Here’s an interesting twist on the boring old web camera. Just like 8 bazillion other web cams this will provide video through an Internet connection. And (yawn) it does so via Wi-Fi. But here’s where things get interesting. This version goes mobile and provides images via 802.11b/g while simultaneously performing 360 degree turns. For a projected cost of only $169 this gizmo’s worth a look. I’m not sure how much or how precisely you can steer – though the literature mentions 360 degree turns. Spyball can be connected to from many WiFi enabled devices such as PC’s, video game consoles and even cell phones. It comes with a USB cord that takes the user through an easy setup process to configure Spyball Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Observers watching the live coverage of the Macworld keynote on popular web site Macrumors probably noticed the site was hacked for at least the last portion of the keynote coverage 20 minutes during which phony messages such as “STEVE JOBS JUST DIED” were injected in between the site’s commentary of the keynote. I started noticing the hack at about 12:30 pm (various other sites have screen shots showing it happening about 12:25 pm). Then at about 12:40 the site was re-directing visitors to Macrumors regular site before both the Macrumorslive.com and Macrumors.com domains went offline. Macrumors Live Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Macworld keynote is getting underway in about 10 minutes. Head on over to Slashgear to catch all the latest news as they live blog the event. Although it’s widely expected that there will be very few major announcements, Vincent has just pointed out that the Apple store has gone down for maintenance. Live Macworld Keynote Coverage – SlashGear Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Sling Media is making the rounds as Macworld approaches providing demonstrations of their SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone. You may recall that the company originally demonstrated SlingPlayer as a jailbroken application in the days leading up to the launch of the App store. Apparently they’ve fine tuned it enough using the official Apple guidelines that they expect to submit it to Apple so that it is available by March 31, 2009. The pricing is not yet announced but expect a $29.99 cost which is the same as their other mobile clients. SlingPlayer Mobile is a much improved application that I’ve been using on my BlackBerry Bold with excellent results. Sling have integrated the application with their web site so that your… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Check out this excellent video that spotlights popular gadget geek store – ThinkGeek. These guys always seems to have the coolest in offbeat stuff, like this Bluetooth cassette tape adapter and Baby’s First MP3 Player. Jimmy Rogers of Geeks are Sexy sits down with John Frazier, the man at Think Geek who buys all this stuff. A couple of interesting items come up during the interview. First, I didn’t know that Think Geek has a very interesting corporate parent, as well as a widely read sister site. For more information take a look at the video above or click through the link below. Geeks Are Sexy – ThinkGeek Exclusive Interview Continue reading on Gear Diary …

This little guy will be announced by Nextar at CES later this week. Picture provided by Nextar The Nextar Z10 is a LCOS, or Liquid Crystal on Silicon, projector which fits in your pocket.  Nextar also is also introducing a 20 inch screen to go along with it.  The screen is only 640×480, but may be just the thing you need for a small presentation setup.  It will work with your iPod, iPhone, PSP or a DVD player.  It also has a slot for a microSD card and can play MP4 videos directly on the projector.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Kevin over at JKOnTheRun has a nice video spotlighting a new downloadable software service from Phoenix, called Hyperspace. Essentially what this program does is allow you to significantly speed up the boot process for your computer or netbook.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Retail outlet Best Buy today announced plans to sell refurbished iPhone 3G devices for a reduced price of $149 for 8GB and $249 for 16GB. These prices require 2 year activation and carry the regular Apple refurbished warranty policy of 1 year. Additional warranty coverage is available via Applecare or Squaretrade. Although Best Buy says’s it isn’t so, this move does appear at least partly to be in response to the recent availability of iPhones at rival Walmart. Reuters Continue reading on Gear Diary …

If you’ve ever stared at a blurry photo after you’ve taken it with a digital camera then you know the importance of a steady hand. Unfortunately in certain conditions such as low light, it’s almost impossible to hold the camera steady enough with just your hand. You can try propping it on any number of things but a mini-tripod is always something you’ll wish you had at hand. ThingFling has a three pack of Philips tabletop tripods for only $5.99 shipped. The tripods feature 5″ legs and flexible feet that bend to create different positions. The tips of the feet are covered with rubber caps that keep them from slipping in most situations. ThingFling Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Will you be buying one? Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard Thanks Julie! Continue reading on Gear Diary …

With a plethora of media and Internet services demanding our attention, whether via mobile devices, computers or televisions, Samsung and Yahoo! may have created the solution for blending a rich media and interactive experience on one convenient viewing platform.  At CES 2009, Samsung and Yahoo! have announced a new Internet-based service - Internet@TV – Content Service - that 
will be available this spring of 2009. The Yahoo! Widget Engine on certain models of new Samsung flat-panel HDTVs promises to “Open a Whole New World of TV Interactivity for Consumers.“ Continue reading on Gear Diary …

eForcity has this iPhone travel charger which they claim is compatible with both the first and second (3G) generation of iPhone as well as iPod Nano 4th generation. There’s an internal chip which recognizes a fully charged battery and automatically switches off the juice and puts the charger into saver mode. You can use the iPhone / Nano while it is also being charged. The first 2,000 people to order will take on of these away for only .99 shipped. Use coupon code IPHONETC. eForcity Continue reading on Gear Diary …

MSI, who have gained great notoriety thanks to their U110 Wind (which Doug, Chris and I all use) just announced their 2009 lineup and looks quite nice. From extending the Wind Netbook U-series, to a new All-in-One lineup, to gaming machines, MSI seems to be making some significant inroads in the computing world. Here’s a peek…… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I saw this over at Boy Genius Report, and if it is actually true, then I have a problem. I am trying to get in touch with some of my AT&T contacts, and will report back if I have additional or contrary information. However, BGR is reporting that in order to push its 3G network, AT&T is relegating EDGE coverage to its not so used 1900mHz band. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Like many people, I’ve had a number of iPods and MP3 players over the years.  Getting them to play through the speakers in the car has always been one of the challenges of using an iPod.  Newer cars often have audio jacks or even iPod jacks, but for the many, many vehicles out there without any such connectors, it seems that nothing but challenges and compromises await. The folks at Griffin Technology have, for a number of years, offered a variety of solutions to the problem of playing your iPod through your car stereo.  Now I’ve got the opportunity to look at one of their latest entries, the RoadTrip with SmartScan.  Read on to see how it did.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …