Everybody nowadays have more than one electronic device they carry everyday like , cellphones, iPods, Blackberry, PDA etc. However,with all different chargers and different types of plugs to recharge them, it can be a complicated lifestyle. 2009 has brought some interesting gadgets to the global arena and one particluar gadget has actually got people talking about. Like something out of a science fiction movie, it has finally come to reality. Meet the Powermat.

What is it?  It’s a mat that can be plugged in and will simultaneously charge a whole heap of gadgets, all at the same time, wirelessly. That’s no more chargers cluttering up your house, no more tangled wires and no need to use multiple plugs when you need to charge up more than one thing at the same time.

The Powermat uses magnetic induction and, according to the website, “When a Powermat-enabled device is placed on the mat, a process synchronizes the mat with the receiver and electric power is generated to meet the specific energy needs of the device.The mat then monitors the power in the device and disconnect power to each device once it finishes charging.

Powermats will also be able to be used in cars with their universal, window mount car charger for hand-held devices with the different car accessories that will be available in the near future.

The Technology

Inductive charging is a wireless charging method used for mid-sized items such as cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs. High-end electric toothbrushes and waterproof vibrating razors were among the first products to use induction charging.
In inductive charging, an adapter equipped with contact points is attached to the device’s back plate. When the device requires a charge, it is placed on a conductive charging pad. Once the contact points come in contact with the conductive surface of the charging pad, a small current moves through the coils of the charging pad, creating a small magnetic field which is gathered by the contact points of the adapter and converted into energy. The energy gathered is transferred to the device’s battery as efficiently as if the device were connected to a wall socket with its regular wired adapter.

FInally, breakthough in technology that we’d like to see. and hopefully we will see more of these devices on the shelves soonPretty exciting stuff but we still have no word on prices. So we’ll wait and see about the price tags on these things before we get rid of our chargers.

If anyone doubted whether Leica has fully embraced the digital world, think again. At first look, it would be mistaken for a 1950’s relic trying to be useful. To a few, it is an icon of quality only German ingenuity can deliver. The high-end camera maker has been in the business since 1913. The company, formerly Ernst Leitz Gmbh, is now known as Leica Camera AG. The idea was to make a compact camera for landscape photography, particularly during mountain trips, thus producing the first practical 35mm compact camera. 

Leica M8.2

The current M series represents over six decades of expertise. The new Leica M8.2  is the latest development of Leica Camera AG’s German-made digital rangefinder camera for professionals. The new model retains the key characteristics of the Leica reportage camera such as the compact shape, the exceptional image quality in connection with Leica M lenses and the unique picture composition with the Leica rangefinder that show it to be a genuine M camera. Amazingly enough, it was designed to accept Leica lenses produced over fifty years ago. Responding to the request of many professional photographers, the new model has been given an even more inconspicuous design.

The Leica quality

Leica’s high-performance lenses are all made, by hand, at Leica’s main factory in Solms, Germany. They represent the result of many decades of experience in optics and precision mechanics and are produced using unique technologies, high-quality materials and the commitment and craftsmanship of expert staff. Meticulous manufacture and careful assembly guarantee decades of reliable functioning.

Quality at a Price

In simple terms, the Leica was built to last over a lifetime. The Leica m8.2 for example will set you back at least $5000 for the body alone. A decent kit will go for at least $10K. Making cameras for the “many” has never been a part of Leica’s business plan. They are like Porsche, Questar and any other makers of iconic high end gear… built for those who love the form factor and willing to pay the extra for the performance. This simple rationale from Leica’s website says it all:

“It can be a profound action, taking a photograph. It’s a piece of realisation. The preservation of a fleeting expression. A recording, even, of the precise moment the world changed.?But what if your camera’s action is less than precise, less than perfectly responsive? The consequence could be profound, too.?The moment could escape.”

Compared to most DSLR’s in the market, the Leica has an incredibly solid build, the apex of German precision in engineering. The M was built to be hard-wearing, reliable and robust enough to simply last more than a lifetime.   Unlike most other cameras it appreciates in value. It is more than a camera, it’s practically art.

