The Gadget: The Torch flashlight from Wicked Lasers is currently being reviewed by Guinness as the world’s most powerful flashlight. At 4100 lumens, the Torch can easily start fires and even fry eggs.
The Price: $300
The Verdict: Simply put, the Torch flashlight is like carrying around a floodlight in your hand. It is easily the most powerful and semi-frightening flashlight I have ever seen. However, let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that this a practical device. The only reason anyone should ever buy the Torch is to impress other nerds.
Last month I reviewed the 160 lumens Duracell Daylite and found it to be a good choice for anyone looking for a powerful, practical flashlight. It’s not a fair comparison by any means, but analyzing the results from that test against the Torch gives you a good idea of how bright this thing really is.
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In order to illustrate its power, Wicked Lasers has released several videos showing the Torch burning paper, lighting matches and frying eggs. These claims are true—as you can see from my own test illustrated in the video above. But the heat this thing gives off is not all fun and games for pyromaniacs. It also severely limits the usability of the flashlight. After a few minutes of use, the Torch becomes too hot to hold in your hand. According to the user’s manual, it should only be used in 3 minute intervals with at least 2 minutes of “rest” in between.
As you might have guessed, the battery life for the Torch is almost nil. I’m not sure what the exact figures are, but I doubt that you could get more than 10 minutes of continuous use out of a full-power 30-minute charge. And, to be quite honest, the scary charging unit above is fairly unreliable. I found myself frequently resetting the magnets because it registered a full charge prematurely.
Obviously, I can’t recommend something this expensive, impractical and, quite frankly, dangerous—but if you are willing to drop $300 on a gadget that will impress your friends for a minute or two, the Torch will definitely get the job done. [Wicked Lasers]
Our summer intern managed to survive (and escape from) his time spent with Giz SF, and now it’s time to find someone else to take his place. We need someone in the SF Bay Area to help out for at least 20 hours a week with various tasks, such as…
• Tracking down the best gadgets and entertaining stories on the internet
• Helping us pull together stories
• Helping writers out with live reporting from events
• Writing, eventually, if you’re awesome (and still alive)
To do all this, you’re going to need some basic skills and qualifications. Here’s what were looking for…
• Passion for Gadgets and Technology
• Solid writing ability (excellent grammar, spelling, etc…)
• Basic HTML and Photoshop ability
• Good organization and attention to detail (cliched, I know, but a must)
• You HAVE TO live within commuting distance of SF
• Reliable mode of transportation is a big plus.
• Dedication—the job’s fun, but it’s definitely work
A degree in Journalism, Communications, or just understanding how news and media works is a plus, but not a must. A small monthly stipend will also be included, but it won’t get you out of your parents’ basement. Send a resume and cover letter to intern@gizmodo.com with the subject line “SF Intern” or “NYC Intern”. Please, NO ATTACHMENTS, but links are OK.
Back in March we raved about Casio’s EX-F1, and it’s just six months later and now Casio’s got another super-fast frame rate camera for us: the EX-F20. It’s a smaller and lighter beast than its predecessor, but it has 9.1-megapixels, can still shoot ultra-high-speed bursts at 40 fps and high speed movies at “up to 1,000 fps” and has a 20x optical zoom, anti-shake, night-scene mode and standard 720p video option. It’s intended to appeal to a broader bunch of users, rather than just camera enthusiasts, so it’s a little simpler than the EX-1, with all the shooting modes on a single dial. It’ll be available in black in stores from October for $600. Press release below.
DOVER, NJ, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 — Casio America, Inc., in conjunction with its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, today announced the release of its newest EXILIM® digital camera, the HIGH SPEED EXILIM EX-FH20. This remarkable new camera is capable of ultra high-speed burst shooting at 40 fps and can record high speed movies at up to 1,000 fps.
In March of this year, Casio released the EXILIM Pro EX-F1, the world’s fastest digital camera*. The EX-F1 is capable of ultra-high speed burst shooting at 60 fps and can record high speed movies at up to 1,200 fps, helping users catch each decisive moment, and even capturing motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive. These features have created a totally new genre of digital photography and won the respect and admiration of camera enthusiasts and professional photographers alike.
*As of September 16, 2008, based on a Casio survey for consumer market digital cameras.
