This new Nokia X3 Touch & Type is an interesting development, which could create a whole new dynamic to the mobile phone world. The product melds a small touchscreen with a standard phone keypad, to let people send text messages and the like as they do normally, while using the touchscreen for navigation and things like browsing. It’s interesting because at the suggested price point of €125.00, it’s firmly in the cheap/free phone camp, while offering a good slice of…
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MP3 Speed – freeware alters MP3 audio tempo or pitch for easier listening
MP3 Speed is a freeware program which lets you alter the tempo and/or pitch of your MP3 audio files at will. Why? Well for one thing you can use it to speed up an audiobook and listen to it faster, while still keeping it intelligible. Also there are music tracks which just plain sound better slooowed down. Hah! Nice little utility, and very fast. MP3 Speed is a freeware which changes the speed of mp3 files. # Modify MP3 speed changing…
Read MoreGog – cool retro games, priced to go
Gog (Good Old Games) has repackaged a shed load of the old classic windows computer games and are now selling them, without DRM, at low low prices. We’re talking awesome titles like MDK, MYST, Silent Hunter, the Space Quest series Duke Nukem 3D et al. Oh yes, the yoof may mock the grafiks, but there’s some awesome gameplay out there from the past, and it’s great to see it getting a new lease of life at the $5.00 price point. What’s more they’re…
Read MoreGenerate Data – dummy data generator for all
Generate Data dot com is a very cool little online app (or free open source downloadable program) which lets you create dummy data for whatever you want. It can deliver HTML, Excel, CSV, SQL and XML formatted data in international formats, for download and import. It gives you a nice set of data choices to use, from name, email, dummy address to random words/phrases and incremental numbers, which should cover just about every generic need. If you do web development…
Read MoreThe Little Helper Needle Threader – just what the (eye) doctor ordered
Sewing may be a fast-vanishing art, but for those who enjoy it, threading a needle is about to get both easier and more stylish. The Little Helper puts a magnifying glass smack in the middle of the thread spool to help make slipping that thread through the eye simpler than ever. Even if you have good eyesight, you’ll appreciate this handy device. No more squinting and struggling to catch the eye of the needle or trying to hold a small…
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Machinarium – Get this game today, quick!
Machinarium popped up on Ars a couple of weeks ago. The creators had been having trouble with people pirating their DRM-free game and decided to have a pirate amnesty and sell the game for US$5 instead of US$20. Anyway, the pirate amnesty ends today, so chip in your $5 and go and grab a copy, it’s fantastic! Mac and PC only. Thanks to everyone who bought the game, no matter if it was during the sale or before, no matter…
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Neato XV-11 Robot Vacuum Cleaner – new laser powered cleaner avoids chairs and sleeping guests
This Neato XV-11 Robot Vacuum Cleaner was the toast of the CES consumer electronics show this year and is now about to ship to customers. What makes it special is the use of a clever laser navigation system which is supposed to ensure the thing avoids obstacles like drunk policemen on your floor and stuff. It also can be programmed to start cleaning at certain times, will clean multiple rooms in a row (returning for a mid clean charge if necessary) and…
Read MoreRadio Bookmark – bookmark public radio stories you enjoy
The Radio Bookmark is a clever little gizmo which lets you ‘bookmark’ stories and music aired on US public radio shows that you would like to listen to again later. The device is not an audio recorder, but a date stamp tool. When you hear a song you want to remember, or you have to switch off in the middle of a cool chat show segment, just hit the yellow button. The product will log the date and time, so when…
Read MoreS3 Spyder Arctic III Blue Laser – friend or foe?
Question: when does a consumer marketed laser product become a potential weapon? Answer: probably when it’s an S3 Spyder Arctic III Blue Laser which is up to 4000% brighter than conventional handheld laser. Yes, this is more of a light saber than even the design would suggest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-SduY4A2kE Warning: Extremely dangerous is an understatement to 1W of laser power. At close range, this Class 4 beam will cause immediate and irreversable retinal damage. Use with extreme caution and use only when wearing…
Read MoreBroken Screw Extractor Kit – useful little DIY tool could get you out of trouble
This Broken Screw Extractor Kit is one of those ‘back of the tool cupboard’ products which could really come useful at some time. We’ve all had those moments when an old rusty or damaged screw decides it won’t come out, no matter what tricks you use. With this device you simply drill and extract. Bingo. £5.95. Here’s an easy way to remove knurled screws and broken bolts without inflicting further damage. Simply make a small hole in the centre of the broken…
Read MoreCrossLoop – free screen sharing software
CrossLoop is a free screen sharing program which gives a remote person access to your screen for data sharing, technical support or any combination therein. The freeware actually comes with an optional commercial option which gives access to tech experts to help fix your computer, at prices which start at $29.50 a year, and you’ll need to set up a free account at the Crossloop online hub no matter what option you choose. The tech support and remote control features…
Read More$30 Nokia vs $600 iPhone 3GS
Interesting contrast between a $30 Nokia and a $600 iPhone 3GS in the exact same location with the same provider. Smartphone eh? It is black and white: either you have reception or you don’t. Either you can make a call, or you can’t. In my apartment in Rome, where GSM reception is rather marginal, I had to buy a $30 Nokia with a spare mobile number, so people could actually call me. Tags: smartphone, iphone, nokia, $30+nokia+vs+$600+iPhone+3GS, mobile+phone
Read More150 Free Photoshop Plugins – spice up your photography
150 Free Photoshop Plugins. Photoshop is super cool not least because there’s a ton of free plugins around the world which make it even better for image editing. Check out this nice list. Remember there’s a fair few freeware image editors which can use Photoshop plugins (like Virtual Studio). How to install Photoshop plug-ins? Photoshop plug-ins are .8bf files. After downloading a plug-in, simply place it in the presets>plug-ins folder of the Photoshop’s installation folder (creating a folder with a…
Read MoreWireless Audio Visual Intercom – Hands on with the Ninja doorbell
Video door phones are nothing new but with wireless video now da rigueur, adding them to your home is extremely cheap and easy. This Wireless Audio Visual Intercom is a low-cost option that not only gives you a wireless setup, but adds flexibility so that you can move the base station around to wherever you are in the house or backyard. Click through to take a look.
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Ferret posts this week
Here’s a quick round-up of Red Ferret posts from the past week for those who missed them. Enjoy. Deviant Art Muro – super cool art tool – The new free Deviant Art Muro… English Channel Pedal Boat – yet more crazy Brit nautical nonsense – You’re tired of life, try one of… Money Testing Magnifying Glass – helping elderly eyes keep up – A Money Testing Magnifying Glass… Google Android Memory Stick – having fun with peripherals – This Google Android…
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