Product Reviews: » Gadgets

Special edition Android toys commemorate Chinese New Year

Chris Maugham — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:16:22 +0000

The start of the Chinese New Year or the Lunar Year has finally arrived and as a way to commemorate the celebrated occasion, Dead Zebra has launched a range of special edition Android toys complete with traditional oriental style designs.

The retailer is known for producing the Android mini-collectibles in association with Google and has a whole range of different styles available from the standard edition green Android figurines to the Android mini-collectible series which features the bright yellow High-Voltage and CopperBot Androids. Last year they launched one limited edition Android, God of Wealth, to commemorate the start of the Chinese New Year but this year a whole set will be available.

The new special edition range will feature three Android toys, each representing different aspects of luck; Longevity, Blessing and Fortune. They are primarily aimed at the Asian market although a limited batch will also be available in the US. They are on sale now in sets of three for $29, bargain considering how limited these collectibles are. They aren’t expected to be on sale long either so be sure to get in early if you want to get your mitts on them.

Every year over a billion people celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year making it one of the biggest celebrations in the world. this year is more special for a lot of people celebrating as it is the year of the dragon, a mythical creature that is regarded for many as the most important of all the animals and creatures that are represented in each Chinese Year.

What do you think of these special edition Android collectibles? Will you be trying to get one? Which animal in the Chinese New Year represents your birth year?

Special edition Android toys commemorate Chinese New Year is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Take home the Samsung SUR40 Microsoft Surface table

Chris Maugham — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:20:29 +0000

The Consumer Electronics Show has been and gone but not before a wide range of impressive products from various manufacturers, which included both new and well-known names, were revealed. There were also a number of obscure products unveiled one of which actually came from well-known manufacturer Samsung, with their SUR40, a 40” multi-touch table top.

While CES showcased a lot of technology that isn’t quite available for consumers to own yet, this futuristic table from Samsung fell into the category of soon to be available, meaning consumers will soon be able to take the SUR40 home. Of course with the technology this genius device is packing it is likely that those intended to own one will have to part with a fair amount of dosh.

The stylish design consists of the latest touchscreen technology from Microsoft 2.0 and a full 1080p high definition display. It also features PixelSense technology and hidden cameras under the table that allow for the recognition of over 50 simultaneous touch-points being poked and prodded. The developers have been able to create various apps for the device too, making it one of the largest tablets the world has ever seen.

While the SUR40, or Surface 2.0 as it is also referred to, is not a necessity by any means, it does stand to be a stylish addition to one’s living room and is sure to impress your friends. However those friends better be worth it as if as if you are planning to get one you’re looking at spending around $8000 or $9000. It will begin shipping at the end of this month. Check out TechCrunch for more details where you will also find a video of the table in all its glory.

Would you consider buying the Samsung SUR40?

Take home the Samsung SUR40 Microsoft Surface table is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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iKon RC Buggy and iOS 5 dongle issues

Chris Maugham — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:51:30 +0000

Although Christmas Day was almost a month ago some of you may only just be getting round to opening the gifts you got, which is fine until you start to find problems. This is just the issue for some people that received an iKon RC Buggy and tried to use it on an iOS 5 device, only to find that when they inserted the dongle into the bottom of their iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch they were greeted with the message “This Accessory is not supported”.

Luckily this issue can be easily resolved thanks to WOW Stuff. By simply registering with the website you will receive a new iOS 5 compatible dongle that will allow you to use your iKon RC Buggy as much as you like. The dongle is used to control the iKon RC Buggy and has a range of up to 10m once inserted. Visit the link above now to receive your new iOS 5 supporting dongle free of charge.

For those that are unfamiliar with the iKon RC Buggy, this cool little gadget is ‘designed for style’ and ‘engineered for fun’ according to the manufacturers. It is a lightweight remote control vehicle that pairs with iOS devices using its IF (infra-red) receiver and an IF transmitting dongle from the iOS device. It is made from part aluminum and part carbonate polycarbonate, giving it the same finish as the iPhone 4. It has four treaded tyres and can reach speeds of up to 10ft per second or 18km an hour all on a Li-polymer 800ma battery.

The device also comes with an app which features two modes offering two different ways of controlling it. Check out more details about the iKon RC Buggy by visiting iWorld Products. Did you experience any problems with your iKon RC Buggy?

iKon RC Buggy and iOS 5 dongle issues is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Swiss Army Knife manufacturer unveils 1TB SSD equipped version

Chris Maugham — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:54:27 +0000

One of the most efficient and useful gadgets ever invented has got to be the Swiss Army Knife. Its multitask capability has made it essential to groups like the Boy Scouts, as well as various professionals such as fishermen, but now the device is set to become even more useful entering the digital era as its manufacturer Victorinox unveils a 1TB SSD equipped version.

The company unveiled this magnificent invention at CES this week along with a Slim 3.0 USB drive. According to the report by BGR, it comes in various different storage models which range from 64GB to 1TB. Just like a regular Swiss Army Knife, it comes equipped with a screw driver, scissors and a blade but includes a 1TB SSD built into it. An interchangeable flight-friendly knife body is also available, making it essentially a thumb drive.

The company is claiming the device is the only SSD gadget in the world that has a connector that fits into USB 3.0, 2.0, eSATA II and III slots as well as being the smallest high-capacity SSD device on the market that the world has ever seen. It is also the only SSD device in the world that features a Bi-Stable graphic display indicating contents.

The Slim 3.0 USB drive comes with 128GB capacity and provides faster write and read speeds than the more common 2.0 USB flash drive. Neither of the two products on display from Victorinox had their price details revealed, although both are reported to be available from April 2012 onwards. CES 2012 is well underway and as the week progresses we will be doing our best to provide as much news from the event as we can so be sure to come back so you don’t miss out.

