Have you been looking to get your child a digital audio device, but are worried that they will destroy it in ten minutes? Mogoon has made a teddy bear named Bandy that has a built in audio player. It can play MP3 and WMA files and can also accept SD cards loaded with your music. Knowing that this is going to be in the hands of little ones, Mogoon has made this bear dust-proof, splash-proof, and able to withstand falls from up to two meters. Unfortunately, kids always find a way to destroy things, but at least it will last a week or so. This is being released in Europe this fall and will be around $88 USD.
[Product Page] [Engadget]
Bandy the MP3 Bear! July 31, 2006
Alarming Bikini July 30, 2006
With summer in full force, many are concerned about their sun exposure. There are
limitations given to us and warnings placed out there to heed, but how many really count the time we spend in the sun and measure our UV exposure? I know I don’t…and what better idea than a little help with this via technology?
The Solestrom’s bikini will go on sale in month and is equipped with a UV meter built
into its belt coupled with an alarm that beeps to tell the wearer it’s time to head to some protective shade.
A safe way to avoid skin cancer and still enjoy your time in the sun, this bikini seems like a good idea. With a 0 to 20 scale for the UV monitor, this bikini offers you notification via the alarm and could give the wearer a sense of peace about their skin.
After spending two weeks in Texas where I was exposed to 108F while swimming, this doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. But, the price tag of $190 that’s expected would probably keep me from jumping into this suit right away.
Memories & Technology
Do you often wonder how you will be remembered when you die? You leave this world and others are left behind to deal with their loss. If you’ve lost someone close to you, you probably know this feeling of emptiness that comes along and if you’re a writer, sometimes you just need the proper outlet to get those feelings out.
Silent Hands gives you the opportunity to leave messages to your loved ones now that they can retrieve in the future after your passing. Upload photos that are your favorites, create videos, add sound bites, write messages and keep a diary for others to view after you leave this world.
Leave your children something or your soul mate…so that if this unpredictable life we live changes, you can know that a legacy will follow you. You assign your account to a keyholder (multiple keyholders can be chosen) and once you pass away, they enter the account and activate your instructions. You can have periodic emails sent to whomever you choose and set time frames for delivery.
Many options are given on the Silent Hands site and they have a nice demo video that explains the use of the account. It looks like the account costs a one-time fee of $99 after a trial period of 7 days, but if you visit the site, you can find out exact fees and details.
I find this site to be a wonderful tool for someone with a terminal illness, especially. They can leave behind memories that might otherwise be hidden by grief.
Writing a Book At The Apple Store in Heels July 28, 2006
Fishbowl NY writes about Isobella Jadeco, a petite model who wrote an entire 250 page memoir while standing in heels, nonetheless, at an available 17" iMac at the Apple Store in Soho. The 5’2 model who lives out of a suitcase in NYC is now selling her memoir entitled Almost 5’4 where "she tells a tale of modeling you won’t find in Vogue." The poor girl doesn’t have a computer or Internet connection, but she has modeled for Mass Appeal, Stuff and Juicy Couture. She has also been invited to give readings of her book in San Francisco and LA. I guess the Apple store also helped her do this video. Great story about a girl with a lot of heart.
World’s First: Interactive Wedding Dress
Cute Circuit designed the "Kiss me" gown and suit of pure Indian Silk for a lucky couple in Sweden who tied the knot in a very original way.
"And at the dramatic conclusion of the ceremony, when the happy couple kissed, two messages containing before unspoken love words were passed from one to the other (one from him to her, and one from her to him). The messages are shown only to the couple through a miniscule display integrated inside the trim of the clothes for absolute romantic-secrecy."
The wired garments transform into regular outfits that could be worn many times after the honeymoon is over. The wedding gown’s train is removable so the skirt could be turned inside out for a change of color.
Knit Lights
Knitting can be a very relaxing and enjoyable hobby, but what if you could spice up your hobby a little? With the LED knitting supplies you can have knitting needles and crochet hooks that light up your knitting projects. So what if you are working on your third scarf and still have no one to give it to. At least you will be able to see and knit in the dark. The picture actually shows two different styles of knit lights. There is one that makes the whole need glow and one that has a glowing tip. Whichever you choose, it is sure to make your knitting experience a lot more interesting.
Techie Diva’s Fitness Challenge July 27, 2006
Alright Nike + iPod Sport Kit owners, it time to get serious with these workouts or at least motivate each other. It’s still Summer time, and we all need a little motivation to lose a few pounds. So I thought it would be a good idea to put together a team of divas (or divos) who want to commit to a month-long workout routine with me. If you’re interested, send me an email at techiedivas at yahoo dot com, with suggestions on how you wanna do this. I want to start the challenge August 1st, so get me your info before that time. If you don’t know, the Nike + iPod sports kit also allows you to challenge up to 50 ppl, and we can all see each other’s progress. So sign up and shape up. This may be all that stands between you and those size 4 jeans. Ok, size 6.
Femme Headset Design
I gotta say that I love the idea of Bluetooth headsets, but the design still leaves much to be desired. The only headset I’ve been anticipating, is Motorola’s H5 which is so small I know I’ll eventually lose it, but I don’t care because the thing is so discreet. Plantronics is on to something with this oh so amazing jewelry headset concept that is worn around the neck when not in use, and the pendant doubles as a mic. Businessweek‘s article focuses on the upcoming Discovery 655 headset designed for women. It appears analysts think mobile-phone accessories for women are the next big thing, since Motorola sold 664,000 pink RAZRs so far.
Inflatable What?
File this under "World Gone Mad". If your chair owns your derriere, maybe it’s time to upgrade to a more functional one. I think my chair has become a part me, but if it had the ability to shower me, I would be in big trouble. Leave it to designer Daniel Harper to come up with a concept that won’t sound too bad in a few years.
The Douchaise is a chair which unfolds to become a fully functional shower with air supported walls. The shower’s base houses a blower, water heater, pump and filter which recycles water to reduce actual usage. The structure fully inflates to form the shower walls in just 2 minutes. Inside are two rooms, one for showering (the wet room) and one for undressing and drying off (the dry room). [Via coolbuzz]
Anti-Social Chair
Do you feel the need to shut out the rest of the world, and create your own bubble? Well, Stefan Borselius "Peekabo" isolation chair will help you enjoy total seclusion while listening to you Mp3 player, writing text messages or even playing Grand Theft Auto San Andreas on your PSP. This modern day chair is made of chrome-plated steel, molded felt and textile. A cover or visor can be added in the molded felt with a plexi glass front. Because nerds can never be too anti-social. [Via Muzik]
Techie Diva's Guide to Gadgets 
