is reduced. The internal codename for the keyboard was “Manta Ray” for a very obvious reason as you can see, while reverse-tilt angles help promote a straight, neutral wrist position. This keyboard has been specially optimized for Windows, boasting relevant hotkeys at the top to deliver quick access to the charms in Windows 8 (and Windows 8.1). The Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop will be available later this month for $129.95 a pop, and you can pick up the Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse as a separate peripheral for $59.95.

Press Release
[ Microsoft unveils Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Bright Idea USB Lightbulb

bright-idea-usbMost of the time, in a cartoon or in a movie, whenever the character experiences an “Eureka!” moment, a light bulb would just appear on the head. Well, just in case your boss thinks that you are the dimmest bulb in the office, prove him or her wrong by picking up the £10.99 Bright Idea USB Lightbulb. Yes sir, I think you do know just which direction I am heading with this – it is the perfect desk accessory which lets the world around you know just how many brilliant thoughts you would have come up with throughout the eight hours at the desk!

Located right at the end of a sturdy and flexible arm, lies the Bright Idea USB Lightbulb which happens to be a fuss-free lamp, sans switches, where it will also not come with a lampshade nor any legs. No sir, it is up to that creative mind of yours to concentrate and deliberate over grand ideas. You will find it emit a soft and soothing blue light as long as it remains plugged into any USB port, where it will shine some reassuring illumination whenever you need to work late into the night. Not only that, it will glow in the dark even when it is not plugged in, how about that for innovation?
[ Bright Idea USB Lightbulb copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Jumpshot USB Drive – Your PC Fixing Friend

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I can’t tell you how many times my family turns to me in order to fix their computer woes. It’s not that I’m a computer expert, it’s just that I know slightly more than any of them, so it looks like I’m a genius. I’m usually only successful about 50% of the time… after which I then quickly become the go-to girl for which replacement computer to buy. It sure would be nice to have a few tricks up my sleeve, or better yet, bestow upon them the ability to fix a few things themselves.

Check out the Jumpshot USB Drive, a truly plug and play option for you, or your computer-challanged friends and relatives. The Jumpstart USB Drive is simply inserted into an available USB port on the ailing PC and will instantly begin removing viruses, malware, spyware, trojans, and most of the other garbage that mucks up your precious PC, while you were failing to practice “safe-surfing” . While Jumpshot works its magic, a web browser pops up, entertaining the user while Jumpshot is working to de-clutter, disinfect and improve the performance of the machine. Seriously? I think I’m in love.

This adorable little USB packs a lot of features, including the ability to tweak your settings to improve performance, examine your hardware in order to detect failures, meter your internet speed and detect insecure WiFi connections. The Jumpshot USB can also help keep your online proclivities private and keep you informed of critical events. So get one and become the computer wizard your friends and family think you are, or buy several as gifts, and get them all to leave you the hell alone. Your choice, for under 30 bucks at thinkgeek.com

 
[ Jumpshot USB Drive – Your PC Fixing Friend copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

AOC E1659FWU 16” monitor announced

I am quite sure that many of you out there have heard of the name AOC before – they have been rolling out pretty affordable displays without compromising on quality in the past, and look set to continue even now. In fact, AOC has just announced a spanking new 16” monitor that they call the AOC E1659FWU, where all it takes is a solitary USB 3.0 cable that handles both power and signal needs. You can hook up the AOC E1659FWU monitor in a jiffy, regardless of whether it is connected to a notebook or desktop, it still offers a quick, simple solution for dual monitor setups, and is said to be able to increase one’s productivity by up to 50%. Hmmm, I am quite sure that such a productivity increase would have caused your superior to sit up and take notice?

Thanks to DisplayLink technology, the AOC E1659FWU monitor offers the convenience of portability, where one is able to benefit from additional viewing real estate thanks to a second display, be it at home or at the office, at meetings or in hotel rooms. The monitor itself can be used just about anywhere, ranging from coffee shops to trains, with the added advantage of not having to tote around a large and heavy AC adapters with its corresponding power plugs.

Expect the AOC E1659FWU to play nice with both Mac and PC platforms, where your eyes will be treated to a 15.6” viewing window which supports resolutions of up to 1366 × 768 pixels at 60Hz a pop. This slim piano black, highly portable monitor will measure nearly 13mm thinner compared to its predecessor, where you are able to convert from landscape to portrait view in a jiffy, thanks to its secure, foldable metallic stand. The AOC E1659FWU itself will arrive with its very own monitor carry case, and it is set to ship next month although you can place a pre-order for it at $139 a pop.

