Giant Optimus Prime statue sees rainbow gush from my mouth

There is just one thing about robots that tend to fascinate mankind – otherwise, how else do you explain the amount of money raked in by the Transformers franchise over three films, despite the fact that the second and third parts were unable to live up to the first movie in terms of storytelling and fleshing out of its characters? Not to mention other robot films and cartoons that had made an impact in our lives all these years, too. For those who feel that they have this strange attraction to Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, here is one memento that you definitely could make do with in your living room – a 2.7 meter tall Optimus Prime.

I am quite sure in real life (fictionally speaking, that is – I know that came across as weird), he is far taller than this, but considering this is a hand-made effort that was built using recycled metal, useless auto parts as well as other machines, it is a true masterpiece. The asking price for this half ton behemoth? We are looking at $10,500 here, and that does not even take into account shipping costs.

Readmore → Giant Optimus Prime statue sees rainbow gush from my mouth

SteelSeries Ion Wireless Controller

When it comes to gaming peripherals, your choices are just like multiple choice questions – all of them sound right from one point or another, but when you dissect it down, you would realize that there is only one answer for you – and that answer might not necessarily be what other people have chosen. SteelSeries knows this, and hence they have a wide range of new mice which we will cover in the coming days, but for now, here is the Ion Wireless Controller.

Thanks to a licensing partnership with Zeemote Technology Inc., the SteelSeries Ion Wireless Controller was specially designed to play nice with the computer, in addition to delivering classic control schemes to touchscreen devices such as tablets and phones, where a virtual button layout definitely cannot beat something that has tactile feedback. After all, it can be rather hard to wean yourself off something which you have grown up with, not to mention there is no physical feel of virtual buttons, leading one to press the wrong button during times of gaming stress.

Bluetooth connectivity is summoned for action in this case, where it is a snap to customize and configure thanks its own application on the device. One advantage of the Ion Wireless Controller would be its size – it measures roughly the size of a standard deck of cards (108mm x 55.5mm x 18mm) and can be stashed away or carried easily without breaking your back. A white LED light is there to let you know whether it is connected or not, while a rechargeable, lithium battery inside ensures you are able to enjoy up to 20 hours of wireless use before requiring a trip to the nearest power outlet. You can plug this into your device for charge and play use as well if you do not mind living the tethered lifestyle for a while.

The SteelSeries Ion boasts comes in a classic controller design that comprises a couple of mini-joysticks, a left side Dpad button, 2 trigger buttons one at each shoulder, and a four button layout on the right, which means there is very little learning curve for those who are already familiar with Nintendo, Xbox 360 and PlayStation controllers. No idea on pricing, but the SteelSeries Ion Wireless Controller is being prepared for a Q3 release this year.

Readmore → SteelSeries Ion Wireless Controller

XtremeMac has new mobile charging solutions for the masses

With the ever growing number of gizmos and gadgets that we own these days, traveling involves one more thing to consider – packing in all the relevant chargers. After all, going to a foreign country that has a different wall outlet to what you have at home could prove to be a downer, especially when you have exhausted all juice on the iPad during the long haul flight. Good thing there are companies out there like XtremeMac that comes up with really nifty portable charging solutions, and the company has done it yet again with the 3-in-1 USB Mobile Cable, InCharge Boost and InCharge Micro Boost.

All three new convenient mobile charging solutions are able to deliver an efficient and convenient charge for iPad, iPhone and iPod – regardless of whether you are at home or on the move. We will look at them in greater detail right after the jump.

First of all, the 3-in-1 USB Mobile Cable will comprise a single cable solution that has a trio of different connectors that deliver a universal charging solution for the majority of mobile devices. With three different connectors, this cable is ideal for home/office use or travel. The USB to micro USB, mini USB and 30pin tethered tips will function with most Apple devices, tablets, smartphones, cameras, GPS devices and MP3 players.

As for the InCharge Boost, this portable rechargeable battery pack is meant for the iPod, iPhone and iPad. With a powerful 2300 mAh lithium polymer rechargeable battery inside, it will come with a tethered 30-pin connector to juice up Apple devices, while a USB connector is used to recharge its internal battery. Other features include an on/off switch to conserve power, status LED indicators and an integrated carabineer for portability.

Last but not least, the InCharge Micro Boost comes in the form of an ultra compact emergency rechargeable battery pack for the iPod and iPhone. With a 500mAh lithium polymer rechargeable battery, it comes with an integrated carabineer, ensuring the Micro Boost remains attached to your keychain or backpack all the time, making sure there is a quick charge on hand whenever required.

