By Andrew Liszewski

I don’t think people give dogs and cats enough credit. I won’t pretend they’re the smartest creatures on the planet, but dressing up a remotely operated camera so it looks like a cyclops version of AIBO probably isn’t going to fool them into thinking it’s just another member of the family. Particularly with the remote camera making constant whirring noises as it pans 35 degrees left or right, 40 degrees up or 5 degrees down.

It’s hard to gauge the scale of the Mimamori based on this product shot alone, but apparently it’s only about 4 inches on each side, so hiding it somewhere in your home wouldn’t be that difficult. The sensor in the camera boasts over 300,000 pixels, but run the numbers and that unfortunately only equates to 640×480 stills and even crappier 176×144 videos. But it can be remotely triggered by a cellphone via an SMS message which will get you a just-snapped MMS photo in return, or you can let the optical motion sensor automatically start recording whenever your pet walks by. There’s no pricing as of yet, but apparently the Mimamori Z001, and a less cute Z002 version, will be available from SoftBank in Japan sometime in September.

[ PR - SoftBank Mimamori ] VIA [ Gizmag ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Just because your laptop comes with a built-in microphone doesn’t mean you have to use it to record your weekly podcast. Investing a little money in an external microphone can go a long way towarrds making your production sound a lot more professional. A few days ago I came across the LSM, or Little Studio Mic, from Studio Projects, which in my opinion is a great investment if you’re just starting out in the world of audio production but have dreams of eventually making it big.

For amateurs the microphone has a mini-USB port which makes it dead easy to connect and use with your favorite recording software on your PC, or even applications like Skype. And while the pivoting bracket can be attached to a standard mic stand, it can also be angled and used to prop the mic up on a desk by itself. It even comes in a small assortment of colors to express your ‘personality.’

But for the pros, the LSM also features a mini-XLR connection allowing the microphone to be connected to professional audio gear like mixers or preamps, and the uni-directional 34mm condenser microphone is suspended in its own internal shock mount. All 4 color options (white, red, black and pink) are available for around $180, and given what this mic is capable of, that’s quite a deal.

[ Studio Projects LSM aka Little Square Mic ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Columbia’s already a well respected name when it comes to outdoors gear, so it actually seems a bit odd that they’re only just getting into the watch market, but clearly they’re making up for lost time. Their new line is comprised of 9 different watches, available in a wide assortment of colors, that are broken down into 3 major series so it’s easy to choose the model that best suits your needs.

There’s the Travel Oriented watches that seem catered to people who find themselves in a different time zone more often than not, the Trail Bound watches for hikers and runners designed to withstand the elements and the Water Worthy watches which are of course waterproof. And the watches in each series all have varying levels of functionality including altimeters, barometers, compasses, ski timers, chronographs, thermometers and more. And while the most expensive, capable models run $250, some of the watches are available for just $75 which should ensure they’ll appeal to both pros and amateurs alike.

[ Columbia Sports Watches ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Andrew Liszewski

I try to see the good in most products, but I’m really having a hard time figuring out why anybody would buy this collection of miniature light up signs that each plug into a USB port. The signs include warnings or phrases like On Air, Fasten Your Seat Belt, SOS and an assortment of others that feature a combination of Japanese and English words, or just strictly Japanese. Besides wasting a USB port, which is still a precious commodity on most computers these days, the signs will also serve to drain your battery. And while you might think you’re impressing the people around you with one of these plugged in, no one outside a three foot radius will be able to read what they say. Available sometime in May from Play-Asia for a yet to be disclosed price.

[ Light Up USB Warning Labels ] VIA [ Chip Chick ]

By Andrew Liszewski

The cheapest way I’ve found to stabilize a camera when a tripod or monopod isn’t available is to use a simple loop of rope attached to a bolt, which is attached to the tripod mount. You then just put your foot through the loop, step on it, and with a little tension you’ll have a surprisingly solid grip on your camera. And that’s essentially the same concept behind this SteadePod.

Instead of a loop of rope though, the SteadePod has a retractable cord with a foot pad you step on and a fancy tripod mount that can swivel, allowing you to hold your camera in a variety of positions. To be honest the only advantage I can see here is the ability to easily adjust the length of cord, which allows you to change the height you’re holding your camera or camcorder, but at just $29.95 it seems priced just right enough for what is essentially a slightly more professional looking alternative to the aforementioned piece of looped rope.

[ SteadePod ] VIA [ The Red Ferret Journal ]

By Chris Scott Barr

I spend a lot of time in my office working, but the jobs I do allow me to work from home. Thus, there are times where I’ll work outside on my porch, or even on the couch. While I don’t mind working on the couch from time to time, I don’t always like my laptop sitting on my lap. I’ve tried those little portable laptop desks, but they’re no better. What I need is one of these Convertible Coffee Tables.

The table looks much like any other, but it packs a special feature. You can lift up on the top, and move it towards you. In fact, it can be raised 31 inches, and moved forward up to 15 inches. This brings the surface to a more reasonable height for working on a laptop. Also, if you live in a small apartment and don’t have room for a kitchen table, this could be a great substitute. The $200 price is steep, but I can’t say that I’m not tempted.

[ Hammacher ] VIA [ CoolestGadgets ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Once known for their wonderful line of joysticks and game controllers, ThrustMaster has apparently decided to seek their fame and fortune in the world of ridiculous Guinness World Records with this new Nintendo DS stylus accessory. Designed to serve as a tie-in to the upcoming third Toy Story film, this overburdened stylus accessory features a built in lamp that projects an image of Buzz Lightyear on the wall. The projector end of the stylus is flexible too, allowing you to aim the image, and the inclusion of batteries and overall bulk of its design should easily claim that ‘World’s Heaviest DS Stylus’ accolade they’re after. Available sometime between now and when Toy Story 3 is released for just over $7. (£4.99)

[ Meodia - ThrustMaster Announces New Videogame Accessories ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Designed by naval engineer Paolino Napolitano to provide a jellyfish and other dangerous sea life-free place to swim while out boating, the Magic Swim is essentially nothing more than an inflatable pool like you may have enjoyed as a kid. Made from durable PVC it weighs about 66 pounds when empty and can be setup with the assistance of a standard air compressor in about 5 minutes. Mesh covered holes allow the Magic Swim to fill with water once it’s deployed, but also keep unwanted visitors out, and a semi-rigid floating platform in the center of the pool allows you to stand once it’s completely filled with water. ~$2,250 for the large version, and ~$2,440 for the extra-large one.

[ Magic Swim ] VIA [ Born Rich ]

By Chris Scott Barr

LEGOs were a staple in almost every geek’s childhood. I still have mine, and continue to collect more over time. If you’re an exceptionally devoted LEGO fan, why not transform your laptop’s keyboard into a set of those wonderful little bricks?

An Etsy user named openandclose has offered up sets of stickers that look like LEGO bricks. Stick these on your keys and you’ll be overcome with nostalgia every time you pull out your laptop. A set will only run you $15, and the creator says that they’ll easily come off and not leave a mess, should you choose not to use them.

[ Etsy ] VIA [ Gearfuse ]