USB Heated Mug review

Now you can easily warm your coffee or tea with your USB & 12 volt Heated Mug. You can simply use USB Heated Mug’s plug put away into your computers and into your car’s 12V DC power outlet and you can keep a drink warm throughout the day while driving or work in your Computer at your home, car or office. Now you can enjoy your hot coffee or tea whenever you go. It is batter and very comfortable then a USB Mug warmer because the mug has included 12 volt power.


It has a pure stainless steel construction is durable and ensures good insulation while the protective thermostat control maintains a safe temperature. USB Heated Mug is available in two colors one is red and second is blue. You can get more info about USB Heated Mug Here.

Product Information:

Product Name: USB Heated Travel Mug
Item Weight: 2 pounds
Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
Model: PI-198
Brand: Princess International
Size: 16 oz

Price: $19.99

Warranty: 90 Day Excalibur

Product Features:

* Holds up to 16 oz.
* Double stainless-steel construction
* Spill-proof lid
* Comfortable, rubberized handle
* Connects by USB connection (PC or Mac)
* UL approved heat control maintains beverage temperature
* 12V car adapter
* Rubber cap seals input jack for washing
* Fits most drink holders
* Great for Traveling and Everyday Commuting

Product Specification:

* Manufacturer: RoadPro
* SKU: RP19SS
* UPC: 045464233632
* Product Type: Retail

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JVC enters HD pocket video market with 1080p capable PICSIO GC-FM1

With the release of its first pocket camcorder, the Picsio GC-FM1, JVC is no doubt hoping to chip away some of the success enjoyed by the Flip family. On paper JVC's effort appears to be a powerful little device - it produces full 1080p HD video, has 4x digital zoom and an 8Mp still camera. And as it frees the user from the restrictions of internal memory by storing footage on SD/SDHC memory cards.


So how does the latest contender size up to the world's most popular pocket camcorder family? Maybe I would have had a harder time finding huge differences had I compared JVC's offering with Kodak's Zi8 but as Flip rules the roost at the moment, so the Flip it is.


As the Picsio is a high definition camcorder, that would seem a good place to start - whereas the very latest MinoHD and UltraHD models from Flip Video record at 720p HD at 30 frames per second (fps) the Picsio offers full 1080p HD at 30 fps. Knock the recording option down to 720p and the fps increase to 60. VGA 480p and QVGA 240p are also offered as options.


The JVC camera gives the user a choice of HDMI or AV connections for TV output whereas the Flip MinoHD and UltraHD models are HDMI only. Like the Flip models though, the Picsio sports a color two inch viewing screen, outputs via USB 2.0 and records output in MPEG-4/H.264 format with AAC audio. The GC-FM1 also benefits from digital image stabilization and a 4x digital zoom compared to the Cisco brand's 2x digital zoom.

And while the JVC camera benefits from an 8 megapixel still camera (with lower quality/size options available) and a dedicated button-based control interface instead of being menu driven, the Flip models claim a better battery life at two hours for the MinoHD and 2.5 hours for the UltraHD compared to just over an hour and a half for the Picsio.

Both brands offer claimed upload ease but without the benefit of hands-on testing, it's hard to say whether the Flip's Flipshare is preferential to JVC's iTunes and Youtube synchronization.

The internal memory of the Picsio stands at around 34Mb, which is only enough for a few seconds of HD video. So JVC stores the software needed for the PC on the internal memory and has opted for SD/SDHC memory cards to store recorded video or still images.

This might seem a little strange given the choice made by the competition but it actually makes a lot of sense. Memory cards will allow the user to keep on filming when others are scurrying around to find a computer to offload captured video onto (an SDHC card can hold up to 32Gb which should provide enough space for over five hours of full HD video).

In the spec for spec comparison, the JVC Picsio GC-FM1 would appear to have more to offer than the latest HD models from Flip Video. Whether this will be enough to pose any serious threat to the Flip's popularity, only time will tell.

JVC has recommended the retail price for the new pocket camcorder at US$199.95 but this doesn't include the cost of a memory card.

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Fitbit activity monitor keeps tabs on your every move

Fitbit is an activity monitor which conveniently clips to pants, shirt or wristband and pays careful attention to what you are doing. It counts your steps, records distance traveled and tells you how many calories you've burned. When you're not being active it'll record data on how long it takes you to fall asleep, how many times during the night you awoke and how much sleep you actually managed to get.


Go within a few feet of its base station and it will automatically upload the data to a website for subsequent detailed analysis and storage.

