Sony Officially Annouces Two New Tablets (S1 & S2) Powered by Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Sony has now officially announced two new tablets; which were initially buzzed around the web in February this year and tablet fanatics were anxiously waiting for the rumors to turn into reality. 

The two tablets are called the S1 and S2 with the S1 having a 9.4 inch screen. The S2 has dual 5.5 inch screens which can be used as separate screens, or as a larger single screen if desired. It’s also worth mentioning that the S1 and S2 names are not the launch names and instead are just the code-names being currently used by Sony.

The operating system running on each tablet will be Android 3.0 Honeycomb although this will be customized to suit the PlayStation integration seen on some Sony Ericsson devices recently.

Each is capable of connecting to WiFi and up to 3G and 4G networks.

“Android 3.0 is a new version of the Android platform with a new holographic user interface that is designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. I’m excited about “Sony Tablet” as it will further spur the development of applications and network offerings which users are looking for,” said Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President, Mobile, Google Inc.

The S1 is unique in that it has an off-center of gravity that makes it feel more stable and lighter to hold.

Pricing hasn’t been made known just yet, but a release date of fall 2011 will be when you can pick one of these tablets up.

In Pool Exercise Bike - - Its more about exercise than having fun in water

For those who want to bike but also want to be in the pool at the same time, this In Pool Exercise Bike combines the best of both worlds. 

The In Pool Exercise is more about exercise than having fun. This underwater two-wheeler is designed to help build strength and endurance with less strain on the body. In fact, this is apparently what professional cyclists use when they’re in training. The bike also has a LCD monitor (which is waterproof, of course) that displays time, speed, distance and calories burned so that you keep track on your status. For those wondering, the company says that it’s made from “durable nylon, ABS, and fiberglass,” guaranteeing that the device won’t rust in the pool.

Devon Tread 1 Watch: Contains Four Compact Microstep Motors - - A Unique Wath With Price Tag of Around $22,000

Having a watch is somewhat or a rarity anymore as most of us have cell phones to check the time. There are a still some people out there that would feel naked without a timepiece to sit upon their wrist. If you are one of those few, you know how difficult it can be to find an interesting watch. Even harder still is to find one that is unique. Well, the search for individuality is over, but it comes with a price tag of around $22,000.

While you’re catching your breath and trying to figure out how many other things you could buy with that money, you might want to hear why it has a phenomenal price. This Devon Tread 1 Watch contains four compact microstep motors that power several glass-nylon belts that will turn to give you the date and time. The exasperating amount of time that went into this wristwatch likely makes the price tag feasible enough already, but there is still more to it. The steel case around this complex design is scratch-resistant bulletproof polycarbonate. It may be a tad pricey…but it’s a lot more interesting than something that is simply dipped in gold and covered in Swarovski crystals.

Dolce Gusto Fontana: Futuristic Way to Enjoy a Cup of Coffee with Pre-infused Capsules of Different Blends

Days have gone when a lot of labour of grinding and dishing has to be done for just a single cup of coffee. Now the time is to enjoy a cup of coffee in a futuristic way with Dolce Gusto Fontana.   

This futuristic espresso maker is another addition to the Nescafe family, and offers yummy combinations from pre-infused capsules. Choose your cappuccino, mocha, americano or hot chocolate, slip in the satchet, and with the flick of the button your hot, roasted brew is ready. 

Where the technology behind this device is not essentially unique compared to competing products, the industrial design of it is quite aesthetically interesting. The coffee machine has been molded to the shape of a C and seems to beam down your delicious bean drink. The Dolce Gusto Fontana comes in black, white and red, serving up both efficiency and attractiveness.

Apple iPad 2 for sale in 26 Countries Including U.S. on Friday, March 25

Apple announced in an official statement of Tuesday revealed their plans to launch their tablet iPad 2 in U.S. and 25 other countries on coming Friday (march 25, 2011).

The online sale o iPad 2 outside U.S. will follow the same timing like in the U.S. launch that will start on at 5pm local time, and will be available up to 1am.

The names of the 25 other countries where the iPad 2 will be available on Friday include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

Pricing will be the same as those in the U.S., from $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version to $829 for the 64GB Wi-Fi+3G tablet.

T-Mobile G2x (LG Optimus 3D) Officially Unveiled by T-Mobile at CTIA 2011 - - Significant Specs

T-Mobile G2x with Google (famously known as LG Optimus 3D) has been uncovered officially be T-Mobile at CTIA 2011 (Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association) this week.

The G2x is one of the latest wave of dual-core processor phones, with other recent examples being the Motorola Atrix 4G for AT&T and also the upcoming Motorola Droid Bionic on Verizon.

