In today’s technologically modern times, many people are moving away from the traditional television. And why not? Most television viewing can be done online anyway.

But ASUS, a leading name in computing, has decided that television viewing is far from over. They are preparing to introduce a whole new level of what some regard as an essential pastime to many people. The ASUS Express TV Stick is a device that gets plugged into your spare USB port. This then provides you with access to its auto installation software for high quality digital and analog TV reception.

And if you are spoilt for choice on which programme to watch, don’t worry – a nifty pop up feature allows you to save a show and watch at a later stage. Then, when you do want to watch it, all you need is a USB port and a computer and voila! Quick and convenient television viewing.

HP ProBook s-series Laptop

HP has launched a new range of low-priced notebooks, ideal for businesspeople looking for affordability, functionality and fresh features. The new ProBook s-series boasts sophisticated business functionality and features HD graphics and Blu-ray drives. You can even enjoy the option of selecting either an Intel processor or an AMD processor. You can also choose either a 14-inch, 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch diagonal HD widescreen with an aspect ratio of 16:9.

Other exceptional features include an optional Linux-based operating system pre-installed. The Novell Inc’s SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 is perfect for users who are looking for a change from the overriding Windows platform from Microsoft. Additionally, you get a nifty 3D DriveGuard which protects your hard drive, as well as a convenient spill resistant keyboard. What more could you ask for?

GoateeSaver

If you are a modern man who likes his facial hair trimmed to perfection, this may be the ideal gift for you. The GoateeSaver is a wacky but nifty device and great for keeping you looking neat and trimmed at all times, while knocking crucial minutes off your daily shaving regime.

So what does the GoateeSaver do? This quirky device is an adjustable mouthpiece capable of keeping your facial hair straight and even. It also shaves hard to reach places, allowing you to get the pattern you want. And even though your wife, friends and even kids might tease you, perfect facial hair is well worth the jibes.

The Dual Action Electronic Lightsaber

Face it guys. Most of you have at one stage fantasised about partaking in a lightsaber battle in outerspace – a la Star Wars. And now you may be able to do just that, while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. The Dual Action Electronic Lightsaber is a new toy which puts a twist on the traditional, now somewhat boring lightsabers of yore.

This new, updated lightsaber offers something that the older models do not – a second, smaller lightsaber hidden within the hilt. This makes defeating your opponent easier, especially if they are still trying to play catch up with their older models. Hold the extra lightsaber as a dagger, or attach it to the hilt for an uber-lightsaber. Your opponent will definitely have no chance now. But don’t go running to the toy stores just yet, as this lightsaber is only available as from August. Until then, may the force be with you.

So how does this nifty little device work? The Snooper uses global positioning satellites (GPS) in conjunction with GPRS and GSM technology to accurately locate your pet within about 2.3 metres at any time during the day or night. The GRS and GSN features also allow you to use your handy cell phone (with suitable Google maps application installed) as a locator as well. How? You call the Snooper on its unique phone number and it will send you an instant text message with the GPS coordinates. How cool is that? And the best part of it all – there are no monthly fees.

The built in rechargeable battery provides up to 15 hours of continuous monitoring. The downside, however, is that the Snooper carries a hefty US$279 price tag. But then again, surely you can’t put a price on the safety of your pet?

But, unlike the classic Tamagotchi, the Yuruppy requires some touch screen recognition, as well as training and feeding. And you have the choice of a puppy, kitten or, wait for it, a chicken. And even though most people are not used to petting a chicken, this is great preparation for those of you who plan to.

Even though the classic Bandai Tamagotchi got upgraded to colour, competition is now stiff with the introduction of the Yuruppy. Developed by Takara Tomy, the Yuruppy is the modern man’s answer to virtual pets. Takara Tomy have even thrown in 14 mini games to keep you and Yuruppy entertained.

Japan will be the first country to get the Yuruppy in June, with many other countries likely to follow suit. The standard version will retail for USD21, while a bigger, deluxe version will set you back USD38.

The Groove Station also boasts controls for adjustments to tempo, pitch, and even a nifty ‘sex change’ function, allowing you to change from falsetto to bass in a matter of seconds. Another cool feature is the special effects mode – a function allowing singers to sound like they are singing in front of a packed audience. Also, a harmony button turns your voice into a perfect 3-part harmony, and a doubling effect creates a duet with yourself. You can also keep score of your singing – the more accurately you sing, the higher your score.

