TFTS - Technology, Gadgets & Curiosities » Social Tech

Twitter Real-Time Video Tweets In the Pipeline [Video Tweeting Seen as Means of Boosting Twitters Social Networking Prominence]

Andrew Tingle — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:40:12 +0000

Having only earlier today offered you a heads up concerning Twitter and Facebook coming to Xbox Live we continue with the Twitter related news as, whilst specific details are, as yet, in particularly short supply its being reported today that Twitter’s founders are looking at rolling out the integration of real-time video to supplement Twitters standard text based tweeting which will allow end users to post video tweets from notebooks and mobile devices alongside text based updates.
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Facebook 3.0 iPhone App Arrives at the App Store [Facebook App with Events, Like and Photo Albums Features]

Alex Ion — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:03:08 +0000

Announced last month, the Facebook 3.0 app for the iPhone is finally ready for download at the Apple App store. Using Facebook on your iPhone has never been better as the new application format is almost similar to the one you use normally on your PC. Do not be hassled if you find the 3.0 Facebook app listed as the 2.5 for that is the version showing up at the store but it is indeed the latest one.

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Hitachi Intros Biometric Vending Machine [Finger Vein Patterns Allow for Cashless Transactions]

Robert Lesher — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:42:44 +0000

The Japanese love their vending machines. Their country has taken the automatic dispensing of everything from electronics to underwear to a level not seen in most other countries and when you couple this with their almost unnatural love for electronics, you get Hitachi’s latest invention, the Biometric Vending Machine. (...)
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iTwitter App Brings Push Notification to Your iPhone [Free iPhone Twitter App to do Push]

Alex Ion — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:34:16 +0000

With the iPhone OS 3.0 in full swing it was just a matter of time until Twitter addicts would get the new “push notification” feature, implemented for their handsets. So here’s iTwitter, the first free iPhone Twitter client application to do push notifications. It allows you to access your friends’ timelines, does direct messages (DMs), @Replies, favorites, following and follower lists, and a compose screen.

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Samsung Announces Diji-Touch Touchscreen Vending Machines [Giant LCD Screens Finally Combine TV and Junk Food]

Robert Lesher — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:49:59 +0000

Vending machines are ubiquitous. It seems like everywhere you look you’re being offered something to eat or drink from one of these metal monsters. There is also something comforting about these dietary dispensers. The sound of your money clinking down the slot, the rotating display as your Mars Bar travels down the final leg of the metal spring toward the bottom with the off chance that it might get stuck right before it drops. It’s just a bit cathartic. Well, if the folks at Samsung have their way, the entire vending machine experience is set to change with their new Diji-Touch. (...)
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Adam Harvey Anti-Paparazzi Clutch Bag [Must-Have Accessory Gives Stars Flash Backs]

Robert Lesher — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:22:08 +0000

If you are anything like me, and I know you are, you spend too much time fending off photogs hoping to get a glimpse of your famous face. OK, so maybe that’s just wishful thinking, but a guy can dream, right? The bottom-line, it seems like most celebs want to be famous and private at the same time, but those pesky paparazzi have ideas of their own. Talk about your conflicts of interest. What’s a star to do if they simply don’t want their 2am face flashed across the front page? Designer Adam Harvey has created a handbag that just might prove to be Kodak kryptonite. (...)
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Facebook 3.0 iPhone/iPod Touch App Unveiled [Updated Facebook App with Events, Photo Albums]

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:12:39 +0000

Back in September of last year we offered you a heads up concerning the release of the Facebook 2.0 App for the iPhone and iPod Touch and now we can confirm that the new version – known as Facebook for iPhone 3.0 – of the decidedly popular Facebook app (which, incidentally, is purportedly used by around 25% of all iPhone users) is nearing completion and is set to be submitted to Apple ’soon’.

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Google Goggles Gmail Feature Safeguards Against Mails You May Regret [State of Mind ‘Reality’ Check]

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:19:45 +0000

If you have ever sent a particularly harsh and pointed email when under the influence of alcohol – to, for example, your boss to tell him/her in no uncertain terms what you think of them or, perhaps, to your partner following a petty argument – which you’ve had cause to regret (and, let’s be honest here, more than a few of you can probably relate to this – I know I can) then a new Google Gmail application called Google Goggles could be of interest – if only if it keeps you from being fired/unceremoniously dumped.

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Facebook 2.0 iPhone & iPod Touch Application Now Available From iTunes App Store

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:33:42 +0000

It’s been a while coming, but, at last, Facebook 2.0 has come to Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch courtesy of the Facebook 2.0 iPhone/Touch application which has just become available via the iTunes Application Store.

