I’d need a gadget like this to have all my important items safe near me. It’s called Button TrackR are is a project available for crowdfunding at indiegogo.

This is a tracking device at the size of a quarter, which you can place on almost anything and pair it with an application to keep track of your iPad, smartphone, pet, keys, and others, within the supported range of 100 feet. It’s a great thing that you can use the app to track up to 10 devices simultaneously if you have 10 Button TrackRs.

Another cool feature of this gadget is that other users of this app can help you locate your lost items because when they pass nearby them, you’ll receive a push notification with the GPS coordinates. This happens in addition to getting notification whenever you leave a specific area forgetting to take the protected item with you.

Button TrackR works based on Bluetooth, powers from a coin cell battery, and measures 25 x 4 mm which means it wouldn’t look good on a small item such as keys or smartphone, that’s why I’d prefer it smaller, like about half the actual size.

Not few times I’ve heard of people happy to share their experience with shiatsu, a type pf alternative medicine invented in Japan, meant to improve your physical and mental condition, dealing with stress, anxiety and physical pain. The techniques used in shiatsu are based on finger pressure and included in programs of various wellness centers around the world.

Homedics is a US-based company recognized for its high-quality and innovative personal wellness products and one of them is this foot massager called the Deluxe Shiatsu Foot Massager. If traditional shiatsu is done using hand fingers to put pressure on key points of the body, this device incorporates 18 special heads that perform massage to your feet, helping to relax your whole body.

In addition to the relaxing massage, the device also uses heat to warm your feet, increase relaxation and enhance the blood circulation. You don’t have to bend to turn it on or off because it features touch controls for your toes, so you can also activate the heat option when desired. You can also find your most comfortable angle for the massage thanks to the adjustable legs. When you’re done and want to store the device, you can use the integrated cord management.

Homedics Deluxe Shiatsu Foot Massager FS110’s features include 6 rotating nodes for massage, soothing heat to ease muscle tension, foot-activated switch, adjustable legs, 18 massage heads, and the cord storage. You can buy this personal wellness gadget online from The Good Guys for $89.

If you’re looking for some quality mobile accessories but don’t have much to spend, for about $2 you could get a nice, slim and attractive stand like this one for your smartphone. I got mine from a grocery store, from the sales area, and I decided to review it because I love it as it’s really useful and of high-quality.

You can find one like this at online shops in China too and they are available in different color combinations, having the same scope – to hold your phone in vertical or horizontal position, so you can answer calls, browse the web and check your messages using one hand only, or better said, one finger.

The side that holds the phone is made from a special, soft material that sticks to the back of the phone, with or without a case, but without using adhesives. The stand is lightweight and stable and your phone won’t fall off. The idea is to keep the back and bottom parts of the handset on the sticky material.

The design is simple yet smart and the increased stability is enabled by the folding angle, the large surface that keeps your phone stuck, and the sticky material.

A brief history of watches

The first wearable timepieces were manufactured in Southern Germany, in the cities of Nuremberg and Augsburg, in the 16th century. They were large in size, looked like a mixture between a watch and a clock, and were usually carried around the neck or fastened to the clothes. However, their time-telling qualities were so poor that they were practically useless in terms of functionality. Instead of having any practical purposes they were consequently simply worn as jewelry, (just like Flavor Flav!). In terms of weight and shape they were not at all comparable to watches of today. Rather than being small and round they had the shape of cylindrical boxes that were richly ornamented.

It wasn’t until the 17th century when pocket-watches first emerged. Small in size and round in shape, fitting any pocket, their appearance hasn‘t altered much since. Lack of accuracy, however, remained a problem though. Their verge and foliot mechanism was very sensitive to changes in driving force. As a result, they slowed down quickly during their running period. Later, during the 18th century, watches were significantly improved with a second hand being added to indicate the minutes. By this point, watches had become more and more accurate thanks to the invention of the balance spring to the balance wheel.

Fast Forward to today – Updated technology

Innovations like the temperature compensated balance wheel, the going barrel and others followed over the course of the years, and Europe, in particular Switzerland, have become the chief manufacturer of watches. For years prominent watches brands and models from Cartier Roadster to Maurice Lacroixand Rolex have been amongst the best and most reliable watches you can find on the market. It’s interesting that unlike other accessories, luxury watch brands have a certain amount of prestige. Perhaps it is not due to their aesthetics but also their functionality as their unprecedented mechanics, handmade craftsmanship and overall quality have made them more than just a watch. The fact that watches are also unisex mean that their style, elegance and usability make the watch a must-have for any style-conscious or gadget savvy person.

