amBx 4D Surround Sound System

amBx 4D Surround Sound System

Well this is it, Philips have released the first glimpse in to the world of at home 4d gaming, Movies and Music! Imagine being able to watch your own private 4d movies right in your living room, or listening to music as thou you were at the concert it's self, or even play your favourite games and accidently forgetting where you are (in the middle of your living room not in the deep rainforests of Vietnam or rocking out on a live tour in guitar hero.) Yes, I'm talking about the Philips amBx sound system, a sound system of extremely awesome 4d capabilities.

So what is the amBx? Well the amBx is a surround sound system, with built in lights, fans, rumble mats and big speakers. So what does it do? Well once connected to your computer, the sound system reacts to what's on the screen, so if your playing Call of Duty the lights on top of the speakers automatically adjust to the lighting on the screen, when a chopper flies past the fans kick in and when you fire your gun the rumble mat, well, rumbles as well as the ultra clear speakers playing their part as you battle it out on the battlefield with your mates.

So what do I need to set it up? Will it be hard to set up? Ok, so the amBx comes in a variety of kits depending on what you want it to do and your budget (because it is a little over priced.) But there are four different kits to suit your need and budget, but all you need is anyone of the kits below and basically just plug and play because Philips have done a very good job of making it idiot proof at best.

The Starter Kit:

• Left and Right front lights
• Wall washer light and control unit.

The Pro Gamer Kit:

• The Left and Right 2.1 speaker/lights and subwoofer
• Wall all washer and control unit.

The Premium Kit:

• Left and Right 2.1 speaker/lights and Subwoofer
• Wall Washer light with Control Unit
• A Set of Fans
• A Wrist Rumbler

The Extension Kit (To build onto your starter kit or Pro Kit):

• A Set of Fans
• Wrist Rumbler

So is it worth it? Well personally I'm all for it, and was looking forward to getting one ever since the release of the concept work. But I was fairly disappointed with the outrageous price. But was really impressed when I tried it, it would however be much, much better if bigger gaming companies such as Blizzard and EA jumped on, and make the amBx applicable for games such as World of Warcraft. But even still with the games you can use It for the overall 4d effect is incredible, but its still well worth it, as even watching movies and listening to music with the amBx is an incredible experience in it's self. 

The Logitech G19 Keyboard

The Logitech G19 Keyboard

The G19, a Keyboard like no other. The G19 has a colour LCD screen capable of supporting digital photos and video playback, but the LCD screen is also capable of supporting homemade apps. There are up to 16 million colour combinations for the back lit keys. And built in USB 2.0 Port, as well as the standard Marco recording option with an upgraded twist. 

So with the new LCD screen being capable of viewing video's and photos, I makes those long gryphon rides in World of Warcraft not so bad and the pregame lobby for Call of Duty not so boring. As well as being able to check your current system stats, such as processor speed etc. But as well as this, Logitech has opened their doors to the at home app creators, making the keyboard capable of supporting all types of apps from statistic apps to many other types across the board. 

As side from the new LCD, the G19 is still fairly similar to the previous models, well in regards to the keys at least. The same 12 keys still align the side, and giving you a switchable mode keyset switch capable of storing up to 3 different keysets, so in effect you end up with 36 customizable keys, along with the 'on-the-fly marco recording.' and the ever so genius windows toggle switch, allowing the user to toggle the windows key on or off to stop you accidently bumping it during game play and being absolutely smashed in the time it took to get back to the game screen. Other new additions to the G19 is the new ability for the keyboard to recognise 5 simultaneous keyboard clicks at anyone time. The G19 has also had its USB ports upgraded to a USB 2.0 from the 1.1 back with the G15, which will allow the ports to transfer data much, much quicker.

So after all that, you must be wondering what the sort of price you would be looking at for something of this sort of power. Because after all it really is  something you would expect to see in the cinemas. Well the Logitech G19 is currently retailing for a hefty $200 a pop, so is the keyboard really worth it? Well at first I would have been quite sceptical about paying so much for something like this when I thought the G15 would really just do the job, but after actually trailing the new keyboard I'm 100% all for it! I reckon its an awesome keyboard, that is really unlike any to many others out there, and the new LCD screen is great to keep me entertained whilst waiting in the game lobbies and killing time whilst on those long gryphon rides.