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Block Rocker Portable iPod PA Party System [Not Your Average iPod Dock]

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:20:47 +0000

We’ve featured a fair few iPod docks that are somewhat removed from your otherwise standard iPod docking station – take the AM/FM Construction Radio iPod Dock and the Inflatable iBig iPod Boombox as but two examples (though Geneva Lab’s Model XL 600W iPod Docking Station is also worth a mention) – but, if you’re looking for the ultimate iPod based PA party machine the Block Rocker Portable iPod PA System certainly seems to have all bases covered.

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Look@Me Emoticon Mini Keypad [Express 40 Emoticons via a Dedicated Wireless Mini Keyboard]

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:57:42 +0000

Whilst we suspect that many would discount this Look@Me Emoticon Mini Keypad as being wholly trivial in nature we actually love the idea of having a separate keyboard specifically dedicated to creating emoticons and thereby serving as a tool by which we can express ourselves using what is, in essence, a modern take on hieroglyphics.

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Retro 70s Styled BOB TV/PC/Video Game Time Controller Limits Childrens Playtime [Auto Shut Down Parental Timer/HDD Fragmentation Device]

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:07:12 +0000

Sporting aesthetics that appear to be fresh from the 70’s, yet, for us at least, lacks any sense of retro appeal, this device, known merely as BOB, has been designed to assist parents in controlling the amount of time their children spend watching the TV, playing on their gaming consoles or sitting at their PC thanks to an integrated timer that will automatically shut down the associated device once the allotted access period is over.

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Green & Mean Passchal iPod Case Hand Crafted from Tire Inner Tubes

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:40:37 +0000

The moment we came across this stylish iPod case we knew we had to feature it here on TFTS as we don’t doubt that it’ll prove extremely popular with those looking for a hard wearing, protective case for their iPod that not only looks the business but is unashamedly eco-positive (have we coined a new term here?) in being made from recycled inner tubes from trucks and tractor tires.

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iRobot ConnectR Offers Virtual Home Visits from Work

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:35:29 +0000

iRobot, a company well known for their range of automated vacuuming robots, have taken what many would see as the next logical step in utilising their technology to produce the ConnectR, a remotely controlled robot which will allow you to keep a virtual eye on your loved ones via the internet whilst you’re tied up elsewhere.

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Break the Ice at Parties with Hello Napkins

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:59:36 +0000

Breaking the ice with strangers at parties is never easy unless you’re especially inebriated – in which case it’s quite probably a disaster waiting to happen – so we quite like the idea of these Hello Napkins that will allow you to make your interest known in an altogether more subtle and mysterious fashion.

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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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Remote Controlled Beer Delivery Buggy

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:00:41 +0000

Drinking and driving, as in whilst under the influence, is not something we condone here at TFTS but in the case of this Remote Controlled Beverage Buggy we cannot help but make an exception.

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Beer Robot – Beer Served by a Bot

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:35:04 +0000

Perhaps it’s just the subject matter, but I was transfixed by the video provided below showing this beer serving robot in action. I’m not sure whether it was because of the absurdity of it all, or because this would undoubtedly be a sure fire hit at parties.

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Chill Wine to Perfection – Dual Bottle Wireless Wine Cooler

Andrew Tingle — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 04:48:04 +0000

Admittedly, you could just put your wine in the fridge but (call yourself a geek?) why do that when there’s a gadget that will ensure that your wine is chilled to complete perfection?

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4Cycle Red – The Zero Emission Four Seat Pedal Car

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 04:34:54 +0000

We’ve featured a great many zero emission vehicles here on TFTS of which a few have been pedal powered, but unlike previously featured vehicles this pedal powered car/bike hybrid will seat up to four people – all of whom have the option of contributing to the means of propulsion.

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Keg O Rator – Cool Beer on Tap Anywhere

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 01:32:38 +0000

Its black, it’s mobile and it delivers beer on tap by the keg. Who could ask for more?

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Announce Yourself with Style – Scrolling LED Name Badge

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 04:07:13 +0000

Announce yourself in a decidedly geeky style with this LED Name badge which will allow you to display up to eight custom messages with a total of 314 characters that scroll across its screen.

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Community Surfing with the Meraki Solar Powered Wi-Fi Kit

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:16:08 +0000

For those of you looking for good Wi-Fi outdoor coverage, or for those looking to share internet access with there neighbours, Meraki may have come up with the ideal solution in the form of this weatherproof, solar powered Wi-Fi kit.

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Size Adjustable Breast Implants Ensure Post Op Satisfaction

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:15:01 +0000

What happens when you’ve opted for a breast implant but, post surgery, decide that the size of implant you opted for is not to your tastes? With standard breast implants the answer is to go under the knife once again. But with these size adaptive implants the trauma and associated expense of further surgery can be avoided as, once these clever breast implants have been inserted they can be resized following treatment.

