While they’re not sitting on pink with dreary sales leading to slashed profits, Nintendo have officially unveiled today the new DSi LL with availability starting from November 21, in Japan, and are all geared up to release the new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus, tomorrow.

Previously reported to be available in North America starting October 4th, the new Wii Fit Plus is another must-have from Nintendo, which continues the company’s theme in assisting you in improving your general fitness. And if we’re to consider that Christmas is around the corner and everyone wants to look as good as possible, it’s probably the perfect combination for both some work out or de-stress after a hard day’s work.

Slated to become the most popular in the Wii Fit series, the latest edition comes bundled with 15 new balance games that include kateboarding, juggling, snowball fights and log-leaping (cool one), six new strength training exercises and yoga activities.

On top of providing some good old-fashioned family entertainment, the new Wii Fit Plus also has the ability to track weight and BMI or to estimate the amount of calories you’ve burnt.

Wii Fit Plus will be available in UK stores tomorrow for just shy of £19.99 ($33) or £89.99 ($148) with a balance board.

How many hours do you spend in front of the computer? Does your back hurt? What about your joints and in particular your knees? There’s no point in denying it, the more time you spend at your desk whether at work or at home, the more likely to visit the doctor for a work-related condition.

In order to be as efficient as possible at work you should be as healthy as possible. The chair and the desk you’re using are just about as important as that computer in front of you. And since we did show you all the latest laptops and desktops out there, maybe it’s time to offer you a seating solution too.

The ON comes from the German office furniture maker Wilkhahn and from the looks of it, the ON sounds like a great addition to one’s personal workspace. The ON uses the Trimension technology which is a mechanism that follows the “positions functions and scope of movement in the knee and hip joints.” In other words, sitting becomes less tiring and therefore you’re less likely to feel various kinds of pains. In fact it seems that the Center of Health at the German Sport University Cologne has confirmed that the ON will activate the whole metabolic system. That sounds like something I’d want to have active while I’m focusing on the screens in front of me all day long.

The ON lets you move forwards, backwards and sideways without leaving the chair. That way you activate various group muscles which are otherwise ignored while you’re sitting. So whenever you need to move around, the ON will follow your posture. The chair’s pivotal sections follow the position and movement of the knee and hip joints while keeping your center of gravity in perfect balance. In other words you can move as much as you want to any direction without worrying about unwanted accidents.

The ON is available right now and it comes with a price tag that will make you think twice before buying. The chair costs around $850 but we’re talking about your health here. There’s no price for that, is it?

After spending hours and hours writing about seemingly random and utterly useless USB-powered devices (you know what they are, so I won’t waste more space writing about them) it’s nice to see that a company has actually taken the time to come up with a USB gadget that might, just might mean something to the world. Bayer, creators of the Wonder Drug that Works Wonders, have done it again with their latest invention, the Bayer CONTOUR USB blood glucose meter. Take one part plug-n-play USB 2.0 device, one part high-tech blood glucose monitor and one part user-friendly software program and you get the CONTOUR USB.

Bayer has been in the market of blood glucose monitors for some time now with their CONTOUR meters so it’s no surprise that they happen to be the first to hit the market with a USB-powered version. Not only can you plug the CONTOUR USB directly into your computer, it comes complete with an integrated software program called Glucoacts™ DELUXE to help manage the information once you get it there. The CONTOUR USB is designed to work with both the PC and Mac and can store up to 2,000 individual test results. It’s this type of technology that will enable patients to take a more active role in managing their health with their doctors.

The unit is not much bigger than a traditional USB flash drive and sports a bright color display screen visible in any light that shows average, high and low readings with customizable features such as intuitive pre- and post-meal marking. Testing with the new device only take about five seconds and a miniscule sample (0.6 μL if you actually wanted to know). The CONTOUR USB has 500MB of built-in flash memory and can be recharged with an active USB port of the included AC wall-charging adapter.

Bayer’s CONTOUR USB meter will soon be available for sale in the U.S. For more information, visit www.BayerContourUSB.com or www.simplewins.com.

The new Garmin Edge 500 has been crafted for the pros or the ones that are looking to break into the professional circuit. The GPS device helps you keep track of everything associated to cycling, be it measuring the distance you ride, tracking your speed, the time, your GPS location and even the amount of calories you burn while riding the bicycle.

Just in case you are practicing on a steep road, the new Garmin Edge 500 allows you to see everything regarding your climb or descent courtesy of an internal barometric altimeter.

More to it, the Edge 500 has been specifically designed to attach to the handlebars of your bike and since it merely weighs 2 ounces, you won’t even feel it while riding. What is also good to know is that it comes with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver which requires no calibration.

Garmin Edge 500 will serve you well for some 18 hours and costs $249.99 and in case you need to tag along a heart rate monitor and a cadence sensor, that’s another $100.

Nintendo have now confirmed that the successor to their top selling exercise/fitness Wii Fit game (which, incidentally, has sold over 15 million copies since its launch last year) have confirmed that the new version of its Wii Fit software title, known as Wii Fit Plus, is set to release across North America from October 4^th – though you can already pre-order yours now (details below).

Continuing the theme of assisting you in improving your general fitness, the new Wii Fit Plus software, which is to be offered as a standalone software title as well as bundled with the Wii Fit Balance Board, offers a total of 15 new Balance Board specific games including the likes of skateboarding, juggling, snowball fights and log-leaping (one for the lumberjacks out there looking to trim up) as well as a further six new exercise routines split between strength and yoga workouts.

On and above the new workout regimes and games Wii Fit Plus also comes with a host of further enhancements on and over the original title not least is a feature referred to as ‘The Locker Room’ which allows you to further personalise the workouts and to tailor the exercises to your specific requirements as well as to forgo intermediary screens and just get down to burning those calories should you be well versed with the workouts on offer.

Also of interest, and sure to add to the excitement (make yourself look like a fool) value – and hence worth a mention- the new Wii Fit Plus additionally comes with a series of mini games that will serve to offer a little light relief during training with such gaming interludes consisting of such things as being cast as ‘hilarious chicken-suited characters’ requiring you to flap your arms to aim for targets and beach front treks on Segways.

Nintendo’s Wii fit Plus is available to pre-order now for those wishing to be the early birds with the stand alone Wii Fit Plus software coming in at just shy of $20 whilst the Wii Fit Plus Balance Board combo will set you back just short of $100.

Air quality is something most of us take for granted. Yet it’s pretty frightening when you actually stop to think about all of the things that can make you sick in your immediate atmosphere, especially when you’re indoors. The latest product from Electrolux eradicates odors in your house while capturing even the tiniest airborne allergens. The new Oxygen Ultra combines odor-elimination capabilities and quiet operation into a stylish, consumer-friendly indoor air purifier. Designed with odor elimination top of mind, Oxygen Ultra with PlasmaWave features three-stage filtration, an odor sensor that automatically detects odors and PlasmaWave technology to neutralize viruses, bacteria, chemical vapors and gasses in the air.

