Apple has filed for a patent application related to methods and apparatus for connecting together two electrical devices in which mating connector on each device are of different sizes.
The mismatch of physical design can be overcome by the use of an audio adapter that is constructed from a plug having one dimension, a jack having another dimension and a coupler that physically and electrically connects the plug and jack together, forming a single unit. Such a design would allow a device like the iPhone to be coupled with devices such as the Ameriphone – cell phone for the deaf – and use Bose’s QuietComfort headphones. If such a design improved the accessibility of Apple’s iPhone, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
If you’re looking for a way to give your laptop a sound boost but maintain a clean and elegant workspace that’s not cluttered with large wired speakers, the Edifier Soundbar USB may be the perfect audio accessory for you.
The brushed aluminum bar is just over 10-inches wide with a glowing blue mute switch and power button on the side. The Soundbar is entirely USB-powered, so the only cable you’ll need with the device is a USB cable, which is included in the package, and as long as it’s connected to your Mac or PC you can use it as external speakers.
The Soundbar USB also has an AUX-in port that allows you to connect other devices like a mobile phone or digital music player, but you still have to have it connected to a USB port on a desktop or laptop for power in order for it to work. Edifier promises the Soundbar has enough juice to sound out entire rooms and comes in a portable package with a carry pouch that can slip into a laptop bag or backpack. The Edifier Soundbar USB is available now from online retailers for $49 list.
Want something that is totally different from what your iPhone-toting mates have?
We’re talking about the DIY Rock Dock iPhone charging dock, where the idea is so simple, we wondered how come nobody else has done something like this before. After all, it relies on an old school NES controller to form the dock itself, where it will retail for $34.99 and costs $10 to ship to the UK, although those who want a more “advanced” (relatively speaking, of course in the age of the Nintendo Wii currently) version, there is the N64 model that surprisingly costs cheaper at $25.99.
Wireless networking is extremely useful since you won’t have to pull those messy cables around the house.
That being said, sometimes you might have areas or rooms in your house that have trouble receiving the wireless signal. Often the solution has been a separate product that relied on powerline networking, which used the electrical outlets in your home. Now Atheros has come up with its Hybrid Router, combining the two technologies together. The wireless router functions as it normally does, but once you’ve plugged the device’s AC adapter into the wall, you’re effectively extending your network signal throughout your home, allowing you to easily extend your network using the company’s Ethernet or Wi-Fi powerline adapters. Pricing wasn’t mentioned, but it will be shipping before the end of the year, so we won’t’ have to wait too long to find out.
Here’s something you don’t see everyday. The Bone Horn Stand uses old technology to enhance modern technology.
It’s an un-powered amplifier for the iPhone 4, that works exactly like those old style horn speakers on gramophones. The speaker fits over the end of the iPhone where the built in speakers are.
Then the sound is channeled through the horn, and it supposedly adds 12 decibels of sound pressure to your iPhone’s built in speakers. The device can also be used as a stand.
Sharkoon has announced a new QuickPort Mini docking station for 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs. This docking station comes available in two models, a USB 3.0 for those who want high speeds and a USB 2.0 for those who’re not yet ready for high speeds.
The Sharkoon QuickPort Mini is meant for you, who have a number of 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs lying around. It can’t fit the larger 3.5-inch drives. So, if you have smaller 2.5-inch drives, this is perfect for you. The entire dock comes in dimensions of 85 x 55 x 45mm that is small enough to go into your backpack and follow you everywhere you go.
The Sharkoon QuickPort Mini is USB powered. The USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 models are priced at 10 Euros and 25 Euros respectively. And they both come with the needed cables for connectivity.
As modern citizens in a modern day and age, we still like to camp. Some of us at least. We like to be close to nature, one with the Mother Gaia and all the fresh nature goodness that goes with it.
Sometimes though, city slickers like myself, get all caught up in the moment and forget vital elements that could make the whole camping experience go down smoothly. For example, batteries. Any camper will be able to tell a non-camping-person, that there is no electricity out in the wild. No back up generator, stoves, light, or kettle. In other words, if you forget your batteries, you’re pretty much stuck.