World of Warcraft Kinect (FAAST)

World Of Warcraft Kinetic (FAAST) 

World of Warcraft Fanatics around the world brace your self because The new World of Warcraft for computer Kinect is set to be released almost world wide and has plenty to be proud about! Using the most advanced technology the University of Southern California's Institute for Creative Technologies have taken the next step in developing a software hack which is capable of allowing gamers to use the Kinect motion sensing devise to further plunge themselves deeper and deeper into the land or Arazoth, battling the once great Lich king and the ever so powerful Dragon form the latest expansion, Cataclysm.

The new software is called "Flexible Action and Articulated Skeleton Toolkit (FAAST) and it uses full-body motion control (same as Xbox Kinect). There is no longer the use for gamers to be armed with a keyboard and mouse but rather their whole body. Players will now be able to now wield, swords, axes and even be able to cast spells of all kinds, to take out enemies and bosses of all shapes and sizes. PvP combat is also available, making it possible to engage in battles against people across the globe.

Gamers have described gameplay as being like nothing like ever before, saying 'it takes World of Warcraft to the next level, because opposed to sitting at a computer playing as your toon (character) you are up moving round performing the moves and abilities of your character, casting spells and wielding enchanted and mythical weapons, on top of this there is all the profession such as mining, enchanting, skinning, first aid, fishing and many others!'

So are there any real disadvantages of this? Things such as movement detection issues and can the FAAST be run of a computer capable of projecting 3d images? (because lets face it how AWESOME WOULD THAT BE!!!) well... Well as far as movement detection issues go, the hack is very responsive and is very well set up in that it is very responsive and there is not mucking around or waiting for it to recognise your action. To tell you the truth I have no real idea on weather or not the hack will be compatible with 3d computer but I will do my best to get back to you with that one. The only real disadvantage to FAAST is that after a few hours of hard core gaming with the FAAST is GREAT exercise and I am looking forward to purchasing one as soon as I can. 

Watch the Video for more info and a Demo

The iRing

The iRing 

New concept work has been released for a gadget, so awesome that they should be sold compulsory with the iPods and iPhones. Yes I'm talking about the iRing, a gadget that is the perfect mix between ergonomics and High Tech Technology. The iRing is a very smart looking ring, capable of wirelessly connecting to your iPod or iPhone via Bluetooth and wirelessly controlling the music you listen to.

The iRing technology is just as cool as it sleek design. To adjust the volume, all you have to do is swipe your finger across the touch sensitive surface of the ring. To play or pause songs just tap the apple icon on the top of the ring. And to skip tracks its just as simple, just tap either side of thee icon depending on which direction you wan to go.

The ring comes complete with a very stylish docking station that charges via USB, that both keeps it safe and recharges it as well as giving it an awesome look. So this is all great but being touch sensitive, ever time you bumped your ring wouldn't it by rights change song on you? Would you make the bus trip home without pausing it every two seconds? Well luckily the creators though one step ahead and have developed a unique locking system, that simply works by squeezing the two edges of the ring together to unlock it to what you need to do and simply squeeze the edges again to relock it. Because this is only concept work, and a estimated price has not yet been set at this moment, but I doubt it will be long before the iRing is released in Australia.

Smart Faucet

Smart Faucet

Well here's one thing I never though would become electronic, or well at least for a good while. But I have to admit we all knew it was bound to happen sooner or later after the first digitally heated hot water systems came around. But the guys at iHome have decided to create a touchscreen tap with face recognition for the future Gadget world. But you really have to admit it’s a pretty cool concept. As the small faucet has features such as face recognition and internet access, as well as awesome coloured lighting to add to the mood of your bath.

So what does it do? Well the smart faucet recognises your face and remembers your preferred settings for your bath and automatically sets the temperature and water pressure specific to each and every person resisted in the system. But apart from this you can also use the smart faucet to check your current emails, as well as check and change your calendar for the weekend ahead. So you really have to admit its an awesome thing to have, just think of the potential, always having the perfect bath and being able to check your emails, and calendar while you soak, I mean its genius. So where and when can you get one of these? And How much well, not a lot has been said so far about that side of things as it only a concept at this stage but I doubt it will be long before these new faucets will be released.  

