Articles
In-house barista for coffee on demand
The ultimate lazy Christmas stocking gift has arrived with the launch of Smarter Coffee, the machine that allows users to make a freshly ground and brewed coffee from anywhere in their home on demand via a wi-fi connection. The Smarter app, which is compatible with either iOS or Android devices, controls the grinding of the beans, the coffee strength, and how many cups to make. It then notifies the user when the coffee is ready, and keeps it warm for 20 minutes. Users can even add other people to the Smarter Coffee network, and send and receive requests through their smartphones.
www.red5.co.uk/gadgets/smarter-coffee.aspx
Battery wallet solves charging problem
Users who forget to bring chargers for their iPhones, or simply neglect to charge them before leaving the house or office, could now have a solution to their dead batteries. The Nomad Wallet looks and functions like a normal wallet, but has a small battery and integrated USB cable in its spine. The company says the 2,400mAh battery should be more than enough to fully recharge iPhones before the 6 model, and can charge the new iPhone 6s to almost 100%.
www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a18053/nomad-wallet-charges-iphone/
Fashion statement for the engineer
Not many e-commerce websites bother to specifically cater for the engineer, but Etsy obviously thinks it has spotted a gap in the market. The peer-to-peer online retailer has a rapidly expanding section containing gifts for the engineer, and some of them are rather good fun.
There’s a selection of T-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as ‘Trust me, I’m an engineer’, or simply ‘Ninjaneer’. Or there’s more understated couture, with a range of ties embossed with subtle mechanical patterns.
Art is well catered for, too, with some tasteful slide-rule patent posters, or Tesla AC generator patent prints.
Most of the gifts are reasonably priced, with many under £10. With workplace Secret Santa season under way, Etsy could provide some much-needed inspiration.
Go to www.Etsy.com and search for ‘engineer’.
Use your phone to fly a plane
PowerUp 3.0 allows users to remotely control a paper aeroplane through a Bluetooth-connected smartphone or tablet. With the free mobile app, PowerUp Toys' technology enables users to control the motor's power for descending or ascending during flight, and to change direction by tilting their phone to control the rudder. The crash-proof design makes this technology an easier alternative to battery-intensive remote-controlled helicopters and planes, says the firm.
www.red5.co.uk/gadgets/powerup-3-0.aspx