One of the latest toys I’m craving for right now is the HoverQ.  It’s a small infra-red controlled hovercraft that I think is double the fun against the usual RC cars, trucks, boats etc.  I heard this from GeekBrief.tv and I agree with Cali Lewis that it looks like it’s fun fun fun.

It’s the world’s smallest Infra-red controlled hovercraft.  (boy that was a mouthful).  What’s dandy about this toy is it isn’t just for dry and smooth surfaces.  Because it’s a hovercraft you can ride ‘em thru a clean puddle.  I wouldn’t dare you to go through a pool as it is infra-red controlled and I’m not too sure about signal reflection too.   So better safe than sorry, I’m allowing you to run it through a clean puddle.  Wait (!)  a clean puddle indoors! Ha ha.

They’re US$34 each and comes in colors of blue, orange and black.  Sold right here.

And let’s not forget the feature list:

Product Features

As you can see, the kid plays Mr. Crowley on Guitar Hero, on Expert mode no less. Not impressed? Watch. He plays the song with his elbows. Yes, his hands are busy with something else. While he plays the song, he goes on to solve one of the most popular puzzles there is – the Rubik’s Cube.

Just like those endless infomercials, here’s the part where I say “But wait, there’s more!” Not only does he solve one, but he solves two Rubik’s Cubes. This is exactly what happens by the time JRefleX93 – yeah, that’s his online name – finishes with old Mr. Crowley. Impressed yet?

In the interest of fairness, JRefleX93 does not get a hundred percent on the song. He does get a decent 77%, though. I am pretty sure that not everyone who calls himself a geek can get a 100 percent playing this song on expert. Using his hands. Without using his elbows. Without having to solve a Rubik’s Cube.

So what is this achievement going to do for JRefleX93? The heck should I know! all I can say is that this video is pretty impressive and fun to watch when I do not have anything else to do.

Studies have shown time and again that music is an inherent part of stimulating and nurturing the creativity of children. Think about it, the greatest minds of our time had some proclivity towards music. They even say that mathematical geniuses are almost always musical geniuses as well.

So anyway, what’s this new mp3 player for kids all about? Crayola has decided to join the tech fray by creating the Crayola MP3 Player, a gadget that is part of a larger line of tech products for kids. The mp3 player is designed for kids 4 years old and above – perfect for the nephew! – and has some touches of the original iPod concept. It is colorful – as one can only expect from a Crayola product – and is designed for easy grip for the kids. It has a small electronic display and a lozenge shaped button in front (like the click wheel but not really). More than playing 2G worth of mp3s, this baby can also function as a voice recorder and speaker, making for more interaction for the kids. It runs on one AAA battery – not included in the package, mind you. It does come with earbuds and some colorful letter stickers so that the owner can proudly put his or her name on the gadget.

For $49.99, I think that this is really the perfect gift for geeky babies, don’t you agree?

Photography has rampantly grown and a lot of people have invested largely in making photography as a hobby and a lot has to do with the advanced features that imagery offers.

The beauty of objects are indeed enticed all the more and with the modifications through the use of such photo imaging software like Adobe Photoshop and Ulead Visual Studios, a lot of people have become adept with making unique creations with raw images taken from their very own digital cameras.

Chances are, once these people become less satisfied, going for the more expensive camera lines such as Canon and Nikon is not far behind. Aspiring photographers will simply build on their interest and aim for perfection in digital imaging at its fines resolution possible.

While such is a given, there are people who can give their two cents worth of opinions and stored knowledge as well. This all stems from these individuals who have put emphasis on certain areas of interest that include electronics, travel and history. Not all people are expected to invest such effort and time since every individual would want to cater to a lot of things with nothing particular to specialize in.

Ideally, such knowledge from people which are tagged geeks at some time would go as far as holding technical information such as content, components and workflow processes. Such areas are not given much attention in the normal phase of life. But such are investments to which one day; such stored and solicited knowledge shall be of big use towards other people and big entities who seek better knowledge as well.

If you didn’t answer Tetris, then something just might not be right with you! Tetris IS the best selling mobile game of all time, and no one can argue with that. It’s been more than two decades since the game was invented but its popularity still remains. Perhaps it is due to some sense of nostalgia. Kids who used to play Tetris on Game Boy or their old personal computers or the Family Computer just want to relieve the glory days. Then again, even this generation is finding the game irresistible!

Still doubting my statement? I guess it’s time to crunch the numbers: there have been more than 100 million PAID downloads of Tetris. Now take note of the adjective: paid. We don’t know exactly how many people have downloaded the game for free (wherever that is).

A short history lesson: Tetris was invented in 1984 by a Soviet programmer. It became really really popular about five years later when Nintendo hit the goldmine with Game Boy. Back then, if you’re old enough to remember, the Game Boy was the IN thing.

Today, one can download Tetris for the iPhone and practically any other smartphone. The prevalence of these mobile gadgets certainly has contributed to the longevity of the game but we cannot discount the fact that the game itself is showing its tenacity and appeal.

-Illegal
-Unethical
-Embarrassing

That narrows it down, doesn’t it?

There is one thing that gadget hoarders like you and I can do, though: sell old toys! It’s not a novel idea but I am in serious cash trouble so I am willing to part with some stuff that I have gathered. If you’re thinking of the same thing, take a look at these web sites to get you started.

BuyMyTronics buys used gadgets such as mp3 players, iPods, Apple Desktops, gaming consoles, and mobile phones. It looks like a great site since you can immediately get a quote and they even buy broken stuff! Even if I will not get much for my old (and broken) PS3, it’s better than having a dead black box collecting dust.

Another site that looks like it has potential is Gazelle. From what I have seen so far, it has a wider range of acceptable electronics. Just like BuyMyTronics, you can get an immediate quote.

Here’s the deal though: I tried getting a quote for that PS3 of mine. BuyMyTronics gave me $65 while this is what I got from Gazelle: “Darn, this item has no cash value. We’ll be glad to recycle it responsibly.”

It does not take much to realize that Microsoft is promising a WHOLE LOT with this product, and if they do deliver, they might just blow away all the other competition in the gaming market! Gadget Review is helping spread the rumor that it will be ready to roll out within a year and – get this – it will only go for $80!

One, I highly doubt that they will be able to deliver on that date. Not that I doubt their capabilities, but simply because launch dates like these always end up being pushed back. Two, I am amazed at the price. Seriously, $80 for all the features?

I guess we’ll have to wait and see. What do you think? Will these rumors prove to be true?

Photo courtesy of Gadget Review