New Game World

Day One of the Consumer Electronics Show

While the biggest buzz from Day One of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was Hitachi’s announcement of the availability of world’s thinnest (1.5 inch) LCD screen launching this quarter, several smaller and less known CE companies offered noteworthy (and less expensive) items for the average folk:

Many people benefit these days from SD memory cards that can store your photos in your camera. But, with such high capacity on SD cards these days, users often leave the images on these cards indefinitely and don’t spend the time to upload them onto a computer. The EyeFi card makes uploading photos a snap. Touting the =world’s first wireless SD memory card, makers say you can easily upload photos using your home WiFi network from your camera to your computer or your favorite photo sharing site. No cables, no wires, no fuss.
www.eye-fi.com

If you have ever switched cell phone carriers, the though of losing your contact information can be quite stressful. The Backup Pal from Advanced Wireless Solutions fixes the problem with the first universal device that can backup, restore, and transfer contacts to and from any cellular phone or provider. With the touch of a button, download your emails and contact information onto this battery powered device and transfer with ease. No monthly fees or cables required.
www.backupal.com

Air guitarists, rejoice! Jada Toys is introducing Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker that can let you sound like your favorite rock stars. The device consists of a belt buckle that acts like a mini amplifier when attached to your waist. A special guitar pick played strummed in front of the buckle triggers the device to play a host of classic rock songs (the starter pack includes ten songs from bands ranging from Black Sabbath to Van Halen). Choose the tempo of the song by how you strum.
www.jadatoys.com

Want to know what it’s really like to fly like a sport pilot? Dreamflyer from FMS Flight Motion Simulators makes it as close as possible. The flight motion simulator chair uses sensors that work with pre-existing flight simulation software to let the user experience what actual flight is like. The “pilot” controls roll and pitch in the game and through the use of sensors, the chair will move according to their controls. If you move on the screen, you move in the chair. Better take some Dramamine if you get motion sickness!
www.mydreamflyer.com

Spot is the world’s first personal satellite messaging device that allows user to notify friends, family or International 911 if you are in need of help. Using both GPS and commercial satellite technology, makers claim that their device provides coverage far beyond that of cellular phones. The device allows you to request help from friends (they can tell you your exact location via their PC) and has the ability to send out a help request that will send messages 5 minutes every hour, or until the help is manually disabled.
www.findmespot.com

Another product that uses satellite technology is Zoombak, a small and highly portable GPS location device that you can place virtually anywhere, including a car, backpack or stroller. Simply visit the company’s Web site and set limits on where the the GPS receiver can go, from as little as 110 feet. Once the satellite receiver goes beyond that point, a text message and cell phone message is sent to up to three people. Users also have the ability also see exactly where the locater is moving, through the use of a GPS map on the company’s Web site. This is good for parents who might be nervous for first time teen drivers. The battery can last up to five days on standby or up to 150 location requests before recharging. The handy device also sends you an alert when the power is running low.
www.zoombak.com

The AquaIllusion iTube light hopes to be the Lava Lamp of the 60s. The tube, which is compatible with any electronics music device pumps out up to twelve different colored lights and pulse combinations according to the sound produced (colors and pulse can also be changed on an included remote). Despite its name, the device uses no water to create what the makers calaim as a mesmerizing, bubbling vixual effect that fools everyone into thinking they are looking at a water-filled experience.
www.aquaillusion.com

Jook hopes to take social networking to the next level with Jook a set of headphones with wireless capabilities that can instantly and easily transmit songs to anyone else who has a Jook. Listen on your Zune and send to a friend on their iPod – Jook works with every electronic music device. Simply plug the headset into your MP3 and Jook’s proprietary wireless protocol sends out a signal to any Jook’s in the area. The user then has the ability to listen to their own music, broadcast their songs to any user in the area or listen to songs from someone else’s music device. Jook users also have the ability to tag songs they have heard on other players and purchase the songs once they get home.
www.jook.us

RealEase has introduced the world’s first touch screen WiFi integrated digital picture frame. No need for a computer or wires to use this device (though it can hook up to an Ethernet connection if need be), Shogo lets you upload your pictures into the device through an SD card. It’s also got a 1GB memory to store your pictures on the go. The frame allows you to view pictures in horizontal or vertical mode depending on how your rotate the frame. The device also lets you listen to live Internet Radio, mp3s and can download personalized information like weather forecasts.
www.myshogo.com

Bug Labs has developed an electronic device that lets the user determine what they want in a portable electronic device. BUG consists of a Linux based “hackable” tiny computer that incorporates various modules that snap on in base. Simply add on a touch sensitive screen, GPS, camera or motion detector where you want it to go. Since the system is open, uses can build or share any program or application they can think of. The possibilities are endless.
www.buglabs.net

Ever thought of listening to your favorite songs on your floor lamp? Well, now you can with Soundolier's wireless speaker lamp. . The Torchiere Lamp With Integrated 360 Degree Speaker makers say solves a the key issue of how to place speakers away from an amplifier or home theatre equipment without running unsightly wires or mounting speakers on a wall or ceiling. The lamp can be used by itself or a a pair for a full stereo sound in a larger room.
www.soundolier.com

Protect your most valued documents with the world’s first and only fire and water resistant safe that can protect digital and paper documents. The FireSafe Water Resistant Safe from SentrySafe provides USB powered connectivity to back up your documents onto a storage device, and includes a secure area to protect paper documents, CDs or small electronic devices. The device is equipped with a sturdy LCD electronic lock.
www.sentrysafe.com

Regular gutter cleaning is necessary for a home, but the hassle and dangers of cleaning them can make anyone tense. iRobot's Looj Gutter Cleaning Robot takes the guess work -- and sweat -- out of gutter cleaning. Simply climb a ladder, place the device in your gutter and steer Looj in a forward direction to blast out leaves and debris with its powerful motor and brush. It's also waterproof in up to one foot of water.
www.irobot.com

Iqua has developed the first solar powered Bluetooth headset. The wireless device uses photovoltaic cells, so the headset can be powered by the sun or an indoor light. It's got all the features of a high end headset, but lets you answer or end a call, redial, or switch to the handset with just the touch of one button.
www.iqua.com

Lightglove is a handy new virtual PC controller that attaches to your wrist. Once strapped on, the device is able to sense your palm and fingers. If hand movement is detected, Lightglove translates those motions and moves accordingly on a computer screen. Play "air piano" or type a letter with your air-powered virtual mouse - it can do anything a traditional input device can do.
www.lightglove.com

Think Second Life meets Diablo for real cash, and you've got Entropian Universe. The online game lets users create a virtual world and make real cash in the process. Open a night club and charge visitors an entrance fee. The money you make in the game can be transferred to real money at any time during game play. The game is free to download and no subscription fee is required.
www.entropiauniverse.com