Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Airline Introduces In-Flight Showers]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/25/airline-introduces-mile-high-showers/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/25/airline-introduces-mile-high-showers/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/25/airline-introduces-mile-high-showers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Emirates Airlines first class suite

What if it's not enough to have your own private suite (see image above) on your flight from New York to the Middle East? Leave it to Emirates Airlines, out of Dubai, to top its own first-class offering. The airline has announced its new Airbus A380 jets will be the first in commercial use to provide first-class passengers with an in-flight shower. Sounds like a nice, refreshing way to improve that approximately 12 1/2 hour flight, but be ready to shell out nearly $18,000 for the privilege.

The showers will first be introduced on the airline's Dubai to New York City direct route on October 1, but plans are in place to expand the luxury perk across Emirates' entire fleet of 50 A380s.

The showers cost much more than money, though, according to an environmental watchdog group called "Plane Stupid," which cites the enormous carbon footprint for this kind of over-the-top extravagance. The showers will require an extra ton of water to be transported onboard -- the same as having 12 extra passengers come along for the ride -- and will have carbon cost of 48,455 pounds for every flight.

Despite the cost and environmental impact, we'd still prefer a high-end shower as opposed to a flight attendant dousing us with water.

From Crave.


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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airbus A380AirbusA380airlinecarbon footprintCarbonFootprintEmirates AirlinesEmiratesAirlinesenvironmentFirst ClassFirstClassflightluxeryplaneshowerUnited Arab EmiratesUnitedArabEmirateswaterTue, 25 Mar 2008 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[These Aluminum Speakers Will Set You Back $140,000]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/10/these-aluminum-speakers-will-set-you-back-280-000/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/10/these-aluminum-speakers-will-set-you-back-280-000/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/10/these-aluminum-speakers-will-set-you-back-280-000/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Muon


Our never-ending search for items at the Consumer Electronics Show that are true statement pieces continues with a visit to KEF, maker of the Muon -- perhaps ironically named since a muon is a smaller particle than a quark, yet these speakers, evidenced by the picture above, are clearly not tiny.

Nor is their price tag. At $140,000 for the pair, the Muon speakers are meant for only the most discerning audiophile, for whom price is obviously no matter.

Only 100 pairs of the speakers will be made, according to Johan Coorg, marketing director for KEF. "The one-hundred and first person who wants one will just have to be disappointed," he said.

Why make speakers like these?

"This actually started as a testbed project for our engineers," Coorg said. "British audio has always been very well respected. These speakers now are the leading edge in real cool design. It's no longer acceptable to buy a square box anymore."

Though they have a somewhat organic shape, these speakers are made of aluminum, shaped and made strong through a process called "superforming."

The result is five-hundred combined pounds of visually arresting listening delight.

From KEF.


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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocost no objectCostNoObjectexpensiveKEFluxury techLuxuryTechMuonspeakersThu, 10 Jan 2008 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Holiday Deals: Free Vudu, Books, and Other Gadget-Buy Extras]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/holiday-deals-free-vudu-books-and-other-gadget-buy-extras/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/holiday-deals-free-vudu-books-and-other-gadget-buy-extras/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/holiday-deals-free-vudu-books-and-other-gadget-buy-extras/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Vudu


You're buying so many tech gifts this year, so wouldn't it be nice of those companies actually gave you a present in addition to their products? Yes, we thought so, too.

We saw an interesting deal between Sharp and new video-on-demand service Vudu, where the purchase of a new Aquos LCD display gets you a free Vudu set-top box and $50 in download credit. You'll put that to good use, for sure.

But instead of melting your brain on all that video, wouldn't it be nice if you actually read a book now and then? Click your way to Sony's site, where you'll find a deal that will put 100 classic books in your hands when you buy one of its Readers, a competitor to the Amazon Kindle. The books offered include such classics as Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' and H.G. Wells' 'The Time Machine.'

Finally, if you're looking for an audio experience, buying the Microsoft Zune will garner you a $20 gift card from Best Buy or $15 in downloads from Amazon.com.

Let's see, that's video, words, music... looks like we've covered our bases.



