Glass Keyboard and Mouse Shrug Off Crumbs and Spills

Using the same technology as biometric systems that capture fingerprints, Jason Giddings has created a drool-worthy glass keyboard and mouse with multitouch functionality. But he’s turned to Kickstarter to fund the prototypes and software needed to make it all work.

The technology is known as FTIR, or Frustrated Total Internal Reflection, and it uses a series of LEDs at the bottom edge of each device to bounce invisible infrared light inside the thick panels of glass. But when a finger makes contact with the glass, it frustrates the internal reflection redirecting the IR light downwards where it’s captured by a simple camera. The images from the camera are then processed to determine where the finger or fingers have made contact, and whether they’re in motion, performing a gesture.

Because the system is a combination of existing tried and true technologies, it will mostly require software development to become a reality. So Jason’s Kickstarter project is currently seeking $50,000 in funding with some 33 days left to go at the time of writing. But if you’d like to support his efforts and secure a keyboard and mouse combo for yourself, you’ll have to pledge at least a hefty $350. So if they ever make it into production, hopefully Jason will use some of that fifty grand for marketing studies that result in a more reasonable price point.

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Tags: Accessories, Computing, Kickstarter, Multitouch Keyboard, Multitouch Mouse, PC, Video

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Semi-Legal Bluetooth Call Recorder: Did The Wire Teach Us Nothing?

Your smartphone can do many things, but because of legal restrictions, it can’t easily be used to record a conversation. This Bluetooth handset happily will, though, documenting over 340 hours of calls, whether or not the other party knows it.

In most areas, the act of recording a phone conversation isn’t necessarily illegal. It’s when you do it without the other party’s consent that problems can arise. So this handset, which connects to any Bluetooth equipped phone like a headset, can be set to automatically play a custom “this conversation is being recorded” message before every conversation. But only if you want it to.

The $200 recorder has just two gigs of storage on board, but it uses enough compression to hold over fourteen days worth of conversations which can be annotated with comments to make sorting through them a little easier. For reporters the device is perfect for transcribing interviews, or finding a specific quote, but it’s also handy if your conversation has important legal implications. And since people tend to be more honest when they know they’re being recorded, it could even have the benefit of scaring off telemarketers who might not be on the up and up.

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Tags: Accessories, Bluetooth, Call Recorder, Call Recording, Mobile Phones, Smartphones

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Gametel Android controller steals the spotlight from Xperia Play, threatens to be vaporware

Xperia Play, Schmaschmeria Play — who needs it? Fructel’s got an Android add-on that does away with Sony Ericsson’s slider niche. The folks over at Pocket Gamer recently got hands-on time with this category-quashing controller, dubbed Gametel, that connects to handsets using clamps and a rubberized grip, no matter your mobile manufacturer of choice. Unfortunately, there’s no analogue pad here, so it’s not quite on par with its PlayStation Certified competition, but it will hold hands over Bluetooth with any Googlefied phones running Froyo and up. The unreleased peripheral includes a 250mAh battery, letting you bash away with those sore thumbs for up to nine hours at a time, your phone’s charge willing. There’s no official word on just when you can expect this game pad to make its market debut, but if you’re really eager, head on over to the source to sign up for launch notifications.

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Tags: Accessories, Android, Bluetooth, Gametel, Gaming, Smartphones

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Brando’s Bluetooth handset TK2 could double up as a phone

If you prefer the concept of a Bluetooth handset over a Bluetooth earpiece, Brando may have the solution for you with the Bluetooth Handset TK2, as pictured to the right above next to the iPhone. It basically acts and holds like a phone, which we’re guessing is a bit silly if you were to pair it with a phone.

However for those times when your phone is charging, or if you were to pair it with a Bluetooth enabled computer or tablet, then it starts to make more sense. Brando claims it will be compatible with a variety of devices ranging from the iPhone, to notebooks, and even with VoIP software such as Skype.