LG GD910 Touch Screen watch Phone

LG GD910 Touch Screen watch Phone

LG has recently come up with the GD910 Touch Screen watch Phone. Try and say that over and over again. Imagine a standard size watch on your wrist that has a built in phone. But not just some cheap makeshift mobile phone, that some small company just wacked onto a watch strap, and called it a 'New Era Watch Phone'  No the LG GD910, has a fairly decent touch screen phone built into it. With an unreal amount of features jam packed into this tiny watch phone. With a 1.43" touchscreen, like James Bond eat your heart out…

The GD910 has a 1.43" Touch screen built into to the amazing watch, but on top of this the watch also has a built in camera (fairly low grade camera but still fairly decent for something built into a watch,) but also 3G HSDPA compatibility, and MP3 Player and even Text to Speech functionality that makes a decent phone and a awesome watch. But on top of this the watch even has Bluetooth (so you can go all out, James Bond with a Bluetooth Headset,) MMS and it's even water resistant! A releases date for Australia has not yet been assigned but it will only be a matter of time before the LG GD910 is released in Australia.

Check out the video for more information

Magic Wand Remote

Magic Wand Remote 

Yep, the name says it all, all you Harry Potter fanatics brace yourself. Because Kymera a big name toy factory has just released a remote control capable of controlling your TV, digital set top box, stereo, iPod or even your mac book! Basically anything with an inferred receiver, with just a simple of flick of the wrist, you could; change channels, mute bad songs on the radio, change volume, and so much more with the  new Magic Wand Remote Control.

Now opposed to your 'normal' everyday remote, with its ever so standard buttons and what not. The magic wand works on hand gestures, and comes pre programed with 13 simple hand gestures, BUT is capable of learning multiple hand gestures, so that each wand has its own unique set of hand gestures to stop those sneaky wizards from interrupting your well earned TV time. An because it capable of replacing your existing remote, it automatically syncs to them so It is easily programmable. But if your still new to the whole magic thing the wand comes with a practice mode. Well you wouldn't want to go turning your room mate into stone now would you? Or maybe you would…

Apart from the novelty part the wand should prove easier to use than a standard remote which actually makes it quite practical. And has a whole heap of useful features such as 'sleep mode' which automatically puts the remote to sleep after 60seconds of inactivity to save battery and instantly turn back on once picked up. As well as this the remote has a built in alarm to tell you when the battery is going flat so there will be no guessing weather the batteries on your standard remote are flat or not. As well as this the wand comes in an authentic wand box so It will fit in with the rest of your harry potter empire…

All in all The Magic wand remote is an awesome gadget, especially for the Harry Potter Fanatics around the world, it is actually quite simple to use and acts as an awesome universal remote, unlike any other of its kind. Its unique pattern set up and syncing function is awesome. The fact that it has a low battery alert alarm is sweet too . I'd love even a standard TV remote to have a low battery light or alarm as a standard. So the remote is set to cost around $70-$100 Australian dollars depending on where you purchase it from.

GEAR4 Unity Remote

The GEAR4 Unity Remote

Gear 4 is a UK based iPhone and iPod audio brand and apple case manufacturer. But this time round Gear 4 have just released the 'Unity Remote' a simple application for your iPod, iPad or iPhone and a receiver for your digital devices, that will basically turn your iPhone etc. into a universal remote. So what's so unique about this one is that it unlike most other iPhone remote apps is that the Unity remote is capable of connecting up to just about everything, or so they say anyways. But it is almost definitely able to connect to TV's, HiFi's, Blu-ray players, and digital TV boxes. But basically anything with an inferred receiver.

With this day and age, most people own at least one apple product (and quite frankly you can't blame them) so this new gadget is a fantastic product. As many  a times have I been sitting on the couch watching TV, and for some reason the TV remote always seems to be quite a distance away, unlike my iPhone which never seems to leave my side. So this truly is an awesome gadget, cause hey, I would be stoked to be have an app that would just let me change channels, but to have one capable of controlling my DVD player, and surround sound system all with one easy application!

