Mintpass unveils The Cube

Mintpass is back in the portable audio player scene with their latest idea – The Cube. This aptly named device comes in the form of – yup, you’ve guessed it, a cube. Guess it received its inspiration from the uber tiny MobiBLU Cube which was released a few years ago, but this 2″ cube comes with plush button controls, analog displays for its volume level, battery charge as well as frequency in order to stand out from the rest of the other pretenders. Additional features include Bluetooth connectivity and 3.5mm audio out. No word on pricing or availability, but don’t you think this looks just so adorable?

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LifeInPocket unveils new powerful app for BlackBerry

iPhone users, don’t be too smug and think that your Apple-powered handset is more or less the de facto standard for smartphones, capable of handling just about anything and everything that you throw at it. No sir, the BlackBerry does have its fair share of supporters with a growing fan base which ought to keep Apple executives looking over their shoulders. Today, LifeInPocket has just announced that they have a new powerful app for the BlackBerry platform which offers the ability of hundreds of tiny, bite-sized advanced apps while remaining small, fast, fully personalized, powerful and best of all, free. Yep, you read that right – you need not fork out more than you should to be productive.

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Zenmo DeskBook Pro Docking Station

Many people would love to have all the power and flexibility that a desktop PC can provide on a notebook or even netbook platform that is light enough to tote around, but current technology still cannot offer that to the masses as desktop replacement notebooks are more often than not way too heavy to lug around on a conference floor (CES attendees ought to know that), while netbooks are too casual for serious on-the-go working moments. A middle ground comes in the form of a notebook docking station which, while it won’t be able to offer all the characteristics of a powerful desktop, it is capable of addressing the connectivity options of a notebook by expanding it with a fair number of additional ports while helping keep your notebook running nice and cool. Enter the DeskBook Pro Docking Station from Zenmo which we’ll look at in further detail right after the jump.

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The Only Botanical Air Purifier

If you’re concerned about the air within your home becoming healthy and free of toxins, finding an air purifier isn’t difficult.  However, this one goes for a slightly different angle on how it goes about cleaning the air you breathe.  Instead of going about things the usual way, it actually uses a plant’s natural phytoremediation capabilities to do the job.

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Fragrance Diffuser Lamp is touch-controlled

Sometimes houses just have a mysterious smell.  Be it due to pets or because you can’t seem to find that pizza box from last week.  Either way, sometimes you really need your place to smell nice to impress the occasional important person.  These lamps will not only offer you a nice reading lamp, but it’ll also subtly fill your home with an aroma to disguise any strange smells.

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Interactive Toy Concepts Skidoo RC Snowmobile

Remote controlled cars are always fun, but come wintertime they’re isolated to the indoors.  It’s not the wisest to take your brand new RC car and put it in a bunch of wet snow.  Then parents are stuck listening to the car run into walls indoors instead of being able to send the kids outdoors with it.  However, if they have this Skidoo RC Snowmobile, the kids wouldn’t be stuck inside.

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TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition

TomTom needs no introduction when it comes to GPS navigation devices, and they have just introduced yet another model for the masses – this time round it will be the TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition that will see action in vehicles of those who pick one up. This is a special edition of the TomTom XXL family of products, where drivers are able to enjoy the entire gamut of TomTom’s premium technologies, ranging from optimal routing to having the latest maps of the U.S., Canada and Europe, all enjoyed over the more generous 5″ display, making it perfect for those with failing vision to not miss a turn (well, there is always voice guidance with such devices these days anyways to further help you out).