What are your thoughts on this digitalized Swiss Army Knife?

Swiss Army Knife manufacturer unveils 1TB SSD equipped version is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 quadricopter teased ahead of CES 2012

Chris Maugham — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:36:44 +0000

CES 2012 looks set to be the event where Parrot will return to showcase their new and improved impressive AR.Drone quadricopter 2.0. The original AR.Drone first debuted at CES last year but is set to be returning with new features, which the company has been teasing in the build-up to this year’s event.

For those that are unfamiliar with the Parrot AR.Drone, it is a light-weight remote-controlled device with four-blades making it capable of taking flight and giving it the quadricopter name. It comes equipped with two cameras, one on the bottom and one on the front, enabling users to view where they are flying, as if they were playing a computer game or simulator.

As Hexus explains the AR.Drone 2.0 has developed its features and is now even more impressive than the original. The cameras it is equipped with are now 720p HD capable and the updated software brings support for streaming and recording the stream as well as all the flight information. New sensors and an enhanced shape also give the device improved flight stability. Orientation of the AR.Drone is now relative to the device that the user is using to control it, which could be a tablet or a smartphone.

If you’re interested in getting your hands on one of these awesome gadgets, it is set to be released sometime in the second quarter of 2012. While the price is a little steep for this advanced toy, £250 or $299 is still a very reasonable price for the amount of enjoyment it is sure to bring whoever own one. Check out the trailer we have embedded below for an idea of what to expect from Parrot’s new device.

What do you think of the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 so far? Are you looking forward to it becoming available?

Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 quadricopter teased ahead of CES 2012 is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Overcharging gadgets becoming a financial epidemic in UK?

Chris Maugham — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:37:21 +0000

Almost everyone I know owns at least one gadget of some kind whether it is a mobile phone or a laptop, all of which need some form of recharging at some point. Today we have news that may come as a shock to some people as it appears millions of pounds each year is being wasted on overcharging these gadgets in the UK alone.

According to a study that was carried out, a £60 increase is added to the annual bill of the average household when the battery for a gadget becomes full and is left on charge. This happens 9 out of 10 times according to the report, with 1 in 10 admitting to being too lazy to unplug the gadgets despite potential damage to the device as well as the extra costs. This is leading to a total of £134 million being wasted each year by Britons.

Owners of Apple iPods account for 10% of the devices that are mostly overcharged, with mobile phones making up 41% and laptops leading the pack that are left on charge, accounting for 43%. Other devices that tend to be left plugged in after they are fully charged are cordless home phones, hand-held vacuum cleaners and electric toothbrushes.

According to ITProPortal the Gadget Show’s Pollyanna Woodward said ‘overcharging a gadget can often do more harm than good.’ She was also astonished to hear that ‘90% of people overcharge their gadgets.’ The report also revealed that 1 in 5 children leave toys plugged in on charge and 18 to 24 year olds are the more likely culprits of leaving their gadgets on charge than other age groups, although it is these age groups that are more likely to own devices like these anyway.

Are you one of the people that are guilty of overcharging gadgets? Do you think this could lead to a financial epidemic?

Overcharging gadgets becoming a financial epidemic in UK? is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Columbus Day weekend tech sales for 2011

Peter Chubb — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:05:06 +0000

As we fast approach October 10th, we thought we would see what Columbus Day weekend tech sales there are for 2011. Normally at this time of the year there are a great number of offers to choose from, but for some reason they seem to be limited. You would have thought that they would be advertised better, but it seems that the likes of Walmart and Target are building up to Halloween instead.

However, there are a few tech deals up for grabs at great prices this weekend, you just need a helping hand where to find them. Many stores will be passing on savings on Toshiba products, so to know what devices are up for offer then you need to visit their website. However, upon closer inspection they are all laptops.

There are 39 products in all, although not all of them are in a sale. However, those that we have seen have savings from $50 to $200 off, which will come in very handy right now. See all the Toshiba deals here. Best Buy is not advertising their deals like we had hoped, but they are there, you just need to know where to look.

You can get 25 percent of a 40-inch Toshiba TV, or $300 of a 60-inch off a Westinghouse TV. There are three other TVs on offer from Insignia, all with $100 off the normal retail price. If a smartphone is on your list this weekend, then why not consider a HTC Thunderbolt for $199.99, LG Thrill 4G for just $99.99 or even the Droid Incredible 2 on Verizon also for $99.99. Visit Bestbuy.com for all their latest offers.

Dell does not have a Columbus Day weekend sale, but they do have the next best thing, their October Signature Event – a sales a sales right? The deals are for a limited time only, and offer up to 40 percent off the standard price. We hope that these were of help to you, but if you know of any more, then please share them with our readers.

Columbus Day weekend tech sales for 2011 is written by Peter Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Hungry Muppet Lily: Possible Elmo beater for Christmas 2011

Peter Chubb — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:13:14 +0000

Sesame Street begun way back in 1969, and in that time we have seen a number of influential characters. For me it was always Big Bird and Grover, but over time that has changed. Today it is Elmo, as he is popular with the kids, but there could be another, who The Daily Mail reports will be called Hungry Muppet Lily. Now you may wonder why we would be talking about this on a tech site, well if this new pink Muppet proves popular, then we could start to see some new gadgets based on the characters over the Christmas period.

Currently it’s Elmo who’s a favorite with the kids, so much so that a number of interactive toys have proved to be very popular over the holiday season. We believe that Lily will be a hit because of what she represents. She will be a poverty-stricken Muppet, and it is hoped that this will teach kids that we are not all privileged to live in fancy homes and have all the latest gadgets.

Now it will be ironic to have gadgets and toys based on such a character, but that’s how the business works. Parents find it hard to discuss with their children that there are those who cannot afford to eat, and this is where things could come good for not only Sesame Street as a brand, but also for the homeless in America.

