GeekSugar

James Cameron Gets Creative With Tech to Promote Avatar

GeekSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:05:30 -0800

Augmented reality seems to be the next big thing on the tech horizon - already new apps and even umbrellas are using the technology - and it doesn't seem to be in short supply either. Just after we learned that Esquire will be using augmented reality in their upcoming issue, I realized that James Cameron has also harnessed the feature to promote his next big blockbuster. Every time you buy an Avatar product - whether it be an action figure or a branded can of Coke - you can use your webcam to have some fun with 3D right in your home. Just hold the product up to your webcam, and you'll see a interactive 3D character on your screen. Sure, you can't do much with a 3D character, but it might make me pick up a can of soda next time I hit the convenience store!

In addition, the latest three minute Avatar trailer was released over the weekend to the "world's largest trailer-viewing audience", proving that Mr. Cameron is willing to use a pretty big bag of tech tricks to get our butts in the theater next month!

Summer Gadget Gear For "The Office"

GeekSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:03:52 -0700

Once it turns into "Hot Sun in the City," it's practically game over unless you have a stellar air conditioning system or some handy devices to help you stay cool all Summer long. Here are just a few of my favorite fun gadgets that will surely keep you and your electronics cool throughout the hot months.

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Get an Old-Timey Webcam - Without the Shattering Lightbulb!

GeekSugar — Mon, 26 May 2008 05:00:26 -0700

If you were inspired by my Steampunk post the other day or are regularly intrigued by Vintage Geek posts like I am, then I think you'll be into this old-fashioned looking webcam, the Retrocam!

You won't have to slave over a new webcam and steampunk it into fanciness, nor will you have to suffer through the shattering old bulbs or put your head underneath a black cloth like in the olden days. Even though that sounds awesome.

Only $35, but here's a nonsensical drawback - it's not Mac-compatible, and yet Urban Outfitters is displaying it with a Mac. D'oh!

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Animal Webcam Buddies: Love or Leave?

GeekSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:15:10 -0800

The perfect Christmas gift for tech-savvy kids, these animal webcams are easy to set up and fun to use. Choose from a blue dog or a red dinosaur, although I swear they look more like funky cows! Each USB cam comes with a built-in mic for web chats and can only be used on PCs (sorry Mac fans). Priced at $19. Do you know any kids (or adults for that matter) that would love them?

Do You Use Webcams to Keep in Touch With Family?

GeekSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:00:08 -0800

I used to be a little shy about using webcams, but my mac has built-in iSight so I eventually let go of my insecurities and tested it out. Now my webcam helps me keep in touch with friends and family across the country, chat with other tech bloggers, and even check in on my BFF's adorable newborn. Sure, it sometimes feels silly and I wonder if my hair looks clean, but it's so nice to see my aunt's face when I talk to her online.

Even if you don't have a built-in camera, many people have become dependent on webcams like this one from Conof for keeping in contact with their family - particularly during the holidays. Where do you stand on the webcam divide?

Flexible and Fun Clique Hue Webcam

GeekSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:00:50 -0700

As much as I'd like to follow Gizmodo's lead by calling the Clique Hue HD Webcam a "colorful porncam," I think I'll keep this one clean and suggest some other uses for this stylish webcam. For those of you who were fans of the stick figure Sony speakers, I'm sure you'll love this webcam as well, as it boasts a similar simplistic design. The Hue can be used to chat with friends or family online in its base or plugged directly into your laptop. It also comes with a 1.3MPX sensor, a built-in mic, noice reduction technology and a one-touch snapshot button for still shot pics. Choose from a variety of colors to suit your personal needs! Priced at $80 after the introductory discount. If you're using it for porn that's your business - not mine.

One Way Web Cam For All You Glamour Girls

GeekSugar — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 05:00:34 -0700

Japan’s Thanko has released a new webcam, which is essentially a one-way mirror that will allow you to stare at yourself all day. According to Technabob, the device has a hidden camera behind the mirror that lets you admire your own face while you chat with your friends online.

It's a novel idea, if you are totally obsessed with yourself. Rare Mono Shop is selling the device for ¥5,980 (about $49 USD.) Of course, you can always just download the The Balooba Mirror 2.0 widget for your Mac.

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The User-Friendly USB Crystal Clip Cam

GeekSugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 03:48:26 -0700

Just clip, plug and play the crystal clip cam and you'll be chatting with friends and family in no time. This USB cam is as versatile as the playful USB happy-kid webcam, as it can clip onto your LCD monitor or just stand on your desk. It also takes still images and rotates up to 180 degrees for easy adjustment. Best of all, it has LED lights so you can chat in the dark (don't get any crazy ideas...hehe). Use it on ICQ, MSN, Skype, etc. Priced at only $19.
To check out more pics, including a shot of the cam with its LED lights on, read more

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Would You Buy A Bubble Head Webcam?

GeekSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 02:30:16 -0700

Designer Eric Zhang says there's no reason why a web camera has to look like an ugly mechanical eyeball sitting on your desk and I quite agree with him. Zhang's Bubble Head Webcam features a camera itself mounted into the head, while the cute little body contains a copper skeleton and is covered in durable Thermoplastic Polyurethane. The characters are completely moveable/bendable so you can hang him on your screen, sit him on your books or make him climb the included ladder. Apologies to all of you ready to purchase your next gadget pet - the Bubble Head is still at the prototype stage with no plans yet for mass production.

To check out more pictures of the Bubble Head Webcam, read more

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The Playful USB Happy-Kid Webcam

GeekSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 03:11:36 -0700

What has one giant eye, is purple (or green), and can flex its arms, legs and head? The irresistible Happy-Kid Webcam of course! This USB webcam is not only cute but extremely functional as well. Hang it from your computer monitor and use it to take pictures by pressing the button on its head, or use it for video conferencing between friends and family.
Maybe not the most inconspicuous webcam, as it is brightly colored and includes an LED indicator, but it does get an A+ for its fun factor. To see more pictures, read more

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