-
-
It would appear that Microsoft isn’t the only one who is making new 720p webcams, as Hercules has announced the Dualpix HD 720p.
The Hercules Dualpix HD 720p lives up to its name as it shoots in 720p HD resolution video with 1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second with 16/9 format.
As for photo resolution, it has 5 megapixels in interpolated mode, and it has a 1 megapixel CMOS sensor for quality images, even in low-light conditions. There is also a high-quality built-in microphone for good sound as well.
The Autofocus lens allows a wide viewing angle, which is, according to my source: “Awesome! Now you can be seen from head to toe”.
It uses USB 2.0 Video Class (UVC) interface for high-speed transfers for “driverless installation” for Windows XP SP2, Vista, and Windows 7.
There is only one problem. Both Microsoft and Hercules are claiming that they have the first webcam that operates at 720p. Microsoft is saying the Lifecam is the first, but all I got to say is this: webcams have come a long way from the low-res, low frame rate things they were a while ago.
Well, I believe that the first 720p webcam to hit the market can claim that one, and the Hercules Dualpix HD720p will be out next month for $60 which is really good compared to what I paid for my HD webcam...
-
-
Gadgets typically look like, well, gadgets. They look shiny, new and a combination of plastic and metal. Being someone that not only adores old looking technology (almost antique in appearance), but your older than average books as well, sometimes I get tired of the same old technology day in and day out. Well apparently I’m not the only one, because one person decided that their scanner needed to blend in a little more properly within their home. Now that they finished their mod, it just appears that they always have the same old book laying out on their desk.
If you are tired of the way your scanner looks, this is one way to solve the problem. Datamancer took a flatbed scanner and put it in a book that they hollowed out. Choosing the book you use could definitely change the look of the mod completely. It’d also be one way to show off your personality and the types of things you love. From the looks of things this isn’t just a book he found at your local Barnes and Nobles, but one he made himself. You can see the various pictures of his progress on his website.
-
-
Looks like competition in the e-book reader market is heating up, with Sony making further inroads into this niche segment by enlarging its Reader family of e-book readers with the introduction of the Reader Daily Edition. This highly-anticipated wireless model will feature 3G connectivity, and will accompany its other two siblings, the Reader Pocket Edition and the Reader Touch Edition that were announced earlier this August. While the latter two models are already readily available at this moment, folks who are looking forward to the Reader Daily Edition to give Amazon’s Kindle and its successor will have to wait until December for it to be released during the holiday season.
The Reader Daily Edition will enable consumers to access AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network wirelessly, connecting to Sony’s eBook store as long as they are within a decent signal range, which would practically mean from just about anywhere in the US where AT&T are concerned. Users can browse, purchase and download books while selecting various newspapers and magazines to read on demand. You won’t have to worry about additional burdens on your finances since there are no monthly fees or transaction charges for the basic wireless connectivity option. Another feature includes the option to side load personal documents or content from other compatible sites through USB connectivity.
You will find a 7″ wide touchscreen display gracing the Reader Daily Edition which ought to be more than ample for folks who want an intuitive navigation experience. That amount of viewing space also ensures a comfortable layout of content, regardless of whether you’re reading newspapers or magazines. In portrait mode, one is able to view anywhere from 30 to 35 lines of text, making one feel as though he/she is reading a printed paperback book. Other features include a high contrast ratio with 16 levels of grayscale, sufficient internal memory to store up to 1,000 eBooks and a memory card slot. Come December, you can pick up the Sony Reader Daily Edition for approximately $399.
-
-
The video says it all, and yes you read the title right, it's a Dual Screen laptop!!
-
-
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a stethoscope that was any different than the same type doctors have been carrying around for generations. They stay pretty simple, but this one gives doctors the opportunity to get an upgrade. While doctors are updating their systems to make them more gadget friendly, this could be a great addition. After all, doctors should get to play with fun gadgets too. This Littmann 3200 Bluetooth Stethoscope created by both 3M and Zargis Medical would be a great way to update the classic doctor’s instruments.
This new stethoscope reduces background noise by 85% while still allowing the doctor to hear the critical body sounds they need to hear. It also reduces handling noises that are often heard with the older electronic versions. This stethoscope has up to 24x sound amplification which could help with overly obese patients and to hear when a patient’s clothing is making it difficult to hear. You can purchase one of these for $379, which really isn’t too bad of a price.
-
-
Sony has always been synonymous with the Walkman brand name, and the same applies the other way round since the first portable cassette player was launched in the previous century. How time has passed by so quickly, with portable music now being defined by the MP3 file format, with portable video being another entertainment staple these days for people who own a portable media player or cellphone. Well, Sony has released new stylish S Series Walkman Video MP3 players that also come with integrated high-quality stereo speakers which allow you to share your favorite tunes with others around without the need to cower under the guise of headphones.
Despite packing in built-in stereo speakers, the new Sony S Series Walkman player will come in a slim and compact form factor, measuring no more than 0.5″ thin. The device also boasts a 2.4″ QVGA LCD display alongside a super quick response time so you won’t have to put up with less-than-satisfactory video playback, “Clear Audio” and “Digital Linear Phase Speaker System” technologies.
Apart from those, it is also imperative that a portable media player is able to hold its own on long trips, so don’t fret too much as the S Series Walkman player will come with up to 42 hours of continuous audio playback, although video playback isn’t anything to shout about strangely at just 6.5 hours - and all these are done through the headphones. When you settle for speaker output, performance drops by more than half for audio at 17 hours, while video playback receives a lesser blow at just 5 hours. Other features include voice recording and FM recording capability, and file transfer is as simple as drag-and-drop. The Sony S Series Walkman will come in black, red, violet and pink colors from next month onwards, where the 8GB and 16GB models will retail for $110 and $130, respectively.
