03.12.2012
Another day; another set of headphones. Yes, it's tough being a gadget reviewer.
While we grab a set of earbuds when we're headed to the gym, for hi-fidelity sound, we almost always go for a pair of Creative headphones, such as the Aurvana, or now, for the new HN-900, noise cancelling headphones with an online mic.
The cleverly concealed microphones in the earcups pick up surrounding noises and then electronically negate sounds, effectively reducing the noise by up to 85%. Neodymium drivers let you enjoy music the way it was meant to be heard, and since the audio cable comes with an in-line microphone, you won't miss any calls on your iPhone. The cable can be detached and the noise-canceling feature turned on - great for times when all you want is peace and quiet,such as a plane ride. And for those of us who keep forgetting to add new batteries, if the headphones run out of power, you can still use them in the passive mode without noise cancellation.
The HN's become instantly portable by folding the earcups flat and storing them in the pouch.
Well-worth 100 bucks.
NOTE: While you can listen to music with your headphones from other devices, media control using the cable's in-line switch works only with iPhones, iPods and iPads.
Posted by Evan
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02.27.2012
As any iPhone user knows, listening with their phones' built-in speaker is not exactly an audiophiles dream. iFrogz designed "Boost" to amp the tinny sound; just place your device on top of the black brick while it's playing and voila! - you've got a speaker.
So how does it accomplish this? By using what's called Near Field technology, it syncs the audio signal from inside your device and then pumps it out the two 2W x 2RMS speakers. No wires, no bluetooth, no nothing. (There is an auxiliary line-in jack is provided for devices without external speakers.)
While it doesn't compare to listening with your Bose computer speakers, it sure sounds a helluva lot better than it did before and you can take your Boost anywhere.
The Boost gives up to 15 hours of play time when powered by three AA batteries - or can be powered by a Micro USB cord (sold separately). When on battery power, it can remain in Standby mode for up to 6 months. The little black box is a great way to amp up your music.
$40. at iFrogz.
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02.13.2012
The GoPad device essentially straps your iPad to your chest, yes it looks a bit ridiculous, but we can imagine it being really useful for doctors or teachers. We think...
Available from GoPad.
[Via Like Cool]
Posted by Becca
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02. 1.2012
In California, an earthquke is not a matter of "If" but "when." (For a list of the American Red Cross recommendations for your kit, click here.)
We just added to our EQ kit the Blackout Buddy by Eton, an emergency LED Blackout flashlight that plugs and recharges straight from your wall socket, Handily, it also performs as a night light, perfect for the home and office. The fold-up prongs plug directly into an electrical socket for a constant charge. ($15.)
Because you just know that when the next big one hits, it's going to be at night.
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12.22.2011
Trying to keep a pair of sunglasses on a toddler can be like getting your cat to wear a festive costume. (Ever see a Kitty that enjoyed dressing up?)
Given the dangers of UV radiation though, kiddies need to learn early to rock some shades.
(The American Optometric Association warns that "the effects of UV radiation are cumulative. This means the longer your eyes are exposed to UV radiation, the greater the risk of developing such conditions as cataracts or macular degeneration in later life.")
Enter Eyes Cream Shades who make quality sun glasses for the younger set in bright, fun colors and fashion-forward designs. No need to tell them that they provide 100% UVA and UVB protection.
Little girls can dress up like Mom in the Mint Ice - Cat Eye Walk Kids Sunglasses ($24.95) or your teen can sport the trendy Licorice Ice -- Divalicious Teen Sunglasses($34.99.)
For babies, there's the Banana - Trends N Bends Baby/Toddler Sunglasses, made of durable, matte yellow rubber frame that bend easily to prevent breakage. ($24.95.)
It's never to early to start protecting your muchkin's eyes. Or to stop dressing up kitty Cat.
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12. 9.2011
We've seen our fair share of Hello Kitty technology here at Popgadget (we even wrote a list of the best Hello Kitty themed gadgets for Christmas last week). However, it's rare that Hello Kitty themed merchandise is anything more than a cute addition to our desktops. Until now that is...
We found this Korg guitar tuner on Chip Chick, which is good quality and does the job, despite having a little Hello Kitty head attached to the top.
It's a great addition to our Hello Kitty gift guide if you're looking for something for an aspiring musician this holiday season.
Available from Japan Trend Shop for $58.
[Via Chip Chick]
Posted by Becca
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11.30.2011
Sure there are plenty of good quality, regular sized cameras out there, but we've come across a few very cute, very tiny ones in recent months and think they'd make perfect presents this holiday.
They all fit in the palm of your hand, they all have a bit of a vintage feel and they all make you feel a bit like a giant...
Continue reading "Holiday Gift Guide: Teeny tiny digital cameras"
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11.22.2011
New and improved! Despite sounding like an informmerical, it's true that last years' version of the sensor pump from Simplehuman is now, well, new and improved.
The 1.0 version tended to leak soap, making it a tad messy. 2.0 features a flexible silicon valve to prevent drips and a high-efficiency pump for faster, more consistent dispensing. Easy-to-use buttons control how much soap or lotion to dispense, and the wide opening makes refills fast, easy and mess-free.
Simplehuman has also - smartly - come up with their own line of soaps , which are the optimum consistency for sensor pumps. We like the moisturizing vitamin E-enriched soap which has a subtle lavender scent. (. $6.99 for 34 fl. oz.)
At $39.99 (for the 13 Fl. oz. brushed nickel) it makes a nifty hostess gift.
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11.16.2011
As all parents know, since the day they're born, our offspring want to play with our electronics.
Little ones are so clever, they often can't be fooled with a "toy" phone, or plastic tablet.
Vtech recommends their new InnoTablet, a colorful version of Mommy's iPad, for ages 4-9. I suggest age one, before they make a grab for our technology.
But if you give it to them early enough, there's lots for your youngster to enjoy, such as the interactive reading, learning games, creative activities, and a varried aps in the body of a solid (read: durable) package.
Featuring a 5" color touch screen and tilt-sensor, kids can tap, flick, drag, and pat/pound their way to through applications such as an MP3 Player, Video Player, Art Studio, Interactive Globe, Friends List, Calculator, and Clock.
Additional content such as e-books and learning games can easily be uploaded to the InnoTab through VTech's Learning Lodge Navigator and it comes with a 64MB onboard memory and SD card slot for memory expansion.
To really test it, we gave it to a two year old, who was instantly transfixed. She loved the Music app and then the E Reader, and after showing her how to "tap" on the icons she was off. By tomorrow, the parents will need to download more games.
The learning toy connects to PC/Mac with included USB cable, but beware -- once your munchkin is on your computer, you're not getting it back.
For parents who don't want a toddler drooling on their expensive tablet, or don't own a tablet, the Vtech InnoTab is great gift for baby, at $79.
Posted by Evan
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