In essence the mechanics are simple. Each implant comes with a tube that is left exposed once the physical implantation has taken place which allows the surgeon to inflate the saline based implant to the desired size as the patient watches in a mirror. Once the desired breast size is obtained the tube is sealed, cut and tucked back into the chest with the tiny hole from which the tube once extended being completely sealed.

The only drawback is that, in being saline based, the implants apparently won’t feel quite as natural under touch as their silicone counterparts (I wouldn’t know about this, personally).

[Source | Medgadget via Ubergizmo]

Communicate with this Wagging Tail Gadget for Your Car

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:30:45 +0000

This is quite possibly one of the most curious gadgets we’ve ever featured on Thoughts from the Sidelines and, considering the competition, this is no mean feat. Either ways, we consider this bizarre gadget to be quite a find as, whilst there are numerous devices available on the market that are designed to enable you to effectively communicate with other drivers whilst you are driving, this is by far the oddest we’ve come across.

Simply attach this remotely controlled wagging tail (yes, you did read that correctly) device to the top of your car – that’s right, it’s designed to be mounted externally – and you can communicate your pleasure or displeasure whilst those driving behind you by wagging the tail in an appropriate fashion via the remote control.

Quite whether someone tailgating you are going to feel firmly put in their place when they see this electronic dog tail gadget waving spasmodically at them is quite another issue, however. We suspect not.

Available in either light grey, mid grey or black the Car’s Wagging Tail retails from this Japanese outlet for 4980 Yen which roughly equates to $41 / €31 / £7.

Geek Snap-a-Party Instant Party Set

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 03:22:33 +0000

Apart from these ultimate party gadgets, are these the ultimate in geek party accessories?

When planning a party you invariably find that you have more guests turning up than you have cutlery or plates so you have to decide whether to resort to borrowing the additionally required plates, knives and forks from Auntie Agnus or resorting to disposable paper substitutes. The problem is that Auntie Agnus’s tastes leave a lot to be desired and, if you do resort to paper plates, it all not only seems rather tacky.

Now you have a third, altogether more geeky option, in the form of these neat snap apart party sets going by the name of Snap-a-Party which, apart from being a distinctly cool alternative to the usual disposable substitutes are bound to add a little designer chic to the proceedings.

Bound to appeal to the child in all of us, and especially to anyone you used to built plastic models as a child, the sets – manufactured by Fred – are available in four funky colours, each snap apart set consists of a plate, knife, fork and spoon as well as a pair of chopsticks a toothpick and even a snap apart napkin ring!

Very cool.

And if you like this, you may also like this snap apart tool kit (click image to link to post).

Tobacco and Whiskey Cologne

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 20:49:47 +0000

One of the many basic laws of psychology is that on the one occasion you have called home to advise that you’re having to stay at the office and work late you then get home later in the evening to find that you have an argument on your hands.

Why?

Because you don’t smell of smoke and alcohol and, therefore, paranoia sets in for, as far as your partner is concerned, if you have been ‘working late’ and you don’t reek of tobacco and alcohol then where exactly have you been? (The idea that you have truly been working late seems wholly incredulous, it seems, just when it actually happens to be the case). Life, eh?

Fear not, however, as thanks to this Whiskey Tobacco Cologne Spray you can arrive home late in the evening assured of the fact that your partner will suspect nothing more than that you’ve been in a bar with your work colleagues for the last few hours and, in that, they are happy in the knowledge that the ‘working late’ excuse is nothing more than the usual harmless white lie.

Of course, it would help if you could add a little authenticity to the proceedings by tripping up the stairs, telling the cat that you love it and then giving your partner a bowl of Kitty-Meat before putting them outside for the night – all whilst feeling assured that you have given their inherent paranoia nothing to feed on and that all is well with the world.

The Whiskey Tobacco Cologne Spray costs $18.99 and can be obtained via this site along with other delightful scents such as Play-Doh and subtle, haunting and quite irresistant aroma of fresh Sawdust.

The Revenge CD

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 22:34:41 +0000

As the saying goes: Don’t get mad – get even. And, if you’ve ever wanted to teach your next-door neighbour a lesson having been kept up all night by the pounding of his stereo/TV or non-stop parties/arguments then this Revenge CD may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Packed with twenty of the most annoying sounds this CD will allow you to reap your revenge in style by choosing one of the sound effects on offer – from arguing, drills and, our favourite, a never ending orgasm – popping it in the CD tray, programming it on endless repeat and going out for the evening.

Alternatively you can just recline back on your sofa with a wry grin on your face using the earplugs thoughtfully supplied with the product.

The Revenge CD costs $18.00 and is available from this site (though it must obviously be popular as, at the time of writing, it appears to have sold out).

