Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750

by Edwin - on November 1st, 2010

Let there be light – at least, that is what you will be saying to yourself when you bring home the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750. Why so, you ask? Well, this is the first device of its kind – it is a light powered keyboard. This unique peripheral will juice itself up whenever there is light, even when indoors (so you don’t have to bake yourself and get a nasty tan when using your computer), doing away with battery hassles of the past. Being the next big innovation where keyboard technology is concerned, even when you leave the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 in total darkness, it has enough juice to work for up to 3 months before requiring some sunshine to replenish its reserves.

To make it all the more greener, the K750 is also PVC-free when it comes to its construction, boasting a fully recyclable packaging in the process in order to minimize its footprint. There is an integrated solar panel to collect all forms of light, so you won’t need to worry about toting around power bricks or additional charging cables.

From November 15th onwards, you can download a solar power app which is a lux meter that helps you obtain the necessary light to keep it going, making it a snap to retrieve essential information concerning battery levels at a glance, while being alerted whenever its juice starts to run low.

Logitech’s first solar keyboard can also be powered via indoor light, while an integrated power-indicator light does away with any surprises. It measures a mere 1/3-inch thick, and looks pretty good with its rounded edges and thin profile. Boasting Logitech Incurve keys, its concave design will support the shape of your fingertips, while helping guide your fingers to the right keys. Connected wirelessly via 2.4GHz technology, the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 is tipped to hit the US and Europe this month for $79.99.

Press Release

View the original article here

SensEpil™ by Silk’n – because shaving is no fun.

by Julie - on November 5th, 2010

Remember the very first time you talked your mom into letting you shave your legs, It was so much fun, exciting, and so grown up. After that first time, I have to admit it pretty much sucked, and now I have to decide, knee socks and pants, or a shave? So thank goodness theres SensEpil™ by Silk’n a very portable pulsed light hair removal system thats been FDA cleared and promises to give you the very same results as those inconvenient and expensive treatments at the dermatologists office, all in the privacy of your own home.

SensEpil is considered safe and effective on lighter skin complexions with dark hair growth, a specialized sensor is built-in to the unit to activate the light energy onto only the appropriate skin types, ensuring your maximum safety. SenEpil’s use should be confined to unwanted hair on arms, legs, underarms, bikini lines or other hairy bits, including your face, only from the cheek line down, taking special precautions with your eyes and lips.

Light and laser based hair removal has been used in medical offices for over 15 years, and is based upon the ability of dark hair to absorb the light energy and transform it into heat, which in turn disables hair growth. Most people seem to see results in 4 treatments and fantastic results after 6. It works on men too.

I’m going to iron my skirt!

For $499.00 the unit comes with 1 disposable lamp cartridge, an instructional DVD with a quick start guide. Additional cartridges are $49.00

Source: silkn.com

View the original article here

Sharp unveils the Galapagos 003SH and 005SH, with glasses-free 3D screens

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

by Mark R - on November 4th, 2010

Sharp has recently unveiled some interesting smartphones that have a huge selling point: glasses-free 3D screens. 

I suppose that we all knew that naked-eye 3D was possible with the Nintendo 3DS, so why not create a smartphone that can do the same? These Galapagos series phones come in two forms: the 003SH (top left) and the 005SH. 

The 003SH’s 3D screen is 3.8 inches with 800 x 480 resolution with touchscreen capability. It has powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo) and has 1GHz Snapdragon CPU. It also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a digital TV tuner. The camera is a 9.6 Megapixel CCD camera with 720p video recording. As for the Galapagos 005SH, the details with photo are after the jump. 

The 005SH has pretty much the exact same features, but it comes with a “QWERTY keyboard with 4-way D-pad”. It also has a microSDHC slot for 32GB memory enhancement. The camera is also different at 8 Megapixels, but it has the 720p video capability. 

These two phones will be available from SoftBank mobile, Japan’s third largest mobile carrier. The 003SH is set for next month while the 005SH will launch sometime in February. 

I am wondering if this is a signal to cell phone companies to make displays in glass-free 3D, just like all displays are in color now instead of monochromatic. Yet another development in technology that will soon turn your present phone into a dinosaur.