While maintaining the ability to perform at speeds unmatched by the world’s top digital SLRs, the new HIGH SPEED EXILIM EX-FH20 is designed to appeal to a broader range of users. In addition to simplifying controls by placing all shooting mode settings on a single dial, Casio also gave the EX-FH20 a 20X optical zoom on a surprisingly compact body, 27% smaller and 28% lighter than the EX-F1. Its speed and ease of use truly puts this camera in a class of its own. In recognition of these unique characteristics, with today’s release of the new
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Casio Announces New High Speed Exilim Digital Camera…add oneEX-FH20, Casio has launched the new HIGH SPEED EXILIM series, which includes this camera and the even faster EX-F1. Casio expects the revolutionary capabilities of its HIGH SPEED EXILIM cameras to generate entirely new applications for digital photography.
“Casio continues to create a new digital camera market focusing on high speed capabilities with the introduction of the innovative HIGH SPEED EXILIM EX-FH20,” said Bill Heuer, Vice President of Sales for Casio’s Digital Imaging Division. “The new HIGH SPEED EXILIM series allows for images to be captured faster than ever before without compromising image quality.”
The EX-FH20, MSRP $599.99, will be available in black at retail stores in October.
9.1 effective megapixels and a high power, wide angle zoom lens
The EX-FH20 is equipped with a 26 mm-equivalent wide angle zoom lens that can close in on subjects with a powerful 20X optical zoom. The camera also features a CMOS shift anti-shake function to support power-zoom shots.Never miss a photographic opportunity, with high speed burst shooting up to 40 fps
The EX-FH20 can capture action in high definition, 7 megapixel (3072 x 2304 pixel) images with ultra-high speed burst shooting at up to 40 fps. Users can select from seven burst settings, allowing them to capture from 1 fps up to 40 fps in a single burst. Further, users can prerecord up to 40 still images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before! Even if they press the shutter a little late, they will still catch that vital moment.High speed movie recording at up to 1,000 fps
The EX-FH20 can record high speed movie footage of motion too fast for the human eye, for ultra slow motion playback. Users can select from recording speeds of 1,000 fps, 420 fps or 210 fps and can also switch from the standard speed of 30 fps to high speed recording at 210 fps during recording at the touch of a button. The EX-FH20 makes it easy to capture critical moments on video.High Speed Anti-Shake function
This function corrects images by automatically synthesizing multiple images captured during high speed burst shooting.High Speed Night Scene setting
With or without a tripod, this feature ensures that high speed night shots come out clear and beautiful.HD Movie function
The EX-FH20’s HD Movie function records at 1280 x 720 pixels, at 30 fps.
Previously we’d told you a September 23rd launch date for HTC’s Android-packing Dream, after a whole suite of predictions, and now there’s a new one: the Wall St. Journal is saying “late October.” That’s on T-mobile, and it’s the announcement that’s due September 23rd according to the standard “people familiar with the matter.” Watch this space for more info. [WSJ]
In case you’re in the market for a new set of speakers, Logitech’s just dropped a couple that you should probably consider. Two of them, the Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime and the Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus, also function as iPod docks. The third, Logitech’s Z-5 Omnidirectional Stereo Speakers is completely USB bus-powered. Each option will set you back $100.
The Anytime dock (pictured above) has probably the worst speakers of the three, but comes with an integrated alarm clock which uses motion-sensing to light itself up or hit the Snooze button at the wave of a hand. The Express Dock features omnidirectional acoustics to transmit sound evenly in all directions, a remote control, and can run on either AC or battery power.
The Z-5 is more of a portable laptop speaker and can be powered completely through USB. It also boasts omnidirectional sound and comes with a remote control.
The Next Evolution of PC-Speaker Acoustics: Logitech Introduces Omnidirectional Speakers for PC, Mac Computers
Logitech Z-5 Omnidirectional Stereo Speakers
Deliver Great Sound Throughout Your Room
FREMONT, Calif. – Sept. 16, 2008 — Attaching speakers to a PC has always improved on the sound quality of built-in PC speakers. But now, Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) introduces the next evolution in PC-speaker acoustics, unveiling the Logitech® Z-5 omnidirectional stereo speakers – for PC and Mac® computers – which deliver great sound throughout your room.
Unlike standard PC speakers that focus sound in one direction, the Logitech Z-5 speakers use omnidirectional acoustics that create a substantially wider sweet spot – an especially helpful feature if you often move your laptop around your home or office. An innovative speaker technology previously found only in expensive home-theater systems, omnidirectional acoustics on the Logitech Z-5 speakers use forward- and backward-firing drivers to transmit sound evenly in all directions. Whether you’re listening to your favorite song or watching a video on YouTube™, you’ll enjoy rich, articulate sound and minimal distortion – from every corner of your room.
“We’re truly excited to offer omnidirectional speakers for the PC and the Mac,” said Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s audio business unit. “We’re confident that the Z-5 speakers will provide a noticeable improvement to the PC-entertainment experience whether you’re listening to music or watching a movie. With omnidirectional acoustics, the sound is all around you no matter where you have your desktop or laptop computer.”
