GEAR4 UnityRemote turns iOS devices into universal remotes

UK-based GEAR4, a company better known for its iPod and iPhone audio docks, today announced the U.S. availability of its UnityRemote that turns an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad into a universal remote control. To get around the fact these Apple devices don’t pack an infrared transmitter, the GEAR4 setup consists of an app available for free from the iTunes Store and a small cylindrical device that receives a Bluetooth signal from an iOS device and then sends an infrared command to control the various components of your home entertainment setup.

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GEAR4 says the cylindrical IR transmitter, which is powered by three AA batteries, can be placed anywhere in a room thanks to five infrared transmitters within the device providing 360 degrees of coverage. The free app allows users to select the device to be controlled from a database of manufacturers and there’s also a "learn" function if you’ve got some obscure piece of kit that doesn’t appear on the list.

Users can also set up ‘actions’ to control multiple devices simultaneously – turning on your TV, DVD player and sound system with a single touch, for example. There’s also the ability to customize various remote layouts with buttons for multiple devices on the one screen. If you’re just watching TV then you can customize a layout with just volume and channel controls, then if you’re watching a DVD another remote layout could be chosen with additional DVD controls.

GEAR4’s UnityRemote is compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4; iPod touch 2G, 3G and iPad. It is available through Amazon for US$99.

Fireplace HEPA Vacuum

ust in case you thought that Santa is nice enough to clean your chimney every year when he drops by to give your household presents, think again. The chimney and fireplace isn’t going to clean itself by magic, since you aren’t living in an enchanted castle. No sir, it takes backbreaking hard work to make sure all the dirt and soot are thoroughly cleaned after each use so that none of it will settle and soil the rest of your expensive furniture. That’s what a vacuum cleaner is for, and the Fireplace HEPA Vacuum works differently from other typical fireplace vacuums where it won’t recirculate microscopic ash particles into the air, thanks to its HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of all airborne particulates as small as 1/3000 of a millimeter. The HEPA filter is located within the intake side of the motor, hence preventing fine, abrasive ash particles from damaging the vacuum or being exhausted into the air you breathe. Powered by an 800-watt motor that quickly suctions ashes via a 5′ fire-retardant aluminum hose into a 5 1/4-gallon fire-resistant steel tank, the Fireplace HEPA Vacuum sports an integrated handle where the lid will unclasp in a jiffy to enable easy emptying of ash. At $149.95 a pop, this is certainly worth looking into, since you might be spending more time around the fireplace during winter than summer.

Instant Cold Or Hot Rechargeable Compress

Winter time isn’t exactly kind on those suffering from arthritis as well as painful joints, and some people resort to hot or cold compresses to get rid of that pain around the body when the mercury drops. Well, why not let technology step in and help you out? We’re talking about the Instant Cold Or Hot Rechargeable Compress, where this device is capable of instantly emitting cold or heat to treat muscle aches and joint pain. Boasting an aluminum head that heats to 110º F or cools to 40º F, these are ideal temperatures for thermo- and cryo-therapies. The cooling and heating process takes all of just 45 seconds, where it can then go ahead to relieve swelling or facilitate blood flow to help heal injuries. It also has another advantage since you need not be tethered to a heating pad or refreezing a cold pack. Tinier than a TV remote, it has a head that swivels 90º, letting you to easily position it against your body. There is a built-in toggle switch which changes it from heat to cold application instantly. You can use it with a quartet of AA batteries powering it, or choose to take the AC adapter route instead. The Instant Cold Or Hot Rechargeable Compress can be yours this Christmas for $129.95.

The Wasabi Smoke Alarm – Honey, wake up! I think I smell sushi

I don’t know about you guys, but my whole family could sleep through a tornado. Every morning various alarms go off in our household and a half hour later, they are still ringing, and we are all still snoring. Usually, there is at least one light sleeper in a house to save the day, but not here.

I guess we still have hope for a safe nights sleep, a fire extinguisher company in Japan has developed a smoke alarm that instead of producing an ear-piercing siren, it spews forth a chemical called ally isothiocynate, which is the compound that provides the kick to horseradish, mustard, and wasabi.

In tests on actual sleeping people, the strong smell of wasabi woke up most of the subjects in less than 2 minutes without causing any damage or irritation to the eyes, nose or mouth. No word on whether or not they craved soy sauce, or a small plate of ginger.

The device has generated some interest, primarily as an alarm system for hearing impaired guests at hotels and is being marketed to establishments where noise or loud music could drown out the sound of a traditional alarm.

