Posted on 28 February 2007 by Techie Diva
Rejoice puppy owners! Now your cute teacup poodle can groove to the music on your iPod thanks to Lifepod’s Beat Generation Stereo Pet Carrier. The fashionable pet-carrier hooks up to any iPod, MP3 player, DVD and even your laptop so you can listen to music or audio books without headphones. The carrier was given to Oscar attendees last week at the Roosevelt Hotel, so expect to see celebrities promoting their next album at the airport.
Popularity: 5% [?]
Posted on 28 February 2007 by Techie Diva
Sometimes I get a little carried away with the advice over at Yahoo Tech, so if you’ve been missing out, here are some links to some of my longer posts. I’m also working on a series of posts that address building your first website from start to finish. I’ve only covered Domain Registration so far, but if you need help getting started, check out upcoming posts on web hosting, design, and marketing.
Here are some stories I recently wrote over at Yahoo! Tech. Hope you enjoy them.
As always, if you have any questions, send me an email.
Popularity: 9% [?]
Posted on 28 February 2007 by Techie Diva
I have to get one of these for my Robopet. I got this email from Robert who now commands his Robopet through voice-commands:
"Here’s a video that shows a Robopet robot being controlled by voice using Robosapien Dance Machine, the free open source program for scripting WowWee’s robots and controlling them by voice.
In this short demonstration video the Robopet is put through it’s paces and shows how talking to it is much more fun and life like than using the remote control. Most importantly, this video shows what would happen if a Robopet encountered the average computer geeks’ socks." [Watch Video]
Popularity: 5% [?]
Posted on 28 February 2007 by girlrobot
Valentine’s Day might be over, but it is never a sin to purchase a gift for your significant other even on non-occasions, what more one that will bring some much needed spice to the bedroom. The Slightest Touch is one unique device that aims to rev up your partner’s libido using the power of electricity. I am sure that most Casanovas have done plenty of reading on how to turn a woman on (the answer doesn’t lie in looks and money) as well as all of her sensitive spots, but the ankles?!?
Popularity: 5% [?]
Posted on 28 February 2007 by Felicia Sanchez
These normal looking table lamps are not so normal…
They are actually fitted with GSM capability and a secret microphone. That means you can call into them and hear any noise or conversations up to 15 to 20 meters away. A sneaky way to listen in on living room chatter or to check up on your home when you are away. This seems like it could cause more problems than solve to me. Some things are better left unheard!
Via [redferret]
Popularity: 4% [?]
Posted on 28 February 2007 by Sara Callahan
I recently came across a computer that was reported to be infected with viruses. Not so uncommon, but what was interesting was the virus protection. The user had managed to keep the software subscription up to date, but apparently had never updated the virus definitions (the live update option had been turned off). The definitions were dated 2002. If you wonder what difference this makes, think of it like a condom. You can buy one, but if you leave it on the nightstand there’s a really good chance it’s not helping in the way you had intended when you purchased it.
There are new virus’s released all the time. In a simpler time it was adequate to update your definitions once a week. Today however, I recommend updating your definitions daily. Here are a few things to remember:
1) Only use one antivirus program. More is not always better. Choose the one that you feel is the best for your situation. If you are unsure, ask a professional or go with a known name such as Symantec or McAfee. Before installing a new version, make sure you have completely removed any old ones. I recommend removing the computer from the internet while doing this.
2) Make sure it is configured to update and scan automatically. This means you won’t have to constantly remind yourself to update.
3) If you get a message that a virus has been found, make sure the file is cleaned or deleted immediately. I would also recommend disconnecting your internet connection and running a full scan ASAP to make sure it was cleaned.
4) Make sure the virus protection loads each time and is up to date. Check it periocically. Viruses can sometimes disable your protection. A hole in your computer condom defeats the purpose.
Popularity: 5% [?]
Posted on 27 February 2007 by Techie Diva
I sat down with KPIX last week to test out several free phone services, to see how they really worked. One of them was Nophonetrees.com which came at the perfect time since I had been trying for days to get a hold of someone over at American West airlines. I really got frustrated when I tried calling their customer service department, who then gave me a phone number to another office in Phoenix that is only open during business hours. Through nophonetrees. com I was able to have the service call ME back when my call got into a queue that would transfer me to a live rep. Pretty awesome. The other service, I told you about last week. It’s called 1-800-FREE-411, and you can make free direct assistance phone calls anytime. You can watch a short clip of the interview over at CBS 5 Consumer Watch, which aired locally in the San Francisco Bay Area. Has anyone tried these services?
Popularity: 5% [?]
Posted on 27 February 2007 by Annie-san
The Discovery Store is one that I frequent. I can admit that I enjoy knowledge and technology pushed together. I noticed that they have a new Virtual Distance Football available. The football has a display that monitors how far you have thrown the ball.
I’m into competition so I can really see this product being used for that. I can also see it being used to better your own throw. Apparently it is made of foam and has a nice readout of the yardage you throw the ball. It measures in yards and looks as if it’s only got a two-digit readout (so don’t throw more than 99 yards, right?).
The site claims advanced electronics register a distance readout upon impact of the throw. The readout area looks to be flush to the ball so it won’t affect your handling of the ball itself, which is a plus. The item runs around $19.95 and could be a nice idea for a gift for that person who "has everything".
Popularity: 4% [?]
Posted on 27 February 2007 by Annie-san
Cylo has a new mouse and it’s a neat concept but would take some getting used to. It’s the new 3Style mouse for 3D applications. Not only does it do the usual point + click action but you can turn the mouse to the left or right for other options.
Choose items on a menu quickly or work with a program that normally would take keyboard action. The three-dimensional aspect is a neat idea and could be put to good use for some programs. I’m just not sure that I could adjust to such a mouse when for so long…ok, change is good. I’ll check one out as soon as I can. This one’s much like the click wheel on an iPod, isn’t it?
The site has a nice phrase as follows: Evolve:Revolve, which I kinda like. It makes it easier to accept the fact that change comes along and sometimes it’s best to take that road. The site also claims that this mouse might give one a competitive edge when gaming. I’ll have to think about that…
Popularity: 4% [?]
Posted on 26 February 2007 by Techie Diva
It’s hard to cook three meals a day, not to mention challenging yourself to come up with different recipes every day of the week. The Yummy Kitchen Connect is a concept, that creates a kitchen community straight from your kitchen to the blogosphere. It recommends recipes based on your food supply, your diet, and recipes on the web. You can update your recipes by adding comments on the blog using the touchscreen and taking pictures from the plunging camera. It can also scan bar codes on products to add them to your house stock. Yummy can also access media such as podcasts, video blogs, music, webtv, and Skype. Awesome idea! Let’s hope this eventually comes to our kitchens.
Popularity: 4% [?]
