[MobileRatty] tag: child

Night Before Christmas shade for Tiffany lamps

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:42:59 +0000

The stained glass Tiffany Lamp has remained consistently popular for the last hundred years: I believe I was first introduced to the concept of art nouveau by having to dust one at my grandmother's house as a child. I wish that lamp had this sepulchral Jack Skellington shade placed as a noggin on top: I might have actually paid attention to my grandmother's art lesson instead of just rolling my eyes.

Jack Skellington Tiffany Shade [Wicked Cool Stuff via Nerd Approved]

A Lesson in Gadget Product Placement, Courtesy of Scooter Smiff [Product Placement]

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:02:41 +0000

Moderately musical little person Scooter Smiff has helpfully demonstrated, point by point, how not to endorse gadgets in your music video.

1. Get a company's flagship phone
I understand that Scooter Smiff's audience is probably as young as he is and doesn't buy many massive smartphones, but if you've got to shill for a BlackBerry, hope it's not the Pearl Flip. Matt—notably a gadget blogger, not a rapper—said it was kind of uncool, looked inconsistent, and even called it a "fatass". Next time beg for a Storm, or at least a Bold.

2. Don't include an incredibly boring product
So imagine you're a tween, just browsing YouTube, and you notice Scooter Smiff's teacher grading (UPDATE: fabricating, more like. Scandal!) his paper on an HP Touchsmart PC, with her fingers. This is the least exciting thing you've ever seen. It doesn't even make sense in context—it's like HP just edited a few seconds of their press materials into the video. Same goes for the inexplicable printer cameo.

3. Refrain from using devices that make you look even more like a child
Riding a miniaturized Cadillac Escalade will not help you look older, and will probably make those few people who actually have a toy like that return it as fast as they can drive it back to Sotheby's. See also: catcalling obviously older girls.

This song might not be as embarrassing as the iPhone's prominent role in a certain inauspiciously-named (and NSFW) track from earlier this year, but a different difference here, and an important one, is that HP and BlackBerry actually wished this on themselves. [CrackBerry]

Bellysonic Speaker Pouch

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:35:38 +0000

We’ve seen childcare experts claim that babies are able to respond to external stimuli well even when they’re in the womb, so for parents who think that their kid is going to be the Next Big Thing in the world (most parents do anyways), they’ll go all out to bombard the kid with genius music from Mozart while the little one is still busy bubbling within the womb. Instead of placing a set of headphones across the swollen abdominal area of mummy, why not pick up the Bellysonic Speaker Pouch? This device is worn loosely around the belly for easy movement, and it is made from organic material to prevent untoward allergic reactions. In addition, it helps both mom and child relax with soothing music, thanks to the inclusion of a sound splitter. You can pick up the Bellysonic Speaker Pouch for $79.95.

Product Page via ChipChick

Funde Razor SF Event on December 10 (Be There! Win Prizes!) [Announcements]

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:56:01 +0000

This year Gizmodo (along with Kotaku and Boing Boing Gadgets) is going to be hosting a Funde Razor event in San Francisco. What's Funde Razor?

It's a chance of you to help raise money for the Penny Arcade Child's Play Charity by going to an event, playing Rock Band and drinking alcohol. Sound good? You'll also get to hang out with some Giz folks, such as Adrian and myself, so you won't want to miss it. We'll be at the San Francisco event, but if you're in Denver or NY and want to attend the other ones, feel free! It's for a good cause. Oh, and there are also door prizes, such as a Chumby, Xboxes, Zunes, Xbox games, and LEGO. Thanks to the respective sponsors who made this possible! [Funde Razor]

U-Dance

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:19:31 +0000

hange your living room into a music-filled dance floor with Tiger Electronics' U-Dance motion-based dance game. This high-energy dance game challenges kids ages 8 and over to follow fast-paced dance moves that are set to a variety of fun, upbeat songs. Whether they're practicing in the Lounge, warming up in the Workout area, or struttin' their stuff on the Dance Floor, this entertaining game will get the whole family moving!
Tiger Electronics' U-Dance interactive video game encourages your child to get off the couch and practice real dance moves like sweeps, jumps, slides, and crossovers without the need for a mat or any other game controller. Instead, the U-Dance uses lightweight Motion Tags that slip over your child's shoes. The reflective surface on the Motion Tags is read by the Motion Tower placed next to your television and follows the movements of your child's feet.

