The Samsung inTouch camera system was unveiled at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.  The inTouch brings the Internet to any HDTV using WiFi technology and preloaded apps like Skype, YouTube, Google News and Weather and Web browsing.  Although HTDV Internet connectivity isn’t unique, this device allows owners of older HDTV models to experience the fun and usefulness of the Internet from their HD television.  The inTouch connects to any HDTV with an HDMI cable and is able to access nearby wireless networks. 

Using the Skype capability and the built-in microphone, inTouch owners can connect with family and friends around the world in high definition.  A palm-sized keyboard makes allow owners to check email and send text messages. A photo app is also provided that turns the HDTV into an HD picture frame.

The inTouch will be available in March and will retail for about $199. Find out more in this Engadget review.

With so much free information available online, you might not think that people would pay to access useful information.  But that’s just what over a million people have done by signing up for membership at Lynda.com. For a fee that starts at $25 per month, members have access to more than 72,000 high-quality how-to videos on technical subjects ranging from programming languages to web design to digital photography. Tutorial levels range from beginner to advanced.

Find out more at Lynda.com. You can also read a profile of founder Lynda Weinman on Wired.com.

The PlayStation Vita, which has been called the “Next Generation Portable,” will have its global launch on February 22. The PS Vita features dual analog sticks, motion sensors, front and rear multi touch pads and front and rear cameras. Like the PS3, the Vita supports Bluetooth devices like stereo headsets. The Vita also features a new user interface that more closely resembles a smart phone. The Vita also comes with a Web browser, music and video players, a photo gallery.  The 3G version also features GPS. Gamers are already calling the Vita one of the best handheld game systems on the market. 

To find out more about PS Vita, visit the Sony PlayStation website and see this YouTube video that features Guy Longworth, Senior VP of PlayStation Brand Marketing, and John Koller, Senior Director of PlayStation Handhelds, demoing the PS Vita experience.

Macworld 2012, the annual Apple expo and trade show, recently wrapped up in San Francisco.  The product named Best of Show was an app from i4software called Video Camera.  This video create and edit app, which is compatible with iPhone, iPodtouch and iPad, allows users to film, preview and edit videos from their device’s live camera view, then add music and titles before uploading the finished product to share on social media sites.  An intuitive user interface makes the process simple enough for a beginner while advanced features like optional manual controls make it powerful enough for a professional.  You can also with a variety of digital cameras to import and edit video clips.    

The Video Camera app sells for $7.99.  Find out more about i4software Video Camera on the official product website.

If you’re experiencing a craving for a new or updated gadget, this is NOT the time to buy.  Despite post-holiday sales, tech experts say that it’s better to wait a few weeks before you invest in new technology.  The giant consumer electronics show CES 2012 will take place in mid-January in Las Vegas.  There are bound to be some exciting new products announced that will be hitting the stories later in the spring.  Then in February, Mobile World Congress will be held in Barcelona.  New Ice Cream Sandwich phones and tablets are expected to be the stars of that show.

Read more reasons to hold off on buying new electronic gadgets until later this year in this Techcrunch article.

Launched in 2009, Kickstarter is an innovative website that helps creative people find funding for their projects.  Applicants who have an idea for an art project or new product upload a description and a funding goal.  Anyone who visits the Kickstarter site can then contribute to funding.  If the goal amount is reached, the applicant keeps the money.

In just 2 years, Kickstarter users have funded more than $125 million worth of projects.  The site has challenged how projects get funded and contributed to the independence of artists and inventors.

Read more about Kickstarter and its founders in this PC Magazine article.  This YouTube video tells the story of Scott Wilson and his LunaTik watchband for the iPod Nano (for which he received $942,000 in funding after posting a goal of $15,000).

You can also visit Kickstarter, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself contributing to the funding of a great idea.

Microsoft hasn’t designed the proverbial better mousetrap, but it looks like they’re come up with a better mouse.  The Microsoft Arc Touch wireless mouse with nano transceiver features a unique curved design that accommodates the users hand.  It also folds to make it highly portable.  The Arc Touch mouse conserves energy by turning off when it’s folded flat and not in use, allowing it to run for 6 months on 2 AAA batteries.

Microsoft’s Blue Track technology enables this mouse to perform more accurately on difficult tracking surfaces like carpet, granite and wood.

Find out more about the Arc Touch mouse on Amazon.

2011 was a pretty good year for technology.  Many new gadgets were introduced, including the Kindle Fire, and there were also some notable upgrades like the iPad 2. 

Scientific American has created a gadget guide for 2011 that includes some of the coolest technology of the year.  These may not be the best-selling gadgets, but they are definitely the most innovative.

At the top of the list is the Lytro Light-Field Camera, which is equipped with a special sensor that the color and intensity of the entire light field and not just a single plane of light.  Since the camera captures all of the color, direction and intensity of the light associated with an image, you can focus and re-focus any portion of the digital image. 

One of our favorite devices on the list is Wacom’s Inkling, a digital ballpoint pen that captures a digital version of a drawing as you sketch on a regular piece of paper.

See a slideshow of the entire list on the Scientific American website.

Buckycubes are an irresistible toy for adults.  Each set consists of 125 rare earth magnets that have been formed into tiny cubes.  These super-magnetic cubes can be bended, folded and shaped into thousands of different geometric configuration.  It’s the ultimate desk toy – but be forewarned that you may have a hard time putting Buckycubes down.  The New York Times calls them “incredibly addictive” while Esquire says “there’s no better desk toy.” 

Buckycubes are great as a stocking stuffer or holiday gift for adults (they aren’t meant for kids since magnets can be harmful if swallowed).  You can find out more on the official Buckycubes website and see Buckycubes in action in this YouTube video.

The HTC Rhyme is a new smartphone that has a set of included accessories that are pure poetry for the modern woman. One of these accessories is a smartphone Docking Station (shown above) that charges the Rhyme and turns it into an alarm clock, picture frame and music player. Another accessory is a Charm, which attaches to its owner’s purse and signals missed calls and messages. The Rhyme also comes with tangle-free headphones.

HTC Sense streamlined menus and apps provide quick access to information, email and messages. Create to-do lists and use Microsoft Exchange to sync them with your PC.

Find out more about the Rhyme on the HTC website.