Gadgets

Apple desperate for new iPhone to fly off the shelves

2008-07-21T11:34:55Z

Its seems odd talking about 'the original iPhone' when its only been on the market for just a year and to most seems new anyway.

But the clever people at Apple are intent on staying ahead of Nokia and Blackberry and have updated the iPhone to make it more user friendly.

The real reason why the new version may be more popular than it's predecessor though is because of the price.

The new devices start at £100 and Apple are confident this will lead to increased sales of iPhone handsets.

The iPhone was first launched last year and was widely criticised for it's support for slower 2G networks only.

Now Apple boast that the new 3G phone is "three times faster" downloading content over a mobile network compared to the original device.

But despite the optimism there's growing concern that the iPhone could be an expensive flop outisde the US.

The price of the latest handset smacks of desperation say iPhone critics and while customers are happy with the low cost others wonder why they forked out so much for the original iPhone if it's so inferior to the latest model.

]]> Telecommunications business analyst John Delaney, speaking to the BBC last week, said " The fact that it's cheaper is interesting. But how is it going to be cheaper? If Apple is cutting the retail price, it will drastically hit their margins if they sell volume. If the lower price is through operator subsidy they are becoming a bit more humble. But thats not clear at this stage. Either way, they are going for volume. But they have a big mountain to climb outside of the US."

Apple has a 20% share of the US smartphone market but only 5% worldwide with Nokia and Blackberry clearly dominating.

The other selling point of the new iPhone relates to it's in-built GPS satellite navigation system.Lets hope for Apple's sake it points them in the right direction in a market where theres increased competition and decreasing disposible income.

Electric bikes grow in popularity thanks to green revolution

2008-07-07T16:14:41Z

They may not be allowed in the Tour de France this week but Electric bikes are flying out of shops across the UK as more environmentally aware consumers opt for two rather than four wheels.

The bikes are useful for shorter journeys in particular and could be a mode of transport soon to swamp the country.

Designers and retailers of electric bikes say the they have many advantages over a car and that consumers should pick one up now before the rush!

"In the time it takes you to get into your car and then get it out of the drive and onto the road you'd already be hundreds of yards away on your eletric powered bike" said one desginer.

]]> Electric bikes have been around for longer than we would probably imagine with the first patent being sought in the late 1800s.

So why do people now want to pick up such modes of transport. Well retailers say people like to ride electric

bikes because:

* they enjoy the feeling of riding a bicycle except for hills and headwinds so the helping hand is appreciated!

* they prefer their local errands to be easy, slow paced and scenic

* they like to save money, meet new people and protect the environment

* they look for extra chances to exercise even if it's just a little

* they want their own traffic lane, convenient parking and shortcuts

The cost of buying an e-bike can range from anywhere between £200 and £2,000 with some new models even exceeding that.

However with increasing fuel costs, congestion problems and greater focus on environmental issues they are growing in popularity at a rapid rate as Britons decide to get on their bikes!

Ever wanted to shoot your TV? Well now you can!

2008-06-13T13:31:25Z

If like me television presenters such as Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Vine drive you mad at times then the latest invention on the market will make you smile!

The sharp shooter TV remote will allow you to vent your anger at characters who make you sit uneasily in your seat!

Promoters also say that it will help sort out problems over which channel to have on (though Im not sure this will stick).

They say " The Sharp Shooter TV Remote is perfect for settling those disputes over who wants to watch what. No more battling oThe Sharp Shooter TV Remote is perfect for settling those disputes over who wants to watch what. No more battling over the ordinary, regular remote. Simply go in with the Sharp Shootin' TV Remote blazing, and get your own way every time! Perfect for the Sheriff of every One Sofa Town. To re-enforce your point the Replica Revolver Remote emit's a 'BANG!' sound every time the trigger is squeezed."

]]> The Six Shooter Replica TV Remote is compatible with most TV's, and in fact why stop at running the rule over the TV when it can be utilised for any device with a remote.

Easily programmable, and re-programmable the remote can be used for performing one function from any remote.

So you could turn on your stereo by using your fake gun or indeed any other application in your house which requires a remote!

Ultimately though this is no more than a novelty gift, however its the latest in a long line of such items selling well on the market.

The massive increase in disposable income witnessed over the last decade in particular has seen old technologies dressed up. While the end products are hardly inspiring from a design point of view they provide a lucrative gift market which succeeds in raking in millions per annum especially leading up to the Christmas period.

Running will never be the same again!