Product Features:
- U-Dance is the latest innovation in dance gaming. Become your own game controller with this incredible, motion-sensing dance system! Simply plug the console into your television (not included), attach the wireless foot tags to your feet and groove to your
- Bust a move to some of today's most popular hit songs, performing real dance moves, like steps, slides and jumps. Rock out without the confines of a dance mat or game controller. You are the controller! There's no mat to step on and nothing to hold.
- As you dance virtual footprints appear on your TV screen, mirroring your every step. Follow the beat of the music and you decide the pace and level of difficulty.
- Dance on your own or challenge a friend to a dynamic dance-off! Need to take a break? Stop by the "lounge" for a quick-steppin' game or jump on the treadmill game and add a great workout to your dance routine!
- 12 popular dance songs are included. With fast paced graphics and cool dance venues that you can discover, this is one game that's sure to keep you on your toes! Game tower comes with connection cords and 2 attachable foot tags.

Customer feedback:

1. This game rocks. It tracks your feet like magic--however you move, that's what you see on the screen. The dancing starts easy, and gets really tough on the hard levels. It really gets you dancing, even someone like me who can't dance at all. We've tried Dance Dance Revolution, but that doesn't feel at ALL like dancing, this one really does feel like dancing. You actually need to sweep your feet, jump, cross...My 7 year old loves it, and it's also really great exercise, it got me sweating. Even my 4 year old can play one of the games that comes with it (the funny lizard one). The song selection is great too--there are new songs I don't know (yes, I'm a Dad), but some great older songs like ABC (Jackson 5). I would never spend the money on a Wii, but this is totally worth it. It takes a little bit to really get used to the menus, but once you do it's totally intuitive. When we hit the rainy season, this is going to be a great way to keep the kids exercising (without them knowing it...)

2. The Good:
Udance is great for creativity; I love the idea of no dancemat, and the tracking is quite good, since they censors are on your shoes, and you can do more steps (such as sidestep, slide, etc).
There are several original songs, and the celebrity endorsement by Chris Brown can vouch for those original hits and the game's quality.
It's easy to set up.
The sales are doing very well, vouching for this game's success.

The Bad:
While there are some original songs, others are not.
There is a total of twelve songs on this game. (For comparison, DDR has around 60-75 songs a game.)

Good or Bad:
Since this game is it's own system; you will have to have this device taking up lots of space for only one game (as far as we know at the moment), but you also don't need another system to play it.
Three levels of play; no more, no less.

EyeClops BioniCam

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:19:28 +0000

The EyeClops BioniCam Video Microscope from JAKKS Pacific opens up a world of microscopic fun for kids to explore. This bionic eye makes it easy to take digital pictures and capture video that documents new discoveries. Designed to keep inquisitive children aged eight and up entertained and interested in the world around them, the BioniCam is also engaging enough to captive adults.
To get started, simply insert five AA batteries (not included) into the belt clip battery pack, insert the included USB memory stick into the top of the BioniCam, and turn the unit on. With the camera's ergonomically shaped handle in one hand, you can focus on any number of everyday objects--such as coins, fabric, your pet's fur, or your own hair and skin. The magnified images appear in real time and full color on the LCD screen. Below the screen, you'll find easy to use buttons that allow you to navigate the menu, select video or photo options, review your gallery, and delete unwanted images.
A zoom dial offers either 100x, 200x or 400x magnification. To focus an image, twist the I.R.I.S. lens attachment until you achieve the results you're looking for. Getting a crisp image takes a little patience at first, especially at the highest magnification. But with practice and with the help of the easy-to-read focusing gauge, you'll be focusing the lens in no time.

