Take a look out the closest window to you right now. What do you see? Odds are that it looks nothing like your PC’s desktop, unless you took a picture of the scenery yourself and placed it as the desktop design manually. How would you like to make Microsoft Windows a more aptly literal translation of the word itself?

Designed by John Nouanesing, the Fenestra 3.1 Window replicates the background of your Windows Microsoft machine. Microsoft, where everyday is a sunny day! While Nouanesing might be a little behind in the times with this design, he promises an XP (still behind) version is on its way.

For now, these Fanestra Windows are still in the conceptual stage, but the designer promises that by the end of the year they will be available for purchase from his website. No word yet if there will be a similar blue screen version, which sadly enough, would make sense.

Source via Trend Hunter
[ Microsoft Windows… Literally copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.

We have covered viewing goggles like the Vuzix iWear and myvu before, and these have yet to catch on to the general populace. Maybe it’s the way they look, because no one wants to walk around looking like Cyclops from the X-men films.

There is a rumor going about that Apple is working to change the portable viewing arena with some fancy goggles that will allow portable viewing of video files. These video files can be taken off of an iPod or other Portable Media Player (PMP).

I have even heard that electronics giant Sony is working in partnership with Apple to perfect the technology of the screen inside the goggles. Of course, I really don’t have any validation of these rumors, other than the source I have listed below. I’m surprised all the other gadget blogs aren’t abuzz about it. Maybe they will be by the time this posts.

Well, if anyone can bring the portable video viewing market to its full potential, it’s Apple. I seem to recall a certain MP3 Player market that didn’t exist about five years ago until Mr. Jobs stepped in with a certain iPod device that is now synonymous with MP3 Players as Kleenex is to tissue.

I suppose we will need to wait and see what the future brings as far as this rumor is concerned, as well as the future of portable video watching.

Source

[ Apple and Sony’s Newest Idea: Viewing Goggles copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Pressy idea: Educational Toys

Posture is one things that most of us have at least one older relative that loves harping on us about.  Even if you don’t have that crazy aunt who thinks you should stand up straight as a board, eventually doctors start grumbling about it too.  There is also the chance that you may end up getting injured and have to work on your posture.  I have that last issue and now have the joy of attempting to correct the way I stand, sit, walk, all of it.  Which is a tedious task at times, the iposture is meant to help with that.

After a while you will likely get tired and at that point your posture starts to slack quite a bit.  At least that’s my issue, well the little disk that clips to either a chain, your clothing or your skin will begin to vibrate when it senses this issue.  I’m not sure exactly how it senses that you’ve been slouching but it does.  You can also set it to your ideal posture, which means you won’t have to stand up stick straight if you think it makes you look a bit pompous.  The device is being sold for $99.95.

Source: likecool
[ The iposture monitor knows when you’re slouching copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.

A while ago, we covered Fisher Price’s FP3 player, a durable device that allowed young children to play MP3s. It appears that Fisher Price is now creating more tech-savvy toys for younger users.

One of their latest on this line is the Kid-Tough Portable DVD Player. The product is just what it sounds, a device that can play DVDs with a rubberized shell for extra protection. It can withstand a good drop, and won’t stop or skip tracks.

The screen is at 3.2 inches, and the battery life is not long, at only two hours. That might be just long enough for a short film on a short trip. Don’t be surprised if your two kids will be fighting on who gets to hold it.

I would hope that this isn’t the first DVD player for younger users, but it certainly won’t be the last. Assuming Blu-ray takes off, disc formats for entertainment aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon.

There is only one problem: I have three kids myself, and I don’t really want them touching the DVDs themselves. I’ve got a collection of films with fingerprints and smudge marks on them, and you can imagine how well they play.

However, if you think this is something you can give your kids, you’ll have to pay $149.98.

Source
[ Fisher Price Kid-Tough Portable DVD Player is Durable and Entertaining copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Gift Ideas: The Coolest Gadgets Gift Guides.