I changed my phone recently and, in order to protect it from scratches from the start, I got ZAGG’s InvisibleSHIELD Full Body screen protector. The choice was based on my previous experience with the product, which makes me consider it the best screen or full body protection. I also wanted one because my phone model doesn’t feature any advertised built-in screen protection like Corning Gorilla Glass or scratch-proof layer, but I think that regardless of the smartphone, you need at least a good screen protection, because it never knows. You can find InvisibleSHIELD kits for about any handset, including Samsung Galaxy S4 or iPhone 5, and they are available in a few versions, such as just screen protection, full body protection (front and back) and maximum protection (front, back and sides).

Features

• Thin and invisible
• Scratch-proof
• Military-grade material that makes it indestructible
• Nano-Memory Technology
• Comes with 25-year guarantee

The kit

I don’t know if you had the chance to read the review of the InvisibleSHIELD for LG Viewty, where I posted some detailed photos and a scratch test, but now the kit comes with some improvements, such as they replaced the container with the application solution and sponge with a spray. Once the container was opened you had to throw away the remaining liquid, but now that there’s a spray container, you can use as much as you need and then store it for later use.

Instead of the application card the kit now comes with a squeegee which is made from a soft, rubber material, which makes it easier to remove the bubbles under the applied shield.

The InvisibleSHIELD Full Body kit includes adhesive foils for the front and back of the phone, the application spray, the squeegee, a cleaning cloth, and the installation instructions.

InvisibleSHIELD Application

Start with cleaning your handset using a clean microfiber cloth that’s lint- and dust-free, then gently blow over the device from the distance to remove the last particles. Continue with spraying your finger tips on both hands and then peel off the InvisibleSHIELD front part that matches your handset’s display. Keeping it on one palm, spray with the other on the sticky side. Use a lot of liquid; it will help you slide it easily on the device to find the best position.

Next you have to align the shield with the top margins of the handset and let it fall over the entire display. Now, using the included squeegee, gently remove bubbles of air and liquid from under the shield. You won’t be able to remove them all, but they will disappear within hours. Use the included cloth to remove the excess liquid.
Do the same for the back side until you’re satisfied of the final look.

Tips

If you have 10 free minutes when you’re relaxed and focused, and a small flat surface, most of the difficulty is eliminated.

My main recommendation is to work on a dust and lint-free environment and not touch anything that contains dust and lint during the installation, because all the dust and lint that your fingers get in contact with, will stick to the shield parts and you won’t be able to remove them later.

Work slowly and gently when applying the shield. It usually takes 5 minutes to finish. Don’t worry about the bubbles that you can’t remove manually because they will disappear within the next 24 hours.

While using your handset with the InvisibleSHIELD on it, try not to peel the corners accidentally because moisture will get underneath and the shield will come off quickly.

Here’s a quick video with how I installed the InvisibleSHIELD for Samsung Galaxy S II on my Galaxy S II Pus:

Availability

The InvisibleSHIELD Full Body screen protection is available in many stores worldwide for prices around $25. I received my review sample from MobileFun.co.uk, where you can purchase it for around £20, depending on your handset model.

I like this concept inspired by the hourglass a lot, especially because it powers by sand. Although you have to flip the lamp to keep it working, it’s a great eco gadget with a slim shape that fits about anywhere in a home.

The Hourglass Floor Lamp was created by Danielle Trofe and will be showcased at Wanted Design 2013 along with another similar lamp using the same system to rotate around on a hinge.

Seen on inhabitat

Mobiado announced a new limited edition USB drive named AFC Selects, which is an interesting concept pre-loading artworks from 11 artists. The USB drive is crafted from a single piece of sapphire crystal and each of them includes a set of the artworks.

Mobiado will make these available at the Art F City booth at NADA New York and if you’re wondering what these artworks consist of, I can tell you it’s commissioned artwork like videos and screensavers of museum quality,. GIF images, as well as custom software patches. For example, Mobiado mentioned in their press release a video by artist Shana Moulton, which is documenting the bizarre effects of new age massage. The drives’ packaging was designed by Bunny Rogers, while the certificate of authenticity for each drive was signed by all the artists.

There will be plenty of gift registries and heavily-dropped hints to satisfy certain events, like weddings, births, and housewarmings. But chances are, somewhere along the line, you’ll be looking for a unique personalized gift, and a frame will be the only thing to fit the bill.

