Thrustmaster is more often a name synonymous with joysticks for computers for those who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, but they’re still around to this day without really releasing anything groundbreaking to date - which is rather surprising, actually. Well, as long as they’re around, it is interesting to note their new releases for the gaming world. This time round, they’ve delved into the arena of portable gaming machines, with the recently released Nintendo DSi being their target. Thrustmaster has revealed a couple of intelligent charging solutions that are well-suited to the multiple applications offered by this highly innovative, yet power-consuming handheld console.

The Nintendo DSi isn’t a large handheld console by any means, and if you’ve played both the DS and the PSP, you’ll know what I mean. The former might even be a wee bit too small for those with large hands, and many people have already complained about experiencing cramps after prolonged hours of gaming. Well, Thrustmaster has something for the lazy with the T-Standee Charger, a multi-position docking station that boasts a streamlined and elegant design which allows the DSi to be charged while being able to play without having to expend additional energy in holding it.

Of course, as one knows, the Nintendo DSi isn’t only a gaming machine as it can be used to surf the Internet, mix music and even view photos and videos with the right kind of software. We would say this comes in handy when you’re lazing around in your bed and want something else to prop the DSi up at your convenience. In addition, the rotating mechanism is perfect for users to adjust the console’s angle in all directions. This amount of flexibility paves the way for optimum comfort, regardless of whether you’re in the midst of a horizontally or vertically aligned game at that point in time.

The other accessory from Thrustmaster is the first personal charger for DSi and DS Lite which has been integrated straight into the console’s wrist strap, known as the T-Strap Charger. The T-Strap Charger looks like a standard wrist strap complete with a safety slider, albeit with the addition of a clever charging case. The case can be divided into 2, revealing a couple of charging connectors where one of them is hooked up to the console while the other connects to a powered USB port.

The T-Standee Charger and T-Strap Charger will retail for $12.99 and $7.99, respectively, with the former hitting retail stores this June while the latter will be out in mid-May.

Do you spend a whole lot of time in front of the computer, typing away? Us writers at Coolest Gadgets sure do, hacking away at our keyboards while big boss Al cracks his whip. Hopefully he’ll get us the Hand Fitness Trainer as an interim bonus as this weird-looking gizmo supposedly slows “the progression of osteoarthritis and mitigate the effects of repetitive-motion injuries in the hands.”

The device slips on like a glove and has elastic bands that strap to each fingertip, providing resistance as you open your hand. By flexing your hand in the opposite direction of its typical motion, the trainer strengthens the extensor muscles in your hands, wrists, and elbows, helping to reduce the painful symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and tendonitis. Ideal for people whose careers or hobbies require manual dexterity, the device strengthens underused muscles and increases flexibility of overworked muscles in the palm, resulting in improved muscle balance and joint stability. The resistance can be adjusted individually for each finger and a normal exercise routine consists of 1-3 sets of 10-20 repetitions, every other day. One size fits most.

The Hand Fitness Trainer retails for $39.95 a pop - has anyone out there tried it yet, and what are the results?

The BlueAnt Q1 Voice Controlled Bluetooth Headset was first launched at CTIA Wireless 2009 earlier this year, although it won’t be made available to the public till Q1 - and nice to know that that day has finally arrived, where we are able to enjoy what is touted to be “the world’s most advanced voice controlled Bluetooth headset.” The BlueAnt Q1 will be available via Sprint’s online stores and telesales channels across the US from this week onwards, where Sprint will have a headstart in terms of sales (theoretically anyways) since they will be able to sell the Q1 exclusively for 30 days followed by additional availability at other national retailers. Hopefully the current bleak economic climate won’t put a damper on sales figures of the Q1.

