Touch Screen TV
A research and development team in Taiwan has developed the technology that can convert your television in to a touch screen device. The possibilities are endless, as turning a plain display in to a multi-touch device is no mean feat. The device consists of two sensors, one on the top corner and the other at the bottom corner. The sensors can detect the movement of the fingers on the screen, thereby allowing the user to interact with the display just like a touch screen device. It can also detect multi- touch gesture and hence zoom is also possible. I can see this being especially useful in the office environment where a touch screen would be helpful for presentations etc, but the cost of a fully fledged touch screen is just not justifiable.
Electree – Design Device Charger
The electree seems to be the perfect accessory suited to meet, albeit in a small way, the insatiable demand for energy that our growing roster of electronics require. Not only does it fulfill this practical purpose, but it does so as a beautifully designed modern sculpture which imitates a bonsai tree. This is achieved by the fact that the leaves of the “tree” are small photovoltaic panels.
As such the sculpture allows you to recharge your mobile devices through the power of light. It is delivered in modules that allow you to mix and match, allowing you to create a tree that is uniquely your own. Coming equipped with 27 cells it gives a total surface area of 1,400cm².
You can find out more from the electree website.
Skype Video Calling for iPhone
Skype has just announced the addition of video calling for the iPhone Skype app. The app has been updated and is a very popular free app in the Apple App Store, working on the the iPhone, iPad and iPod devices which connect over WiFi or 3G connections. The front and rear camera on the iPhone 4 makes this a great tool for conducting business calls on your iPhone.
Is it better than Apple’s FaceTime? Facetime requires a WiFi connection, but Skype supports Skype to Skype video calls over both WiFi and 3G, and works equally well over both connections. FaceTime also requires that both parties be on an iPhone, but Skype only needs a Skype account, allowing you to connect with desktop users along with your iPhone friends. What are your views on the new Skype app?
Stresswatch Tells You When To Relax
The stresswatch is still a concept device, but it certainly looks like something everybody wouldn’t mind receiving as a gift, especially in an office environment where stress levels are high. This watch will have an indicator to display your stress levels, probably by reading your pulse, body heat or whatever else gives away your stress levels, though we doubt it can read your facial expressions. Oh, let’s not forget its most important feature – it also tells the time. Now we only have to wait for this concept to turn into reality.
Airplane USB Hub
Forget about the Cannon USB Hub – here’s something else that will theoretically (in real life anyways) cause much more damage in terms of payload – the Airplane USB hub. Strangely enough, the Airplane USB hub also sports the same archaic USB 1.1 ports as found on the Cannon hub, although plugging in a USB device will result in a fun airplane sound effect. The propeller also doubles up as a fan to help keep you cool when plugged in, assuming the A/C breaks down at the office. You can pick up the Airplane USB Hub for $14.
Calendar Tape
This Calendar Tape is ideal for sticking on to anything and acts as your calendar, diary, organiser and planner. Each pack contains 2 rolls of tape. The first roll has blanks for the year and month along with 1 – 31 days. The second roll has the days of the week on it so you can match them up accurately with what’s the day of the week associates to the date. Crazy but cool idea!
- Place a calendar anywhere you want
- Easily create any day and date combination
- Spaces for year, month, day of week
- Includes: 1 roll of days, 1 roll of dates, marker pen
- Dimensions: 3″ wide and 1/2″ wide
More info: ThinkGeek.com