GPS devices are very hot items right now. I myself was quite enamored with them when I first saw it in action years ago. Now, GPS devices can be found everywhere and for good reason, they’re really quite useful. For the longest time GPS could only be found within the domain of dedicated GPS devices. But with the technology getting more accessible and affordable, GPS technology is now being introduced to other devices, most notably in smartphones. In fact, GPS-equipped smartphones are beginning to dominate the market and eating into the share of dedicated GPS devices. The main reason for this being that GPS-enabled smartphones allow you to just carry one device that does a lot of things instead of bringing a number of dedicated devices. [Read more…]
Archives for July 2011
Glasses for the Socially Challenged
So you have problems interacting with people face to face. You are not alone. There are countless people out there who seem to have issues conversing with others. Whether it is because they are shy or it is because they seem to say the wrong things (and not even realize it), it can be a painful thing to see other people turn away from you.
If you have always had the problem of NOT being a good conversationalist, have you ever stopped to think that it could be due to the fact that you are not skilled at reading what other people think or how they react to what you are saying? After all, conversation is also about being able to read the person on the other end.
Enter Rosalind Picard of MIT and Rana el Kaliouby of the University of Cambridge, UK. These two individuals have worked to help the socially challenged people of the universe. (Okay, so maybe that wasn’t the driving idea behind the project.)
Their work has resulted in a pair of glasses with an embedded chip and camera. These two things work together to analyze facial expressions of the person that you are talking to. Upon analysis, the system will give you feedback via some LED lights that are also part of the glasses. Green for “you’re doing a good job conversing” and red for “you’re being a social fail”. Now if you want more audible feedback, you can wear headphones which will sum up the data as well. What you do with the feedback – that is totally up to you!
Analysis is all about the facial cues and other non-verbal cues that people have when conversing. In many cases, we learn all about these cues and take our lead from them. One issue I am seeing here is the fact that different cultures will have different cues. It seems, though, that the creators are already working on software that will recognize Japanese cues. That leaves a gazillion other cultures.
In any case, the concept behind the glasses are pretty cool, but unfortunately, we can’t buy them from the nearest accessories shop yet.
Note: The image shown above is NOT the glasses Picard and al Kaliouby have created.
Via
Photo courtesy of Emily Gieczewski
JVC Introduces Dual Dock
Multimedia docks became very popular when Apple’s i devices took off. The product that opened the door to docks was the iPod. Many manufacturers came out with various products to maximize the use of the iPod so that people can share their music in a larger environment. The introduction of other Apple portable devices means new dock configurations and figures will also be introduced. [Read more…]
Sony Camcorder with Built-in Pico Projector
I was quite amazed the first time I read about pico projectors. For the longest time, projectors were very expensive machines, especially when LCD projectors came out. Only those with really deep pockets could afford it, and even when it did drop in price it was still something you have to think about if you want to take the plunge. [Read more…]
Colocation Hosting – The Basics
Of all the many available hosting services, only a handful of companies offer the service known as co-location hosting. The internet service providers (ISPs) that provide this service are equipped with uniquely designed data centres, which they lease out to clients who place their own servers within the data centres physical infrastructure but remain in charge of the operation of their servers, without receiving any kind of system administration from the ISP.
Bring Your Music To The Water
Swimming is a great pastime and a very rigorous sport that will give you the kind of total body workout everyone needs. But swimming can be boring unless you bring something to entertain you with as you do your laps. One of these devices is the H2O Interval Swim System. [Read more…]
An Addictive Thinking Game
If you are looking for a good handheld game that is not going to turn your children’s brains to mush but will actually exercise it – and even yours too if you do play with it, then the iball3 is a game you should definitely consider. [Read more…]
Rock With These Bluetooth Headphones
I love listening to music wherever I go. I especially love it when I’m walking around either at the mall or even inside my house. I feel like I’m walking to my own private music score and you know it makes you feel good whenever you do that. But sometimes it’s a hassle to walk around with headphones or earphones mainly because of the wires that snake between your buds and your music player. I often find myself trying to keep the wires away from me or sometimes the phones fall off because it gets snagged on something as I turn my head. It’s enough to really put a damper on how you enjoy your music. [Read more…]
1080P HD Waterproof Spy Camera Watch
Do you spend your spare time watching spy movies or TV shows? Or maybe you like to read and re-read Ian Fleming’s books. If you are into all things spy – in a good way, not the freaky, creepy way – then here is a gadget that you will definitely want to get your hands on.
The 1080P HD Waterproof Spy Camera Watch has recently been listed at Etronixmart ((Buy here)) and it looks pretty promising. It comes with two options – a steel strap or a leather strap. If the idea of having a watch that can take videos (at 1920 x 1280, no less) is not enough to excite you, then maybe the added factor of this baby being waterproof will help. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of an urgent reason to have a video-taking watch while swimming, but I am sure there is one decent reason out there, waiting to be discovered. There is, of course, the option to use this watch instead of an underwater camera, although it might not be possible as with the limited details presented in the site, it seems to me that the watch has to be connected to a computer to record video. Of course, the watch can be used as a regular watch, showing “real” time.
The 1080p waterproof spy camera watch has an embedded operating system and records video in AVI, while it captures images in JPG. For images, the resolution is 4032 x 3024. For video purposes, the watch also has a built-in mic, ensuring that you will not miss out on the sounds. (Again, I won’t delve into the reasons.)
Other important numbers:
- Uses mini USB
- Frame rate is 25 frames
- Powered by a 320mAh Lithium Ion battery; on full charge, the watch can take videos for up to 100 minutes
It may not be the most practical gadget in the market today, but I think that this waterproof spy camera watch will make for a pretty cool gift. It is currently on sale for $52.99, which is the only reason that I would even consider getting one. Otherwise, the regular price is a little too much for something that might not serve me a practical purpose. Then again, it would be a good way to practice one’s spy skills, yes?
Bed Problems Resolved with the Aerobed
I’ve talked before about the need for extra beds in the event guests unexpectedly arrive. If you’re still on the lookout for a good inflatable bed that will work and still have that extra cool gadget factor, then consider getting the Aerobed Dual Chamber Double Bed. [Read more…]
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