Some of the more unique features found on the BlueAnt Q1 include a voice control system, where one will enjoy an authentic hands-free experience through the use of “Simply Connect” voice control technology. Customers won’t have to go through the motions of reading up on a thick user manual before getting started - all they need to do is hook up the headset in their ear, listening to the verbal cues and instructions to get the pairing and set up procedures all done in a jiffy. In addition, the BlueAnt Q1 relies on advanced voice recognition software which allows you to speak instructions straight to it. For example, just say, “answer” or “ignore” if you want to pick up or reject a call, respectively. I wonder whether non-native English speakers will have some leeway given to them by the voice recognition software and not be too rigid.

Other features include dual microphones, Voice Isolation Technology, echo cancellation and wind noise protection for the clearest conversations possible. It will retail for $129 a pop, and it would be interesting to see a shootout between this and the Aliph Jawbone PRIME.

We all know that the Nintendo Wii is privy to a bunch of peripherals that are actually nothing more than pieces of plastic which are supposed to augment the playing experience, but most of them (golf and tennis attachments) actually end up posing as a bigger risk when it comes to breaking things around in your home as you make that swing. Still, the official Resident Evil (The Umbrella Chronicles) Shot Blaster is now out although it won’t make your aim better in the game. The Shot Blaster comes with an integrated has cord management system, a Trigger Pull activated B Button, one and two hand shooting modes and quick reload among others. We wonder just how much better will your experience be with this $30 peripheral.

Rocky The Monster Speakers for the young at heart

If you’re buying speakers for a kid or just a kid at heart, this would be a fun one to have around. It’s not really a great portable speaker to carry everywhere, but it’d be nice to sit at home. It’s especially good for the younger crowd since this monster has a mohawk packed full of color changing LED lights. It’d even be great to keep a toddler giggling since he sways side to side along with the music. Giving your music a much more interesting twist.

The Rocky The Monster Speaker will work for any MP3 player you can hook up to a 3.5mm jack. You can plug it up to the wall for power or pop 4 AA batteries into it for portable power. The AC adapter is not included, but oddly the 4 AA batteries are included. Since it does so much, I’d think the batteries would die quickly, so it’d probably be better to pick up the adapter. You can purchase Rocky from Gadgetz 4 All for £24.95 or about $37.

The Coby MP3 Player with 1GB Flash Memory and Speaker System

Keeping music going can sometimes be a pricey task. If you pick up an iPod, even the smallest of them, the Shuffle, it’s still expensive. Then if you want portable speakers you have even more money coming out of pocket. If you aren’t that worried about having the absolute best sound quality out there, it is possible to bargain hunt. Likely this is one of the cheapest deals you’ll find to help with your music fix.

It offers a 1GB flash memory combined with a stereo speaker system. It’ll play MP3 and WMA music files. Although 1GB isn’t much, there are likely those out there that really don’t need something with a lot of storage. Plus the smaller drives are better for taking around with you to the gym or other places when you need extreme portability. It doesn’t come with a set of earbuds, but at least you’ll have a set of speakers. The speakers can hook up to anything with a 3.5mm stereo plug. You can purchase this set for the extremely affordable price of $14.09 .

Envirobank Gives you Money for Recyclables

This next product is for those who are truly “greening their routine”. I myself usually take a trip to the recycling plant once per week. Sadly, this has nothing to do with my love for Mother Earth. It just so happens that I can save a lot of money on my garbage bill. Envirobank has figured out a way that consumers can deposit their recyclables in a conveniently located machine, and give them a cash reward for their ecologically sound actions. These machines have been called “reverse vending machines” as users give aluminum cans to the machine, and it gives them money right back. In addition to aluminum cans, these machines accept PET, HDPE, and PVC recyclable materials as well as brown, clear, and green glass. My sources say that some of these machines can hold up to 3,000 containers.

I am assuming that some recycler eventually comes by and picks up all the drop-offs, replenishes the money slot, and the recyclables will already be cleaned and crushed. I believe that in order to receive the payments for the recycled trash, the user needs to watch a video via an LCD screen on the machine itself.

This new system of reverse vending machines has already been deployed in Australia, but only on a trial basis. Personally, I think a system like this could easily change the world, and maybe even save the Earth in the process.

