ETech 2006 (Monday) Originally uploaded by Laughing Squid. Okay, I love technology as much, if not moreso, than the next guy. These Segway Personal Transporters are cool and Dean Kamen did a great thing with the iBot. But, please, people, if you got legs that work, use them! [Lifekludger will now turn from commentary backContinueContinue reading “Why use legs?”
Category Archives: Devices
Mmm…guessing!
ETech Audience Matt Cottam Originally uploaded by x180. Was looking through some Etech links and photos. I came across these.” Now I don’t know what it is they’re looking at exactly but it looks awfully like some kind of environmental control Lifekludge to me! Update: It seems this Matt Cottam and a Michael Kuniavsky wereContinueContinue reading “Mmm…guessing!”
Stable Laptop
Came across this product called the iLap which as the site describes it: iLap is a versatile stand that keeps your laptop cool, and at the same time, lets you work comfortably on your lap as well as your desk. This could be very useful for stabilising the laptop in a myriad of circumstances, notContinueContinue reading “Stable Laptop”
Media Centre Voice Reccognition
The other day the e-HomeUpgrade blog had news and a review about some speech recognition software from OneVoice Technologies. The Media Center Communicator Version 2, is designed to let you talk to and control your Media Center PC. For the future One Voice Communications is working with other partners on integrating voice command into homeContinueContinue reading “Media Centre Voice Reccognition”
Vista Voice Recognition
All throughout my life with technology I’ve used add-on software to help kludge my way around. Macs had accessibility features built right in from the word go – though mouse-drags were problematic. DOS & early Windows required external software to handle mouse-drags until the click-lock functions appeared in XP. It seems given time OS softwareContinueContinue reading “Vista Voice Recognition”
Arcade style trackball
My first computer was an Apple Mac plus in 1984. In 1984 there were no trackballs for the Mac. A tech. modified an arcade style trackball to work on that first Mac until Abaton released one which I promptly bought – and in fact still have in my shed. Now it’s not so difficult toContinueContinue reading “Arcade style trackball”
Keyboards with large print
“Keys-U-See large print keyboards have been designed specifically for those with conditions that cause visual impairment or low vision. … These large print keyboards are also perfect for those who simply have a hard time seeing the existing commands on thir keyboards. With a bigger and bolder typeface, the keys are easier to see.”
SGD interface for mobiles wins on Inventors
Last year I met Toan Nguyen at a seminar in Adelaide. Tonight I was watching The New Inventors on ABC TV and Toan was on as a contestant with his SGD Mobile Access interface : SGD Mobile Access is a software interface added to existing technology. This enables users who do not have the useContinueContinue reading “SGD interface for mobiles wins on Inventors”
Bottle cap tripod
A low tech solution if you have troubles holding a camera. Bottle cap tripod via – Popgadget
Vertical Mouse / Keyboard
Here’s an interesting twist on the traditional mouse! This would be great as an alternative for anyone with a RSI problem or a limited use of the fore arm that doesn’t allow rotation. Check out the Vertical Mouse and that other wonderous input device, the Vertical Keyboard, over at extremetech.com. Links- Vertical Mouse Vertical KeyboardContinueContinue reading “Vertical Mouse / Keyboard”
Knock knock
Here’s one from left-field. Even though this device is designed for a car, it holds some interesting possibilities. Like, for instance connecting to a electronic door strike as a way to enter the house. Knock-In-Key is the World’s First Back-up Entry Key for your car that requires no external devices, keys or RF signal emitters.ContinueContinue reading “Knock knock”
Scooba Floor washing robot in Oz
I wrote to the iRobot people asking about availability in Australia of the Scooba floor washing robot I blogged about previously. Here’s the response: Dear David, The international model Scooba launch will be later this year and will be available locally in Australia through our distributor. Their website is http://www.roomba.com.au Best regards, Susan Barnes GlobalContinueContinue reading “Scooba Floor washing robot in Oz”
Bluetooth & My PDA – my ongoing saga
