Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Elgato HDHomeRun Network Dual Tuner
Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer from Griffin Technology
Samsung Omnia W offers Windows Phone Mango experience
Umiushi Smapho 2800 rechargeable battery charger
Foam Dart Rotary Cannon
Star Wars Force FX Removable Blade Lightsabers
NuForce BT-860 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

Posted: 27 Sep 2011 08:27 AM PDT

I think that we all want to watch TV from our computers, and Elgato's HDHomeRun is granting consumers their wish.

The HDHomeRun is a tiny box that connects to one's cable or antenna, and then connects to one's router. With the Windows 7 and Mac software, a user can stream digital television, and record TV shows, at the same time in full HD.

It is too bad that the HDHomeRun is not compatible with older versions of Windows. It looks like it was made more for the Mac, as it comes with EyeTV for Mac. EyeTV allows the user access to SmartGuides to record shows, even entire seasons. It also allows for editing and sharing them with other Macs, provided they are on your network.

With the purchase of the Elgato comes one free year of TV Guide data, with the option of renewing it for only $19.95 per year. The better news is that the HDHomeRun has an iPhone and iPad App, which allows you to watch live or recorded TV anywhere.

All in all the HDHomeRun could be a terrific way to enjoy TV from the computer, as we all want. Well, I do, anyway. You should be able to purchase it for a price of $179.95, and click here for more information.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Elgato HDHomeRun Network Dual Tuner copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer from Griffin Technology

Posted: 27 Sep 2011 08:15 AM PDT

There is nothing that I like more than a laser pointer, and Griffin Technology has a good one with the Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer.

As the name implies, this laser pointer has a pen and a stylus on it. There really isn’t anything too special about the pen, but the pen portion can flip around for a rubber-tipped touchscreen stylus.

The stylus is good for when you want more specific touches on your touchscreen. Since a lot of gaming applications require precise touches in order to win, this stylus could come in handy on tablet games.

As for the laser pointer, it’s pretty obvious what to use this for: teasing cats. Actually, the company says this is good for presentations, but I’ve noticed that when I am viewing presentation, I am often distracted by a laser pointer like a cat.

I got a chance to try out the Griffin Technology Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer for myself, and I liked it and found it to be quite useful. My only worry is that I might absently leave it behind like a BIC pen. Until someone makes pens, styluses, and lasers that are built into your finger like Inspector Gadget, I will have to be more careful with this $50 investment.

By the way, this the price that you can get for it on the Griffin Technology site.

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[ Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer from Griffin Technology copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Samsung Omnia W offers Windows Phone Mango experience

Posted: 27 Sep 2011 06:30 AM PDT

Samsung seems to have got their strategy down pat in the world of smartphones – they’re doing gangbusters where the Android scene is concerned, selling more than 10 million units of the Samsung Galaxy S2 to date despite being launched rather recently, and while their own set of bada-powered phones aren’t doing too hot, Samsung still finds the time to support another operating system – Windows Phone, where the latest model to be announced would be the Samsung Omnia W that will be the first Samsung device that runs on Windows Phone Mango, the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile operating system.

As with most of the other high end phones from Samsung these days, your eyes will be treated to quite the performance thanks to a vivid Super AMOLED display and overall industrial design, not to mention enjoying enriched content and a social communication experience that is enabled by People Hub. Basically, Samsung is marketing the Omnia W as a different kind of handset which puts people at the center of everything.

Obviously when it comes to phones, most people would want to check out just what kind of specifications it will bring – and the Samsung Omnia W does not disappoint. From the 3.7" Super AMOLED display, you will also find no lack in processing power thanks to a beefy 1.4GHz processor, 14.4Mbps HSPA connectivity support, a 5-megapixel camera at the back while there is a VGA camera upfront for video calls, 512MB RAM, 8GB of internal memory as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.

With half a dozen specialized Microsoft applications thrown into the mix to deliver an engaging content and communication experience, you can be sure that the Samsung Omnia W is perfect for those who tend to be more social than the rest. The Windows Phone People Hub will be integrated with social networking services such as Windows Live, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, making sure that you won’t have any troubles keeping in touch with the rest of your social circle.

No idea on pricing though, but we do know that the Omnia W will hit Italy first at the end of next month, with a gradual global rollout that comprises of the rest of Europe, CIS, Latin America, Africa, South East and South West Asia.

Company Page

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[ Samsung Omnia W offers Windows Phone Mango experience copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Umiushi Smapho 2800 rechargeable battery charger

Posted: 27 Sep 2011 06:00 AM PDT

You know how the land of Japan tends to come up with some rather quirky items from time to time? After all, we were introduced to vending machines that sell used panties for those who have a penchant of sniffing on stuff stronger than glue, not to mention having the in-the-flesh “social network” of sorts in the form of Cosplay long before Facebook came into being. Well, here is another cute addition (although not that weird, but rather, it is extremely functional and practical) to the “Made in Japan” list – the Umiushi Smapho 2800 – a rechargeable battery charger that caters for both Android and iOS-powered phones.

