Android docks are finally coming into their own in a big way. As someone who has a love/hate relationship with alarm clocks (doesn’t everybody?), a dock that can double as an alarm clock, completely controlled by the phone…that’s the future. The phone is the center of our world, and everything else plays around it. The bedroom clock may be the first serious step in that direction, and the Philips Fidelio AS111 Android Dock is a brilliant  step forward.

The AS111 is a very succinct, simple device. It has a MicroUSB connector for Android smartphones, though will charge any device with a MicroUSB port. It connects to devices via Bluetooth, and only Bluetooth. Android does not currently support audio out through USB, but all Philips Android docks do, so when Android does support it, the AS111 will be ready (after a firmware update to the hardware).

It has a round base with a clock on the front, speakers on the top, and little else. On the back there’s an AUX-in port for wired audio playback. When connected to a device via Bluetooth, the media buttons on the top can control music playback (play, pause, next and previous track). There’s also a button to turn on and off phone charging, which some users will find very attractive for conserving energy. Finally, there’s a night light on the underbelly of the dock. It has a slight orange hue and is very calm and pleasant. The brightness of the clock LED can also be adjusted.

Setup and installation is very easy. The dock works off of the software, so once the Fidelio app is downloaded, just connect the dock to your phone and the rest happens automatically. The clock will set its time based on your phone’s time.

I’ve used the AS111 for over a month and it is an exceptional device. I’m very satisfied with using it day in and day out. The stereo speakers aren’t all that powerful, but as a clock they don’t need to be. If I listen to music in the bedroom, it’s quiet anyways. Even with just 4W of power, I am satisfied with the quality of audio. Obviously bass is lacking, so you psychopaths who listen to Skrillex before clocking out won’t find this dock too appealing. Everyone else will.

All clock features are controlled through the free Fidelio app. As I discussed in the Philips Fidelio DS8550 Speaker Dock review, the software is okay and improving, though on Android compared to iPhone there are some major differences that both improve and can be a bit of a nuisance. Because it isn’t limited by Apple’s restrictions, alarms set will automatically enable when connecting to the dock (by activating the Fidelio app). This sounds great, but unfortunately it does this any time the phone is connected to any charger. If you only charge with this dock, the then’s fine, but if like most Android users you charge either more than once a day or connect to a computer, the Fidelio app starting every time the phone gets power is annoying. This feature can be turned off, but even after I turned it off it kept starting the app when connecting to a power source. Turning it off would also require starting the app every night if you want to use the dock as an alarm clock.

Otherwise the software is good, but messier than the iOS version. It’s slower than it should be and a little clunkier. While writing this review, I found another firmware update, which does speed up the app and clean some of the minor nags I found. It’s better, but still not as good as the iOS version.

The Fidelio AS111 dock on its own is excellent, the best I’ve seen to date. It has a proper balance of size, build quality, looks, and power. The software may need a little work, and perhaps some adjustments from Google, but all in all I highly recommend the AS111.

Editor’s Rating:

4.5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Bottom Line: A great Android dock that replaces typical alarm clocks and clock radios.

Pros:

• Solid audio quality
• Simple, intuitive, and sleek design
• The hardware has everything users can desire from a clock

Brita is to water what Kleenex is to tissues.  And like Kleenex, Brita isn’t the only brand on the block when it comes to water filtration.  However, one could argue that Brita left money on the table.  Sure, they cornered the home market with their in fridge and-on tap units, but they forgot about those who like to tote around a water bottle.  Competitors rolled in and Brita was and still is no where to be seen in the portable space.  Well, bad news Brita, because there is another competitor entering the space and it’s the grand daddy of portable water…backpacks.  Who are we talking about?  CamelBak.

The company has long made backpacks with a built-in water pouch that features a nozzle and tube system for easy access.  Now, the company has entered the water bottle market, but it’s not just any water bottle.  The Groove includes a built-in plant based filter that can last for up to 3 months, effectively replacing 375 disposable plastic water bottles, or so the Camelbak say.  Like many of today’s bottles it’s BPA free and is dishwasher safe (make sure to remove the filter).  Camelback has also included a “bite valve” which opens when you bite down, allowing water to flow freely and closes automatically when released.  So no more excuses mid stride or in the middle of the weight room floor.

You can buy one now in a variety of colors and finishes (plastic or stainless steel) from Amazon for about 18-$25.

We’ve all done it.  You buy a bottle of wine and forget to chill it.   Then the night proceeds back to your place and your lady friend wants to imbibe in a bit of the bubbly.  What’s a debonair gentleman such as yourself to do?  You can’t possibly stuff it in the freezer since that’s oh so pedestrian and will diminish your allure.  And face it, the freezer still takes longer than you can afford.