So this all sounds great yea, but how much is this cool gadget set to cost me? And what are the disadvantages because it all sounds a bit too good to be true at this point? Well the Unity Remote works in two parts, first the application must be purchased from the apple store (don't worry its Free), but… there's always a but… the digital receiver is set to cost you around $99 from the amazon online store. However if you are using an iPhone I would recommend getting a bigger battery because the remote app does seem to chew through it but apart from that the Unity remote is definitely an awesome gadget. 

Spice Popcorn Projector M-9000 Mobile Phone

Spice Popcorn Projector M-9000 Mobile Phone

Mobile company Spice, has recently released their concept work of their new mobile phone. 'Ohh wow, big deal!' you might be saying, but this new mobile is unlike any other of its kind. No, this mobile has a built in projector that is capable of projecting images from the mobile to any flat surface, anywhere. Normally a phone capable of doing this would only exist in movies , but thanks to todays technology gadgets such as these are able to exist. So here it Is the new Spice Popcorn Projector M-9000 Mobile Phone.

This a great concept that has plenty of potential, but for the first of its kind spice has done a really good job. So far the handset is said to be capable of projecting images from a short distance, but the handset is also capable of tap into FM radio, and even live television providing you attach the mobile TV antenna, and of course a document viewer that is able to view through simple documents. But definitely not able to modify any Word documents or Excel spread sheets.

The handset also comes equipped with a 2.4" VGA display, and 3.2 Megapixel camera. And is capable of viewing live streaming content, or display content stored on the memory card. (capable of storing up to 16gb) it even has a duel sim card slot to support two sim cards at once. Other features include, remote control for PC via Bluetooth. So how much is this cool and wacky gadget set to cost? The handset is set to cost approximately $155  and will be available in Australian stores,  on the 24th March 2011.

Apple iPad 2

Apple iPad 2

On the 25th of March 2011 the new iPad 2 is set to be released. And is set to impress with many upgrades and improvements to the old iPad to create the world’s number 1 touch tablet on the market to date. Since the last iPad the Graphics have been dramatically upgraded, as well as the processor, but that’s only the start as the list goes on and on.

If you haven't own an iPad or had a real chance to use one then you will be in for a big surprise. The Apple iPad definitely has plenty to offer, as the iPad is the fastest, and best quality touch tablet on the market. But basically the iPad is your life in your fingertips, you can browse through your music, watch movies on the New LED back light display, read books and magazines, type emails and documents, browse photos, surf the net through WiFi or through the 3G network, or even use it as a GPS, gaming console or pretty much anything these days.

You might be thinking by this point Wow! So how can something so small (241.2x185.7x8.8 in fact) and thin do so so much. Well the iPad 2 runs on the worlds most advanced mobile operating system in the world, which means what to you? Well basically it means that it has the best of the best software that is very simple to use so that anyone of any age can learn to master the iPad in a matter of time. And because it is a full touch screen it means that there is absolutely no need for any sort of keyboard or mouse (however you can get one of you like) which adds to its portability and simplicity.

The iPad also runs on an incredibly fast processor so that you can do twice the work in half the time, so there is no waiting for it to start up or open the browser while you wonder off and grab a coffee while you wait. But on top of this the iPad has a new set of graphics that is now 9x faster than before to make any games, photos, movies, or videos you can edit in the iMovie application appear much much clearer and smoother.

Other new editions to the New iPad is the awesome new magnetic case that magnetically attaches to your iPad and is simple to use and easily accessible so there is not fiddling around trying to wiggle your iPad out of its case. But the new case, once opened up, folds over onto the back and be folds into a stand for the iPad to sit on so that it is much simpler and comfortable to type on. As well as this the iPad even though its is 33% thinner than the first model it still has its very impressive 10 hours of battery life, that seems to last for absolutely AGES.

So all in all the iPad is an awesome gadget to purchase as a mobile computer for on the road, at school/university or at home or even work. With live easy access to the internet from just about anywhere in the world you are never really disconnected from the rest of the world weather you are in the middle of the city or out in the middle of nowhere, lost its easy to access the GPS apps to navigate your way home, keep up to date with the world and so much more.