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Oyster hydro-electric wave energy device

The world is your oyster, or so the saying goes. Well, soon the Oyster might help save the world, especially when it comes in the form of a hydro-electric wave energy device and not an edible one. Being the largest working hydro-electric wave energy device in the world, the Oyster has just been officially launched in Scotland, having been stationed at the European Marine Energy Center (EMEC) Billia Croo site near Stromness, churning out juice round the clock. How does the Oyster ensure it creates clean energy? Well, it pumps high pressure water to its onshore hydro-electric turbine which in turn is fed into the national grid, helping provide homes in nearby Orkney and beyond with enough juice to keep them running.
This device is wave energy company Aquamarine Power’s first demonstration-scale wave energy device, and the company strongly believes that a farm comprising of 20 such Oysters is capable of providing an amount of energy equivalent to power 9,000 three bedroom family homes – that’s a whole lot when you think about it, and we hope that other countries will be able to see the advantage of such a set up and start making their own arrangements to fit the Oyster in where possible. Specially designed to capture the energy found in near-shore waves in water depths between 10-16 meters (33-54ft), the Oyster has minimal moving parts in order to increase reliability and efficiency while all electrical components are placed onshore, resulting in it being robust enough to withstand the rigors of Scotland’s harsh seas.

Of course, countries which do not have the geographical capacity to accommodate an Oyster will have to turn towards other forms of renewable energy sources, but we do hope that the installation of the Oyster will in no way impact surrounding marine life negatively. We do hope to see more of such green ideas hit the market on a large scale basis so that we have an earth to pass down to our kids.

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Etch A Sketch Freestyle makes curved lines easy

Those of you that thought some toys were far too sacred and classic to be updated should probably look away, because you’re probably not going to like this one. Instead of your kids playing with the same old version of Etch A Sketch that’s been around for years, they can have a fresh new version. A version that basically takes any and all challenge out of drawing pictures on the screen.

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Headtime Scalp Massager

Hey, isn’t that Reese Witherspoon? I didn’t know she was into biking and drinking honey tea! Seriously, it’s some model wearing the Headtime scalp massager.




Yes, it is supposed to make your head feel better, but I guarantee that it won’t make it look better. In fact, if you were to look at the inside of the helmet, you might not feel so good at all.



There is about 29 silicon balls for acupressure and 34 ceramic balls. I believe that these little spinners have these soft spikes on them. I believe that the purpose of it is to spin and soothe your aching brow. Apparently, this is much better than someone else rubbing your head to relieve you of your pain. I’m guessing that it won’t get caught in your hair, or only bald people like Lex Luthor could use it.

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Michael Jackson 3D scan up for auction

In 1997, Michael Jackson had a 3D scan taken of his body. Some have supposed that this was part of Michael’s plan to build a virtual reality double of himself, but honestly, we don’t know.




After all, this was the man who slept in a plastic tube during the eighties. Who knew what was on his mind? Considering all the controversy surrounding him with his court cases, maybe we don’t want to know.



Still, this 3D scan data has been put on sale by an anonymous seller for one million dollars. This seller says that: “it [the 3D scan] immortalized him at the age of 37, before his nose was disfigured and when he was in the prime of life”. Really? The prime of his life was in 1997? I would have thought it would have been during that “Thriller” or “Bad” era.

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Tio Light Switch teaches kids about energy conservation

Kids are notorious for leaving lights on. They don’t have the burden of knowing how high that energy bill really is when they constantly leave the lights on within rooms they aren’t using. This light switch was probably created to save the earth, but it might be nice to have purely to save your sanity. With this visual reminder of how much energy is being used, it might help you keep your energy bill down.

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Three-Tuner Moxi HD DVR coming this holiday season

ARRIS has just announced their latest three-tuner version of the Moxi HD DVR that ought to arrive in time for the upcoming holiday season. With the world economy still in the doldrums despite positive news trickling from here and there, surely the coming Christmas season won’t see a mad rush? Or will people stick to tradition and just let their hair down in the coming month, worrying more about whether they have gifts for everyone in mind instead of learning to stretch that ever-depreciating dollar. Well, good news for those who want a HD DVR as the three-tuner Moxi HD DVR is raring to make its debut.




What is the new three-tuner Moxi HD DVR capable of doing anyways, you ask? For starters, it allows for recording of three channels simultaneously – all of these happening while you’re watching a fourth recorded program. You can pick it up in a Moxi HD DVR plus Moxi Mate bundle for $799. As for those who are on a tighter budget and want the two-tuner Moxi HD DVR that was introduced earlier this year instead, you’ll be pleased to know that the former $799 price point has dropped to just $499. Apart from that, you can also opt for the three-room multi-room bundle option that sees a three-tuner Moxi HD DVR and two Moxi Mates that can serve three rooms for a dollar under one grand.



