Gadgets Blog

The best gadgets are simple ideas, that fulfil a particular purpose. Some gadgets can stay the same since the moment of inception, or gradually evolve along with developing technologies. The wheel, for example, is one of those inventions that has stayed the same pretty much since its invention. Sure, you could argue that tyres have been added, and the materials it is made from have been changed, but the basic idea, “a circular device that is capable of rotating on an axle through its centre, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load (mass), or performing labour in machines” to quote the definition on Wikipedia, has remained the same since the time of, or close to the time of its invention. The futility of trying to revolutionise such a basic yet useful item is evidenced in the phrase “trying to re-invent the wheel”.

Another gadget that has remained largely the same is the humble pencil. In fact other than the original lead being replaced by graphite, pencils have pretty much remained the same. Or at least they have, until now.

That’s right, Sharpie, those well known manufacturers of permanent markers have devised a liquid graphite that writes like a pen, but can be erased like pencil, at least until it dries, after about 24 hours according to the review at Engadget or 3 days according to the packaging, when it becomes permanent like a Sharpie marker.

Just think, a pencil that never needs sharpening, a pen that can be erased, and a permanent marker that, at first, isn’t so permanent.

A new week and plenty of new Gadgets here at Gadgets Towers! We hope you’ve been keeping an eye on our What’s New section, as we’ve had some great new products in over the last few weeks. Here are a few of my favourites:

The Veho Pebble
Keeping your various Gadgets powered up when you’re out and about is a necessity! I found how difficult it is getting by without my mobile phone this month, and if it runs out of juice whilst you’re out and about it can leave you stranded, and cut off from the mobile world at large. The Pebble is perfect for keeping handy on long journeys when you aren’t sure when you’ll be able to charge up next. Small enough to fit in your pocket, but with enough zap to charge an iPhone 3GS 4 times over!

The Autoloader Pump Action Screwdriver
I have a tool similar to this at home, and I find it invaluable when performing those little DIY jobs around the house. It contains the various flathead, Phillips, and other screwdriver tips you’ll often need all in one handy location, and as they are all self contained you won’t need to worry about losing any of them.

The Premier Popcorn Maker
With lots of us having bigger TVs, and better sound system set-ups at home more of us are able to enjoy that (close to) cinema experience at home. The one thing generally missing though is ‘proper’ popcorn. Not the cold toffee stuff you get in a foil bag, or the microwave stuff where it’s all too easy to end up with half burnt, and half un-popped. The Premier Popcorn Maker is a great way to get freshly made popcorn at home. Using hot air instead of oil means it is healthier, and less likely to burn. With the price of cinema tickets spiralling ever higher this is a great way to enjoy those films that you want to see, but can wait for the DVD to be released.

These are a few of my favourites at the moment, but we are adding more and more new gadgets all the time, so make sure you check regularly!

Today is not just a Tuesday, it’s not just the 27th of July, today is a day that has been a long time coming. 12 years ago, in 1998, a game was released. It was a Real Time Strategy game. This Real Time Strategy game proved to be very popular, its balanced races and tactical options ensuring that its massive following still play it today. Or, yesterday, because today, after 12 long years the sequel has arrived.

For anyone not yet quite aware what I am talking about yet, I am referring to Starcraft II: Wings Of Liberty. Once again PCs shall ring out with the hiss of the alien Zerg, the Drawl of the human Terrans, and the overriding calm and danger of the advanced Protoss. Starcraft was created by Blizzard, the makers of the similarly named Warcraft, and of course, the MMO spin off World Of Warcraft.

Starcraft is widely regarded by gamers as one of the defining games of the RTS genre, with only Command and Conquer coming close to its brilliance. Starcraft was the first of the games to introduce vastly different races to play as, giving gamers an array of units with different skills, and tactical options. As a game it has had such an impact that there are world pro league finals, and the University of California even offered a course that explored “various aspects of the game, from the viewpoint of pure theory to the more computational aspects of how exactly battles are conducted”.

Starcraft II as such has been highly anticipated by the fans of the original, and will no doubt attract a new generation. Only time will tell if it as well balanced, and thus popular and successful as the original. But with about 7 years of development, and many hours of Beta testing by seasoned Starcraft veterans you would bet on it being a runaway hit.

I realise it’s a bit late, what with England having got the second plane home and all, but wouldn’t it be great to have some sort of robotic butler to bring you refreshing beverages whilst you remain in the comfort of your own chair, eyes fixed upon the action unfolding on the telly. Of course I suppose it would be just as good for bringing you another jug of Pimms whilst watching Andy Murray in the Tennis at Wimbledon.

Wandering around the depths of the internet today I found this. Looking like a Segway crossed with one of the odder looking droids from Star Wars (You know, the one with all the arms?) this robotic butler will happily fetch and carry your cool beverages following a few commands from an iPhone interface, but can also use voice commands. Ok, so HERB (Home Exploring Robotic Butler) doesn’t move too quickly, and might not be particularly suitable for most homes in its current incarnation, but the dream is there.