Product Features:
- The Bionic Cam Boasting is the next generation of the award winning Bionic Eye, with a full color LCD screen, Multiple lenses and battery pack, Everyone can take EyeClops on the go explore the world around you indoor and outdoors
- Use the LCD screen as a viewfinder for specimens, zoom in with one of three powerful new magnifications (100x, 200x and an eye popping 400x) and take digital pictures and video of your amazing discoveries, and send around the world via the internet.
- Save and share your findings with the built-in flash drive and removable USB key – view on any standard television and upload your files to your PC to email and send to friends USB Key included
- Portable and recordable, the EyeClops BioniCam is the ultimate Bionic Eye

Customer feedback:

1. If they would have had this thing when I was a kid (a few decades back), I would have gone crazy with it. It is a TOY, not a real scientific instrument, but it's the kind of toy that can good and truly make a kid fall in love with science. It turns the world into a puzzle--What would that thing look like if I were the size of an ant? It offers the ability to capture and share images, and compare them with each other. This little device is flawed--I wish it were a little bit easier to use, the instructions could be more comprehensive and easy to understand, and I've only had it for two days so I can't vouch for its durability but suspect considerable care will be required to protect it--but for an 8- to 14-year-old child, this is a portal into interesting worlds, and a possible introduction to science and nature that could result in a lifelong appreciation of discovery. I don't want to praise it too much or someone could order it and be disappointed that it's not more than advertised, but I just want to get across the point that, limitations and all, I found the thing to be pretty delightful.

2. The good..
once you get a resolution focused you can see light objects fairly well.

The bad...
Lighting is very poor. the very small leds make any darker material impossible to see.
Very hard to focus, need to turn the entire front of the housing, can't do it "on the fly"
Changing magnification requires refocusing.

EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:19:21 +0000

Enjoy the thrill of real night vision technology with EyeClops Night Vision stealth goggles! These super stealth goggles allow kids ages eight and older to see in absolute darkness using infrared illumination so they can explore the dark landscape around them. These fun goggles are the perfect companion for slumber party sleep-overs or camp-outs.
With the EyeClops Night Vision goggles, your child can explore dark environments with advanced infrared technology. Set-up is easy. Simply insert five AA batteries into the battery pack at the back of the head-set, and slide the power switch to turn on the goggles. Once the screen display lights up inside of the right eye-piece, you can fit the goggles to your child's head by adjusting the soft rubber straps around top and sides.
EyeClops Night Vision goggles come equipped with a hinged, flip-up eye-piece that can be opened when the goggles are turned off, or closed when the goggles are in use. Your child can choose between the maximum surveillance mode which emits a barely-visible ring of red LEDs around the eyepiece so they can see up to 50 feet in absolute darkness, or go for the stealth mode to remain completely invisible while they explore the dark landscape immediately around them. A small switch on the side of the goggle head-set allows them to switch from a black-and-white to a green screen display.

Product Features:
- Eyeclops night vision provides kids young and old with an authentic night vision experience like never before
- Powered by actual infra-red driven night vision technology, EyeClops Night Vision enables clear visibility up to 50 feet in even complete, pitch dark environments
- Conduct covert operations in your backyard, investigate nocturnal activities in your house and take games like hide n’ seek to a whole new level
- See up to 50' in complete darkness
- Eyeclops night vision lets you see in complete darkness

Customer feedback:

