No Reception
My house already has enough problems getting cell phone signals but if for some reason you’re looking in to blocking reception at your own location, there is a new, slightly aesthetically pleasing, possibility.
A painting that is really a cell phone jammer can be yours for $150. That’s a lot of money for a less than stellar piece of artwork, but if you’re into the tech … Hang this on your wall and you don’t have to worry about reception, you’ll already know it’s not supposed to be working.
Blue Jewelry
I’ve talked about tech jewelry before but here it goes again. This particular model doubles as a Bluetooth headset. The necklace itself isn’t particularly unattractive, but the extra length that extends into your ear is. Most are large medallion types that lie on the chest and then the wire wraps around the neck and ends at the ear. The thing looks like it will stay on, but I’m not sure I’d want it to.
The bigger issue is pricing, which is stratospheric (meaning multiple thousands of dollars). I’d rather just buy normal expensive jewelry for that price, no need to entice thieves with jewelry and expensive electronics all in one.
T-Mobile to offer free cell phones
This Saturday, T-Mobile is trying a pre-emptive strike at AT&T before the latest iPhones go on sale June 24. The company is offering free phones to customers who sign up for group calling plans at its retail stores on Saturday June 19 beginning at 8 a.m..
The “family plan” is for a calling plan that has at least 2 users. Current customers can upgrade their plans to “family plans” to take advantage of the offer.
The offer includes smartphones running Google’s Android such as myTouch 3G Slide, the HTC HD2, and the Garminfone.
The New Landline
I don’t really use a landline telephone. I don’t have one at school and at home people who want to reach me call my cell phone anyway. So, when I’m out of school, why should I confuse my contacts with a new number just to have a land line?
That’s where Xlink comes in. Xlink is basically a router for your cell phone so that you can get cell phone calls on your landline, as well as messages. The box uses bluetooth technology to get your calls in house as well as away. This is especially helpful when reception is lousy.
LG launches new “green” phone
LG has joined other makers with efforts to “green” cell phones. The LG Remarq features:
- outer casing of the handset is made from 19 percent post-consumer products
- 87 percent of parts are recyclable
- Energy-star certified
- Low in PVC and BFRs
- packaging is made from close to 100 percent post-consumer materials and printed with soy-based inks
- online manuals
In addition the phone has a slide finger-friendly QWERTY keyboard and you can access Facebook and Twitter to post status updates.
Available in turquoise and dark silver.
The phone will be available in May and may be free after rebates and other deals. Check with your provider for details.
Found via GeekSugar
AT&T Zero Charger is no vampire
AT&T has created a wall-based cell phone charger that does not draw energy when it is not charging a phone.
VoltStar Eco Charger is a similar device that actually shuts down once the phone is charged. It works with any 5V device.
So-called “vampire energy” refers to the energy used by chargers and other devices when they are turned off or not plugged into a chargeable device. According to the AT&T site:
In the U.S., the total amount of electricity that flows through internal and external power adapters is nearly 470 billion kWh per year or about 12 percent of the nation’s annual electricity consumption.
The AT&T device will be available in May. VoltStar is April 12 for $31.90.
Duracell MyGrid
Charge your gadgets with Duracell’s myGrid. Forget your cords and plugs. Instead put a Power Sleeve or Power Clip on each of your hand held devices like an iPod, Blackberry or cell phone and place the item on the grid to charge.
MyGrid can charge up to 4 devices at a time. It works with most cell phones, including Apple, BlackBerry, Motorola and Nokia as well as handheld mp3 players.
MyGrid requires a cord but each of the mobile devices being charge do not. It detects when being touched by human contact and metal (like keys and coins) and shuts off.
Pong iPhone case makes phones safer?
You’ve heard the warnings about radiation coming from your cell phone and whether it is or is not causing a brain tumor in your head.
Now Pong has developed a protective cover designed to cut down on your exposure to radiation. Proven by FCC-certified labs, the case looks like a sleek, simple silicone case but it contains a “module that redirects the radiation away from your head.”
Now, I think the verdict is still out on how dangerous cell phones are, but especially with kids we should probably err on the side of caution.
The pong for iPhone is $59.95 and they have free shipping until December 15.
Old Game New Tricks
So, board games are old school in this new world of video games and cell phone applications, but Hasbro is trying to change all that.
With a new and updated edition of the classic board game Clue Hasbro has changed the classic mansion mystery into a secret agent bonanza and has added some gadgets along the way. Hasbro will text players as the game goes on with information and clues to assist game play. This sounds like a great idea, or at least a nice attempt to update nostalgia for the wired age, but as always I don’t know how many little kids I want to have cell phones.
Sun Stability
I’m a fan of solar chargers, and the environment, so it’s nice when an official tech company can get behind a green idea and officially endorse it.
That’s what has happened for Novothink’s solar charger for the iphone (second generation) and the ipod touch. The charger has been endorsed by Apple and even looks pretty appealing. Designed almost like a car dock for the iphone the charger slides over the back of the phone (or ipod) and contains LEDs so you can see how much of a charge you really have.
Sure the extra pack will be a little bulky, and a little expensive ($70) but think of the energy you’ll save. Think about the on the go possibilities. It could just be worth it.