If you have a tendency to forget to charge your phone or accidentally leave your charger at home when you’re headed out for a weekend, you might consider picking up one of these keychains.  It’s small enough that it won’t weigh you down anymore than your keys would.  Plus since it is a keychain it’d be with you when you need it most.  The charger also works with all kinds of cellphone chargers, so you could loan it out to the rest of your family when you need to.

The charger is a fairly simple device, so there isn’t much in the way of specs.  This is one of those devices where to fill in extra space they added in speccs like “Simple enough and lightweight”.  Then four lines down say practically the same thing only in slightly different wording.  Honestly they could have kept it at the name, Multi Cellular Batteries USB Tiny Charger, and you’d probably understand what they were selling.  It is being sold for $12 at Brando.

Source: geekalerts
[ Brando’s Tiny USB Cell Phone Charger copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Pressy idea: Educational Toys

It is without a doubt that the iPhone 3G is one highly desirable device to own, and hence the need to protect it against external knocks and scratches with a case. Unfortunately, instead of picking up a screen protector, why not settle for the IVYSKIN iPhone 3G case that keeps the entire device safe, it also boasts a special material based on Surface Xylo Wave technology which is able to pass the wave of the touch on the outer casing to the touchscreen and henceforth. Perfect for new iPhone 3G owners as well as the original iPhone folk who have yet to make the upgrade.

Source: Cellphonebeat
[ IVYSKIN iPhone case is touch sensitive copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Gift Ideas: The Coolest Gadgets Gift Guides.

Talk about literally having vital information on your health status at the tip of your fingers - this is now possible with the Oxihealth Finger Oximeter.

Just like the device your doctor uses, the OxiHealth Finger Oximeter provides you with vital information at the touch of your finger. Every time you slip it onto your finger you will receive your pulse rate as well as a measurement of the arterial hemoglobin in your Oxyhemoglobin. There are two sensors that measure the absorption of a red LED light and infrared. The absorption of these wavelengths is different between oxyhemoglobin and the deoxygenated form. The OxiHealth Finger Oximeter gives you this vital information in just seconds.

Remember, this $15 device is no substitute for regular visits to a doctor, and neither should it be used as a replacement for advice from your doctor.
[ Oxihealth Finger Oximeter copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.

Last weeks coolest gadget contest in my opinion was one of the best yet. My favourites included:

• Another flying vehicle (which are always popular) the M400 Skycar
• The digital pasta timer spoon, an OTT but useful kitchen gadget
• Periodic Coffee Table, I thought this was simply ingenious.

But how did you vote, onto the results
…

In a commanding first place with 41% of the votes we have the cell phone jammer, looks like it’s not just us who don’t like listening to other people on the phone.

I hate being stuck on a train when some idiot is yelling down a phone (for some reason callers need to shout when in confined public spaces), this nifty gadget fixes that, the Portable Cell Phone Jammer. Now if only they’d make one to work with MP3 players.

…

In joint second place with 71 votes apiece we have the M400 Skycar and ColorRight.

We’ve mentioned the concept of a flying car before on Gaj-it with the Pal-V Flying Car. Well this concept is obviously the way of the future as the guys over at Moller have designed their own four-seat flying car which is aimed to take to the skies within three years

…

In third place (well maybe fourth as second was tied) we have the cool periodic table.

Check out this geeky coffee table, the Periodic Coffee Table, this bound to get some attention, when your friends come round for a coffee.

The Periodic Coffee table measures 4 ft x 2.5 ft x 16 inches, and if features all the 92 natural elements as well as all of the man made elements actually built in to the table.

…
Thanks again to all entrants, voters and commentators. The next weekly coolest gadgets will be up for voting this Friday (write about gadgets and want to enter, here’s how), see you there.

This weeks randomly drawn voter who wins the $50 Amazon voucher is Drew, congratulations Drew we’ll be in touch.
…
Even though ColorRight was in second place it had a very suspicious voting and commenting pattern, we’ve spoken to the submitter, PhotographyBay, and believe they had nothing to do with the suspicious voting so they have been left in second place. This is a fun contest and we’d like to keep it that way but please play fair.