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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday DealsHoliday Gift GuideHolidayDealsHolidayGiftGuidesony-reader zune vudu sharp aquos microsoft amazon best-buySony-readerZuneVuduSharpAquosMicrosoftAmazonBest-buyMon, 24 Dec 2007 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[For the Video Hound: Vudu]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-vudu/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-vudu/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-vudu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Vudu
$399, vudu.com

About as big as a Mac Mini, the Vudu box gives you access to over 5,000 movies for rent or purchase. Vudu uses the same peer-to-peer technology that pirates use to illegally swap movies online, but for good purposes like letting you watch a movie instantly even though it's not done downloading. The service just started offering HD movies you'd actually want to watch - like the 'Bourne Ultimatum' - but the mostly standard definition (SD) movies on offer still look stunning since the box upscales video to quasi-HD quality, while the ergonomic remote is the most responsive to come along since Tivo.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideVuduSun, 23 Dec 2007 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Dog Listens to Your iPod, Dances, and Seeks Attention]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/robot-dog-listens-to-your-ipod-dances-seeks-attention/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/robot-dog-listens-to-your-ipod-dances-seeks-attention/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/robot-dog-listens-to-your-ipod-dances-seeks-attention/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



Finally, a gift for the child who wants a puppy, a stereo and a robot for Christmas: The iDog Amp'd, quite possibly the strangest iPod accessory we've seen since the iCan't-keep-making-i-jokes-anymore.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideiPod AccessoriesIpodAccessoriesFri, 21 Dec 2007 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't Snub the Sony E-Reader -- We Actually Like It]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/dont-snub-the-sony-e-reader-we-actually-like-it/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/dont-snub-the-sony-e-reader-we-actually-like-it/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/dont-snub-the-sony-e-reader-we-actually-like-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Sure, the Amazon Kindle -- the electronic book reader with the easy-on-the-eyes, glare-free E-Ink screen -- may have stolen all the hype this holiday season, but it's sold out and going for $1,000 or more on eBay. So what's a gift giver who wants to wow an avid reader to do? Well, we've been playing around with both portable-book-reading devices and think that the Sony Reader is a fine alternative -- it's slim with a brushed-metal body, making it sleeker and sturdier in that quality-Sony-gadget kind-of-way than the cheesy-feeling plastic Kindle (plus, the Reader comes with a nice leather case). The Reader's screen is actually easier to read, and the pages turn faster than the Kindle. Sure, you need to sync the Reader with a computer to get new content, and only about 45,000 books are available from Sony Connect versus the Kindle's direct-to-device content downloads and 90,000-book library, but Sony's also only charging about $299 for the thing (about $100 less than the Kindle). Plus, Sony is offering $100 of free classics '(War and Peace,' 'Madame Bovary,' and the like) to anyone who buys the Reader before January 31st. Regardless, the traveler in your life will love that they can carry 160 books in this 9-ounce, 1/3-inch thick thing.

From Sony Style
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-readerselectronic book readersElectronicBookReadersHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideSony ReaderSonyReaderFri, 21 Dec 2007 07:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Pick: Burton Sleeper Hoodie Holds Gadgets and More]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/17/gift-pick-burton-sleeper-hoodie-holds-gadgets-and-more/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/17/gift-pick-burton-sleeper-hoodie-holds-gadgets-and-more/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/17/gift-pick-burton-sleeper-hoodie-holds-gadgets-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,





HYPE CHECK: BURTON SLEEPER HOODIE
.

What it is: Burton's Sleeper Hoodie is designed for the busy air traveler, but should be a big hit with everyone from bands who spend weeks at a time tour buses, to those of us who like to catch a nap on the bus on our way to work. Inside the neck rests an inflatable neck pillow; blow it up, and you've got immediate, built-in head support. (Much better than resting your head on the corner between the seat and the window, much less the person next to you.) It's also got hidden compartments for your MP3 player (lower left), passport (inner left), and even your earplugs (it comes with a pair). It even has thumb holes in the sleeve cuffs for those with cold hands, and zippers under the armpits (with mesh in between) for when you get all hot and bothered (like during the spaghetti scene of 'Lady and the Tramp'). There's more: a light shield pulls down to block out the glare of the sun-like reading lights your neighbor refuses to turn off (if not fully block out those fluorescents lining the cabin wall), and a headphone port for wiring your music inside the shirt. It feels like something to add to your essential travel arsenal -- and since it looks and feels like a regular hoodie when disengaged, you can even where it when you get wherever it is you're going. As long as it's not Tahiti.