The beauty about the Umiushi Smapho 2800 would be the fact that it requires no external cables or adaptors, coming in roughly the size of your palm. Of course, one’s palm size is a variable factor, and since the target market of this feminine looking device would be for ladies aged between 20 to 40, then I would say it will be rather small especially for the men. Then again, I’m not quite sure which guy would want to tote this 2,800mAh battery around in such a design, as there is surely a more masculine model out there.

As plenty of chargers that are available out there at the moment do come with a range of adaptors and cables in order to be compatible with multiple mobile devices, the Umiushi Smapho 2800 takes the road less traveled by skipping all of that. After all, the moment you lose or forget your cable or adapter, the charger ends up as useless, which is why the Umiushi Smapho 2800 comes with a trio of built-in adapters so you will not have to worry about forgetting to pack that essential cable. The adapters in question? An iPhone/iPod dock connector, a micro USB adaptor for smartphones, and a USB plug for recharging purposes, all crammed into a single unit.

This non-cable charger has also a penchant for traveling worldwide since it is compatible anywhere around the globe, irrespective of voltage. PANS, the manufacturer behind the Umiushi Smapho 2800, apparently took a whole year to plan, design, mold, and manufacture the device. It will come in fire red, pearl white and ocean blue colors, where an integrated LED meter lets you see four levels of remaining battery power.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Umiushi Smapho 2800 rechargeable battery charger copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Foam Dart Rotary Cannon

Posted: 27 Sep 2011 05:30 AM PDT

Want to let loose in an Arnie moment when he was still young, did not bonk anything and everything in a skirt, and was the macho man in Predator? Then surely the Foam Dart Rotary Cannon will allow you to re-enact any scenes from the movies that feature a gatling gun in action, although the kind of damage that this puppy can wrought is painless and will be all in the name of good fun. This belt-fed cannon is capable of firing a barrage of 25 foam darts in just 20 seconds, although the real gun on a battlefield would spit out far more fiery bullets of death.

Paying homage to the hand-cranked Gatling gun of yore, this relies on an electric motor and sprocket instead to advance a plastic ammunition belt. Each dart measures 2.5″ x 0.5″, and will be nudged into the firing chamber with a piston whereby it is then accelerated by a couple of motorized wheels down the length of the 9″ central barrel. The effective range? A rather impressive 20 feet, and you can use it in both defense and offence – to saturating an enemy fort or clubhouse with suppressing fire, or to mow down advancing forces.

As long as you don’t run out of foam darts or drain the half dozen AA batteries, you’re good to go with the $79.95 Foam Dart Rotary Cannon.

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Foam Dart Rotary Cannon copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Star Wars Force FX Removable Blade Lightsabers

Posted: 27 Sep 2011 05:00 AM PDT

I guess the world just cannot get enough of George Lucas’ space opera, Star Wars, with the Blu-ray version of Star Wars: The Complete Saga breaking all Blu-ray sales records in the blink of an eye. Well, having said that, even if you already own all sorts of lightsaber replicas and toys with no more room left to spare in your basement, chances are you would also find the $119.99 Star Wars Force FX Removable Blade Lightsabers enticing, much to the chagrin of your other half.

Touted by Thinkgeek to be the “most perfect lightsaber toy ever”, these new blades will light from bottom up accompanied by its unique sound, and whenever you’re done with slaying enemies as well as dispatching of the latest Sith (was it the Master or the Apprentice?), it will fade from the top down with an appropriate sound. Each swing will also trigger its own sound effect, and if it comes into contact with another person, object or lightsaber, the distinctive explosive sound will also be heard.

You can even pick up a couple more models for your collection in this round – Luke’s lightsaber from Episode IV and Kit Fisto, who fell far too easily to Emperor Palpatine.

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Star Wars Force FX Removable Blade Lightsabers copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

NuForce BT-860 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

Posted: 26 Sep 2011 06:24 PM PDT

I have tried out some interesting Bluetooth headphones before, and it is good to see that companies are putting out high-quality headphones at relatively low prices. The Nu Force BT-860 headphones that I recently tried out falls into that category.

The BT-860 uses aptX audio coding technology for its quality sound, and it has the "impressive dynamic range" that it boasts about. Not only are these excellent headphones, but there is a headset and hands-free feature.

According to the instructions, the user is required to charge the BT-360 for about three hours, but it only took about two, really. It has an indicator light that shows that it is charging, and when it wasn't on, it was charged. It was difficult to see when these headphones were ready to work, but when it did work, and worked well.

For those who are interested in the formal specs, it has Bluetooth V 2.1, a 16-bit 44.1kHz (CD-quality) sound, and a 10-meter range. As for the operation time, it is good for 9 hours of hands-free headset operation, an 8 hour music time, and a standby time of 240 hours.

You should be able to get in on this wireless action for an MSRP of $79. That is about the price that I found for it on Amazon.