The SkyBar wine drops can chills a glass of vino or champagne 20x faster than a fridge.  That means in just a minute’s time your glass of Veuve Clicquot can reach a palatable temperature.  You just need to remember to place the stainless steel finished device into the freezer, which is where you should store the included holders so you don’t forget.

According to Thinkgeek, who sells them for $49.99, the Skybar Wine Drops will fit in both champagne flutes and wine glasses.  Each order comes with two Wine Drops.

Rolling up the good old hose or putting away the chainsaw is a must after a long days works in the yard.  Leave it unraveled and someone is sure to trip over it, get snagged and fall face first into the teeth of that gas powered saw.  Okay, so were of the doomsday mentality, or we just think holiness is cleanliness, but in either case it’s a good reason to get yourself one of these: the Pack-Away Bucket – provided you subscribe to one of the two aforementioned reasons.

So the idea is nothing new.  In fact, our GadgetReview kitchen drawer includes a folding funnel of the same ilk.  However, the folding bucket maybe the best use yet. It comes in a variety of colors, folds up when not in uses and can be easily hung on a wall or slipped underneath any shelf since it collapses to a tenth of its original size, if not smaller. But that’s not the only upside.  The Pack-Away bucket is made from rubber, so it won’t rust, get misshaped, ding or crack.

You can grab one for about $28.  It comes in red, green, blue and black.

Aerating your wine is the key to a successful, full flavored glass of Cab, Merlot, Malbec or really any red wine.  The Vinturi Aerator, while not the first of its type, is probably the most popular.  In fact, it’s so popular, and striking to many people, we continue to see a many a blog post about the product despite the fact it’s been on the market for years now.  But seriously, who has the patience to pour their wine through an apparatus to enhance flavor?

The Trevi Aerating Wine Glass is an all-in-one affair.  Inside the glass sits another, smaller glass that swirls your wine and includes nine aeration spouts that is something analogous to that of a Roman fountain.  So now you can ditch the decanters and just score one of these.  That is assuming you’re willing to suck up the price, which is an astounding $21.95 per glass – the price drops as you buy more of them.

Now, you can tell your friend you just took a shot (of tea) without the dreaded, impending, next day hangover. Feel us?

That’s all we can tell you about this Gun Teapot.  It would go great with the Russian Roulette Bubble Gun.  Who knows where you can buy it, but if you see one, have already picked it up or make it, please let us know.

News on the Sony Ericsson Smart Watch (which will probably just be the Sony SmartWatch) has been released.  The Android-based watch keeps you discreetly updated on your social life, while also keeping your hands free. Everything is based on your wrist, as the watch allows you to catch up on emails, texts, tweets and more. It has the capability to store up to 255 widgets, most of which will interact with your Android 2.1+ Sony smartphone (they’ve listed the Xperia arc S and Experia S as two compatible phones) via Bluetooth.

Featuring a scratch and splash-proof multi-touch display, users can easily customize their SmartWatch with any 20mm wristband or even use it as a clip. It has an ultra-sleek, ultra-slim and ultra-responsive touch display where you simply tap, swipe or press to access your favorite apps from the Android Market. Price is said to be $149, but no launch date has been revealed yet.

Imbibing a cup of whiskey is just as simple as pouring and raising a glass to your lips, right?  Wrong. For the true connoisseur it takes a much more refined approach.  And part of that approach is the correct ice, provided of course you like your booze chilled with a hint of water – adding a bit of water to scotch can open up the flavor.

Last year we saw the ice ball mold which allowed you to instantly craft a ball of ice, that is assuming of course you had a chunk of ice to start with.  However, it cost a whopping $184 and that was for the smallest size.  Hardly a deal or a warranted purchase for the occasional drink, though it would bring some significant cache to your home made bar found in your dingy basement.  Fortunately, there is another resolve and a much cheaper one at that; the Roller Rock Glass.  It costs just a mere $21.95 and not only includes a food safe ice-ball mold, but a specially designed glass that forces the ball to roll around in the glass, supposedly unlocking the the aromatics of your drink.  Even better, since the ice is of a spherical shape it should melt more slowly since there is less surface area, or something to that degree.

Whipping up a quick breakfast, replete with eggs, toast and coffee probably isn’t a challenge for most people.  Just toss a pan on the stove, some water in the coffee maker, bread in the toaster and you’re in business.  But not everybody can afford that luxury.  In fact, you might reside in a bachelor apartment, which often only includes a sink and a fridge.   Enter the Retro Series 3-in-1 Breakfast Station.