Why it's different: Most sweatshirts don't do anything other than zip up. This one does about everything except cook you breakfast.

What it costs: $100

What we like: For those that travel long distances, this thing is a lifesaver. It's incredibly versatile and feature-packed, and this sort of combination of technology and fashion is long overdue. The ability to adjust your temperature actually works in practice -- finally avoid sweaty armpits during boarding, and the thumb holes really do keep your palms warm, no matter how high they decide to crank the AC. The whole thing just feels very well thought-out and designed.


What we don't like: Rather than the wrap-around style neck pillow that they sell in airports, the inflatable pillow in the neck is more of a log-shaped affair. It still works - even without anything to lean against, you can just rest your head on either of your shoulders - but the full wrap-around action would have been even better. Also, while the design is great if you're into big graphics (we love the line-art airplane), it's perhaps not the most subtle thing in the world - this thing might not fly with the over-50 business set (pun intended).

Does it live up to the hype? Yes. We love it. It's an incredibly useful piece of gear for those of us that take long trips (or perhaps lots of short ones, requiring sporadic naps), and feels like it will last many, many hours of airtime. It's a heavy-duty sweatshirt, and for $100, you can't really argue with the comfort and peace of mind it give you - even when sandwiched between two fatsos (loudly eating sandwiches) on your flight from LA to London.


Gallery: Burton Sleeper Hoodie -- Up Close




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Switched Reviews the Gibson Robotic Guitar
Is the Amazon Kindle Really the iPod of Books
Best Headphones for the Gym
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>High-Tech ClothingHigh-techClothingHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideMon, 17 Dec 2007 18:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Four Phones Under $100 That We Love]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/12/video-four-phones-for-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/12/video-four-phones-for-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/12/video-four-phones-for-under-100/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


This is the story of four cell phones that have two things in common: Each costs under $100, and each doesn't suck. Josh "Kung" Fruhlinger reports.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[USB Santa Boots Make a Heated Fashion Statement]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/11/usb-santa-boots-make-a-heated-fashion-statement/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/11/usb-santa-boots-make-a-heated-fashion-statement/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/11/usb-santa-boots-make-a-heated-fashion-statement/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,




Even Santa gets cold feet sometimes, and we're not talking about when he married Mrs. Claus. Japanese gadget trove Thanko has introduced a pair of USB Santa Boots, a gadgetized way to keep the feet warm during the frigid winter months. These slippers, which look suspiciously like footwear belonging to a certain white-bearded, rotund Christmas hero, are heated by a USB connection from the slipper to your computer.

We're a little torn -- as nice as toasty toes are when it's cold no matter how many pairs of socks you're wearing, there's something just not right about slippers and USB connections in the same sentence. Are they dumb, funny, or cute? You be the judge.


From 7 Gadgets Via geeksugar

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking+newsChristmasHolidashholiday gift guideHolidayGiftGuidetopUSBTue, 11 Dec 2007 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Dumbest And/Or Funniest USB Gadget Gifts]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/07/10-dumbest-and-or-funniest-usb-gadget-gifts/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/07/10-dumbest-and-or-funniest-usb-gadget-gifts/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/07/10-dumbest-and-or-funniest-usb-gadget-gifts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As far as computer ports go -- and technologies in general -- USB has got to be the friendliest. Not only does it lovingly accept almost any kind of gadget imaginable, it also generously parcels out power to those gadgets so that they don't need to be plugged into a wall. As a result, it's quickly become the de facto interface for our printers, scanners, digital cameras, iPods, thumb drives and every other techno-majig we've come to rely on. However, this ubiquity and good will has led to the misuse of the USB port, which is increasingly being used to juice products that have no business being connected to a computer. In the following pages, you'll find the 10 dumbest miscarriages of the USB port we could find. These doodads are either the hilarious joke gifts for the right person, or useless wastes of plastic and metal that will go right into your gift recipient's trash bin.

Thanko USB Ashtray

Thanko USB Ashtray
Do you smoke at your desk? Do you often mix up which Red Bull can you're drinking from and which one you're ashing into? Then, it's a lucky thing there's this $16.50 ashtray, which employs a USB-powered motor to suck up the smoke from your nicotine log. Once it hoovers in your smog, the ashtray passes the smoke through two built-in filters to keep your workspace from being damaged by the very same toxins and poisons you're brutalizing your insides with.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideUSBUSB gadgetsUsbGadgetsFri, 07 Dec 2007 19:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched Reviews the Gibson Robot Guitar]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/06/switched-reviews-the-gibson-robot-guitar/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/06/switched-reviews-the-gibson-robot-guitar/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/06/switched-reviews-the-gibson-robot-guitar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Hands on With the Gibson Robot Guitar
Hype Check: Gibson Robot Guitar

On December 7, guitar enthusiasts around the nation will be able to get their callused hands on the Gibson Robot Guitar, a first-of-its-kind, self-tuning instrument packed with a computer and motorized tuners. This special edition Les Paul will initially only be available in limited quantities -- 10 guitars for each of 400 retailers across the nation.

What it does: The Robot Guitar has a built-in tuner, a CPU, and motorized tuners that turn to increase or decrease the pitch of each string individually until the whole guitar is in tune. The on board computer is also used to switch from standard tuning (EADGBe) to a host of alternate tunings and even set intonation.

What we like: The preset alternate tunings such as DADGAD and Open D (DADF#AD) are great for the forgetful and impatient. The Robot Guitar switches to alternate tunings much quicker than a person could, and the user can even change the presets for custom tunings, in case your playing style is less Son House and more Sonic Youth. And the intonation mode is a real cash saver. The computer guides you through adjusting the string saddles until you have perfect intonation, which guarantees pitch-perfect playing along the entire neck of the guitar. (With standard guitars, this adjustment is performed by a professional in a repair shop, which means parting ways with your instrument for a period of time and coughing up about $50 for the service.)

Then there is the paint job, a gorgeous coat of super glossy "silver burst" that goes from a subtle silver in the center to a beautiful, bright blue around the edges. This particular color was designed specifically for the Robot Guitar and is sadly not available on any other instrument from Gibson, but we hope thischanges soon. Most importantly, this ax maintains that classic Les Paul tone -- thick, buttery, and smooth. In fact, it sounds so good, it almost feels like cheating. Even a novice can sound like Jimmy Page with a Les Paul strapped on.

What we don't: There isn't much to dislike about this thing. The tuner occasionally had trouble picking out the last string or two when tuning, which slowed down the process, and if the guitar is just slightly out of tune, it's actually faster to adjust by hand in most cases. Our biggest worry with the device is the construction. The guitar feels solid enough, but pulling out and pushing back the tuning knobs for manual adjustment made us a little nervous. Repairing the guitar is also bound to be an expensive proposition should the tuner, computer, or motors fail. You won't be able to take this to your local music shop for repairs.

Does it live up to the hype: Surprisingly enough, yes. When we first heard about this thing we were skeptical -- a guitar that tunes itself comes off as a bit of an unnecessary novelty, but Gibson's newest innovation proved its usefulness to us. Not to mention that playing 'War Pigs' on any Les Paul is a wonderfully satisfying experience.

Price and where to get it: $2,499 at select Gibson retailers across the nation. You can find the nearest one here.