Source
View the original article here

Related articles

• Sharp Galapagos 003SH & 005SH 3D Android Phones Launched (devicemag.com)
• Galapagos 003SH/005SH: Sharp Shows 3D-Enabled Smartphones (mobilecrunch.com)
• Japan only: Sharp Galapagos 003SH and 005SH rock Android, glasses-free 3D screens! (intomobile.com)

Sony Internet TV – Now I never have to get off the couch

Image via CrunchBase

by Julie - on November 2nd, 2010

There goes my promise to start exercising, just when I was feeling motivated, Sony introduces Internet TV with a Blu-ray disc player powered by Google TV.

Now I can search for whatever I want, anywhere on the Internet or TV and I can actually cruise the net, while I am watching television. Its not that I don’t do that already, its just that having everything on one integrated screen is just so darn exciting. I imagine myself updating my Facebook page while watching the news, or helping my daughter with her homework and watching football at the same time, mostly I see myself watching Formula 1 and running the live timing screen on the same display with Dual View.

This cool little box also has built in WIFI and can access your online movies, photos and music, this just gets better and better. The Sony Internet TV really is an all in one entertainment source. It probably couldn’t be any more compelling if you could say… download Android Apps or link it with your mobile phone and use it as an additional remote, or share content between the phone and TV, but you can.

The Internet TV Blu-Ray player connects to your existing HDTV, comes with a handheld QWERTY keyboard with an optical mouse and at $399.00, the only reason not to own one is all the stuff your not going to get done.

Available now with an optional extended service plan from Sony Style.

View the original article here

Related articles

• Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player with Google TV review (engadget.com)
• Sony cuts $100 off of their GoogleTVs for Black Friday (tech.fortune.cnn.com)

The Avaya Desktop Video Device with Flare™ – an iPad alternative for business?

Image via CrunchBase

by Julie - on November 1st, 2010

2011 will ring in yet another new year, AND the Avaya Flare, one of the new iPad alternatives to become available from North American software company, Avaya. At first glance the Avaya device seems to do most of what the iPad does and then some.

Seemingly geared toward corporate executives, this WIFI enabled Avaya “desktop video device” has an 11.6’ multi-touch screen with a 5 MP integrated camera, stereo speakers, USB ports, dual microphones and a removable battery.

Utilizing the Flare Experience™ you can manage your social contacts, make calls and arrange videoconferencing simply by dragging and dropping your contacts to begin communication. With the HD screen and its amazing video capabilities, you can bring anyone you need straight to your desktop. The tablet can also be used upright or angled for typing on the virtual keyboard using the fold-out stand.

The Avaya Desktop Video Device supports speakerphones, headsets, and smart phone integration for synchronization of contacts lists and, with its highly flexible Android operating system, it seems likely that a wide variety of 3rd party applications could be made to cater to your specific needs.

Touted as “an entirely new way to communicate and collaborate” I guess it could catch on, but without 3G, and an anticipated price tag of around $2000.00, I’m not sure where we’re going to see it turn up. When I find out, I’ll let you know.

Source: avaya.com

View the original article here

TomTom GO 2405 TM and GO 2505 TM announced

by Edwin - on November 1st, 2010

TomTom is synonymous with GPS navigation systems of the highest quality, so it is no surprise to see the company roll out yet another two models for the masses to help them arrive at their destination safe and sound in the fastest time possible. The latest generation of navigation devices would come in the form of the TomTom GO 2405 TM and GO 2505 TM, where they are touted to deliver a “powerful navigation experience with faster routing, an enhanced software platform, and a new look and feel”. Let us delve into the nitty gritty of both devices in the extended post.

TomTom intends to offer drivers a world-class navigation experience, and this vision has led the company to develop a patented, high-speed algorithm which makes an allowance for instant route planning. Both the GO 2405 TM and GO 2505 TM will utilize this innovative technology, where they will go about conducting continuous routing. The regular monitoring of traffic information will lead these models to recommend the best current route to drivers.

Apart from that, both the GO 2405 TM and GO 2505 TM are the first TomTom devices that come with a new, enhanced user interface. Thanks to a more-intuitive software, users will be able to route to any destination with but a few taps. Not only that, drivers will experience seamless routing with voice recognition navigation commands.