I believe that there should be a range of Lily toys and gadgets, much like Tickle Me Elmo and Hokey Pokey Elmo, as well as Elmo’s Learning Fun Laptop. The reason I say this is because children will think that they are helping Lily out, and then the toy makers should give a percentage of sales to charities who helps those less fortune than you or I.

Hungry Muppet Lily: Possible Elmo beater for Christmas 2011 is written by Peter Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Frugal celebrities hate diamond iPhones

Daniel Chubb — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 08:13:30 +0000

When it comes to splashing the money around you’ll not find it more publicized than with a celebrity, and with some of the biggest movies stars and singers having millions to spend like it was a chocolate bar, why shouldn’t they? When Victoria Beckham was first seen with her gold iPhone 4, reports suggested the device was a 24-carat iPhone from Stuart Hughes, apparently worth over £20,000, although this rumor was quickly denied by Beckham’s PR team and the said price was meant to be under £1,000 for a standard gold iPhone. These are not the choices of frugal celebrities.

If you think that iPhone is stupidly expensive than you should see another, which costs around £5 million and includes 100 carats of diamonds. You can read more about that device here, although cheaper versions have been bought by a number of showbiz stars including Stefano Gabbana and Karl Lagerfeld. Other high priced gadgets that are targeting the rich and famous include a 24ct Gold iPod Touch 4G for over £200,000 (we wonder if an iPod touch 5G will be made), a white iPhone 4 with diamonds for $20,000, a $3 million iPhone 3GS, and even a Nintendo Wii in solid 22ct gold for more then $400,000. You may also want to read this article that looks at some of the most expensive celebrity purchases, which include gold gadgets to jets.

Anyone that has studied frugality will understand it means you aim to acquire different products, including gadgets, in a manner that is more restrained and this is especially the case when it comes to prices. This may be easier for those of us with normal incomes, but how hard must it be for frugal celebrities?

You may be surprised to find out that there are a few of them in the celebrity world, and this includes Jay Leno, Queen Elizabeth, Mick Jagger, Tiger Woods and Teri Hatcher, according to this article.

If you had the money of these celebrities, would you spend it sparingly?

Frugal celebrities hate diamond iPhones is written by Daniel Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Dyson introduces new bladeless fan heater Hot

Chris Maugham — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:11:46 +0000

We are at a day in age where it is common to think everything that could be invented has already been invented, and though there is always room for new inventions, with today’s technology, more often than not we are seeing older inventions being revolutionized with new and improved designs. One person in particular that has done his fair share of revolutionizing designs is James Dyson.

Most famous for his Dyson Vacuum Cleaner, a revolutionary design and reinvention of one of the more popular of household appliances, making it more efficient, and also the sleek bladeless Dyson Fans, it appears that now another common household appliance has been given the Dyson makeover, as he introduces the new heater fan, Hot.

These heater fans will use the same design as the bladeless ones except they will be able to generate heat. As you would expect with a Dyson design, these new appliances will be the most efficient on the market according to internationally recognized standards. They will be able to heat a room to the desired temperature and once that temperature has been reached their sensors allow them to turn off. They will automatically be able to switch back on again if the desired temperature drops, optimizing efficiency and saving energy.

According to The Telegraph, the main reason for Dyson’s success is not only down to their efficiency but also because they look good. Dyson said ‘Surfboards and computers and skis always look like they were designed by people who really cared about them – vacuum cleaners simply weren’t made by people with a passion for vacuum cleaners,’ he also said ‘Prosaic products tended to be ignored, but with the right engineers they become exciting things.’ Check out the video embedded below for a look at the new Dyson fan heater.

What do you think of its design? Are you a fan of Dyson products?

Dyson introduces new bladeless fan heater Hot is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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IFA 2011 conference Berlin: Tech review

Chris Maugham — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:31:56 +0000

As some of you may be aware, there has been a consumer electronics show taking place in Berlin, Germany the past few days called IFA 2011. It is a global trade show that allows those who attend to see the latest products and home appliances from the most important market in Europe. Each year the event has gotten bigger and record attendance results from last year’s event look like being surpassed this year too.

Tomorrow marks the last day of the event which has already played host to many consumer electronic products this year, from various manufacturers. These include products from big name companies like Panasonic, Samsung and Sony. In an article at Cnet, a whole round-up of products which have been unveiled and announcements that have been made so far can be seen. These vary from prototypes and debutant products to promises of network security and pre-order launches.

One product that won’t be being showcased at IFA this year is Samsung’s 7.7” Galaxy Tab. the company is currently involved in a legal dispute across several continents with Apple, the maker of the most popular tablet on the market, the iPad. The device was set to be making an appearance until the courts ruled in favor of Apple, who suggested Samsung had copied their designs, and were forced to pull it out of the event.

If you would like to know more about the event or the products that are being showcased there, check out the links above where you will also find images of the sexy Miss IFA who is certainly an eye-catching fixture at the event and seems to be playing host. What products are you hoping to see make their debut at the event? Do any of the products unveiled so far appeal to you?

IFA 2011 conference Berlin: Tech review is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Battlefield 3 and iPhone 5 October Launch: Affects on sales

Peter Chubb — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:59:54 +0000

We are 100 percent certain that Battlefield 3 will be released in October, but we are not so certain about the iPhone 5. We know that Apple is holding an event in September, and it is expected that their new smartphone will be released the following month. This got us thinking though, as these are considered to be the biggest launches in the gaming and smartphone market, so could they clash and affect each others sales?

BF3 will be released in the US on October 25, 2011, 27th in Australia and the 28th in Europe. As for the iPhone this is expected to be released toward the beginning of that month, so could take peoples minds of the game launch, or even leave them with little or no money for Battlefield 3. Ok, so we know that this is a little far-fetched – but is it really?

