TFTS - Technology, Gadgets & Curiosities » Educational Gadgets

enTourage eDGe Hybrid eBook Reader / Netbook Gets Official [Marvell and E Ink Announce New Ultra Thin Dual eReader]

Chris Smith — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:08:31 +0000

What do you say, do we really need a new eBook reader? What happened with everyone out there? So many new devices have been unveiled so far and it looks like manufacturers will not stop yet. Marvell has decided to team up with E Ink and launch a totally new eBook reader concept, a dualbook that works as an eBook reader but also as a netbook.
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Bridgestone Flexible eBook Reader Gets Official [Bridgestone eReader to Offer 13.1-IN Flexible Color Touchscreen Display]

Chris Smith — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:14:20 +0000

So what’s the deal with eBook readers these days? I mean sure I can understand why Amazon and Barnes & Noble would want to provide eBooks to their customers. After all, that’s what they happen to have at their disposal but Bridgestone doesn’t have all those books to offer in the first place, do they?
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Plastic Logic and Barnes & Noble Confirm the QUE proReader [QUE proReader to be Available in 2010; Pricing not Available Yet]

Chris Smith — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:14:22 +0000

Remember the QUE proReader we told you about a while ago? We thought the QUE will be Barnes & Noble’s first eBook reader but we were wrong. Barnes & Noble’s first eBook was the Nook and the QUE will be the second one. Together with Plastic Logic, the makers of the QUE, Barnes & Noble has announced the new reader and we should expect to see it in action only next year.
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Ectaco jetBook Lite Pocket eBook Reader Announced [jetBook Lite Pocket eReader With 5-inch Display, Hits the US]

Alex Ion — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:47:57 +0000

ECTACO, a company that manufactures and sells translation dictionaries and language software, have recently announced their new jetBook Lite Pocket eBook reader at the Frankfurt Book Fair. A lightweight and super-portable addition to a market dominated by Kindles and Barnes & Noble e-readers, the ECTACO jetBook is the ultimate pocket library for either the professional, business or leisure reader.

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Barnes & Noble Nook eBook Reader Officially Launched [Specifications and Features Available; Barnes & Noble Available for Pre-order for $259]

Chris Smith — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:58:56 +0000

You can’t say we didn’t tell you so because we told you so! The Barnes & Noble eBook reader has been officially revealed today, exactly as expected. Too bad for Barnes & Noble that their event overlapped Apple’s Macs refresh! Or should we assume that Apple decided to make sure the Mac refresh will steal our attention from the upcoming Windows 7 event in particular but also from Barnes & Noble press event?
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Plastic Logic Announces QUE proReader [Barnes & Noble eBook Reader Officially Revealed; Full Specs, Pricing & Arrival Dates Coming at CES 2010]

Chris Smith — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:40:05 +0000

Earlier today we showed you a brand new eBook reader. The oddly named Alex Android eBook reader has been made official by Spring Design but that’s not the only reader we have for you today.
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Livescribe Announces New Pulse Smartpen [Livescribe Pulse Available in 2GB, 4GB and Pro-Pack Versions]

Chris Smith — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:40:09 +0000

Before telling you about this Pulse smartpen I’ll have to admit that I happen to type a lot more words than I’m writing. And there’s a simple reason for that. I can understand the words I’m typing whereas my writing isn’t that easy to decipher. Furthermore I’m not getting tired as fast when using both of my hands to type instead of simply writing everything done.
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Barnes & Noble Color eBook Reader Leaks [Barnes & Noble to Announce eBook on October 20 in New York City]

Chris Smith — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:21:19 +0000

Just last week we were talking about Barnes & Noble’s upcoming eBook readers. Now we know that the company will launch an eBook reader next week on October 20 at a special event hosted in New York City.
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Microsoft Announces Office 2010 Starter [Starter to Replace Works; Available Free of Charge]

Chris Smith — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:22:13 +0000

One of the best software solutions ever to have been released by Microsoft is the Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft is well aware of that. With Windows 7 coming soon we’re bound to also see Office 2010 emerge. And Redmond has decided to make available a Starter version of Office 2010 which is supposed to replace Microsoft Works be available totally free.
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Barnes & Noble to Launch Plastic Logic eBook [Color eBook Comes in Spring 2010]

Chris Smith — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:12:16 +0000

If there is probably one thing that we don’t need at this point in time, that’s another eBook reader. There are plenty such gadgets as it is, with Amazon’s Kindles being the most famous ones available. Barnes and Nobles however feels lucky enough to launch a similar product and their color eBook reader is expected to arrive in Spring 2010.
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Kid Wins Trial against Amazon [Receives $150,000 in Damages; Amazon Not to Remotely Wipe Books from Kindle Anymore]

Chris Smith — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:42:23 +0000

Amazon’s Kindle popular eBook reader had one major flaw. At anytime Amazon could delete stuff from any Kindle without previous notice. That doesn’t sound too good does it? There are folks that went ahead and quit using it after Amazon has remotely deleted purchased copies of 1984 and Animal Farm from thousands of Kindle devices. Unfortunately for Amazon, the wipe process has also managed to delete a certain homework from a kid’s Kindle together with his copy of 1984.
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Amazon to Launch Kindle 2 in the UK in October [Amazon’s eBook Reader to Become Official Next Week?]

