By now many people are using their smart phones to wake up every morning instead of a traditional alarm clock. In the case of the iPhone, there are numerous applications that enhance this with images, weather updates, and other features. The Lark alarm goes much further by including a wrist band that can softly wake you by slightly vibrating. This is particularly useful because it will typically only wake up the wearer of the wrist band and not the sleeping partner. It also includes a sensor and » Continue Reading
Computers are more and more forming part of a home entertainment system. An Apple Mac mini for example now comes with an HDMI connector and supports native HDTV resolutions. It is often cumbersome to have to deal with a traditional keyboard and mouse in the family room. A great alternative is the Mobile Mouse Pro application. It allows for wireless remote control of a Windows or Mac computer using an iPhone. The application works in tandem with a program that runs on the computer being controlled. It is a great buy for $1.99 at the iTunes store. » Continue Reading
Cisco recently announced the Umi high definition video conferencing system for the home. The system is composed of an HD camera, control station, and remote control. The camera is designed to mount atop a flat panel display. At almost $600, it is at the high end of the residential conferencing offerings. A close competitor is the Logitech Revue with an accessory camera, which together will cost about $150 less than the Umi. Cisco has a long history of producing great video and teleconferencing products. We will have to wait until it is released to see how the Umi stacks up to the competition.
It seems that Google might again revolutionize another area of life, watching TV. The Logitech Revue will be one of the first devices to come to market with the innovative GoogleTV technology. The device connects between your TV and video source. The video source will typically be a CableTV or satellite receiver or digital video recorder. To accomplish this, the Revue has two HDMI connectors. This allows for the display of a video overlay with menus and other GoogleTV options. For example, you could be watching a football game and need to check scores of some other games. You would simply bring up Google Chrome on the Revue and go to Yahoo while still watching the game on a picture-in-picture window on the screen.
Several other content providers also signed up. Services like Netflix, Amazon, CNBC, and Pandora Radio are some of them. Users will also be available to use the Revue to access digital media locally stored like family pictures, music, and movies.
The device goes head to head with the AppleTV, with the main difference that the Revue provides seamless TV integration. Google is also working with other manufacturers like Sony to embed the software within TVs and Blu-ray players.
Not too long ago I came across a Thames & Kosmos chemistry set. I looked further into the company and discovered that they make a plethora of other science experiment sets. The experiments cover areas like electronics, astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, alternative energy, and many others. The kits range from under $20 to well over $100. They are designed for children over 5 or older. The fundamental series is a great place for a young scientist to start, particularly the Core Science kit.