On board you’ve got yourself a dual shelf toaster oven, a non-stick hotplate for cooking up eggs and sausage, and a coffee maker capable of churning out 4 cups of Joe at a time.  You could opt for an updated version of this device, but they probably wouldn’t fit in to what is inevitably your 1930s Hollywood bachelor or bungalow apartment.

A retailer on Amazon sells this breakfast machine for $77.

To a large degree iHome’s success has largely been built upon Apple’s iOS devices.  And it doesn’t look like the company is about to change their strategy any time soon since they just announced plans for a slew of new iPod and iPad ready devices.  Taking the cake, at least so far this year, is the iW4.

Much like the iW1, the iW4 includes Airplay connectivity to wirelessly stream your tunes from any Apple device over your home’s WiFi connection.  You’ll of course need to set it up using their Connect app, which isn’t exactly painless (we’re testing the iW1 right now), but is manageable nonetheless.  But unlike the iW1, the iW4 boasts a dock as well as a form factor that is bedside friendly.  In fact, the iW4 is a bedside companion to the max, boasting dual alarms with a weekday and weekend function. Heck, you can even wake to tunes on your iPad via Airplay, or if you’re a traditionalist you can opt for the swiveling dock which all but ensures that you can see your iOS device’s screen from just about any angle you lay, along with providing power and the best possible audio quality. And if for some reason you don’t want to hassle with adding the iW4 to your home’s network, iHome has included an Ethernet port, though that feature will serve little to no one, with the exception of those living in studio apartments.

Other features include iHome’s patented Reson8 speaker system, which adds more oomph to the audio, 6 FM presets, an adjustable EQ, programmable snooze time, gradual wake and sleep, a USB port for firmware updates, battery backup and an AUX input for all things not iOS.

No word on a release date, but it expect to cost just north of $250.

iW4
AirPlay Wireless Bedside Speaker
System for iPad/iPhone/iPod®

The iW4 is an amazing app-enhanced, AirPlay enabled wireless speaker system alarm clock radio for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Stream wireless digital audio via AirPlay through your WiFi network. Dual alarms let you wake to separate alarm sources at separate times. Impressive technology and an exceptional audio experi- ence.
FEATURES
• Wake or sleep to iPad, iPhone, iPod, app alarms, or iTunes via AirPlay Start or end your day just the way you want it to sound
• Works with AirPlay wireless audio
Send digital audio wirelessly to iW4 from your iTunes library or iPad, iPhone, iPod touch
• Reson8® speaker chambers
Specially designed sealed speaker enclosures deliver astounding clarity, depth and power
• Pivoting universal dock for iPad, iPod or iPhone charging and music playback
Enjoy your music while keeping your iPad, iPhone or iPod fully charged
• iOS App-enhanced device
Works with iHome Sleep alarm clock, iHome Radio internet radio, and iHome Connect network setup and iHome Set apps
• Dual Alarm with Weekday/weekend alarm settings
2 independent alarms let you wake to any combination of Airplay device,
docked iPhone, iPod, iPad, FM radio, alarm tones, iHome Sleep app or buzzer with alarm settings for full week, work week or weekend with separate wake times/ alarm sources
• Wi-Fi certified
Tested to ensure interoperability and the latest in Wi-Fi compatibility
• Ethernet connectivity
Connect to a local network
• Works with free iHome Connect app
Download the free iHome Connect app for easy network configuration
• FM radio with 6 presets
Tune in and memorize up to 6 favorite FM stations
• Adjustable EQ
Bass, mid range, treble, 3D sound and SRS TruBass sound processing controls let you customize your sound
• Programmable snooze time
Lets you sleep in a little or a lot with snooze time between 1 and 29 minutes
• Gradual Wake and Gradual Sleep
Gently increased/decreased alarm/sleep volume eases waking and sleep, duration can be programmed with the app
GENERAL INFORMATION
Product
Color(s): Black
Dimensions: WHD Inches: 10.80 4.41 7.17 mm: 274 112 182
Weight: 4.62 lbs
Power 100V-240V universal
voltage adapter
Batteries 1 CR2450 for clock backup (included)
Packaging
Type: Five-Color Gift Box
Dimensions: WHD Inches: 15.55 9.06 5.91 mm: 395 230 150
Cube: 0.48 cubic feet 0.014 cubic meters
Weight: 7.04lbs 3.20 kgs
Master Carton
confidential ∙ preliminary
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
• 100V-240V universal voltage AC adaptor • Remote control
• Aux-in jack
• USB port (firmware upgrade)
• Battery Backup
Package contents:
• iW4 System
• 100-240V universal voltage adapter
• Remote control
SDI Technologies Inc.
1299 Main Street
Rahway, NJ 07065 www.ihomeaudio.com
732 574-9000 · Fax 732 574-1631
iPad, iPhone and iPod are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
SRS TruBass is a registered trademark of SRS Labs, Inc. TruBass technology is incorporated under license from SRS Labs, Inc.
©2011 SDI Technologies® All rights reserved
IMPORTANT: All products and packaging include a toll free consumer hotline number (800-288-2792) to provide assistance, answer questions and minimize unnecessary customer returns.
Specifications subject to change without notice to incorporate improvements in design. Printed in USA.
Revised: 12/19/11
Quantity
Dimensions: Inches
mm:
Cube: Weight:
Shipping
Country
40 Ft. Cont. 20 Ft. Cont.
Harm. Code 2011 Duty
iW4 UPC
1
WHD 16.18 10.24 6.54 411 260 166
0.63 cubic feet 0.02 cubic meters
7.85 lbs. 3.57 kg
China
3,167 1,500
0%


