True & Fair Gadgets Reviews

The Nikon D90 DSLR camera has been officially launched, and the camera features 12.3 effective megapixels and also EXPEED image processing. This helps the camera to deliver rich colors, low noise and a great quality of image. The D90 is also the world’s first digital SLR camera that comes with an HD-video function. With a D90, you can shoot 320 x 216 pixels, 640 x 424 pixels or HD720p movies, and its sensors are larger than normal. It also comes with a scene recognition system, Live View, 3-inch screen and other such features. The camera costs $1299.99 and is definitely a good buy.

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Via: i4u

Sharp has launched the super thin XS1 Aquos series LCD that measures just 23mm and has a 1080p 52- or 65-inch panel. It packs a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 a motion processing of 100Hz and of course a detachable speaker system. The company claims this to be an environmentally friendly design, and the sizes range from 32 inches to 52 inches. The LCD TV also comes with a matching BD-HP21H Blu-ray player. The prices for the LCD TV are expected to be in the range of 899 and 2299 euros. We guess we are going to see a number of Blu-ray related news articles, and new LCD TVs.

Via: Engadget

German designer Miele has introduced Computer Aided Virtual Environment (CAVE) into the household appliance realm, which may soon result in a better human-machine interface. CAVE allows a product to exist in the virtual world before it comes to being in the real world. This helps many conceptual products be discussed, tried and also changed easily. Miele plans to use CAVE to design some of the world’s best domestic appliances. CAVE creates a 3D virtual reality with which one can interact and play around with ideas. A user can look at the high-resolution projection with special glasses and a feeling or perception of reality is generated. Thus, products and components which don’t yet exist can be visualized and better understood. This different sort of communication results in a sea change in the way products are being designed and manufactured.

Via: GizMag

JVC has launched the NX-BD3 Blu-ray home theater system for its Sophisti line of products. The system features DLNA support, and the 2.1 channel system would work with other DLNA-certified devices such as mobile phones and PCs. With an internal 4×55W amplifier, the speakers also create a virtual surround sound system. The device supports formats such as Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro-Logic II. The player is Profile 1.1 compliant but cannot upgrade to 2.0. It also comes with optical, HDMI-CEC and analog outputs. It has an AM/FM tuner, and DiVX files on CD/DVD/Blu-ray are supported. The elegant black unit costs $1460 and will be available in the UK this September.

Via: Electronista

Before the Olympic spirit dies down, here’s a little suggestion. Throw a grand party and create super smoke; don’t just settle for that wimpy fog machine. Go all out and spend $2,375 (shipping extra) and get yourself this Smoke Turret. This baby stands tall at 5 feet, is 7 feet long and throws smoke to a height of up to 15 feet. The turret sits atop 18- degree movable tripod and has six gas-guzzling barrels. For an added measure there are strobe lights fitted in gun sight. Wonder if anyone would be able to match up once you use this baby as a party special weapon? Another image follows after jump.

Kit-up muscleman, a machine needs some of your energy! The GYM Concept Car is unlike any other, primarily because it draws some of its energy from you….yes you, when you’re working out in its in-built gym. Replete with a wide range of exercise equipment, including a stepping machine, rowing machine, bench press, pull-up simulator and the regular dumbbells, this concept car is the first of its kind. Dismissing all dud karts to history books, the GYM has an avant-garde design to match its radical idea. The chassis is made of lightweight injection molded magnesium alloy, while the body gets carbon-fiber. Minimalist in nature, the car has a single-seat cockpit, which further adds to our belief that certain WW2 fighter aircrafts have a road successor. The GYM concept car runs on electric power that is sourced either from a plug-in socket or as mentioned earlier, through your fitness regime. Now, this is what we call a true ‘multi-utility’ vehicle.

