Cycle safer with solar-powered Anklelite
Darren Darrow | Oct 12, 2008
The Pedalite Anklelite is a solar-powered floodlight that can help keep you safe when cycling after dark. (Credit: SmartPlanet)
As a child, if I rode my bike after dark, I'd have to rely on my bike's reflectors and, occasionally, a flashlight to keep me visible. However, today's cyclists have gadgets like the Pedalite Anklelite to help keep them safe.
This Anklelite is a solar-powered floodlight. According to Pedalite, users can expect at least three hours of use from the light in strobe mode; however, it doesn't say how often it will last when not being used as a strobe.
I think the real benefit from this, other than safety, is that you never have to buy or replace batteries. Just keep the Anklelite near your bike gear, and in the sun, and it's ready to go when you are.
According to Pedalite: "The Anklelite's robust design and versatility enables it to be also used as an arm light on the upper or lower arm--perfect for jogging, cycling or riding." It can be used as a strobe or a solid light. Also, says the company, it's weather- and impact-resistant, so it should survive the occasional fall or rain shower.
No word yet on when the product will be available from Pedalite North America, but it's going on sale in the UK for £10 (about US$18) in December.
Via Crave CNET | Source: SmartPlanet
Warner Bros. offers the "truth" about Blu-ray
Matthew Moskovciak | Oct 11, 2008
Many consumers are sticking with DVD, but it's not necessarily because of mistaken "perceptions".
In our recent review of the Panasonic DMP-BD55, we offered the view that Blu-ray has almost gotten its act together, after killing off HD-DVD, getting more Profile 2.0 players on the market, and offering standalone players for less than US$500.
However, manufacturers are anxious to get more people on Blu-ray boat as quickly as possible, which is why we get e-mails from Warner Bros. attempting to clear up "confusion" about Blu-ray. According to the press release, the company did a survey of DVD owners that do not own Blu-ray players and found they have a "persistent lack of knowledge" regarding the new format. Warner Bros. offered three main "myths" that have confused consumers, as well as the company's response:
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Microsoft unveils new Xbox Live "experience"
Daniel Terdiman | Oct 11, 2008
In the new Xbox Live experience, much of the interface is designed to cascade horizontally across the screen, allowing users to see a wide selection of choices. On HD TVs, users will be able to see even more information, given the wider screen.
(Credit: Microsoft)
Whether you're one of the legions of hard-core Xbox players or someone who's only played with the game console casually, get ready for an all-new Xbox Live.
Since the first announcement of the new approach to the massively popular service at E3 in July, some longtime fans have fretted that Microsoft is morphing it into a place for purely casual players at the expense of those for whom Xbox Live is nearly as much a home as where they actually live.
Well, based on a demo I got recently of the (not quite finished) new version of Xbox Live, I'd have to say, fret no more.
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Spotted: MSI Wind 2
Matthew Elliott | Oct 11, 2008
(Credit: Fudzilla)
Before you pick up MSI's Wind U100 Netbook at Best Buy, you'd do well to take a look-see at purported photos of its sequel, the Wind U120.
It appears to be very similar to the U100 in size and design, keeping the 10-inch screen but going with a two-tone look with a black screen bezel and sides and a white lid, keyboard, and wrist rest. The U120 will reportedly target business users, adding 802.11n Wi-Fi and 3.5G WWAN. Other rumored specifications include a 120GB hard drive or 20GB or 40GB solid-state drives and no changes to the Intel Atom CPU or other components. The MSI Wind U120 is expected to hit in December.
Via CNET Crave
Retro film camera brings back memories
Leonard Goh | Oct 10, 2008
The blackbird, fly camera. Picture credit: Superheadz
Japanese company Superheadz is known for producing some really wacky cameras, and its latest film-based 35mm shooter, the blackbird, fly, takes design inspirations from the past and looks like the twin-lens reflex (TLR) cameras your grandparents used to have.
The blackbird, fly has two 33mm lenses with two aperture settings--F7 and F11--and shutter speed is fixed at 1/125 second. To take a picture, flip open the lid on the top and compose your shot. As with most TLRs, the orientation of the image will be opposite, so it may take some getting used to. Focusing is done manually and you get a choice of three image sizes. There is the typical 24 x 36mm, as well as two square formats--24 x 24mm and 36 x 36mm.
While this novelty shooter may be an interesting conversation piece, it is not exactly cheap for a film camera. It'll set you back US$127.50 and is available online.
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