Personalized items have come a long way since those paper-lined ones that we colored as kids, or the ceramic ones slopped with tempera before Mother’s Day.

In terms of a quality, professional piece that will be durable and remain attractive for years to come, your prospects are fantastic. There was a time not long ago when the best you could hope for was a generic “Niece” or “Our Wedding Day” frame from the local department store. If you were lucky, it would be halfway close to the recipient’s décor.

These days, there are some absolutely beautiful custom frames available to be printed with almost anything you can imagine. You just start with a basic color scheme and template, and then the site allows you to type in the text you want in the font you choose. You can immediately view a full-color version of it, before you pay any money.
The guy with the leatherworking booth in the mall doesn’t offer that, right?

The downside that people fear with an online purchase like this, assuming they can verify the design, is their ability to receive the merchandise in time. Not to worry. You can easily get normal, fast, or super fast shipping on your items, and then hop online to track their location to make sure the transportation is going according to plan. “On Truck for Delivery” is the new “This lane is open with no waiting” when it comes to getting a transaction done in a hurry.

Now that you’re well on the way to a fabulous memento that does indeed outshine those of competing givers, land the final stroke of grace by including a photo in the frame. Nobody wants to see that wretchedly perfect couple that the manufacturer inserts in there, but when you buy a frame at the store you can’t take them out without opening the packaging and bringing yourself under suspicion of re-gifting.

No, the personalized item will very clearly have been bought just for the people whose names are on it. Everyone else at the shower will know it’s unlikely there is another “Ahab and Winnifred” couple in your life. So unpack the frame, get a great print made of the happy couple (maybe with you!), and beautifully wrap a perfect gift.

Don’t get the wrong idea. Giving a gift shouldn’t be a competition, and when you give a gift like this, it will be no competition at all.

How would you like to have more control over your health with the use of a simple, wearable gadget that doesn’t make you feel it’s on your wrist? Fitbit announced Flex at the Consumer Electronics Show, at the beginning of this year, as the first gadget of this type, featuring both a clip and wristband tracker. The device comes in the form of a flexible wristband with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and allows you to track your activity and sleep wirelessly.

Flex helps to improve your lifestyle by tracking steps taken, the distance traveled and burned calories, while the LED light indicator gives feedback on your progress to the goal every day. During night, the device tracks how well and how long you sleep, so you can find out how to improve your sleep.

Another cool thing about it is that you can synchronize personal data automatically to a dashboard via the computer, iPhone, iPad, and Android smartphones. You can purchase one from Fitbit for $99.95, but if you already have it, tell us a few things about it in a comment, as we’re curious to know if tracking is accurate.

Seen on engadget

Nectar and Knockaround are good places to start. Both sites offer a very standard frame in a dazzling array of colors, and Knockabout also has a wire rimmed model. At either site you can mix and match the colors by choosing one color for the front, another for the sides, or choose a more elaborate scheme in multiple colors, especially with the build your own feature at Nectar. They have pastels, translucent plastic, translucent with flecks, tortoise shell, snow leopard, and so forth. Inkhead also offers a wide variety of frames styles, colors, and customization options.

On the other hand, if a variety of different frame styles is what you’re looking for, Oakley Custom is the site for you. They have traditional styles, but also modernistic looking swept back designs as well. They don’t have much in the way of color variation, most everything is in basic black, but they can give you wraparounds, double lenses, or one piece wide lenses. They also offer a wire rimmed model. Their side bars go from the traditional to things that look like something out of Star Wars or Dune.

All of these sites offer models with polarized lenses, which can make a big difference in the amount of protection your eyes get. In fact, why not check out a doctor’s opinion about sun and the eyes, while you’re at it.

Speaking of your eyes, do you like to look at the world through rose colored glasses? Some people do. Or blue. Or green. At both Nectar and Knockaround there is lots of variety in lens tint, and Oakley has a few variations as well.

Crystal Custom will print your message on the lens, and Inkhead will do the same and also let you mix and match different combinations of sidebar and front. Inkhead also has a wide variety of frame styles.

Now what if you want to go further with your custom frames concept and get really radical? Well, as you might guess, there are a number of sites that will enable you to create your sunglasses from scratch, adding your own logo – you can design it yourself – and all your own unique design features. Well, the Custom Sunglass Store will let you put your own image on temple or lens, and also has a variety of styles. But their operation is designed for large runs for promotional purposes, so the set-up costs for an individual pair are going to be pricey.

Have a great summer with your custom frames!