Chris Smith — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:02:18 +0000

UK customers, don’t get all too excited right away. According to “authoritative sources” the Kindle 2 is finally going to make its official debut in the UK this month. Amazon hasn’t made any official announcement yet but according to existing rumors the eBook reader will be properly announced sometime next week.
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Oregon Scientific +ECO Clima Control [Solar Powered Weather Station, Integrated Solar Panel, Current Temperature & Humidity In four Locations]

Robert Lesher — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:04:12 +0000

Admit it. You know there are days when you wish you could actually find out what the temperature and humidity levels are in your bathroom, bedroom, office, and kitchen. As useful as that information can be, it doesn’t help that you need to go out and buy four separate devices and set them up in each location all the while dreading the time when you have to actually get off the couch to walk around to each room to read them. That can take hours. I feel your pain and so do the folks at Oregon Scientific. Not only is their new +ECO Clima Control weather station capable of saving you valuable time in your indoor meteorological exploits, it can also run off of solar power, and that’s good for everyone. (...)
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Trinvo Talking Translator [Pocket Translator with 12 Languages, 750 Phrases, and iPod Looks]

Robert Lesher — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:03:44 +0000

The world is certainly becoming a much smaller place. Communication is an almost instantaneous event and technology has nearly broken the multicultural barriers that once separated the world. There is one thing, however, that still stands in the way of true international conglomeration, the language barrier. Who hasn’t had trouble when they’ve attempted to get a cab in New York or purchase a pack of smokes in Sri Lanka. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have your own personal translator in your pocket? Well, look no further. The Trinvo talking Translator is here to help. (...)
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SOLAR ChumAlong Solar Power System [Portable, Lightweight Solar Tracking System]

Robert Lesher — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:06:20 +0000

Solar power has remained a bit of an oddity when it comes to its acceptance as a wide-spread alternative power source. It probably has something to do with the cost of making the photovoltaic cells or the fact that no matter what device is created with solar power in mind they always look like something out of Weird Science. That being said, there are places where solar power has found acceptance: highway signage lighting, backyard landscaping lights, and, of course, the calculator. But what about the nerd on the go that needs power for his gadgets in the middle of nowhere? Enter the SOLAR ChumAlong Solar Tracking System. (...)
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Sanyo LP-WXU700 HD Projector [World's First 802.11n WiFi Portable HD LCD Projector]

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:19:27 +0000

Having only earlier today covered the Sanyo SCP-2700 QWERTY handset becoming available via Sprint, we’re featuring Sanyo for the second time today thanks to the official launch of their Sanyo Lp-WXU700 HD Projector which is billed as being the ‘industry’s First IEEE802.11n High-speed Wireless Wide XGA Ultra Portable LCD Projector’.

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PeeWee Pivot Tablet Laptop for Children [aka 'PeeWee Premier PC' for Kids]

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:03:22 +0000

Referred to as both the PeeWee Pivot Tablet Laptop and the PeeWee Premier PC, this 1.6GHz Atom N270 powered 10″ touchscreen laptop is aimed specifically at young children and, apart from offering s sturdy design capable of riding out the knocks and scrapes young kids will undoubtedly throw at it (its both drop and spill resistant), comes with a bundle of ten ‘age-targeted’ software titles as well as handwriting recognition and MS Works 9.0.

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The Smart Globe Deluxe Is A World Of Knowledge

Bo — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:26:41 +0000

Man oh man how I wish I was back in school now! This might give my age away somewhat but I still remember researching in the library with a set of encyclopaedias! Now all I want is to play on this educational toy; The Smart Globe Deluxe!

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USB Chess Means You’ll Ignore Your Crafted Sets Over This Virtual Chess Fiend

Bo — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:19:07 +0000

What red blooded mentally stimulated human cannot love the game of Chess? I, for one, have at least 3 boards in my house. 1 magnetic, 1 electronic and 1 crafter set and I’m probably not the only one. Now we introduce the USB chess set.

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The Spark is a UMPC Compact Design Portable Device Up Against Rival, OLPC XO-1

Bo — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:55:12 +0000

Concept week is definitely here to stay apparently what with the new “Spark” being announced. The Spark is a UMPC and considered more portable than a laptop due to its compact design.

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Sony eBook Reader … A World Of Knowledge At Your Fingertips

Bo — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:42:32 +0000

Shoowee … this is a toughie. I complain about the prices of books but at the same time my dream is to own my own library within my home. The eBook Reader by Sony would combat the price problem but I highly doubt my library would feature substance with one electronic goodymagafter in it!

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The H2O Desk Calculator Is The First Water Powered Calculator And Our Green Invention For The Week

Bo — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:32:04 +0000

Every now and again I like to review some crafty green-gadgets and today I have found the unique H2O Desk Calculator which, if you hadn’t guessed by now, is powered with plain tap water.

