technabob » pool http://technabob.com/blog gadgets, gizmos, games, cool gadgets for geeks Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:39:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 waterproof bluetooth speaker goes for a swim http://technabob.com/blog/2009/05/29/waterproof-bluetooth-speaker-goes-for-a-swim/ http://technabob.com/blog/2009/05/29/waterproof-bluetooth-speaker-goes-for-a-swim/#comments Fri, 29 May 2009 12:10:38 +0000 technabob http://technabob.com/blog/?p=13904 With the warm weather season finally upon us (sorry Australian and New Zealand readers), you’re probably hoping to spend lots of time in the pool this Summer. But just because you’re floating around on an inflatable raft with a piña colada in hand doesn’t mean you have to be separated from your digital music collection.

waterproof_speaker

This floating wireless speaker from Elima can connect to any Bluetooth device that supports A2DP or AVRCP for transmitting sound. And since it can receive transmissions from up to 10-meters (appx. 30 feet) away, you can set your iPhone or other compatible device over on the poolside table – or grab an underwater case and float the whole thing in the pool. The orb-shaped speaker measures about 6-inches in diameter, and features a pair of 2-watt speakers for stereo sound.

waterproof_speaker_2

But unlike the guy in the picture above, I wouldn’t recommend floating this thing in the salt water ocean – otherwise, glowing  pink musical notes could come flying out of it. Or worse yet…

bluetooth_backstreet_boys

If you can bear the thought of buying something that’s being marketed by mentioning how you can play Backstreet Boys music on it, head on over Chinavasion, and grab one for $40 (USD).

]]> http://technabob.com/blog/2009/05/29/waterproof-bluetooth-speaker-goes-for-a-swim/feed/ 1 focal aquatune lets your ipod go for a swim http://technabob.com/blog/2009/02/10/focal-aquatune-lets-your-ipod-go-for-a-swim/ http://technabob.com/blog/2009/02/10/focal-aquatune-lets-your-ipod-go-for-a-swim/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:40:01 +0000 technabob http://technabob.com/blog/?p=8851 How many times have you said to yourself – Self… Why is it that I can’t take my iPod in the swimming pool with me? Well this new waterproof sound system from Japan’s Focal is the answer to your inner prayers.

focal_ipod_nano_4g_waterproof1

The new AquaTune Nano 4G provides a durable waterproof case for your Nano 4G, while pumping sound out of a pair of high-output 1W speakers which can also handle the wet stuff. The polycarbonate shell is sealed with a watertight O-ring to keeps the H2O out, and your delicate electronics nice and dry.

Don’t have a Nano? Then the AquaTune v2 is right for you. While not as svelte as the Nano 4G, the V2 works with almost every non-touchscreen iPod model under the sun (and in the water), and ups the audio ante with a pair of 3W drivers.

aquatune_v2_ipod_waterproof

They’re perfect for the beach, swimming, a rainy day, floating in the tub or to accompany your off-key singing in the shower.

No word on when the AquaTune will turn up stateside, but they’re available in Japan with the Nano 4G model selling for ¥10,800 (appx. $118 USD) and a rather pricey for ¥15,800 (appx. $173 USD) the V2.

]]> http://technabob.com/blog/2009/02/10/focal-aquatune-lets-your-ipod-go-for-a-swim/feed/ 1 tikitoonz tiki speakers say aloha http://technabob.com/blog/2008/08/11/tikitoonz-tiki-speakers-say-aloha/ http://technabob.com/blog/2008/08/11/tikitoonz-tiki-speakers-say-aloha/#comments Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:30:09 +0000 technabob http://technabob.com/blog/?p=3526 Getting ready to throw that last big pool party before the Summer comes to an end? There’s nothing better than a Luau themed party, complete with a variety of rum-and-fruit-juice-infused cocktails served in some Tiki Tumblers. What better way to complement your Luau but with some matching Tiki speakers (blasting some appropriate Elvis or Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole, of course) to set the mood?

These fun new Luau Luey speakers from TikiToonz should do the trick just fine. Based on the classic Polynesian carvings, these outdoor speakers crank out 80 watts per channel and are made from durable weather-resistant enclosures. They’re perfect poolside or anywhere you want to set that retro Tiki bar look.

A pair of the speakers retails for $149.95 USD from the TikiToonz website. And no – it doesn’t matter how many Zombies or Mai Tais you serve me, I won’t wear that grass skirt and do the hula.

]]> http://technabob.com/blog/2008/08/11/tikitoonz-tiki-speakers-say-aloha/feed/ 0 world’s first waterproof digital video player http://technabob.com/blog/2007/07/30/worlds-first-waterproof-digital-video-player/ http://technabob.com/blog/2007/07/30/worlds-first-waterproof-digital-video-player/#comments Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:23:27 +0000 technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2007/07/30/worlds-first-waterproof-digital-video-player/ If you’re into multi-tasking, specifically swimming and watching movies at the same time, have I got a gadget for you. This new digital media player can not only play your favorite vid clips, it can do it in the pool.

Waterproof MP4 Digital Video Player

Coming soon from Chinavasion, this waterproof digital video player can handle being submerged in up to about 10-feet of water without skipping a beat. The earphones are also watertight, but only if you keep them in your ears (duh!) The player has a small 1.8-inch color display and comes with software to convert videos from MPEG, WMV, ASF formats. Audio playback is also supported in WAV, WMA and MP3 formats.

The player only ships with 1GB of memory, but since it can only muster 128 x 128 resolution, 15 frame-per-second playback, I think that would still hold a decent amount of video.

Here’s my recommended viewing list: Jaws, The Deep, Pirahna and Open Water.

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