We say this because money is now much tighter than it ever was, even worse than this time last year, so consumers will be left with a dilemma; do they save their money and not purchase the iPhone 5 and spend their hard earned money on BF3 and even MW3 the following month, or blow the lot on Apple’s new smartphone?

Personally I believe that sales of the new EA game will be very high and set new records for the franchise, but I am not so optimistic for the fifth-generation iPhone. The problem here is the fact that there are a number of Android phones being released near October, plus the fact that Black Friday is drawing ever closer. This is the time when consumers will save every last cent they have in order to grab themselves a bargain in November – meaning that they will not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a handset if it means that they cannot get that special purchase.

Do you think that Apple have made a huge mistake with an October launch?

Battlefield 3 and iPhone 5 October Launch: Affects on sales is written by Peter Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Best high-tech from then and now

Peter Chubb — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:40:07 +0000

When it comes to choosing our lists of the best high-tech from then and now, it is not as easy as we first thought. We went into this thinking we had a good idea of what we wanted to list, but upon reflection it’s not as simple as that. However, upon much deliberation we now think we have it – we just hope that you agree with us?

The first on our list has to be the Sony Walkman cassette player, as this revolutionized how we listed to music, as this could now be done while on the go. The device was first introduced back in 1979, but it was not until the 80s that the device really took off. Over the years there have been many contenders, but the Walkman was still king.

If you are looking for a Sony Walkman equivalent from today, then that would have to be the Apple iPod. OK, so we know that there were other MP3 players already on the market, but Apple did what they did best, and take something and make it even better. They seem to have an habit of doing this, as there were already smartphones on the market, but the iPhone showed to us what a phone should really be like. The iPod and iPhone is to us the best tech of the decade, and we cannot see them being topped anytime soon.

Today we have the Sony PS3 and the Xbox 360 and although they offer unrivaled graphics, they owe their existence to the Atari 2600, which was first introduced 1977. It is one of the first consoles that made full use of a microprocessor, which meant that it did not have to rely on built-in games, instead switching to a cartridge format instead. This was not the first console to use this format, but it was the first to make it more popular.

The IBM 5100 was a PC from 1975 and was an evolution of the Special Computer APL Machine Portable. While looking at your personal computers today you will have to give thanks for the device that started them all. There are a number of home computers on the market today, but none of them can be considered a game-changer like the IMB 5100. However, the iMac comes very close. Most Windows PCs look very much the same and do not seem to evolve, only in hardware; the iMac on the other hand keeps changing, with the latest model being the best yet.

These are what we believe to be some of the best tech from then and now, but there are so many more devices that need a mention, such as the Dyson vacuum cleaner, CD-ROM Encyclopedia, Internet, search engines to name but a few.

What has been the best technology over the past few decades?

Best high-tech from then and now is written by Peter Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Most expensive celebrity purchases: Gold iPhone to Jets

Daniel Chubb — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:46:55 +0000

Many ordinary people and gadget lovers dream from time to time about what they’d buy if money were not limited, thinking about having millions in the bank, or even billions. Life has a lot to offer for those that love material things, from gold plated products to really expensive cars, jets, and boats.

While most of us have to dream about the expensive products on offer, some people have the millions needed in the bank to actually buy them. While business owners with billions are not always in the public limelight, celebrities are always the focus of the public and when they buy the latest expensive gadget, it makes the headlines.

So what are the most expensive celebrity purchases? One celebrity hitting the news lately was Soulja Boy, and they do not come much bigger than his rumored purchase of a $55 million G5 jet for his 21st birthday, which was quickly denied by a spokesperson for the star. While we’ll have to take their word that he did not spend millions on a jet, it does make you wonder if he really did, and certain press have asked him directly and been told he did buy the jet. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Something less expensive was a gold plated iPhone, which Victoria Beckham purchased for the small sum of £22,000. Then we have 22-year-old Petra Ecclestone getting a nice $85 million home, as the name reveals, she is the heir to the owner of Formula 1. JK Rowling has plenty of money but Warner Bros were kind enough to reward her with a 40-diamond bracelet as a thank you for the success of Harry Potter, while we are not sure on the price, it has been said to be in the millions.

What have you seen celebrities buy with their millions, and if you had the money what would you buy?

Most expensive celebrity purchases: Gold iPhone to Jets is written by Daniel Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Your top 10 most useless products of all time?

Peter Chubb — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:57:29 +0000

No matter whom you ask we will all have a list of what we believe to be useless products. So if we were to ask you what your top ten most useless products of all time were, we would just love to know what they are. We thought we would have some fun with this and have a look at some of the worst gadgets, devices and products that have been released in recent years.

One gadget that seems to pop up in conversation every now and again is the Flowbee. This strange gadget is right from the 1980s and was developed to help cut your hair. It looks a little like a vacuum cleaner, and is said to be able to cut and layer your hair – well that was the theory. Just to give an idea at just how bad the Flowbee was, it was only showed on late-night commercials, you know that only about 50 people watched.

Venetian Blind Sunglasses is something else that we find useless, what really is the point? It was Kanye West who started the trend, and the only purpose they serve is to make you look stupid. You have to wonder what kind of message this spreads? Kids should be taught to look after their eyes when they go in the sun, not wear something that offers no protection at all.

Something that we could never get used to the idea of was the SodaStream, and we have recently learned that the pointless gadget is making a comeback. The main aim of the device was to give you the chance to make soft drinks at home at a fraction of the price. Now forgive us if we are wrong, but soft drinks are still cheap, and cannot see how the SodaStream will taste as nice as Coca-Cola or Mountain Dew?

Another device that never really took off was the Mini Disc Player. OK, so we know that the CD was a great invention at the time, and certainly did a number on the cassette tape, but how was the Mini Disc expected to do the same to the CD Player? The price of the Mini Disc Player itself was a huge put off for consumers, as well as the fact that there was not much support for it either.

