Brainzord's Window-Climbing Robot Is In A Niche Market September 3, 2007

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The Brainzord window-climbing robot with pulsating brain does exactly what it says on the packet; climbs windows and has a brain that pulsates. If only all things in life, like your girlfriend's mood, were blister packed with an accurate description on the exterior.

Homer Simpson USB Hub; Not Classic Simpsons September 3, 2007

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Unlike the television show, the Simpson's official merchandise line usually sucks big time. This USB hub is no different; the six inches of plastic will spin around and yell, "Woo-hoo!" Everytime you plug in for some juice... every damn time. Fortunately, there is an option to turn off Homer's spinning/yelling action, for the preservation of your sanity. However, chances are, if you just dropped $50 on this you have already lost your sanity. No USB hub in the land will save you from living out the rest of your life as Jim Carrey in Me, Myself and Irene. You will of course not be as good looking, charming or funny and you'll have an annoying USB hub. Tough break, kid. -Haroon Malik

[Product Page via Uberreview].

Banana Laptop Mod; Apple Got The Wrong Fruit September 3, 2007

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The Apple fanboys amongst us (myself included) are going to have to eat some serious, humble banoffee pie. Check out this sweet laptop mod.

Phonak Invisity; First In Ear RF Receiver Is Waxy Business September 3, 2007

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Phonak have launched the world's first in-ear RF receiver. The device supports multiple frequencies, comes bundled with a remote control and will be active for 13hours on a single battery.

IFA 2007: Shure’s First Budget Sound Isolating Earphones September 3, 2007

READ MORE Digital Audio , Gizmodo UK , MP3 , Music , Peripherals , Zune , iPod

shure se110.jpgIn recent years, audio specialist Shure has made a name for itself as a leading supplier of quality sound isolating earphones that sound so good you don't even notice your bank account being cleaned out.

Last year we had the heart-stoppingly expensive Shure E500s at around £420. Hell, now they’re a bargain at £300. Still, since most of the planet can’t afford such luxuries but still want a decent pair of cans, Shure has obliged at the IFA 2007 event in Berlin with the launch of its first entry-level pair.

The SE110 sound isolating earphones have a US-only price tag so far of around £50 which makes them about as much of a bargain as Shure will ever offer. The company claims that they will exclude 90 per cent of ambient noise – i.e. traffic, other smelly commuters, etc. Shure’s own research found that over half of those buying iPods also choose to upgrade their earphones, and this is where Shure is hoping to make a killing.

The key features are:

· Balanced MicroSpeakers: Developed for the discerning music lover, Balanced MicroSpeakers deliver optimised audio for a vivid and detailed listening experience.
· Sound Isolating Design: Comfortable sound isolating sleeves block over 90 percent of ambient noise. Combined with a compact design and modular cable, interruptions from the outside world are minimised, enabling listeners to focus on their music.
· Fit Kit/Accessories Package: Three pairs of disposable black foam sleeves (S, M, L); three pairs of soft flex sleeves (S, M, L); 3’ (91cm) cable; carrying case; nozzle cleaning tool.

They’ll be available to buy online from September 17.-Martin Lynch

IFA 2007: iPod Dock With A Difference September 3, 2007

READ MORE Digital Audio , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Hi-fi , MP3 , Music , iPod

ipod-minijukebox.jpg Like the soporific effect of weather forecasts, the term ‘iPod dock’ sends most tech hacks straight to sleep. This is why we are always interested in seeing different takes on the theme.

Advanced Sound Devices made a swinging splash last year with its full-size, Wurlitzer-looking Jukebox Station and this time around it’s decided to pull a similar stunt, only a lot smaller. Meet the Retro Tune Mini Jukebox, sporting an in-built iPod dock, rotating light column, alarm clock, calendar and CD Player. It’s also compatible with the iPhone.

It measures 12 x 9.5 x 18in – making it half the height of its big brother - but still manages to pump out 40Watts thanks to its two speakers and subwoofer. There’s no price yet, but the full-sized version costs around £300.-Martin Lynch

[Advanced Sound Devices]

IFA 2007: Toshiba Enters Digital Photo Frame Arena September 3, 2007

READ MORE Digital cameras , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Peripherals , Portable Media

toshiba DPF7XSE frame.jpg Digital photo frames are almost as common as iPod docks these days which is why Toshiba has decided that aiming for the style-end of the market with its first offering is the only way it might stick out in this increasingly crowded space.

The 7in DPF7XSE digital photo and video frame is certainly a looker with its aluminium plate backing. It has a native 800 x 480 resolution display and sports two 1Watt stereo speakers for playing back MP3 and WMA audio files as well as MPEG-4 and DivX video files. There's also a bundled remote control to go with the six or seven other remote controls littering your living room.

The frame comes with 256MB of internal Flash memory, two USB 2.0 slots and a multi-format card reader, making it very flexible indeed. Due out next month, it will cost around £110.-Martin Lynch

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