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Latest Gear Live Videos
Create your own March Madness with USB Desktop Dunk
Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, USB, PC / Laptop, Toys,
This one is so cool we had to take it old-school with the animated GIF! Boss on vacation? Then it’s time to break out the USB Desktop Dunk, a miniature version of those rapid-fire basketball games you see at carnivals or our favorite haunt, Dave and Buster’s. The toy comes with 4 mini-balls, a working scoreboard, and even sports sound effects like crowd noise when you score 10 points. Morale boosting! Works with both PC and Macs and has two modes: Practice and Competition (natch). Great for hosting your own office version of the upcoming NCAA March Madness, just don’t let your manager—or HR—get wind of it. Available for $25 USD.
Read More 
| Firebox
Gallery: Create your own March Madness with USB Desktop Dunk
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Guitar Rockstar Makes Music Simplified
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Music, Toys,
We have had a lot of musical gadgets on Gear Live recently, but leave it to Tomy to come up with something that almost looks like what it is supposed to be. The Guitar Rockstar, at a size of 250 x 210 x 70mm, has numerous buttons to make music. There are all the basic chords, as well as those sharp, flat, major, and 7th. With both strum and free-play, would that a real guitar could be this easy for those of us that just don’t have the fingers for it. The musical toy will be available in randomly chosen black, blue, and red in June and needs 3 AAA batteries (not included) at a price of £14.99 (~$30.00.)
Read More | Drinkstuff
Gallery: Guitar Rockstar Makes Music Simplified
Mock-U-Rappers Dig the Beat
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Toys,
If you dig rap music, but can’t master it, we have the gizmo for you. Record a 3 second message into the microphone on its tree, and the Mock-U-Rappers will spit it back at you in three part synthesis. Who knew that monkeys, cows, or birds could keep a beat? The Rappers need 3 AAA batteries (not included) and are so popular they are temporarily sold out for £15.95 (~$32.19.) Pre-order for the next shipment, get your favorite artiste’s music ready, and get down wit’ it.
Read More | Crazy About Gadgets
Gallery: Mock-U-Rappers Dig the Beat
This Elmo Doesn’t Want to be Tickled
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Mods / Hacks, Toys, Videos,
We thought that the new Elmo Live was a bit eerie, but it turns out that an “Elmo Knows Your Name” really did get spooky after 2 year-old James’ mom changed the batteries. Although the toy is programmed to say over 100 phrases, we don’t believe that “Kill James” is one of them. Fisher Price has offered to replace the child’s companion, but we are thinking if mom is smart, she should hang on to it and pass it on to someone who could figure out why Elmo has such rage. Then again, she could probably make a killing on eBay.
Read More | RealTechNews
Gallery: This Elmo Doesn’t Want to be Tickled
USB Owl Wisely Watches You Work
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Toys, Videos, USB,
If you like your USB toys a bit less animated than the Tengu, you might consider the peacefulness of this little USB Owl. With a mini-weight of only 3.40kg, he blinks and rolls his eyes and rotates his head just like a real one, well almost. In case he doesn’t like just sitting on your tower or speaker, a tree-stump is provided. Pre-order this bit of wisdom for your cutesy USB creatures collection from Thumbs Up for £12.99 (~$26.00.)
Read More | Thumbs Up
Gallery: USB Owl Wisely Watches You Work
Monty the Tengu Review
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Music, Product Reviews, Toys, Videos, USB,
Creator Crispin Jones was kind enough to send us a Tengu, knowing that no one can ever have enough friends, even if they are electronic ones. We nicknamed ours Monty, and from the time we plugged him into the USB port, he was instantly on, albeit asleep. No software is needed to get him to do his thing. We have a full review and video of our 2 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 1/2-inch buddy awake after the jump.
(Thanks, Crispin and Mike)
Click to continue reading Monty the Tengu Review
Read More | Mr. Jones' Tengu
Gallery: Monty the Tengu Review
Electronic Plant Traps Unsuspecting Flies
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Science, Toys,
We never could get Venus Fly Traps to stay alive long enough to chomp down on all the nasty summer visitors. Now, with Discovery’s motion activated Trap, just feed it 3 AA batteries (not included) and its sensor will close its “mouth” on bugs without you having to tend it. Add bait if the flying creatures don’t want to go for the pseudo plant and, after they are captured, you can release them or study them for a bit. At a size of 4.25 x 4.25 x 9-inches, the plastic VFT will set you back $19.95.
Read More | Discovery Channel Store
Gallery: Electronic Plant Traps Unsuspecting Flies
Hasbro Introduces Switch Shot for Wii
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Toys, Video Games,
Hasbro was present at the NY Toy Fair this week, displaying its new Nerf toys. Included in the line is their Switch Shot EX-3. The device not only works as a Wii Shooter gun, it doubles as a dart blaster with a module that inserts into its remote slot. You can stow two darts in the lower half of the barrel, which also keeps an N-Strike accessory rail. Arriving in the 3rd Quarter of 2008, you will be able to get a Switch Shot for ~$15.00 or purchase one packed with the upcoming N-Strike game for Nintendo DS (no price determined thus far.)
Read More | Crave
Gallery: Hasbro Introduces Switch Shot for Wii
We couldn’t resist this one. Elmo Live has come a long way since his Tickle-Me days. During the recent New York Toy Fair, the new and improved Muppet was almost scary in its authenticity, if you can call a Muppet real. Tickle him and he moves, he grooves, he tells stories and jokes. From sitting to standing to crossing his legs, you would almost think you were on the Sesame Street set. You had better pre-order this one now, as he will probably be out in the 3rd Quarter and on the hot toy list this holiday season for ~$60.00.
Read More | Toyology
Gallery: Elmo Comes Alive, Almost
Micro Car Climbs the Walls
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Toys, Wireless / WiFi,
RC cars are no longer confined to the ground. Air Hogs’ Zero Gravity Micro Car can drive on any smooth surface, whether it is the floor, wall, or ceiling. It features a 2-inch turning circle and the company claims that it is faster and quieter than its 1st generation Gravity Hummer. As a Valentines Day gift, the red car is perfect for a loved one for £29.99 (~$59.00). He/she will be so excited you might even get to share. While the Micro Car will not be available until this July, you can still print the image and sneakily insert it into a large box of chocolate candy.
Read More | Air Hogs via Toyology