The device contains a three dimensional motion sensor not unlike the ones found in a certain popular motion-sensitive games console. The manufacturer describes it as a device that monitors the intensity and duration of your every move and converts it into useful information for later detailed study.


Cyclists and swimmers should note

It's been optimized to be sensitive to walking, running and general pottering around the house. If you're a cyclist you probably won't find it of much use, but the ability to manually enter activity information into the website might be of use in estimating calorie burn for pedal-powered workouts. Swimmers thinking it may be useful should note that although water-resistant, it's not waterproof.


After your daily activities are over, the personal activity monitor will record information about how well (or otherwise) you sleep and can even tell whether you're just lying there looking at the ceiling or actually asleep.


According to the company behind the product it has been designed for "people to get a general sense of their day and get motivation from improvements in their general day to day trends." The pedometer feature is claimed to be between 95-97% accurate, the calorie data is similar to that used in clinical research measurement devices and the sleep monitor gives similar results to polysomnograms found in sleep labs.


Bringing it all together

Once you've purchased your device (which comes with a base station, wristband and belt holster) you'll need to go to the website and download the Windows or Mac compatible synchronization software. After you've signed up for your account, access to all of the data analysis tools on the website is free. It should be noted that examining your activity information can only be done online - there's no stand-alone application to download.


The Fitbit will last about ten days before it needs recharging and it will store about seven days worth of data before needing to upload to the website. But uploading is fully automatic, all you need to do is walk within 15 feet of the included base station and your activity information is sent wirelessly to the website (provided the computer to which the base station is connected also has access to the internet of course).

Available now

As each device has its own unique ID, multiple users in the same household can upload individual information via a single base station. The Fitbit can be ordered now for US$109 (incl shipping) and, at this time, is only available in the US. At the time of writing, the company is currently filling back orders and will be unable to ship new orders until the end of October but customers won't be charged until their device has been sent.

A final word of caution (perhaps). Your uploaded data will only be available for you to look at (see privacy policy) but there is an option to participate in collaborative exercises - so be careful to make sure that your bedroom activity whilst wearing the device is limited to sleep, or friends and family might inadvertently find out what you've been up to!

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Blue Microphones Eyeball USB Webcam – 2-in-1

Blue Microphones Eyeball USB Webcam is a very particular aesthetic which already makes it clear what is its primary function. More than a video camera with a good microphone also incorporates a sensor to capture images!


Blue Microphones Eyeball USB it seems like a great microphone with a small side component that then is the eye that sees all and all records. The recording quality of the voice is chatting in VoIP HD for the highest quality, then even if you turn the webcam.


The condenser mic is from 35 Hz to 20 kHz, to capture every nuance of the voice dubbing is also ideal for short films or videos to professional quality. The installation is not required because it is just plug into the USB port on your Mac or PC and the operation is immediate. Here is a videopreview recorded with the same Blue Microphones Eyeball USB.

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Sony Expands S-Series Walkman Further With S640, S740 Series

Sony has confirmed our additional S-Series leak we posted recently with the introduction of the new NW-S640 (left) and NW-S740 (right) Walkman music players. These Walkman both have a 2.0 inch LCD, and the for the first time this generation the ability to output its display to TV at 720×480 (SD) resolution.


One of the major features of the S740 series is noise canceling (non-digital), while both have expected things such as FM radio, Clear bass, Clear Stereo, and DSEE to color your sound. There is also word of lyric display, and playback speed control for those learning languages. We are also very pleased to report Sony is bundling the MDR-EX300SL earphones with this device.


The NW-S740 series comes in black, gold, green, violet, and has 8GB (NW-S744, Y16,000), 16GB (NW-S745, Y19,000), and 32GB (NW-S746, Y25,000) capacities. Sony Japan is also selling a S740 Walkman and matching color speaker bundle, known as the NW-S744K (Y19,000) and NW-S745K (Y22,000).


The only difference between the Sony S640 and S740 Walkman lines, other than the colors, is that the S640 doesn’t have noise canceling. The NW-S644 (8GB, Y14,000) and NW-645 (16GB, Y17,000) also have included speaker bundles – NW-S644K (Y17,000) and NW-S645K (Y20,000).

The 8GB units will be available first on October 10th, while the others will arrive later that month on the 28th.


