"Xtensor" claims CrackBerry rehabilitation

We recognize that BlackBerry Thumb can be an all-too-real affliction but, seriously, if you need something like this therapeutic contraption you've really got to let it go. Literally.

The Xtensor claims to be "the first product on the market to perform with true bio-mechanically correctness and treats the direct cause of this pain". That may be so, but to us it looks like a bowling glove combined with those elastic bands that pitchers use for to exercise their rotator cuffs.

In any case, the makers of the Xtensor say it can help rehabilitate habitual gamers as well as CrackBerry addicts. As for us, we'd rather be at the spa.

Via Crave CNET

iPhone gets extra 8GB, you get nothing

Yes, the iPhone has just gotten a memory boost to 16GB and, according to the Apple press site, it is immediately available for US$499. The new 16GB model will come with the latest software that was announced at Macworld last month, bringing the Maps application, ability to create Web clips, a customizable (hooray) home screen and iTunes movie rentals to the handset.

"For some users, there's never enough memory," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPod and iPhone Product Marketing, in a press release statement.

And for some users, they still don't have iPhones. Greg, are you reading this?

Picture credit: Apple

Phone strap doubles as solar charger

This is a switch. Usually the products from Japan's Strapya fall squarely under the category of novelty items, ranging from the silly to the, er, exotic. But it's finally come up with something practical: A mobile phone strap with a solar charger.

The solar cell can be charged up to 500 times, according to Tokyomango, and can use an AC adapter as a backup battery. It doesn't hold a candle to the drunken salaryman dangle, of course, but nothing really can.

Via Crave CNET

V=stand stands tall

Here I was, having coffee with a relation one afternoon when "crra-ack" went his BlackBerry. Fortunately, it wasn't the sound of his device breaking (though one can easily bet that he'd be delirious to see the last of his 24/7 BlackBerry). Instead, it was a little plastic thingamajib stuck to the back of his gadget. Since it didn't seem to belong, the next question popped up. "What's that?"

Turns out some firm has been trying to market its made-in-Singapore V=stand to companies. Measuring 2.5 x 5.2cm, this little gizmo sticks onto the back of any portable device--be it your MP3 player, mobile phone or PDA--to give it instant "prop up" status. The adhesive is quite strong, having seen a demo of its sticking power. And once applied, it protrudes from the back of the device which may not be to everyone's liking.

But otherwise, those without a docking cradle for their device may find this a cheap and neat solution, with eight adjustable angles to play with. There's just one catch. I.Q. Innovations is retailing this wholesale only. Bummer. (Update: The company is in talks to put this on shop shelves after the Lunar New Year, so that's a bit of good news)

Calling card vs. Freedom Phone, calling card please

Here's one that promises to unleash you from your crappy phone that goes on strike once you are out of your country. Designed by Vadim Kibardin, the Freedom Phone is a small pre-paid handset that allows you to chat for 60, 100 or 200 minutes. There's no room for your SIM card, so you will be spared roaming charges, and along with it, your number as well. According to Yanko Design, the Freedom Phone charges in just 10 minutes. That means you don't have to wait until the cows come home if you decide to pick one up from the stores. Not bad for a concept, but it should just stay as that. It's probably a better idea to buy a local calling card, though we might still consider using the phone as a paper weight.

Via Yanko Design

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (2215)

» Digital Cameras (974)

» Notebooks (1227)

» PC & Peripherals (1304)

» Handhelds (584)

» Printers (82)

» Home AV (1138)

» Music & Play (887)

» Gadgets (1474)

» Future Tech (391)

» Green Tech (170)

» Lifestyle (154)

» Luxury (22)

» Home Appliances (57)

» Cars (99)

» Games and Gear (245)

» Software (93)

» Web (105)

Previously...

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Hot Topics

Subscribe to
Crave

What's Hot

apple apple inc. apple iphone apple ipod asia battery camera game google inc. iphone microsoft corp. microsoft windows mobile phone photograph singapore smart phone software sony corp. video

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads