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The Sportpong as its name, which looks like a Sport Pong game, an interactive game played by foot on the floor. Watch the video above!
Though intended for those with dementia, these shoes — and their inevitable successors — will find undoubtedly find much wider application.
Here's Kathleen Hom's story from Tuesday's Washington Post Health section about the rise of footstep tracking.
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GPS-Equipped Shoes Keep Track of
Wanderers
Caring for a loved one with dementia is worrisome, especially if that person is prone to taking flight. Statistics suggest that 60 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease will get lost at least once, said Andrew Carle, director of George Mason University's senior housing administration program.
To limit the chaos after an at-risk person walks away on his or her own, two companies have teamed up to produce a shoe embedded with Global Positioning System technology.
Developed by GTX Corp. and Aetrex Worldwide, the shoe is dubbed the Ambulator, and it "tracks the location and movement history of its wearer, relaying the information to a monitoring center through cellular networks," GTX chief executive Patrick Bertagna wrote in an e-mail. Concerned family members and friends can log in to a Web site or receive alerts that will pinpoint the location of the person wearing the shoe, Bertagna added.
There are other GPS gadgets aimed at the Alzheimer's market. The major advantage of the shoe, said Carle, who's also a GTX adviser, "is that we're hiding the . . . technology." The idea is that a person with dementia might have bouts of paranoia but would be unlikely to remember there's a tracking device in his shoe and try to rip it out. Also, Carle said, because people with dementia often retain their habitual memory, they'll be likely to put on their shoes before going out.
The companies are planning to start selling the shoe next spring for $200 to $300, plus a monthly monitoring fee starting at about $18 per month. Some of the costs may be reimbursed by Medicare, Bertagna said.
Well this is just plain cool. BrainPort is a device first introduced in 2006 that would allow users to regain some vision by means of a camera and electrical impulses sent to the tongue. But now, this gadget might actually be available commercially.
The BrainPort works by decoding signals that are sent from a camera that’s mounted on your head and transforming them into electrical impulses that hit your tongue gently. These impulses are then experienced as spatial awareness and even an ability to read text.
The device is currently awaiting FDA approval, but if all goes well, the BrainPort should be available early next year. However, pricing is expected to fall in the $10,000 range
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Nobody likes making a trip to the bank, with its long lines, stacks of forms and slips, and blandly innocuous Top 40 playlists. For customers of the Texas bank USAA, though, avoiding a visit to the bank is about to get a whole lot easier.As hard drive capacities increase, the power required to run those drives increases as well. WD Caviar Green drives make it possible for energy-conscious customers to build systems with higher capacities and the right balance of system performance, ensured reliability, and energy conservation.
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 WD Caviar Green drives use less power and support quieter, cooler-running desktop PCs and external storage devices.  |
Reduced power consumption - WD has reduced power consumption by up to 40 percent compared to standard desktop drives with the combination of WD's IntelliSeek, NoTouch, and IntelliPower technologies.
Helps enable eco-friendly PCs - WD Caviar Green drives yield an average drive power savings of 4-5 watts over standard desktop drives making it possible for our energy-conscious customers to build systems with higher capacities and the right balance of system performance, ensured reliability, and energy conservation.
Massive capacity - Capacities up to 2 TB offer the most available capacity for storage-intensive programs and space-hungry operating systems, like Windows Vista®, with plenty of room left over for photos, music, and video.
Perfect for external drives - External drive manufacturers can eliminate the need for a fan in a high-capacity product with a WD Caviar Green drive, the coolest and quietest in its class.
 View IntelliSeek demo here. |
 PMR |
IntelliPower - A fine-tuned balance of spin speed, transfer rate and caching algorithms designed to deliver both significant power savings and solid performance.
IntelliSeek - Calculates optimum seek speeds to lower power consumption, noise, and vibration.
NoTouch ramp load technology - The recording head never touches the disk media ensuring significantly less wear to the recording head and media as well as better drive protection in transit.
Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR) - Employs PMR technology to achieve even greater areal density.
StableTrac™ - The motor shaft is secured at both ends to reduce system-induced vibration and stabilize platters for accurate tracking, during read and write operations. (2 TB models only)
Low power spin-up - WD Caviar Green drives consume less current during startup allowing lower peak loads.
Advanced power technology - Electronic components deliver best-in-class low power consumption for reduced power requirements and increased reliability.