I was on a beach the yesterday with my kids, and I really wasn’t prepared for a hot day. If anything, I felt stupid for giving the kids sweaters. While the kids were playing, the sun burned me up and I didn’t notice. Last night, I looked in the mirror to see some guy with a pink face looking back at me.

Perhaps I should have been wearing one of those wristbands that monitor harmful UVA and UVB rays. Or, I could take it a step further and get a UVSunSense band. So what makes the UVSunSense different than those other sun-bands? Well, most of those sun bands don’t let you know when you need to reapply your sunscreen.

Here’s how it works in a nutshell. As you put on your sunscreen, you also put a dab of the lotion on the UVSunSense. The band will turn purple in the sunshine, but this color will not last. In fact, the user should take note of when it turns colorless, as it will be time to put on more sunscreen.

There are actually two ways that this bracelet can save your skin. On the side of this guy is a note saying: “Apply sunscreen to this side”. If the user cannot read this, it would be a good idea to quit their day at the beach. Now there’s something I wish I would have done yesterday.

Potty training any kid is never fun, but mothers have had to deal with all kinds of special tricks when it comes to boys. Unfortunately, no matter how much you try, boys do end up leaving a mess for the mom to clean up. Perhaps if your little one had a urinal like their Dad uses at a public bathroom, they’d be more likely to concentrate. This isn’t just a plastic urinal for the short ones, but it’s the first flushable version for your kids.

The Peter Potty will grow with the child, it adjusts up to 4 inches. So after a while you’ll have to switch them to a normal toilet. Hopefully you never have a male drunken guest though that decides if they crouch just right, they too can use it. The urinal has a refillable water reservoir, when you push the button, the urine goes into a small bucket. That bucket will hold several rounds for your child.

Entecho’s Hoverpod

I remember watching an episode of Mythbusters where they were discussing the possibility of hovering technology. Apparently, Adam and Jamie had grown up seeing the same ads on the back covers of comic books that promised an “Air Car”, and I remember these ones too. The Mythbusters then challenged each other to a race with hovering vehicles that they built on their own. They were able to get them to hover, but getting any forward motion on them proved problematic.

It would appear that Australian company Entecho has figured out an application for hover technology. This fan-forced flying saucer could start a serious transportation revolution as the huge blades spin to give it lift, and the skirt around it gives it directional manipulation. The hoverpod is capable of speeds of 120 km per hour, with a range of 3 km. I’m not certain what that means, but I believe that it can hover up to 1.5 meters off the ground. This hoverpod can hold about three passengers, and it is quite safe as no blades are exposed.

Sadly, this vehicle is still under development, and has been for the past several years. I hope it comes out soon. I mean, we may be nowhere near that futuristic age of flying cars any time soon, but I would imagine that hovering cars is a necessary step.

Mobile Processors Getting Even Better

Our mobile devices feature a lot of different technologies, but at the core of it all is the mobile processor. Without the advancement of microscopic processors, your smartphone wouldn’t be so smart—it’d just be a phone. As mobile processors become more powerful, mobile phone manufacturers add new and improved features, including larger screens, higher-quality media playback, and faster-loading Web content. In this article, we’ll cover the ways processors have changed recently and show you what features future processors may deliver on mobile devices.

• Portable Entertainment & Navigation
  Only a couple of years ago, a smartphone’s primary duties consisted of basic email, PIM (personal information management), and various professional tasks. Recent processor speed enhancements, plus the integration of video and audio codec processing, allow most new mobile phones—even budget models—to play back audio and low-resolution video. For example, many new smartphones use a 400MHz or faster processor (generally based on an ARM applications processor design) that has been optimized for use with multimedia files encoded in MPEG4, H264, Windows Media Video, and Real Video. Additionally, mobile processor manufacturers increase efficiency by designing the processor to best handle a third-party operating system, such as Windows Mobile, Symbian, or iPhone.
  

