gizmos vs gadgets: April 2012

Monday, April 30, 2012

How to Run Windowed Apps on Your Jailbroken iPad

Published on Xbox Kinect Review: It's a Brand New Console | shared via feedly

When is an iPad not an iPad? Maybe when it runs apps in their own resizable windows just like your laptop, which is exactly what Quasar, an app for jailbroken iPads, does. More »

How to Run Windowed Apps on Your Jailbroken iPad

Published on Gizmodo | shared via feedly

When is an iPad not an iPad? Maybe when it runs apps in their own resizable windows just like your laptop, which is exactly what Quasar, an app for jailbroken iPads, does.

Developed by Pedro Franceschi, Quasar allows you to view multiple apps at the same time, resize windows, switch orientation, and rearrange apps on the screen. From the video, it seems to be pretty slick.

It might be particularly useful for apps that are technically only available for iPhone, as they can be run at their native size. Of course, you do have to be running a jailbroken iPad to use it, but if you are, it costs $9.99 from the Cydia Store.

Also, I can't help but appreciate noticing in the video that Pedro is a Giz reader. Hi, Pedro! [Big Boss via The Verge]

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Koss Striva headphones stream music over Wi-Fi for $500

Published on The Verge | shared via feedly

Koss has unveiled a new line of headphones called Striva that let you wirelessly stream music over Wi-Fi. The headphones can access audio streams over the internet (which can be organized into easily accessible channels using MyKoss.com), but also come with a tiny device called a CAP (content access point) that can plug into a phone, laptop, or anything with a headphone jack to wirelessly transmit music directly to your ears. At launch Striva is available in two flavors, including full-sized over-the-ear headphones called Striva Pro, and an in-ear version dubbed Striva Tap. Both use touch and gesture controls so that you can do things like manage volume and switch channels by tapping and swiping directly on the face of the headphones....

Holy Crap MacGyver's Floating House Is For Sale!

Published on Gizmodo | shared via feedly

At the beginning of MacGyver season 3, Angus MacGyver moves into a floating house. Twenty-five years later your can move in to the very same home because it's up for sale. Time to get your eBay bidding skills on. More »

Business-minded HP 'Slate 8' tablet surfaces in leaked image

Published on Engadget | shared via feedly

This one is still very much unconfirmed, but a "trusted source" recently provided Neowin.net with the image you see above, which purports to be a mockup of a forthcoming business-minded tablet from HP dubbed the Slate 8. That's obviously a Windows 8 tablet and, if the details are to be believed, you can expect a 10.1-inch display, eight to ten hours of battery life, optional pen-based input, a docking station of some sort, an outdoor viewing option and a number of business-friendly security measures -- all in a package that's 9.2mm thick and about 1.5 pounds. Adding some weight to leak is ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, who hasn't been able to confirm it outright, but says that after a bit of investigation she is "inclined to believe this is a real mock-up and is part of HP's line up of business desktops and laptops it will be touting this year."

Business-minded HP 'Slate 8' tablet surfaces in leaked image originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Friday, April 27, 2012

ColorWare Special Edition Illusion Beats Studio Headphones

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ColorWare Special Edition Illusion Beats Studio Headphones

via Coolest Gadgets by Edwin on 4/26/12

Most of us do not bother to pick up a decent pair of headphones to go along with our smartphones, simply because we are not serious with our music. However, that does not mean that there is another group out there who pay serious attention to the kind of music which goes through their ears, settling for nothing less than the highest bitrate on their audio files which has been transferred over to their portable media player or smartphones of choice.

Apart from a high quality audio file, the next logical step to take would be to have a decent or at least high end pair of headphones to go along with your device. ColorWare has come up with something which can be said to be their expertise, tapping into their years of experience when it comes to customizing high-end electronics, with the release of the Special Edition Illusion Beats Studio Headphones. No doubt Beats by Dre are the popular choice with music lovers just about everywhere, and ColorWare has kicked things up by a notch to make these headphones all the more irresistible.

For a limited time only, ColorWare will be offering Beats by Dre Studio headphones with an iridescent finish. What makes this iridescent finish so special? Well, it really depends on which angle you would look at it from, where the iridescent paint will deliver a dramatic color changing effect, never mind when you are even in a low-light environment. There are three different color shifting paint finishes from ColorWare for you to choose from, including Blue to Red-color shifts from blue to warm red, purple and copper, Red to Gold-color shifts from red to orange, gold and slights hints of maroon, and Gold to Silver-color shifts from gold to radiant, yet icy, silvery blue and green.

Since these will be special edition headphones, you can be sure that such exclusivity will not come cheap. We are talking about the Illusion Beats by Dre headphones retailing for a cool $1,000 apiece, where they will come with an embroidered, black Ultrasuede carrying case for that added touch of luxury. The headphones themselves will ship within two to three weeks' time if you have deep enough pockets.