None of you needs to be convinced about the benefits of portability. So, the Mvix Pocket-size HD Media Center is a natural choice for people who are always on-the-fly. The PDA-sized multimedia player is quite cockroach-like in adaptability, with support offered for every media format known to us. MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, DivX® 3.11, 4x, 5x, XviD, ISO or Ripped DVD VOB files – name it and the Media Center will play it. It houses a 2.5-inch hard drive, and includes component output support for resolutions up to 1080i. The only limitation, though, is its drab appearance, which might be a turn-off for techies with sartorial tastes.

Via:Funponsel

Here are some of the most ingenious creations you would have seen in quite a while. And the thing about them is that they rise straight out of rubble. It seems Andrei Severinko from the Ukraine is a fellow of quite remarkable talents. He has fashioned (as is clear from the accompanying images) some great cyber sculptures from machine parts that he laid hands on in dumpsters. Needless to say (and you’ll witness them is a few moments) these creations are quite vivid and weird. You’d almost believe that some devilish mechanical race has invaded earth. Jump for some disturbing images. Be forewarned though and don’t blame me if you can’t sleep at night.

The race for the thinnest LCD TV seems incessant. Sony has now bagged the prize for the world’s slimmest LCD HDTV, which measures just 9.9mm across its torso. The KDL-40ZX1 has a 40-inch display and can give anorexic models a run for their money, weighing just 26 pounds. Although the product incorporates just 1 HDMI port, an external HD wireless base station can push the roof up to 3 HDMI, 2 component, s-video, VGA, USB, mouse and LAN ports. Crystal ball gazers from the industry are predicting that the station uses WHDM, with a range of 20 meters. With assistance from the wireless box, the KDL-40ZX1 achieves 1080p in display and also includes 120hz MotionFlow for better images. We would only be following the customary revelations by stating other features like 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 178 degree viewing angle and four color options. The TV is anyway worth an investment just for its elitist characteristics.

It definitely is annoying when the video quality on the TV is bad and we would only end up fuming over the terrible reception. Sony, for the first time ever, has adopted the 200hz technology that allows you to watch videos and movies without any video disruption. The video quality on the Sony’s new 200hz TV is remarkably smooth and packs in twice as many frames per second as previous versions. The 200hz TV would be the best choice if you plan to watch sports, action flicks or videos that have jerky movements. The TV generates extra frames in between source materials, which in turn helps smoothing such jerky movements and present a more aesthetic and realistic video image. The first model, with this technology, is the Bravia Z4500 and the LCD TV not only provides crystal clear images but also is encased in a really sleek body.

Via: ElectricPig

If you have seen the “The First $20 Million”, you would have seen the guys trying to create a small PC for the price of $99. At the end they came out with a really small unit, jammed in with a lot of decent accessories at their $99 target. Now if you thought that was small, wait till you see this little gadget. It’s a PC shaped in the form of a cube that is about the same size of an apple. Big Deal. Well here is the interesting bit about it. The cube PC includes a host of different input and output ports such as VGA, Mic In, Speaker Out, USB, SP out and even a “Space Wire” port usually used by firms such as the ESA and NASA. Most modern desktops and laptops don’t even come with this much hardware.

After several complaints about a pair of earbuds, Sony developers decided to finally pull the product off the market and re-introduce a new one. The MDR-EX500SL was developed to fit snug and comfortably into the human ear. The previous model was reported as being very uncomfortable to wear and could have also been a possible hazard to the ear. The new contoured shape allows it to go further into the ear, so the whole experience may sound much more realistic. Even though the headset brings better advantages, some have compared it to a cinnamon roll because of its strange shape.

Quantum cryptography seems to be the latest technology that might help in protecting people’s information. The technique depends on Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to measure at the subatomic level without altering it. So, when a QC system sends a message in 0 and 1 format, and if someone tries to eavesdrop, the message structure changes and the recipient can detect the tampering. The message, which is sent in the form of a photon beam, doesn’t encode the message but only contains the key for the actual message, and the recipient later uses the key, which is shared by the sender to encode the message.