1. It's actually really, exceedingly cool provided you do not attempt to use them to navigate. For example, go get a toilet paper roll. Close your left eye. Hold the roll up to your right eye and start walking around. This is identical to the experience you will have with these goggles: VERY narrow field of vision in one eye.
That said, they do what they say and the construction seems pretty rugged and kid-friendly. You'll need a phillips head screwdriver to get the batteries in and out. The whole thing is basically made of rubber it looks like it could survive a bit of rough handling. If you look at the picture of the item, the big thing in the middle is the camera, surrounded by some high powered infra-red LEDs. Those can be switched on or off. When on, they visually glow a dull red but act as a floodlight for the camera. In front of the right eye you have another bank of lower powered LEDs which do not glow when on and act as a lower-powered light source for the camera. This lets you switch between "stealth" (no glow, lower visibility) mode and "observation" (slight glow, higher visibility) mode. The left eye is covered with a simple plastic cover which is on a hinge and can be opened for a source of "normal" vision.

2. When I heard that the EyeClops Stealth Googles use real night vision technology, I thought, "I wish they had that when I was a kid!" I envisioned running around in the darkness, playing tag or Capture the Flag, and being able to see exactly where I was going. While this toy does indeed work as advertised, any kid running with it on is likely to get creamed. I see it more as a "spy in the dark" kind of toy.
The scope is a small square on the right eye, and you get a postage stamp view of the world -- or rather, what the world looks like through a window that small. The detail, within ten to fifteen feet is amazing; any farther than that, and it's difficult to make out what you're seeing. To move through a room, you have to look up and down, back and forth, just to make sure you don't run into anything. The left eye cover can open up, allowing you to see both real and night vision simultaneously, but that only helps if you aren't in complete darkness. And what fun is that? The kids who will love the EyeClops will be those who love the idea of seeing in the dark, who like to squirm around on their bellies like commandos, and who like to pretend that they have super powers. Super active kids, the type who can't stop running around, will be disappointed. This is a stationary or slow walk toy only. But it's still really, really cool.

Yahoo! Reviews A Year in Search

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:25:00 +0000

Through Billions of Searches in 2008, People Sought to Make Sense of
the World Around Them, Witnessing a Year of Passionate Politics, Olympic
Records, New Celebrities on the Rise and Market Meltdowns

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec 01, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Today Yahoo! Inc (NASDAQ:YHOO) announced the most popular searches, themes, and trends as part of its 2008 Year in Review (yearinreview.yahoo.com), as told through the billions of searches conducted by millions of Yahoo! users around the globe every month.

"Every day, people turn to the web to learn more about the world around them. Their searches reveal which news events, personalities and issues made an impact in 2008," said Heather Cabot, Yahoo! Web Life Editor. "This year people were captivated by the historic U.S. Presidential election and Olympic triumphs. They also closely followed every facet of the economic downturn and enjoyed a little escapism by devouring celebrity gossip and delving into online video games."

The Yahoo! 2008 Year in Review not only presents the top ten searches, but overall themes and popular trends that bubbled to the surface, including the economy, politicians, news stories, Olympians, rising celebrities, influential women, and notable deaths. Also included in this year's review are additional top tens in select areas throughout Yahoo! such as Yahoo! Food, Shine, Tech, Green, Shopping, Travel, Games, Movies, Music, Local, Upcoming, Hot Jobs, most Buzzed-Up stories and clicked-on stories from yahoo.com.

By the Numbers -- Top 10 Overall Searches

1. Britney Spears

2. WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)

3. Barack Obama

4. Miley Cyrus

5. RuneScape

6. Jessica Alba

7. Naruto

8. Lindsay Lohan

9. Angelina Jolie

10. American Idol

Britney Spears has been the most popular search term and person for seven out of eight years. In 2008, she made a comeback with a new album, three MTV Music Awards, a sitcom guest star role and documentary on her rise, fall and career comeback.

Barack Obama was the second most searched for person in 2008. Headlines of his election victory received the most clicks than any other story on yahoo.com this year, and he was the third most searched term overall. Obama soared up the search ranks tremendously as the election campaign moved forward with consumers using Yahoo! Search to get informed, learn more about him and decide how to vote in this critically important election.

