Add some interest to your music experience with the iHome iP76 light show speaker. This 3-foot tall iPhone and iPod dock includes Reson8 speakers as well as colored LEDs that can be patterned to pulse and change in time to the music or fade between colors of your choosing.
Whether you want to create a relaxing mood or rev up a party, this speaker system will provide the perfect sound and lighting. A remote control is included and A/V jacks are provided so you can also connect the iP76 to a TV.
The iHome iP76 will be available in July and will retail for about $199. Find out more on the iHome website.
Although the Segway never quite met the expectations of its developers and even caused the accidental death of one of the company owners, Honda is preparing to launch its own take on the personal mobility device. Resembling a motorized unicycle, the UNI-CUB lets you control its speed and direction simply by shifting your weight in the seat. According to Honda, the UNI-CUB is omnidirectional and can move in any direction. It can also be controlled by an optional smart phone app.
image credit: Honda
Unlike the Segway, which can be used indoors or out, the UNI-CUB is meant to be used indoors only. Honda plans to start demonstrating and testing device in June at Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
Do you have vinyl records that you’d like to transfer to your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch? You may want to check out the iLP Turntable Conversion System. This stylish turntable from ION Audio transfers music directly from vinyl to your Apple device with no computer required. When you’re not transferring, use the turntable to listen to your vinyl records. Or you can connect to a Mac or PC with the included USB cable and transfer your music for computer storage.
Find out more on the iLP website and check out this Rolling Stone article to learn more about gadgets for transferring vinyl music to digital format.
This has got to be the coolest amplifier ever made. What looks like a classic Marshall Amp is actually a mini-fridge. This 4.4 cubic refrigerator/freezer is perfect for keeping beverages cold and adding some rock n’ roll atmosphere to any party. The fridge includes an authentic Jim Marshall signature and genuine Marshall logos. Best of all are the control knobs that go to 11 (fans of Spinal Tap will appreciate the reference).
Find out more about preordering the Marshall Fridge on the official website. You can also see a rocking blonde demonstrate the fridge in this YouTube video.
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.
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.