Some of the key specifications and features available on the Moxi HD DVR include :-



A native HD interface and Emmy award-winning Moxi Menu

Up to 75 hours of HD recording space or up to 300 hours at standard definition, and expandable to 6.5 Terabytes for up to 1000 hours of HD recording with an external eSATA drive

Access to many Internet services consumers already use, such as Rhapsody, Flickr and online video from Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube via DLNA server software such as PlayOn (currently provided at no charge) running on their PC

Multi-room viewing with the Moxi Mate and the ability to record three channels simultaneously while watching a fourth recorded program on the three-tuner version of the Moxi HD DVR

Remote and mobile browser scheduling to set recordings while away from home

MoxiNet for full-screen web browsing and Superticker – a ticker widget that provides information, such as weather, sports scores and news along the bottom of the screen

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Darth Vader Robotic Arm

You know that young Anakin Skywalker had one of his arms sliced off during his first encounter with Count Dooku, right? Well, at least he has the advantage of a robotic arm to help him live a normal life.

The Darth Vader Robotic Arm kit shows you how to build a robotic arm and lets you grip and move real objects with interactive controls. The arm assembles quickly with snap-together parts, and includes a stand with built-in controls. Authentic Darth Vader styling means that, once built, the Darth Vader Robotic Arm becomes a totally cool piece of room decoration for any Star Wars fan, young or old.



It will cost you £28.99 to bring home this Darth Vader Robotic Arm that features gripping, turning, and extending ability, alongside the added bonus of holding lightweight objects – like say, a replica lightsaber?

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Pocket Radar lets you track speeds conveniently

Before the only ones that were typically able to toy with radar were police officers with bulky radar guns. Now you can have your own radar system, except this kind won’t weigh you down. You can tuck it away in your pocket and take it out whenever you’re in dire need of a device to clock the speed of something. It’s not limited to cars either, you can even track the speed of a baseball thrown by one of your buddies.

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Real calculators designed to resemble your desktop calculators

Even if you’re used to using both a Mac and a PC, for some reason you’ll probably start to acquire a preference as to which calculator you prefer. The one within Windows or the one you would use through Mac OS. Either way you’ll get the same numbers, but for one reason or another you might find one of them more convenient than the other. Well these calculators take the in-computer versions and make them real.

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BlockBuster to put Movies on SD cards

Blockbuster definitely felt the pain when Netflix caught on, and it has been years since I have been to a Blockbuster video outlet. (Probably because most of them have closed down.) I generally use that whole RedBox thing, assuming I even want to rent a movie these days.




Yes, it seems that Blockbuster was a little slow to realize that the days of traditional movie rentals is ending, but they have a new plan that could easily put them on top, as far as video rentals are concerned.



Blockbuster intends to start a new program that would involve the kiosks that you see here. All you would need to do is insert your own SD card, and then pick what movie you want to watch.



The movie is then loaded onto that card, and you can take it with you and watch it on whatever media that you prefer. These movies are DRMed and will expire after a certain date, so you don’t have to worry about returning the movie at all.

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The ScentBug Home Fragrance Oil Fan

We’ve all seen those ridiculous scent filled contraptions that promise to fill your home with your favorite smell. They all seem to have that same look, so everyone will know exactly what they are as soon as they see them. Well these are still filled with your favorite smell, but they don’t look quite as obvious as the rest that you usually find at the grocery store. This looks more hi-tech and actually comes in several different colors.

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Brando’s SPY Wireless Camera Pen comes with PMP

This would not be the first time we reported on a Spy Camera Pen, and it probably won’t be the last, either. Normally, spy stuff made for the consumer looks pretty shabby compared to the technology in James Bond or Mission Impossible movies, but this one from our old friends at Brando looks quite decent.




The SPY Wireless Camera Pen + PMP comes in two parts, a transmitter and a receiver. The Transmitter is the pen itself, that transmits with 2.4 GHz. It has a rechargeable battery powered by USB and shoots 640 x 480 video with a lens that no one would ever see unless they looked really close. The lens is positioned perfectly for secret shooting in one’s breast pocket.