LEGO has inspired many to build models that are completely out of this world and also those that are really unique. This time, however, Andrew Becraft has built a less important and less serious Boba Fett costume. He used LEGO bricks to build a helmet, bracelets, laser guns, weaponry, rockets and also vehicles. If you wish, you could wear the Boba Fett costume yourself and feel like a character from Star Wars. This could very well be a great exhibit at a Stars Wars exposition or a similar event. We must say the model really looks fun and interesting.

BrothersBrick Via Gizmodo

The Udea Expert 300W is a multimedia e-dictionary that was created by the brilliant JCHyun. It comes with 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, T-DMB, FM radio and runs on Windows CE 5.0 Professional. It also has a really wide and large WQVGA touchscreen which measures 4.3 inches. With an internal storage of 2GB and a TV-Out, the e-dictionary is all set to rock the world. It also comes with stereo speakers, USB host, PDF viewer, and support for videos, music, Flash content, and photos. Though it isn’t the first one to come with all these features, it certainly is the most stylish and also supports Bluetooth. You would have all kinds of hardware support since it comes with three sets of tips, drawstring carrying pouch, stylus, AC adapter, USB host adapter, USB 2.0 cable, line-in cable, polishing cloth, product manual, and even a software CD. Though the price has not been confirmed yet, it is estimated to cost around $385.

ZOTAC has introduced the world’s first hardware-overlocking controller NITRO, at the NVISION ‘08. It allows users to tweak and tune their GeForce graphics cards with just a push of a button. The NITRO would plug into your USB and allow you to dynamically overlock the ZOTAC graphics cards in 5MHz increments. For this you will only need 3 simple buttons. It also comes with instant access to GPU core, shader and memory-clock settings and also the ability to adjust GPU fan speed. At this juncture, it is not known whether NITRO will work with any GeForce product or just with the ZOTAC series. We shall know that soon when it is released in November. The device would cost $131.

Via: Hexus

Despite its size, Microsoft has never been sluggish with technology. The company has sprung a surprise by releasing the “Say Goodbye to Laser” campaign that undoubtedly hints at a technological evolution for computer mice. Apparently, Microsoft is planning a September 9th announcement for the historic leap. Gadget enthusiasts that we are, the suspense is already taking its toll. We hope the company has something really radical in store to appease our rapidly expanding desires.

Via: Engadget

We had our trap wide open when the first multiple-MB storage systems were released. And then, the xGB systems made a grand entry. Things have just got Herculean. Sans Digital has unveiled AccuRAID AR442F4, a storage system that boasts of a 42TB capacity. No prizes for guessing, though, that this system isn’t for the commoner. Targeted at data centers, the system incorporates 42 bays and employs a Fibre Channel interface for bandwidth requirements. Most importantly, its RAID 6 support ensures that your data remains safe even when there is a hardware failure. The price is quite in sync with the size of this system at $25,000. So, even if you’re a regular nerd with extraordinary gadget fantasies, a fat wallet is absolutely essential to take this monster home.

Via: Ubergizmo

Here is a product that can push your massive LCDs and Plasma TVs toward oblivion. The portable PC Theater designed by South Korean Jin Woo Han is a computer and LCD projector combo that helps you watch movies without a physical screen. The computer has two in-built surround speakers, a CD/DVD drive and space for a keyboard. Although the designer claims the package is portable, we doubt if the weight of the combo product would allow us to carry it around with ease. However, one thing is certain. It would occupy far lesser space than your expensive, sq.ft.-capturing home theater systems. Moreover, Woo Han claims that the PC Theater can hide the cables when not in use. So, as far as first impressions go, the portable PC Theater definitely has the makings of a true star.

Portability sells. Regardless of the product, its feature-range and price draws customers. And we are sure the Canon Selphy ES3 and ES30 portable digital photo printers will have a lot to share in economical terms with other portable contemporaries. While the ES30 is targeted at the budget buyer, the ES3 is meant for those who believe in getting more per product. Common features include a 15-in-1 memory card reader, PictBridge compatibility, and LCD preview screen. The ES3 has a 3.5inch wide-angle view screen, while the ES30 has a 3-incher. For its premium positioning, the ES3 also gets 1GB of onboard storage. Both printers also incorporate clip-art and calendar templates to enhance the appearance of your images. While ES3 offers 47 frames and 28 clip-art options, the ES30 is on the conservative side with 18 frames and 10 clip-art options.