The Demotivating Despair Calendar

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 21:19:10 +0000

We’ve all seen those hopelessly optimistic, apparently motivating calendars which are supposed to offer a positive and uplifting message like ‘Nothing is Impossible’ above a suitably beautiful and emotionally stirring picture of perfect sea bird flying across an all too perfect sun kissed sky.

Nauseating aren’t they?

Now you can fight back with the Despair Calendar which is sure to cancel out any flickering feelings of optimism in the workplace with messages that will really serve to bring even the receptionist (her with the painted, perpetual smile that somehow manages to send a shiver down your spine) down to earth with a bump (which is surely reason enough to own one).

Priced at £14.95 (€22.60 / $29.40) you can view further details concerning the Despair Calendar via this link.

The Stackable Burger Coaster Set

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 21:17:05 +0000

After posting about the Portable Bar in a Case I came across this Burger Coaster Set and though the portable bar is rather flash and this, in all honesty, is rather naff I found myself writing about it even though I never use coasters.

Nevertheless, whether it’s naff or not, it’s certainly somewhat out of the ordinary and with each part of this stackable burger serving as a separate coaster it’s also rather novel – and therefore worth a brief mention.

If you have no taste whatsoever (which is probably a good thing, as I shouldn’t think this tastes too good) then you can pick these up for $19.63 from here.

The Portable Bar in a Case

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 19:59:47 +0000

There are times when, if you’re anything like me, you just suddenly have a distinct yearning to engage in a tipple or four. On my extended trip home with pretty much all the trains having been cancelled – due to the gales the UK is experiencing at the moment – exactly this thought crossed my shallow mind and, if I had been in procession of this Portable Travel Bar Set then I might well have just set up a bar there and then and consequently tippled away.

Alas, I did not have this bar in a leatherette case and so had to resort to the traditional fallback for us Brits in times of crisis – a cup of tea (the drinking of which was interjected with a series of whispered expletives).

If I had have been carrying this bar in a case then things would have been so very different, as a quick run down of its contents suggest – 2 Martini glasses, 1 stainless steel shaker, 1 stainless steel jigger, 1 set of (you guessed it) stainless steel tongs, a (need I say it) stainless steel strainer, and a plastic (well, okay, stainless steel) fork/spoon stirrer. Also contained within are 2 cotton napkins and 1 Martini spray bottle as well as two spaces for whichever bottles take your fancy.

Then again, if I had been carrying this case on my trek home tonight one cannot help but wonder whether I would ever have got home.

The Deluxe Portable Travel Bar Set, as longingly described above, retails for $99.00 and further details can be gained via this link.

Mix like a Pro with Bar Master Deluxe

Andrew Tingle — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:43:00 +0000

With the festive season rapidly approaching this extremely handy portable electronic drinks database could prove to be an indispensable asset in your bid to impress and make your mark on proceedings. And, on account of its tiny size, it shouldn’t be too hard to conceal this about your person whilst you’re mixing cocktails like a pro with out anyone knowing that you really haven’t the faintest idea what you’re doing.

The Bar Master Deluxe contains over 1000 alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink recipes in its database with a complete listing of ingredients, including concise instructions on how to prepare them, as well as hot tips that will help you to set up the perfect bar (though a few Piet Hein drinks coolers and a PartyBot should help you on your way).

Interestingly, the device also features a blood alcohol calculator that should assist you in confirming that you really have become wholly inebriated as a consequence of tasting all manner of drinks though it is only seven o’clock and no one’s even turned up yet.
You can purchase the Bar Master Deluxe for £24.99 from this site.

The Piet Hein Drinks Cooler

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:14:23 +0000

The music hums softly in the background and the lights are dimmed. The person of your dreams is sat before you and is in the mood for a nightcap. It doesn’t get any better that this.

All too happy to oblige, you glide over to your mini bar and mix them a drink – though only after juggling with ten glasses (you just couldn’t help yourself) – and then….you completely blow it by dropping two cubes of frozen H2O in their drink. A taxi is called, the evening is over.

Okay, so things won’t be as bad as that, but it must be said that with gems like the frankly gorgeous Piet Hein Drinks Cooler around relying on mere ice to cool drinks is just so passé.

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Partytime Gadgets to Turn Heads

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 21:54:54 +0000

Hosting a party is not only about enjoying yourself (and running round cleaning up spillages) it is also about making a lasting impression – and if you can make an impression for as little work as possible that’s all the better.

In this post Thoughts from the Sidelines takes a look at three gadgets that will not only considerably lighten your workload – hence leaving you to sip a few drinks yourself and concentrate on impressing the person of your dreams who has, surprisingly, actually turned up – but which are bound to ensure that your party’s one to remember.

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