At $560.00 for an alarm that covers roughly 50 square feet, I might have to take my chances till the price comes down, till then I’m hoping the smell of my house burning will roust me out of bed.

Source: www.news.cnet.com

Optoma GT100 Mini Projector

Mini projectors haven’t really caught on ever since they were introduced to the masses some time ago, and we’re guessing that’s because there really isn’t a deep rooted need for one of these puppies. Well, that doesn’t mean manufacturers will stop churning out such devices, otherwise we wouldn’t have the £229.99 Optoma GT100 Mini Projector to play around with. Capable of throwing an image of up to 75-inches in size, the Optoma GT100 will play nice with just about any video game console, set top box, DVD players, notebooks as well as other compatible devices onto any flat surface.

The brightness level needs some looking into though at just 50 lumens, which means your room will need to be pretty dark – otherwise your audience will be treated to washed otu colors. Apart from that, external speakers are a must if you’re watching a movie on this thing since the integrated 1.5w speaker isn’t going to add much ambience to the whole situation. Maxing out at WVGA resolution (854 x 480), you can forget about watching High Definition videos on this thing, although regular DVDs will do just fine. The lamp life of 30,000 hours ought to last you for quite a number of years, as we don’t forsee this being used regularly. Reasonable enough to be placed under the Christmas tree though.

Dynamic Eye works on LCD sunglasses

Sunglasses are not only meant to help you look cool in the sweltering heat just in case you haven’t realized, but they play a very important role – which is to make sure your eyes do not get more UV rays than they need especially when you are in the great outdoors. Of course, wearing a pair of shades that are well designed will also add to your stylish looks, but that’s besides the point. Till now, how many sunglasses do you know off that boast LCD technology? You can stop cracking your head already since Dynamic Eye is the first in the industry to roll out LCD sunglasses.

The company has recently completed the technology verification testing stage of its electronically controlled glare reduction sunglasses, where Dynamic Eye’s LCD sunglasses will deliver active glare control which is completely unlike and superior to today’s passive technologies – letting your eyes see what you need to see, nothing more, nothing less.

The sunglasses will darken only a small spot on each lens instead of the entire lens, which results in glare sources being dimmed dramatically, while everything else remains easy as pie to be seen. This unique pair of shades will merge sensors, miniaturized electronics, and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in an effort to increase comfort and safety in glare conditions.

Too bad there isn’t a commercial release of the product just yet since more work and money is required before it can roll off any factory production line. The commercialization stage itself will need additional funding and development, where Dynamic Eye hopes to be able to offer the sunglasses to the consumer market at a competitive, premium sunglasses price, followed by a price reduction when the technology used matures. According to company founder and CEO Dr. Chris Mullin, “Our products let users see more in glare situations than ever before, because they reduce direct glare ten to one hundred times more than any other sunglasses. On the technology side, we have a compelling application for the nascent plastic LCD industry because the application itself requires the lightweight, shatterproof, and bendable characteristics that distinguish plastic from glass.”

Sanus 'no drill' flat panel TV mount

Mounting a flat panel TV securely on a wall is one of the best ways of positioning the screen at the right viewing height and angle, while freeing up valuable room space. Traditional mounts have to be drilled and screwed into a stud or brick wall in order to hold the weight of the TV. But if you’re not a DIY fan, live in an apartment where attacking the wall with a power drill isn't an option, or just think you might change your mind later about where you want to watch TV, then this no-drill TV mount kit from Sanus might appeal.

The Foundations Basic Series comprises two three-shelf AV stands – the BFAV344 and BFAV550 – which can be used in combination with the Sanus new Foundations FMK056 Mount Kit to position the TV to the desired height without drilling into the wall or taking up additional shelf space. The mount kit attaches directly to the back of the AV stands with no drilling or installation required on the wall.

The FMK056 includes a tilting mount that provides ±12° of tilt and up to 30° of swivel to help you get the perfect viewing angle or dodge sunlight reflections at various times of the day.

The BFAV344 is available in high-gloss black lacquered finish, while the BFAV550 offers hardwood front veneers that come in a chestnut or chocolate finish. Both feature a curved shape, which allows the furniture to be positioned in the corner of a room or flat against a wall.

Hiding unsightly cables is often a problem with wall-mounted TVs, too. But both furniture units have cable management holes for keeping AV cables organized and out of sight.

The BFAV344 and BFAV550 units can support TVs up to 56 inches and have a top shelf weight capacity of 125 lbs (56 kg).

