We’ve got to admit to being a tad confused by all this retro rush back to yesterday, especially when it comes to things like mobile phones. The whole point of a ‘mobile’ phone is the fact that it’s…well…mobile, right? So what’s with all the accessories which try and make the things less mobile? Are we missing something here?
Read MoreMonthly Archives: September 2013
The Nube transforms a hammock into a covered shelter
Even though summer is over, there’s plenty of great camping weather still to come. Finding a way to keep yourself and your gear covered when needed is a great plus. The Nube (pronounced “new-bay”), from Sierra Madre Research, attaches to any camping hammock and turns it into an enclosed shelter. A series of suspension lines connect to surrounding trees and the ground keep the top waterproof layer taut, creating a barrier against wind and rain. If no trees are available,…
Read MoreLogitech Harmony Smart Control – taking the universal remote control to its logical limits
Universal remote controls for televisions and home entertainment systems are nothing new, and nor is the fact that they are pretty tricky beasts. The worst of them are a pig to install and work sporadically, while the best models are typically extremely expensive which makes them something of a luxury purchase.
Read MorePlotagon – write a story, make a movie and have more fun than you can imagine
One of the interesting things about tech is how easily it can be adapted to different needs. You want a navigation system? Here’s GPS. You need an orchestra? Here’s a synthesizer and sequencer. Now this inexorable march is starting to move towards automating the entertainment industry.
Read MoreA Day in Dots – graphical clock tells the hour one dot at a time
Did you know there are 86,400 seconds in every 24 hour day? No we neither. It’s probably as surprising as learning that the average lifespan is just 28,000 days, which doesn’t seem like an awful lot of time to get it all done, does it? No wonder we rush around like loonies trying to cram it all in. Anyway for those of you with a yen for this sort of thing, here’s a little toy.
Read MorePolar RC3 GPS Sports Watch – track your training on foot and on bike
Nowadays it doesn’t matter whether you’re running or riding, the urge is to track what’s happening and not just do a bit of passive exercise. There’s all sorts of tools you can use of course, and the advent of smartphones has made it even easier, but there’s still a big demand for something which can be worn on the wrist to give instant feedback as you go.
Read MoreLikebook – turn your Facebook life into a book and impress people muchly
Everyone and his dog seems to be on Facebook nowadays. It’s great for staying up to date with remote relatives, friends and prospective crushes, and despite all the privacy hoo-ha, people love that connection it seems. But one thing about the online digital world is the fact that data can disappear in the blink of an eye. Which could be upsetting right?
Read MoreSearch Tempest – turbocharged classified ads search engine turns you into a Craigslist Ninja
Hunting around for stuff online can be pretty hard work, especially when you’re trying trawl through classified ads for jobs, tools or any other thing you need. The major sites like Craigslist offer comprehensive coverage, but the interface is not exactly great, while other services like eBay again make it tricky to browse through large numbers of ads in your area.
Read MoreAll in One Translator Mouse – scans, translates, edits and OCR
This may look like an ordinary, grow in the garden, vanilla variety mouse, but it’s not. Oh no sirree. In fact this computer accessory is a cleverly disguised robot designed to look like something familiar, while it waits for orders from its alien controllers lurking on a space craft hidden behind the moon. No wait, wrong press release.
Read MoreDevice Doctor – free Windows program keeps your computer drivers up to date and humming [Freeware]
The dirty little secret of Windows is that most problems and error messages you get, including the rather horrible blue screen of d.e.a.t.h come from broken, corrupted or missing drivers. All of which can be prevented if you maintain a healthy relationship with your machine and keep the drivers checked and updated regularly.
Read MoreCloudconvert – convert anything to anything
It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, at some point you’re going to need to convert a file from one format to another. It might be Word to PDF, WAV to MP3 or any other of a large number of permutations, but you will have a need. Really. And while there are a selection of services which can offer this service, it’s always useful to have other options available.
Read MoreKlipy Cake Divider – now everyone can have their cake and eat it too
Everyone likes cake, right? Right? But what’s the one huge headache about getting the delectable stuff from the plate directly to your mouth without passing go? We’ll tell you what. Making sure that everyone gets the EXACT same sized piece. Otherwise it’s Just. Not. Fair. (now, now…).
Read MoreRed Ferret Spy Master Giveaway Reminder – shh…don’t forget you could win a secret camera right here
Just in case you’re forgotten, we’re into the final week of our awesome Spy Master Giveaway. That’s right we’re giving away a most excellent high resolution Spy Pen Camera just like they use in those movies. You know, the ones with Daniel Cruise or Matt Affleck or whoever.
Read MoreDIY Mini Strandbeest – create your own wind walking creature and enjoy
Anyone who’s ever seen the amazing walking beach creatures – or kinetic sculptures – of Dutch artist Theo Jansen, will know how incredible they are. We actually first featured them way back in 2002. If you haven’t already seen them, take a trip to this YouTube video and spend some time being amazed. Back again? Good.
Read MoreThe Met Police Little Book of Big Scams – how to spot if someone’s trying to take you for a ride [Freeware]
There are quite a few naughty people about, who are anxious to part us from our money as quickly and as illegally as they can. The obvious ones come at you full frontal, while the subtle ones will fleece you swiftly and cleanly without you knowing a thing about it. Fraudsters like this are everywhere, so it’s good to see that the Met Police (aka in polite society as London’s Finest) has produced a 36 page ebook outlining some very…
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