-
-
This concept vehicle is designed by Phillipp Siebourg, and it is not designed for the average consumer, but for vehicles that can’t afford to be stopped by traffic. It uses a magnetic track to guide the vehicle, which can be controlled by a cellular phone.
That’s right, if you are a specialty vehicle in the future, you might be able to just dial up your location and sit back and enjoy the ride. It certainly beats the heck out of a GPS. Hey, just think of how easy FedEx and UPS drivers will have it if this process ever gets going.
You know it really should be in place now. You remember that Jean-Claude Van Damme movie Timecop? What year did that future world take place in, 2004? As I recall, the cars drove themselves, and looked really weird. So at the end of the movie, where the main character says he wants to go home, the car brings him to his location.
Yeah, I don’t see this type of technology becoming a reality anytime soon. But in its defense, Seattle just put in a new Light Rail that has been under development for several years. These things take time.
Psst! I have to tell you a secret! But first, you have to follow us on twitter! www.twitter.com/gadget_x
-
-
This is one of those simple items that would be great to keep in your laptop case for whenever you happen to need it. After all, there is nothing quite as obnoxious as wanting to unplug your laptop, but still wanting the end of the cord to stay on the table top. Especially since it almost never stays where you want it to, it inevitably falls underneath the table. Then you’re stuck crawling on your hands and knees to find where the cord went. This hook would save you from having to go on that search.
It just easily slips on the edge of the table and then it holds onto the cord of your choosing. Personally, having a Dell Laptop, this clip would make my life far easier. Since on occasion I just accidentally bump the side of my laptop and the cord instantly drops to the floor. The clip comes in two different sizes the smaller will working with tables up to 1” thick and the larger up to 1.75” thick. You can purchase one of these clips for $11 from Charles & Marie.
Psst! Have you followed us on Twitter like you promised you would? Don't deny it, you know you did! www.twitter.com/gadget_x!
-
-
Solar chargers are thankfully getting smaller and smaller, which is good for those of us that prefer to use renewable energy every chance we get. It’s also great for those that just would like to have a small solar charger in case of an emergency. This one is plenty small enough that it could even easily fit into your pocket. It’s ideal for all of your smaller gadgets to give you a charge when you’re in dire need of one.
Something like this would not only be great to have around, but having a spare one to keep in your car just in case of emergencies would be great too. You can charge up cellphones, MP3 players and digital cameras. This small Sun Drive is actually only 64mm by 25.8mm. On a full charge it’ll give your phone up to 100 minutes of continuous talk time and up to 25 hours of standby time on a single charge. The solar panel isn’t out just yet and there’s no real price right now. When it does come out though, it looks like it’s at least initially going to only be hitting the South Korean market.
Psst, hey you! Follow us on Twitter to see these posts at least 12 hours before they go live! www.twitter.com/gadget_x. Don' tell anyone I told you though 
-
-
My gardening talents have always been fairly limited, it seems that every year I kill a few more plants, but I’m definitely not skilled. I’m sure I’m not the only one that envies the perfectly symmetrical plants that hang at the homes of people that aren’t so bad at gardening. Well now instead of attempting to remember to rotate your plant, you can have a gizmo to do it for you. You won’t even have to remember to change the batteries.
Just hang this from one of your hanging plant hooks and then hang a plant from the other end of the gadget. You won’t ever have to change out the batteries since this gadget is completely solar powered. The brighter the sun is that day, the more the plant turns. Although be careful when hanging up your basket since this hook can only hold a maximum of 27 pounds. You can purchase these Smart Solar Roto Basket hooks for $14.95 a piece from Amazon.
Psst! Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/gadget_X
-
-
I've been looking to get a camcorder....
Most families have at least one camcorder simply because there is a
need to record down all the memorable family happenings, and if you’re
looking for the latest in the market, you won’t really go wrong with
the Canon Vixia HF S11 dual flash memory camcorder. This device will
target video enthusiasts who are looking forward to capture the moment
in breathtaking HD quality, thanks to the Vixia HF S11 being equipped
with advanced HD features and professional-level manual controls. Apart
from that, Canon will also offer a new camcorder accessory known as the
RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter that will bring professional-level
functionality whenever you decide to shoot your mini movie from a
tripod.
The Vixia HF S11 will see many of Canon’s core imaging technologies
being retained, but will also add in a few new features that ought to
go some ways in making sure it compensates for your shortcoming in
movie shooting skills. 64GB of internal flash memory provides you with
ample storage space to record up to 24 hours of crisp high-definition
video, and should you actually be one lazy bum to transfer the past few
days’ of recording over to a computer, there is always the option to
rely on its SDHC memory card slot that theoretically, bumps up the
memory count by another 32GB. Canon’s new Dynamic SuperRange OIS system
makes sure you get the ultimate in shake correction by offering
continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range, while an
Advanced Video Snapshot Mode allows one to develop the perfect
highlight movie so that you will beam with pride when family and
friends view it.
Other features include a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens, Canon designed
and manufactured 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and Canon
DIGIC DV III Image Processor that work in tandem to create breathtaking
video and stunning 8.0 megapixel photos. Apart from that, Genuine Canon
Face Detection, Instant AutoFocus, and the ability to record in 24p
Cinema Mode or 30p Progressive Mode ups the ante even further when it
comes to recording quality. Expect the Canon Vixia HF S11 Dual Flash
Memory Camcorder to be released for $1,399.99 later this September with
the RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter going for $120 then as well. Yeah, that's a little out of my price range...
Psst! Over here! Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/gadget_x