The Sanus ‘no drill’ FMK056 mount sells for US$199.99, the BFAV344 costs US$269.99, and the BFAV550 is US$229.99. All are available now through specialty AV suppliers.

DigiTech announces BP355 multi-effects pedal for bass players

The rhythmic fretwork of the bass guitarist is almost always an essential element in modern music, but when it comes to effects processors, most pedals seem to head for lead guitar stardom. DigiTech is about to treat the rich and versatile electric bass sound to a new multi-effects unit that puts hundreds of sounds, effects, amplifiers and speaker cabinets at a bass player's disposal.

DigiTech has announced a December release for the newest member of its bass effects processor family – the BP355 Bass Multi-Effects Pedal. Hidden away within its rugged die-cast metal housing is DigiTech's AudioDNA 2 processor that offers players a choice of 20 amps, 17 speaker cabinets and over 70 effects, including various distortion pedals, flangers, phasers, envelope filters, compressors, delays and pitch shifters.

There's a 30-sound Tone Library and a choice of 3-band or 4-band semi-parametric EQ. Players control the sonic action via three footswitches that enable them to choose which effect or sound is required, and an onboard expression pedal caters for extra parameter control (such as volume, pitch and modulation). The unit offers a choice of 70 factory presets and 70 user setups, and users can even play along to their own phrasing thanks to a 20 second loop. A built-in tuner helps keep the proceedings note perfect.

For solitary rehearsal, there's 60 CD-quality drum patterns and an audio input for feeding in tunes from an external media player. Players can hook up the device to a computer or laptop via the built-in USB port and record, edit or manipulate to their heart's content using the included Cubase LE5 and DigiTech X-Edit software.

The in and outs are catered for with a 6.4mm (0.25-inch) input jack and 6.4mm and XLR stereo outputs. There's an Amp/Mixer switch that enables onward connection to an amplifier or PA system and a 3.5mm (0.13-inch) headphone jack for some privacy.

The BP355 is set for release later this month for a suggested retail of US$309.

Electrolux Infinity I-Kitchen takes fridges open source

One of the biggest marketing miss-steps of the past decade surely has to be LG’s Internet Refrigerator that incorporated a Windows 98-based PC and 15.1-inch LCD touch display in the door, allowing users to surf the Internet for recipes, play music and videos or (theoretically) do some office work while standing at the fridge. Electrolux seems to think the world is now ready to embrace the idea and has developed an Internet fridge of its own in the form of the Linux-based Infinity I-Kitchen.

While LG thought its fridge would usher in the era of connected white goods, it turned out people weren’t overly keen to do computing tasks on what amounted to a low-spec PC the size of a 1970’s mainframe with cooling capabilities. Solutions such as the FridgePad or iPod Refrigerator that allow portable computing devices like the iPad or iPod to be easily attached and removed from the fridge are a more elegant solution, allowing users to access recipes and other kitchen-related content on the fridge, while still retaining the portability of the computing device.

The Infinity I-Fridge, however, takes the embedded computer model pioneered by LG’s offering. It includes a 480 x 800 pixel touchscreen and is powered by a Freescale i.MX25 ARM processor running at 400Mhz with 128MB of RAM. The Linux-based interface was developed by ProFUSION embedded systems, which developed the fridge in a joint effort with the Brazilian subsidiary of Electrolux.

The fridge’s memory comes packed with over 600 recipes, ranging from appetizers and main dishes to light snacks and cocktails. It also comes with applications such as Orkut, Calendar and contacts, while the display can also be used for digital slide shows. It also allows provides extensive control over the fridge’s functions, including setting different temperatures for the various compartments.

The Infinity I-Kitchen refrigerator has a capacity of 542 liters is available in Brazil for the suggested retail price of 5,999 Brazilian Real (approx. US$3,470).

Via Born Rich

Bed-making is a breeze with the Zip Bed

Italian furniture design company Florida has created the perfect bed for those mornings when you just want to grab a coffee and run out the door. All that you have to do is simply get out and zip it up – no more making your bed in the morning. At night, you just unzip it and climb back in. If you like the snugged-up feeling, you can even be “zipped-in."

The padded frame of the bed has been designed with soft fabrics from Emmecia and comes in three color options for the base; white, gray or navy blue. You can jazz up your bedroom with thirteen different color options for the interior. The interior fabrics can be removed for washing or for a color change at anytime.

Prices for the Zip Bed are yet to to be released.

Via: Trendir

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