Because odors from pets, smoke, mold and bacteria can often make home cleaning a challenge, the new Electrolux air purifier automatically detects and neutralizes odors and airborne allergens, making it easier to obtain cleaner indoor air. Oxygen Ultra odor-elimination power stems from its three-stage air filtration. First, a carbon filter reduces odor, and then a true HEPA filtration system captures 99.97% of dust and pet dander in the air. Finally, the PlasmaWave technology works to neutralize viruses, bacteria and odors in the air.

The Electrolux Oxygen Ultra looks good and provides nearly silent operation. To make cleaning the unit nearly maintenance-free, it offers an Auto Mode, as well as indicator lights that tell you exactly how the air purifier is operating, when the filter needs to be changed and at which of the five speeds it’s running. It’s Energy Star rated and AHAM-certified with a clean air delivery rate of 260, which is ideal for larger rooms.

The Electrolux Oxygen Ultra comes with a one-year supply of carbon filters for easy odor control and features an easy-carry handle to make transporting the air purifier from room to room effortless. You can pick one up for $399.95 at www.electroluxoxygen.net along with a set of replacement filters that’ll run you $89.99.

If you’re anything like me, you can’t get enough of devices that remind you how out of shape and fat you are. Nothing is better for the self esteem than having some digital device tell you that you have no hope of making it past 50 unless you start exercising an hour a day seven days a week and eat only baked salmon and broccoli for the rest of your life. OK, maybe I am taking this a bit too far, but do we really need a handheld body fat analyzer? The folks at Omron think you do and it just so happens that they make one, the Omron HBF-306C.

The Omron HBF-306C Body Fat Analyzer measures your body fat with a gentle, micro electrical current — unfortunately, you won’t feel it. Apparently, the key to long-term happiness is constantly obsessing about your body fat content and this handheld body fat analyzer is an affordable and easy way to do just that. After inputting your personal data, a measurement can be started by simply holding the grip electrodes and pressing the start button. And since the analyzer is built with a nine person profile memory, each member of your family (or all of your multiple personalities) or team can track the success of their individual exercise routines.

The HBF-306C features two modes, athlete and normal, for accurate results. It’s so convenient that they have managed to lump all of humanity into two simple categories. The device returns measurement results in seven seconds for both Bi method (Bioelectrical Impedance Method) and BMI (Body Mass Index). The unit displays the measured value of your body fat percentage through the BMI method, and indicates the body mass in for ranges from low, normal, high, and very high according to the BMI value.

The Omron HBF-306C Body Fat Analyzer weighs about 2-lbs and is powered by two included AA batteries. You can get your own body-image distortion device at www.amazon.com for $26.99. I’ll stick with a mirror.

Water purification is big business. There are filters for your faucets, filters for your fridge, and filters for your portable water bottles. Oh yeah, and all of those bottled water manufacturers are out there touting their reverse osmosis ultra-clean technologies that remove everything from water except the hydrogen and oxygen atoms. With all of this filtering going on it’s enough to make the average Joe never want to drink from the tap again. Well, if you fall into the category described above, you just might be interested in the Zuvo Water Purator.

As we all know, our tap water isn’t really that pure. Aside from all of the dissolved minerals that are naturally occurring, there might be things like pharmaceuticals and heavy metals that could cause you to have a bad day. According to the manufacturers, bottled water is typically no safer or healthier than tap water, and the plastic bottles eventually end up in a landfill somewhere. And with pitcher filters, your water is only as clean as the filter you use. The Zuvo Water Purator uses a patented Puration process that uses nature’s own cleansing process right in your kitchen.

The five step filtration method uses Ozonation, Ultraviolet (UV) Light, Photo-oxidation, Filtration with lead removal and Post-filtration UV. The combination of these steps treats the water and creates contaminant reduction of: Lead 99%, Cysts 99.98%, Chlorine Taste/Odor 99% and Sacchararmocyces/Cerevisiae 99.9%, it even works on hard water. I don’t know about you, but I personally like cysts in my water. It gives it a nice earthy quality.

Zuvo claims that a taste test revealed that Zuvo water was chosen 7 times out of 7 over tap water. The filter is designed to last up to six months and the UV lamp is designed to last up to three years. The Zuvo can be mounted above or below your counter and is available for $199.99 at www.smarthome.com.

I’m all for multi-tasking, but even I believe that there’s a point where multi-tasking stops being productive and starts being downright dangerous. For example, driving your car while texting – dangerous. Reading the Newspaper while walking down a crowded street – dangerous. Checking the weather forecast while shaving – dangerous. At any rate, if you’re the type that throws caution to the wind when it comes to combining your personal hygiene and information gathering, the Weather Station Shower Mirror from Taylor Gifts might just be the thing for you.

The Weather Station Shower Mirror has a special fog-free coating that alleviates steaming up of the 7×7-in mirror. Built into the mirror is a handy-dandy little display unit that is capable of presenting the up-to-the minute weather information. It gathers the info from a wireless transmitter that can be positioned up to 300-ft away. You get a read-out of the temperature, humidity, and the day’s forecast based on the current barometric pressure reading.

In addition to a rundown of the weather, you also get the time, day and date so you can keep track of how much time you’ve wasted checking the weather. The Weather Station Shower Mirror also includes a shelf so you have somewhere to stash your manscaping products and the mirror features a swivel hinge for in-shave adjustments.

Three suction cups support the unit on the shower wall while LED backlighting illuminates the display. Requires two AA and two AAA batteries (not included). It’s constructed of plastic, glass and rubber and measures 10.75×3.0×11.5-in. The Weather Station Shower Mirror is expected to be available for shipment on August 6 and will cost you $49.98 at www.taylorgifts.com. Tourniquet not included.

Weight loss and fitness is big business. Consumers spend billions every year in an effort to lose weight and get healthier and high-tech device manufacturers are not about to be left behind. The latest product innovation from Withings, the Wi-Fi scale, allows you to connect directly to the internet to upload your weight and body fat data so that you can access it anywhere you are with a handy little iPhone app.

The Withings WiScale is first and foremost an intelligent scale. Every time you step upon it, it automatically records your weight, fat mass and muscle mass readings. It stores them on its internal memory and then wirelessly sends them to the WiScale service to that you can track your results from any web browser or Internet-connected phone. It gives you the ability to track and store data for multiple users so that an entire family can take advantage of the WiScale. It also calculates your body mass index and shows how you compare to the “ideal” numbers for someone your age, sex and body type. I’m sure that will do loads for the self-esteem of its users.