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Crayola EZ Type Keyboard Brightens Children’s Minds

Bo — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:55:26 +0000

Now here’s what I’m talking about!!! These are the colours that dreams are made of and only Crayola could have invented this Crayola EZ Type keyboard to get my blood pumping faster!

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The Kid-Tough Portable DVD Player – It’s Child’s Play!

Bo — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:19:17 +0000

I’m not certain if I support the Kid-Tough Portable DVD Player as much as I should and I have my reasons. Although this natty invention is everything that a parent wishes for; safety, strength and the ability to entertain your children while on long trips, (...)
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Livescribe’s SmartPen – smarter than kids or just an expensive toy?

Bo — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:23:14 +0000

Here is something I thought I’d never ever say but after finding this new gadget I wish I were back at school. Yup, I bet even you’re shocked! Livescribe’s new SmartPen is set to take the world by storm and you’ll see why …

Livescribe’s SmartPen allows you to record your lectures while writing and you can access these recorded files by simply tapping on your handwritten notes. That easy!
Not only is this a beauty in the class or meeting, but thanks to its usb capability, you’re able to view and access your notes on your pc as well as search for information via keywords.

Who needs textbooks anymore with this invention? Livescribe calls it Paper Replay while this super-pen also offers 2 concept technologies knows as “Paper Translator” (an ingenious creation whereby you can translate a word or phrase by simply writing it on paper or practice your pronunciation by simply tapping on your chosen word) and “Beach Blogger” which will allow you to Write & send messages/ sounds directly from your notebook or connect directly to your blog or facebook by just using this fancy SmartPen.

Livescribe is looking to release the SmartPen within 2008 and according to rumours, should be less than $200. As the SmartPen works with something known as dot paper, Livescribe will ensure that the paper will be available at comparable prices to standard paper products … but all I care about now is “when!”

I’m all ready to be sipping cocktails on a tropical beach somewhere while using my SmartPen to keep you all updated with other exciting technologies!

[Source]

Video – Anders Søborg’s DIY Lego Mindstorm NXT Colour Scanner [Self Build Lego Scanner Utilising HiTechnic Color Sensor]

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:52:59 +0000

It’s been a while since I built anything using Lego and, at the time of writing, I lack the child that would give me an excuse to purchase (especially) Lego Mindstorm sets en masse on their behalf (solely for their enjoyment, you understand) – but I certainly never got close to building something quite as cool as Anders Søborg’s DIY Lego Mindstorm NXT Colour Scanner.

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Wind Generator Wind Turbine Kit Powers LED, Period (Cool Educational Gadget)

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:47:39 +0000

Aimed, we assume, at those looking for a device that will serve to inspire children whilst serving as a practical educational gadget, or perhaps just those who succumb to uncontrollable spasms at the very thought of toying with anything ‘green’, this Wind Generator Wind Turbine Kit is not without considerable geek appeal.

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ToyQuest Touch Table Electronic Education System (Video) – The Touchscreen Table Aimed at Children

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:06:21 +0000

Frankly, if I were still a child and was given a choice between a monster Lego set and this ToyQuest Touch Table Electronic Education System I know which one I’d opt for, but then things have changed since I’ve grown up and now it seems that children are never truly happy unless they’re playing around with some hi-tech gizmo – be it making their very first mobile call before they have even learned to walk or killing and maiming just about anything that moves (with that unsettling glint in their eye) as they play the latest gaming consoles.

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Make Your Own Vintage Vacuum Tube Radio with this DIY Radio Ace Kit

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:33:01 +0000

Initially when we happened across this rather cool vintage vacuum tube radio kit we thought we would post it on the premise that it would be a inspiring educational kit for young children but, on reflection, and having realised we would rather like one ourselves, we suspect that this Radio ACE Vintage Radio Kit probably has far wider appeal across all age ranges.

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USB Digital Camera Rocket Captures Video from 500 Feet

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:56:48 +0000

We’ve previously featured a rocket that’s capable of taking pictures from on high, but the SnapShot uses standard 35mm film whereas this Digital Video Rocket is an entirely modern (and therefore more geeky) gadget that is capable of taking not only still imagery at the top of its trajectory but is also able to capture up to 12 seconds of digital video – all of which can be uploaded straight to your PC.

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Build You Own Prop Powered Pond Skimmer

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:11:51 +0000

Whilst hardly as geeky as the DIY MP3 Player set, and by no means as impressive as Brian the Brain, this build your own pond skimmer certainly put a smile on our faces and we suspect that it would be a great hit with young children (as well as slightly repressed webmasters).

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Remarkable Electronic Animatronic Brain with Encyclopedia and Dictionary

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:27:34 +0000

This curious electronic gadget – which reminds us of Davros from the Doctor Who TV series – has been developed as an educational gadget for children though we suspect that it could also serve as an ideal last minute party guest to take up a vacant chair at the dinner table (who would then serve to totally dominate the conversation).

The device, known as Brian the Brain, comes complete with the entire Encyclopedia Britannica stored in its memory as well as a dictionary and a complete world history time line and utilises voice recognition technology to interact with children who will no doubt want to pick Brain’s expansive electronic Brain in their thirst for facts, figures and someone to help with their homework who actually knows what they’re talking about for a change.

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