[ $50 winner and last weeks coolest gadget copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Pressy idea: Educational Toys

If you happen to own a dog whose bark is worse than its bite, perhaps installing the Ultrasonic Barking Dog Deterrent in your garden would be a good idea.

Disguised as a birdhouse, this patented outdoor behavior modification device quickly and humanely restores peace and quiet for those vexed by a dogs nuisance barking. When a dog barks within range of the birdhouse, it emits a harmless ultrasonic tone, inaudible to humans, that startles the animal into silence. The dog quickly associates its bark with the unpleasant sound, which conditions him to curb this undesirable behavior. An on/off switch with three sensitivity levels (15 ft., 30 ft., 50 ft.) lets you control the units effective range, and a test mode enables you to verify the device is functioning properly. Its weather proof ABS cabinet can be hung from a tree limb, mounted to a fence post, or hung on a wall.

A single 9-volt battery is able to power this for approximately 2 months, while LEDs on it will let you know just how much juice is left inside. The Ultrasonic Barking Dog Deterrent can be yours for $69.95.

[ Ultrasonic Barking Dog Deterrent copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Gift Ideas: The Coolest Gadgets Gift Guides.

Those who were brought up in the West and have trouble with chopsticks even until today will definitely appreciate the TUKAANI eating device.

The sterling silver TUKAANI is a hand made eating device for Asian food consumers in the West. It may be held as traditional chopsticks. But unlike the disposable wooden chopsticks, TUKAANI is hand washable and much easier to set on – and use at table. The matt surface and taut movement allow steady grip in the hand. The curl at the end of the TUKAANI provides eased food picking and delivery to the mouth. The loop also allows easier hanging, storage and display.

Well, why not take this as a baby step before you master the chopsticks? After all, there is nothing quite like slurping down a bowl of steaming hot noodles with the help of chopsticks instead of using a fork…
[ TUKAANI makes eating Asian food a snap copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Pressy idea: Educational Toys

Nickelodeon, Viacom Consumer Products and Imation Corp. have teamed up to release a new line of tween-friendly electronics under the banner of Nickelodeon’s Npower brand, ranging from tech items such as web cams, camcorders, digital cameras, digital voice recorders as well as iCarly-inspired electronics. For those who are not in the know, iCarly is a hit TV show from Nickelodeon that involves characters who host a web show and yet run into their own fair share of tween problems, pretty much like how the real world is like. We’ll take a closer look at all the products that are on offer right after the jump.

iCarly Digital Video Camera
Budding reporters, movie directors, and fans of the iCarly hit TV show are sure to love the iCarly Digital Video Camera. Creating, editing and uploading funny videos to iCarly.com is fun and easy using the iCarly Digital Diary Program PLUS Video and photo editing software that is included. Suggested Retail Price (SRP) is $79.99.

iCarly Action Cam Accessory
A perfect director’s tool to go with the iCarly Digital Video Camera is the iCarly Action Cam Accessory which includes a steady cam mount, on camera lighting and detachable reporter style microphone for interviews. SRP is $24.99.

iCarly 3-in-1 Digital Camera
More than a digital camera, the iCarly 3-in-1 Digital Camera is also a PC web and video camera. The unit plugs directly into the user’s computer for ultra-easy photo transfer. In addition to the iCarly Digital Diary Software, it also comes with photo editing tools. SRP is $39.99.

iCarly PC Web Cam
Get connected with friends and family with the iCarly PC Web Cam. It links directly to the PC and can be used for video conferencing and live chat. Using the iCarly Digital Diary Software, tweens can click and add photos, music, video and text into their personal daily journal with password protection to keep secrets safe. SRP is $19.99.

iCarly Micro Photo Viewer
The iCarly Micro Photo Viewer makes sharing photos fun and easy. It is the ultimate portable digital photo album letting you store up to 60 photos and share them as a slide show. The flip-over cover protects the device which becomes a desktop stand. SRP is $24.99.

