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Latest Gear Live Videos
Make Tracks With This USB Car
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Toys, Transportation, USB,
Our pick for USB toy of the week is this RC car. You control its six directions from your computer with software for up to a distance of 4 feet (cable included.) The minute vehicle’s size is 8.5 x 4.5 x 3.3 cm, weighs 44 g, and is compatible with Windows 2000/XP. After only a few minutes in its garage for a charge, add decals, honk the horn, and off you go for only $29.99. Check out the demo on brando to watch it go through its paces.
(Thanks, Fanny)
Read More 
| usb.brando
Gallery: Make Tracks With This USB Car
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Sega’s newly improved Yume Neko Smile (Dream Cat) is almost nightmarish in its behavior. Battery operated (not included,) it responds to humans in its weird way as it purrs, rubs against you, and even smiles.It comes with a comb, so you don’t have worry about it coughing up furballs. Just don’t pull its tail.
Check out the video if you want to see this optimistic feline for yourself, but don’t ask us about the little peep in the end. From what we could figure out, it would appear that Yume Neko doesn’t really move around, so unless you are bed bound, it’s not much of a companion at 7,980 Yen (~$69.00.)
Read More | Akihabara News
Gallery: Don’t Feed This Cat
Estes Launches Digital Video Rocket
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Misc. Tech, Science, Toys, USB,
Imagine being able to create Google Earth in your own neighborhood. Estes, our fave rocket folks from the time we were old enough to fly them, are finally getting into the technology game. Their Digital Video Rocket can shoot footage from as high as 500 feet in the air. It is capable of recording a 12 second video at 640 x 280 pixel resolution or can capture up to 3 pictures per flight for a total storage of 15 images.
Connect the flying cam to your PC with included USB cable to download video and images. The injection-molded plastic rocket also comes with a launch pad, software, a controller (batteries not included,) and two sets of L1194 button cells. Also not included are C6-C5 engines which can be purchased for $9.95 per 3-pack. At a size of 16 x 3-inches, the rocket will be available for delivery around the third week of this month for $59.95.
Read More | Hammacher Schlemmer
Gallery: Estes Launches Digital Video Rocket
Months back we told you about the miJam Mini Keys, which hooks up to your iPod, and allows you to add assorted beats and sounds to your MP3s. The same company has now introed the miVDOFX DV Cam, which not only shoots video, but lets you edit them and incorporate up to 18 special effects on the spot, no computer required. Plus, you can even connect it to an MP3 player/iPod while filming to add a soundtrack to your masterpiece. Oh, and it takes still photos, too. The multi-tasking cam has a 1.5” color screen, a speaker and mic, up to 4X zoom, and an SD card slot (up to 2GB). Perfect for the YouTube auteur. No word yet on pricing on availability, so stay tuned…
Read More | www.b2stuf.com via Chip Chick
Gallery: miVDOFX DV Cam: A YouTube Lover’s Dream
Crayola Creates Safer, Improved School Supplies
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Toys,
School supplies have certainly become more sophisticated. Seeing a commercial from Crayola spurred us to investigate their new line of Total Tools. Their Audio Ruler measures in 1/8-inch increments with disappearing ink. Open the lid, turn it on and it talks to you. All this and/or “silly, nonsensical measurements” for only $7.99. The Staple Free Staple uses a paper punch to cut a small tab that folds into a slot and is good for up to 4 or 5 sheets of paper, and features a self inking stamper. Its MSRP is only $4.99. Check out Crayola’s Total Tools Page for more innovative gadgets. If you purchase up to $15.00 worth, you get free Silly Putty. Who could refuse an offer like that?
Read More | Crayola Store
Gallery: Crayola Creates Safer, Improved School Supplies
eBay Sells Recalled Items
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Editorial, Smart Home, Toys,
According to a recent study in Injury Prevention Journal, many recalled products that are never returned end up in thrift stores, garage sales, and on eBay. Researchers randomly picked 141 items for children recalled between 1992 and 2004, including baby walkers, furniture and riding toys. The items were found on 190 different auctions. The company says that it doesn’t permit listing of U.S. CPSC recalled items and suggests that buyers check their “security and resolution” page.
We suggest they do more than that. With a mimimal effort we found an Elmo Guitar and Sesame Street Tub, Pots, and Pans, both up for sale on the site. Until eBay gets a clue, if you suspect that one of the items you want to purchase has been recalled, check with Mattel before you purchase.
Read More | MSNBC
Gallery: eBay Sells Recalled Items
No boring car drag races for our crew, as we would rather joust with R/C knights. The toys work just like the real articles as you knock off your opponent’s little equestrian warrior before he/she gets yours. Set them up on opposite sides of the room and let them go at it. It won’t hurt his horseman, but if you are lucky it will bruise its controller’s ego tremendously. Available at Gadgets.dk for DKK 279,00 (~$51.00.)
Read More | Gadgets.dk
Gallery: R/C Jousting Knights: En Guarde!
Hellboy Collectible is Too Cute to be Vicious
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Movies, Toys,
Entertainment Earth can find anything menacing and turn it into adorable. Knowing that a second Hellboy movie is in the works and will be released next year about this time, we discovered this limited edition vinyl Qee. Standing at 8-inches, Mike Mignola’s creation has flexible arms and legs for breaking up rubber bricks with his right hand. If that isn’t enough action, he also has his signature gun implanted on his left one. With only 1,500 available, this is truly only for fans of the comic/movie at $79.99. Pre-order now as availability should be sometime this month.
Read More | Nerd Approved
Gallery: Hellboy Collectible is Too Cute to be Vicious
Kaleidoscope Projects Light Show
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Toys,
Takara Tomy doesn’t just make animated aquariums for adults/kids. It has also developed this UMate Mangekyo Kaleidoscope, which projects a revolving image onto your wall or ceiling in dazzling colors. The Mangekyo (which means kaleidoscope in Japanese) runs on discs, beads, and other objects placed inside it to create original patterns.You can also turn it into a mini-lamp by closing its lid. Our buds at C Scout tell us that they have seen it in action and that the effect is awesome. Look for its release by the end of the summer.
(Thanks, Michael)
Read More | C Scout
Gallery: Kaleidoscope Projects Light Show
Are you tired of playing with your missile launcher and bombing blimp? Show off your finger muscles with this unique gadget. The Desktop Strength toy features a small hammer that you actually attach to the end of your finger. Ring the bell to see if your are a “Wimp,” “Hero,” or “Mr. Universe.” If you do well or keep dinging and drive everyone bonkers from the noise, maybe your officemates will buy you an Ultimate Double Whopper for lunch. Battery operated, it comes with demo batteries at a price of £10.00 (~$20.00.) from our buds at Gobaz.
Read More | Gobaz