Battery life is pretty epic at 42 hours for music (128kbps mp3), and 10 hours video (384kbps MPEG-4). Codec support looks like MP3, WMA, AAC, HE-AAC, ATRAC, ATRAC AL, PCM/wav. I assume ATRAC support will probably be limited to Japan, but we are not sure yet. For movies, the usual AVC (H2.64), MPEG-4 and WMV are allowed.

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Portable Vacuum Cleaner Design by Max Germano

The portable vacuum cleaner is an innovative concept of a wireless, compact and easy to carry vacuum cleaner that features an ergonomic handle and a built-in charger. The main inspiration of creating this product was to create an emotional link among people in a stylish and pioneering manner. This lightweight gadget is an ideal small cleaning solution for both in the car and at home.


Users of particular color enthusiasm can opt for a Portable Vacuum Cleaner from four different colors available as per their desire, combining in various environments. This gadget will definitely reflect your taste with its excellent, unique and functional design, while providing great handiness for cleaning.

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Close shave with Thanko USB Electric Razor

Got a last-minute hot date? Meeting with the boss? Getting snide comments about your ‘porn star mustache’? Or just couldn’t be bothered? Whatever your reason for needing a quick shave at work, the Thanko USB Electric Razor is your savior. Just plug it into the USB port on your computer, and whiskers-be-gone. And if your monitor’s nice and shiny, who needs a mirror?


Thanko's latest USB rechargeable electric razor (35 minutes of battery life on continuous shave) will have you looking like management before you know it.

It measures 54 x 99 x 19mm (2.1 x 3.9 x 0.7in) and takes 3.5 hours to charge from empty.

The USB Electric Razor is available from Geek Stuff 4 U ¥3500 (approx. USD$38 at time of publishing).

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Moleculair 3D Food Printer to Provoke Innovative Ideas of Cooking

The Moléculaire concept is actually a marriage of science and cooking, which is actually a 3D molecular food printer. This device is inspired by chefs who painstakingly and scientifically experiment with food to surprise the guests and provoke innovative ideas of cooking.


The Moléculaire simplifies the existing hectic, tough and time consuming process of food experiment with this Computer Numerical Control (CNC) food printer for both domestic and professional kitchens. This gadget works with a layer by layer printing method using small elements from diverse ingredients, whilst providing accuracy, simplicity, repeatability and great tasting food.


Interview with Nico :

What was the inspiration for your concept?
The inspiration was the experimental approach to molecular cooking. Even after several decades of molecular cuisine, it still seems to be an exclusive game for specialists. So it became my main goal to bring some of the fantastic possibilities and ideas of molecular cooking to all ambitious cooks with an easy to use, affordable appliance.


How does your concept fit into this year’s competition theme “Designs for the next 90 years”?
I think the idea of molecular cooking is forward-looking, but the procedures and methods of preparing molecular dishes are still conventional. I would like to change this with my concept. At first, the idea of printing food seems to be something straight out of a science-fiction movie, but on second thought it is not unrealistic at all. I even think that Moléculaire could be the future kitchen tool that opens up possibilities for food-makers interested in molecular cooking.

What are the main consumer benefits of your concept?
Moléculaire is a futuristic kitchen appliance that offers several new possibilities to professional chefs as well as home users. It’s based on a layer-by-layer printing technique that arranges small particles from a set of ingredients. Within minutes, it prints out three-dimensional desserts, complex structures, shapes for molecular dishes, and patterns for decorating a meal. In addition, it’s easy to use. You simply insert a blister pack into the reservoir, place Moléculaire on top of a plate, and press the start button. Users can also create their own recipes with special software and their own ingredients. Ambitious users can download recipes and share them with other users in an online community.

Describe the consumer research behind your concept.
I conducted interviews with chefs and did a lot of research on the Internet. These approaches helped me to understand users’ interests, concerns, wishes, needs and desires. The outcome shaped my initial ideas and helped them grow. The most difficult thing about designing for the future is predicting the possible social and technological developments (their direction and speed). Therefore, it was very useful to read reports like sociological studies about cooking and future scenarios about the development of new technologies.

What kind of materials would you use to build your concept?
For my concept, I would use polycarbonate as the main material. I plan on applying this material in three different variations, each providing the right characteristics for the different parts of my design. Transparent polycarbonate can be used for the window, black tinted for the lid/display, and white for the body. The robotic printer arm and head could be made from aluminum. A blue (O)LED backlight accentuates the processes inside the printer.

Who is your favorite designer?
I don‘t have a favorite designer.

What are your career goals?
After I graduate in 2010, I want to gain more professional experience in a product-design company. In the long term, I want to further develop my conceptual and strategic skills and step into product-related design management.