2008-05-16T11:18:51Z

There was a time when modern technology and running were unhappy bedfellows!

Many tired off the stresses of modern living would take to the open road with nothing more than their trainers, shorts and singlets.

Now though Nike and Apple have joined forces to come up with a clever device which could make your running experience more enjoyable and certainly more rewarding.

The Nike iPod sports kit allows runners to track distance, time, pace and calories burned.

The device is especially ideal for those who take running seriously and is especially useful for those who are in training for bigger races.

So how does it work? Well you simply fit the iPod sport kit sensor into your training show during your work out and let the device do the rest while you pound the road.

And heres the sales pitch from the manufacturers " In a country suffering from an obesity epidemic, there is finally an iPod accessory that has lasting benefits to overall health. The fact that the software can help coordinate your work out makes this the hottest iPod peripheral -- bar none."

]]> Cleverly the Sport Kit allows your Nike+ shoe to talk to your iPod nano. The sensor uses a sensitive accelerometer to measure your activity, then wirelessly transfers this data to the receiver on your iPod nano.

But before you think you can save money by buying the sports kit to use it in your existing trainers think again.

The wireless sensor can only be used in the custom built Nike shoe.

If you choose, real-time, spoken feedback can even alert you to milestones throughout your workout. You can synchronise your iPod nano with your computer and transfer your workout data to iTunes and nikeplus.com, which is great for evaluating and tracking your performances!

Wi-Fi becomes the latest addition to the world of Digital Cameras

2008-04-11T12:58:27Z

]]> Wireless transfer allows the photographer to send pictures from the memory card or the camera's internal memory direct to a selected computer on command. Wireless shooting automatically transfers each picture to a selected computer as soon as it is shot and can be viewed with Nikon's powerful PictureProject software.

Wireless printing also delivers the convenience of cable-free direct printing to PictBridge-compatible printers.

These compact cameras allow the user to correct images in-camera, thanks to the incorporation of three unique Nikon features. The D-Lighting function has the power to improve images taken with excessive back light or insufficient flash - automatically creating a copy of the selected shot, but with enhanced detail and light applied exactly where necessary.

The Portrait (Face AF) Mode has the ability to detect a human face in the frame achieving sharp focus for it when the subject is facing the camera from a typical portrait distance.

Hearing impaired can now enjoy live Radio

2008-04-04T15:27:19Z

If we're honest the majority of new gadgets turning heads across the globe are usually luxurious items not necessarily vital for life enjoyment.

We may prefer one type of high-tech mobile phone over another or favour to carry around a kindle than an actual book but in reality none of these items or services border on the vital.

Thats why when we here at Getminted stumble across a gadget which can actually help to improve people's lives we appreciate it's true value.

Millions of people around the world miss out on the joys of radio because they are hearing impaired.

But a new initiative by National Public Radio, technology firm Harris Corporation and Towson University based in Baltimore, Maryland aims to change that.

]]> At the moment the voice to text conversion has to be done by typists but could one day be automatic.

The information is then broadcast alongside the voice transmission and displayed on a screen on the radio.

The consortium will transmit the first live broadcast at CES using a prototype radio that has a screen large enough to display big swathes of text.

They expect the first commercial radios to be available towards the end of this year in the States.

Then depending on the initial success of these handsets the radios will be available for purchase in Britain though as yet a price for this exciting new product is not known.

Night vision glasses makes driving so much easier!

2008-03-10T10:50:46Z

]]> Originally designed to help drivers in the 24 Hours of LeMans auto race, the Tag Hauer glasses amp up contrast by correcting the low-light short-sightedness of the human eye, which only sees about 10% at night.

The pale yellow lenses offer constant clear, sharp vision with a very high light transmission rate in order to contrast dark blue and green surroundings without changing colour perception. In addition, the lenses are anti-reflective to reduces glare and increase sharpness, taking added strain off the eyes.

The titanium frames come Wide and Panorama, and have anti-slip elastomere arms to keep them on your head.

So if you have problems driving at night and get distracted by the glare of oncoming traffic then perhaps a pair of these state-of-the-art glasses are just what the (eye) doctor ordered!

Want new music? Well the 'Slacker' delivers!

2008-02-22T12:33:49Z

In a time when most radio stations are play-listed it's refreshing to stumble across a new artist though it's not always easy to do so. Many people have busy lives and getting to see smaller gigs at intimate venues can be very difficult.

So thats why the 'Slacker internet radio service' has been heralded as a breakthrough by many top gadget publications.

