Microsoft's omnidirectional RingCam

The RingCam is an omnidirectional camera, which captures 360-degrees of video. It is constructed of inexpensive 1394 digital cameras (each 640x480).

The RingCam differs from existing omnidirectional cameras, like the OmniCam, in that it is much higher resolution (3000x480), and significantly cheaper.

It requires a single 1394 cable to interface to a PC. Images from each camera are stitched together in real-time to form a high resolution panorama.

RingCam: An omnidirectional camera


A more recent version of the RingCam has an integrated microphone array in the base of the camera, and a privacy shutter (shown below).




Source Microsoft

The Helio Mobile

As technology moves and merges further forward, there's little surprise that we're seeing the likes of this device being touted as the next best thing. The Helio mobile offers Myspace integration, meaning you can actually post to Myspace from the handset. It's not just a gimmick device though, with plenty more to offer in the specifications department: Unlimited Data, picture and text messaging, data transfer, 3G network access, wireless internet, video streaming, and of course the aforementioned Myspace access.




Various plans are on offer that include 3D games that you can try before buying it, video downloading and streaming from varying sources, including major news, sport and music channels. Spec-wise it has a 2 mega pixel camera with flash (4x digital zoom, and MPEG 4 video camera), full screen video (Large 2.2” QVGA, 260K color TFT-LAC, 240 x 320 resolution), duplex stereo speakers. It's packed full and doesn't look half bad either, but the $275 price tag may leave some thinking twice.

Source QJ.NET

ErgoClick™ Mouse Clicking Device

From the official website:

Mouse without lifting a finger.
The ErgoClick uses your left palm to perform left, right and double click actions - simply by shifting the weight of your palm.

The ErgoClick is ideal for people who suffer from trigger finger or simply find clicking the mouse to be a painful aspect of their computer interface. Now you can use your left palm to click, while using a traditional mouse in your right hand for cursor control, just as before.

ErgoClick™ Features:

Why use the palm?

When you click your mouse (usually with your index finger) you are using the flexor muscles in your hands, which are used to make a fist (or curl your fingers toward the palm). The extensor muscles are used to open your hand, or extend / uncurl your fingers. The average computer user needs to click their mouse (in a typical 8 hour shift) several thousands times in a day. This can lead to the flexor muscles becoming much stronger than the extensor muscles, which will make the muscles in your hands and arms more subject to fatigue and can lead to RSI related injuries including "trigger finger".

Description of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger involves the tendons in the hand that bend the finger. The tendons connect the muscles of the forearm with the bones of the fingers. Each tendon is covered by a slick lining or sheath. When you bend your fingers, the tendons glide back and forth.

When the tendon sheath becomes inflamed, it swells and may develop a knot or thickening in the tendon. The knot passes through the sheath as the finger bends, but gets stuck as the finger straightens. This causes further irritation and results in a vicious circle of irritation, swelling, catching and more irritation until finally, the finger locks in a bent position.

How Does it Work?

The palm of the right hand is used to position the pointer on the screen (1 on the diagram at right) as always with your mouse, trackball or other pointing device. The palm of the left hand is used only to click (2 on the diagram at right). With a slight movement of your palm you can generate clicks and double-clicks (only a single click is needed for Double Click) By using the palm to click rather than the fingers, your hand can maintain a relaxed neutral supported posture, and by simply shifting the orientation of your palm slightly you can generate clicks. This product works best with a compact keyboard to maximize the desktop space immediately in front of the user.

Where are the Buttons?

Button 1: Left Click
Buttons 2 and 3: Double Click (you only need to click once)
Dial 4: Click Force Adjustment Dial.



How Hard is the Button to Press?
The ErgoClick has a unique feature which is not available in any other keyboard or traditional mouse currently on the market - an adjustable clicking force. You can adjust the actuation force of the button from 30 grams to 300 grams, creating as light or as strong a touch as required. Even at the lightest force setting of 30 grams, the click sensation provided is highly tactile and responsive.

Specifications
Width: 2.5" Wide
Depth: 3.5" Deep
Height: 1.5" High

Price: $65.00

Source Kinesis-Ergo.com

(The Ultimate) Multimedia Chair!

Plug your stereo, home theater, or game system into this chair and you’ll be surrounded with rich, lifelike audio that will enhance your experience of any recorded concert, movie or video game.


Sound comes from the two 50-watt speakers built into the headrest, while the chair’s tactile sound transducer—the same technology originally used in multimillion dollar USAF flight simulators and theme park rides—converts low-frequency sounds into vibrations. Even without the volume turned up loud, you’ll actually feel the shudders of cinema car chases, the recoil of video game weapons, or the booming bass of symphony recordings.

A powerful 300-watt amp is hidden in the chair base, and a side panel has separate volume and vibration controls, as well as a headphone jack. The comfortable chair surrounds you with a cockpit-like feel thanks to soft suede microfiber upholstery, high-density foam cushioning, and a sturdy hardwood frame.

Swivel base. Quick assembly with no tools. Plugs into AC; UL listed. Charcoal. Imported. 39 1/2” H x 33 1/2” W x 32 1/2” D. (115 lbs.)

Source Hammacher.com