Thanks to a capacitive touch screen technology and a brighter display, you can also navigate through menu screens with just a swipe of the finger and can pinch and zoom for easy map viewing. Using its new click and lock magnetic mount, you can dock either device in a jiffy with but one hand. Among the features found in both models include :-

Instant and continuous routingCrisp, sharp graphics and intuitive user menusPinch-to-zoom and swipe from screen-to-screen using gesturesBluetooth hands free calling to maximize safetyVoice recognition to operate the device with verbal commandsA click & lock mount to keep the device securely mounted while drivingExpanded driving view on 4.3” (GO 2405 TM) or 5” (GO 2505 TM) glass touch screensLifetime Traffic & Map UpdatesAnnounces Street NamesAdvanced Lane Guidance

Both models will be available Stateside from the middle of next year onwards, with prices starting from $299.

Press Release

View the original article here

Western Digital announces WD Photos photo viewer

by Edwin - on November 5th, 2010

Western Digital has just announced their latest WD Photos photo viewer which enables Android-powered smartphone users to view all the photos that are stashed away on their WD home network drive, where among them include My Book Live, My Book World Edition and WD ShareSpace models, as long as an Internet connection is present. Not only that, iPad owners can also carve a smile on their faces as the WD Photos app also is available for the iPad. iPhone, iPhone 4 and iPod touch owners will also be able to take advantage of the WD Photos photo viewer, but as of right now, Android users too can jump in on the action.

Specially meant for the Android platform, the WD Photos app will play nice with the most popular Android OS-based smartphones, bringing native resolution and including, but not limited to, the Droid by Motorola, DROID INCREDIBLE by HTC, Nexus One, and HTC EVO 4G. Once you have copied your favorite digital photos into the Shared Pictures folder on the WD network drive, the WD Photos app will offer you access to your photo library when connected to the home network, either that or from anywhere you can access the Internet thanks to compatible mobile devices.

Your photos will obviously remain private, safe and secure on your network drive, doing away with the need for time-consuming uploads to costly online photo services, not to mention the need to choose which pictures to sync to your Android smartphone. Using just your Android device, you can search for your specific photos by name or the date the photo was taken, going through thumbnail previews while sharing all of your memories with friends and family. Among the features of the WD Photos Photo Viewer App include automatic resizing for photos on Android devices without resizing the originals on the network drives, smart filtering for quick and easy photo location, access to previously viewed photos offline, sharing of photos, assigning a photo to a particular contact as well as viewing photos in a slideshow.

The WD Photos photo viewer app works great with Android OS 2.1 or later, and is compatible with WD’s My Book Live and My Book World Edition network drives and WD ShareSpace network storage systems. You must first register with WD’s free remote access service though in order to use the app.

Press Release

View the original article here

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Your Own Virtual World

Image via Wikipedia
Play God - Be God (Even If It's Only Electronically)

Part of the appeal of video games is the visual eye-candy that splashes across the television screen. But even the addictive imagery is only half of the equation. The remaining half is the magic bestowed upon our eyes when this imagery comes to life. Animation that's controlled by a gamer is all it takes to escape into a different time and place - a time and place brought to you by virtual reality.

As you can imagine, virtual reality is a hypothetical three-dimensional visual world created by a computer. Players can enter and move about in this world and interact with objects as if inside it.1 Some of the games that are already on the market give a pretty good idea of what virtual reality is and can do. Video games like Zelda, Halo, or Harry Potter allow players to enter into an environment and interact with objects, but they don't allow the player to create an environment and that's what virtual worlds are all about.

Without a single ounce of programming experience, anyone can create a virtual world and have loads of fun doing so. All one needs is an idea.

To begin, you'll want to construct a plan that maps your idea of the perfect world, the craziest world, or the oddest world that you can imagine. Some virtual world software will give you a template of sorts (a "starter" world) that lets you make additions and ultimately build a world that you've always dreamed of. A good example of template use is inside Maxis' SimCity or SimTown games. Both games provide pre-designed environments that provide plenty of space and opportunity to shape them into one that you prefer.

Of course, you could always start from scratch. The only problem with starting with scratch is that it takes more time and knowledge to add some of the features that virtual worlds provide. Either way (from scratch or from a template), most users build a world by adding objects and scenarios - even deleting some until they've reached the perfect balance.