The Groove Station is powered by 4 AA batteries and comes with ten free songs to get you started. More cartridges are available – for an extra fee of course.

And unlike the original Idols show, you don’t have to worry about any snippy comments from high-strung judges. With the Groove Station, everyone loves your singing – except maybe your dog. Or your family. Or your neighbours. Or ….

Although the company is not well known for its outstanding technical features, this new camera is definitely worth mentioning, seen as though, besides offering the usual perks, it offers some great extra features as well. Besides being rechargeable and coming with image management software and a USB cable, it also uses environmentally friendly materials and lead free construction.

The camera can also store over 200 pictures within its internal memory, shoot photos at QVGA resolution (320×240 pixels) and record videos in AVI format, all at the touch of a button. This digital camera also boasts the option of doubling as an ultra portable webcam simply by attaching it to a computer via a USB cable. Additionally, the USB interface is used for recharging the camera’s built-in batteries.

And although there is no definite pricing guide available as yet, the new retro cam should be affordable to us normal folk.

More information on this camera can be found on iTech News

What is it? The Thanko Media Player Sunglasses is a nifty little gadget which allows you to play videos in MP4, AVI, and ASF formats, all through the lenses. These glasses are believed to be designed for viewing videos at about 50-inches in comparison, at about 423 x 240.

The material used for viewing the audio, video, or photo files is stored on a mini SD card. The sunglasses also allow you to connect to your computer via USB 2.0 for downloading more files. You will receive a lithium ion-battery, and four equalizer presents with your glasses.

The whole package includes the sunglasses, a remote control, an AC adaptor, ear phones, as well as a USB cable and carrying case. And if you don’t like the added features, at least you will look cool this summer.

This product is not available at the Deals Direct Online Shopping Portal, but you can find various other Media Players at their store.

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With Christmas just a couple of months away, it is now time to start wondering about gifts and gadgets for the kids. Are you thinking about a Playstation 3, XBOX, MP4 player, or maybe even a funky laptop? With all these new and modern gadgets on the markets, you wouldn’t blame parents for completely loosing their minds this time of the year. Well, worry no more, because the coolest gadget has finally arrived. The Zero Gravity Micro R/C Car is an innovative and funky remote controlled car, which boasts the ability to perform gravity-defying moves along the wall.

Still not convinced? Well, the Micro features an advanced Venturi suction system, working similar to a vacuum cleaner. Special fans create a powerful down-force, allowing the car to stay glued to the wall. Flexible skirts around the chassis ensure that the vacuum remains sealed while performing its impressive stunts. You control the Micro using a stylish twin toggle infra-red transmitter. The vehicle itself is powered by a rechargeable battery. So all you have to do is recharge the battery and off you go.

Cars are available in red and black, with four frequencies to choose from. The Micro is a great product which allows you to have fun with fellow racers. Just remember, you may want to invest in a neck brace as well, because looking up at the ceiling all day long can become a bit strenuous.

Unfortunately this gadget is not sold at Deals Direct, but you can buy other cool gadgets straight from their website!

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So when I first heard of Eye-Fi, I thought it’s too good to be true. And it is; this little orange SD memory card is not yet readily available in South Africa, even though it has been available elsewhere since 2006. But it would be worth the wait.
What’s more, some people have found the Eye-Fi to be more than worth the $100 they spent on it. They managed to track down the thieves of their stolen cameras. They’re very lucky: their thieves were hanging around unsecured networks. But there’s a good chance most thieves, same as these ones, are digital n00bs.

As long as you are in a Wi-Fi network, you’ll be able to use Eye-Fi. And your camera should use an SD memory card. If you have a camera that uses CompactFlash, you can get an SF adapter. Eye-Fi has three different models: Eye-Fi Share; Eye-Fi Home; and Eye-Fi Explore. The first option is the more affordable one, so it has the basic functions. The Eye-Fi Explore, which is the more advanced option, can tag your photos’ geographical location so you’ll know exactly where you took that photo of your buddy.

The card can store up to 2GB worth of pictures and upload the JPEGs straight to your Flickr, Facebook or Picasa. Wirelessly. You could also programme it to upload photos to your computer and transfer them yourself to your favourite photo sharing system. Many photo sharing services are supported by Eye-Fi: Adobe Photoshop Express; Gallery 2; Kodak EasyShare Gallery; Photobucket; TypePad; and Windows Live.

So you could feel safe knowing that crooks who steal your camera will not have the monopoly on your pictures; just programme the camera to ‘phone home’ and you’ll be cool.