SpongeBob SquarePants Speakers and Sponge Dock
For a cool new way to listen to music, try the SpongeBob SquarePants Speakers and Sponge Dock. Eyeballs double as speakers that wobble when placed on a flat surface. A universal well cradles all types of digital audio players. A headphone jack easily connects the dock to any digital audio player or computer. SRP is $39.99.

SpongeBob SquarePants Micro MP3 Player
The SpongeBob SquarePants Micro MP3 Player features a unique SpongeBob eye design. It is a fun way to listen to music on the go with 1GB of internal memory, a built-in rechargeable battery which affords up to seven hours of battery life, and space to store up to 500 songs. SRP is $29.99.

Flip Stand Digital Photo Viewer
For a fun and unusual way to display your photos, the SpongeBob SquarePants Flip Stand Digital Photo Viewer offers 2 MB of flash memory to store and display up to 60 photos. Image viewer software is included. Recharges through the USB; rechargeable lithium battery lasts more than six hours. SRP is $24.99.

Go! Swing Style Digital Photo Viewers
Photo-crazy kids are sure to love the Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! Swing Style Digital Photo Viewers with 2 MB of flash memory to store up to 100 photos, with up to 6 hours of battery life. Image viewer software is included. Supports Plug-n-Play with no driver required. SRPs are $24.99.

CD Boombox with AM/FM radio
CD Boombox with AM/FM radio in Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! make listening to music a fun adventure. It features bass boost, programmable CD Memory and headphone jacks with sporty design. SRPs are $39.99.

Looks like parents who have relied on Nickelodeon to raise their kids up in their absence will suffer heavy damage to their bank account this holiday season…

Press Release
[ iCarly Electronics Line for tweens copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.

Sanyo’s Katana line has been upgraded yet again with the appearance of the Eclipse, and this time round, the handset retains the same clamshell format that has served the Katana so well in the past. As with any other new handset, it will eclipse, pardon the pun, its predecessor by featuring assignable illumination effects that enable the owner to tell who can tell (or at least the caller group) at a glance thanks to the color and lighting pattern that is displayed. You can also tell the difference between a text, an email message and an ordinary alert. With more than forty effects and seven LED colors to choose from, socialites who love compartmentalizing their friends into different colors will have a field day with the Eclipse.

If I’m not mistaken, there was a Motorola clamshell handset circa 1999/2000 that had a somewhat similar feature, where it uses different LED colors to denote which caller group is buzzing you, but I guess it took another 8 years or so for this technology to advance to the next level by including additional effects. These visual markings make it possible to know who’s calling even in noisy environments such as a nightclub, but then again that’s what Caller ID is for - making this feature cool but definitely non-essential. Some of the other features and specifications found on the Sanyo Katana Eclipse include :-

• microSDHC memory card slot (max. of 8GB)
• Sprint TV support
• Sprint Music Store offering over-the-air downloads of full-length songs for just 99 cents each
• Sprint Radio with more than 150 channels
• Sprint Navigation with GPS-enabled audio and visual turn-by-turn driving directions, one-click traffic rerouting and more than 10 million local listings
• Live Search for Sprint
• Sprint Mobile Email for POP3 accounts including AOL, Gmail, Yahoo! as well as corporate email
• Stereo Bluetooth connectivity
• Speakerphone
• 1.3 megapixel camera with 12x zoom and video recording capability
• Wireless Backup
• Restrict and Lock to restrict calls and limit access to data services

You will be able to pick up the Sanyo Katana Eclipse from Sprint for just $99.99 albeit after a 2-year contract and a $50 mail-in rebate.

Press Release
[ Sanyo Katana Eclipse from Sprint copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.