The receiver is essentially a PMP with a 3.5 inch screen. Not only can it pick up what the camera is seeing, but it is good for playing all kinds of formats, such as MP3, WMA, MP4, FLV, not to mention JPEGs and e-books. It has 2GB worth of memory built in to it, and expandable with the TF/Micro SD Card slot. It also has a TV out so you can see what you want on a bigger screen.

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Seiko Ocean Theater Alarm Clock lets you sleep with the fishes

Most clocks are just fine with merely playing the sounds of the ocean to lull you into a deep sleep. Well this Seiko clock takes things even further than that. Instead of just playing the sounds, it projects images of the ocean onto your bedroom wall. Of course, it does that along with the time, it is still a clock after all. It doesn’t just project a pretty picture on the wall either, the fish in the picture actually react to your touch

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Ford announces inflatable seatbelts in 2010 models

See if you can figure out what differentiates the two dummies in the photo to the left. If you said that one of them has an inflatable seat belt, then you are correct! (Of course, that is not the only difference, but that is neither here nor there.)




These inflatable seatbelts are part of Ford’s push to make our automobiles a little more safer from accidents. They will be available starting next year, making their debut in the 2010 Ford Explorer. (I think that most car companies have already released their 2010 models by now, so this should be available now.)



Ford has said that they want the inflatable seat belts to be the standard for all of their cars, and hope that they will succeed in their design of reducing head, chest, and neck injuries. By the way, my source says that these new inflatable seatbelts are considered to be “more comfortable”, but it doesn’t say whether that is before or after they are inflated.

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Infractor is an innovative way of research

This next device is odd, to say the least, but I can see how it would come in handy. There is a video of it after the jump if you want to see it in action, but it won’t make sense without a little bit of explanation.




Here’s how it works. You begin with a “light source” that is really a database of some information, like the New York Times, for example. This source is placed on a table that is probably best described as a Microsoft Surface (but isn’t).



This source shines a light with visible particles that essentially contains all the information of on that database. From there, the user can physically place a “prism” that filters out all the information except a certain subject. That subject can be pre-determined by the user by a jog wheel.

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More Courier details leaked

Details about Microsoft’s alleged bookish tablet PC are beginning to surface, and with every bit leaked, the anticipation rises. Courier, the dual screen tablet which we reported about here a few months back, looks more like a book reader should look, but also enables a “cliff notes” representation of the data files saved on it, but also contains a searchable “journal overview” which enables users to search by subject, keyword, or other criteria.

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Samsung Convoy to arrive on Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless will be offering the Samsung Convoy handset for those living Stateside, where this rugged Push to Talk device with military specifications was specially constructed in a manner to withstand the harshest of elements while working just fine. You will find that the Convoy comes with a high-quality stereo speaker, extended battery life and multiple messaging options that enable it to remain connected despite operating under the toughest conditions. Among the other specifications of the Samsung Convoy include :-




Meets military specifications 810F standards for shock and dust resistance, vibration, salt fog, humidity, solar radiation, altitude and low and high temperature storage

Push to Talk capabilities

1300 mAh for long battery life

VZ Navigator support

2.0 megapixel camera with Night Shot, panorama, color effects and more

Bluetooth version 2.1 wireless technology

Support for headset (mono and stereo), hands-free, dial-up networking, serial port, object push (vCard and vCalendar only), basic image, basic printing and phonebook access

Personal organizer with calendar, tip calculator, currency converter, notepad, alarm clock, world clock and stop watch

Expect to fork out $49.99 for the Samsung Convoy after a $50 mail-in rebate alongside a standard 2-year customer agreement. The Samsung Convoy will be made available from November 15th onwards.