Overall, the WiScale is a pretty cool little piece of technology and I’m sure it will help those low motivation levels when it comes to working out.It might also come in handy for physicians that are looking to keep tabs on their weight loss patients. Whe WiScale is currently available in Europe for 129EUR and should be available in the US sometime in September. For more information and to see it in action you can surf over to www.withings.com.

HeartMath LLC has been marketing their emWave brand of stress management software for some time now, but up until recently it has only been available to PC users. I guess they just figured that Mac users were more mellow by nature. Right on, man. While this might be true, it looks like they’ve decided to expand their market with their latest introduction, the emWave Mac Stress Relief System.

emWave Mac is a combination software program and patented heart rhythm monitor designed to prevent, manage and reverse the negative effects of stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression and more. According to the folks at HeartMath, the system is an innovative approach to stress relief based on learning to change the heart rhythm pattern and create physiological coherence in the body. It all sounds a bit transcendental to me. Here are the features:

• 5 different views to watch your heart rhythms change as you move out of stress and into a state of higher performance
• 3 color visual shows your coherence ratio as you shift into feeling positive emotions and your coherence increases
• Coherence Coach – audio instruction, visual imagery and an adjustable breathing pacer for learning and applying HeartMath’s Quick Coherence technique
• Interactive games – three colorful games designed to help you transform stress into creative energy
• Extensive library of information including a tutorial and quick start guide
• Data storage showing coherence levels and heart rate for session and history review
• Four challenge levels to help you raise your baseline coherence

emWave Mac collects pulse data through a finger or ear sensor which plugs into your computer. The program then translates the information from your heart rhythms into user-friendly graphics displayed on your computer screen. Then you can get stressed out and spend hours on the web searching for your symptoms because you think that your heart rhythms look abnormal. The emWave Mac system retails for $299 at www.heartmathstore.com.

Toothbrushes are a haven for bacteria and other germ nasties and most of us never think twice about just giving them a quick rinse with water before hanging them up for the day. This innocent act might just be causing you bigger problems than you realize. What if you could kill almost all of the bacteria that resides on your toothbrush between uses? That’s exactly what the VIOlight duo Toothbrush Sanitizer claims that it can do for you.

The VIOlight duo Toothbrush Sanitizer is a handly little gadget that is sure to please the germophobe in all of us. It is a battery-powered unit that comes with a wall mount so you can get it up off of the counter. It works by exposing the end of your toothbrush to a steady stream of ultraviolet light for a period of seven minutes before automatically shutting itself down. The makers of the VIOlight claim that it is 99.9% effective in eliminating the harmful bacteria that make their home on the bristles of your toothbrush.

You can sanitize two toothbrushes at once with the VIOlight duo Toothbrush Sanitizer and it is easily removed from the wall mount so you can take it with you when you are traveling. It is activated when you close the front door and turns itself off when the cycle is complete. You can get your own VIOlight duo Toothbrush Sanitizer at www.amazon.com for $39.95.

Office environments can be dirty places. Recycled air and less-than-hygienic co-workers (you know who you are) can have you reaching for your Purell every time you walk in the place. We all know that plants and flowers can help to make the air around you just a little healthier and whose office can’t use a bit more nature? Now with the USB-powered flowerpot and air filter from Gadget4All you can have the best of both worlds; cleaner air and a better looking cubicle.

The USB-powered flowerpot and air filter from the fine folks at Gadget4All is sure to have the germaphobe in you jumping for joy. It’s really exactly what it sounds like. It’s a combo flowerpot and air purifier. It features a built-in pot with drip tray (to stop all that water from gumming up the works) along with a fan and activated carbon filter. The filter is located at the bottom of the pot so that it can draw in the air to help remove those pesky microscopic toxins and germs that can have your nose and eyes itching for the Visine.

You can get your hands on your very own USB-powered flowerpot and air purifier at www.gadget4all.com for a mere $29.90. BTW, they come in both blue and white and I’m not sure if the creepy “Happy Sheep Doll” logo is included or not.

Nike have introduced their latest version of the Nike+ SportsBand which comes in fashionable two-tone color schemes and which sports an improved display with a white background (to aid its readability) as well as enhanced water resistance thanks to wielded seals.

“We’re giving runners a seamless, comprehensive, one-stop online destination for all their needs,” said Leslie Lane Global Vice President and General Manager for Nike Running who introduced the new Nike+ SportBand. “From finding the right gear, the latest event details, tracking progress and connecting to friends through Nike+, we’re helping runners hit a new stride.”

The updated Nike+ SportBand, apart from serving as a wrist watch, will allow end users to gain real-time performance feedback on their distance, pace, time and calories burned with ‘just a glance at their wrist’ and as well as working as a standalone device will, just like its previous iterations, happily pair with Apple’s iPhone, iPod Touch and iPod Nano facilitating the playback of (motivational) music whilst jogging and, yes, it also comes with a customisable homepage allowing users to review their performance and training goals.

New Nike+ SportBand Key Features:

Personalization – The new navigational system includes a customizable homepage for members providing at-a-glance views of your training, progress in goals and challenges, and your Nike+ Mini. Now runners can personalize every run to illustrate their mood, weather, terrain, route and more.

Find Your Friends – Runners will now be able to search for like-minded and similarly-skilled runners, accept new friend requests and initiate challenges in conjunction with their favorite social media platforms. And because no good run should go unpublished, runners can broadcast their own successes beyond Nike+, with automatic updates to Facebook status, Twitter feeds and much more.

Upgraded Challenges – Once runners tap into their own personal running network, Nike+ will now recommend challenges from the gallery to help inspire a little healthy competition with other runners who have similar running styles or profiles.

New Shoe Finder – This feature asks runners to answer a few simple questions in order to receive a customized shoe recommendation based on the latest shoe technology.

Improved Goals and Challenges – In addition to helpful news, training tips, and event details, the newly redesigned site also features new professional coaching programs from some of Nike’s top running coaches and athletes. Runners can choose from a pre-set coaching program, or personalize their own routine and goals with more flexibility.

Set to release is the US from July 15^th the improved Nike+ SportBand will set you back just shy of $60.

Whilst we’ve featured many a sports watch aimed at those who workout at the gym, or those take to the great outdoors, we’re yet to feature a wrist watch specifically designed for swimmers looking to keep tabs on their performance – that is until now, thanks to this Swimovate Pool-Mate Waterproof Watch.

Agreed, in terms of aesthetics, the Swimovate Pool-Mate watch leaves a great deal to be desired what with looking overtly basic and somewhat retro (yet managing, somewhat skilfully it has to be said, to be wholly devoid of and retro chic appeal – which is quite a feat, all things considered). But under that dull, insipid, ‘my first digital watch’ exterior lies a powerhouse of electronic circuitry housed in a waterproof casing that will serve to count your laps courtesy of ‘accurate motion sensors’ (an accelerometer by any other name) and ‘unique software algorithms’. And, yes, it will even recognise all major strokes, including the front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, and butterfly.