However, the worst thing that we would like to add to our list is Google Buzz. This was Google’s attempt at taking the fight to Facebook. However, we all know that it did not work out like that but the search engine giant knows how to fight back, and Google Plus is a fine example of that.

Please add to our list.

Your top 10 most useless products of all time? is written by Peter Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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July 4th sales: The hibernating American in 2011

Gary Johnson — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:33:59 +0000

Earlier today we told you about the sale which Valve will be putting on for the annual American Independence Day sales. So we thought for those of you who want to celebrate the day inside, we are looking at July 4th sales and gadgets for the hibernating American in 2011.

If you don’t fancy going out and still want to enjoy the occasion there is still plenty you can do. You can obviously just sit down in front of the TV and watch some movies with a cold beer or glass of wine. A beer fridge will be a good place to have those cans close by, and the Stainless Steel EdgeStar 84 Soda Can Beverage Cooler Fridge from Amazon could do the trick.

You will now be able to keep your beer separate from the food, and keep 84 standard size cans chilled and ready to go. It is priced at $149 plus shipping. If you prefer your beer in the draft variety the EdgeStar Mini Kegerator Refrigerator & Draft Beer Dispenser could be the solution. The device again available on Amazon for $168, accepts five liter draught kegs. It comes with a DC adapter cord for easier portability.

The Sega Indoor Fireworks Projector is like a mini planetarium but displays firework displays on your walls or ceiling. It is priced at $119 and has countless customizable displays. We have already given you some neat cases for you to customize your iPhone 4 with.

If you fancy a new HDTV to watch your movies or sport on, Best Buy currently have the Dynex 46” Class 1080p LCD TV on sale. With a saving of $100 at $499.99 you get a tabletop stand, and the TV features two HDMI inputs, one composite, one component, and you can even connect it to your PC.

For a bit less money Walmart have the Sceptre 40-inch 1080p LCD HDTV for $348. The screen has an ultra-fast response time of 8ms, and a high resolution of 1920 x 1080. This set has four HDMI inputs and has built-in ATSC digital/NTSC analog/Clear QAM tuner. You can order the TV online for in store pickup free of charge, or have it delivered to your home.

Sears are offering the Panasonic 42-inch Viera X3 Series plasma HDTV for $499.99 which is a saving of $100. This feature packed model will offer you stunning picture quality and really bring your movies to life. The company also has a range of other electronic goods on offer including laptops and digital cameras.

What are you planning for American Independence Day?

July 4th sales: The hibernating American in 2011 is written by Gary Johnson & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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5 spy camera watches for gadget enthusiasts

Marlon Votta — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:24:06 +0000

For all you gadget enthusiasts out there the idea of owning a spy watch cannot be far from your thoughts. With a few different options, we thought it would be nice to point you in the direction of some great spy watch gadgets for you to enjoy. Out of all the available watches, we have come up with a description of five that may interest you, which we found on Etronixmart.

The HD 1080P DVR Waterproof Spy Camera Wrist Watch is a Farreli car control box shape and regularly costs $79.99 now available for $52.99. This is a sports watch with a hidden camera on your wrist, has an adjustable quality strap and LED indicator. With a 4GB internal flash memory you can store and watch the videos and images you have recorded. Great for recording evidence, meetings and to use as a web-cam.

Next up is the HD 720P Waterproof Watch Camera Stainless Steel Band. This is a Farreli stainless steel watch DVR camera and was $69.99 now $43.99. With high definition 720P this has the functions to be a great DVR getting you good quality images and videos. Webcam use is contained and the same style but with Feather band is also available.

The Fashion Hot Red Band Spy Watch Camera with 4GB and 30fps is an ideal spy camera, as it does not have the spy look to it. Available for $69.99 down from $88.95, this watch could be a tool for taking videos for any purpose. With a bright red strap and the look of a sports fashion watch, this is the sort of watch that would be mistaken for a normal high quality fashion watch.

With the 4GB Motion Detection Watch DVR you get auto-recording. This waterproof watch was $89.99 and is now $69.99. The water level of this motion detection watch is 10 atmospheres, corresponding to 100 meters waterproof. Motion detection will activate automatically by just diving into water and get you great images of the sea. There are other functions like the voice recorder, webcam and photo/video recording.

Then there is the 4GB LED Watch Camera DVR Recorder camcorder. This watch has both voice and video recording functions with a built-in lithium battery that will keep working for 2 hours. This watch is the cheapest of the five and was $53.75 and now only $29.95. A bargain for the multiple functions available.

Do you feel that the next addition to your gadgets will be a spy watch? This could be a great chance to witness something with the evidence you need. There is always that time when a friend or relative says, “I wish we had a camera” to capture that truly majestic scene. For more details on these and other spy watches, head over to Etronixmart.com.

5 spy camera watches for gadget enthusiasts is written by Marlon Votta & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Maplin warm to Summer Solstice in 2011 – date for essentials

Chris Maugham — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:13:06 +0000

The Summer Solstice is now here. A solstice, for those of you that don’t know, is the astronomical event that takes place twice a year. Once on the day where the sun is at its highest position of the year and once when it is at its lowest position, hence longest and shortest days of the year.

In some cultures when the event takes place it marks the start of a new season, which explains why Google are using Takashi Murakami’s The First Day of Summer drawing as today’s Google Doodle. For other cultures the event takes place mid-season marking the halfway point of the annual cycle. Check out the link to find out more about today’s Google Doodle and what the summer solstice means to some cultures.

The news we have today is that Maplin, the UK’s best and biggest retailer of consumer electronics, has launched their summer and solar essential range to mark the Summer Solstice 2011. The retailers say ‘saving money it our motto this year’ and have provided customers with the latest gizmos and gadgets that you would need for the summer season with their more affordable than ever solar range.

