Vibrating bracelet won't miss a call

After dismissing the concept behind the "BlueQ" wristband alert last year, we were immediately lambasted by readers. (Something that's become all too familiar for some of us.) So we proceed with due caution in passing along this similar product.

The "BluAlert Vibrating Bluetooth Wristband" works on the same principle as the BlueQ: Both are wearable devices that discreetly and wirelessly alert you when you get a call while the phone is in your bag or purse with the ringer turned off, according to 7Gadgets. We do appreciate that this new version at least attempts to look like something other than a sweat band.

At the same time, you may not want to wear one during a job interview. Your prospective employer might think you were on a break from house arrest.

Via Crave CNET

A printer for people who work while bathing

Some cynical types might question the need for a waterproof printer, but we think the reason is obvious: What else would one use to print from an underwater monitor after having received a deep-sea text message with links to undersea videos taken while listening to a scuba-diving MP3 player?

No, this 3-inch printer from South Korea's Woosim doesn't make sense to us either, as described by Red Ferret, but neither do a lot of other aquatic electronics. It's also not clear whether the device is submersible but, given the demand for other underwater gear, that probably wouldn't be such a bad idea. If not, maybe it's been designed to print onsite tickets for the orca exhibit at SeaWorld.

Via Crave CNET

Keyboard can work in silence with two PCs

Thanko is one outfit we'll never be able to figure out. Just after releasing its latest example of inanity, a vacuuming mouse, it comes out with a product that might actually be practical.

The new version of the Japanese company's self-described Silent Keyboard allows you to pound away in the middle of the night without waking the neighbors or, if you work the night shift, your co-workers in the next cubicle. There are others that make the same claim, but Akihabara News says this one can be used with two PCs, alternating from one to the next with a toggle just above the arrow keys.

It would be more convenient, of course, if the keyboard would work on both screens without having to flip a switch, but one can't be too picky for US$51. Besides, it could be worse: They could have given it a snow-globe motif.

Crave CNET

Apple to introduce 2GB iPod shuffle

Update: The 2GB iPod shuffle has appeared on Apple's Singapore site. It's listed as "coming soon" and will cost S$108 (US$71.05). Check with your local Apple site or retailer for availability in your country.

After releasing higher-capacity versions of the iPhone and iPod touch earlier this month, it looks like Apple is planning to do the same for its entry-level shuffle range. The new shuffle player will come with 2GB of memory and sport pretty much the same features and design as the current second-generation shuffle player. It is expected to be available later this month in the same five colors offered for the current 1GB offering. The 2GB shuffle will retail for US$69.

Meanwhile, the price of the current 1GB shuffle has been reduced to US$49, down from US$79. A quick check at the Apple Singapore site shows that the shuffle is now being offered at S$78 (US$51.32) instead of the previous S$138 (US$90.79), though there are no indications of a 2GB version anywhere on the Web page. We'll be contacting Apple Singapore for more information, so look out for our updates soon.

Via Crave

Wii Fit for US and UK announced

Wii gamers here in Asia will soon be able to get their hands on an English version of the Wii Fit when Nintendo launches the exercise accessory on May 19 in the US (and April 25 in the UK). So far, the parallel import models of the Wii Fit available in the market come from Japan, meaning compatibility (officially) only to the Japan Wii console and Japanese language software.

Sadly, the recent Nintendo announcement is for only the US and UK release dates, but does not mention when the Wii Fit will be officially launched in Asia (outside Japan). However, looking at past trends, it should be not too far off from the US/UK launch.

Wii Fit, which was first released on December 1, 2007, in Japan, is a Wii game title that's designed to work with a balancing platform peripheral called the Wii Balance Board to promote exercising. Activities such as yoga, pushups, ski jumping and other exercises are included in the game.

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