Over at Frank Arrigo’s blog he has the low down on a kludge to get VoiceCommand to take commands straight from a BT headset. frankarr – an aussie microsoft blogger : K-JAM, Microsoft Voice Command, Bluetooth earpiece and a registry hack Longtime readers will know the ongoing battle I’ve had with this BT stuff onContinueContinue reading “Bluetooth & My PDA – my ongoing saga”
Floor Washing Robot
iRobot Scooba Floor Washing Robot. Now you’re talking usefull devices! Probably the only thing I like about the growth in convenience technology, (or what you could call ‘lazy-man’ tech.) such as home automation and ‘time-saving’ devices (how does one ‘save’ time….we need a time-bank), is that the more of them we get the more accessibleContinueContinue reading “Floor Washing Robot”
Nano key chain wallet
This keychain wallet for a Nano might no be everyone’s taste in fashion – but the idea is good. The pocket also has small clip mechanisims on it so you can safely keep it in reach. This onecomes from Japan but like most things nowdays I’m sure something similar will turn up at a marketContinueContinue reading “Nano key chain wallet”
The Sony mouse phone
This is a neat idea by Sony. This is a phone handset built into a mouse. Okay, so it’s not the most ergonomic looking rodent but for limited space or limited reach that would mean a mouse and phone together would not be able to be used, it could just fit the bill. Only problemContinueContinue reading “The Sony mouse phone”
Safe cans
Need to keep things safe but can’t manage keys or locks very well? Maybe this idea is a solution for some things. These cans look just like everyday items yet they hide away anything you want without passersby suspecting a thing. Container Store
Transcribe Podcasts
Back in October 2005, in a post titled “RSS to Lyrics” I asked the question “how does someone who cannot hear ‘listen’ to a podcast?” To save you going there, here’s the quoted paragraph: Anyway, how does someone who cannot hear ‘listen’ to a podcast? How does audio get translated to a visual format -ContinueContinue reading “Transcribe Podcasts”
Adaptive peeler
Peel on an angle! Check out this neat vegetable peeler. It has a swivel head which enables you to put the blade at the angle that suits you best. And the large handle offers good grip. My mum could do with one of these for her arthritic fingers! It’s from Kyocera…gee, I didn’t know theyContinueContinue reading “Adaptive peeler”
Exoskeletons
TIME.com: Best Inventions 2005 A future exoskeleton for weak limbs? TIME.com: Best Inventions 2005: Healthy Options — Page 5 More exoskeleton links – includes some weird stuff: How exoskeletons will work – from How Stuff Works More on the above named HAL from NewScientist Berkley Robotiucs Lab. Bionic legs Spring walker Event for extended bodyContinueContinue reading “Exoskeletons”
KarrySafe Phone Safe Pouch
This is a neat little pouch that goes on your wrist to carry your mobile phone or other tech-goodie close at hand (pun intended). Be great if someone had trouble reaching to get the device – plus it keeps it safe from ‘snatchers’. Heaviness could be an issue for some people – then again forContinueContinue reading “KarrySafe Phone Safe Pouch”
Retro LED Watch
Take me back to the 70s! This cool looking retro watch caught my attention the other day. It’s a watch with the old LEDs for the numbers that would give anyone old enough to remember the first calculators a warm glow inside them – c’mon, admit it! The thought I had was how much easierContinueContinue reading “Retro LED Watch”
CD control with single switch
TouchCD is ultra simple CD player software that is controlled using a single switch or the keyboard’s space bar. TouchCD is part of the Open Source Assistive Technology Software, or OATS project. Simon’s CD Player – control CDs with single switch
OS X and Powerbooks make life easier on the eyes
Anyone who knows me will know I started my life with computers with a 128k Mac in 1984. My work, revolving around Windows boxes has dragged me away from my first-love, and as work just sprung for another new Box, it’s not likely they’ll spring for a Mac as well. So unless I get aContinueContinue reading “OS X and Powerbooks make life easier on the eyes”
Pin Clock – Feel your way
Now this I rekon is a doozy of a clock. Actually I must confess, I have a fascination with clocks. I’m a semi-collector of odd and unusual ones. (semi=I’m cheap). Anyway, this pin clock I rekon would be great to use if you wake up in pitch dark and want to tell the time withoutContinueContinue reading “Pin Clock – Feel your way”