A good place to find examples of what you could build in virtual world gaming is online. Every virtual world program available offers sample environments that players can download and install into their own system. Some manufacturers of these games even hold contests and award winners with free upgrades. Other suitable places to find ideas are from fiction books: -historical, -fantasy, -futuristic, you name it. Science fiction movies are a good resource for ideas as well.

Just understand that virtual gaming takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will your virtual world. There's no rush and this is a relaxing hobby. Take your time and have fun. Don't fret over not knowing how to build an object or lay down a map - you can learn how to do these kinds of things in due time. Your goal is to create a world of enjoyment and it won't help if you find yourself frustrated all the time.

When ready, you can add characters with their own unique histories, habits, strengths and weaknesses. You can even give them goals or small tasks to perform throughout the game. Giving your characters goals and tasks will help you give the game a plot.

To get started, look for RAD (Rapid Application Development) Tools. RAD tools will help you bang a virtual reality game together in no time and with little difficulty.

Related articles

• A virtual world club is sold for a record amount (bbc.co.uk)
• A free book about the laws governing virtual worlds [Afternoonreading] (io9.com)

Working With Computers

In Today's Society, There's No Escape

Well, we've been warned that this time would come - probably from the earlier eighties on. Yes, computers have finally taken over and if you doubt it, we're here to convince you - but not because we want to or because we can. We want to convince you that if you don't take the necessary steps to control that reign, you're going to be left behind further than you could have ever imagined.

Computers are everywhere. Take a moment to try and think of a place a business where you didn't see a computer in use. From the small local corner store to the largest hospital, computers are in every gas station, grocery store, bank, restaurant, beauty shop, and doctor's office around. From a consumer's point of view - you may not think that's much to worry about. But along with computers, we've also been infiltrated with a little thing called "self-service." Today, there are more self-serviced resources than ever and in an effort to synchronize them with headquarter databases, they're provided via your inescapable computer.

Here are some examples. Banking is self-serviced through the desktop-clad ATM machine. Gas stations are self-serviced through a menu-clad touch screen kiosk. Most cash registers are Windows XP or Vista machines that send purchase details back to headquarters via the Internet (or a small Intranet). Having your weight, blood pressure, and heart rate measured and recorded is now a digitized process. Even ordering a pizza is now a simple matter of dialing from a wireless cell phone and making a few selections from series of pre-programmed menus!

The important thing to realize here is that this phenomenon isn't a new convenience - it's a new requirement. And if you haven't jumped onto the binary wagon, you're going to face a few problems. For just as this new lifestyle was once predicted, we're going to predict that "the old ways" will slowly disappear.

We're going to predict that all paper-based transactions (checks, money orders, etc.) and documentation (think of the old filing cabinet system) will disappear. We're going to predict that chips will replace everything that was once transported from one location to another through the trusty post office. And we're going to predict that homes will become less cluttered with stacks of paper and that our natural resources will flourish as a result of it.

This all sounds fine and dandy of course, but if you're not computer savvy, you're going to feel a little lost once the choice has past and the revolution is 100% complete. Fortunately, computer systems are designed in a way that even a child can manipulate them. In fact, if you can remember that most systems are designed along the line of menus and the selections of a few options on these menus, you'll do just fine no matter how many buttons there are to push.

For example, when you're faced with an electronic system, look for a main menu. Most main menus display themselves as soon as a device is turned on, so chances are that if you're standing before a device that shows a bunch of choices to do something, you're looking at a main menu. The buttons on these main menus of course take you to additional menus, which in turn give you even more choices to make. And all of those choices will eventually bring you to the service that you need. One very important choice you'll want to keep your eye on is the option to return to the main menu. This way, you can return to the beginning of a system and start over in case you get lost among the way.

Another important choice that you want to keep your eye on is the choice to get help! This option may not be available on every device that you encounter, but when it is available, be sure to use it.

There's just no way around it. Computers and computerized systems are here to stay. There's no need to fear them - but you surely can't avoid them. Just remember the menu system and you'll soon discover that you can approach and use these things as if you designed them yourself.

nPower – Presenting yet another alternative energy source – YOU!

by Julie - on October 29th, 2010

I can’t even tell you the number of times my phone battery died at the precise moment I needed to receive an important call, or how many times my Ipod quit 10 minutes before the end of a movie I was watching. I know I am not alone in my frustration of finding a charger, or worse.. the search for an available electrical outlet. Forget about hiking or camping, okay, I’d like to forget about camping altogether, but my daughter likes it, and when she forces me to go, I have the use of my phone for what? a day? What if I had an emergency? nPower has alleviated my concern with their nifty nPower® PEG and I will never have to lose power again, no matter where I am.