2008 was a nice year for gaming. Considering the state of the economy, it’s amazing that game development studios were still able to keep the level of quality so high. Here is the list of the best video games of 2008 according to The 8th Circuit website:

Shooter of the Year: Left 4 Dead

RPG of the Year: Fallout 3

MMOG of the Year: World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King

Strategy Game of the Year: Advance Wars: Days of Ruin

Action/Adventure Game of the Year: Grand Theft Auto IV

Fighting Game of the Year: Super Smash Bros: Brawl

Sports/Sim Game of the Year: Spore

Most Original Concept: Mirror’s Edge

Indie Release of the Year: Audiosurf

Handheld Game of the Year: The World Ends With You

Wii Game of the Year: Super Smash Bros: Brawl

PS3 Game of the Year: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

PC Game of the Year: Left 4 Dead

Xbox 360 Game of the Year: Gears of War 2 & Fable 2

Game of the Year: Left 4 Dead

Read the full artcle HERE

When Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple in 1978, the Silicon Valley entrepreneurs emphasized the importance of design while understanding the crucial role aesthetics play in public appeal. Today, Apple is a towering icon in the computer sector with diversified product lines. It was a company that only a decade earlier had huge deficits and has since made a comeback nothing short of remarkable to become one of the most profitable companies in history. 

The key was always the consumer needs. By addressing the very basic of needs, Apple was able to create the niche in the Microsoft-dominated PC world. How could an operating system, such as Apple OSX, with such a tiny market share gain dominance without a fundamental change in computers as big as the one that replaced mini computers with desktop PCs? Apple’s answer was simple: It takes things more personal.

A truly personal computer should be easier to maintain, less prone to infection and able to link to the business stuff when needed.A truly personal computer does personal things like manage your photos and music. Most especially, a truly personal computer is an object that says something about your personality like the clothes you wear and the car you drive. Amazingly, Apple makes computers that are not butt ugly.

In 2001, Apple launched the iPod against big odds. Today, In the world of Portable Music Players or PMP’s, Apple’s iPod leads the way. The success of the iPod has brought Apple into the center of the Music World once dominated by music giants such as Sony, Philips, and many others and still lead the pack to this day. 

In 2007, Steve Jobs announced the most awaited product of the decade, the iPhone. In the run-up to its launch, there was enormous anticipation and excitement in the media that Apple did not even have to spend a single dollar to advertise its launch. It was a phenomenal reception considering it is Apple’s first entry into the mobile phone market. Today, the iconic iPhone is taking on the technological prowess of Nokia, Motorola and Samsung literally making Apple a competitor overnight. 

Apple has continued to innovate and diversify up to this day with products such as Apple TV,  digital media from its iTunes store to its ever-improving iPods and Macbook laptop series. At the very heart of the revolution are the software geniuses at Cupertino CA shelling out newer versions of iLife, iMovie and iWork, which we can expect more surprises for years to come. 

For as long as the world wants to see virus-free PC’s, dual operating systems and cool iPods, only one thing is for certain: the Apple revolution is still  here to stay.

In the digital age, all-in-one devices may offer some form of relief from the burden of carrying separate devices. This is especially more important for outdoor devices. Specialized outdoor devices have evolved significantly over the past few decades that it has contributed greatly to improving our way of life. Advanced in technology have enabled different features, to be integrated in one device. These devices are currently in use in numerous applications in the fields: navigation, medicine, sports and safety. 

The evolution of materials and designing methods of these devices have been essential in the development of more useful and practical devices for outdoor applications. In addition, inputs from end-users and field experts have greatly improved mobility, utility and performance. Finnish manufacturer Suunto knows it all too well, being an industry leader in wristop computer technology. Their latest innovation: the X10 GPS watch. 

The Suunto X10 is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the X9i. the X10 features an improved GPS also tracks better in different conditions for more reliable readings. Compared to bulkier, hand-held GPS units, the Suunto X10 is hands-free, so you can focus on the action instead of worrying about dropping or losing your GPS unit. The Suunto X10 can record waypoints and routes, allowing users to analyze and catalog trips on a home PC.

In addition to the GPS, The  X10 includes the Standard Suunto features such as altimeter, barometer, digital compass, thermometer, and an extensive memory, as well as the usual time/stopwatch functions. Pretty much everything you will need on a long hike, climb or camp-out.

When you are navigating with the Suunto X10 on a preplanned route it can show you the direction you need to head and the estimated time of arrival. There is of course a ‘find home’ preset which can lead the user back to the start point or marked ‘Home’. In addition you can also ‘track back’ function which can guide you back along any recorded route.

Suunto X10 offers a 33% longer battery life than that of X9i and it has its own USB charger which can also be used to transfer data to a laptop or other data devices. Unlike conventional GPS devices, this is one of the most compact and lightest, being integrated within a wristop computer which is also water and corrosive resistant .

Whether you are an athlete, an avid traveller, or a watch enthusiast, the Suunto X10 could simply be the only watch you will ever need.