‘Naked’ is the latest trend. The celebrity featured here, though, is a little different. It is a PC case that, for the first time, wouldn’t carry any panels. Antec’s skeleton case has a pyramid structure, with plastic arches and a robust rolled-steel base. Cooling, clearly, is a huge plus in this case, especially with the massive 250mm fan. The motherboard and drive trays can also be ejected with ease. Additional features include four drive bays that support 11-inch video cards, front i/o panel with two USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire and an E-SATA port. The naked stunner is retailing for $180. If ‘artistic nudes’ fascinate you, look no further!

The Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle (UAV) industry is taking rapid strides into a future where artificial intelligence would be ubiquitous. The Draganflyer X6 from Draganfly Innovations is a fully functional miniature unmanned electric powered helicopter. It is unique for the fact that it incorporates an auto-descend feature. Whenever the radio link fails, the UAV doesn’t crash like its contemporaries. Instead, it glides down and lands itself. The Draganflyer X6 is operated with a handheld controller and offers video surveillance in four different camera modes - 1080p HD video camera, 10.1 MP still camera, low light video camera and thermal imaging video camera. The remotely operated helicopter has been designed primarily for commercial/industrial aerial video and photography. However, the flexibility it offers makes it useful for security and reconnaissance, inspection, damage assessment, research, real estate promotion and advertising as well.

There is nothing that can match up the wits of radio. It can single-handedly look after your music needs and the spicy chitchat of radio jockeys comes as a bonus. With no jazz of cutting-edge features and hip-hop looks, the HiddenRadio is a subtle radio player that could be mistaken for anything but what it actually is. The Aussie designer John Van Den Nieuwenhuizen primarily gauged on simplicity of use and point-blank functionality. With no scroll wheels and knobs to turn, volume control is at the ease of simply lifting up the cap. By doing so, the bass speaker chamber gets more space to exhale louder music.

If the original iPod Shuffle was all about utility, this Mac Funamizu concept introduces a tinge of trendiness to it. All the more reason why the iPod shuffle would be your best bet for an entry-level MP3 player. The designer has tweaked the dimensions of the player to make it longer, slimmer and sleek. This iPod shuffle concept also doubles up as a stylish necklace when the earplugs are clipped onto the rear. Funamizu admits this design can be bettered further by chopping the length a bit. However, we believe it still is a huge face-lift for the “now boring” design of Apple’s trendsetting MP3 player.

Canon has released two new all-in-one printers, and most of us would want to know more when Canon has something new. The PIXMA MP980 and the PIXMA MP620 Photo AIO printers offer digital darkroom and office productivity in just one inkjet machine. Both the printers are sleek and well designed and come with features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, fast print speeds, Canon’s Auto Photo Fix, Auto Scan mode, and other such facilities. Both models use Canon’s FINE Technology and ChromaLife100+ System and also have reduced sizes. The PIXMA MP980 runs around $299.99 whereas the smaller PIXMA MP620 costs $149.99.

Via CrunchGear

NASA’s veteran scientists and researchers have developed the Virtual Space Station, where astronauts can hope to find therapeutic solace. It isn’t uncommon for astronauts to suffer from mentally debilitating conditions while in space, and in such situations the availability of psychologists isn’t too great. Unfortunately, as that can’t happen, this new software may help counsel the astronauts. It is a self-guided software tool, which provides immediate access to mental health treatment. This harks back to the science fiction days and also the humorous part of robotic psychologists. However, this might be a step in the right direction toward allaying the agony of space-bound astronauts.