If you want to know about the price :
Western Digital Caviar Green 2 TB Bulk/OEM Hard Drive 3.5 Inch, 32 MB Cache, SATA II WD20EADS [amazon link]
 The Mint Battery is a concept gadget that explores the use of kinetic energy to keep an AA battery charged. Rather than using energy from a wall socket or solar panel the Mint Battery looks in to the idea of being able to shake the battery to create charge. To fit everything needed to make it work the Shakenergy Mint Battery is about half the capacity of a regular rechargeable battery (maybe 750mAh – 1000mAh). What the concept shows is the charging unit being placed at the bottom of the cylinder and the half sized battery sitting just above that. As it’s only a concept it is unknown if the Shakenergy will ever be made. Various factors such as charge time also need to be taken in to consideration. Still, a quite cool idea though regardless of it being practical or not. Via: Gaj-it and Envirogadget |
| The Top 100 Gadget Blogs ranking is here to help you find out which of the gadget blogs from around the world are the ones to watch out for. Ranking is based on information from Alexa and Technorati which combined, give the blog a ranking. The lower the rank number, the higher in the top 100 gadget blogs list the particular blog will appear. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Information for the Top 100 Gadget Blogs list is compiled every week. At the bottom of the top 100 list you will find code to add a top 100 blog button to your gadget blog. Congratulations to all those who made the Top 100. If you own a gadget blog and are not listed then drop us an email and we will add it for you. Updated 20th June 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 The attractive design has vents to keep the drive cool without a fan. View larger. View ports on back. |
With the ability to sit horizontally or stand upright in the included cradle, this SimpleDrive easily slips into whatever space you have available. Measuring just 5.25 x 7.30 x 1.95 inches, it's also compact enough for travel.
With the SimpleDrive there's no complicated set up or software to deal with. Just plug the drive into your computer and start saving videos, music, photos, and other data immediately. In fact, you don't even have to turn the drive on or off: it automatically powers on or off with your computer, a convenient feature that also saves you energy.
With the SimpleDrive's Turbo USB 2.0 interface, data moves up to 25% faster than over a USB 2.0 connection. And since it's also compatible with USB 1.1 ports, you won't have to worry about using this drive with older computers.
Award-Winning Local and Online Backup Options
SimpleTech includes two backup options that will keep your mind at ease regarding important data. With the included Fabrik Local Backup software, you can set up automatic backups from your computer to your SimpleDrive.
For ultimate protection, the SimpleDrive also offers the award-winning Fabrik Ultimate Backup solution, so you can upload your files to a secure, online server and protect your data from real-world mishaps. This provides near-real time protection without bogging down your computer. (Although the SimpleDrive is both Mac and PC compatible, at this time the Fabrik Ultimate Backup solution is only available for Windows-based computers.)
Fabrik's Ultimate Backup allows you to store up to 2 GB for free on one of its 448-bit encrypted servers, and for just a few dollars a month, you get unlimited capacity to securely store all of your important files and media collections offsite. Acting just like the drive's local backup software, you simply set Fabrik Ultimate Backup once, and it automatically and regularly backs up your content behind the scenes. All backups, to the external drive or online service, are unobtrusive. Once your initial content has uploaded, the software performs incremental backups, so only the smallest amount of data that has been changed or modified in your files will be updated.
To keep your content private and confidential, all files are encrypted with 128-bit SSL encryption while in transit, with an option for a private encryption key. Fabrik's offsite 448-bit Blowfish encrypted servers are housed by a Fortune 500 company, ensuring file protection, security, and peace of mind. So now, no matter what happens to your drive -- a curious toddler, a spilled drink, or natural disaster -- your irreplaceable photos, music, videos, and files are safe and secure both offsite and online.
The SimpleDrive comes with unlimited free technical support, and it is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box
SimpleDrive Turbo USB 2.0 External Hard Drive, USB 2.0 cable, AC Adapter, and desk cradle.
Product Description
The reliable SimpleTech S1000U 1TB SimpleDrive Turbo USB 2.0 External Hard Drive proves that simple is better. Featuring a sleek design with soft lines and plenty of space for storing new files or backing up photos, music, and other precious data, the SimpleDrive is ready to use the moment you plug it in. It cannot get any simpler than that.
If you want to know about the price :
SimpleTech by Hitachi SimpleDrive 1 TB Turbo USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive S1000U (Black) [amazon link]
A reasonably stylish all-in-one with a sub-$400 price-tag and 18.5-inch widescreen display: too good to be true or bargain of the century? The eMachines EZ1601-01 poaches Intel’s trusty Atom processor for some desktop duty, offering a squint-free LCD and full-sized peripherals. SlashGear have been testing it out.