The Detroit Auto Show is usually the place for all the hottest and newest car debuts, but this year’s show will unveil something a less automotive-based. It’s going to be the launch site for Craftsman’s new CTX-series of lawn tractors. While it may not be inside next to new rides from the likes of Chrysler or GM, it’s still going to pull in a crowd outside of the Cobo center where it’s being stationed.

The CTX series boasts some serious car-like specs, which is probably why Craftsman thought it wise to unveil its monstrous gardening machine at an auto show. All models in the line feature Briggs & Stratton motors that pack 30 HP and has a forward top speed of 8 mph or 3 mph in reverse. Other goodies include 54-inch cutting decks, a hydrostatic automatic transmission, electronic fuel management (goodbye carburetor), electronic cutting height adjustment control, digital instrumentation, tilt steering, cruise control, and automatic traction control that splits power independently between the rear drive wheels. As a bonus, it sports a 2-volt iPod jack and beverage holder (with the higher-end models). With its car-like specs, come its high prices with the new line ranging from $2,999.99 to $6,499.99.

Multifunctional furniture provides space saving solutions, but the fusiontable by Aramith offers that and fun since it functions as a pool table that doubles as a dining room table/conference desk. The fusiontable would make a great addition to your gaming room, kitchen or even office given its double identity as a billiards table.

With measurements of 53″ x 91″ (standing 30”), the table is big enough for six friends to enjoy a friendly game of pool and is customizable in a variety of colors and materials so it will match any décor. The table comes in five different wood finishes and 12 cloth options and includes matching Fusion Bench and Fusion Stool that’s available in Light Cream or Dark Brown.

The pool table hides underneath the thin 4.5″ table top and unlike traditional pool tables that require leveling three separate slate pieces and stretching felt to create the base surface, this one uses one single piece of solid slate covered in Velocity PRO cloth that matches the pre-fitted rails. Specialized Ball-Slides allow balls to be stored above the pockets, so that everything is kept on the table when not in use. Installing the fusiontable is easy with its auto-lock and auto-leveling features, while pool enthusiasts can also opt for a spring assisted Easy-Lift system that allows  table to rise from the standard 30” dining height to the optimal 33” playing height (for more money, of course).

But function and fun is not going to come cheap…the fusiontable starts at $6,795 and goes up depending on how you customize it.

There is no shortage of Batman gear. Case in point, there is the Batman laptop sleeve, Batman Dark Knight Motorcycle suit, Batman video games, the Batman Keychain, a variety of replica Batmobiles, the Batman money clip, Batman hoodie and of course a variety of Batman toys.  Adding to the mix of endless DC Comic inspired goodies, is this handmade Batman inspired fan.  In all honestly, it’s not an officially licensed product and nor is there anything distinctly Batman about it, with the exception of the Bat inspired blades.

Unfortunately, for you they’re all sold out, but nothing is more convincing then pinging them with a boat load of cash well above the asking price. That is assuming of course you’re that much of a die hard Batman fan.

Christmas has come and gone.  Which means we’ll have to wait another 12 months until we receive one of these Vintage Camera Nightlights under our tree.

They’re made by Jason Hull, who spends his weekends digging through flea markets looking for broken film cameras from the 50s and 60s.  He then guts them and retro fits the housing with, what else, a night light.

Fear not, though.  He doesn’t dissect usable film cameras.  Instead he looks for the broken, cheap plastic ones.  Plastic is ideal, because once they’re gutted, they don’t weigh more than a few ounces.  That means they’ll willing sit in your home’s socket without the need for additional wall fixing appratus – just two electrical prongs and some good old fashioned friction.

