Crank Up the Jams

Eco-Friendly gadgets are one of the hottest trends in technology today. Freeplay is the latest company to introduce a new product into the field. Their latest gadget is the Eyemax. It is AM/FM radio that can be powered by solar, human or AC power. One minute of turning a crank will provide an hour of radio air time. The hand crank is efficiently designed. Not only can it rotate both ways but the harder you turn it, the quicker you generate power for the radio. Freeplay even includes a LED to inform you how well you are cranking the radio. This is entirely new way to work out to music.

Eyemax

Freeplay’s Eyemax has a solar panel on the top of the radio. The radio comes in two colors - black or transparent blue. It has the following dimensions: height 112 mm, width 60 mm and depth 186 mm. The Eyemax weighs 700 grams. It even comes with a flashlight to assist you with navigating your home in the case of an emergency or a power outage.

In direct sunlight you can play Freeplay’s Eyemax while you are charging its battery. It does take a while to charge the battery using either solar or AC power. If the radio is off, it takes 16 hours to charge the radio with sunlight. It takes 24 hours to charge the radio’s battery by AC. The hand crank takes 40 minutes. With this gadget, its best to make it part of your workout routine to keep the radio fully charged. Once charged, the Eyemax can provide up to 25 hours of music. The battery does lose its charge during periods of inactivity. It will only have 75% of its charge after 1 month of inactivity. To prolong the life of your radio its best to use it periodically.

Freeplay’s Eyemax costs $49. If you purchase the radio from their website, Freeplay will donate $1 to the Freeplay Foundation - an organization which focuses on providing alternative energy solutions and education for poor African communities. Purchasing this gadget will not only give you an excellent eco–friendly radio but also donate to a worthy charity. It is a win/win situation.

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Bring the Theater to your Backyard Swimming Pool

The Sima Company brings an 8 foot screen to your backyard with an inflatable screen frame, and built in speakers!
8-Foot Inflatable Home Theater

Set up for a fabulous party in your backyard, or even poolside, in just minutes. The 8 foot screen will stand on the two inflatable blocks, and make your party like a private movie showing in your own back yard.

The durable screen is designed for use outdoors, and the frame is made with ultrasonic welded seams for added strength. The 8” speakers bring 80 watts of sound, with special weather resistant, commercial grade cones specifically made for use outdoors.

When paired with your projector, this screen is a great addition to your home theater. It is able to provide for front and rear projection, so it can be set up wherever it is most convenient. Adjust the volume, treble and bass on the speakers themselves, or plug the screen in to a home theater surround sound system via the RCA audio cables.

The included pump will inflate the screen in minutes, then deflate it when you are finished using it. The entire screen and frame can be folded up and stored in the included duffel bag. It comes with four ground stakes and stabilization ropes, in case of wind conditions, a repair kit with four patches and four tubes of glue, in case of child conditions, and a plastic ground sheet to place wherever needed.

Weighing less than 20 pounds, the inflatable screen is a cinch for any person to set up. It takes less than five minutes to fully inflate, and can even handle a 16 x 9 HD widescreen picture format. The instruction manual comes complete with pictures so any questions are quickly answered.

Take the party outside in the fabulous weather, or bring it in if it happens to rain. Either way, it will be the most memorable party on the block. Enjoy a theater experience at home – or even floating in the swimming pool.

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Elmo Link’s to Safe Internet Fun

A simple USB linked gadget is all it takes to allow your little one to explore online while remaining safe as well.

Easy Link™ Internet Launch Pad

The Easy Link from Fisher Price is an inexpensive alternative to allowing your children free reign online, or needing so much assistance to get to a game or activity. It opens the wide world web to little ones ages 0-3, and has enough enjoyable technology for children who are much older as well.

Software is included with the launch pad, and is installed with a simple plug into the USB port of a computer. When it is plugged in, it will automatically search online for the most updated version of the information needed to run smoothly.

Once it has completed installing the software, the child chooses a special “key” of the character they would like to explore. If they choose a character from Sesame Street, for example, the website for Sesame Street will automatically open. Then wherever there are advertising links and banners that have not been approved for use will not click open.

Parental controls are programmable to set times for the launch pad to turn off after a scheduled time (up to 60 minutes.) There is also a feature to set that will not allow the child to turn off the device, in order to protect the hard drive from damage.

The child is then able to make positive choices of which character to use, and what activities to click on once online. This gives them a sense of pride, and self-esteem from their success. They enjoy themselves on the computer mostly independently.

Keys are included when the launch pad is purchased, usually at around $12 each. Then additional keys can be purchased individually, at a cost anywhere from $2 up to $9 depending on the popularity of the character.

If you are a parent with more than one child, it is recommended (by other parents) that you purchase one for each child – or each computer as the case may be. This will help curb the fights over whose turn it is to play. Luckily these are adaptable and fun for children of multiple ages for those who choose to get just one. The characters included are going to be generally aimed at one particular age group, so be sure to check out which ones are with it.