This year also marked the coming out party for Miley Cyrus, who discarded her Disney persona of "Hannah Montana" and launched her own album under her real name to make the top five. Jessica Alba's wedding and new baby spurred additional interest for her this year. With success at the box office and new baby pictures, Angelina Jolie continues to be in the public spotlight. Popular entertainment properties also were in demand, including wrestling (WWE), video games (RuneScape), anime (Naruto) and television (American Idol).

Market Meltdowns -- Top 10 Economic Searches

1. IRS Stimulus Checks

2. Oil Prices

3. Gold Prices

4. Gas Prices

5. Dow Jones

6. Sallie Mae

7. Stock Market

8. AIG

9. Foreclosures

10. Debt Consolidation

As 2008 came to a close, the nation's economic turmoil battled with the presidential election for the hearts and wallets of searchers. In February, the Treasury Department announced it would be disbursing stimulus checks to boost economic activity and taxpayers clamored to know if the check was actually in the mail. The fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis hit Wall Street hard in October as the Dow Jones Industrials fell to its lowest point, producing the biggest point drop in the Dow's 112-year history. Gas prices marked the only silver lining, falling sharply late in the year after reaching all-time highs during the summer.

Politics As Unusual -- Top 10 Politician Searches

1. Barack Obama

2. Sarah Palin

3. John McCain

4. Hillary Clinton

5. George Bush

6. Ron Paul

7. John Edwards

8. Mike Huckabee

9. Arnold Schwarzenegger

10. Mitt Romney

It was an election of many firsts. Not only did the U.S. elect an African American president for the first time but 2008 also had a notable campaign by former First Lady and Senator Hillary Clinton, and the first female nominee for Vice President in the Republican Party, Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Other candidates secured their fair share of searches as well. On the other hand, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't involved in the presidential race, but searches for the "Governator" beat Democratic vice presidential pick Joe Biden and Republican candidate Mitt Romney.

News Stories -- Top 10 News Stories

1. Hurricanes

2. Caylee and Casey Anthony

3. Election 2008

4. Pakistan

5. Pregnant Man

6. China

7. Iraq

8. Shelley Malil

9. Patrick Swayze

10. Afghanistan

Natural disasters affected virtually every corner of our planet. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike devastated the southern U.S. and the Caribbean. The fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan continued to be a focus throughout the year. But a few surprises to this list included the human interest stories that captivated the curiosity of the country, such as Caylee Anthony, a missing Florida toddler; the pregnant man who allegedly gave birth to a baby girl; and Patrick Swayze's battle against cancer.

Counting Olympic Gold -- Top 10 Olympian Searches

1. Michael Phelps

2. Leryn Franco

3. Serena Williams

4. Kobe Bryant

5. Shawn Johnson

6. Jennie Finch

7. Misty May Treanor

8. Ronaldinho

9. Alicia Sacramone

10. Nastia Liukin

A worldwide audience couldn't get enough of the Olympics, hungrily hunting down every detail on the characters playing out sports' most marvelously unscripted drama. The Olympics was a nightly epic story, in which Michael Phelps played the ideal leading man, with the mystery of his estranged father breaking the list of most clicked on stories of yahoo.com.

New Brat Pack -- Top 10 Rising Celebrity Searches

1. Miley Cyrus

2. Vanessa Anne Hudgens

3. Chris Brown

4. Jonas Brothers

5. Rihanna

6. Taylor Swift

7. Jamie Lynn Spears

8. Hayden Panettiere

9. Zac Efron

10. Selena Gomez

In 2008, tabloid staples cleaned up their acts due to court-ordered conservatorships (Britney Spears), pledges of sobriety (Lindsay Lohan), and motherhood (Nicole Richie). As a result, celebrity publications and bloggers shifted their focus to a new, younger set of headline makers, the New Brat Pack. Like their 1980s counterparts, the New Brat Pack celebs appear in each other's movies, music videos and social circles. They're all young (21 and under), popular and major money makers. And, their youth subjects them to greater public scrutiny.Disney proteges are coming into their own with huge success, including Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, the Jonas Brothers and Zac Efron.