All three will be released before the first quarter of the year is over.

Readmore → XtremeMac has new mobile charging solutions for the masses

Cubify ready to start in era of 3D printing?

What you see here in the photo is the Cube 3D Printer, and I believe that soon every home will have something like it, just like every home has a “2D” printer now.

I got a chance to see it demonstrated at CES, and I discovered that 3D printing is even more accessible than I thought. I have seen 3D printers at work before, but the Cube made some very detailed models that I didn’t think were capable of a 3D printer.

For example, I saw a figurine that had several colors on it, and I simply assumed that it was made on a 3D printer and then painted later. To my surprise, I was told that the figurine was printed out, in full color.

You can purchase the Cube here at a cost of $1,999. That is a little expensive for a typical household, but as I recall, so were most PCs back in the day.

It really is a matter of the 3D printing technology getting better and cheaper before it is adopted into every household, and it looks like Cubify could be the company that really “gets it out there”, like TiVo did the DVR. In fact, you can click the Source link to read some more information, and to see the community that it has.

Readmore → Cubify ready to start in era of 3D printing?

Forget the Segway, ride a Trikke!

I suppose that the Segway industry really has yet to take off, but I like the idea of personal mobility. I suppose I would have to group the Trikke with Segway-style products, but the Trikke has three wheels and not two self-balancing ones.

I got a chance to ride a Trikke at CES 2012, and I found that it was about as difficult to learn as a self-balancing motorcycle. At first, I was a little hesitant to make any sharp turns, but I found that with a little practice, the Trikke is highly maneuverable.

The maximum speed on it is 17 mph, but you’ll probably cruise along at about 12 mph. It is completely electirc with zero emissions, and is good for 24 miles per charge. The battery just plugs into the wall, and it is easily swappable.

The Trikke can fold down to a smaller shape, sort of like a stroller, so it is easily portable. It really does have a lot of personal mobility uses like security, tourism, and just getting around conveniently overall.

As you might have guessed, this fun doesn’t come cheap. The 36 Volt lite costs $1,299.99, the 3G Volt costs $1,899.99, and the 48 Volt costs $2,199.99. You can check out all the individual features on the official website.

Readmore → Forget the Segway, ride a Trikke!

Swiss Measuring Spoons

You know the Swiss, what with their precise timekeeping and all of that. Well, you might want to enlist a little bit of Swiss precision in your kitchen the next time you have friends or family over for a cookout, with the $9.99 Swiss Measuring Spoons. Despite being made out of food-grade ABS plastic, these Swiss Measuring Spoons are precision crafted, and could very well prove to be the useful measuring multi-tool for you to potter about in the kitchen. Not only are they dishwasher safe, they also help save space since they are convenient to stash away.

Something tells me that getting this for your mate who loves baking might just find a second wind to create this future all time favorite recipe in the family – simply because the ingredients are all carefully measured and spread. What do you think?

Readmore → Swiss Measuring Spoons

ION Audio Road Rocker

ION Audio has just introduced its latest piece of consumer electronics – an ultra-compact speaker system that targets iOS-powered devices, microphones, instruments and other miscellanous Bluetooth-powered music players. Known as the Road Rocker, it debuted at the recently concluded CES in Las Vegas, and is tiny enough to be carried around with you wherever you go, regardless of whether it is meant for a camping trip, tailgating, parties and most definitely road trips.

Just how does the Road Rocker work? Well, it has Bluetooth connectivity to thank, as it will stream music wirelessly thanks to Bluetooth – so basically most modern smartphones are compatible with it, in addition to a bevy of Bluetooth enabled devices such as tablets and portable media players. Do not sneer at its size, as this is one “pooch” that has quite a mean “bark” despite its size.

Despite being incredibly compact, it still packs in a high-quality full-range speaker, a 1/4-inch input for connecting microphones or instruments, and even comes with a bass port which will offer music an additional low-end thump. It does not matter whether you are using the ION Audio’s Road Rocker to make sure everyone at your party has a rocking good time, or to keep your guitar skills sharp through practice even when you are on vacation. Sporting a built-in rechargeable battery, the Road Rocker will be able to deliver up to eight hours of uninterrupted music.

Not only that, it will come with an 1/8-inch input and cable that will let non-Bluetooth enabled music players and devices hook up to it. The integrated cradle will make sure your iPad, iPhone or other device remains nice and secure on top of the Road Rocker even when you are having the time of your life with your favorite tracks, good friends, and great food. No idea on pricing though, but we do look forward to its general release to the market later this year.

Readmore → ION Audio Road Rocker