The History of GPS:

Since the beginning of time, mankind has been looking for new ways to get reliable navigation. In the past, sailors used to travel along the coastline, or used the stars as a natural guide. Now, with the invention of the GPS, we can determine exactly where we are, and in what direction we are going.

The design of the GPS is based on various other similar navigation systems, as well as the Sputnik, a spacecraft mission first launched in the Soviet Union in 1957. While scientists were monitoring Sputnik’s radio transmissions, they realised that the frequency of the signal that Sputnik transmitted fluctuated according to the distance of the satellite. This observation helped scientists to pinpoint where the satellite was along its orbit by measuring the Doppler distortion.

Transit, the first satellite navigation system, was first successfully tested in 1960. In 1967, the Timetion satellite was developed by the US Navy. In the 1970s, the ground-based Omega Navigation System became the first worldwide navigation system and in 1978, the first experimental Block-I GPS was introduced.

Simplified Method of Operation/How does a GPS work?

A GPS receiver is installed in your car/boat/aircraft to calculate its position. The receiver makes use of the signals from four or more GPS satellites. The receiver then internally solves for time and position. Each GPS features an atomic clock that transmits messages to the receiver. These messages state the current time at the start of the message, the parameters to calculate the location of the satellite, as well as the general system health.

Travelling at the speed of light through outer space and slightly slower once it reaches into the atmosphere, the swift signals reaches the GPS receiver, which will then determine via the arrival time the distance of each satellite. It will then get the position of the receiver using geometry and trigonometry.

Calculating a Position:

So how does a GPS receiver calculate its position? This is done by a technique called satellite ranging. This process involves measuring the distance between the GPS receiver and the satellite it is tracking. The range and distance of the satellite is measured as elapsed transit time. The satellites transmit their positions as ‘messages’ sent via radio waves to the receiver. The ground based GPS receiver is the unknown point, so it has to therefore compute its position based on the information it receives from the satellites.

Civilian Use:

GPS signals are widely used by civilians for one (or all) of its three basic functions, absolute location, relative movement, and time transfer. The GPS can be used either as an aid to navigation, or as a surveying tool. The GPS determines relative movement, which allows the receiver to calculate local velocity and orientation. This ability is useful in vessels or observations of the Earth. The US Government controls the export of civilian receivers in an effort to prevent GPS guidance from being used in an enemy’s military or for improvised weaponry.

The GPS function has already found its way to mobile phones, with the first handset with integrated GPS introduced in the late 1990s.

You can find different GPS’s at Deals Direct, an Australian online shopping portal.
Explore more with systems like Mitac Mio with software, and lots more to choose from. For more valuable information on our products at Deals Direct, visit our online store.

Just like Harald, the Bluetooth technology is based on communication. Now, at the touch of a button, you can connect to all types of devices, from cell phones and televisions, to cars and even earpieces.Bluetooth was officially launched by Ericsson in 1994. Ericsson, a Swedish company, established Bluetooth in an effort to eliminate clutter in homes and offices. By the year 1998, Bluetooth technology was starting to take shape, which led to the development of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The founding members, namely IBM, Intel, Nokia, Toshiba and Ericsson officially threw their weight behind the project and within six months the success and versatility of Bluetooth was apparent. Due to the success of Bluetooth, many companies joined the initiative. Soon Bluetooth exploded onto the market and became the global phenomenon it is today.

So what was Bluetooth designed to do? Bluetooth technology was designed to permit data and voice exchange at rates of up to 1 Mbps per second. Initially, the standard device used short range radio links in the 2 GHz Instrumentation Scientific and Medical (ISM) ‘free band’. In the early stages, the coverage range of Bluetooth devices were about 5 meters, but now, after expanding into the 700-800 bandwidth, it generally boasts a range of about 10 meters. The Bluetooth seamless radio connections create what is known as a Personal Wireless Network. The transmission frequency range for Bluetooth sits between 2.4 and 2.4835 GHz, with a maximum transfer speed of about 2.0 Mbps per second. As technology progresses, so the range, speed and effectiveness of Bluetooth will continue to grow.

Products available

Today a variety of Bluetooth products are available for your own use. Any of our Aussie readers can find products such as the Cordless Bluetooth Keyboard, Gaming Notebooks, Bluetooth Handsfree Speakerphone and many more from the Australian Online Shopping Portal, Deals Direct .

For us locals, Digital Planet also stocks a large number of Bluetooth devices available on their site.