NOOK kids announced by Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble has just announced something for the little ones while the adults can have fun with their NOOKcolor – we’re talking about NOOK kids. This is a state-of-the-art digital reading experience that will target little ones, making NOOK kids the first-ever platform which can deliver the largest and growing collection of nearly 12,000 popular children’s picture and chapter books in an enhanced and engaging digital format. It will range from beloved children’s classics to new releases, where NOOK kids will launch with over 130 digital picture books, doubling before 2010 comes to a close. We will look at NOOK kids in greater detail in the extended post.

Barnes & Noble children’s chapter books will come with a wide range of favorites which will be part of the company’s vast array of over two million digital titles, making it one of the world’s largest digital content catalogs. NOOK kids will also premiere on the newly announced NOOKcolor by Barnes & Noble, which we covered earlier this morning with it being the first full-color touch Reader’s Tablet.

Reading is a good habit to have, and starting young is always recommended. NOOK kids will offer parents and children a new method of experiencing and enjoying reading together. Storytime moments come to life using Barnes & Noble’s exclusive, patent-pending AliveTouch technology, where kids are invited to interact with words and pictures on the page, letting them find their favorite story in a jiffy, and others can also have some read aloud to them. In due time, NOOK kids eBooks will also feature light motion graphics and interactivity which fits into the story and plotlines. NOOK kids on NOOKcolor allows parents to take their children’s entire digital library wherever they go, regardless of whether the trip is long or short.

We do wonder though, with a device like this, would adults want to share it with their kids? Why not manufacture a kid-friendly model instead that can stand up to the rigors of unruly kids?

Dell Streak Tablet

Dell on Tuesday announced launch plans for its Android-based Dell Streak handheld tablet , while also confirming that the device will get an upgrade to the Flash-capable Android 2.2 later this year. The Streak will launch in the U.K. in early June and the U.S. later this summer, but the company did not provide specific launch dates for either country’s launch. No pricing or U.S. carrier details were announced.

Dell first introduced the Streak in January during the Consumer Electronics Show; since then, specs for the device have been made public through a combination of company statements and periodic leaks to gadget blogs .

The Dell Streak Will Flash

As expected, the Dell Streak will have a 5-inch WVGA touchscreen, Qualcomm’s 1-GHz Snapdragon Processor, 2 GB internal storage, maximum 32GB of external SD storage, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, and a front-facing camera for video chat. The Streak will also have 3G, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity.

At launch, the Streak will be running Android 1.6 (Donut), but the device will receive an over-the-air upgrade to the new Flash-capable Android 2.2 (Froyo) later this year, a Dell spokesperson confirmed. The mini tablet will also come pre-loaded with Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube apps, and Google Maps featuring free turn-by-turn navigation.

What About the Looking Glass

Absent from Dell’s Streak announcement was any mention of the rumored Dell Looking Glass, a 7-inch tablet computer with no front-facing camera. Rumored specs for the Looking Glass include a 7-inch screen with 800 by 480 display resolution; 3G, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity; 4GB RAM; 1.3 megapixel camera; and an optional TV tuner.

Budget-Friendly Home Theater Gear

While Home Theater-related products certainly abound, some at astronomical price points, there's no need to break the bank with each purchase as a vast array of cable and equipment management solutions are available at every price point – many of which thankfully solve some really annoying problems. Consider these cost-effective Home Theater solutions:

Universal Remote: $216

A universal remote control will allow the lucky owner to relax to the fullest extent and focus on you and your guests instead of the equipment. The Logitech Harmony 880 is one advanced universal remote that can control all entertainment systems with the touch of a button. It's optimized for complicated HDTV and PVR systems to help you set-up difficult configurations. For example, the interactive color display lets you quickly choose a 16:9 ratio for movies and HDTV, or the standard 4:3 ratio for basic television programming.

PowerSquid Home Theater Surge Protector: $62.95

The PowerSquid Home Theater Surge Protector is one of the most sophisticated and effective power appliances around. The numerous added features offer supreme surge protection for you home theater, computer, or general electrical equipment. The enhanced reach, flexibility, and room for adapter plugs make the PowerSquid easier to use than traditional strips. This premium edition comes equipped with a fail-safe circuit and alarm to provide superior protection in the event of a lightning strike or severe power surge.