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LG Chocolate Touch from Verizon Wireless

So you’ve heard about a brand new kind of chocolate in town that won’t help lower your blood pressure due to the presence of anti-oxidants, especially when this is the type of chocolate which requires you to fork out a monthly subscription fee. We’re talking about the LG Chocolate Touch here that is available from Verizon Wireless, boasting qualities that will make audiophiles happy thanks to its patented Dolby Mobile feature that offers a dramatically richer listening experience with its potent bass and sparkling clarity. Among the other functions of the LG Chocolate Touch include :-




FM radio with 12 presets

Integrated Song ID

Dedicated side key for easy access to favorite songs

Bluetooth-capabilities

“Join the Band” feature

The “Join the Band” piano function allows customers to play along on a full scrolling 88-key keyboard

Dolby Mobile equalizer

Touchscreen display

Access to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and other social networking sites

3.2 megapixel camera

Expect to exchange $79.99 with a $50 mail-in rebate for the LG Chocolate Touch in a new two-year customer agreement that is on a Nationwide Calling Plan.

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Power Duo Reserve iPod and iPhone charger by Griffin

I’m not one of those people who always has to listen to an iPod all day, but if I was, then I’m sure I would forget to charge it. Hopefully, you can carry around a backup charger handy.




According to Griffin’s website, their PowerDuo Reserve is “the industry’s most trusted AC and 12 volt chargers”. The included portable battery is designed for the iPod and iPhone.



All you have to do is magnetically lock the small battery pack to the car charger or AC adapter, and the tiny green lights let the user known when it is charged. Later, when you are listening to your iPod and see that its battery is getting low, just plug in the charged battery pack for a little more juice.

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Belkin Cushdesk comforts your laptop and your lap

We have already covered Belkin’s Series of Comfort Mice, and I was able to check out another Belkin product that improves user comfort on their computers.




I suppose that the CushDesk doesn’t really need any explanation as to what it does, nor is it anything really advanced. However, it solves that universal problem of putting a laptop on your lap and beating that “hotseat effect”. It is the same effect that happens whenever you have a cat laying on your lap. At first, it is quite warm and comforting, but after a while, you just want to throw it off.

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Restman computer armrest series

Office drones who sit in front of the computer all day long will need to make sure that their working environment is conducive and safe enough so that they won’t suffer from long-term conditions such as RSI or carpal tunnel syndrome. With that in mind, the Restman computer armrest series is touted to offer comfortable, ergonomic computer arm supports that make sure the forearm and elbow will obtain ample support whenever the keyboard and mouse are used. Currently available in Japan and Germany, there are three models to choose from :-

• Restman 1 Double attachment arm support with mouse pad that can be attached to the desk or the chair.
• Restman 2 A simple, comfortable swiveling arm support that works!
• Restman M Computer arm support with a detachable massager. Yes, this is the worlds’ first and only arm support of its kind!

A detachable massager, eh? That sounds pretty interesting! Gamers who spend hours honing their skills might also want to consider this, but expect your street cred to fall if your friends discover your comfortable ’secret’…

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SlouchBack for a cool seating arrangement

So you’ve just moved into your new pad and are thinking of the many ways to spruce it up. Have you considered the SlouchBack? After all, this nifty little couch is able to seat up to three adults comfortably and doesn’t take up much space when no one is over since it can be deflated. The built-in pump allows you to inflate it back to the intended size within 30 seconds, where it will boast interchangeable and washable microsuede covers. Apart from that, each SlouchBack is easy going, coming with insulated cup holders to keep your drinks cold for longer periods of time while within reach. Just in case you have a teething dog or curious cat who decides to puncture the SlouchBack, the included Patch Kit ought to return things back to normal. Such chic can be purchased for $99.99 each, where the free shipping offer lasts till Halloween.

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Apple TV 3.0 software announced

After having announced a slew of hardware updates in the last week, the company with the plan, Apple, has moved on to software updates by introducing the new Apple TV 3.0 software that aims to up the ante in the battle for your attention in living rooms throughout America (and the world, although Apple might not claim that officially). The Apple TV 3.0 software will come with a redesigned main menu that enables easier navigation of your favorite content in a faster and more simple manner, enabling you to enjoy the largest selection of on-demand HD movie rentals and purchases, HD TV shows, music and podcasts straight from the iTunes Store in an even better manner on your TV.