Capable of displaying lap count, the time (innovative, being that this is a watch an’ all), average strokes per lap, speed, distance, calories and efficiency the Swimovate Pool-Mate could be just what you need if you find counting and trying not to drown particularly taxing (and I know I do).

The Swimovate Pool-Mate waterproof watch for swimmers is set for release from July at which point it’ll set you back circa $114.

Swimovate [via Gadget Review]

I have to give the Swedes credit. I thought they were pretty much tapped out after they invented the three-point safety belt and the zipper, but this unique and actually useful product is changing the way the world compresses chests. It is also giving one-armed paramedics and EMTs a new lease on their careers. Bring in the electric chest compression device, please.

When it comes to mechanical chest compression devices, there are none better than those produced by Swedish company jolife. Come to think of it, I’m not sure there are any others. Hitting the market like a heart attack in 2003, their new technology dubbed LUCAS was a pneumatically controlled chest compression machine that was meant to free up the hands of the first-responders so that they could tend to more pressing issues.

Not content to leave well enough alone, the savvy Swedes introduced the LUCAS 2. This new version is an electric version of the LUCAS. According to the company’s website, the LUCAS 2 “…offers operational improvements requested by our customers, i.e. ventilation alerts (30:2 or 8 per minute), a softer start at the initial adjustment to the patient’s chest, and has a quieter operation. The user interface remains very simple with direct access to all operating modes.” I, for one, am all for softer starts when it comes to my chest compressions.

Not only do they look great, all LUCAS devices are based on the same concept; delivering effective and continuous chest compressions according to the AHA and ERC guidelines; 4-5 cm (1.5-2.0 inches) depth, 100 per minute, a 50/50 duty cycle for compression/decompression with a complete recoil of the chest to allow for cardiac refill between each compression. If your heart suddenly decides to take a smoke break this is just what the doctor ordered.

The LUCAS 2 touts a battery life of about 45 minutes. That should just about cover it since your brain is Jell-O after about 5 minutes without oxygen anyway. If you happen to have your cardiac arrest within convenient reach of a wall outlet, the LUCAS 2 can also be plugged in. Since this is a commercial product, you might have to be a medical employee to actually buy one. In other words, I don’t have pricing info. It is currently being sold in Europe and Canada with US availability expected in the fall of 2009. For more details and some really stylish product images head over to www.jolife.com. Clear!

If, like me, you suffer from lack of sleep due to never getting anywhere near the amount of shut-eye you need (no matter how hard you try) this novel alarm clock aimed specifically at insomniacs and known as the Zeo Personal Sleep Coach may help you not only understand where underlying issues preventing a good nights sleep lay but also, with a little help from Zeo’s online web portal, help you to overcome them.

The Zeo Personal Sleep Coach works thanks to coming with a headband (the Zeo Headband) which utilises SoftWave sensor technology to analyse your sleep patterns (or lack of them) which are transmitted to the Zeo Personal Sleep Coach alarm clock wirelessly. As a result, when you wake in the morning, assuming you’ve slept at all, the Zeo Personal Sleep Coach will offer you information concerning your sleeping pattern in the form of a graph showing light sleep and REM sleep over the course of the night.

Interestingly, it doesn’t stop there either as, thanks to the Zeo Personal Sleep Coach storing data to an SD memory card, you can upload your sleeping patterns via a supplied USB adapter to your PC and, subsequently, Zeo’s myZeo Personal Coaching website which will display trends and offer helpful information as to how you could attain better sleeping habits.

The Zeo Personal Sleep Coach alarm clock, which has just been released, will set you back just shy of $400.

Zeo [via Dvice]

If you’re having trouble sleeping then how about considering the newly launched Zeo Personal Sleep Coach. A device that is meant to cure your insomnia, the new Personal Sleep Coach comes with a SoftWave sensor-equipped headband that reads your sleeping patterns (length and quality of your sleep) and puts the info on an SD card so that you can “assess” yourself directly on your PC.

Zeo’s Personal Sleep Coach comes with a small “Bedside Display” that shows a graph of your Light, Deep and REM sleep over the course of the night, and an actual overall score to compare with previous nights. Other than trying to get you to sleep like a baby, the device also comes with a SmartWake alarm feature that should get you up at your “natural awakening point” so that you don’t break it in pieces …

Priced at $399 with free shipping, the only thing that we detest about the new Zeo Personal Sleep Coach is actually wearing the head band. That could interfere with a good sleep, too, don’t you think?

[via Engadget]

If you’re an athlete looking for a hydrating drink that’s billed as promoting greater endurance and superior performance you may be interested to learn that you could be guzzling the very same ‘highly effective electrolyte concentrate formula’ as NASA astronauts thanks to NASA granting a license to a company that’s now selling said drink under the name ‘The Right Stuff’.

NASA’s official press statement is as follows:

To help keep astronauts at peak performance during missions, NASA researched, qualified and patented a highly effective electrolyte concentrate formula that maintains and restores optimal body hydration levels quickly and conveniently. Developed as a remedy for dehydration, it helps prevent the loss of body fluids during heavy exercise, heat exposure and illness. It also can be used to treat and prevent dehydration caused by altitude sickness and jetlag.

NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., licensed the patented rehydration formula to Wellness Brands Inc., Boulder, Colo. Wellness Brands plans to launch its first electrolyte concentrate brand, ‘The Right Stuff’ in June 2009.

The novel electrolyte formula contains a specific ratio of key ingredients, sodium chloride and sodium citrate, for rapid restoration of hydration. These electrolytes, dissolved in water, optimize the levels of sodium ions in the body. The beverage is an isotonic formulation that restores both intra- and extracellular body fluid volumes in dehydrated astronauts, athletes and others.

The Right Stuff has now become available from Wellness Brands Inc.’s online web portal and comes in citrus blend and wild berry flavours, as well as being offered in an unflavoured variety, and will set you back from $9 through to $275 depending on volume.

With all the astonishingly blinkered and wholly sensationalised reports appearing almost weekly in certain elements of the press concerning how computer gaming is ultimately responsible for just about every ailment in today’s society (from general anti-social behaviour to spates of mass murder) its reassuring to know that soon you could go under the knife of a surgeon who’s at least in part honed their skills using Nintendo’s Wii console.

Following on from a study by the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, which apparently proved that surgical residents performed better during simulated surgery subsequent to playing on the Wii – specifically thanks to using the Nintendo Wii’s Wiimote controller – they are now reportedly working on developing a new Wii-based software package that will serve as a relatively low cost training solution for trainee surgeons in developing countries.