Press Release
[ AOC E1659FWU 16” monitor announced copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Anker introduces Astro3 external battery

In this day and age, most of us carry more than a single device wherever we go in order to be as productive as possible. Surely the smartphone would be a compulsory piece of hardware by any means of the imagination, and it is more often than not complemented by a tablet of sorts, in addition to a bunch of other goodies – some might include a portable speaker or the likes. These devices will need juice (electricity) to run for sure, and you would do well to ensure that you have a backup on hand always – such as Anker’s Astro3 external battery. This is a second generation device that is roughly the size of your average flask, but underneath the black exterior lies a high-capacity 12,000mAh battery which is capable of powering up to three different compatible mobile devices at once, thanks to the highest-in- the-industry 4A current capacity.

It is a versatile external battery pack which sports a trio of USB ports, where one of them would include a Smart Port which is capable of identifying the kind of device which is plugged in, where it will then get to work by adjusting itself so that said plugged in device will be able to be charged up within the shortest time possible. You can say that the second generation Astro3 is proud to announce that it is the first of its kind that boasts of a single port which is capable of delivering full-speed, fast charges to both iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

There are two more other ports that offer universal charging for Android-powered devices at maximum speed, and will also play nice with iPhones and other 5V USB-charging devices. The Astro3 has enough battery capacity to deliver up to seven full charges for majority of the smartphones out there, making it one quick, energy-efficient portable power solution that ensures you remain connected all the time. A tiny circular LED power indicators will dial down, letting you know how much its power reserves are left. Expect to pick up the Astro3 in black for $49.99 a pop.

Press Release

[ Anker introduces Astro3 external battery copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Slighter USB Rechargeable Electric Lighter

So your other half has been pestering you for the longest time to kick that smoking habit of yours, but somehow or rather, you find the lure of tobacco to be too powerful to resist. Since then, he or she has decided to give up on asking you to do so, and realized that you must be accepted completely – warts and all. Hence, if you happen to fall on the side who has been asking the other party to stop smoking and failed in your quest, perhaps it is time to play the role of “good cop” by getting them the $19.99 Slighter USB Rechargeable Electric Lighter.

Let’s face it – any other ordinary lighter just will not do, but an electric lighter – now there is something in which you do not see every single day. Most of us are used to gas-based or fluid-based lighters, but an electric lighter? It is certainly out of the ordinary, and we are glad to report that this is a weather-proof lighter, where it is capable of lighting up approximately 150 cigarettes before requiring a recharge. It does not use any gas or butane, and can be juiced up via USB, now how about that? Definitely the lighter to have during a zombie apocalypse, as long as you have a solar-powered energy generator, that is.
[ Slighter USB Rechargeable Electric Lighter copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Leef Bridge USB flash drive

What happens when you want to transfer a file from a USB flash drive over to your smartphone or tablet? Most of the time, we would hook up the smartphone or tablet to a computer, and likewise, do the same for the USB flash drive, before we open up the relevant windows and perform the file transfer. If only there was no need for a middleman, or in this case, a middle device, life would be a whole lot more convenient, don’t you think so? This is the particular niche that the Leef Bridge USB flash drive intends to fill, where it not only comes with a full sized USB connector, it also comes alongside a microUSB connector.

The latter makes it extremely easy to connect the Leef Bridge USB flash drive into a smartphone or tablet, where all that is required of you would be to slide out the segment that you want to use, while the case of the Leef Bridge USB flash drive will offer protection to the other end. Of course, one should take this into consideration that not all Android-powered devices that have a microUSB port will be compatible with the Leef Bridge, as some of these ports are meant for charging purposes only, so make sure your device has USB OTG (On The Go) compatibility in the first place. Expect the Leef Bridge USB flash drive to arrive in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities, where the first two models will retail for $17.99 and $28.99, respectively.
[ Leef Bridge USB flash drive copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

PortaPow USB Power Monitor lets you know how much power your gadgets use

With the economy the way it has been, it’s important to cut costs wherever you can. Everyone has a different approach to this, whether it’s taking a bike to work, instead of a car, or trying to eat out less. However, there are some people who really want to save every cent, and for those people, the best place to look is at your electronic devices. Each and every one of these needs power to run, and electricity isn’t free (unless you’re using some sort of alternative energy, like solar power, but that’s a different conversation). So how to you keep track of how much juice each of your gadgets needs?

I’ve seen plenty of devices that you can use with most two or three-prong power cords, to see just how much electricity is flowing to the gadget. While these are great, they don’t cover everything. What about your USB devices? How much electricity are they sucking up, when they are in use? Well, this PortaPow USB Power Monitor can tell you that, and more.

By plugging this gadget in between your computer, and whatever device you have plugged in, you can see how much power is being drawn. You can also use it in conjunction with a solar panel, to see how much electricity is being generated. This will allow you to reposition the panel to ensure that you’re getting the most out of the light. This nifty little device might not be a life-changing purchase, but the $19 price won’t break the bank.

[ PortaPow USB Power Monitor lets you know how much power your gadgets use copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]