Designer : Nico Kläber

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Samsung launches ultra light ST45 compact camera

Samsung has launched the new ST45 compact camera, with a 16mm thin frame and an ultra light chassis.The 12MP snapper has a 2.7-inch QVGA screen for showing off your snaps, and a whole host of pre-set scene modes with Smart Scene Recognition to choose between them.


That means that if you're out in a bright field or in a dingy bar the ST45 will have a good look at what's around and change the settings accordingly.

There's also Digital Image Stabilisation, Face Detection, Blink Detection and Beauty Shot too on the ST45.

Show strangers how you like it

Frame Guide is apparently included to stop strangers taking rubbish pictures of you with your camera on holiday, where you take a picture of what you want to see when you're in the photo and a ghost image will display so they know what you want in shot.

The ST45 can handle bright shots up to ISO setting 3200, and has Smart Album abilities where the camera will group shots by date, content, theme or even colour depending on your preference.

The new camera has a UK release date of later this month, although we're still waiting for a price on the ST45, which will be available in red, black, blue and grey.

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DivX-compatible R1 portable multimedia player from Samsung

Samsung claims its R1 'beat' player is the slimmest and lightest DivX-compatible portable multimedia player yet, which means users can play DivX content without the time-wasting step of converting files. The R1 is also the first DivX-compatible player to boast a touchscreen, measuring 2.6-inches, that allows the device to incorporate the TouchWiz user interface (UI) also found in other Samsung devices like the Jet and Memoir mobile phones.


Samsung refers to the R1 as a ‘beat’ player because of the inclusion of a ‘Beat DJ’ feature, which allows budding artists to add their own voice and sound effects to their favorite songs as well as ‘scratch’ records using a virtual turntable on the touchscreen. The player also includes Samsung’s Digital Natural Sound Engine (DNSe) 3.0, measures just 8.9mm thick, weighs in at 50g, and will be available in 8GB or 16GB capacities.


There’s no word on price yet, but further details are likely to be forthcoming at the IFA trade show in Berlin from 4-9 September, where Samsung will be showcasing the device. However, it has been revealed that the R1 will be available in Europe sometime this month, with other markets to follow.

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Nikon D300s unboxing and hands-on

Nikon's D300s has been filtering out to select retail locations for a few days now, and judging by the box that just arrived on our doorstep, we'd say Nikon (just barely) kept its promise of having these things out by the end of August.


The semi-pro body is significantly more sturdy and somewhat heavier than our in-house D90, though the rear LCD sure looks awfully similar. We're planning on giving the 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor and 720p movie mode a go, but for now, feel free to peruse the gallery below to see exactly what a penny under $1,800 gets you in the DSLR world these days.

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Canon PowerShot G11 Camera – Pics n Specs

Canon seems to be backing out of the megapixel race with this camera since they probably know photo enthusiasts aren’t easily fooled by insane, ever-increasing megapixel counts. Canon has opted to fit the new Canon PowerShot G11 with a 10 megapixel sensor, which will hopefully produce better images.


Canon PowerShot G11 boasting a swiveling LCD, 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, SD / SDHC card slot and full manual controls with RAW support and a hotshoe.It uses the same 28-140mm equivalent stabilized lens. Flash sync speed increases to 1/2000th of a second and also have HDMI output. Other features include Dual Anti-Noise System (more sensitive sensor and Digic 4 offering a claimed 2-stop improvement over the G10), RAW shooting and P/A/S/M shooting modes. Canon PowerShot G11 will be available at the end of this year. Here’s what else is new on this somewhat underwhelming new G-series camera:


* 10.0 Megapixel CCD (1/1.7″), a drop of 4.7 MP since the G10; new “High Sensitivity System” promises less noise at high ISOs
* F2.8-4.5, 5X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 – 140 mm
* Optical image stabilization
* Flip-out, rotating 2.8″ LCD with a very nice resolution of 461,000 pixels
* Optical viewfinder (of course)
* Full manual controls, with RAW support
* Smart Auto mode chooses a scene mode for you
* Dedicated dials for ISO and exposure compensation
* Hot shoe for external flash
* VGA movie mode with sound using H.264 codec (the lack of HD is disappointing)
* Optional conversion lenses and underwater case
* HDMI output
* SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card slot
* Uses NB-7L li-ion battery; 390 shots per charge
* Ships in October for $499

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iLuv DC micro and dual USB in-car chargers

ILuv has two new in-car USB chargers for people who don't want to have to remember to charge their devices before getting in the cars. The iLuv iAD 115 Micro USB Car Charger and iAD119 Dual USB Car Charger are suitable for iPod, iPhone, MP3 players, GPS devices, even that USB-powered shaver that never really got off the ground. Unlike some other clunkier USB chargers that get in the way of gear sticks, handbrakes, etc, the iAD115 Micro USB Car Charger is so small it can be concealed inside the cigarette lighter just by closing the cover. While the iAD119 Dual USB Car Charger removes fights in the car about who gets to charge their device first (great for families or newly-weds!)