According to the New Scientist, the study that served as the foundation for the new software training package currently being developed, showed that those that had ‘warmed-up’ using the Nintendo Wii ’scored 48 per cent higher on tool control and performance (in subsequent simulated surgery) than those without the Wii warm-up’.

So, next time you go in for an op be sure to ask whether your surgeon has a Nintendo Wii. If the answer’s yes, breathe easy. If the answer’s no it’s reassuring to know that there’s a 52% greater chance, based on the above figures, that you could go in for a vasectomy and come out a eunuch (gulp).

Having just covered the newly announced Sony Ericsson CyberShot S001 camera phone we felt obliged to offer a heads-up concerning another camera phone (i.e., a phone that will happily and reasonably serve as a combined cell phone and compact camera substitute) in the form of the Casio CA001 which comes with a 5 megapixel 9-point autofocus camera (not quite up to par with the CyberShot S001’s 8.1MP) paired with dual screens – the outer of which, apart from being particularly generously proportioned, also offers touchscreen functionality.

Measuring in at 50 x 109 x 17.8mm, the Casio CA001’s aforementioned outer, main 3.1″ LCD touchscreen display boasts 480 x 854 resolution which is supplemented by a (non-touchscreen) inner display whilst the 5MP camera offers up to x18 digital zoom as well as QVGA and VGA (the latter at 30fps) video recording capabilities. Additionally, apart from all the usual specifications you’d expect from such a phone (Bluetooth connectivity, DAP capabilities, microSD card slot, etc – as well as Global Passport) the Casio CA001 offers a few extra functions of particular note.

Especially interesting is the Casio CA001’s inbuilt dictionaries and encyclopaedias (no less than ten of them to be exact) as well as its ‘Smart Sports and Run’ support offering pacemaker and virtual trainer functionalise (inclusive of verbal feedback) and automatic calories counter which utilises the Casio CA001’s integrated motion sensor to offer feedback during, say, workouts or perhaps just walks to the office.

With a host of other features on offer (e-Wallet support being one of them) there’s no doubt that the Casio CA001 is a particularly capable camera phone that’s sure to be especially appealing to travellers (thanks to the multi-lingual dictionaries) as well as fitness freaks (auto calorie burner calculator/virtual fitness trainer).

Due to be released in Japan on February 6^th there’s no official word concerning pricing at this juncture.

[Casio Official CA001 Site (Japanese)]

Nokia’s new, sportier variation of the N79 handset, known as the Nokia N79 Active, is aimed – as its title suggests – specifically at the health conscious, the health obsessed or the plain neurotic in being bundled with Polar Bluetooth WearLink heart rate monitor allowing you to keep tabs on your pulse rate as you exercise, sit in front of the TV or have a coronary (or, perhaps, just to assist you in ensuring that you don’t overdo it in reaching for that next cool beer).

Based on the original Nokia N79 cell phe, its specifications, apart from coming with the aforementioned Polar Bluetooth WearLink heart rate monitor remain wholly unchanged in offering a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens, integrated GPS and FM tuner and 3G connectivity though, in fairness, you will get sport sytled headphones (probably crap), and an armband bundled in for good measure as well as a 4GB microSD card.

In terms of the additional functionality on offer over the plain vanilla N79, the N79 Active candybar, thanks to the Polar Bluetooth WearLink heart rate monitor, will allow you to keep tabs on your exercise regime and, thanks to integration with the phone’s inbuilt aGPS can help you ‘plot your route’ via the included apparently updated Sports Tracker application.

Set to become available in ‘selected markets’ the Nokia N79 Active will purportably retail at around the €375/$490 price point.

On the whole it has to be said that keyboards designed specifically to reduce the risks of succumbing to RSI or injuries such as carpal tunnel (something I’ve suffered from and its extremely unpleasant and annoying if you make your living at a keyboard) are, in the main, fairly aesthetically cumbersome beasts. But such cannot be said of the new Smartfish Pro:Motion Ergonomic Keyboard with its fluid lines and seductive contours. But there’s more to this ergonomic keyboard that meets the eye.

Designed, according to Smartfish, in collaboration with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York (‘the #1 rated Orthopedics Hospital’), the Smartfish Pro:Motion Ergonomic Keyboard actually analyses how you type and adapts to ensure maximum comfort – making adjustments in height, angle and radial position – thanks to a series of internal motors and, additionally, will even measure your typing speed to dynamically adapt the keyboard to best suit your typing capabilities. Clever stuff.

Smartfish Pro:Motion Ergonomic Keyboard Features:

Full keyboard layout with number pad
Sleek design
Patented 3D movement
Patented Dynamic Position Controller
Automatically move based on your use pattern
Auto prompt exercise program
Integrated wrist rest
Aluminum finish
Sensor Lights

Compatible with both Mac and PC systems, the Smartfish Pro:Motion is envisaged to retail for around the $130 price point but, at this stage there is no actual stated shipping date.

Lok8u claim to have developed the worlds first ever GPS locator aimed specifically for children in the form of the Lok8u num8 which, apart from utilising Lok8u’s proprietary Cell ID technology boasting an accuracy of a mere 3 meters, also happens to serve as a digital watch, thus making it a little less conspicuous than may otherwise have been the case.

The Lok8u num8 GPS Locator not only allows you to keep tabs on your child’s location via your PC (via Google Maps) or cell phone (via text message) but also offers parents the ability to set up safe zones which, in essence, serve as virtual fences which will alert you should your child stay out of the defined boundaries.

Lok8u detail its num8 GPS Locator’s key features as follows:

For you:

• Imagine never having to worry about the whereabouts of your child again.
• Advanced technology that’s simplicity itself to set up
• User friendly portal for locating your child in real time
• No range limit – can be used at home or abroad
• Compatible with all mobile phones and computers
• Child’s location shown on Google Maps or via text message (full address and postcode)
• Create personalised safe zones for your child to play and receive immediate notification if they stray
• Instant warning if num8 strap is undone without your authority
• Unit operates up to 100 hours on a single charge
• Fully waterproof – even when swimming

For your child:

• Imagine if your child had the freedom to play and discover the world for themselves
• Funky looking device that doubles as a digital wrist watch
• Designed to look cool enough to be a kid’s fashion item
• Gives children the freedom to play without visible adult supervision
• Provides more opportunities for social activities within their peer group
• Less time in front of TV or games console, more time out of doors
• Physical play helps combat weight problems and build fitness for future life
• More independence means greater opportunities for learning responsibility
• Dermatologically tested and designed for all-day comfort
• Ideal for children aged 3 – 12 and also young adults

The Lok8u num8 GPS Locator Kids Digital Watch will set you back around $218 though you’ll also have to factor in a $7 per month subscription service.

The Broan Elite XE 15″ automatic trash compactor is ideal for homes that generate a disproportionately large amount of garbage. Just kidding, actually this appliance is a nice thing to have in your kitchen for several reasons – one it reduces the chore of having to take the garbage out; second the compacted garbage ensures that landfills do not fill up fast and it’s economical to dispose reduced volumes of garbage.