Press Release

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ ColorWare Special Edition Illusion Beats Studio Headphones copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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UCube Digital USB Speakers

Published on Coolest Gadgets | shared via feedly

Looking for a pair of speakers for your notebook? Let's face the fact that most notebooks do not come with a decent audio solution, which is why there is always a market for items like the $149.99 UCube Digital USB Speakers. Measuring a mere 3.25″ square, the UCube is an ultra portable computer peripheral, and chances are you would not probably notice it take up much space on your desk. Not only that, they are definitely lookers and will not end up as a sore thumb on your work desk. Since these speakers will connect to your computer via USB, there is no need to lug around another power supply on your travels.

Not only that, the speakers are completely detachable from the hefty aluminum stands, allowing you to minimize the footprint. The UCube is able to coax out a maximum of 15 watts per channel, and with Balance Mode Radiator (BMR for short), it is said to be able to deliver a full frequency range with a wide dispersion pattern that would certainly be more than welcome for your ears to listen to.

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[ UCube Digital USB Speakers copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

A New Kickstarter To Literally ‘Brydge’ The Gap Between iPad & MacBook

Published on iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource | shared via feedly

With so many built-in keyboard cases for iPad coming out recently, none of them has really been able to shine. But now, it seems like these folks have finally nailed it. A new Kickstarter project named Brydge is an innovative hinged iPad keyboard made with highest grade aluminum, much similar to the kind used in Apple's MacBooks. The Brydge Kickstarter, that reached its funding goal of $90,000 in less than 24 hours, is about to hit the $125,000 mark in merely two days of its launch. Wow!

So what is it that makes Brydge so much better than the others? For one, it's elegantly crafted using aerospace-grade aluminum to closely match the feel of the iPad itself, unlike most other iPad keyboards which are made up of painted plastic. For another, Brydge's unique patent-pending hinge holds the iPad secure and allows for close to 180 degrees of positioning, allowing you to position your iPad at nearly any angle. And best of all, it even has built-in speakers (optional) to practically turn your iPad into a laptop.

Brydge's hinge combines the forces of friction and magnetism to hold strongly onto the iPad. There is no need to enclose your iPad in any sort of case, instead, your iPad snaps in and is ready to go. If you need your iPad free from Brydge, simple hold down on the Brydge and pull your iPad free.

Brydge connects with your iPad via bluetooth, so there is no need to deal with any wires or plugs. This was important aesthetically, but also adds to the portability and convenience of the product. Additionally, the keyboard has been designed specifically for an iPad, with iPad functions built in and charges through a USB connection.

To back this project or find out more, check out the Kickstarter page here. Meanwhile, here's a little video to give you a better idea of how Brydge trumps just about any other keyboard case in today's market!

A New Kickstarter To Literally 'Brydge' The Gap Between iPad & MacBook [VIDEO] is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Just Mobile Lazy Couch™

Published on iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource | shared via feedly

Folks, I'm gonna keep this one as simple as the product itself. Called the Lazy Couch™, this small laptop accessory has been designed by Just Mobile, a company known for its iconic products such as the Xtand for iPhone / iPod, Gum Max Pro battery pack and AluPen Pro to name a few. It is meant to keep your laptop elevated for a more comfortable typing experience and more importantly, to keep it running cooler and quieter by facilitating air circulation underneath.

Features:

High-quality aluminium construction
Fits most laptops and tablets
Provides more comfortable typing experience
Cooler and quieter operation
Clip it for storage, perfect for traveling

Size:

1.6 x 1.6 x 1.4 inches

Price:

US $19.95 @ Xtand.net

Review:

Just like any other Just Mobile product, the Lazy Couch™ comes packaged in a decent looking box. You get a pair of mini stands, Just Mobile product catalog and a couple of logo stickers.

The two circular stands are made up of high quality non-slip rubber and solid aluminum which perfectly matches the finish of Apple's MacBook lineup. The two can be easily interlocked together to form a neat portable package (and serve as a nice looking paper weight too).

The stands are meant to be used on a flat surface such as a desk, though I use it on my cushion too. You keep them at a slight distance on the desk and put your MacBook or just about any laptop over them. You can always adjust their positioning until you feel comfortable. The non-slip rubber on top as feel as at the feet ensures maximum stability.

As advertised, the stands works to raise the laptop at a more ergonomic position for easier typing as well as to allow air circulation underneath to help with cooling. I've personally noticed a much quieter MacBook pro (with funs running a lot less) with these underneath.

You can also use it with an iPad, thus keeping it at an ideal angle for typing.

Conclusion:

Though the Lazy Couch™ is not a necessity for all, but if anyone's looking for a neat looking, relatively inexpensive (as compared to laptop cooling fans) portable solution that can keep a laptop running cool and quiet, this should definitely be on the list.

Just Mobile Lazy Couch™ [Review] is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource