Technabob » flip

Retro Flip Watch Puts the 1970s on Your Wrist

Technabob — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:06:06 +0000

If you grew up in the 1970s, you probably remember one of the most popular types of bedside alarm clocks had those little mechanical numbers which flipped over when the minutes changed.

I still think they were a marvel of engineering, and kind of miss the old clicking sound they used to make so you knew another minute had past. A few companies are actually making them again, and if this concept is ever produced, you could be wearing a flip clock on your wrist.

Designed by a guy named Gordon (sorry, I don’t know your last name Gordon, feel free to let us know), the Retro Flip watch is the perfect thing for those of you with retro design sensibilities.

The watch would contain a miniature version of that 1970s flip clock, set into a cylindrical oval watch body with a curved face. While Gordon has offered up the concept in a variety of modern finishes, I personally love the one with the burled wood finish. I would actually buy and wear this watch if it were produced. Though I wouldn’t look forward to “falling back” this week when daylight savings time ends and you have to flip through all of the numbers again to set the watch back one hour.

While I’m not sure of the practicality of manufacturing a flip clock in miniature, show your support for the Flip Clock over at the TokyoFlash Design Blog, and maybe if it gets enough votes, they’ll actually produce it. For now, just look at the pretty pictures.

Olympus LS-20M Takes Over Where Flip Left Off

Range — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:52:29 +0000

For people who still want a dedicated video camera and were despondent when Flip recently closed its operations, the new Olympus LS-20M might be able to fill that void. This dedicated pocket video cam has got a focus on audio captures, making it a multi-purpose device.

The LS-20M will capture video in 1080p and records audio in 24-bit with variable gain. The onboard screen is only 2 inches, which might make it a little difficult to see what you’re shooting. In addition to full HD, it also does 720p and 640×480. It captures everything at 30FPS.

One thing that is nice about this gadget is the high-quality 96 kHz/24-bit Linear PCM audio recording and stereo microphones on the front of the camera.

I do question the usability of the LS-20M though. There are a lot of small buttons on its face, which could get confusing, and the lens is located at the top of the device, between the microphones. I guess you’ll end up pointing this device like a remote, so I’m not sure how you can look at the screen while recording. It does support something called “Reverse Angle Recording” which allows upside-down recording, so maybe that will help. The Olympus LS-20M should be available in June for about $300 (USD).

[via CrunchGear]

Blue Microphones Debuts Mikey for Flip Cameras

Shane McGlaun — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:57:32 +0000

I have recorded my share of video on some of the lower priced camcorders on the market and the video quality is usually very good, with HD resolution being common these days. What is also common is for you to have nice video quality and then have sound that is flat and not up to the same standards as the video.

Of all the camcorders on the market the Flip line are some of the most popular. They have HD resolutions and if the sound quality isn’t good enough for you, Blue Microphones has a new accessory for any Flip camcorder with the FlipPort.

The Mikey for Flip plugs into the FlipPort on the bottom of the camcorders and offers much better sound with Blue’s premium stereo condensers. The mic gets power from a AAA battery and has an integrated tripod mount. The Mikey has automatic sensitivity selection along with a switch or loud setting. Pricing is unknown at this time.

Modern Flip Clock Updates an Old Standard

Technabob — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 04:56:38 +0000

Remember those crummy old alarm clocks from the seventies that used numbers that flipped as the time changed? Dutch designer Wil van den Bos has reinvented the classic flip clock as a work of modern magnificence.

For starters, the Bomba Alarm Clock has rid itself of those boring plain-Jane digits and updated them into a hip post-modern typeface. Then, by freeing the clock from its box, and exposing its inner-workings, the clock makes a truly dramatic statement. Add to the exposed gears and cogs a couple of blue/white LEDs to provide illumination, and you have one totally excellent clock for your desk.

I’m still looking for a U.S. importer for these, but for now, you can pick one up from Japan’s Visions Coax for ¥9975 (appx. $80 USD.)

[UPDATE 6/20/2007: I've managed to find these clocks right here in the U.S. from littleclockshop.com for just $68 each.]

Flip Video: Camcorder Uploads Direct to Youtube

Technabob — Tue, 01 May 2007 15:42:52 +0000

With all of the buzz about “user created content” these days, it was only a matter of time before hardware manufacturers started to create devices with that use specifically in mind. This new line of digital camcorders from Pure Digital comes with built-in integration to YouTube and other online video sharing services.

Flip Video camcorders aren’t designed to hold atremendous amount of content, with one model capturing 30-minutes ($120) and another capturing 60-minutes ($150.) However, the devices are designed to idiotproof the process of capturing and uploading clips to popular online video sites. The included software allows for editing and embellishment of clips too.

Each camcorder has a simple one-touch recording and a basic 2x digital zoom capability. No specifics are known about the video resolution, but I’m betting it’s no more than VGA. You certainly won’t be the next Scorsese with this technology, but it you’re looking for the easiest path to shoot and share video clips, this could be it. Flip Video cameras should be available this week in most major retail outlets.

Cool Blue LED Clock With Flipping Numbers

Technabob — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:38:37 +0000

Here’s another nifty LED clock out of Japan. This one features animated numbers that “flip” as each digit changes.

The square blue LED pixels gradually change to the next number simulating a scrolling effect. It’s definitely a pretty large clock, measuring 17.7″(w) x 4.33″(h) x 2″(d), and is designed to be easily wall-mounted. The clock costs ¥15500 (appx. $130 USD), and is available from Japanese retailer Rakuten.

[via Thoughts from the Sidelines]