The compaction is effected by a 3000 lbs force generated by a 3/4th horse-power motor. The 1.55 cubic foot trash bucket holds 30 lbs courtesy a compaction ratio of 6:1. The compacting plate is made of stainless steel and is coated with Microban® antimicrobial protective coating. The 170° reversible hinged door is insulated and has a magnetic gasket to ensure noiseless compacting. A child lock ensures safety for kids. Trash bag storage is integrated with the compactor so that a fresh bag is always within reach. The trash bucket slides out on heavy-duty ball bearing drawer slides.

An advanced odor control system helps eliminate foul odors by chemically neutralizing them rather than just filtering them.

The Fitness Cube is a 50×50x50cm cube that can fit into the most congested of homes, it weighs 15 kilograms, costs £99, and packs 30 different exercise options within it. Basically, a compact home exerciser that looks good and can help you look good as well. As the manufacturing company states – “Change your body not your interiors”. The Cube can settle in almost anywhere in your house and till you actually open it up, it can pass off as a decorative piece. It is portable and you can move it from one place to another without difficulty.

The Fitness Cube is an ideal buy for those who cannot take time out to go to the gym and find the high-end home exercise equipment to be beyond their budget. The emphasis of the Fitness Cube is on toning the body so if you’re the type that has always shied away from the push-ups and chin-ups, this one is for you. This trendy 30-in-1 exerciser comes with a number of bars, straps, an exercise mat, and a slide-out bench. All of these are hidden under the lid of the Cube. The Fitness Cube is essentially offers a set of cable-based exercises. You can vary the resistance of the cables to alter the intensity of your exercise. I suppose that with 30 exercises to choose from, we can pretty much hit at each and every part of the body and give it a workout.

Setting up and using this multi-purpose exercise machine is easy, the accompanying DVD explains about the manner in which the Cube can be used for optimum health benefits.

It’s amazing what iPod and iPhone accessories can do these days. Why only yesterday we came across an iPod/iPhone accessory that actually had something to do with just listening to music (yes, I know, I mean how very dull) but at least we have iPod/iPhone accessories such as this iPod & iPhone iBreath Alcohol Breathalyzer with FM Transmitter to set things straight.

The iPod & iPhone iBreath Alcohol Breathalyzer with FM Transmitter, from David Steele Enterprises, combines, as the title suggests, an FM transmitter with an alcohol breath tester (hence the prominent tube on the side of the device) which is capable of measuring the alcohol content in your blood with an accuracy of just 0.01 BAC with the results being displayed on the device’s integrated LCD display.

Whilst, initially, the iBreath may seem like a wholly curious fusion of otherwise unrelated functionalities there’s no doubt that, on closer inspection, it’s actually not a bad idea and, in fact, more than that, it is in actuality a potentially life saving one.

The iBreath Alcohol Breathalyzer with FM Transmitter will set you back just shy of $80 as at the time of writing.

David Steele [via iLounge]

There was a time, not so long ago, where many would scoff at the very idea of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) but, what with statistics from NHS Direct stating that up to 1 in 8 people in the UK alone suffer from mild SAD type symptoms and 1 in 50 have been diagnosed as suffering from full blown SAD, the principals of SAD have gained enormous ground in terms of acceptance and, to that end, UK retailer Boots have just rolled out an entire range of SAD clocks and lamps primarily consisting of devices from Lumie designed to ‘help alleviate the symptoms of SAD, from the most mild of cases through to the more chronically affected.’

‘We recognise that the often mixed weather Britain experiences can leave many people with either unspecified feelings of ‘winter blues’ or in more severe cases the diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Research shows that using a special bright light can improve symptoms of SAD and as we believe that the turning back of the clocks in October can signal the start of winter for many, we feel this is the perfect time to introduce this range of SAD lamps and clocks that could help lift people’s spirits,’ says David Hurst, Healthcare Buyer for boots.com.

According to Boots’ press release:

SAD lamps work on the principle that SAD is directly correlated to the amount of exposure to sunlight that individuals experience, which is reduced in the winter months. One theory is that light stimulates hormone levels in the specific part of the brain that affects mood, appetite and sleep patterns. Therefore if those people who suffer from SAD can increase their exposure to light through light therapy, then their mood could be lifted to levels consistent with that of the spring and summer seasons. Lamps and lightboxes used in light therapy have a very intense light – for example, an ordinary light bulb gives out light measuring between 200 – 500 lux, whereas a light therapy lamp tends to have a minimum output of 2500 lux. It is thought that light therapy helps symptoms of SAD in up to 67% of sufferers.

The clocks work on the principle of using gradually increasing simulated natural sunlight, therefore aligning your internal bodyclock and increasing the hormones that produce energy, leaving your body more refreshed and alert. The SAD lamps and lightboxes can be used to help the more chronic symptoms of SAD by creating a brighter light for use at any time of day; the theory is that being in close proximity to this light can increase the levels of melatonin and cortisol, to help induce a positive mood and stimulate energy levels.

The new range of SAD lamps, clocks and lightboxes comprise of eleven products (ten of which are from Lumie) and range in price from £49 to £195 and are available now.

US reader? Suffer from SAD? You may be interested in these SAD lamps, lights and lightboxes on Amazon.

As of this Friday, if you happen to live in Japan you’ll be able to rent robotic Hybrid Assistive Limbs (HALs) – in particular, robotic assistive legs – from a Tokyo based company called Cyberdyne which have been designed to help partially paralysed people, the elderly or those with energy and/or muscle wasting disorders walk thanks to offering additional support and weight bearing strength.

The robotic assistive legs, which are to be made available in three sizes and which are worn around the user’s waist whilst attaching to the user’s legs via mechanical braces to offer robotic assistance, will be offered on a monthly rental basis costing around £1260 though a single leg version is also available for around £839 per month.

Yoshiyuki Sankai, a professor at the University of Tsukuba, who designed the device and is now Cyberdyne’s chief executive has also indicated that a full body HAL unit – known as the HAL-5 Type-B – is also currently in development though it remains unclear at this stage as to whether any of the devices will be offered for resale at any juncture or will merely be offered on a rental basis (with Cyberdyne estimating that 500 units will be rented within the first year of availability).

[Photo Credit: AP]

Developed by Ivonne Dippmann, the i-Sleep pillow works in unison with your laptop and could transpire to be an indispensable travel gadget for those needing a little shut-eye whilst jet-setting to their next business appointment, allowing them to arrive at their destination suitably refreshed and ready to cut a deal.