Intel’s Atom N270 processor may be more commonly found in 10-inch and smaller netbooks, but that hasn’t stopped manufacturers from slotting the low-power – and admittedly low performance – chip into desktop machines. Although the form-factor of the eMachines EZ1601-01 may be strikingly different from, say, an Eee PC, what’s inside isn’t; the 1.6GHz CPU is paired with 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 2.5-inch 160GB hard-drive, Intel GMA 950 graphics and WiFi b/g. For that you can blame Intel’s configuration limitations on what hardware can be matched up with its Atom N-series chips; the company fears anything more and the processors might start eating into their mainstream CPU range.
What is different from the typical netbook is a DVD burner and an 18.5-inch, 1366 x 768 LCD display. Unlike some all-in-one nettops we’ve seen, such as the ASUS Eee Top, this lacks any sort of touchscreen layer; instead you’ll likely be using the bundled PS/2 keyboard and mouse. Ports on the eMachines EZ1601-01 are split between the left-hand side, which has two USB 2.0, audio in/out and a multiformat card reader, and a down-facing panel around the back. That has a further three USB 2.0 ports, gigabit ethernet, audio output, two PS/2 ports and the DC power plug, and while a chore for regular access does at least mean the EZ1601-01 can back up close to the wall.
Hardware controls are limited to a brightness and power, the former notching the backlight between five different levels. Display quality is reasonable, though nothing special, and it’s worth noting that there’s no video output for plugging in a second screen or a VGA projector. Not, perhaps, something most EZ1601-01 owners would be likely to demand, but a limitation all the same. eMachines’ integrated speakers are similarly average, which for the price and the market positioning means you’ll be wanting to plug an external set in for anything other than the occasional system bleep. Happily that second audio-out socket on the rear panel means you needn’t have a speaker cable perpetually hanging from the side.
In terms of hardware performance, it comes as no surprise to find the eMachines EZ1601-01 sluggish and outpaced when it comes to anything but the most basic of tasks. While it may look like rival all-in-ones from Lenovo and Dell, the N270 processor brings performance on a par with most netbooks. In Geekbench the EZ1601-01 managed a total score of 871, bested by MSI’s Wind U100 (with 886) and ASUS’ Eee PC 1000H (with 883), neither the most current of netbooks. Browsing the internet with a clutchful of tabs open while music plays in the background is manageable, yes, but system-intensive tasks such as ripping CDs, processing video and playing back high-definition footage range from painfully slow through to plainly impossible.
Given the budget price-tag, though, we can perhaps forgive the eMachines EZ1601-01’s shortcomings. At $399.99 it makes for a decent web-centric browsing, emailing and instant-messaging desktop, with a more eye-friendly display than a similarly priced netbook. It’s less portable, of course – though at 9lbs it’s reasonably luggable – but if you’re considering a netbook as a second or third PC to keep the household internet addicts quiet then the EZ1601-01 makes for a reasonable alternative.
If you want to know about the price :
So about that Nikon Coolpix S1000pj digital point and shoot. Well, things got firmed up today when What Digital Camera got a complete hands on with the device. As suspected, and detailed yesterday, it’s a 12 megapixel shooter with a built-in projector that can throw up a 40-inch image onto any surface. On top of the camera is an aperture control (sorry, no auto focus yet) while the back of the camera includes a 2.7-inch LCD, two pieces of info we didn’t know yesterday. There’s no official word from Nikon as of yet, so we’re still left wondering what the lumen and contrast ratio is.
Product Description
Nikons revolutionary new Coolpix S1000pj combines 12.1 effective megapixels and a 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR lens with the worlds first camera with an ultra-small built-in projector. The Coolpix S1000pj combines Nikons 5-way VR Image Stabilization system and an incredible bright, high-resolution 2.7-inch LCD for getting sharp, clear pictures. The Coolpix S1000pj features Nikons Smart Portrait System, with Smile Shutter, that enables you to get great portraits, with a touch of the shutter! Enjoy the Coolpix S1000pjs built-in projector to create a great slide show and movies right at your party or gathering, its your personal theater on the go.
Package Includes:
*Nikon Coolpix S1000pj
*Nikon 2 year Extended Warranty
*Nikon Case for S1000pj
*Extra EN-EL12 Battery for Nikon
*8GB SDHC Memory Card
*Mini Tripod, SprayCleaner, and Lens Tissue Kit
*Memory Card Reader
*LCD Screen Protectors
This item will be released on September 20, 2009.
If you want to know about the price :
Nikon Coolpix S1000pj 12.1MP Digital Camera with Built-in Projector and 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom Package 4 [amazon link]
UltraPortable
The PHS300 creates a fully portable WiFi Hotspot from broadband-enabled cellular phones and modems. Take WiFi to a new level by 'bringing it with you'.