The G2x (LG Optimus 3D) Android smartphone is one of the much-awaited devices due to its attributes of glasses-free 3D content viewing. More specs are as follows:

·         4.3-inch WVGA auto-stereoscopic display (for glasses-free 3D viewing)

·         A dual 5-megapixel 3D camera array on the back With recording capability of 1080p 2D video or 720p 3D video

·         Preloaded with the NVIDIA Tegra Zone app. 

No word on pricing or availability at this stage, though there has been recent talk of an April 20 release along with the T-Mobile G-Slate.

Nokia E-Cu: Designed by Patrrick Hyland - - A Copper-coated Cellphone Charged by Heat in Surroundings

It is very frustrating when you realize that you forgot to pack your cell phone charger on your business trip. The one you borrow from your colleague turns out to be another make and doesn’t fit your phone. Those are the times when you really wish you had a phone that did not require a charger. You are not the only one so Nokia E-Cu concept phone has been developed that need not be plugged in to be charged.

Designer Patrrick Hyland has developed the phone that can soak up energy from any heat source. The designer is confident that the phone would work off the warmth of your pocket also. The phone will charge itself if kept someplace where the temperature ranges between 86 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Initially the phone will take seven hours to be charged fully. After that it will simply keep charging itself if it finds itself in sufficiently high temperature.

There is a thermo generator in the phone that converts heat into electrical energy. The phone has been encased in copper with engraved heat sinks to collect and conduct more heat for the phone. The shimmering copper coating enhances the look of the phone as well. Nokia has no immediate plans to manufacture the phone commercially but Hyland is open to collaborate with anyone who is convinced about its commercial potential. It could be termed a green phone if you consider the saving in terms of chargers not produced and the electricity they consume being plugged in all day.

Celluon EvoMouse: New Generation of Computer Mouse - - Laser Beam Mousemat Which Reacts to Your Finger Movements (Video)

The Celluon EvoMouse is a rather clever little gadget that does away with the need for a mouse and replaces it with a laser beam mousemat which reacts to your finger movements. Just point at the desk (or other flat surface) with your finger and the beam will transfer your movements onto the screen as cursor actions. Pretty neat.

It hooks up to the computer via Bluetooth or USB port and responds to double clicks, drag/drop, multitouch zoom & rotate and the other usual mousey activities. Could be very neat for those with RSI problems too, we guess. And what about handwriting recognition and signatures etc? There’s no official word on pricing, but I seem to remember seeing a target retail of between $70 and $90.00.

 With the evoMouse, your finger is your pointer and there is no more pushing around a physical mouse. The evoMouse works on nearly any flat surface and requires very little space. It tracks effortlessly to your comfortable and natural movements. With the evoMouse, you can perform common mouse operations using only your fingers. You can control the cursor, click and select, double-click, right-click and drag with basic hand gestures. The evoMouse also features multi-touch functionality including scroll, rotate, zoom, forward and back. The evoMouse can even be used for handwriting recognition with your finger or a pen.

Source: Celluon EvoMouse

Self Power Generating Watch by Ventura to be Unveiled at BaselWorld 2011

Converting one kind of energy to another leads to various applications and has given birth to many inventions and innovations. Watches have been using kinetic energy or the movement of the hand of the wearer to power the mechanical movement. We take it for granted now as it has been used by watch makers for ages. But Ventura, a watchmaker has stretched this concept further to convert the kinetic energy to electrical energy to power the LCD display of the new watch they have designed.

The new timepiece designed by Ventura is called the SPARC MGS and has mechanisms incorporated in it that uses the movement of the wearer’s hand to generate electric power for its LCD display and other digital bits. The timepiece based on a new concept is set to be unveiled at BaselWorld 2011 in a few weeks from now. The watch is sure to grab the attention of the visitors there for the new concept that has been incorporated in the mechanism.

Ventura has installed an oscillating mass just above the display of the watch that will turn on an average about 4,000 times in a day. These movements help to tension a spring through a set of connecting gears. The spring when fully tensioned will transfer its force to a micro generator that will produce electricity to keep the electronic bits running. To encourage the movement of the wearer’s wrist an EasySkroll system has been incorporated in the watch that allows the wearer to navigate the UI by simply moving the wrist.

Source: Ventura

‘Poetic Complication’: New Line of High-end Wathces from Van Cleef & Arpels Unveiled at SIHH 2011

One of the biggest names in horology, Van Cleef & Arpels, made famous for its impeccable time pieces, has introduced an all new line of designer men’s watches titled, ‘Poetic Complication’, that is designed to bring the best of watch marvelous watch design as well as uniqueness to men’s watches. This incredible new line of watches was unveiled at the prestigious SIHH 2011 in the month of January this year. Two of the most prominent watches from this new line are, ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea’ and ‘5 Weeks in a Balloon’, where in the designers have represented the pinnacle of craftsmanship, while symbolizing the immaculate aura, that Van Cleef & Arpels is so renowned for.