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Pool Party Favorite - No Worries If You Play Music With Water

Make the next gathering around the pool the splash of the town!

waterproof-speakers

It seems so incongruous that the mix of water and electricity are such a wicked combination. The afternoon swim is always made just that much better when your favorite music is drifting along with you. But the music player has to be set so far away from the water (have to be safe, you know) that the music ends up sounding warped, and almost not worth the effort.

The solution is a water-proof sound system, of course. Now it actually exists. The Perspex body of this new music system protects the electronic elements from coming in contact with the water. It also provides a shatter proof cover for the two super bass 3W speakers.

Before getting near the water, open the case and insert an iPod of any size and click it shut. Then as you relax in the water, float on the rafts, or have a drink at the swim up bar, you can adjust the volume, and scroll through the stored music files.

This removes the concern of shock, even if the neighbor kid comes soaring in for an unexpected cannon ball right next to the player. When traveling to the beach, the cover also provides protection from sand and that bottle of water you had better bring along. While you make the trek to the water line, the case has an attached hand strap as well as a shoulder strap, so no worries about dropping it in the sand.

You will be all set for that pool party as well with this gadget. It has a pull-out stand to place it on a table, a carrying bag for travel, and just 4 AA batteries will keep you jamming for up to thirty hours.

Remember not to get carried away, though, because this is not made for underwater use.

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Blow-up Hot Tub

 

If you have ten minutes, you can install a turbo massage spa!

inflatable spa

The next chilly evening can be completely turned around in minutes. Now there is the inflatable spa that takes just a plug in to install anywhere. You can put that spa you have always wanted in place on the back patio, the corner of the yard, or even indoors.

For use outdoors, the temperature control allows you to fight off the chill of any weather. If the night is still as hot as a midsummer sun, turn the temperature down but continue to enjoy the massage jets. The spa has room to relax up to four adults, so invite the neighbors over as well.

Now you don’t have to limit yourself to the expensive gym memberships or spa days to enjoy a relaxing spa massage. The conditions of the inflatable spa are even more ideal than the ones used publicly. There is a hygienic filter included with the purchase of this spa, and the water will stay super clean. If you feel the need to add chemicals, even though they are not likely to be needed, the kit also comes with a floater to disperse the products safely.

This incredibly constructed spa is as simple as can be. It comes with everything needed for a quick set up and proper care. There is an LED display on the pump that shows the controls, there is a filter pump, a cover, an infiltration hose, a chemical floater, and a repair patch. This gives the consumer a fast lane to a relaxing spa experience in their own back yard.

Do be careful indoors, though. As with any hot tub - humidity will be produced during use. Be aware of any other items in the same room that could be harmed by the moisture. Also be advised that a non-slip surface is necessary, as well as a level site to maintain the safest use of the spa.

 

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Bring the Atrium to Your Desktop

The Dancing Water Fountain is now portable and desktop sized.

Dancing Water Fountain

Imagine you are entering the luxury resort of your dreams. Picture the gold scroll design on the double doors, opening as you approach at the hands of a dapper doorperson with a spotless uniform and indelible smile. Your gaze wanders to the center of a glass topped atrium with a gentle flowing water fountain shooting streams of water in a soothing rhythm. Your ears take in the calming sounds of a concerto with a tropical flavor. You are in paradise.Now imagine that feeling while you take a break from working on the computer all morning, and gaze at your desktop water fountain. You will feel like you have taken a mini-vacation from work in just a few short minutes of enjoyment. When you resume your work, you will be refreshed and at peace.This can happen with the dancing water fountain from Brando. It has 13 different working water jets to put on a lively dancing water show, and give your brain and soul a recharge to finish your day. Then take the fountain home with you and use it to unwind at the end of your day. Relax as you watch the pleasing patterns and hear the soothing water sounds of the positive charged sprinkles.Similar to other water features available on the market, this one will run around 45 US dollars. While there are other kinds of water gardens and fountains available, only a dancing water fountain can bring the elegant style and peaceful sounds all in one portable feature. It runs on batteries, and therefore can be placed anywhere that can use some infused mellow vibes. The action of the Brando version is voice or music activated. So if the sound does not please you while you work quietly, it will not be activated. Then when you take your morning break, stretch your legs, and switch on the music player, the fountain will begin its contribution and work its magic. Or better yet, sing to yourself to increase the oxygen flow in your body, and watch the water respond like an appreciative audience.

Bring the resort to your office with the portable dancing water fountain, and have a mini-vacation every day.

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A Really Rockin’ Media Player

Sony’s latest gadget, the Dancing Rolly, is also one of the most unique. The Dancing Rolly is an MP3 player that sings and dances. It took Japan by storm last year and its has now set its sites on the US. Rolly Mania is about to be unleashed. Sony’s latest gadget has everything it needs to become big in the US. Rolly packs incredible sound system into a small package. It is an egg-shaped device that easily fits in your palm. Sony gives listeners true surround sound with 180 degrees speakers. They have also included a digital amp and a neodymium magnet to improve sound quality.