Delivering pure digital audio that’s easily moved with your laptop, the Z-5 omnidirectional speakers can be quickly connected to any PC or Mac via USB. There’s no need for an external power adaptor or batteries. And to let you wirelessly navigate and enjoy all your entertainment options, Logitech’s newest speaker system comes with a sleek remote control. Launch your favorite entertainment application, adjust the volume and change your selection from across the room.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Z-5 omnidirectional stereo speakers are expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning this month for a suggested retail price of $99.99 (U.S.).
and
Dock, Rock and Roll (or Snooze): Logitech Introduces Two Speaker Docks for iPods or iPhones
Pure-Fi Express Plus Offers Omnidirectional Acoustics, Pure-Fi Anytime Makes the Perfect Nightstand Companion
FREMONT, Calif. – Sept. 16, 2008 — Whether you dock your iPod®, or your iPhone™, in the bedroom or crank up your favorite playlist in the living room, Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) has a speaker dock for you. The Logitech® Pure-Fi Express Plus omnidirectional speaker for iPod or iPhone delivers great sound throughout your room, while the Logitech® Pure-Fi Anytime™ premium alarm clock for iPod or iPhone is the perfect nightstand companion. Both speakers are compatible with the first generation iPhone as well as the new 3G iPhone.
“Our research revealed that as digital music players, and especially the iPod, become more integral to our lives, we look for accessories to optimize the experience,” said Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s audio business unit. “Our latest iPod speaker docks are designed to suit each person according to their individual needs, whether what’s wanted is enhanced audio and portability or an alarm clock with innovative features such as motion sensing.”
Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus Featuring Omnidirectional Acoustics
A first for iPod or iPhone speaker docks, Pure-Fi Express Plus offers omnidirectional acoustics. An innovative speaker technology previously found only in expensive home-theater systems, omnidirectional acoustics transmit sound evenly in all directions. If you love to dock, charge and listen to your iPod or iPhone when you’re at home, at work, or even in your backyard, now you can enjoy rich, articulate sound and minimal distortion – from every corner of your room.
Pure-Fi Express Plus provides more than just great sound. For added portability, Pure-Fi Express Plus can run on AC or battery power and includes an integrated handle, making it easy to take your music from room to room. The new Logitech dock also features a wireless remote. With a range of up to 30 feet (10 meters), the remote lets you instantly adjust volume, play, pause, fast forward, rewind, as well as offering Shuffle and Repeat buttons – all from the comfort of your couch or favorite chair.
Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime: The Perfect Nightstand Companion
If you commonly dock your iPod or iPhone in the bedroom, Pure-Fi Anytime offers a full set of features, such as advanced motion-sensing technology, that make it perfect for your bedside table – and ensure that you’ll have a fully charged iPod or iPhone when you wake in the morning. To avoid the inconvenience of waking a sleeping partner, the motion-sensing backlight makes it easy to set your alarm without having to turn on the lights. The alarm clock’s controls light up when you wave your hand over the speakers and the buttons automatically dim when you’re done using it. And when you want to get a few minutes of extra sleep when your alarm goes off in the morning, you can simply wave your hand over the speakers and the motion-sensing technology will activate Snooze.
Pure-Fi Anytime also features an easy-to-read display that is clearly visible during the day and night. A recessed dock helps prevent you from accidentally knocking over your iPod or iPhone. Plus, Pure-Fi Anytime offers a digital AM/FM radio for those times when you want to give your iPod a break and enjoy live music, news and sports.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech® Pure-Fi Express Plus omnidirectional speaker for iPod or iPhone is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in October for a suggested retail price of $99.99 (U.S.). The Logitech® Pure-Fi Anytime™ premium alarm clock for iPod or iPhone is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in October for a suggested retail price of $99.99 (U.S.).
AT&T is figuring out options for linking U-verse to the iPhone, and plans on eventually introducing services that’ll meld the two into an all encompassing home theater system. Features being developed include using the phone as a remote control, listening to voice mail on TV, downloading shows from DVRs onto iPhones and virtually hurling tomatoes at the screen. Is it weird that the last feature is the one I’m most excited about? [Reuters]
WowWee’s awesome three-wheel webcam-enabled robot will soon be roving to an e-retailer near you! The Rovio, which features a Northstar GPS system and the ability to be controlled through the internet, cellphones, and even game consoles, can be seen on Amazon and pre-ordered for $300 on Hammacher Schlemmer. The scheduled release date is Sept. 26. [Cnet]