Punters in the UK are still waiting on it's wholesale release here but if it's half as succesful on this side of the Atlantic as it has been in the United States then it's sure to be one of the buys of 2008.

The slacker is a portable media player which uses a wi-fi connection to help you discover new bands and musicians. It's being touted as the world's first personalised portable radio player.

It works by downloading new songs to your player, based on your music listening preferences, each time you enter a wi-fi hotspot or connect the device to your computer.

You can have 40 different "radio stations", holding up to 4,000 songs, on the player, which comes in 500MB, 1.5GB and 4GB flavours.

With the slacker you won't feel outdated on the music front and can shock your kids by letting them in on the next big artist before he, she or they make the big breakthrough!

Smile Fish, you're on camera!

2008-02-06T10:53:12Z

Once upon a time people were happy to go on holiday and lounge by the side of the swimming pool soaking up the Sun and sipping on a fruity though over-priced cocktail.

The thought of 'activity' was rubbished as 'relaxation' became the order of the day.

The modern tourist is a different animal though with more and more people wishing to enjoy as many different experiences as possible when away from their comfort zone.

Diving and other water activities have become big business and quickly inventors are picking up on the change in vacation desires.

The underwater camera has been around for some time but now designers have come up with a digital version for aqua-fun lovers!

]]> There are a number of companies selling the digital cameras at the moment using promotional incentives such as:

" whether you are diving for treasure, shipwrecks or coral and aquatic life - this underwater digital camera is good for depths up to 35m. Suited for most water resistant uses . Also essential for the beach, by the pool and aquaparks, wherever there is water and you dont fancy taking your "dry land" camera, this is the perfect choice."

The environmentally friendly way to watch television

2008-01-28T16:07:03Z

I consider myself conscious of the environment but I like so many others am guilty of leaving the television on standby after I've finished watching it.

For some reason the box in the corner remains glittering away as light switches are being switched off at pace around the house.

Now though Television manufacturers Philips have come up with the Eco Tv which should have a far less detrimental effect on the environment than the normal TV set.

]]> This looking high-definition LCD television won the "Best in Show" award at CES2008 and is set to fly off the shelves.

It's said to be the perfect television for your off-grid home with several power saving features meaning it uses less electricity than a 100W lightbulb to run.

Philips say that features such as dimming the backlight in darker scenes have a dual benefit - not only is power consumption reduced but the back level performance is improved. Also, there is a room lighting sensor which can also dim the backlight in darker rooms.

These TV sets will be available from March in the States, with a price tag of just under $1400. Philips UK say they'll be out here in March or April too, priced at a hefty £999.

Computer games are about to get much more life like

2008-01-17T16:07:45Z

As inventions go on the getminted gadget blogsite I would have to say the TN games vest might just be the most jaw dropping.

If like me you've often wondered what it feels like to drive a formula one car, be present at a shuttle launch or fly a fighter plane then this unique vest will replicate the real-life physical feelings.

TN games who sell their vests and under such products using the promotional line "Get pounded on your own terms" say the "Gaming vest' takes gameplay beyond sight and sound, creating spatial awareness of the world your characters inhabit. Unlike traditional force feedback devices that rumble or buzz, the 3rd Space Vest gives you precise impact where it happens, as it happens. Get pounded with body slams, crushed with G-forces, and blasted with bullet fire."

Now to me one of the good things about video games is that you can do things using your joystick or keyboard that you wouldn't dare do in person.

The vest it seems will make such games alot more real though!

]]>

The vests are based on technology what was originally designed for use by doctors to remotely examine patients.

Connected to the computer by USB, the vests consist of light weight air compressors that pump air into bladders (I kid you not!)

A version designed for first person shooters contains eight cells that are able to recreate the direction and force of bullet fire.

Another version recreates the G-force felt while driving or flying.

When the game player accelerates, the cells in the vest inflate the chest. Faster acceleration causes the cells to inflate quicker whilst braking causes the back cells to activate.

TN games has also designed sleeves, leg covers and a helmet that plugs into the vests to deliver what it says a "full body gaming experience."

So if you want to know what taling a bullet feels like from the pistol of Lara Croft (pictured right) perhaps the gaming vest is for you. But beware, you may finish a game more shattered than if you had been involved in high adrenaline activity for real!

Driving will never be the same!

2008-01-11T14:53:02Z

Just when you thought that an in-car GPS device was cutting age technology in the automotive area an upgraded version of the route planning aide has hit the shops.