Secure
Built-in firewall keeps you in control of your Cellular bandwidth, and WEP/WPA security allows you and your colleagues to work in a fully secure environment.
Simple
Complete Plug-and-Play solution. Plug in your phone or USB modem, connect your PC to this Hotspot, then surf the Internet.
This private label router by Cradlepoint is functionally identical to the PHS300! There are two key differences, it is limited to 4 users when connected to an EVDO card, and 2 users if tethered to a cellphone. Only Sprint devices are supported, this model will not work with AT&T, Verizon or other carrier devices.
 Large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour |
 Millions of songs, thousands of videos, hundreds of games. Click to enlarge. |
Touch Your Music
Remember what it felt like to flip through your CD or record collection? Cover Flow brings that feeling back. Just turn iPod touch on its side and flick through your music to find the album you want to hear. Tap the cover to flip it over and display a track list. Tap again to start the music. Even view the lyrics while you're listening.
A Musical Genius
Say you're listening to a song you really like and want to hear other tracks that go great with it. The new Genius feature finds the songs in your library that go great together and makes a Genius Playlist for you. You can listen to the playlist right away, save it for later, or even refresh it and give it another go. Count on Genius to create a mix you wouldn't have thought of yourself.
Fill It Up
Fill up your iPod touch with audio and video from your iTunes library. All you have to do is choose the playlists, videos, and other content you want to sync, and iTunes does the rest.
 The iPod touch feels even better in your hand, thanks to the stunningly thin, contoured enclosure made of polished stainless steel. |
 Just turn iPod touch on its side and flick through your music to find the album you want to hear. Click to enlarge. |
 Carry hours of video with you, and watch it on a crisp, clear 3.5-inch widescreen color display. |
Everything's a Must-see
Carry hours of video with you, and watch it on a crisp, clear 3.5-inch widescreen color display. Need ideas? From Hollywood blockbusters to independent favorites, there's something for everyone at the iTunes Store. Download and watch movies with a few clicks. Prefer TV shows? Buy a single episode or an entire season's worth all at once.
In Control
While watching your video, tap the display to bring up the onscreen controls. You can play/pause, view by chapter, and adjust the volume. You also can use the new volume controls on the left side of iPod touch. Want to switch between widescreen and full screen? Simply tap the display twice.
Sync and Go
Need some entertainment for your next flight or road trip? With iTunes on your Mac or PC, you can sit at your computer and choose the movies and TV shows you want to sync to your iPod touch.
If you want to know about the price :
Apple iPod touch 16 GB (2nd Generation) NEWEST MODEL
 Replace all your other media players. View larger. |
 There are connections for all the latest home theater components. View larger. |
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With a sleek, black design that features a brushed aluminum front, the OPPO BDP-83 will fit your home decor. And by replacing a myriad of other players, the OPPO BDP83 will save you space and will reduce clutter and cables.
Latest Blu-ray Specs for Outstanding Video Quality
The OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player incorporates an award-winning processing chip by Anchor Bay that provides outstanding picture quality that is clean and true to life. The player provides full 1080p HD output, and can also provide output at 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. It also supports Blu-ray discs that are recorded at 24 frames per second, so you can have a cinema-like experience anytime you want it.
The BDP-83 supports Blu-ray Profile 2.0, which means that it has special hardware, such as an audio/video decoder and one gigabyte of internal storage. This allows it to support BD-Live features such as Internet chats, scheduled chats with the director, Internet games, and more. Please note that BD-Live requires an Internet connection to work.
Product Description
Complete Media Support: Blu-ray Disc; BD-Live; DVD Up-Conversion; DVD-Audio; SACD; Additional Media Formats - Additional disc and file formats, such as audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, AVCHD, MKV, and other audio/video/picture files on recorded discs or USB drives can be played back on the BDP-83. Unparalleled Video Quality: VRS by Anchor Bay; Full HD 1080p Output ; True 24 Video ; Source Direct Mode; Multiple Zoom Modes; HDMI; High Fidelity Audio: Dolby TrueHD; DTS-HD; 7.1-Channel Analog Output; Dedicated Stereo Output; Digital Optical and Coaxial Outputs; Ultimate Convenience: Dual USB Ports ; PAL/NTSC Conversion ; Back-lit Remote Control; Universal Power Supply ; External IR ; RS232 Control (optional) ; HDMI CEC
If you want to know about the price :
OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player with SACD & DVD-Audio