It will also support Bluetooth v2.1 multipoint technology, meaning that you will be able to pair the TK2 handset with up to two devices, so you will be able to answer calls on your phone as well as from your PC. It will feature a rechargeable battery that supposedly provides talk times of up to 6 hours, and a standby time of 200 hours. If you’re interested in getting your hands on the TK2 handset, it is available from Brando’s website for $23.

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Tags: Accessories, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Phone, Brando, PC, Tablet PC's, VoIP

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Samsung WiFi Camera for Surveillance

Samsung announced its new WiFi camera at CES Unveiled. The Samsung WiFi camera can be used for surveillance or as a baby monitor. Samsung claims that the set up is super easy unlike other surveillance solutions, with only one push on the Wi-Fi (WPS) button on the device and router and it will be connected in under 30 seconds.

Then, after registering your name, password and camera on the dedicated website, you will be able to watch what the camera is capturing on any smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC that are connected to the internet.

According to the Samsung representative I talked to at the event, when the camera detects a motion, it records the event to your YouTube account in private mode or personal Samsung cloud and send you an alert message.

Samsung did not provide any information about price and availability.

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Tags: Accessories, Samsung, Samsung WiFi Camera, WiFi, YouTube

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Vooma Peel PG92 case brings dual-SIM capability, added appeal to your iPhone 4, 4S

Vooma’s new Peel PG92 handset case isn’t the first to bring dual-SIM capability to the iPhone 4, but it may be the most elegant. The accessory, which has yet to be released, essentially consists of an extra battery pack and an unlocked SIM slot. All you have to do is download Vooma’s customized app to your jailbroken iPhone 4 or 4S, strap on the Peel PG92, and insert your spare SIM card into the case (judging from the photos, it appears that the device is tailored for mini-SIM cards, rather than micro-SIM). Once that’s taken care of, you’ll be able to place calls via the app and external SIM, using a dialer interface that’s only slightly different from what Apple offers. No word yet on pricing or availability, but you can sign up for more information at Voom’s website, linked below. Otherwise, check out the coverage from our friends at TechCrunch, who managed to get their hands on a pre-release model.

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Tags: Accessories, Apps, Case, Dual-SIM, iOS, iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, Peel PG92, Vooma

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Magic Cube Projection Keyboard and Multi-touch Mouse

The perfect Christmas present for any geek

I’ve just spotted this uber-cool gadget being sold at MobileFun. It’s the Magic Cube Projection Keyboard and Multi-touch mouse from Celluon. For just £129.95, you can beam a virtual keyboard and multi-touch mouse on to almost any surface. It’s a bluetooth device and will work with almost any HID compatible device. Feel free to send me an early Christmas present

Full-sized projection keyboard lets you type accurately and comfortably on any flat surface

If you like to work on the go but find traditional Bluetooth keyboard solutions bulky and uncomfortable, the Celluon Magic Cube is the answer. Packing a full-size keyboard into a pocket-size package, the Magic Cube employs lasers, LEDs and IR detection to project a keyboard onto any flat opaque surface and then accurately read your button presses as if by magic. Within minutes you’ll be touch-typing like you would on a regular keyboard, and wondering how you ever got anything done without it.

Multi-touch mouse mode allows you to switch control to your cursor from your keyboard

In an industry first, Celluon have introduced a multi-touch mouse to the Magic Cube. By utilising an easy to remember keyboard shortcut, you can switch between keyboard and mouse in a flash, letting you get on with working on your documents and emails, and not working on figuring out your keyboard. The mouse supports two-finger scrolling, pinch to zoom and other gestures for natural, easy navigation.

Small size for enhanced portability

Measuring just 75 x 37 x 29mm, the Celluon Magic Cube will fit in almost any pocket. This means you don’t have to compromise between travelling light and being fully prepared, as you can have a full-sized keyboard and multi-touch mouse wherever you go. The Magic Cube charges via an included mini USB cable.