The Dash Express (pictured left) is set to change the way we drive and take away much of the stress associated with navigation in busy towns and cities.

The device is the latest piece of driving equipment from the Dash Naviagtion company and they predict by the end of 2008 it will be a must have for motorists in the UK.

The unit has the ability to receive real-time traffic data from different sources, including units belonging to other owners.

In effect, each unit works as a traffic sensor sending a user's speed and location over a permanent internet connection.

]]> Back at Dash HQ, the company calculates up-to-the-minute traffic conditions and suggests alternative routes if there is a traffic snarl ahead.

In theory, the device should get better as more Dash users hit the roads.

The device has been developed in collaboration with Yahoo and allows the users to conduct web searches for locations or even the cheapest fuel.

Its expected that the device will cost in the region of £5 per month and it is already on trial in the United States.

Manufacturers are starting to pack more and more features into in-car GPS devices and you can expect to see many more side services offered by the dashboard friend in 2008.

Those on show at the recent Consumer Electronics Show included the ability to download movie times and even find a parking spot.

Gates looks into the future and reveals our lives are about to change forever thanks to new technology!

2008-01-07T17:53:00Z

Not for the first time in his career the Chairman of Microsoft has informed us that life as we know it is about to change thanks to improved computerised technology!

Bill Gates told reporters at the 41st annual Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas that touch, vision and speech interfaces would become increasingly important in our day to day lives replacing the mouse and the keyboard.

Showing off his Microsoft Surface computer (a large table like machine with a multi-touch interface) he said " I'll be brave. In five years we'll have many tens of millions of people sitting browsing their photos, browsing their music, organising their lives using this type of touch interface."

It signals a redefinition of the computer for many taking it from the office and placing it at the heart of our daily lives. Some would argue that this has already happened with new innovative high tech gadgets being placed on the market by the week.

]]> Gates predicts that in the next ten years, we will enjoy a high-definition experience wherever we go, not just on HD televisions, thanks to improvements in screen technology that will affect everything from projectors to touch-sensitive surface tablets.

And while consumers in Britain are just getting used to their iphones and other such devices he said getting personalised applications and data while on the move will be taken for granted in the next few years.

"This whole idea of what I call natural user interface is really redefining the experience. We're adding the ability to touch and directly manipulate, we're adding vision so the computer can see what you're doing, we're adding the pen, we're adding speech." said Gates.

Citing the success of the iPhone and the controller for the Nintendo Wii game console, Mr Gates said such interfaces were a big hit with consumers.

Gate's theory will be tested when the Microsoft Surface (pictured left) is released this Spring.

Want to watch your favourite British soaps while on holidays in India, well now you can!

2008-01-04T12:30:01Z

We've all been there. After the initial buzz of being away with work or on holiday wears off we yearn for just an hour of our home country's TV.

While BBC World can be viewed in hotel rooms across the globe it delivers news and programmes on a loop and often can be tedious and not terribly enjoyable.

But now thanks to the Slingbox SOLO you can watch your favorite British programmes wherever you are in the world.

This latest gizmo is expected to be huge in 2008 and means sportsfans for example can watch their football teams play live at the push of a button.

One of a number of Slingbox products in this field it means you can watch television either through your laptop or your mobile phone as the age of telecommunications develops at a rapid pace.

A streaming device that doesn't require any monthly fees, the SOLO connects to equipment such as your DVR, satellite system or cable box to deliver HD-quality TV signals to anywhere in the world.

The SOLO (pictured left) retails at approximately £130 though you might be able to get your hands on it via the USA for less.

So If you're stranded in Sri Lanka or bathing in Bangladesh and can't stop wondering if Vera Duckworth has kicked the bucket yet the Slingbox SOLO may be just what you need!

All aboard the retro moped!

2007-12-21T15:01:56Z

As gadgets go the Radio controlled Moped (pictured left) won't win any awards at the top shows but still it deserves a mention on this site.

Like many of our readers it's understated but brimming with style and it's sure to be seen zooming across sitting room floors on Christmas morning.

Whether you wanted a Vespa/Lambretta 'back in the day', or are just a fan of The Who Quadrophenia and the like, relive the heady days of the sixties with this great little gadget!

This Remote Controlled Mod Scooter is sure to appeal to kids (both big and small)!

If your allegiances lay with the Motorcycle loving Rockers you can always have endless hours of amusement putting the poor helpless Mod on board through some dare-devil Evil Knievel style stunts!