The solar range includes small easy-to-use solar devices that can be used wherever you are such as on the go products and gardening products as well as regular household alternatives. Some of the products included are the Solar Powered Mobile Phone Charger, which is capable of charging your MP3, Digital Camera and more also.

Also the Solar-Powered Shepherd Lantern, a stylish lamp ideal for gardens, driveways and patios, plus several more solar powered outdoor lights. There are also a variety of general outdoor use summer products such as the Telescopic Water Fed Brush used for cleaning windows and cars and also the Self Heating Electric Waistcoat.

Marketing Director at Maplin, David O’Reilly say more customers are beginning to realize they can play a role in reducing their carbon footprint and do their bit for the environment simply by using alternative sources of power such as solar power for their appliances and gadgets. You can click the link above for the full range of summer and solar essential products from Maplin.

Will you be purchasing any of the gadgets from the tech-savvy retailers Maplin’s new summer and solar essential range? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Maplin warm to Summer Solstice in 2011 – date for essentials is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Mobile device charging t-shirt from Orange, ideal for music festivals

Chris Maugham — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:07:09 +0000

There are several ways to charge the battery on our mobile devices and gadgets nowadays, which is handy as almost everyone owns a mobile device of some sort these days. So when simply plugging in an adapter to the nearest electrical point is not an option, there is no need to worry as there are others ways to keep your battery going.

The latest news we have today is of a cool and convenient way to get more juice for your gadgets or mobile devices with a device-charging t-shirt from mobile network Orange. This concept emerged today and will allegedly use the power of sound to charge up your smartphone or any battery powered handset device.

The t-shirt itself would not do much for your style even though we would think you were cool for wearing it as I’m sure a lot of other tech appreciators would. Besides, the use and convenience of the t-shirt serves far more purpose than the design of the clothing, you could always wear something else over the top.

The way it works is by using vibrations from sounds, music and noise close by, which are picked up by the piezoelectric film that it has. The kinetic energy from the vibrations is then converted into electricity, and depending on how much noise is going on around you determines the amount generated.

So if you’re at a music festival or concert the amount of electricity would be far more substantial than if you were just listening to music in your room. According to the article at ExpertReviews there is yet to be a prototype released from Orange and no news as of yet when you will be able to purchase such a device.

If the mobile device charging t-shirt idea is not for you, there are also many other options for you’re stuck. We previously brought you news of the Proporta TurboCharger 5000 which is capable of charging virtually any of your gadgets and can be taken with you wherever you are thanks to its small size.

We also brought you news of the Nokia phone charging bicycle, which like the t-shirt converts kinetic energy into electric energy, so you can charge your mobile whilst riding to work for example. Check out the links above for more details on the various charging devices. Does the t-shirt charger appeal to you? What other devices do you use to charge your gadgets?

Mobile device charging t-shirt from Orange, ideal for music festivals is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Chill Innovation unveils new Chill KB-1BT Bluetooth micro keyboard

Tina Chubb — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:49:44 +0000

Imagine having a Bluetooth keyboard that you can use with a number of different devices around your house, and that can also double up as a regular remote control. Well imagine no more, as Chill Innovation has just unveiled its new ultra-slim Chill KB-1BT Bluetooth micro keyboard.

As noted on the chill-innovation.com website, the KB-1BT Bluetooth micro keyboard can be used with your PC / HTPC (Mac, Windows and Linux), tablet PCs such as the Apple iPad / iPad 2, smartphones running iOS, Google Android, Windows Mobile and Symbian, and even your PlayStation 3 console.

It can also be used with any other devices around your house with support for Bluetooth HID keyboards. The KB-1BT Bluetooth micro keyboard comes with backlit keys so you can continue typing in low light, an integrated LED flashlight and an integrated touchpad for easy mouse control.

The device also comes with integrated Multimedia function keys, which enables users to easily control their home entertainment. It even allows users to change the direction of the built-in touchpad so they can operate the micro keyboard just like a regular remote control.

Its rechargeable hi-grade Li-Polymer battery provides users with up to 30 days of usage. When the keyboard is not in use it will automatically switch to Standby in order to save power. It also features an indicator that will tell you in advance when the keyboard is due for a recharge.

Would you consider buying the Chill KB-1BT Bluetooth micro keyboard?

Chill Innovation unveils new Chill KB-1BT Bluetooth micro keyboard is written by Tina Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Apple infatuation for Fathers Day 2011

Peter Chubb — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:04:21 +0000

Having a tough time making the right choice for your dad this Sunday, well we have some more ideas to offer. However, we have to warn you that we have a bit of an Apple infatuation for Fathers Day 2011. This does make a change from some of the other ideas that we gave you, such as a Samsung Smart TV, as well as a few eccentric ideas.

Those of our father’s who are lucky enough to own an iPad 2 might have one or two accessories at the most; so why not get him a few more to add to his collection. However, most of the good stuff is not available from Apple in any way, so you have to do a little shopping away from those sparkling clean stores.

Instead of having your Dad’s iPad engraved why not find a few stickers. Now we are not talking about those cheap ones that you get from a $0.99 store, we mean some good quality ones that will not fall off in 5 minutes flat. If you do have a limited budget then you could always get him an iTunes voucher so he can get a few apps for his iPad, but you might not get to see him much – this could be a good or bad thing.

There are not that many docks for the iPad but they are out there, you just have to go that extra mile to find them. Although they are a little on the large side – wish they had an iPod version of the iBamboo for the iPhone.

Sticking with that natural wood theme there are a few stands on the market that are made from cherry hardwood. When you have these sitting on your desk it is as if technology has mated with nature. These are just a few ideas for your iPad owning Father, do you have any more to share?