Mobile processor manufacturers have also begun to include graphics hardware acceleration capabilities that allow the processor to dedicate resources to displaying images and effects. One of the most prominent mobile processor manufacturers, Qualcomm, indicates that devices featuring its QST processors deliver rich media support for photos, video playback at up to 640 x 480 pixels, mobile TV, and assisted GPS. Graphics powerhouse Nvidia also recently entered the mobile arena with its Tegra line of mobile processors, which combine an ARM CPU and Nvidia GPU capable of playing high-definition-quality video. Nvidia also indicates that its Tegra processors let you play mobile games featuring 3D environments and other eye-candy effects, rather than the simplistic 2D games.

• Faster Web Page Loading

In previous years, the combination of poor connection speed, limited processing power, and small screen size made Web pages with images and other animations slow or impossible to load on mobile phones. At the 2009 Mobile World Congress, LG and Intel indicated they will work together to create a MID (mobile Internet device) using Intel’s Atom processors that deliver a “PC-like Internet experience while supporting cell phone voice capabilities.” One example of a current MID is the OQO Model 2+ .

The palm-sized MID features a 1.86GHz Intel Atom processor and 2GB of memory, and it can run Windows Vista. The greater availability of high-speed data networks, such as 3G, means that many of you have access to near broadband connections on your mobile phone. However, the mobile processors on more affordable smartphones may not be equipped to handle all the data the high-speed connection can provide. Several manufacturers, including Qualcomm with its MSM7227 chipset, have crafted processors for affordable smartphones that can take full advantage of the high-speed connections. For example, Qualcomm’s MSM7227 chipset features a 600MHz applications processor and a 400MHz modem processor, so it includes dedicated hardware for Web access.

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Genius releases new G-Shot HD520 camcorder

Most people these days not only have a digital camera, they also own a digital video camera of sorts to make sure that still shots aren’t the only thing they can pass down to the next generation with video footage of their ancestors also being an important part of one’s history. Video archives have gotten more and more complex for the mass consumer market, and the advent of High Definition has brought about a slew of new players who want a slice of the growing pie. Genius is often on the periphery of computer accessories, but this time round they have dived deep into the world of digital video cameras by offering a new compact, pocket-size high-definition model that is not only capable of preserving your favorite memories at 11 megapixels, but is also capable of shooting and storing high-definition video at 5 megapixels in MPEG-4/H.264 format. Just in case you were wondering whether this is going to cramp your style, rest easy as the Genius G-Shot HD520 won’t weigh more than 6 ounces.

Genius has worked hard to turn the G-Shot HD520 into an everyday device which is easy-to-use, making this camcorder ideal for summer time outings, dads-n-grads occasions, moms on-the-go or anyone else who want to record life’s moments in brilliant color and clarity to help them remember when their memory fails them many years down the road. Playing nice with both Windows and Mac platforms, the G-Shot HD520 also comes with an ultra-bright 2.5” LTPS LCD display which can be rotated up to 270-degrees, virtually opening up new doors of freedom for you to shoot videos from a whole new variety of angles and positions. Perfect for folks who want to work on their technique in discovering weird and quirky angles.

Genius also knows how hard times are for the people, hence pricing the G-Shot HD520 at an affordable $149 - making this a very hard offer to refuse.

New Averatec N2700 netbook

TriGem USA has just made available yet another player in the already crowded notebook market - the Averatec N2700. This new mobile computing device will not skimp when it comes to features, and TriGem USA has made an extremely attractive offer for it which we’ll look at in closer detail at the end of the post. For the moment, let’s take a look at what the Averatec N2700 has to offer, shall we? For starters, this model will feature an Intel dual-core processor running at 2GHz, a 250GB hard drive and an 8x super multi DVD optical drive, all running on Microsoft Vista Home Premium.

According to Henry Hewitt, vice president of sales at TriGem USA, “The N2700 notebook is an ideal solution for consumers looking for the sweet spot in terms of price, portability and performance. It’s larger and more powerful than a typical netbook computer and offers great portability over notebooks sporting 13-inch screens and larger.” We certainly cannot deny that, since it is much beefier compared to a standard netbook, and yet it won’t break the bank with the relatively affordable $699 price point, where we’ve seen some higher end netbooks in the past retailing for approximately that price and yet lack the processing muscle to boot up Internet Explorer 8 in a fast and seamless manner. There is one drawback that the Averatec N2700 (and any other standard notebook for that matter) is unable to compete in – the size of the netbook will always win out, at least for the moment.