Billed as being ‘an analog laptop extension’, Ivonne Dippmann’s i-Sleep pillow is described as functioning in much the same way as an aircraft’s lifejacket and, somewhat intriguingly, apparently uses the hot air expelled by your laptop (whilst your laptop’s in standby mode) to inflate and become a warm pillow though, personally, I’d want to see this work in practice as opposed to work in theory – after all, with the weight of a head placed on the pillow, it seems improbable that a standard laptop’s fan could possibly offer the degree of power required to keep the pillow deflating (and even with a valve, surely, the laptop needs to expel air with sufficient power to work against the valve?). But perhaps our concerns have already been addressed (though this is not especially clear).

Either ways, whether practical or workable or just somewhat tongue-in-cheek in nature, there’s no doubt that the concept is a good one should such practical issues be circumvented. And, as if resting your weary head on a heated, air cushioned pillow is not tempting enough (I suspect that the feelings much comparable with sleeping on a particularly accommodating breast?) the i-Sleep is even billed as coming with software that will play pre-defined playlists, with the music sounding through the pillow, to further ease you into blissful repose – though your laptop will have to be out of standby for this to work.

Technicalities aside, the idea of having what is, in essence, a warm, inflatable breast as a travelling companion certainly appeals to us and we suspect that we may not be alone in this respect.

Digital.UDK-Berlin [via]

It doesn’t matter how I look at Adam Scott’s rather sci-fi styled X Sting Wish Commercial Fire Extinguisher concept, there’s just something about it that puts me in mind of Doom weaponry and, let’s be honest here, when you consider the somewhat humdrum nature of fire extinguisher design in general, that’s no bad thing (indeed, we consider that quite an accolade).

As if putting out a fire is not heroic enough, putting out a blaze with Adam Scott’s X Sting Wish Commercial Fire Extinguisher would doubtless be one of those few occasions when you would just feel too cool for words though, switching across to the Aliens series of films briefly, I don’t doubt that, following the extinguishing of the flames you’d also feel compelled to go from room to room with view to flushing out those stray face-huggers…but, let’s not get carried away here.

The X Sting Wish concept, apart from simply begging to be realised as a commercial product, is envisaged as being offered in three distinct versions – namely CO2, Powder and H2O – allowing the X Sting Wish to be used on a variety of fire types (from paper fires to electrical, and so on) and the addition of LEDs that serve to light your path once the ‘dual trigger’ is activated is, as far as we are concerned, just the icing on the cake.

Of course, let’s not forget that, should the X Sting Wish ever see it into production the device will doubtless help save lives (as opposed to dispatching face-huggers) and, all said and done, somewhat childish comparisons with FPS games and Hollywood blockbusters aside, we think its design verges on sheer magnificence.

Coroflot [via]

Keen cyclists who want to use their iPod Nano whilst out and about in all types of weather may be interested in the iBikeConsole iPod Nano cycle computer docking station which not only allows you to mount your iPod Nano securely to the handlebars of your bike courtesy of a shock absorbing, weatherproof cradle but which also comes complete with dual grip mounted controls facilitating the safe control of your Nano whilst you maintain complete control of your bike.

Apart from offering a weatherproof dock tailored specifically for bikes, the main draw of the iBikeConsole – notwithstanding offering music on the move complete with controls that put all your Nano’s functions at your fingertips – is the iBikeConsole’s ability to convert your Nano into a cycle computer which will keep you continuously versed with your current speed and trip distance (the data being stored on an independent memory chip so its not lost when your Nano is disconnected).

iBikeConsole Key Features:

Specifications :

• Built-in Universal Dock Connector for iPod
• 3.5mm stereo speaker/headphone jack (speaker/headphone not included)
• Wireless remote control Key Pads

Functions controlled by Key Pads:

• Play/Pause
• Forward track
• Backward track
• Volume + (16 levels)
• Volume – (16 levels)
• Mode key (for cycle computer display)

Cycle Computer functions supported:

• Current speed
• Trip distance
• Total distance (Odometer)

Supplied with optional Nano speakers which ‘deliver high quality stereo music without shutting your ears from ambient noise’, the iBikeConsole retails from $76.

iBikeConsole [via]

When it comes to taking it easy after a long, hard week at the office few relaxation devices come even vaguely close to the Dry Water Jet Massager which, apart form sporting no less than 28 nozzles (controlled by 28 independent microprocessors) designed to ‘replicate the principles of shiatsu, or ‘finger pressure’ massage’ as they fire against a polymer sheet that serves to provide a water barrier (meaning you won’t even get wet) also comes with integrated 7” LCD display and a DVD player allowing you to watch your favourite movie as those water jets work their magic.

The Dry Water Jet Massager comes in the form of a fibreglass capsule measuring 48″ x 35 1/2″ x 10″ that ensures an all-over-body experience designed to ease stress as well as relieve muscular tension whilst it ‘faithfully recreating the deep-penetrating percussion techniques favored by professional massage therapists’ and, as if that were not enough, it’ll even offer aromatherapy thanks to an integrated aroma diffuser that releases subtle scents from essential oils to help you drift away from your troubles.

And, for those of you with iPods, it’s nice to know that the Dry Water Jet Massager can even connect to your DAP allowing you to lay back inside the capsule and enjoy your favourite music courtesy of the included Bose headphones.

One slight problem – that being that the Dry Water Jet Massager Capsule will set you back a cool $29,500 should you want to succumb to what it undoubtedly a feeling of pure, unadulterated bliss.

Hammacher

Just when I thought life couldn’t get any stranger, I find this beauty online! The NoseVac. Now seriously, vacuuming your nose? Have we become THAT lazy that we are unable to utilize an ordinary tissue, a pair of tweezers and our basic bodily functions, I ask?

Apparently this little “nipper” is a hair trimmer and built-in vacuum cleaner all in one – designed by Swedish scientists who have decided that nose hair in the lungs may cause cancer. Yup … that’s right! So when you’re trimming those unsightly nose hairs and all those little bits are bugging you, all you need do is simply use the NoseVac to suck away.

The unit measures in at 1 x 4.75 x 1inches and weighs 6.4 oz. It’s also waterproof for hygienic underwater rinsing but can be used to combat those unsightly hairy beasts in either dry or wet conditions.

I cannot help but stifle a giggle. The thought of seeing this being used brings tears to my eyes, but perhaps someone out there will fall in love with this interesting device and spread the word. I think I might just start the ball rolling – for amusement purposes at least!

This fascinating gadget will set you back a mere $22,99 but I still feel that the act of catching someone bold enough to use it, will be PRICELESS.

[source]

These beauties caught my eye (yes, yes, I’m aware of the pun) … but being a contact lens wearer myself, this particular story was one I couldn’t not be interested in. These so called “Smart” contact lenses apparently measure pressure within the eye and dispense medication accordingly.

Yes! Can you believe it? These little contact lenses (apparently made from a material known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) could be the answer to early glaucoma detection and treatment.

