That’s right. Pretty soon, computer users will soon have an potentially uninterrupted wireless connection thanks to the use of light emitting diodes (LEDS) as both lighting fixtures and wifi access points. The idea, funded by an $18.5m grant from the US National Science Foundation, is being studied by researchers of Boston University is essentially that because LEDs run so cool, and use so little power, that the remaining signal used by the LED for power can also be used as conduit for wireless access points.

And it’ll be pretty fast too, as data will be able to travel using visible light at up to 10 Mega bytes per second. And the best part is, the technology can be adapted using existing power lines, so there’s not need for investment in an expensive infrastructure.

And it makes a lot of sense. With today’s tech obsessed workers getting more mobile, and with smart phones actually just computer platforms with a cellphone connection, why wouldn’t it? Phone’s like the iPhone not only have cell connections, but also wifi access. More and more manufacturers are starting to see that people want to be more mobile and not chained to their desks. So, if Boston University can get this working, it could revolutionize the corporate workplace.

Hat tip/photo credit – The Giz

Most of these video headsets that we have reported on, like the myvu, are usually designed to take video files off of the iPod and make them a private experience for the viewer. I’ve got to give kudos to the Media Port UP because it is WiFi ready, and allows the user to view files with the Windows Media Player.

So, are we looking at the next stage of mobile computing? No more laptops or netbooks, but surf the web while you’re walking around. Well, it does have a memory of 4 to 8 gigabyte hard drive.

Other specs include 120 minutes of playback time for video, and 270 minutes of playback time for music. The Media Port UP is even designed with some hands-free operation. So when a user moves his or her head, it somehow affects the playing.

Not bad, but does it have to be so ugly? I mean, look at the lady in this picture. I feel like she should be telling me “Resistance is Futile”. Would it have been even more freaky if they designed it to view with two eyes. Right now, you should be able it at the Up Store for about $580.

Source

The one downside of owning an iPod is that every iPod looks shiny and new. No matter what, it looks like current technology, so for those in love with all that is retro it’s not really their style. However, there are cases to hide your iPod and you can also get other accessories to balance it out. Well now JCPenney actually is carrying the Retro Clock Radio with iPod Dock. Which is odd since every iPod dock I’ve ever seen that looks even the slightest bit original has to be found on some random store online.

Unfortunately although their site is based off of their physical stores, they still aren’t selling the dock at their stores. So this also has to be bought online, but at least it’s from a company you likely already know. Plus in the event that you might not like it, you could just drive to your local JCPenney and take it back instead of worrying about paying for return shipping. The dock doesn’t have any exciting speccs, just that of an average dock/alarm/radio. It comes in a cherry finish and is being sold for $79.99.

Source: Gadgettastic

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Seriously now, that thing that you see on the picture here is a jukebox. That’s right, a jukebox. Our digital society really doesn’t have any use for the traditional jukebox, unless you have the Xi Jukebox that we reported on a while ago.

This IntelliTunes Digital Jukebox is not designed for playing small LPs or CDs. No, it is designed to network (presumably wirelessly) to your computer to load whatever tunes you wish to play.

Once all the tunes are there, you can control them via remote control. The IntelliTunes Digital Jukebox has two screens of interface. One screen is for the actual selection of tracks, and the other is for animation while the tunes are playing.

Well, this could be the end of traditional jukeboxes as we know it. However, it has been a while since I’ve seen a traditional jukebox, so perhaps the end has already come. Still, I like the idea of every home having one of these jukeboxes on their wall, but most people already have their tunes on their iPod or whatever MP3 Player that they are sporting.

So, it appears the IntelliTunes Digital Jukebox is made for the household, but there is no word on the release date or price.

Source

Tags: designer glasses, eyewear, glasses, Pearle Vision, Sarah Palin, SNL, Tina Fey, vice president, VP

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Tags: blackberry, boy genius report, media sync for mac

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The final winner is the SL2 Survival Tool, so congratulations to Gaj-It on their return to winning ways.

The SL2 Survival Tool is a super-tough, compact and lightweight tool that is indispensable for anyone who’s into camping, fishing or hiking, and is an upgrade from our popular SL3.

As well as its sturdy little black and serrated locking ‘A’ grade blade, it comes with a remarkable firesteel (developed by the small, but, no doubt, perfectly formed, Swedish Defense Department) which will light fires with ease even in the wet - it produces an astonishing 3,000°C hot spark. The handle of the firesteel contains a small but powerful waterproof torch, and in the body of the SL2 is a piercing rescue whistle, as well as a handy belt clip. The SL Series Survival Tools make you wonder how anyone survived without them.

Pushed into second place by a solitary vote was the COM-BAT Spy Plane.

The COM-BAT is designed to provide short-term but real-time surveillance and feedback to soldiers in urban combat zones using a collection of sight, sound and smell sensors while running on 1 W of power. The Army is hoping that the spy plane could scavenge power from vibrations, wind and of course the sun, which the University of Michigan has a particular expertise in. The robot they believe is “to be 1,000 times smaller and more energy efficient than systems being used now.”

Well done Eco Talks, you were so close.

Shining into third place we have the Wicked Lasers Torchlight

There something always has been alluring about the lasers, perhaps it’s the idea of a futuristic society and a futuristic way of perpetuating violence, that makes us fall in love with lasers. However, this time it is a laser flashlight brought to you by Wicked Lasers, which can even burn paper easily

Well done Gadgets Blog.

Thanks again to all voters, commentators and submissions (if you wish to be included in this weeks contest submit your story by Thursday (instructions)).

The randomly drawn $50 Amazon voucher for commenting goes to Kris, congrats. The voucher for telling a friend about the contest goes to Dipesh. Massive thanks again to everybody taking the time vote, comment and for spreading the word.

USB drives are usually far from having an earthy appeal.  However, these new Mahjong flash drives are exactly that.  Yes, it is still just a USB drive, but if it’s something you carry around a lot you might as well pay a few extra dollars (within reason) to have something that reflects your personal style.  After all, if it’s out of your price range it’s really not going to matter if it does look perfect for you.  Nobody likes those silly designer drives and their overly expensive prices that no common human being could ever afford.

The drives come in two different wood styles and then the option of either 8GB or 16GB.  Then you can flip through and find which designs to place onto the drive.  You can also have your name engraved onto the drive.  Sadly this is one of those annoying products that although it is very cool, it is very expensive.  It is currently sold for $400 just depending on what size you grab.

Source: GeekyGadgets

The Crammer handheld is a great replacement for tons of books, tipping the scales at just 4.6 ounces. Despite its diminutive size, it is able to navigate through over 16,000 mathematics, social studies and science quiz questions based on leading school textbooks. All a student needs to do is connect the Crammer device to their PC or Mac and start consolidating all the content on the handheld. Students also have the choice to create thousands upon thousands of digital flash cards for virtually any subject online for a portable study session. There is an integrated 10,000 word Spanish translator that will auto-populate Spanish-to-English and English-to-Spanish flash cards while providing even audio pronunciation for each Spanish word.

The Crammer also comes with 1GB of memory that is able to store up to 10 hours of audio. You will be able to download new content via LeapFrog’s proprietary online resource known as the LeapFrog Learning Path. Parents who are thinking of picking up the Crammer will be able to do so for just $59.99, which is much cheaper than a handheld console and will definitely aid kids in their studies using a much more technologically advanced manner instead of poring over tome after tome.

Product Page via Press Release