The entire Poetic Complication line of jewelry timepieces for men have been intricately designed, with a JLC cal 846 BUT along with a phenomenal retrograde module from Agenhor.  As far as complicated retrograde modules are concerned, Agenhor is considered to be a master of the field and the man behind these exquisite modules, Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, is the winner of the 2007 Geneva Grand Prix for the ‘Best Watches’ category. The entire Poetic Complication line of exquisite timepieces has been built upon some of the most well-known themes  such as twenty thousand leagues under the sea, a journey to the center of the earth, from the earth to the moon, and five weeks in a balloon and all these watches are cased in white gold with 800P automatic movement from Piaget.

Pi Clock: Pure Mathematical Wall Clock - - Certainly Not For You if You're Not Good In Math

If you need a constant reminder of your inability to do math, then you’re going to want to get a hold of the Pi Clock. The Pi Clock is a wall clock that tells time using Pi, the mathematical constant that has been known to infuriate and befuddle math students the world over.

We have featured math-inspired clocks on Trend Hunter before, but none of them were as advanced as the Pi Clock. For example: 11 o’clock has now become 11 Pi divided by 6. Good luck trying to figure that one out without a calculator or a math degree.

The Pi Clock was designed by an as-of-yet unknown Flickr-user going by the name of Laughing Easy. The Pi Clock is getting tons of buzz around the Internet, so I wouldn’t expect Laughing Easy to stay anonymous for long. It won’t be long before every math class has its own Pi Clock.

Phosphor Reveal: First Mechanical Digital Watch - - Tells You Time With the Movement od Crystals (Video)

Though there may be a lot of interesting watches out there, I’ve got to say that I like this one the best. Mainly because it makes clicky noises when the time changes, but it has a really neat concept.

The American watch brand Phosphor has a wristwatch out named the Phosphor Reveal, and is the first mechanical digital watch that uses Micro-Magnetic Mechanical Digital technology.  That’s likely a giant tongue twister made up by the company, but it still sounds pretty neat.

This watch is both for the ladies and the gents as it has colors ranging from pink and white to black and gray. Using Swarovski crystals and an electrical pulse, the crystals will turn on their side to “reveal” themselves or disappear. Thus giving you the time of day. It is an awfully expensive timepiece seeing as its $199 and only at selected retailers, but I’d still buy it just to listen to the sounds it makes when the crystals turn. Time has never been more interesting and sparkly.

Customize Your Timepiece As You Want With DOTKLOK Kit

Clocks are interesting pieces of technology. They have been around in one form or another for centuries, and their primary function has changed very little. However, everything else about them is very different. From the parts used, the extra features to even the way they are read, they are nothing like their much older brethren. Want to play your own part in the evolution of the timepiece? You can, in a small way with this Arduino-based DOTKLOK.

This clock was designed with modding in mind. In fact, it comes in a kit, so that you have to assemble it before the thing will even work. Once you’ve put it together, the Arduino is programmed to not only keep track of time, but lets you play games like Pong, Tetris and Pacman, along with having various unique patterns to display the present time. Being an open-source kit, you can take your programming skills and tell it to do any number of other things that suit your fancy. A kit like this doesn’t come cheap though, it rings in at $150.

Transformers-themed 3D Glasses: A Product From Teaming Up Hasbro and Real-D

The next movie for Transformers is due to come out on July 1st, but the 3D effect never seems to get you involved enough in the movie. Until now.

Hasbro has teamed up with Real-D to produce Transformers-themed 3D glasses that will help you experience the supposed final movie of this series in a whole new way. You can show up to the theater on opening night as Optimus Prime or Bumble Bee for only $9.99. Apparently they don’t want anyone to cheer for the Decepticons. The masks are supposed to hit retail stores in May, so you shouldn’t have to worry about scrambling to get a pair, as you’ll have two months. These glasses will work with any other 3D movies that you watch, but after you watch the movie, it’ll like end up in a shadowbox on your wall as a souvenir.

EA7/Reebok Zig Tech Line: The Sneakers For Those Who Love Reebok’s Attitude and Emporio Armani’s Style

The most of the people are devoted to definite brands and Reebok and Armani have their own fan following. When the best of both worlds are put together then it becomes a pleasure for those fans who love Reebok’s attitude and Emporio Armani’s style. These two big brands have teamed up to bring a new line of shoes and sneakers called the EA7/Reebok Zig Tech line.

