GadgetReview

Several months back, we introduced you to the Philips Tapster headphones.  But there’s some bad news here for everyone who was looking forward to them–there’s now pretty much no way they’ll hit store shelves.

The folks out at Crave on Cnet’s Asian subsidiary believe they know why, too–they don’t work.

It’s a strange theme these days, gadgets that don’t work, but the beat goes on (or rather doesn’t) from these headphones.  They were supposed to be a major innovation in playback and volume controls, which are supposedly controlled by tapping and swiping the ear modules.  Under normal circumstances, this would dislodge them from the ear, but with these, they didn’t dislodge.  Something of an accomplishment there, but the problem was, the purported tap-and-swipe system of volume and playback control never materialized.

So a little bit of vaporware for you, folks…and that’s always at least a little sad.

Read

There are two things I don’t do in the shower: listen to music and shave.  But if you’re totally unlike me, then you’ll surely love Sharper Image’s MP3 Wireless Speaker Fog Free Shower Mirror.

For $70 you not only get a fog free mirror but an AM/FM radio and an MP3 player docking system that wirelessly transmits your tunes up to 100 feet to the mirror’s built-in 1.25-inch speakers.  Embedded in the reflective surface is a blue LED clock to insure you’ll never be late again and although you can’t change your MP3 player’s track, you can adjust the system’s volume and radio station from a set of on board controls.  The dock connects to any player by using a 3.5mm headphone jack, so whether it be an iPod or a no named brand portable player you’ll be good to scrub.

[via Coolest-gadgets]

Read

Suffice to say it’s been a ripe year for Beatles fans.  With all the other Beatles stuff to buy comes along this Limited Edition Beatles Catalog stored on a Apple Shaped USB Flash Drive from EMI and Apple Corps.

Available now for pre-order, this $280 set has 16GB’s of re-mastered stereo FLAC and MP3 versions of the Beatles Catalog.  FLAC quality runs at 44.1Khz 24 bit, whereas the MP3’s are at 320 Kbps.  Priced at $60 more than the normal CD set, only 30.000 of these will be produced.

On sale starting December 8th, the drive will also include a 13 minute documentary about all of the studio albums as well as original UK album art, rare photos, and expanded liner notes.

I think Anvil needs one of these.

[via TechTree]

Read

What would probably look cooler in an actual booth at a Hard Rock Cafe than at your place, this cheapo “Limited Edition” iPod dock could make a decent gift idea for that certain nostalgia freak in your family.

At only $15, I can’t imagine the sound quality to be anything of value, but it is cheap enough to buy for your bathroom or walk-in closet.  Especially if you like the included digital FM tuner.  Also featuring a line-in for CD and MP3 players, it will also run off of 4 AA batteries or a wall plug.

Limited Edition always denotes a “Buy Now” type of attitude so don’t hesitate!

[via ChipChick]

Read

Capable of mounting directly to your handlebars or fastening to your belt loop this waterproof speaker case by Sanwa may be a nice choice for those of you who like to ride your bike in the rain.  If you happen to live and ride in Portland Oregon, it could be essential.

I prefer riding with earphones, but for those who want to be able to hear the 18-Wheeler coming from behind them, this is a great alternative.  Your MP3 player fits inside the case and the volume controls are on the outside.  I used to have a SkullCandy backpack that had speakers mounted in the shoulder straps that sounded pretty good, but I question how good this thing sounds.

I mean part of the fun of listening to music was so you didn’t have to hear street noise as you rode, right?  It could be cool off the bike in places like the beach or pool, though.  On sale now for $44.

[via CoolestGadgets]

Read

Once again, Apple has blown us all away with its relentless flood of gadgetry, as a new patent has emerged.

It’s about what you’d get if you managed to combine an iPod Shuffle with a Bluetooth headset, and what it’s being called right now is a headset MP3 player.

You can see one of the patent design figures at left, but where this is amazing is that it can function on its own.  Yes, it functions as a wireless headset to a device it’s linked to, like a Bluetooth, but it also has the capability of storing its own MP3s within the headset itself.  And, as if that weren’t enough, your headset could also become a recording device at the touch of a button, allowing you to make your own MP3s of conversations you’re having.

These are all still somewhat speculative points, being as it’s still in the patent stages, but it’ll likely be another market-buster when it comes out.

Read

In a land where product names have nothing to do with anything, Yubz reigns supreme.  Put the word Magnum next to Yubz and now you’re onto something.

The Yubz Magnum is a wireless speaker that will connect to any BlueTooth device.  The Magnum is capable of playing music as well as acting as a hands-free loudspeaker for your cell phone.

Resembling a “pleather” meat log of sorts, the Yubz Magnum is a cylindrical device with speakers on both ends.  It feels really nice actually, and is soft and lightweight. …Continue reading: Yubz Magnum BlueTooth Speaker Review

Many people live with discomfort.  Many people wear shitty earphones that don’t fit.  YurBuds are out to change that.  Their not saying ditch your crappy earphones, but instead send them pictures of your ears and they’ll make you a pair of custom adapters to fit over your poorly designed white ones.

For only $20, YurBuds will scan the pictures of your ears and give you the most approximate custom molding that type of money can by assuring you a better fit.

For most people, the earphones that come with the gadget are usually good enough and they are often too ignorant to know any better.  Let’s hope they care about this specialty service as anybody in the know has already ditched the white ones completely.

[via TheGadgeteer]

Read

Perfect for your alpine lodge getaway, the Magno Wooden Radio will keep you and your bearskin rug company on those cold nights alone.  Handcrafted using untreated Indonesian ebony, mahogany, and pine, this little guy is quite the stunning beauty.

Besides boasting superior FM/AM quality, this wooden radio also has an input for your MP3 player and runs off of 4 AA batteries or an AC adapter.  Weighing only 2lbs, this retro modern marvel will cost you $200.

[via TechFresh]

Read

I really hope this item doesn’t cause an uproar at the airport, though I’m sure some fool will whip this out and say “what do you think of my bomb” once on board.  For those of you who like to share what’s on you iPod or iPhone with strangers and friends without swapping earwax you might want to give this bomb a looksy.

The fuse is your input jack and the little bomb speaker has a internal rechargeable battery that will last for 4 hours.  Since it is powered I’m guessing it might not sound like total crap.  On sale now for $22.

[via CoolestGadgets]

Read