Other features of the N2700 includes a whopping 4GB RAM, integrated 802.11b/g wireless connectivity along with 10/100/1000 Mb/s wired networking. You will also benefit from a trio of USB 2.0 ports, while a FireWire port is there for folks to transfer their large multimedia files from devices such as camcorders over at a much faster rate compared to USB 2.0. Don’t expect this to be a head turner though, but we do think it offers a whole lot of bang for your buck.

The Mr Brightside USB Light

Task lighting is always nice when what you’re working on isn’t well lit, sometimes it can become difficult to concentrate. There have been several lights that are powered by your USB ports and this is just one more to add to the list. I do find it a little odd how tiny it is. With other types it seemed like it could easily illuminate something besides your keyboard keys, but with this it seems like it wouldn’t be that bright. However, if you like to plan for anything when you’re traveling, this could easily be stashed within your laptop bag.

Hopefully it’s brighter than it looks, from the picture it seems to be only as bright as one of those weak keychain lights. The light comes in a variety of colors, black, cherry, lime and blueberry. You can even choose to purchase a pack of three in all the same color for slightly cheaper than the individual price. For one it’ll cost you about $9 and for the pack of three it’ll cost you $20. Then if you lose one, it won’t be expensive to replace it.

The Vornado Flippi V fan

Weather is slowly but surely heating back up, but being Springtime it’s that awkward period where heat isn’t usually needed and it’s not time for the air conditioning either. There are days though that you might be tempted to flip on the air conditioning. For days like that when you’re just not ready to flip on the air, it will take a very well powered fan to cool things down. This fan from Vornado would be great during those days when you need things to cool back down a bit.

This pricey fan even looks better than the average fan you might see sitting around the average home or office. Then you add in that it will move air 40 feet and this is no ordinary fan. You can set it up in a convenient spot, then keep the remote control with you, making it so you don’t even have to get up to adjust the fan. It has three different speeds and an LED display on the fan itself. It also comes with a 3 year warranty to make sure that you get your money’s worth. This fan will cost you $79.99.

Fujitsu MB88395 chip supports 1394 Automotive communication standard

It goes without saying that we love to be entertained, otherwise how else would you explain sold out rock concerts, millions of Thriller albums making their way to living rooms all over the world and the clamor for the latest hit movies. In fact, with the advent of the iPod, entertainment has gotten all the more portable, spawning a mushrooming portable media player industry that has players from various companies coming up with their own creations. While these devices can be carried around in one’s pocket, what about entertainment options in the vehicle itself? Right now, we’re just stuck with built-in DVD players as well as in-dash displays (or those attached to the sun visor) to keep the kids entertained with Barney’s DVD during that cross country road trip, but what if entertainment could be personalized in high definition for each passenger? That’s what Fujitsu Microelectronics Ltd. aims to do with their new MB88395 processor, an LSI which supports the “1394 Automotive” communication standard for automotive information systems.

Basically, the MB88395 will offer a capability to simultaneously transmit video data from Blu-ray discs, terrestrial digital TV broadcasts and car navigation systems. This is made possible thanks to doubling the transmission speed of its previous product to 800Mbps, making transmission of 720p HDTV video a very real possibility, in addition to throwing in a function to compress HDTV video data to 1/4 and uncompress it. Its predecessor was unable to scale such heights, hitting data compression of just 1/3 at best.

We would assume that this new technology would be able to reroute video from various sources to individual screens in the car, making sure each passenger will be able to watch a video of his/her choice without having to quarrel over whose show must come first. Sample shipments have already started, and we hope to see a working consumer solution in the near future.

