Features only gadget geeks would appreciate

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/04/2010 (5883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Just when the robotic vacuum cleaner market was starting to seem a tad predictable, along comes a new model offering features only gadget geeks (and possibly the traveling Molysmophobic) would appreciate. Add a swiveling camera, microphone and speaker to a robot vacuum and the ability to remotely control the device through an Internet connection for a noisy, mobile, R/C controlled Teddy Bear cam alternative. The manufacturer suggests a homesick traveller can log in through their laptop, take control of the vacuum and drive it around the house to say hi to their family and see what’s going on. I think if a possessed vacuum drove up and told me to remember to feed the cats, I’d step on it. Sold through chinavision.com and priced at $508 (Cdn) plus $98 for shipping to Canada.

 

Go ahead, get it wet

The Aqua Sounder is a waterproof iPod speaker/LED light combo you can toss into your pool, hot tub or bath for floating tunes and mood lighting without fear of electrocution. The transmitter includes a standard 3.5 mm jack to accommodate virtually any audio source and supports up to 10 speakers. The manufacturer claims a 45 m range and 10 hours of battery life for the speakers using 6 AA batteries. Available with free shipping through gracedigitalaudio.ca, a set with transmitter and one speaker is $109.99, while individual speakers go for $54.99 each.

 

TV on your computer

For those who want their TV on their computer, the latest eyetv Hybrid tuner from Elgato captures over-the-air HD broadcasts along with unscrambled digital or analog cable signals and FM radio. Works on Mac or PC (including Windows 7) with DVR functions and iTunes video conversion capability. The aluminum USB stick is compact and ships with an App that allows iPhone/iPod Touch owners to watch live video streamed from a computer. The tuner also includes an RCA adapter to capture input from VCRs if you have something compelling on tape. Infrared remote is included. Available at computer accessory retailers including London Drugs for $219.99.

 

Turning up the heat

It’s a bit late for this one, but we still have a few cold days ahead of us and it could be useful for camping as well as the rink. The Sanyo Eneloop Kairo Hand Warmer is a palm-sized, battery-powered alternative to chemical heating packs. Kairo is Japanese for "pocket heat" and Sanyo envisions the term applying to a warmer as opposed to a weapon, although the marketing folks may want to rethink that slogan for U.S. packaging. Batteries charge in three hours and the palm-sized device can be set for 38 degrees C (low) or 42 degrees C (high). The lithium-ion battery is rated for 500 recharge cycles. MSRP is $59.99 each, but available through dell.ca for $49.99.

 

A great way to wake up

No, the iLuv Vibe Plus isn’t an offering on the "now you see it, now you don’t" adult section of the iTunes App Store. It’s another in a large field of iPod alarm clock contenders. But with a difference. A corded attachment slips under the pillow and when the alarm goes off, it vibrates the pillow and bed, as well as playing music at one of three volume levels. This might be an option for parents tired of yelling, flicking lights and turning the dogs loose on teens every morning. Then again, how much effort does it take to yank the cord and throw the shaker on the floor? If you’d like to give it a try, for $131.99 you still get an iPod speaker dock/recharger/alarm clock.