The device is relatively small, and requires only that you place it in an upright position in your purse, backpack or briefcase and then move. That’s right, walk, jog, bike or hike and from the kinetic energy you generate from your activity, this little titanium wonder will continue to charge it’s internal battery so it’s ready for you whenever you need it!

The nPower PEG uses iGo® cables and the iGo® adapter packs to connect the Personal Energy Generator to your devices and is compatible with over 3000 different hand held electronics. At the present time the PEG is shipping only to the United States, but their website allows you to sign up for their newsletter to be notified when the PEG becomes available in your neck of the woods. You can get one now for $149.99 including 1 adaptor. Oh well, I guess I’ll get out the tent.

Source: nPower

View the original article here

KTM Strider PREbike targets toddlers

by Edwin - on October 29th, 2010
It is safe to assume that many dads out there would wish their sons (and even daughters) share their passion, regardless of whether it is fishing or something more extreme like motorcycles and tackling various dirt tracks. Well, come this Christmas, families who are motorcycle enthusiasts are able to share their passion with their toddlers thanks to the new ready to ride KTM Strider PREbike.
Just what is the KTM Strider PREbike? Well, this is a revolutionary pedal-free bike which was specially designed for children from as young as 18 months. Yup, you read that right – little Suzy or Johnny doesn’t even need to be 2 years old in order to hop atop one of these puppies. The KTM Strider PREbike is unlike outmoded tricycles and training-wheels, as it was designed for safe use on dirt and every other terrain – at the same time building up the skills and self-confidence in young kids for them to quickly transition to a pedal bike and a Sportminicycle.
The KTM Strider PREbike is no slouch when it comes to looking presentable – after all, it marries all the action, performance and styling of the popular KTM line of street and off road race cycles alongside an unique child-friendly design and function of PREbikes made by Strider. It will be able to teach little ones the necessary balance and coordination skills required to ride two-wheelers from an early age without ever needing the crutch of training wheels. This makes them “level up”, so to speak, to pedal bikes and Sportminicycles years earlier compared to their contemporaries.
According to Mr. McFarland, “The Strider PREbike™ was born out of my desire to teach my sons how to ride on two wheels at the youngest age possible. I wanted to share the thrill and adventure of the sport with my children and now thanks to the new KTM Striders, we can share our family’s passion with motorcycling parents and their children around the globe.”
The KTM Strider PREbike can be purchased for $109 a pop from November 3rd onwards if you are interested, where they will come in Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow and Pink colors.
Press Release
View the original article here

The Transparent hole-puncher

by Mark R - on October 29th, 2010

Disclaimer: There are probably a lot cooler gadgets to report on rather than this. After all, we’ve got robots that look and sound human, for crying out loud! Not to mention all the cool consumer electronics that get released on a daily basis.

So why should I consider writing about a three-hole punch made of transparent plastic? Because we flippin’ need one, that’s why!

I can’t begin to count all the times that I’ve gone to punch holes in a paper, only to find out that the hole is in the wrong place. And what am I supposed to do, glue the hole back? No, I’ve got to make a print another page and hope that I don’t screw it up this time.

I’m glad that inventors Kisang Yoon and Kyubok Lee have made hole-punching simpler by making the top of transparent plastic. This way, you can see exactly where your hole punch is going to land thanks to the red ring viewfinder there.

Now all they have to do is make one for a three-hole punch. This is where I really screw up when it comes to hole punching. At this point, though, it looks like the transparent hole punch is nothing more than a concept at this point. Seriously? We need this in offices now!

Source

View the original article here

KTM Strider PREbike targets toddlers

by Edwin - on October 29th, 2010

It is safe to assume that many dads out there would wish their sons (and even daughters) share their passion, regardless of whether it is fishing or something more extreme like motorcycles and tackling various dirt tracks. Well, come this Christmas, families who are motorcycle enthusiasts are able to share their passion with their toddlers thanks to the new ready to ride KTM Strider PREbike.

