Part instrument, part eco-friendly way of reusing old electronics and part hippy-inspired commentary on waste, Benjamin Gaulon’s RES or ‘Recycling Entertainment System’ uses repurposed NES controllers as the inputs for a multi-user music experience. The controllers are all connected to a central hub which in turn is connected to a computer running software that triggers various music samples based on incoming MIDI signals. So in essence each controller is its own virtual instrument, turning the famous Konami code into something worthy of Beethoven.
The Res uses six Nintendo Entertainment System’s controllers [containing MC 14021 BCP chips] that are connected to a main chip [Atmel Mega 16 programmed in Basic] which reads and converts the signal from the controllers to midi. The midi output from the Res is connected to a computer that runs the Resware, a Max/Msp midi based software. Each controller is playing with a different sound bank, so players can mix like Dj’s and play as a group, like a band.
Wireless Bluetooth speakers are particularly popular these days, and we’ve had the chance to try out a few different options including offerings from Jawbone and SuperTooth. But one thing that’s common among them, at least when used with mobile devices, is that streaming your tunes over a Bluetooth A2DP connection takes a real toll on your device’s battery life. And since devices like smartphones aren’t exactly known for their amazing battery life to begin with, it’s an unfortunate trade-off you have to make.
That’s not the case with Sony’s MS430 Media Speaker Stand though. It doesn’t connect to your mobile device via Bluetooth or any kind of wireless connection, it’s just a simple and literal plug-and-play affair. So while your device remains tethered, it’s still an effective way of boosting its wimpy built-in speaker without killing its battery. And even though it foregoes a heavy built-in rechargeable battery for a compact and light triumvirate of AAAs, meaning it doesn’t pack quite the same level of oomph and sound quality as the alternatives mentioned above, it’s probably still going to impress people with a slick design, decent functionality and affordable price tag. Check out my full review after the jump.
A discarded or lost guitar pick from a concert makes for a great souvenir, but if inventor JT Hollin, Jr.’s creation catches on, there may never be an MIA guitar pick again. The Pic Band is akin to the wrist strap that stops your digital camera from plummeting to the ground should you drop it, but instead of preserving a $100+ piece of electronics, it holds on to a $0.05 piece of plastic.
Now I’m sure it works as promised, and is probably a handy solution if you’re in the middle of a performance and don’t have easy access to replacements. But it unfortunately doesn’t work with regular picks, and besides the $8 you’ll need to buy the wrist strap and tether, it’s an extra $7 for a 6-pack of Pic Band compatible picks. In theory it means you won’t lose picks as often, but it still seems kind of expensive to me.
While Olympus certainly has a thriving digital camera division, I tend to more associate them with their high-quality PCM audio recorders. But I’m happy to see them bridging the gap between the two with their new LS-20M which captures 24 bit/96 kHz audio via a pair of stereo mics, and 1080P through an oddly placed lens located on the top edge of the unit instead of the back. Now I understand that layout allows the mics to capture the audio as optimally as possible, but I think it could make capturing video at a usable angle while monitoring the 2-inch color LCD display a little awkward.
In addition to that color display the LS-20M sports an additional 1.46-inch data-only monochrome display just below it providing info on audio levels, time cues and battery life. Connections include the standard USB port for transferring videos and HDMI for watching captures on a hi-def display, and the included 2GB memory card can be swapped out for something heftier since cards up to 32GB are supported. An optional wireless remote lets you control the LS-20M from afar if you have to prop it up somewhere remote, but I’m not sure if there’s a tripod mount on the back or if you’d need to attach an adapter of some sort. Available starting in June for $299.99.
Believe it or not, sometimes a folded piece of cardboard just can’t convey how you feel about someone. So just in time for Mother’s Day American Greetings is introducing a digital slideshow card which features a 1.8-inch LCD display that plays back a series of photos set to music. Preloaded versions that run through a collection of animated slides are available, but I suspect most people will prefer the customizable version which includes a short USB cable allowing you to upload up to 50 photos.
When the card is opened the slideshow and music automatically start playing, and the cards are rechargeable so they can be enjoyed again and again. Personally I think it would be cool if you could load up your own MP3 as well, allowing you to have a customized soundtrack or message, but I’m sure the pandora’s box that is copyright issues will ensure that will never happen.
I haven’t decided if NERF taking over the Super Soaker brand has been a good thing or not. On one hand what I like most about the original SS was its incredibly simple, straightforward design that outperformed everything else on the market. But on the other hand, NERF clearly has an expertise when it comes to making fancy faux-weaponry. And while the Super Soakers have gotten a little overcomplicated for my liking, I really like this latest innovation which sees the water guns getting replaceable clips making refilling in the heat (or refreshing cool) of battle a cinch.
Ars Technica had the chance to try out the Super Soaker Thunderstorm model, which has unfortunately lost the signature ‘pump-action’ the original SS was known for, replaced by a battery driven pump. But the swappable clips, which are easy to fill and completely leak proof when not in the gun, are a fun innovation. They feature a large screw top opening so they can be quickly filled from a tap, and are designed to work in other guns too. So they can be shared by teammates when a water fight breaks out. The clips themselves are just $3.99 each so it’s not terribly expensive to stock up on them, while the Thunderstorm model pictured above is also pretty cheap at just $14.99.
If you’re keeping a tally, you can now add Voltmeter and Multimeter to the list of things that Apple’s iOS devices can do thanks to Redfish Instruments’ new iDVM digital multimeter. As you can see it’s completely lacking the traditional B&W LCD of your standard multimeter because it instead connects to an iOS device via an ad-hoc wireless network, using its large color screen to display measurements and readings. There’s also the added bonus of being able to keep a log of readings over time, and geo-tag where the measurements were taken making it handy for repairpersons who make service calls.
The accompanying iDVM app is available for free on the iTunes App Store right now if you’d like to take it for a spin, while the hardware is expected to shop on June 1 for $220.
I like the idea of a wireless pair of headphones and finally being able to cut that cord that seems to have a knack for getting tangled in subway turnstiles. But while there are certainly plenty of wireless options already on the market, I’m particularly picky when it comes to the type of headphones and earbuds I use. So for me, the next best thing is a wireless adapter that lets me just plug in my own pair. And thankfully with the flood of multimedia-capable and Bluetooth-equipped smartphones on the market, these have become far more prevalent as of late. I recently had the opportunity to take Sony’s MW600 Hi-Fi Wireless Headset for a spin, and you can find my full review of it after the jump.
Instead of using a flashing set of red LEDs on the front and back of the helmet which really only makes you visible to others from just two sides, the Angel Bike Helmet features 2x5W LEDs that illuminate a strip of fiber optics wrapping all the way around the helmet, providing 360 degrees of high visibility. It also has the added bonus of making you look like you’ve got a saintly halo around your head, adding to your inflated sense of self-worth for choosing such an eco-friendly transportation alternative.
Not surprisingly the helmet’s 100% waterproof including the built-in USB charging port which is protected from the elements by a rubber gasket. And the wrap-around lighting can be switched to a flashing mode to help grab the attention of those you’re sharing the road with. Available from Firebox.com for ~$83.
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