Breaking The Glass Ceiling -- Top 10 Searched Influential Women

1. Angelina Jolie

2. Sarah Palin

3. Oprah

4. Hillary Clinton

5. Gina Carano

6. Tina Fey

7. Michelle Obama

8. Katie Couric

9. Barbara Walters

10. Dara Torres

Not only were Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton closer than ever to the nation's top elected offices, but many other women were popular among Yahoo! searchers this year. The presidential race fed into a huge rise in popularity for Tina Fey (portraying Sarah Palin on "Saturday Night Live"), Michelle Obama (wife of the President-elect) and Katie Couric (political interviewer and newscaster). Undefeated kickboxing champ Gina Carano also upped her profile in her turn as Crush on "American Gladiators," then later made television history in the first primetime female fight.

Final Farewells -- Top 10 Send-Offs

1. Heath Ledger

2. Bernie Mac

3. Paul Newman

4. Randy Pausch

5. George Carlin

6. Estelle Getty

7. Tim Russert

8. Brad Renfro

9. Isaac Hayes

10. Boyd Coddington

2008 began with the unexpected death of actor Heath Ledger. Ledger's death launched the world into a stunned Search frenzy over the actor who showed promise of being a Hollywood great. His passing renewed searches for 25-year-oldBrad Renfro, a child actor who died in a heroin overdose a week earlier.

To find out more about the Yahoo! 2008 Year in Review go to yearinreview.yahoo.com or search for "2008 Year in Review" on yahoo.com.

About the Yahoo! 2008 Year in Review Methodology

To develop the Yahoo! Year in Review, our editors analyze search queries based upon a number of factors, including absolute volume and growth versus previous periods, to see which themes and trends bubble to the surface. Individual users and their search queries always remain anonymous.

About Yahoo!

Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo! is focused on powering its communities of users, advertisers, publishers, and developers by creating indispensable experiences built on trust. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, visit pressroom.yahoo.com or the company's blog, Yodel Anecdotal.

Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Notebooks Could Run 40 Hours With Power-Saving Displays

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:13:54 +0000

We don't have super batteries yet, but soon we might see ultra-low power displays that could keep a notebook running 20 to 40 hours before needing a charge.

Mary Lou Jepsen, designer of nonprofit One Laptop Per Child's famous green-and-white XO netbook, has plans to ship energy-efficient screens for laptops and e-books in the second half of 2009. Like the XO's screen, the new low-powered displays will be readable under direct sunlight and consume a small fraction of the power of a traditional display.

Battery life has become a prominent issue as the tech industry demands smaller, more powerful gadgets. Manufacturers have been slow to make major strides in improving battery life; the technology has been stagnant in recent years. Therefore, it makes sense that Jepsen is thinking beyond batteries and looking at screens instead.

Jepsen Works to Raise Laptop Battery Life to 20-40 Hours [PC World]

Almost Official: Wikio's Top 20 Update in Two Days

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:11:40 +0000

On Wednesday, Wikio is going to update its Top 20 Tech sites list and we've learned what it will look like. We're glad to see Ubergizmo in there and we thank our readers, fans, friends and fellow bloggers for it.

Many people are familiar with Technorati, but in Europe, Wikio is pretty big. It's a French company, founded by Pierre Chappaz, who also co-founded Kelkoo, which was sold to Yahoo for about half a billion Euros a few years ago.

Wikio's ranking is computed with an obscure mix of information that includes linkbacks but not traffic. The site is mainly a news portal where people can vote. There's also a shopping component - it's a bit as if Google News, Digg and Kelkoo had a child - somehow. Full list after the jump.

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