Just what is the KTM Strider PREbike? Well, this is a revolutionary pedal-free bike which was specially designed for children from as young as 18 months. Yup, you read that right – little Suzy or Johnny doesn’t even need to be 2 years old in order to hop atop one of these puppies. The KTM Strider PREbike is unlike outmoded tricycles and training-wheels, as it was designed for safe use on dirt and every other terrain – at the same time building up the skills and self-confidence in young kids for them to quickly transition to a pedal bike and a Sportminicycle.

The KTM Strider PREbike is no slouch when it comes to looking presentable – after all, it marries all the action, performance and styling of the popular KTM line of street and off road race cycles alongside an unique child-friendly design and function of PREbikes made by Strider. It will be able to teach little ones the necessary balance and coordination skills required to ride two-wheelers from an early age without ever needing the crutch of training wheels. This makes them “level up”, so to speak, to pedal bikes and Sportminicycles years earlier compared to their contemporaries.

According to Mr. McFarland, “The Strider PREbike™ was born out of my desire to teach my sons how to ride on two wheels at the youngest age possible. I wanted to share the thrill and adventure of the sport with my children and now thanks to the new KTM Striders, we can share our family’s passion with motorcycling parents and their children around the globe.”

The KTM Strider PREbike can be purchased for $109 a pop from November 3rd onwards if you are interested, where they will come in Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow and Pink colors.

Press Release

View the original article here

A Video Game Environment of Your Own

Image by imjoshdotcom via Flickr
Keep out Ma'



Have you ever fantasized about building a video game environment of your own? A place where you and your friends could spend hours and hours playing your favorite games without interruption? Or how about a place that really shows off your game fetish? It's really pretty simple to create such a place and you don't need to rent out a video game hall to do it. This article will introduce a few ideas you can use to build the ultimate gaming center.


The first thing that you want to do is maintain a happy household if you're family member. Trying to play a mean game of Super Mario Tetris or Halo 2 can be impossible with kids running around the house and screaming bloody murder. You won't be able to enjoy the latest role-playing game when the wife's nagging you about bills or undone chores too. Keep a happy home, keep a happy marriage, and your time spent playing video games is heaven away from heaven.


It's no secret that some games require as much concentration and focus as when studying for a calculus exam - and there's nothing more frustrating than when you can't figure out how to get through to "the next level" of a game. This is no time to be distracted and if home life isn't what it could be, you'll never be able to concentrate on your game. Strive to make home a place to unwind first - then work on enjoying your games.


You can next dedicate a place in your home as your exclusive game room. This will not only emphasis the importance that gaming is to you (and to your family members), it will also become conducive to the mentality that you need to play a fun and relaxing (albeit, serious game). Budget permitting, decorate the room with all the amenities that you want. You could add a recliner (or two for your friends), a small stand to hold snacks, a bookcase for your games, and you could even add a small refrigerator and microwave (just in case). Your intent here is to declare the space as yours and that it serves only one purpose: pure gaming pleasure.


What you're after is a place that's completely and totally pleasing to you, both aesthetically and functionally so that you'll enjoy your time there.


With your own space dedicated to gaming, you'll want to do what's necessary to maintain it and keep it in a condition that's inviting not only for yourself, but for others as well. Keep your equipment and games clean. Take care to keep wires from tangling and organize your magazine subscriptions, books, or Internet cheatsheet printouts. Maintenance is a task that doesn't have to burden you as long as you make a daily routine of it. The advantages of keeping a regular maintenance schedule shows that this space is important to you and that you have a right to keep it that way.


But take special care not to alienate yourself from the rest of your family. We all can have a favorite hobby and we can even dedicate a special area of the home to that hobby. However it's extremely important to regard this place as a haven - not a hide out. It's not an area to hide from the kids, it's not a place to shun home responsibilities, and it's not a place to live. If this special space is approached in the latter manner, you'll soon discover it as a place of resentment, uncontrollable habit, or even depression. Be careful, schedule time with the family, and enter your playroom at appropriate times. Cooperation from others will then come naturally.