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AlterG M300 anti-gravity treadmill

Are you the type who loves running, and must clock your miles regardless of the weather? If you have answered in the affirmative, chances are you would have a treadmill sitting prominently in your living room or basement as you rack up those frequent runner miles whenever it rains or snows heavily outside, trying to outdo your best time. Unfortunately for runners and avid joggers, experiencing injury and stress at your joints could throw your running plan literally off track as you take time to rehabilitate. AlterG has other ideas though with their new anti-gravity treadmill known as the M300, where this model is much cheaper than the original anti-gravity treadmill developed at NASA, boasting a sleek new design which will totally go down well in any home as your guests “ooh” and “aah” over the exercise equipment that is your pride and joy.

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Little Buddy GPS device keeps track of your kids

There’s a nifty little device being sold at Best Buy which keeps track of your kids everywhere they go. It’s called the Little Buddy GPS Tracker and it uses global satellite positioning and cellphone technnology to help parents keep track of kids. And the best part is, parents can place the Little Buddy just about anywhere from backpacks to lunch boxes to even stick it into their pockets when they aren’t looking.

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New 27″ iMacs wake up on the wrong side of the CPU

Ubergizmo has a story about 27″ iMacs which are experiencing buggy hardware issues such as “erratic hard drive behavior,” buggy playback of flash video which cause the CPU to reach 105% of it’s capacity, and issues pertaining to bad operating system installation. Now I know that flash is a memory hog, but that’s ridiculous.

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Flip expanding into accessories …

With the phenomenal success of the Flip brand of pocket HD camcorders, it’s no wonder that Cisco – Flip’s new owner – would want to expand their reach. And as such, they’re moving into TV with a new gadget which will wirelessly stream Flip video from a USB stick and controlled by remote.

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Bagels get beyond Thunderdome

We don’t need another bagel, we don’t need another bread dish. All we want is life beyond Bageldome… okay, it’s a really bad paraphrase of a cool movie theme song, and while I can’t sing like Tina Turner, I can enjoy Bagels outside of a window of a few days. That’s the promise of the Bagel dome.

But not just bagels, any baked dish can stay fresher, longer. The Bagel Dome uses a vacuum to suck out air and seal in freshness. It’s one touch button is powered by a pair of C batteries.

If you like home made biscuits, fresh bagels, or even some yummy cupcakes that can stay fresher longer and not end up with day old bread, then Bagel Dome may be ideal. And at about $40, it’s not a bad deal.

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Concept Spider Computer from Sony Ericsson

Take a good look at this potato-masher on a tripod. It looks like a three-legged mechanical spider, doesn’t it? Just to let you know, these legs are not designed for moving, so you can forget your science fiction dreams, for now.

In fact, there is probably more science fact than fiction in this particular device. This was on display at the Taiwan broadband show by Ericsson to show what a computer might look like in the future.

That’s right, this device that you see here is a computer. Actually, it is more of a model of what the computer could look like, and there is a working model of this product after the jump. There is also video of it after the jump as well.

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Q2 Cube Radio changes volume when tilted

Many radios go for the obvious dials that you’re used to twisting and turning.  Some go as far as to use buttons and things along those lines.  Well this Q2 Cube Radio goes for a slightly different angle.  Instead of being covered in useful knobs, it allows for you to control it by how you move the cube itself.  If you like having things to toy with, this radio might be enough to keep you entertained.

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Air Board is the closest thing to the hover board

I believe that hover technology is possible, and an episode ofMythbusters showed prototypes that were, at best, gigantic slow moving air hockey pucks. This is essentially what the Air Board is.

I even saw a clip from an old Wife Swap episode which had the “Balloon Boy” family playing with hover technology, and it seemed to work better than their little charade.

You can get this air board for about $14,000. If you think that is pretty expensive for this product, then you should know you’ll have to pay for gasoline. The Air Board has a 1.3 gallon tank that it will burn through in an hour.

Of course, some assembly is required, and the Air Board stands four feet high when it is up and running. It can go at about 15 miles an hour, but I’m not certain where you would drive it except a skateboard park or something.