Apple infatuation for Fathers Day 2011 is written by Peter Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Father’s Day gifts: eccentric ideas

Peter Chubb — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:35:32 +0000

Although not as commercialized as Mother’s Day, it always seems to be a little tougher choosing Father’s Day gifts. Now we know that there are thousands of products that you can choose, but it is not as simple as a bunch or flowers, perfume or chocolate. Having said that, some Dad’s are easy, whereas there are those who are not, as they seem to have all that they need. One piece of advice we would give you is go for something out of the ordinary, so here we will offer up a few eccentric ideas.

First up is from the image above, we have to say that this is the best pencil sharpener we have ever seen. Now we can never remember one of these being at school, then again how much work would you have got done? If your dad does have a sense of humor, then this could be perfect for him.

Second up with have a gadget that is perfect for all father’s who loves to work in their garage or shed. Below is an image of the Magwear Magnetic Wristband, which allows you to keep screws, nails nuts and bolts handy for when you need to get to the, the price for this is just $19.95.

Most dads hate to cook in the home but give them a grill in the garden and they are on it like a lion to a gazelle. As the summer season is upon us we believe that a great gift for dad will be this Oregon Scientific’s Talking BBQ Thermometer below. The gadget is wireless and talks out the temperature to you. The price is $59.99, which is a small price to pay for perfect meat.

These are just three ideas for your dad on Sunday, but we do have another couple of ideas at each end of the price scale. If money is limited then why not get him a Father’s Day eBook. However, if money is no object then treat your dad to a Samsung Smart TV.

We hope that these ideas are of help to you, if not help our readers out by adding your thoughts below.

Father’s Day gifts: eccentric ideas is written by Peter Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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LED Rave Gloves, EmazingLights’ answer to glow sticks

Chris Maugham — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:48:14 +0000

If you’re one of those people who like cutting shapes whilst waving glow sticks in the middle of a nightclub you’re most likely going to love the news we have for you today. It appears there is a new trend of club dancing and it’s being called Gloving where instead of glow sticks being waved in the air a pair of LED gloves are worn whilst raving.

Today we have news of a new set of these gloves from a company called EmazingLights who has announced their new Rave Gloves. At first these gloves look like regular cotton ones but they are equipped with LED and once turned on they provide a visual spectacle.

With these Rave Gloves another dimension is added to the various dance techniques which dancers are already capable of performing in a club. There are three types of gloves from the company called Flinstoned, Bunny and Skittles, and the battery life of each allows you to rave for up to ten hours.

If you’re interested in buying a set of these gloves their costs range from $44.99 to $55.99. The company also has a range of accessories available including a Rave Mask. Check out the video we have provided below, courtesy of YouTube for a glimpse of the Rave Gloves in action.

Will you be raving with a pair these gloves from EmazingLights?

LED Rave Gloves, EmazingLights’ answer to glow sticks is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Science Fiction that became reality, list of advancements

Peter Chubb — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 23:09:11 +0000

As a child I grew up watching Knight Rider, Star Wars and other such science fiction moves and TV shows. OK, so some of you would not class the former as Sci-Fi, but a car that can talk and drive itself – come on? Now many years later some of the science fiction has became reality, and we have a list of advancements for you below to prove it. You will be shocked to learn just what has been going on, and remember that what the government has is about 15 years more advanced than what is currently on the market – well that’s what we hear.

Looking at some of the devices it seems we are truly living in the future. Let us start with Star Trek; the four most famous technologies from the TV series and movies are the transporter, communicators, phasers and the Romulan cloaking device.

First up we have the cloaking device from the Romulan-Warbird; this technology has already been tested, and is called “metamaterial.” What this does is redirect the flow of light to bend it around an object, so you can stare at said object but not see that it is there; only what it behind it. Then we have the transporter; scientists have now managed to move particles from one place to another ten miles away.

The communicator has to be the most famous, as we can still remember Captain Kirk contacting Scotty with his small flip device. This reminded us so much of when the first cell phone came to market, they were a little larger from the start but look how far we have come now. Finally from Star Trek we have the phaser. Now it is no secret that the military has been using lasers for years; we even use a form of it in out CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives.

For those of you who have watched all the Terminator movies you will know that the androids were walking learning computers. Now our computers of today are not that advanced, but there have been some major breakthroughs in this technology. It has been said by 2018 the first artificial intelligent device with a conscious will be developed, just hope it is not made by Sony – hackers will have a field day.

Can you think of any other science fiction technology that has become reality?

Science Fiction that became reality, list of advancements is written by Peter Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Bounty Hunter Karabiner Swiss Army style key ring

Chris Maugham — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:45:16 +0000

If you’re one of these people who like to ‘be prepared’ like the Boy Scouts, making sure you have a gadget for any type of situation you might face then you’re going to love this new gadget from Bounty Hunter. It is a key ring with a twist.

The Karabiner is a Swiss Army style gadget that has a built in nail file, scissors and even a knife. The knife itself is not very menacing, and in the case of being prepared it might come in handy self-defense-wise if you find you’re attack by a small animal like a rodent.

It may not be that dangerous but would still be considered a weapon, so it is recommended you don’t take into any high security places. The actual key ring is a silver link clip style, which the scissors, knife and nail file all slot into neatly.

As of yet there is no word of a European release but the Karabiner can be ordered online in Japan or the US, providing you have ¥3,990 to spare. A handy gadget for when you’re feeling adventurous whilst camping or mountaineering for example.

Check out the online store by clicking the link above. Will you be purchasing one of these key rings?

Bounty Hunter Karabiner Swiss Army style key ring is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Improv Electronics unveils updated Boogie Board LCD writing tablets

Tina Chubb — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:29:05 +0000

We have some interesting news now for those of you that are familiar with the Boogie Board LCD writing tablets, as we’ve just received word that Improv Electronics has recently unveiled four new and updated products including a 10.5-incher, two 8.5-inchers and a Message Center.