Two biomedical engineers, at UC Davis, Tingrui Pan and Hailin Cong devised these lenses by placing powdered silver onto this previously mentioned (PDMS) to create conductive wires. These wires are sensitive enough that they can record differential pressure states within the eye and send this data to a computer to be examined by healthcare professionals!

I know it all sounds rather Sci-Fi and completely out of this world but this could be the dawning of a new era in healthcare technology. Gone will be the days of long queues, waiting for a bully in a white coat to attack us with senseless needles and prod us in peculiar places, all in the name of healthcare!

According to Science Daily, the researchers are planning on starting tests with humans as soon as they get approval for their ingenious design. We can only hope it’s before our next abusive consultation!

[via Science Daily]

Aimed squarely at those of you looking to give your teeth a thorough once over to check for potential problems or, alternatively, for those looking to create home movies aimed at dentistry fetishists (think Blair Witch), this Wireless Dental Camera comes with illuminating head courtesy of six inbuilt LEDs and a 1.4 megapixel camera which, thanks to the receiver’s integrated USB and AV Out connections allow the innards of your mouth to be displayed directly on either your PC or via your TV in glorious 628 x 582 (not at all) hi-def resolution.

The wireless camera wand’s camera, which is powered by a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery, comes with a 10~30mm autofocus and can transmit imagery to a maximum range of 10 meters whilst the receiver comes with 4 channel support allowing for up to 4 camera wands to be hooked up simultaneously (though it would appear that only one camera’s imagery can be displayed at any one time which makes the multi-channel support somewhat redundant unless your family insist on having separate wands).

If you’re looking to get up close and personal with your teeth, the Wireless Dental Camera could be a somewhat high tech substitute for a standard dental mirror and subsequent to the release of this particular gadget we wait with baited breath for the first videos (the device can capture both video footage and stills) to make it onto YouTube. Can’t wait.

The Wireless Dental Camera is listed as becoming available soon at the time of writing though, at this juncture, no pricing information has been offered.

Chinavasion [via 7 Gadgets]

Naturalists have had it tough when it comes to lifejackets. There they are, wanting to expose everything to everybody and yet the moment they put on a standard lifejacket they find their assets covered up. It’s just not on. Bravo, therefore, for this transparent Nudevest which will allow those intent on letting it all hang out continue to do so whilst yachting, kayaking, windsurfing and so on – thus offering them additional buoyancy whilst not only acting not to limit exposure but also to let the sun shine through (thus avoiding those tell-tale white bits that any discerning naturalist simply cannot abide by).

The Nudevest is made from hardwearing PVC, comes with two adjustable fasteners and comes in a range of sizes (from small to XL) but does not come complete with either an emergency flashlight or whistle which robs us of a number of puns we otherwise would have embraced with fervour. Damn.

The Nudevest retails for around $15/€10/£9.

EarlyAdopter

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has not only been clinically proven to exist but it affects many people who either live in areas of the world that see little in the way of Sun (that’ll be all our UK readers nodding their heads then) or who work in office/warehouse environments that are predominantly lit by artificial light which is where this LED Desktop Clock, known as the Sunlight 365, could prove useful in providing a light source offering the equivalent of natural sunlight in order to counter the symptoms of SAD.

Offering the equivalent of natural sunlight without potential harmful UV rays courtesy of 35 blue LEDs, the Sunlight 365 Anti SAD LED Desktop Clock can help to relieve depression and tiredness as well as act to counter sleeping disorders thanks to acting to rebalance Melatonin and Serotonin levels and, thanks to being compact enough to carry around in a bag the device can be employed both at home as well as in the office.

Sunlight 365 Anti SAD LED Desktop Clock Features:

• 35 Blue LED’s
• Adjustment of Light Intensity
• Countdown Timer
• Desktop Clock
• LED Backlight
• FREE POUCH
• Power Adapter

The Sunlight 365 Anti SAD LED Desktop Clock is supplied with a power adapter and carry pouch and retails for just shy of $60.

Zadro

(Our sincere apologies for our somewhat haunting representation of Mr Sunshine at the top of the post. You think this is bad, you should see what we’d come out with were the Man in the Moon required. Think yourself lucky.)

These days few of us are not aware of the harmful effects of too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays both in terms of premature aging of the skin and skin cancer but it can be exceedingly difficult to gauge just how much exposure is within safe limits at any given time on any given day – that’s where this clever Portable Digital UV Monitor complete with LCD display comes into play.

Capable not only of offering you a dynamic readout of the current UV index thanks to its Ultra Violet Radiation Meter – as well as the temperature and even the current time – the Portable Digital UV Monitor can also advise which SPF of sun cream you should opt for given the current UV index and your skin type and can even use this information to offer a timed optimal exposure period complete with alert to warn you if you begin to exceed safe exposure limits.

Ideal for those of us who rarely see the sun except when we go on holiday (only to invariably be caught out to some degree however safe we try to be) the Portable Digital UV Monitor could also prove especially useful for those with young children who want to ensure that their sensitive skins are protected.

The Portable Digital UV Monitor retails for a mere £25 (roughly $49/€32 at the time of writing).

GadgetShop [via]

For those of you in the US who are still having issues tracking down Nintendo’s Wii Fit a report just published in the LA Times is sure to leave a somewhat sour taste in your mouth as the report claims that the lack of US supplies have been orchestrated deliberately by Nintendo in order to take advantage of the strong Euro.

Of course supply issues are nothing new when it comes to Nintendo’s Wii, however, according to Michael Pachter, an analyst at Wedbush Morgan Securities, the shortage in US supplies of Wii Fit is primarily being occasioned by Nintendo deliberately shipping more units to Europe (some 2 million units to date) whilst reserving a mere 500,000 Wii Fits for the (comparitably huge) US market in what is, according to Pachter, a deliberate move by Nintendo to reap the rewards of the strong Euro whilst the going’s good and whilst the Dollar is weak (even if this is at the expense of US availability).

‘The shortage demonstrates one consequence of the weak dollar. We’re seeing companies ignore their largest market simply because they can make a greater profit elsewhere,’ states Pachter, who adds that ‘They [Nintendo] know that Americans will be just as fat a few months from now.’

Commenting on Pachter’s remarks, Billy Pidgeon, an analyst with research firm IDC, added ‘That’s a tough line to tread. When does the consumer get frustrated and move on? So far, the Wii still has cachet, but the fact that consumers can’t find a Wii or a Wii Fit is definitely a missed opportunity.’

Needless to say, if you’re a US based reader who’s frustrated with not being able to find a Wii Fit we would love to hear your thoughts. Will a continued lack of supply wean you away from purchasing Wii Fit, especially if the lack of supplies are, as Pachter asserts wholly avoidable?

Talk to us.

LA Times [via]