News

News about interesting gadgets, gear, mobile technology and lifestyle products.

A build-your-own-computer kit for kids ages 8 – 81

kano computer kit 2

The Kano computer kit was successfully funded on Kickstarter in December 2013 – and when I say “successfully”, I mean it got more than 15X its $100,000 funding goal.  Kano will be shipping in July, and the company is now taking pre-orders for those of us who didn’t get in on the Kickstarter campaign.  The […]

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Control your child’s access to games and apps on their device from your device

dinnertime app

If your child has his or her own Android phone or tablet, you might want to set some limits on exactly when they can access the apps on the device.  Using the DinnerTime parental controls app, you can set times during which the child cannot use any app on the tablet.  There’s a Dinner Time

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Hang your guitar or other stringed instrument from any hook

leather ukulele hanger

I’ve seen special hooks for hanging your guitar, ukulele, banjo, or other stringed instruments on the wall or even in your closet, but they can be pretty expensive.  What if you could hang your instruments for less than $5.00 per hanger?  I found these Leather Ukulele Hangers for $2.00 each while checking out the website

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HookUp quick release mini clip lets you easily swap out items on your keychain

HookUp

So, you like to carry all sorts of gadgets and gizmos on your key chain. You know the mini flashlight, the flash drive, even a USB to Micro USB charger. The problem is not carrying these items, but removing them from your key chain when you want to use them.The HookUp, a Kickstarter project from

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The latest Tokyoflash Japan watch is quite a Rogue

kisai rogue touch silicone from tokyoflash japan 02

The Kisai Rogue Touch Silicone is the latest limited-edition watch from Tokyoflash Japan.  This watch has a silicone housing and band, and LCD always-on display, and an LED backlight.  It displays dual time zones, and it has date, alarm, and animation functions, too.  Use the touchscreen to change modes.  It’s available with a black or

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“The Vessyl with the pestle has the brew that is true…”

Vessyl 1

Most of our appliances communicate with us now, so it was only a matter of time before our dinnerware did too. The Vessyl, created by a company called Mark One, is a 13 ounce cup that contains sensors which can determine the type of drink (including sodas, alcohol, smoothies, tea, coffee, etc.) as well as

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An LED flashlight so minimal, it doesn’t even have a barrel

blocklite 9V led flashlight 2

The Blocklite Mini Compact 9V LED flashlight consists of little more than a 9V battery.  Actually, the flashlight is a small plastic piece that snaps onto the 9V battery.  It has six bright white LEDs and a power switch with two brightness levels (high and low).  It’s so small, you’ll be able to keep one in

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Hot beverage + coaster = koi pond

interactive fish cups and heat pads 2

These cups and coasters redefine cups with designs that change when hot beverages are added.  These borosilicate glass mugs have an interesting slanted shape and unusual stick handles, but they are otherwise plain when viewed from the side.  They have a fish-shaped metal piece on the bottom, and when you fill the mug with a hot

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This slim backpack can hold a 17″ laptop

cocoon slim xl backpack 2

My husband has the original SLIM backpack that holds up to a 15″ MacBook that he used for both his personal 11″ MacBook Air and his 15″ MacBook Pro from work.  The new version, the SLIM XL 17″ Backpack from Cocoon Innovations is just as sleek and organized as his smaller bag, but it holds up

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This multi-function iPhone 5/5s case can open a drink and store your data, too

readycase iphone5 5s 2

Actually, the ReadyCase for iPhone 5/5s can do more than that.  It can protect your phone, as you’d expect, but it also incorporates a multi-function tool that has a can opener, screwdriver, and regular and serrated blades.  There’s also a your choice of a 4GB or 8GB flash drive that stores data and serves as

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Make the Perfect Drink with this app-controlled bartending scale

perfect drink app controlled bartending scale

You’re having a party, but you don’t know a lot of recipes for mixed drinks.  Sure, you could run to the bookstore and buy a bartender’s recipe book, but where’s the gadgety fun in that?  Instead, purchase the Perfect Drink App-Controlled Smart Bartending Scale and you’ll have recipes for hundreds of drinks at your fingertips,

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Unlocked Android smartphones, wallets, S5 tips and Amazon – Weekly roundup

newspaper

If you’ve been outside enjoying the warm weather this week, you may have missed some of our posts. We have covered a wide variety of topics in last seven days. Some of the highlights include the thl T200 8 core unlocked smartphone that Elizabeth reviewed, the Cazlet wallet that not only holds your money and credit cards,

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Add a little personality to your Zoku Quick Pop Maker products

zoku character faces 2

We’ve told you about a variety of Zoku frozen treats makers, beginning with the Zoku Quick Pop Maker back in 2009.  That pop maker is still around, and Zoku has introduced an accessory kit that lets you add bits of fruit to your pop.  Using the cutters and the layout paddle, you can arrange small

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Make taking selfies easier with Brando’s Quick Selfie Pole with Shutter Button

brando quick selfie pole

When using your cell phone to take selfies, you are limited by the length of your arm.  That limits the number of people you’re able to include in a photo, and you may find it hard to trigger the camera when you’ve got your arm stretched out to the limit.  With Brando’s Quick Selfie Pole

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Amazon Prime Music – Amazon’s newest perk for Prime members

amazon prime music streaming service

Recently, Amazon announced that it would be raising the rates for their Prime membership.  It was the first increase in years, and I didn’t think it was too much to bear, because I use Amazon – and free Prime shipping – frequently.  Amazon isn’t just increasing the rates to compensate for rising shipping costs; they’re

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Add some extra light on the subject with this iPhone camera flash accessory

nova external flash 2

iPhones have decent cameras, and you can snap even better photos with the built-in flash.  That flash does have its problems, though, because it’s fired directly at the subject.  Photos can look harsh if you were too close to the subject, or they can be dark if you were too far away.  The Nova external

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True Utility sciXors hang out on your keyring till it’s time to snip

trueutility

Here at The Gadgeteer, we’re big fans of little tools. Especially keychain tools—we can’t seem to get enough of ’em. The True Utility sciXors are my latest find, a pair of teeny, tiny scissors for your keyring. Made from stainless steel with black rubber grips, they attach to your keyring with a small, quick-release pull clip.

True Utility sciXors hang out on your keyring till it’s time to snip Read More