Latest articles on Gadgets by The Cool Hunter - for more checkout www.thecoolhunter.net http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:21:16 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk Latest articles on Gadgets by The Cool Hunter - for more checkout www.thecoolhunter.net http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1415&Itemid=9 Drum roll please.....introducing the G1, the new Google phone - one of the most hotly anticipated gadgets to hit our techno-hungry world in the last few years. The world's first Android phone, the GI has been developed so users can have the Google 'instant' search experience on their phones. It boasts impressive features such as a motion sensor, which allows users to navigate Google Maps just by turning the phone. The good-looking handset features a 3.2 inch touch screen and slide-out qwerty keyboard, so it slips easily between the two functions withouth one crowding the other. The phone was designed by San Francisco-based designers Mike and Maaike, (http://mikeandmaaike.com/home.html) who worked with Google to create a pioneering mobile communications device which fulfills all of our phone, internet and search needs just as efficiently as our laptops or desktops. What does it mean for Apple, we hear you wondering out loud? Time will only tell. It's certainly the first real competitor the iPhone has faced. Whatever happens...it's got us interested. We want one. Now. - Lisa Evans Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:44:44 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1400&Itemid=9 The venerable Italian brand Brionvega (http://www.brionvega.it/) thinks the 60s and 70s are worth bringing back, or that at least some of the design sensibilities of the era warrant new life. The classic, groundbreaking Radiofonografio, divined in 1965 by two of the three Castiglioni brothers, Pier Giacomo and Achille, is making a new entrance as RR226. In 1965, the “musical component robot” was a home electronic marvel that in one sleekly designed device included a radio, amplifiers and a record player (for both 45s and 33s). The modernized model has also a CD and DVD players but otherwise it is as close as possible to the original. The amplifiers are moveable which makes it possible to create different configurations both for visual and listening pleasure. Showcased at the Salone del Mobile in Milan in April, RR226 may be a while coming to a store near you. But like so many of the Castiglioni brothers’ objects, still produced and/or displayed by Zanotta, Flos, Artemide and MoMA, the Radiofonografio is most likely going to stay with us for yet another long period. - Tuija Seipell Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:28:18 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1276&Itemid=9 Here at The Cool Hunter we are always on the look out for innovative gadgets that as well as being aesthetically pleasing, are also practical and can be used in real world situations. miShare (https://www.mishare.com/)is such a product. One of the biggest problems that people have with iPods is that unless you have a diploma in hacking, it is extremely difficult to share your tunes, especially without getting a computer involved. That is of course until now. Want the latest album from your friends' iPod? Simply connect both iPods to the miShare unit, press the button and away you go. It's kind of like swapping football cards in the playground, although much cooler.Providing that your files are not DRM protected (that's digital rights management to you technophobes), everything from movies to photos to songs can be transferred. Even entire playlists. Nice. There is however one downside – for now the unit does not work with the iPhone or iPod touch, although we are told that a firmware update is being looked in to. Developed in Brooklyn and currently being shipped to all corners of the world for US$100, may the sharing epidemic begin. By Brendan McKnight Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:36:36 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1265&Itemid=9 Remember when Joey and Chandler from Friends started a foosball craze in the 90s? This new product could well mark a revival of the game and attract a league of new players and also be a hit with those who are already passionate about a bit of table football with the gang.'11' is a new table designed by GRO design (http://www.eleventhegame.com/) and developed by TIM model makers. It is due to be exhibited for the first time at Milan Design Week later this monthThe thought behind the design was to reflect the many football stadiums built in recent years that are architecturally stunning, have become landmarks and represent the spirit and passion of the game. If the stadiums are becoming so spectacular, then why shouldn't the foosball tables?Much thought and care has gone into the craftsmanship and concept. The 22 players are finished in bright silver chrome that represents footballers' status in sport and society. The lighting effects and the software controlling the game add further excitement to the atmosphere and to the experience of playing the game.And now that we have whet your appetite and you have your credit cards ready, we must give you the bad news. For now, only one prototype model exists . However, it will not surprise us if they end up being manufactured very, very soon by the hundreds. By Brendan McKnight Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:25:52 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1212&Itemid=9 A year ago, we featured a prototype for Emotibles in our 'hot pick' (http://www.thecoolhunter.net) section and boy, were they ever a hot pick! Following the buzz, husband and wife team Jonathan and Kate Hall - the brains behind the product - decided to roll with the project. They have not looked back since. Even the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/12/magazine/12wwln-consumed-t.html?_r=2 oref=slogin oref=slogin) featured them based on the impact we created. So what is the hype all about? Huge with the teenage market, Emotibles (http://www.emotibles.com/) are essentially accessories for accessories. We all love to customize so think of these as the Spokey Dokes for the screenager generation. Emotibles are marketed as "expressive charms to snazz up those boring, white, everywhere-ad-nauseam iPod earbuds." The Halls based their emotive characters fittingly on emoticons and have expanded the line by featuring them on baby tees and post-its. As with all popular ideas, other players quickly pop up. So, now we introduce to you Budclicks (http://www.budclicks.com/). It is essentially the same concept, this time aimed at a slightly broader demographic. The team at Budclicks has thought of everything from cutesy flowers, to indie-kid skulls, to representing your candidate with 'polito-clicks', because campaign buttons are soo last year, baby. By Brendan McKnight Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:25:12 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1188&Itemid=9 When it comes to entertaining with style, we at TCH wouldn’t lead you astray. Old school gaming is back in sleek stainless steel and is certain to be the perfect accessory to any cool modern home, workspace, studio or bar. Loaded