Via Technovelgy

Northrop Grumman has kept its reputation of ‘on-time performance’ intact by completing the Center Fuselage for First U.S. Navy F-35 Aircraft on schedule. Lockheed Martin is the primary contractor for the F-35 and will receive three more out of the 10 promised center fuselages from Northrop Grumman. The F-35 Lightning is a supersonic, multi-role fighter that will have a major role to play in phasing out all old strike aircraft. The center fuselage being developed by Northrop Grumman will be common for the aircraft’s three variants - CTOL, STOVL, and a carrier variant (CV). The company attributes its exemplary performance to disciplined design, manufacturing and assembly procedures. The CF-1 center fuselage, an aircraft carrier-capable variant, is part of Northrop Grumman’s 19 center fuselage development plans that address the system development and demonstration (SDD) phase of the F-35 program.

Via:Northropgrumman

The age-old practice of recording a sportsperson’s medical history on paper sheets will soon see its demise, thanks to the health chips being developed by VANOC. If things fall in place, the chip could make its way into the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The individual computer chips offer the most reliable way of recording a sportsperson’s medical back-ground, thus enabling attending doctors to dispense the treatment in a more effective manner. The chip appears to be the most feasible solution to the predicament currently being faced by physicians, who end up lending improper care and treatment to an athlete. The computer chip will carry an athlete’s complete health history and medical charts. Once it is plugged into a PC, medics can review the athlete’s healthcare background. This significantly enhances the response time as well.

Via:Theglobeandmail

Amateur yet exceptionally talented, 22-year old Leeroy New has an eye for the extraordinary…and the controversial. We are referring to his ‘Winged Victory’ creation for Nike that has captured all the attention it deserves in a city that views provocative public sculptures as ‘taboo’. The Boccioni styled sculptures are quite bold, which explains the strong reactions. Excerpts of his interview with PSFK can be found here.

While some of us are satisfied enough with flight simulation games, other creative geniuses put their minds to work and design real joyrides. Here’s an effort that surely deserves loud applause and then some. A Canadian mastermind and owner of Computer Repairs in Ontario has fabricated a Bell 206B JetRanger Helicopter Flight Simulator and put it on show on his website. The equipment is amazingly detailed and cost just $1500 (Canadian) to make. The owner says that the simulator was completely made from computer and metallic junk and that’s the reason the cost was so low. He hasn’t put up a DIY guide, in case you were wondering. I would have guessed that the most difficult part would have been getting the actual cockpit, and that was fortuitous; some “generous folks at a Bell Helicopter repair facility” gifted a damaged one. The interior looks very nicely done with scrap wood and aluminum tubing. I especially like the work that’s been done on the overhead controllers and flight panels. Click this link for a detailed description of the controller, flight panel and other paraphernalia that give this simulator a very realistic look. Jump to see some more images of the Bell 206B JetRanger Helicopter Flight Simulator.

Walking for paraplegics is now possible and this move should certainly be commended. ReWalk is a full-fledged exoskeleton that’s out there to do just that. All credit goes to the collaboration between Israel’s Argo Medical Technologies and the Massachusetts-based Solidworks for making the “Exoskeleton Suit”—one that is a fully practical, wearable, lightweight system. The biggest problem paraplegics face is the inability to do all those things that “normal” people do, and this suit caters to this core problem faced by all of them. The ability to walk, move and climb stairs once again in spite of being paralyzed is like a miracle. Tried and tested by paratrooper Radi Kaiof, 41, who injured himself while being in the Israeli military, and certainly thinks this invention is a boon. He cites that ReWalk gives a paraplegic the advantage to look straight into a person’s eyes while conversing instead of having to look up at them otherwise.

LED Clock White is Dutch designer Peter van der Jagt’s creation and is capable of showing time, day and date at the same time. This clock utilizes 1500 LEDs to diplay information in a scrolling format. The clock is petite at 15cm x 22 cm x 4cm and thus makes it a perfect table top piece. It is also a multilingual, and can speak out the time in three different languages (English, Dutch and Japanese). As one would guess, LED Clock White’s black clone is known as LED Clock Black. Both are powered by an included 220V 50Hz adaptor and are priced at $245 on Questo Design.

Via: TechFresh