The Zig Tech line look very attractive with their distinct zig-zag soles, from where they get the name. The latest in this line are activewear and shoes that are being introduced off-late. Reebok has always looked out for the consumer’s comfort and Emporio Armani brings style to the forefront and hence the latest line of these shoes are comfortable, aesthetic and fulfill the scientific-sportswear function well. Here is a video of the same.

The picture above represents the ZigLace Shoe. The Reebok ZigPump that is silver with a glossy patent inserts, and is equipped with the Reebok pump mechanism and a midfoot strap to keep the foot in place.

'Sharp Baccarat Phone': Quite Flexible With Its Features and 14.1 Megapixel Camera

Japan is always a forerunner in tech creations in all types of gadgets and gizmos. It is a worldwide fact the “Made in Japan” tag is a sign of quality and durability in every walk of life. 

Now just imagine what will be an outcome if a tech giant of Japan and luxury French brand come together to give life to any idea. The latest ‘Sharp Baccarat Phone’ comes out of the team efforts from the guys over Sharp and Baccarat, luxury French crystal maker.

‘Sharp Baccarat Phone’ quite flexible with its features; not only will allow customers to change many of the phone’s features (such as colour, font and unique Baccarat wallpapers), but they will also be able show their photography talent with the 14.1megapixel camera on the Sharp Baccarat phone.

‘The Heritage Weave Collection’ Pre-Fall 2011 Handbag Collection by Be Inthavong

In the run-up to the fall of 2011, get ready for a new line of handbags touched with a sense of the exotic. Designer Be Inthavong has come up with a brand new line of handbags for his Pre-Fall 2011 collection. The collection is called ‘The Heritage Weave Collection’ and has only been unveiled recently.

Inthavong lives in the United States. However, he is originally from Laos. Invathong moved to the US when he was eight years old and has lived here since.

The idea of The Heritage Weave Collection may have been born when the designer tripped back to the country of his birth in 2009. His immediate motivation was to do work on the traditional family silk looms of Laos. This is a tradition that has been extant for some 500 years. Inthavong wanted to modernise this longstanding textile discipline.

In time, he developed a new technique. Inthavong has worked extensively with leather goods. He brought this expertise to the table and came up with a new method of hand-weaving fine leather strips into a custom-built silk loom. This invention could earn Inthavong a patent in the near future.

In the meanwhile, creations using Inthavongs new technique are there for everyone to see. The weaving has been done in Laos, while the bags have been put together in New York.

The handbags are sleek and elegant in a very classic way. Inthavong’s popular bamboo pattern makes an appearance again. But you will also find metal and jewel tones. The interiors of the bags have a lining of hand-embossed lambskin, while python patterns appear on the trim. Indeed, with one of these bags, you could look at home even on the red carpet.

Smart Pot To Go: Amazing Coffee-maker - - The Other Name of Your Coffee on The Go!

There are those of us that travel so much that we have to take everything (including the kitchen sink) on the road with us. A couple hours of a commute everyday and one skipped cup of coffee can really determine how your day will go. The Smart Pot To Go is the perfect way to keep you happy and toasty on a long drive. You can reheat meals, coffee; make cocoa, and whatever else you want to heat in this thing.

By plugging it into the cigarette lighter and flipping a switch, you could even boil water in minutes. If you have a long car ride and crappy or no heat, this may be your only savior as you could make hot drinks endlessly. Or if you have kids on a long trip and want them to sleep, warm milk is now attainable on the road. It has a 20-ounce capacity and is likely one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard of.

Leveraged Freedom Chair - - Designed by Amos Winter, Jake Childs and Jung Tak

Designed by Amos Winter, Jake Childs and Jung Tak, the Leveraged Freedom Chair is a wheelchair created to help the disabled in developing countries. Unlike conventional wheelchairs, this one operates by levers. Levers grasped at different positions effectively provides mechanical advantage on hills and terrains, giving users more accessibility on rougher roads.

The Leveraged Freedom Chair is an incredible innovation created for a good cause. For every one bought in a first world country, donations are made to developing countries to help keep costs low.

The Stetheadphones: A Real World Solution for Those Music Lovers Who Are Engaged in Clinic

If you work at a clinic, you know that not being able to listen to music can be a little taxing. It would be very hard to listen to headphones and maintain a professional image. There is now a design in the works to solve your music-less problem while at work; the Stetheadphones.

Though it’s not available just yet, this new product will have several features that are beneficial for those working in a clinic. Its stethoscope look hides the earphones, and even a mini microphone with which you can answer calls. Seeing as the earbuds are attached to something rigid, the chance your headphones would fall out are slim to none. No word on pricing or availability.