with PacMan, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Space Invaders, Frogger and 44 other pre-installed timeless games, the 80's Gaming Table is a modern take on an old classic. The new Gaming Table’s compact size (800x760x700mm) (manufactured in Australia) and durable construction can double as a coffee table, dining table, desk, bar, or even dance stage. It will complement your home, entertain and stimulate your co-workers, impress your friends, appease your kids and even bring out your own inner child on occasion. And now that we’ve got you hooked – how do you get one for yourself? The 80's Gaming Table can be purchased through us for £1500. For those of you looking to make a profit, for an additional £140 you can add a fully operational, jam-resistant coin mechanism. If mobility is a priority for you, the table can either be fitted with heavy duty castors (£20) or castors designed specifically for timber floors (£30). And while the Table connects to Australian standard 240V outlets, power requirements can be altered for international orders. Finally, for £100 the Gaming Table can be altered to your desired colour/finish. Whether you’re looking to bring family, friends and other people in your world together for collaboration or for competition the classic video arcade game works every time - we say, Game on! By Andrew J Wiener For orders/enquiries, contact bill@thecoolhunter.net (Ned%20Gammell%20%3Cned@nedgammell.com%3E) Also, for those new to the cool hunter, we have a few Space Invader Hoodies left. These have been selling like crazy. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:23:13 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1176&Itemid=9 Ohm, the measured frequency of the elliptical orbit of the Earth as it travels around the sun, as well as our musical centre of gravity. Ohm is said to be the purest of sounds – the vibration and resonance created first and foremost by our place in the universe. But how many of us have actually heard the subtle tone created by our planet? And what about the possibly millions of other undetected sounds that surround us each day? Duncan Wilson (http://www.duncan-wilson.com/duncan_wilson_work_madsoundsotto.htm) knows that sound resonates from every surface in our environment – if even in the form of the must subtle whisper. Wilson wondered how many of these undetected sounds could be identified, combined and amplified to create a new sonic experience in the form of ambient music. OTTO (meaning ‘ear’ in Greek), created by Wilson, along with Manolis Kelaidis at the Royal College of the Art, is a device that uncovers diminutive vibrations by placing magnets and suction mechanisms on various surfaces and magnifies them through an integrated speaker. By placing several units on your window, a glass of melting ice water, a goldfish bowl, or any other unassuming item in your surroundings, OTTO devises a multidirectional audio atmosphere. By Andrew J Wiener Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:47:11 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1158&Itemid=9 Apple releases the new Macbook Air (http://www.apple.com/macbookair/) - The world's thinnest notebook. The new year – the time for change – the time for resolutions – the time for the latest announcements from MacWorld in San Francisco. We oohed when Steve Jobs pulled the first iPod Nano out of the small pocket in his jeans. We counted the days until we could feel the new iPhone in our own hands. And just this morning, we marvelled when the world’s thinnest laptop was pulled out of an envelope. Weighing just under 1.5kg, a remarkable 0.41cm at its thinnest point and merely 1.9cm at its maximum height, the MacBook Air was born. Typically as laptop computers have become smaller, sacrifices to the size of the screen as well as the size of the keyboard had to be made. Miraculously the new MacBook Air did not suffer on account of its weight loss. The design includes a 33.8cm widescreen display using LEDs that consume less power and still provide a sharp picture. And forget about cramming your fingers while you’re typing, the MacBook Air has a fullsize, backlit keyboard as well. But naturally size alone is usually not enough to impress us. Along with the features and programs we would expect to find on any new Apple computer, the coolest new addition is the multifunctional trackpad. Of course we’re used to Mac’s two-finger tap and two-finger scroll trackpad features. What excites us here is that multi-touch innovations created for the iPhone have been adapted for MacBook Air. The new and improved trackpack allows users to pinch (increase or decrease text/photo size), swipe (three finger gesture to scroll through multiple pages) and rotate (photos). For this new year, if one of your resolutions, like always, includes getting thinner, the new MacBook Air could have you covered. The world’s thinnest notebook has arrived – and check out apple.com/hotnews (http://www.apple.com/hotnews) for the complete list of MacWorld 2008 announcements. By Andrew J Wiener Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:51:17 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1135&Itemid=9 The scene: crowded international airport. The dilemma: delayed flight to destination. The solution: quick and easy call on mobile phone detailing situation. The annoyance: dead mobile phone battery from daily overuse. The remedy: desperate hunt for any available wall-mounted power outlet in terminal. The problem: power charger for mobile phone packed in checked luggage. Whilst the exact details of the above situation may have never actually occurred for each and every one of you, chances are most of you have known the frustration of losing use of your mobile phones. Although it would seem not many of us consider battery life a top priority when purchasing a new phone for ourselves. A much higher priority is given to the features of the phone as well as its aesthetics. Can I access the internet? How much of my music library can it hold? And what about picture and videos? No wonder we’re constantly worried our phones will die by the end of the day if there is no way to recharge! Energizer (http://www.energizer.com) has developed a way to ensure our mobile phones will never go flat again. The Energi To Go supplies immediate power anywhere at anytime. The device plugs into all major phone brands and runs on two long-lasting Energizer AA Lithium batteries. The Energi To Go provides up to nine additional hours of talk time once your own phone battery has lost power – so you’ll never feel anxious or stranded again. By Andrew J Wiener Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:56:30 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=818&Itemid=9 When it comes to cycling, combining safety with style is not always easy. However, these new bicycle tires from Sweetskinz merge the two effortlessly. Sweetskinz is a range of nocturnal tires which are light reflective at night.Unlike many reflective add-on features, the entire rubber tire itself is reflective. With urban edge, graffiti inspired patterns such as the fiery 'Scorch' and the snake like 'Rattleback', riders can be seen at night in style. by Andy Gsee also, pac man bike spokes and hokey spokes Mon, 29 Oct 2007 01:36:07 +0100