Magic Whiteboard, the whiteboard on a roll The Rodeo Jacket with 39 hidden pockets Olympus FE-340 Dogsled: Carpooling without the car Multi-Function Crutch: Polio was never this fun Drive Bay Toaster makes toast with your PC iPhone 3G Telescope Glow and Throw UFO Flying Disc Stonebake Pizza Oven USB Koala Card Reader Canon rolls out next generation photo printers Palm Treo Pro leaked Lenovo ThinkPad X301 announced Suunto X10 unleashed Microsoft Windows 7 features to be unveiled Car Camera acts as eyewitness Cordless Electric Pole Chainsaw iPod-to-iPod Transfer Device Indiana Jones Pocket Watch Flamingo Away Thumbnail gallery plugin by SoftSift

[ Gallery of posts up to 08-19-2008 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Pressy idea: Educational Toys

I’m currently watching Dragons Den and have just seen this cool product/invention the Magic Whiteboard.

The Magic Whiteboard, is a roll of 25 whiteboards that can be carried around and whipped out as necessary.

It’s perfect for breakout sessions and group work. It encourages delegates to interact with each other and contribute more. You can quickly and easily capture learning. It’s great for presentations, team meetings and ideas generation.

• 1. Magic - Sticks to any hard flat surface (using static), plain paper also sticks to it without the need for tape, Bluetac or glue. Teams can quickly and easily fold it up and take the sheets away with them.
• 2. No marks - are left on walls. It’s simple, cheap, clean and leaves no mess.
• 3.Erasable/Reusable - write on it using dry white markers, wipe clean, and use it again. It provides a cheaper alternative to flipcharts and is reusable. It is also recyclable and environmentally friendly.
• 4. Multipurpose - use at conferences, training events, for presentations and for team meetings. Any team will find this indispensable.
• 5. Portable and lightweight - perfect for training and conference events. Everyone will be impressed. You don’t need to use a flipchart stand to show your work.

You can buy the magic whiteboard for 25 UKP.

[ Magic Whiteboard, the whiteboard on a roll copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.

In the past, I have covered scented alarm clocks that require no sound to wake people up, and I was very enamored by this sleek looking concept design that has a similar wake-up method.

As you can see, this Silence alarm clock comes with matching bracelets. Each one has a vibration maker, so that when it goes off, you don’t hear it, but you feel it. Apparently, this is enough to jar you awake.

The bracelets also have motion sensors. What you do is shake the bracelet to stop the buzz, and that acts like a snooze bar. If you want to keep “hitting” the snooze bar, then you really have to shake harder.

In short, if you want to stay asleep, you are going to have to fight for it. Not only that, but all of this is done without any blaring alarm. That is just one thing I like about it.

Another thing I like about this alarm is the design. You got to appreciate the simplicity of the clock, as well as the big numbers.

Of course, there is one flaw in this. Have you ever been late to work because you forgot to set your alarm? Your boss might believe that, but try saying “Sorry I’m late, I forgot to put on my Silence Bracelet”.

Source
[ Silence Alarm Clock wakes you with a shake, not a buzz copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Pressy idea: Educational Toys

If you’ve ever felt envious of those women with huge purses that are quite obviously weighed down by numerous items, you might like this jacket.  It actually has 39 hidden pockets, which could store just about anything your heart desired, including your numerous gadgets.  I’m sure this jacket would also be every shoplifter and pickpocket’s dream.  All of those hidden pockets are perfect for stashing stolen items.  Hopefully you would just like it for the extra pockets to store your own things though.

These Rodeo Jackets from the outside don’t really appear to be filled with pockets.  It actually just looks like your average jacket.  It suggests the pockets could be used for your iPod, cellphone, bottle of water, camera, sunglasses as well as anything else you can think of.  If you don’t like this particular jacket they do have other styles that feature hidden pockets, but some have less than others.  The Rodeo Jacket also features a way to run your earbuds through the inside of the jacket.  To pick one up it will cost you $100 from SeV.

Source: LikeCool
[ The Rodeo Jacket with 39 hidden pockets copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Gift Ideas: The Coolest Gadgets Gift Guides.

Digital cameras may be a very inexpensive accessory now, and there is very little that separates one from the other. I’ve been trying out several models, and I had a chance to try out the Olympus FE-340.

How does this Olympus model rate compared to other digital cameras I have tried? Pretty well, actually. It is 8.0 Megapixels with a 5x Optical Zoom. And the pictures on the screen are very clear, measuring at 2.7 inches.

