How do you preserve those old photographs or videos? A concept currently in the running over at Microsoft Next-Gen PC Design, is the Pre-Pixel Preservation project which can scan photographs when inserted on one end, then come out on the other end. The scanner figures out what is loaded in the tray then asks user what to do with it. User can adjust the quality, change file type, preview items, and tell it where to store them. There’s no doubt we need more ideas like this one.

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One design being cooked up over at Microsoft’s Next PC Design is the Pussy Cat robot. The Cat has two modes, Personal Computer Mode and Pussy Cat Mode. As  a personal computer, it has basic PC functions such as playing video, music, games, Internet access, IM, Email, Alarm, and more. As a Pussy Cat, the four-legged feline is a house monitoring and face recognition system, as well as an air freshner. The bottom of his paws light up so you can see his every move in the dark.

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We all get a bit paranoid when we read about devices that could monitor our system. The SnoopStick flash drive claims to be easily installed on any computer in less than 60 seconds to monitor IM conversations, or sites visited in real-time with no signs that your surfing habits are being watched. The USB key attaches to your keychain, ready to be plugged in anywhere. If you catch your teens or employees surfing when they’re not supposed to, you can send them a message alert to tell them they’re busted and even shut down their Internet access. Talk about running a tight ship.

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What better way to show your love for one of the biggest pop culture icons of the 80s, the Rubik’s Cube, then by having a table that looks like one!

This funky table is sure to give you lots of props from fellow geeks and other fans of the famed multicolored puzzle. It can add a nice retro twist to any modern styled living room and with all of the different colors it will be sure to match! My only complaint is it doesn’t look like you can move the blocks around but maybe that’s better because I never could solve that thing! Available at Jellio for $600.

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Recently we had guests over for my son’s birthday, treating them to some southern fried fish. Watching a group of males walking suspiciously around the yard I followed to see what had caught their attention. My husband, the tool collector, was showing off his latest infrared thermometer, determining the temp of every surface, object, and animal that the red light would catch as others pointed to the next object up for analysis. I couldn’t image how that could be useful to anyone (if there’s steam coming off of it, you don’t touch it!).  However, as he began to cook I noticed that he was using it to regulate the temperature of the cooking oil. No more sacrificial French fries or big glass thermometers. I found a cooking version of this item at www.chefscatalog.com for 49.95 (listed as laser thermometer).  It has a digital readout with ½ second response time.  With this handy item you can regulate your cooking surfaces or test the food you ordered to make sure it hasn’t been sitting under the red light too long!  Now if I can only find one in pink…

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Cell phones are really making a fashion statement nowadays. The more unique your cell phone is, the better. Anyway, this CPC strap will not only make you look cool, it will "freeze" your look on people’s minds. It features Jewelry Strap Loop Attachments that will allow you to endlessly customize your look. Just attach beads and charms to match your shoes, and strap the phone on your ankle for maximum attention. Any of you ladies digging this look?

HTL-Wireless  [Gizmodo]

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An updated Nokia 7373 from the L’Amour collection is about to sashay it’s way into Paris Fashion Week thanks to designer Giambattista Valli who added his "special" touch to the phone. I don’t see anything different from previous Nokia 7373 models except the additional details like a skull head with diamond eyes, a pearl wrist strap, and a gros grain strap and pouch on the black version. That’s it! He should’ve redesigned this "Special Edition" phone instead of just adding a few accessories, and ringtones to make it his own. Maybe true fashionistas can appreciate the details more than I can, but this phone looks like the not-so-special phone.   

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We’re so used to looking for information online, but what happens when you’re not at your computer? That’s where services like directory assistance come in. We’re all familiar with the concept of dialing 4-1-1 for directory assistance, but we don’t realize that anytime we do our carrier is charging us $2 per call, plus other chargers like roaming, long distance, and airtime.

Instead of dialing 4-1-1 on your mobile or landline, program the following number on your mobile: 1-800-Free-411 (1-800-373-3411). Anytime you dial that number, you’re saving yourself those $2 per call, and still getting the information you need straight from an operator. When you initiate the call, an automated system will try to assist you by gettting the name of the city and state you’re in, and then the name of the business. You’ll hear a short message from a sponsor, then immediately you’re given the phone number you need. The reason they’re able to offer free assitances because those calls are being paid for by their sponsors. There are similiar services out there, such as 1-800-411-SAVE, but I found that Free 4-1-1 has live operators which is nice when the automated system fails. Try it out, and let me know how it works for you.

Just take a look at how much you pay per 4-1-1 calls from a regular phone.

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My hands have a tendency to get cold while I’m using the computer, especially at work where everybody seems to like to work in subzero temperatures. This is the perfect solution: A usb mouse that emits heat to keep your hands warm! It comes in a variety of colors and has a nice ergonomic shape to it.

The temperature stays at a warm 45C degrees but also has an on/off switch if it gets too toasty for you. And don’t worry, the mouse is made of a heat resistant material to keep the components from getting damaged. At $23, it’s not a bad price to pay to keep your hands warm while you’re surfing the web! Get it at USB.BRANDO.COM.HK.

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If you’re looking for a case that will protect your precious iPod, without hiding its good looks, the Griffin Reflect Case might be the thing for you. It might even add to your iPod’s good looks.

Griffin also has case models available for the video iPod, the second generation iPod nano and the Sandisk Sansa. The protective cases are made from a hardened plastic, with a mirrored chrome finish, that though they resemble the shiny back of the ipod won’t scratch like it. The case also sports a rubberized back which gives it more points in the durability department.

Adding to the "good looks" of your player, when the backlight of your display is off, it gives the appearance that the screen has disappeared. The cases retail for $24.99, which isn’t too bad of a price to be able to protect your baby and look good while doing it.

[Gizmodo]

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