Video Projection Screens: From $465

VU-EASY's economical video projection screen offers outstanding quality and value. It features an ultra flat viewing surface and fabric secured to the frame with Velcro, which assures a permanently tensioned screen. The extruded aluminum frame is powder coated matte black for durability, and all brackets are included. Custom sizes available.

Surface Raceways: From $2.99

Non metallic wiring management systems such as surface raceways are a functional, affordable, attractive solution for wire enclosure applications. Surface raceways can include a full complement of accessories such as pre-applied adhesive backing, fittings, inside and outside corners so your wire management systems can be 100% customized. All parts are made of strong, durable, lightweight, UL 94-VO compliant PVC that is also paintable to match perfectly walls, ceilings and even baseboards.

Label Printers: From $7.99

These nifty gadgets take the frustration and guesswork out of that Home Theater cable and wiring octopus down below. Perhaps the most versatile gadget on earth, with dozens of makes and models to choose from, label printers can be a life saver. The DYMO RhinoPRO 3000 Printer is an affordable portable label printer that was specifically designed for residential use, with exclusive "Hot Keys" providing easy, one-touch labeling of many common functions including cable wraps and flags, fixed lengths, distribution panels, vertical labels and much more.

Home Theater Slide Out Racks & Shelving Systems: From $16.11

Middle Atlantic's REB rotating sliding base - starting at $142.02 - allows you to gain simple and easy access to the rear panels, connections, and cables of all your home theater electronic components in small cabinets and entertainment centers. You can slide and rotate the base to the left or the right and it will stop at 60° to prevent any strain on the cables. The rotating sliding base comes complete with cable management accessories to organize wires and eliminate cable clutter behind the cabinet. Self-adhesive Velcro feet are also included to prevent movement of your equipment when pulling out or rotating the base. A locking mechanism stops any accidental movement of components. Available in 14" or 18" depth to allow for a wide variety of component depths and cabinetry.

Monster Video 1 Component Video Cable: $39.95

Offers improved performance for the best possible picture. MV1CV features a dual foil and high-purity, high density braided copper shielding to reject interference. A low-density structured foam dielectric ensures low-loss video signal transfer.

Security Lock Boxes: From $68.47

Rackmount Lockboxes from Middle Atlantic will keep frequently used gear and spare parts exactly where they need it. No need to waste time scurrying to different locations to pick up essential gear and parts. It's right there under lock and key. Each model has a useful depth of 9".

1.3a Certified / ATC Certified HDMI Cables: From $6.99

HDMI 1.3a adds six benefits to the HDMI line of cables. The most obvious and easiest to understand is higher data transfer speed. HDMI 1.3a increases the data transfer speed of your system to 340MHz (10.2 Gbps). This 24k gold plated cable is a perfect match for your high definition television (HDTV), Blu-ray player, Sony Playstation 3, Xbox 360, satellite dish, or cable box.

Amazon’s Kindle for iPhone hits the App Store

Sure, Amazon could pit the Kindle squarely against phone- and PDA-based e-book apps, but why not play both sides? The company had previously mentioned its desire to embrace non-Kindle devices in its digital delivery ecosystem, and the first fruits of that labor have now hit the iPhone App Store. The uncreatively-named Kindle for iPhone allows you access to all of your Kindle content right from the comfort of your iPhone or iPod touch, and if you have the good fortune of owning an honest-to-goodness Kindle, Whispersync will kick in to keep your location synchronized between readers. It's a huge win for owners of both devices, considering that the Kindle's still just a little bit big to be carrying everywhere you go, but your phone -- well, if you don't have that everywhere you go, you're just plain weird. [Warning: iTunes link]

[Via The iPhone Blog]

Amex Digital’s SP-7 digiframe doubles as a printer

Although Amex Digital's SP-7 can't claim to be the first digital photo frame with an inbuilt printer, it's certainly among the first to ever pull it off for under two bills. The basic specs include a 7-inch 800 x 480 resolution display, a multicard reader, USB connectivity, integrated speakers, adjustable brightness, a mini remote and support for both audio and video files. Curiously enough, Amex doesn't even bother explaining what size prints this thing shoots out, where to find replacement paper and how to initiate printing. But, as we alluded to earlier, it's just $199, so don't be shocked to end up figuring all this out on our own.