Other features include face detection technology that allows a user to modify a person’s image, even turning a frown into a smile. The camera also has ISO sensitivity, which allows you to capture blurry images, and fix them on the camera.

Some other touch-up buttons include removing shadows and eliminating red-eye. There is also a Backlight Boost Button that can increase the brightness of the LCD for better visibility in bright light.

I found that the video feature worked pretty well. It recorded in AVI format and was pretty easy to use. Speaking of ease, the camera came with a guide to help the user. All you have to do is access your subject in question on the Guide menu, and the camera will even put you in the proper mode that you need at the touch of a button.

All in all, the Olympus FE-340 is a terrific camera to own. You should be able to get the FE-340 for a price of $179.99.

Source
[ Olympus FE-340 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Pressy idea: Educational Toys

There’s no doubt about it. Carpooling with co-workers and friends is an efficient way of saving on fuel prices, while at the same time reducing the emissions level of an additional car on the road. But how about carpooling without the use of a car at all?

The Dogsled is a four-seater pedal vehicle which allows for you and three of your friends to travel together without the need for gas, electricity, or any other power source other than your own two legs (or eight legs in this case). This human-powered quadcycle is totally reliant on pedal power, so you probably won’t be travelling cross-country on this vehicle unless you’re looking for a hardy workout.

Carpooling is good for both the environment and your wallet. Carpooling without a car is even better for both. Using the Dogsled adds an element of exercise which you could only usually accomplish while riding a bike or in a gym.

So let’s put the pedal to the metal and make this planet a greener place to live, not to mention toning our flabby calf muscles in the process. This is truly a great contraption for traveling short distances with your buddies.

Source via Coolbuzz
[ Dogsled: Carpooling without the car copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.

While I hesitate to make a joke at JFK’s expense (because he happened to have a severely bum leg), Franklin Delano Roosevelt comes to mind as the perfect target for polio jokes. Watch out LOLCats! LOLPolio is comin’ to getcha! Of course, you don’t need polio to have fun with crutches. A broken leg would do just fine.

And injuries have never been as fun or productive as they are these days, with gadgets being released to enhance a typically uncomfortable experience. For example, this Multi-Function Crutch is sort of like the Swiss Army Knife of medical aides. These forearm crutches contain an LED torch, an alarm and red signal lights, we’re guessing to protect from further injuries caused by being struck by a moving (or parked, you klutz) vehicle.

Aside from the go-go-gadget-crutch features, the Multi-Function Crutch is designed to reduce strain on your arms and wrists, and perfect for all ages. While the product description lists the crutch as great for use while climbing, you’d think that once you have a leg injury, it’s time to give up hiking and mountain trekking for a few weeks. Give yourself a chance to lick your wounds.

The Multi-Function Crutch is available from Gadget4All for $31. If you’re just not the type of person who’s going to sit back on their keister and let the world continue pressing on without them, then a set of crutches such as this might help you safely move around the obstacles of everyday life.

Product Page via 7Gadgets
[ Multi-Function Crutch: Polio was never this fun copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.

Having a sneaky way to keep fresh food around has always been an important goal for college students and geeks alike.  Usually it’s done with mini fridges, mini microwaves and hot plates.  Yet here’s another little gadget to throw on the list.  This one is a toaster that is powered by your PC.  It inserts directly into the drive bay and will fit a standard 5.25.  It includes Windows based software interface which controls the temperature and how long the toast is in for.

Although this is a Windows version they are currently working on a Mac OS version that will hopefully be coming soon.  To get this to work it requires an available USB port as well as a 4 pin Molex power connector.  You will also need a free PCI slot.  It does have a crumb tray like every other toaster and includes a 2 year warranty.  It hopefully won’t cause your PC any overheating issues since it has a vent that exhausts the hot air out the back of the case.  To pick one up it will cost you $29.99 from Crazy PC.

Source: GeekyGadgets
[ Drive Bay Toaster makes toast with your PC copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.