As Joe Pollicino over at engadget.com reports, the Boogie Board writing tablets’ pressure-sensitive LCD display enables you to write, draw or even doodle using a stylus or your finger. The Boogie Board 10.5-inch model features replaceable batteries, an erase lock button and an integrated stylus holder.

The new Boogie Board 8.5-inch LCD writing tablet for binders is the ideal solution for students, and easily clips into 2, 3 and 4 ring binders. The Boogie Board Message Center on the other hand is an accessory that can be attached to almost any flat surface, and includes a reversible metallic / cork insert.

Meanwhile the custom-designed Boogie Board 8.5-inch writing tablet features a clear acrylic case, and integrated stylus holder and a red or charcoal top cover plate. Back in February we told our readers that the original Boogie Board was coming to Europe at some stage, although we didn’t know when.

Have you ever used a Boogie Board LCD writing tablet before?

Improv Electronics unveils updated Boogie Board LCD writing tablets is written by Tina Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Polar RCX8 training computer for triathletes

Chris Maugham — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:55:09 +0000

Manufacturers are always looking for ways to link technology with fitness and we have seen some impressive examples of this. We previously brought you news of the car seat prototype which Ford recently showcased that is able to take data readings of the heart condition of the driver.

Today we have news of a piece of technology that’s different but similar to other items available on the market. The Polar RCX5 is a training computer that sits on your wrist like a watch. It is able to take readings of the wearer’s heart using a variety of sensors.

The RXC5 is specifically designed for those taking part in a triathlon. An athletic event that requires competitors to swim, cycle and run in succession as fast as they can to be first to the finish line. The wrist device is therefore waterproof as well.

It comes with a chest strapped heart rate monitor the WearLink + Hybrid, which is also waterproof and together costs $350. There are other bundles available also that include extra sensors depending on what you want, the run bundle or bike bundle ranging up to $480. You can check out the Polar website for more details and pricing information.

What do you think of this piece of equipment?

Polar RCX8 training computer for triathletes is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Kingston Wi-Drive: Wireless storage solution for iOS devices

Tina Chubb — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:17:46 +0000

Are you running out of storage space on your Apple iPad or iPhone due to the amount of music, videos and photos you have stored? If you are, then you might like to know about the recently announced Kingston Wi-Drive, a wireless, battery-powered storage solution designed exclusively for iOS devices.

However, according to Zack Honig over at engadget.com, the Kingston Wi-Drive is strictly a content server. Although it enables you to move content off and transfer it back at a later time, it does not comes with a backup tool and according to Kingston, you shouldn’t expect one in the future either.

Users can connect their iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad to the Kingston Wi-Drive – which serves as a Wi-FI access point – just like they would with any other hotspot, and then access content via a dedicated iOS app. You can load the drive with photos, documents files and videos etc, by using the mini-USB cable included.

Kingston is offering the Wi-Drive in both 16GB and 32GB sizes. Zach stated that although accessing the Wi-Drive device is rather straightforward, the disconnecting and reconnecting part may be a bit of a pain. This is because the process from power-on until the app launches takes up to a minute to complete.

The Kingston Wi-Drive features a rechargeable battery that provides up to 4 hours of continuous usage. As for pricing and availability, the 16GB will cost $129.99 and the 32GB will set you back $174.99. Both drives will be available later this year.

Would you buy the Kingston Wi-Drive storage solution?

Kingston Wi-Drive: Wireless storage solution for iOS devices is written by Tina Chubb & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Bridge paper shredder concept, compatible with any bin

Chris Maugham — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:12:02 +0000

If you’re one of those people who go through a lot of important paperwork and often have to throw documents containing personal information away, you most probably own a shredder so as to avoid identity fraud and other similar issues.

The main problem with shredders is that they can take up a lot of room and are difficult to store. That’s about to change with this new concept design from One Tenth Design called the Bridge shredder. Its small, slender yet industrial design makes it both practical and effective.

It has a plain white design finish suggests clinical performance. Its design has also been likened to something Apple would produce, which isn’t a negative comment with the success that that company has with their products. Because of its practical size it makes it easily stored, it can sit unnoticed on a desk or can be put away in a drawer.

If you check out the article at Designboom you will see there is no worry of tripping over its cord as there isn’t one as it’s powered by four AA batteries. The most practical thing about the Bridge however is compatible with any bin or trash can, by just sitting on top of them.

Would you get a shredder like this?

Bridge paper shredder concept, compatible with any bin is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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Mutewatch production begins: Subtle way to manage your day

Chris Maugham — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:39:17 +0000

If you’re looking for a smart new accessory that will help organize your life and tell you the time, but don’t fancy wearing a watch, then the perfect replacement has made its first appearance. The Mutewatch is a wristband which features a touch activated LED display, that when inactive is invisible.

You could call it your silent life managing device, as when activated it allows users to set an alarm that rather than make a loud annoying sound, it subtly vibrates so it affects only you. The clock display also remains invisible until touched.

This wrist strap device was first heard of when it became available for pre-order almost a year ago, at the time little was known about the Mutewatch though it came across as unique. Today’s news of the accessory comes about after an advert for it appeared flaunting its feature and various functions.

Watches seem somewhat of a useless tool nowadays with almost everyone owning a cell phone which pretty much does the same thing plus more. Despite this the Mutewatch’s Swedish makers will be hoping for much success from their product which is priced at $259. It is available in three colors red white and black and is expected to ship in July.

Check out more the commercial for yourself at Vimeo. Does this sort of device appeal to you?

Mutewatch production begins: Subtle way to manage your day is written by Chris Maugham & originally posted on Product Reviews.

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