That is where the NoPoPo Eco Water-Powered Flashlight set comes in extremely handy. It might sound like a mouthful now, but believe me you will thank me for introducing you to this clever light-giving device. The Lamp is powered by water. No chemically enhanced liquid, just pure water. It is extremely simple to use and the beauty of using water to recharge it, means you can use it absolutely anywhere. The set comes with a syringe, you suck water into the NoPoPo battery using it and place the battery in the lamp. Just switch it on and you’re ready to go. As simple as that.
The NoPoPo device will last up to ten years without losing charge! Needless to say, regardless of your camping preferences, you need a NoPoPo. It is designed to compliment any survival set or extreme camping sports you may be into. The are different modes to choose, either as a flashlight or as a lantern to light up your outdoor camping trips. I’m pretty sure it would come in handy too if you happened to be indoors (in your lovely modern city) and the lights happen to go out.
The NoPoPo hydro-electric battery is distributed by Aqua Power Japan for a mere $60. A NoPoPo battery is included and can be charged up to four times, holding a charge for up to ten years. You do the math… And, if you really find yourself between a rock and a hard place somewhere in Mother Nature’s vast expense, you can find comfort in the fact the battery can also be recharged with sake, cola, beer.
The list of technologically enhanced Bluetooth headsets is increasing day by day. Joining the crowd, Bose has come up with its first ever Bluetooth Headset that comes with cool features. The headset has been designed in pretty different way. The cool form of the headset allows its built-in mic to selectively sense the user’s voice and acoustically disallows the background sounds to interfere.
The headset also features Bose StayHear tips that ensure comfy and secure fit without the need for an ear hook. The sliding on/off switch for answering calls or turning the device on/off makes it easier to adapt to the environment and attend calls in between. The Bose Bluetooth headset comes with a protective case and three ear-tips. If you want to grab one, you’ll have to wait till November and it will cost you $149.95.
I’m always a little wary of any company calling its product the “world’s smallest” anything. It seems hard to believe that the CamBall is, in fact, the “world’s smallest personal camcorder,” but the thing is, in fact, pretty freaking small. It’s roughly the size of a ping pong ball.
The diminutive camcorder shoots 320 x 240 video at 25 frames per second. The Camball has a built-in mic and MP3 player and motion detection, for sneaky surveillance. The battery should last about 2.5 hours on a charge. Best of all, the thing is waterproof.
The camera itself runs $199. The company offers all manner of accessory packs, including a Surveillane Pack for “nannycam” needs, a Sports Pack that can be attached to motorcycles, and a Vehicle Pack for cars. All three packs run $39.99.
Earlier, there were floppies, then came the compact discs, and after that came the pen drives or USBs, technology is advancing at a fast pace. The new 24 Port USB Monster Hub has finally come in the market to help you connect not 1 but 24 USB gadgets at a time. This is a new innovative product that acts as a hub for powering up to 24 devices at a single time.
The 24 Port USB Monster Hub gets powered via USB or AC Power with ease. This new computer accessory has been developed with great built-in features to keep your devices connected. It has been noticed that many hubs had problems in connecting USB devices, so this new device has been built keeping in mind to eradicate all those problems.
The Monster Hub features 24 ports to connect 24 devices with lightning fast transfer speed of 480Mps. You can also enjoy powering this hub directly from your computer or from any AC outlet. This device can also be used to charge your digital camera, MP3 player, cellphones, flipcam, and almost everything you want to charge.
This top grade hub features automatic over current protection for all the 24 ports and for hot swapping plug and play connection. It also has the ability to daisy chain up to 127 USB devices at a single time. This monster USB port helps organizing your desktop with just one central hub to power everything. Using it on a standalone mode can help charging your gadgets with ease.
Featuring 24 USB ports, this device should be enough for any gadget collector. Those who have used this device have liked it a lot for its durability and usability. Many have liked its compact size and many have admired its 24 port connections. There was hardly anyone, who didn’t like it ever since its launch. The Monster Hub can also be an ideal gift especially for gadget freaks on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, graduation days, and housewarming.
To solve your problem of connecting many devices or to lighten your crap load of peripherals to connect with a USB port at a time, you can buy this 24 Port USB Monster Hub in just $49.99. The whole kit of 24 Port USB Monster Hub comprises of a USB cable and AC/DC Wall Adapter 100-240v.