Related articles

• The Best Video Games Right Now [Games] (gizmodo.com)
• A Music Video Made Entirely In A Video Game [Video] (kotaku.com)
• Zoo Games Takes Aim at Nintendo DSTM with New Silly Bandz Video Game (eon.businesswire.com)

Getting New Ideas for Video Games (Part 1)

Image via Wikipedia
A Springboard for Video Game Developers
Creating video games is an art, no doubt. The problem is that it isn't easy to come up with ideas for video games. And even when we do get an idea, it doesn't seem as fresh or exciting as we want it to be. The following offers a few ways you can generate some creative ideas to keep your video game as fun to play from beginning to end.
1. Make it funny. Humor has a wonderful way of transforming the seemingly dreadful boring into something that's not only tolerable, but engaging as well. And if boredom is an illness, laughter is its cure. If you can inject jokes, funny imagery, or goofy characters into your game, your players will relax and associate your game with good feelings - a definite formula for success.
2. Let your mind wander off the beaten path. Since much of our thinking is associative anyway, there's no reason why you couldn't manifest this association into your video game. When one idea makes you think of another, include it as part of a video game no matter how illogical the connection is (at first). Remember that video games are your platform for creativity. It's time to be a little wild and a little unconventional. Without this free-form thinking, we surely wouldn't have the creative gems that we have today. You can always restore a sense of logic back into the game at an appropriate time.
3. Make your dreams come true. Literally, turn your dreams into video game scenarios. Had a nightmare lately? Include the scary thing in the game. Had a ridiculously stupid dream lately? Include it in the game as a detour or distraction. Sometimes dreams can be more interesting as life, and as a video game developer, you want your games to be the same. Keep a dream journal and write down those bizarre experiences you have at night. Your gamers will thank you for it.
4. Copy nature. Let's be honest - Nature is pretty weird. We have bees flying around and pollinating plants. We have water evaporating into the sky and then falling down from clouds as rain. Childbirth is a strange phenomenon itself, and germs - the smallest thing on the planet can bring down a herd of elephants. If you could emulate some of this crazy stuff in your own video games, you will have done what every man secretly wishes he could do himself. And that's take nature into your own hands and shape it into the reality you want! But don't copy nature faithfully. Twist it around. For example, instead of bees flying around and pollinating plants, your video game could have 3-inch aliens flying around and pollinating brainwashed FBI agents. Starting to get the idea?
5. Dig into History. Another good resource for video game material is our own history - but not the boring stuff. We're talking about the good stuff. The embarrassing stuff. Look for odd and weird news online and include the asinine things that people have done in the past as part of your game's plot. Your players won't believe what they're seeing!
6. Go Metaphor Happy. Metaphors are figures of speech in which expressions are used to refer to something that it does not literally denote. It simply suggests a similarity. We're not sure, but we're pretty convinced that a lot of the space ships in video games are based on what we call the "nuts and bolts" metaphor. If you look closely at the designs of some of these vehicles, and then look at some of the tools you have in your toolbox, you'll start to see a similarity among the two like we did. You can do the same in your video games to come up with some really unique imagery and situations.

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Wasted LED watch from Tokyoflash

by Edwin - on October 30th, 2010
Telling the time used to be something that’s pleasant and easy to do – all you needed was a quick glance at your wrist and you’re good to go. The folks over at Tokyoflash have certainly gone out of their way to complicate things as much as possible, and one of the results would be the Wasted LED watch. Also known as the Kisai Wasted, it will come in two color styles – black and white. Wasted boasts a streamlined plastic case and strap finished in gloss with matte detail.
It was specially designed to fit most wrist sizes perfectly, boasting a smooth translucent lens which enables you to see the mysterious layout of time right under it. Since it is USB rechargeable, you need not go out and buy those button cell batteries. It takes around 3.5 hours for a full charge which should last you for around one month on average. With the battery being able to hold around 300 charges, that would translate to over 2 years of use before you replace the battery.
How do you tell the time? That is the easy part once you get the hang of it, although your friends might beg to differ as they crack their brains, looking for various methods in unlocking the “code” or pattern. The Kisai Wasted makes it a snap with its explanation – all you need to do is touch the button for the twisted display to come to life, where the current time will flash for a short time in order to direct you. All hours are shown on the outside in the same position as the corresponding numbers on a clock, while groups of five minutes on the inside will also show up with single minutes in the center from bottom to top.
You can also initiate a programmed animation between 18:00 and 24:00 for night time, where all lights will slowly illuminate the screen and then go out every 15 minutes when animation mode is on. The price to pay? $85.09 sans shipping if you’re interested.
View the original article here

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