“Our new series of car chargers provides a great solution to auto owners who always need a recharge for their cell phone, iPod or other must have gadget” says Howard Kim for iLuv. “We are happy to add both a dual charging solution and micro charger that will meet the needs of multiple gadget owners or auto owners who dislike the bulky car charger options that have been available”. The iAD115 is a micro-size USB car adapter with a blue power LED, DC 12-24V input, DC 5V, 500mA output and measures 0.9 x 0.9 x 1.7 inches (W x H x D). It will sell for US$14.99.


The iAD119 Dual USB Car Charger has a blue ring power light, dual USB ports to charge up to two devices at once, a replaceable fuse to protect your charging device from excessive current, 90º rotating head, DC 12-24V input, DC 5V, 1A and sells for US$19.99.

Both units go on sale from September. Other models and packages are available via the iLuv website.

For consumers who still find they are arguing over who charges their plethora of devices first, we can only suggest charging them up before you get in the car via something like the Kensington 4-port charger we featured previously on Gizmag.

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RoamEO GPS dog collar keeps track of wayward pets

If you’ve ever owned a recalcitrant retriever, a cat-crazy collie or an overly playful poodle, you’ll know the anxiety of watching them run out of view in search of new adventures, oblivious to your shouts of anguish (and anger). A GPS-enabled collar could be handy for tracking down wayward canines and keep them out of harm’s way … or the clutches of dog-nappers or an over-zealous ranger lurking in the neighborhood. The RoamEO is the latest GPS device for owners who worry about their dogs’ disappearing acts or who are sick of spending valuable time searching for that ‘duck-hunter’ who’s too dog-tired to return with the catch.


While GPS-enabled dog tracking devices aren't new (Zoombak and Astro) the RoamEO Pup GPS dog collar and handheld LCD display combination is the latest iteration that allows you to see just how far your GPS collar-wearing mutt is from you, as well as the direction they're traveling and how fast they’re going. It has a maximum range of three miles (approx. 5km), can work indoors and permits tracking of two dogs at once..


Coming soon ... PeTnet

Soon to be released is the RoamEO PeTnet which has a couple of additional features, such as being able to track up to three dogs simultaneously and the helpful feature of a virtual fence.

Dog-owners map out the virtual fenced area they wish to contain their dogs in by walking the perimeter with the handheld GPS unit. The unit maps and stores this information. Then, whenever the dog roams outside the desired area, an audible alarm sounds and an email can be sent to your address or an SMS to your phone.

Virtual fences can also be set up remotely using Google maps and altered at any time.


You can check on your pet's location anytime by just logging on to your user account. This is also handy for families who may have returned to work after holidays, leaving a new dog or puppy at home alone.

First year's membership is included with your purchase of PeTnet. Membership for following years is US$69 annually.


Features RoamEO is designed to update readings every few seconds, giving you a continuous stream of real-time information. features a GPS-enabled receiver that can track two dogs at once in both distance and direction. It has an easy-to-read backlit LCD display that can be read in daylight or night-time, is weather-resistant and has a battery life of between 18-30 hours (depending on use). The Lithium-ion batteries come with a AC adapter/charger.

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Canon VIXIA HF S11 hands-on

Is it just us, or are these flash-only camcorders getting bigger? Or maybe we're just shrinking. Canon's new VIXIA HF S11 AVCHD flagship certainly seems beefy -- both in size and build -- but we suppose that comes with the territory.


Canon was showing a demonstration of the new stabilization tech, which can help mitigate the nauseating effects of shooting while walking, and if it works as well in practice as it did in the demo (unlikely), it could be a real lifesaver for part 24 of our ongoing Blair Witch Project remake. It's hard to argue with the shooting time built-in and SDHC expandability on offer, but we suppose the HF S11 serves as a reminder that the gulf between "real" camcorders and their pocket cam brethren is indeed a wide one.

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