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Continue reading Switched Reviews the Gibson Robot Guitar

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking+newsgibsonguitarHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideHype Checkhypecheckles paulLesPaulrobot guitarRobotGuitartopThu, 06 Dec 2007 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Heat-Sensitive Coffee Mug Tells You When It's Safe to Drink]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/05/heat-sensitive-coffee-mug/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/05/heat-sensitive-coffee-mug/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/05/heat-sensitive-coffee-mug/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Proving yet again that we haven't run out of good ideas (as a species), the folks at Charles and Marie (we'll call them "Charles and Marie") have released one of the most logical items we've seen in some time. Like Sunday mornings, it's easy: The mug turns from off to on when filled with hot liquid, and then goes back to off when your beverage is drinkable again.

25 bucks is a bit on the pricey side for a coffee mug, but for the perpetual tongue burners among you (you know who you are), it's easily worth the investment in your taste buds.

Assuming it works.

From BoingBoing

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Coffee TechCoffeeTechFood TechFoodTechKitchen TechKitchenTechWeirdWed, 05 Dec 2007 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Decorate Your Desk With the USB Christmas Tree]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/03/decorate-your-desk-with-the-usb-christmas-tree/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/03/decorate-your-desk-with-the-usb-christmas-tree/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/03/decorate-your-desk-with-the-usb-christmas-tree/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Decorate your Desk with the USB Christmas Tree
Even though listening to the Backstreet Boys version of 'Christmas Time' every hour on the hour -- at least while we're out shopping -- makes us want to seal our eyes and ears with a caulking gun, we still like to get into the holiday spirit... we just want to do it on our own terms.

So, for those of us who want to spruce up our cubicles for the holidays and would rather skip those lame snow flake cut outs that are the province of elementary school teachers, we suggest a USB Christmas Tree from Vat 19.
Made of six inches of clear plastic, this 'tree' is lit up from within by LEDs that shift from blue to red to green. The six -foot USB cord ensures you wont the tree crowding your desktop mousing space. And, at only $9.95, the USB Christmas tree is much cheaper than a real tree.

From Popgadget

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmascubicle gadgetsCubicleGadgetsholidaynoveltyoffice gadgetsOfficeGadgetstreeusbMon, 03 Dec 2007 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Little Rubber Ducky Computer Mouse]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/28/rubber-ducky-youre-the-one-you-make-computer-time-so-much-fun/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/28/rubber-ducky-youre-the-one-you-make-computer-time-so-much-fun/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/28/rubber-ducky-youre-the-one-you-make-computer-time-so-much-fun/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rubber Ducky You're the One, You Make Computer Time So Much Fun
When we think about our mice (not the breathing kind, but the computer kind), we all agree on one missing element -- a little floating rubber duck. This novelty peripheral from the folks at Uncommon Goods is pretty much your standard optical mouse: It has two buttons, a scroll wheel, and a design that makes it frustratingly difficult to find a comfortable position to hold it, but then there's the issue of the small yellow ducky, which floats and shifts around in some liquid at the bottom of the mouse every time you point and click. It's an adorably entertaining and differentiating feature that made us want to give this thing to everyone we know. Just try not to get too distracted by the little guy and accidentally click on that add for penis enlarging supplements. Little rubber ducky, you're the one, you make computer time so much fun!

From Popgadget

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gadgetsHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuidemousenoveltytoysWed, 28 Nov 2007 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gibson Robot Guitar]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/23/the-gibson-robot-guitar-man-woman-who-has-everything-creative/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/23/the-gibson-robot-guitar-man-woman-who-has-everything-creative/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/23/the-gibson-robot-guitar-man-woman-who-has-everything-creative/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Gibson Robot Guitar (Man/Woman Who Has Everything, Creative Type, $5,000 and Under)

If money is no object and your giftee just simply has to have one of everything, you might as well pick him/her up the Robot Guitar from Gibson when it goes on sale December 7. Price? We're not sure... but you can bet it'll be expensive. The Robot Guitar is available in a limited edition version only for now, with just 400 stores carrying 10 units each at $2,500 a pop.

This axe hides a computer in the neck that controls motorized tuners, which allowing players to forget about tuning almost all together. The built-in computer even has preset alternate tunings so guitarists can switch from standard to DADGAD on the fly. It also helps users fix the intonation, a process usually handled by a professional in a repair shop.

All of this comes in a classic Les Paul shape with a gorgeous new paint job dubbed "Blue Silverburst."