Bluetooth HID support for driverless compatibility

The Celluon Magic Cube supports Bluetooth HID profiles so is compatible with a number of devices straight out of the box. From iOS and Android 2.0+ devices to PCs and Macs, the Celluon Magic Cube will work within seconds with your device letting you get on with your work.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0qARDGJj1w

Article: Local via Go Gadget News

Tags: Accessories, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Keyboard, Celluon, Magic Cube Projection Keyboard and Multi-touch Mouse, Multi-touch

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Up by Jawbone aims to keep you healthy

Wristband and app combo

Jawbone, maker of funky headsets, has announced its latest product, Up. Think of Up as like one of those charity wristbands that have been popular over the last few years, except much cleverer.

And that’s because Up features a sophisticated motion-tracking engine that helps you monitor a number of key aspects when it comes to your health.

“The MotionX engine inside the Up band is the result of years of technology development and innovation. MotionX is both extremely accurate and power-efficient, which is critical in delivering a 24/7 product experience small enough to wear,” said Philippe Kahn, CEO and founder of Fullpower, developer of the MotionX technology.

Combined with the free iPhone app, Up allows you to keep track of your activity by monitoring steps, calories burned, distance, pace, and active versus inactive time throughout the day; your sleep  including hours slept, time to fall asleep, phases of sleep (deep versus light) and overall sleep quality; and finally what you’ve eaten.

You take photos of the food you’ve eaten and the app analyses this along with info such as where you’re eating and when you’ve eaten.

The wristband is designed to be worn 24/7 and will even give you reminders during the day to eat, be active or rest. You can also join fellow Up users on an online community to help you stay motivated.

“As the global health crisis mounted, we felt a strong sense of responsibility to see if we could leverage our resources, talents, and ecosystem to try and help make a difference,” said Hosain Rahman, Jawbone CEO and founder.

“Up is Jawbone’s first step in giving people tools to become engaged as consumers of their own health. It’s a complete system designed to integrate seamlessly into one’s total lifestyle, 24 hours a day, not just the few times a week people may work out.”

The Up band comes in three sizes (small, medium, large) and seven colours and will be available for $99.99 on 6 November. A global launch is planned for later in the year.

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Tags: Accessories, Apps, Bluetooth, Health, iOS, iPhone, Jawbone Up, Video

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Disk prices double after flood – and could ‘double again’

Platter chatter says Thai flood will affect us all

Hard disk prices doubled in the past fortnight following the severe flooding in Thailand and could potentially rise by the same amount again, channel sources have warned.

The world’s second largest producer of drives behind China, Thailand, is dealing with the aftermath of flooding that has killed 380 people, inundated 14,000 factories and left 660,000 people out of work.

The average price of a 1TB drive was £45 prior to the disaster, but such disks are now being flogged for a 100 quid or more, a distie source told The Reg, adding that given the scarcity of stock “prices could double again”.

The severity of the shortfall in supply means that additional price rises are on the cards, predicts James Ward, boss of specialist storage distributor Hammer.

“Shortages became so severe so quickly and will have a lasting impact on the industry for at least the next six to nine months,” he said.

Sukh Rayat, senior veep at distil Avnet, added: “Prices could go up significantly further based on what we are seeing in the market.”

Not all of the major distributors were willing to make a call on incremental price hikes.

“I believe that for the quarter shipments will be significantly down. I don’t know if we’ll able to sell more than 40 to 45 per cent of what we could,” Alain Maquet, EMEA president at Ingram Micro told The Reg.

Taiwanese vendor Acer has confirmed pending PC price rises due to the supply problems and Asus said it will run out of drives by the end of this month.

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Tags: Accessories, Computing, Hard Drives, Storage, USB Storage

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Amped Wireless gives your WiFi 1.5-mile range: never lose signal in the garden again

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Tags: Accessories, Amped Wireless, Computing, WiFi

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