Samsung announces N110 and N120 netbooks

The world of netbooks sure have grown by leaps and bounds ever since the Asus Eee PC 701 made its appearance a couple of years back, and just about every major notebook manufacturer have jumped aboard the bandwagon and come up with their own version to compete against one another. Samsung is not exactly one of the more mainstream names when it comes to notebooks, but their netbooks have made an impact in the industry so far. This time round, Samsung has announced a couple of new models in the form of the N110 and N120 for those who are interested in picking up a new netbook. They are readily available online as well as in retail stores, going for $469 and $459, respectively.

Let’s take a look at the Samsung N110 netbook first, where you will find its 10.27″ x 1.19″ x 7.3″ measurements to be extremely portable. In addition, you won’t find your shoulders strained when carrying this around with you on your travels as the N110 tips the scales at just 2.78 lbs, making it a snap to be stowed in a briefcase or travel bag. Touch typists will also find the ergonomic-friendly 93% full-size keyboard a joy to use, while the 10” LED SuperBright Glossy Backlit Display ought to do its part in keeping your eyes fresh even after working on it for a few hours at a stretch. Other features include a 6-cell (5900mAh) lithium battery that theoretically provides up to 9 hours of battery life, and we suppose that is only possible with all, if not most of the options turned off. Other features include a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB RAM, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, a 160GB hard drive, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, three USB 2.0 ports and a 3-in-1 memory card reader.

As for the Samsung N120 netbook, this is more multimedia centric although it weighs a tad more at 2.8 lbs. The keyboard is also larger, being a 97% full-size keyboard with trackpad. In addition, you will also benefit from a SRS 2.1 channel system that is powered by two 1.5 watt stereo speakers and a dedicated subwoofer, in addition to a 1.3 megapixel digital motion camera for video-conferencing capabilities.

Robo-Q Tiny R/C Robot

When the word ‘robot’ is mentioned, most people would think of huge, warring machines that are able to level a city in no time with its array of missiles and lasers. Well, here’s some news - not all robots are marauding technological monsters who love nothing better than wipe out an entire city for no good reason. There are some small and cute ones like the Robo-Q Tiny R/C Robot which are fully walking models, they are also equipped with fully autonomous modes in order to prevent bumping into obstacles as well as chase after the included soccer ball. For folks who are control freaks, you’ll be pleased to know these $39.99 robots will come with a remote. Bear in mind this imported toy comes with an all-Japanese manual, but you ought to figure out how to insert the AA batteries, don’t you?

Spy Camera Pen

Watched too many spy movies that you wish you had your very own Q along with a collection of toys and gadgets that would put James Bond to shame? Why not start off with the Spy Camera Pen that is able to hold up to 15 hours of footage, where it also doubles up as a fully functional pen to put down your John Hancock on those official government documents.

A tiny built in Spy Camera lens is situated above the pen clip, hard to see even with the keenest eye. Perfect gifts for James Bond wannabes, these Spy Camera Pens are a great addition to our Thumb Camera and Spy Glasses! Use the Spy Camera Pen in meetings, to document important conversations or just to try out your spy skills wherever you go! Just place the pen in your front pocket and record everything in front of you in full color. The Spy Pen camcorder also features sound! A microphone is hidden under the pen clip giving you full video camera capabilities. To download your footage simply install the software disc and attach your Spy Camera to your computer with the USB connector. Simple to use and effective on Watchdog style missions. Go undercover at school, catch your sister picking her nose at home or record your work mates falling asleep in your bosses meeting. The Spy Camera Pen will make your Mission Impossible…possible! Whether you casually leave it on a desktop or wear it in your front pocket, catch the action as it happens! If you need to covert video footage at the touch of a button then this nifty Spy Camera Pen is the ideal solution. Footage can be uploaded onto You Tube, editing tools and emails quickly and effectively.

The £59.99 entry price might be a bit steep for those who are looking for a little bit of fun, but something tells me if this thing gets any cheaper, we’ll see more and more voyeuristic kind of videos around the Net (as though there weren’t enough of these around already).