From Gibson

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$5,000 and Under$5,000AndUndercreative typeCreativeTypegibsonguitarHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideles paulLesPaulMan/Woman Who Has EverythingMan/womanWhoHasEverythingmusicmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentsrobottuningFri, 23 Nov 2007 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[MoPods]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/22/mopods/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/22/mopods/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/22/mopods/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



There are those who prefer their holiday gifts small and cute (either giving or receiving), and for those people, MoPods make a great choice. The idea is to wear your MoPod on your bag, belt, clothing, key rings, then just go about your business and wait for them to spin and flash to alert you when your phone is ringing There's something for every cute fetish: panda, devil, kitten, puppy, and penguin, to name a few. It should be noted that they'll only work on GSM networks (that includes most T-Mobile and AT&T phones, including the iPhone), and not 3G networks (or any Sprint or Verizon Wireless phone). They're cheap, they're (sorta) practical, and they're big in Japan. What more could you ask for? (Hint: it rhymes with "iPhone".)


From MoPods
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$50 and under$50AndUnderBig in JapanBigInJapanHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideMan/Woman Who Has EverythingMan/womanWhoHasEverythingOnly in JapanOnlyInJapanThu, 22 Nov 2007 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Nabaztag Tag Robotic Rabbit]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/nabaztag-tag-robotic-rabbit/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/nabaztag-tag-robotic-rabbit/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/nabaztag-tag-robotic-rabbit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nabatztag Tag

Who wouldn't want a Wi-Fi-enabled robotic rabbit from France? The Nabaztag just might be the only thing your favorite has-everything friend or loved one doesn't already have. This cute little Internet device will read e-mail, receite news from various online sources, and speak weather conditions triggered by voice commands. To add to it all, Nabaztag features cute rotating ears and a belly that lights up to reveal weather conditions. At $190, Nabaztag isn't cheap, but it's certainly a conversation piece.

From Violet
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[WowWee Alive Elvis Head]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/gift-guide-wowwee-alive-elvis-head/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/gift-guide-wowwee-alive-elvis-head/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/19/gift-guide-wowwee-alive-elvis-head/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Speaking of all-singing, all-dancing robots: From the same folks who brought Robosapien into the world of humanoids, comes this freakily realistic animatronic Elvis bust. For King worshippers (obviously), or anybody who's bored by their piles of the latest gadgets, the WowWee Alive Elvis ($330) comes pre-loaded with 20 licensed songs, 37 spoken-word Elvis-isms, and Infra-Red (IR) sensors that make this half-King get his swerve on to movement and light. It's also great for karaoke -- Elvis mouthes all the words as you sing them, though you'll need to purchase an external mic to actually experience it (don't worry, they're cheap). Yes, it's niche. But if you know someone who fits the bill (you know who you are), it's kinda the perfect gift, you know?

From WowWee
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animatronicsElvisHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideMusic loverMusicLoverunder $500Under$500WeirdWowweeWowwee Alive ElvisWowweeAliveElvisMon, 19 Nov 2007 04:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Leica D-Lux 3 10-Megapixel Digital Camera]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/18/leica-d-lux-3-10-megapixel-digital-camera/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/18/leica-d-lux-3-10-megapixel-digital-camera/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/18/leica-d-lux-3-10-megapixel-digital-camera/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As the name suggests, the Leica D-Lux 3 compact digital camera is perfect for the photography aficionado who's familiar with the top-shelf German camera manufacturer's storied history, and who wants a high-end, 10-megapixel camera in compact, fixed-lens digicam form. The minimalist, aluminum body screams rarefied retro-chic, but it's all in the lens with Leica cameras, and the D-Lux, which somehow offers both wide-angle and telephoto settings in the same lens, is no exception. Also unusual for cameras of this type is the D-Lux's ability to capture images in three different image file formats, including RAW, a standard among professional photographers. It lists for $660, but the street price is a bit less.

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Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideMan/Woman Who Has EverythingMan/womanWhoHasEverythingUnder $1,000Under$1,000Under1000Sun, 18 Nov 2007 07:49:00 EST