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Sony recalls computer AC adapters

Sony has recalled its bunch of VAIO computer AC adapters due to a shock hazard by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, where there are currently around 69,000 of these puppies around in circulation. Apparently, the insulation within the AC adapter is capable of failing over time which might pose as an electrical shock hazard to consumers. Currently, Sony has already received four reports of adapters short circuiting, but good thing there has been no such incidents Stateside just yet. If you happen to own the Sony VGP-AC19V17 AC adapter when purchasing it from September 2005 till October 2009, you should return the said AC adapter to Sony and obtain your free replacement

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TomTom announces car kit for iPhone in the US

Finally, folks living in the US will be able to pick up the TomTom car kit for iPhone, where this accessory was specially designed to offer iPhone users the best in-car experience while driving without compromising on their safety as well as that of other road users. This will allow you to take full advantage of the iPhone’s GPS navigational capabilities, where among the features include secure docking, enhanced GPS performance thanks to a built-in GPS receiver for improved positioning accuracy and an integrated loudspeaker and microphone. Not only that, when docked, your iPhone will be charged to make sure it won’t run low of juice the moment you arrive at your destination. The TomTom car kit for iPhone will retail for $119.95 a pop.

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An Aquarium for fish who like to roam

I think that humans are probably the only animals who feel a need to have rooms in their domicile. A bear can sleep in a wide-open cave, a fox can sleep in a tiny hole, and a fish, when in captivity, sleep in a bowl.

If we lived like our pet fish, then we would all live in studio apartments that would, at best, have more useless space. Now this aquarium is something that would give any fish bragging rights. I mean, I can just see a celebrity fish boasting about this “bowl” on a fish version ofCribs.

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Starkey Laboratories introduces Sweep Technology

Starkey Laboratories has a reputation of being one of the world’s leading hearing technology companies, where they have recently unveiled the their very own Sweep Technology that is touted to offer an entirely new method of adjusting hearing aids for the wearer’s benefit. Sweep Technology can be found on the new S Series behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing instrument, where it will replace all of the traditional hearing aid buttons and dials with an innovative touch surface. This touch surface (why is everything heading the way of touch these days? Are there no more advocates for button-based access anymore?) will enable the wearer to perform various tasks including the adjustment of volume and change settings with but a simple sweep or touch of a finger. Don’t worry if you are suffering from limited dexterity – it can still be accessed with very little effort.

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Freaky Body Illusions

Grown up on a diet of illusionists and magicians, that you want to emulate the careers of David Blaine and David Copperfield instead of taking the traditional engineer/doctor/lawyer route? TheFreaky Body Illusions set ought to get you started on the right footing then, letting you perform seemingly “miracles” by stretching your ear to an inhuman length and levitating on the spot among others.

Perfect for scaring the local kids and giving elderly relatives a heart attack, the range of disgusting acts you can perform with this set is delightfully wide. All in all, you can take pleasure in making your audience (or just the cat if you can’t rustle one up) feel quite sick with these clever little tricks. You can snap bones in your neck, discover a disembodied hand, even tear someone else’s arm off – all with the help of the included instructional DVD. Of course, the Magic Circle might not approve of these secrets being divulged, but that won’t matter a jot when you’re merrily terrifying anyone watching you yank a blood-drenched and still-moving arm out of a box. Of course, the tricks are surprisingly simple and just require a little bit of acting (not method-acting) and rehearsal to make a convincing show. Included are all the props you could need for these illusions, such as a box (with one panel missing), a fake ear, a fake arm (with gore detail), a bone-click simulator, a fake hand and various other bits and pieces to create the impression that you’re doing yourself some irresponsible harm.

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QOOQ: A computer for the kitchen

This next device has a name that some of you might have a hard time pronouncing, but just say the word “cook” and you got it. I’m not certain what the heck QOOQ stands for, though.

The QOOQ is a kitchen computer and it comes with 10 recipes from chefs on video. It also can connect to the internet over the Ethernet or Wifi, and the user can even subscribe to monthly updates for lots more recipes. There is also a meal planner and a shopping list maker that will also help before the cooking. It doesn’t have an Internet Browser, but it can be used to update recipes, get weather information, internet radio stations, and can also be used as a digital picture frame.