Beautiful Leather Kindle Cases

If Amazon's Kindle ever makes it out of the US, I'll be buying one. I will also be buying one of these lovely leather cases with which to conceal the Kindle's geeky exterior.

The trouble is not the Kindle 2 design, which is a big improvement on the original, but the whole e-book concept itself. As we pointed out when we hid an iPod Touch inside a Moleskine notebook, electrons just aren't as romantic as paper (and yes, we know paper contains electrons. Stop being so pedantic).

One day, we're sure, the e-ink screen will be ubiquitous, with old men reading the sport section and young women checking out the Gadget Lab on reusable, rechargeable "paper". Until then, reading on an electronic device is simply dorky. You may as well hang a sign around your neck which reads "I hate girls".

And this is why these beautiful leather jackets from M-Edge are so helpful. They make your Kindle look like a real book, and they do it for just $45 -- surely a small price for the chance to pass your genes on to future generations.

Product page [Via everyone]

See Also:

• How To Turn an iPhone into a Moleskine Book
• Free Software Turns the iPhone Into an E-Book Reader
• Amazon's Kindle 2 Slims Down, Adds Audio
• Showdown: Kindle 2 vs. Sony Reader

Win a Flip Mino HD

 

Ryan McLean from Smarter Wealth is giving away a brand new Flip Mino HD to one lucky reader. This will be the easiest Flip Mino HD to win because barely anyone is going to enter meaning more chances that you can win.

The Flip Mino HD is the coolest gadget around. You can shoot one hour of video in HD (so you can play it on your plasma) and you can even edit your footage right on your device. This device is so small that it will fit in your pocket so you will never miss capturing a moment ever again.

To enter all you have to do is sign up for Ryan’s newsletter and post about the competition.

Check out all the details of how you can enter the Win a Flip Mino HD competition now.

Aigos Jigsaw of Love MP3 player

No specs here to speak of. Only pics of this oddly shaped player from Aigo called the "Jigsaw of Love." Presumably then, you can mate the DAP with your partner's piece and then "leak" the sordid video onto the Internet in hopes of fake-fighting a revival to your fading career. But that's just a guess.

[Via PMP Today]

Fixing Scratched CD’s and DVD’s

CD’s and DVD’s can be found in every home. Even if you use an iPod or other MP3/MP4 type device you probably still have a bunch of DVD’s laying around. One problem that you will often come across is that they get scratched and sometimes to the point of not working.

SaveOnline have created a case which contains non-scratch Ultrasuede Microfibre material that sits in the bottom of a case. A quick rotation of your CD in the case will remove dust particles and keep the CD or DVD more safe.

By placing a special non-scratch Ultrasuede microfiber material with dual cleaning bars inside the jewel case the CD will now rest on the ultimate soft protected surface. To clean the CD all you need to do is rotate the CD within the case. As the CD rotates over the soft surface and the cleaning bar it will remove dust and particulates. Each time you remove your CD it will be safe from scratches, clean and ready for use. This will significantly increase the life of your CD.

The cost of the Jewel case is $1.29 and can be purchased over at Save364.

Written by Gadget Venue.

Fixing Scratched CD’s and DVD’s

Super-Tiny USB Card Reader

It seems as if this will be a day of mini gadgets here at GeekAlerts. First we had the Tiny Personal Alarm, then the Mini Airplane Mouse and now a small USB card reader.  

USB MicroSD/T-Flash + M2 Card Reader is a slim and tiny mobile card reader which direct read and write MicroSD/T-Flash or M2 memory card. It turns your memory card into a Pen Drive! This super mini Micro Drive goes with your mobile life.

Features:

• Compatible with MicroSDHC/MicroSD/T-Flash & M2
• With cap and wrist-loop
• Memory capacity depends on inserted memory card
• Fully compliant with USB v1.1/v2.0 specification
• Easy plug and play installation device
• USB bus powered, no external power is required
• Support MicroSDHC
• Support Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS 9.0 or above
• Dimension: 18 x 39 x 7mm (approx.)
• Weight: 4g

The Mini USB MicroSD/T-Flash + M2 Card Reader is available from the USB Brando website for $12. There are two colors to choose from: black or white.

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