Dancing-rolly-sony

Rolly moves its shoulders, wheels and arms in time to the music. Advanced robotic technology allows the device to move realistically. Sony even includes 700 different light colors for effects. Although Rolly can dance straight from its packaging, software is included so that you can program dance moves for Rolly using your PC. A USB connection allows you to transfer your instructions to Rolly. You and your friends can hold “Dancing with Rolly” competitions in the comfort of your own home. YouTube already has a host of Rolly dancing videos. Rolly’s programmability is what will make it a huge hit in the US. Sony has even arranged for you to be able to upload and download new dance routines. This makes Rolly “geeky cool.”

Sony designed Rolly to interact with its owners. You have to turn its wheels to change songs or alter its volume. Shaking Rolly, switches him to shuffle mode. Rolly includes Bluetooth technology. He can wirelessly stream music from a compatible phone or PC. Rolly has 2 GB of flash memory. It can hold approximately 520 songs. Rolly’s batteries can provide up to 5 hours of music or 4 hours of music, lights and dancing. Sony’s Rolly can play both iTunes and MP3 music.

Although pricing for Rolly is currently unavailable, Sony has a hit gadget on their hands. Rolly interacts with its owner. Humans can bond with the strangest things and Rolly will be one of them. As owners program dance routines for their Rolly, the bonding grows. Sony or some other forward thinking company, will come out with little Rolly clothing and accessories.

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Breathe New Life into Your Records

For some of us Vinyl records and 8-track tapes bring back found memories of our youth. If you have held onto mementoes of days gone by Ion has designed a device to translate your analog records into digital format. The LP Dock is a USB turntable and supports 33, 45, and 78 rpms. It also includes a docking station for your iPod. Ion’s LP Dock is definitely not the first conversion device for LPs but it is one of the easiest.

The LP Dock allows you to record directly into either your iPod or your computer. The docking station and USB port mean you don’t have to juggle cables connecting your record player into your computer’s sound card. Even if connected properly, most turntables could not send a strong enough signal to make a good recording on your computer.

ipod-usb-turntable.jpg

Ion packs two powerful software programs to assist you with vinyl conversion. EZ Vinyl Converter 2 makes song translation easy. Click a start button on your computer once you have your song cued on the record player. After the song is finished, click stop. EZ Vinyl Converter is that easy. If you are converting LPs while you are online, the software will find artist, song and album information. EZ Vinyl Converter will then automatically name your song. You will need to enter the information manually if EZ Vinyl cannot identify the song. You will experience a long period of trial and error getting the songs to a good quality.

Did your old records suffer some damage over the years? Are you plagued with hissing and popping when you play your 33s and 45s? Ion has also included Audacity software. This program is specifically designed to reduce and possibly remove the noise from vinyl records.

At $249, Ion’s LP Dock is an expensive way to bring your memories into the digital age. It is however one of the easiest record converters available today. The bundled software will aid you in making your old records sound their best. The LP Dock will allow you to pass your songs onto your children and grandchildren in a format that they will understand. The LP Dock is far from perfect but if you have a lot of old vinyl albums, it is a good option for creating a digital library.

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Sansa TakeTV Video Player

Sansa’s TakeTV Video Player is the easiest way to watch downloaded PC movies on your television set. SanDisk expands on their core product of flash drives with this innovative new product. USB flash drives move data from PC to PC. The Sansa TakeTV moves digital video from PC to TV.

Sansa TakeTV

Daniel Schreiber, senior vice president and general manger for SanDisk’s audio/visual unit describes the Sansa Take TV in this fashion. “Sansa TakeTV is the most easy-to-use, straightforward solution for watching downloaded personal video content and other shows in the comfort of the living room. No confusing wireless network setup, no wires running across the living room and no cumbersome burning of DVDs. Just use the Sansa TakeTV device to more your favorite video content over to TV and enjoy it on the big screen with family and friends.”

SanDisk’s Sansa TakeTV Video Player is as easy to use as a flash drive. Users simply drag their desired video content into the TakeTV player. Place the TakeTV into its TV cradle. This cradle plugs into the standard A/V sockets of most existing television sets. Users are then shown an easy to follow on screen guide. They can select their downloaded content with the included TakeTV remote control.

The Sansa TakeTV Video Player will work with new and legacy TV systems via standard AV composite inputs or S-Video. TakeTV supports a wide range of video formats. These formats include DivX, XVID and MPEG-4. TakeTV is also certified for use in a Home Theater. It connects via a USB port to any PC running either Windows Vista or XP. TakeTV also can connect with systems running the latest versions of Mac or UNIX.

Sansa TakeTV is a flash-based video player. It is available in two storage sizes. The 4 GB version holds approximately five hours of video. The larger 8 GB version holds up to 10 hours of video. The 4 GB TakeTV costs $99.99 and the 8GB version cost $149.99.

Sansa TakeTV is a device whose time has come. SanDisk is to be applauded for making watching video from your PC on your TV “drag and drop” easy.