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A Radar System made for an Army Helmet

One of the scariest things in combat is that the enemy could be anywhere, and you wouldn’t know it until it was too late.

This is why the military is developing a miniature helmet-mounted radar system (HMRS). Think of it as radar for the head, to let you know if people are around you.

The range on this guy is about 25 meters, and it is very lightweight at 2.5 pounds. One of those pounds is actually on the helmet itself. I’m not certain what the power source would be used for this guy, but it would have to be built to last.

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Magnetic Elecom Memory Card Reader

Elecom has announced some new gadgets for you to enjoy, one of which is this card reader.  This cute little card reader will allow for you to keep your desk tidy and look great doing it.  As many additions as sometimes get added onto your computer, it’s always nice to find a small USB gadget that doesn’t cause even more clutter within your work area.

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Convert tapes to MP3s with ION Audio Tape Express

When I was young, I invested a penny in that whole “twelve cassettes for a penny” offer. (I actually spent more than a penny on that, by the way, but I’m sure you already know that.) I’m pretty sure that they probably don’t do that deal anymore, unless iTunes has some sort of thing like that. However, I still have the cassettes.

Actually, my mother has those cassettes, because she’s probably the only person in this millennium that I know that still listens to that format of music. It might take a while before she gets into digital format, but I am ready for that day with the ION Audio Tape Express.

All a user needs to do is connect the Tape Express to the PC via USB, and allow the EZ tape converter software to turn that tape into an MP3 in hardly any time at all.

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Meloncard: A way to exchange business cards in the future

A designer named Alan Sien Wei Hshieh has developed a new way of exchanging business cards that does not involve any paper. His MelonCard, which is just a concept at this point, is an idea ahead of its time whose time has come.

After all, don’t you think it’s odd in this digital age that we still exchange these little paper rectangles every time we want to do business with someone?

In the age of the MelonCard, everyone would have one of these devices that you see here. This card-size piece of scratch resistant glass would be attached to a thin plastic strip that would have its own flash memory, Bluetooth, and power supply.

If two businesspeople want to exchange information, then they would simply slap two Meloncards together like a high-five. Apparently, two accelerometers onboard automatically exchange digital info, so you can contact your contact later.

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Griffin Technology wants you to Simplifi your life

I believe that it was Henry David Thoreau who wrote in Walden: “Out life is frittered away by detail…Simplify, simplify, simplify!” Of course, if he really wanted to take his own advice, he would have written “simplify” only once.

One of the things in life that really need to be simplified is our desktops. Many of us have all sorts of accessories to our PC like memory card readers and iPods, and the Simplifi is designed to take up a lot less real estate on the desk.

The Simplifi is clad in anodized aluminum, and attaches to the computer via USB. Fortunately, no software is required, and my computer recognized it right away.

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Sprint to offer Palm Pixi next month

Currently, there is only one WebOS-powered device in the market which is the Palm Pre, but that will change when November 15 rolls around as Sprint will be offering the second WebOS device known as Palm Pixi. While the handset has been previewed in the past, it is still rather exciting to know that the Pixi is finally ready to make the jump to the market, where it will cost you $99.99 with a two-year service agreement, where this happens right after a $50 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate. Looks like perfect timing to build upon for the upcoming holiday season, although we’re not too sure just how well the sales figures would be for Palm and Sprint during that quarter.

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Lullabelly Prenatal Music Belt

Apparently, some experts claim that having your kid in the womb listen to music (especially classical music) is great for their mental development, giving them a head start before they pop out of the womb. Doesn’t explain how we get child prodigies like Mozart in the past when there was no such thing though, leading me to believe that this is more or less hogwash and is some sort of marketing tool instead. Still, if you’re adamant on making sure your yet-unborn kid will be the next world genius, the Lullabelly Prenatal Music Belt might be your cup of tea as it retails for $49, or $55 if you want a pair of packaged headphones to filter out what junior is listening to.

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