Head to his Flickr page if you’d like to see what he has created so far.

We’re not sure on price and we’ll have to wait until after the New Year, which is when he’ll have more in stock on his Etsy page.

We’ve heard milk isn’t that good for you.  Something to do with the fact that we’re the only animals that drink it well after infancy.   Plus there might be inflammation issues associated with it.  But hey, we’re not doctors, we’re gadget loving weirdos.  Which might explain why we like this Glass Milk Carton from Fred and Friends.

It’s actually officially called the Half Pint.  And if you couldn’t tell, it’s been crafted from glass in an “artfully” delicious manner that captures the “comforting familiarity of a mini milk carton, just like the ones Mrs. Fontaine used to pass out in the school cafeteria.”  We just like it because it takes the once disposable milk carton and makes it reusable.  To bad there just isn’t a top to keep it fresh when it’s stored away in the fridge.

You can pick up this lactic acid serving apparatus for about $12.

Come home from a long day at the office, toss your keys down and there is a good chance you’ll lose them.  One way to combat this ever continuing problem is to have a key tray or a hanger, to well, hang them.  However, both of those methods still leave the possibility of your keys getting moved or knocked off their resting place.  Unless you have the His and Hers Key Holder, a simple as they come idea. 

Instead of a hook, you simply add a key to your keychain that fits into each respective wall mounted plate.  As an added perk the figurines in each plate are finished in chrome giving them a reflective quality.  We’re not sure how they adhere to the wall, but it should be simple enough. It’s just too bad the keys can’t be locked into place with another key so no one can steal them or grab the wrong set of keys.  Now, that would be neat.

You can grab this set from Uncommon Goods for just $17.

Wander into just about any kitchen and you’ll find the boring old, white coffee machine that has long been stained with an overactive burner – you know who you are.  And that’s exactly why Peel UK needs to bring this sleek, yet simple coffee machine to market.

It won’t perform back flips, or even grind your coffee on the spot.  What it will do, though, is provide your eyes with aesthetic bliss as you rise from the sheets and brew your first cup of joe in the morning. The base is crafted from rippled stainless steel that not only makes your coffee mug appear as if it’s giving off waves, but keeps the cup warm thanks to a built-in hot plate.  In the meanwhile, a set of blue LED lights are designed to bathe the room in an easy to tolerate light for those that are more than foggy eyed in the morning, all the while playing complement to the overall design – they also let you know when the machine is in brewing mode.  Lastly, it includes a 1.5l water reservoir, a steamer and settings for single or double strength.

No word on a launch date or price, but we’d expect it in 2012, if ever.

This isn’t the first spaghetti measuring tool we’ve seen.  However, it is the first that actually take the saying “I could eat a horse” literally.  It comes in white or green for about $17 (€12.90).

The advent of the Internet has enabled a big pool of the work force to telecommute.  Case in point is this website, which doesn’t have an office, and instead finds most of its writers working out of coffee shops or if they dare, their homes.  Working from home, though, presents problems.  The first and foremost being distractions; TV, kids, girl friend, roommates and more.  So it’s ideal to have an office, but that doesn’t always provide the separation, as in sound proofing, that is needed to maintain concentration.  Enter the Micropod.

It’s comes in a two flavors: Micropod and Micropod Max.  They measure  2.5 x 2.0m and 3.2 x 2.5m respectively and can be customized according to one’s needs as well as wallet (budget).  But by default you’ll find a very aesthetically pleasing dwelling that is both weather proof and heated, thanks to Scandinavian underfloor heating.  The walls and ceiling can be finished in the modern white beech panels, and the flooring comes in your choice of engineered timber or natural rubber.  For some added scratch, you can also add a skylight with something called “self cleaning glass,” along with a desk and shelving.  If money is no object you can even go as far as to add more windows, a sedum roof, premium grade Birch internal cladding panels, lighting upgrades, Western Red Cedar external cladding and decking.

Sounds on the up and up to us.  But for $17,000, the starting price of these pods, you might be better off with an addition to your home, or renting an office for the next 12 months.

Pounding faces is a good thing if you’re in the UFC, but not so good if you’re looking to unload some pent up aggression.  Odds are you’ll break your fist and in turn find yourself more frustrated with a useless hand for a few months. However, if the tendency to bare knuckle brawl is just too much to resist, you can always opt for the Rocky method, which is pounding cold, hard meet.  And nothing is probably more suitable for this activity than the Knuckle Meat Pounder.  Add this to the Grocery Bag Brass Knuckles and you’ll be able to take on any food item that comes your way, be it in the kitchen or your grocer’s aisle.

What On Earth has it for just $12.95.