Recently Filed in Gadgets

Have you gotten into the spirit of e-reading yet? Amazon, of course, put the tech style of reading into the public with its Kindle, and other companies have been joining the fray, like Sony and its own e-reader. Thankfully competition typically breeds lower prices all around, and so for the second time since it was initially offered for $359, Amazon is dropping the price of its Kindle. The new price is $259 for the Kindle with U.S. wireless (down from the latest $299 price). Still… View this story
Miscellaneous • Gadgets • Product News

Have an older iGo power adapter or charger? Waste Management’s Recycle America subsidiary will recycle it, the company has announced. Through the “iGo Recycles” consumer electronics and charger recycling program, iGo customers can mail back their used products, which WM Recycle America will process to recover valuable components for reuse. WM Recycle America says it recycles the material in conjunction with the Basel Action Network (BAN) Electronics Recycler’s Pledge of True Stewardship. The company pledges to process all hazardous materials domestically, protects workers’ health and… View this story
Power Management • Gadgets • Green Technology • Info and Answers

Whether you like Apple or not, you have to admit that the company has nerve. No, we’re not referring to the audacious (but sometimes annoying) “I’m a Mac; I’m a PC” ads. We’re referring to Apple’s plans to open 25 new retail stores and remodel 100 others during a recession. You often hear about how companies ought to invest in their business during an economic downturn. Apple is doing it. The goal, according to USA Today, is to revamp 100 stores this year to create… View this story
Computers • Gadgets • Retailers

The other day it dawned on me. My kids aren’t so little anymore. Sooner than I’d like, they’ll be teenagers. Although they’re just 11 and 9 now, they’re already showing signs of adolescence, like sleeping until noon, eating me out of house and home and taking marathon showers. They used to skip in and out of the stall, barely taking the time to wet their hair. Now a good 20 minutes passes before they emerge. I’m happy that they’re finally getting this hygiene thing, but… View this story
Home Control • Bathroom • Gadgets • Enhancements • Info and Answers

In addition to being an editor at Electronic House magazine, I’m a mom … a very busy mom. There really is no other type. Consequently, I’ve really come to appreciate technologies that can help out around the house. If you’re stumped about what to get for Mother’s Day this year, consider one from my own high-tech wish list. 1. The Roomba This flying-saucer-shaped device vacuums the floors by itself—need I say more? Many different models are available, but my pick it the 562 Pet Series.… View this story
Gadgets • Info and Answers

Concerned about swine flu or other bacteria? Purely Products sells a portable Pocket Purifier that uses a 4-watt germicidal ultraviolet bulb (UV-C) that sterilizes surfaces like countertops. UV-C technology is widely used in hospitals for sanitation—and it is used to sanitize water. The bulbs do contain mercury, though, so you be the judge on how green and healthy that makes them. If you buy a UV-C product, keep in mind that ultraviolet purifiers utilize germicidal lamps that are designed and calculated to produce a certain… View this story
Fixtures and Switches • Gadgets • Green Technology • Info and Answers

As much as we’re always looking at what’s next in the world of technology, sometimes it’s easy to forget the gadgets we used to rely on everyday. Remember when you used to have to dial up to the Internet? Or when your phone actually had a cord? What about the days when you had to walk to your TV to change the channel or turn up the volume? Fox News has a fun look at 10 Technologies About to Go Extinct—even if some of them… View this story
Gadgets

Don’t feel like shelling out for a Sound Pressure Level meter for your home theater surround-sound speaker setup? Apparently Matt Woodward of Deep Focus Technologies passed on buying one, and instead decided to develop an iPhone app for calibrating his speaker system—you can find the Washington-based software and tech consulting service’s Theater Tool app for $1.99 at the iTunes store. Seems simple enough—according to the website, the application employs a distance/delay calculator so you can set the appropriate delay time between your front and rear… View this story
Miscellaneous • Gadgets • Audio • Product News

Your home is loaded with gadgets, but you’re not always at home to charge them. Thanks to Belkin, which knows a thing or two about how to make good use of that old car cigarette lighter/battery hole, you can charge a USB device in your automobile. The company has its Micro Auto Charger listed online for $14.99, though it’s “coming soon,” and unfortunately we don’t know when. Still, this gizmo is a welcome addition to the ever-growing mobile gadget world. There are enough times I’ve… View this story
Automotive • Gadgets • Product News

If buying a multi-functional smartphone is on your to-do list, you might want to wait a few months. Apple, Google, Palm and RIM are all planning to release new phones starting in June. Here’s a quick look at what’s coming, courtesy of the Silicon Valley Insider: Palm (Sprint) - Promised the Pre by end of June with an estimated cost of $200 with two-year contract. Apple (AT&T) - New iPhone announcement expected in early June with possible July availability. Could Apple drop price to $99?… View this story
Cell Phones • Gadgets • Product News

We’re taking a break from the continuous stream of iPhone app news we hear to give a little media tidbit on the other heavy-hitter smartphone out there, the BlackBerry. BlackBerry users will be able to watch full-length episodes of TV shows on-demand coming in May, for a monthly subscription fee. The service is being provided by QuickPlay Media, which announced its launch of PrimeTime2Go mobile TV service that will be offered in the U.S. on the BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Curve 8900 devices (currently available… View this story
Miscellaneous • Gadgets • Web Services • Cell Phones • Product News

The iPhone has seemingly taken over the mobile world. The platform’s App Store, which now has more than 25,000 applications, has competitors rushing to catch up. While we’ve documented how the iPhone can be used as a home automation and security device, there are a number of applications perfect for your home theater system. From remote simulators to DVR controllers to TV guides, these 7 iPhone apps can make your home theater experience even better. Click here to view the 7 iPhone Apps for Your… View this story
Cell Phones • Gadgets • Home Theater • Info and Answers • Slideshows