Fancy being apart of one of the leading global gadget news and reviews sites in the world? Thought you did.?Pocket-lint is looking for positions to fill in?New York and?San Francisco.

We are looking for roving reporters to join the team based in New York and San Francisco to replace Stuart who is heading back to the UK.

Ideally you will be well connected within the gadget scene and be available to chase down briefings, meetings and attend events when needed.

You will have to be able to get into either New York city or San Francisco for meetings, come with your own computer and digital camera and of course be able to access the internet without excuses.

Work amount and schedule is based on your ability to generate original stories and we are looking for you to take the lead rather than be spoonfed ideas.

Salary etc will depends on work and experience.?

The ability to file quickly at events is also a must.

To apply email us via the feedback form with links to two examples of your work and the answer to the following two questions:

1. Why should we hire you?

2. If you were a product on a supermarket shelf what would you be and why?

Tags: Audio Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness

Pocket-lint is hiring in US originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:04:10 +0000

First off congratulations to Paul Story who won last month's comments comp for his comment on the story "Amazon Kindle UK import orders begin". For those who didn't win, don't fret, because the kind folk at TomTom have sent a TomTom XL Live IQ Routes Europe unit for us to dish out for our November comments competition.

The rules of the competition are simple, you can enter as many times as you like by simply commenting on any story. It doesn't have to be in depth, detailed or technical, but it does have to be useful, helpful or funny.

You don't have to sign up to comment on the stories, we just ask for your name, location and email address - that does not show up online and is not passed on.

The TomTom device measures 123 x 80 x 18mm and features 4.3-inch touch display, the screen being bright and a convenient size enabling ease of use whilst driving.

Along with Live HD Traffic, now with added support for Europe, the TomTom XL Live has excellent route guidance and with the added MapShare feature, it allows for easy updating of maps within the TomTom community.

To be in with a chance of winning this top-notch effort just comment on any story during the month of November. At the end of November the Pocket-lint team will take a look and choose what we believe is the best one.

Make sure you take a look at Pocket-lint's full review where it received a 9/10 score.

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Tags: Audio accessories Biz Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness TomTom GPS Competitions

Win a TomTom XL Live IQ Routes Europe originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:42:25 +0000

Lighting for conspiracy theorists has arrived at Firebox with the launch of the Alien Abduction Lamp.

Offering a "high quality perspex beam", along with a "removable bovine abductee" the lamp also boasts "real fake grass".

It's on the pricey side of things at ?80, but we calculate the sheer novelty factor is worth ?57.62 alone.

Related links:

• Shop - Firebox

Tags: Home And Kitchen Lighting Firebox Dad

Firebox offers Alien Abduction Lamp originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:58:08 +0000

The Wiimote has been strapped to some unusual items in the name of wacky gameplay but this latest concept takes the Wii weirdness to a new level.

The new "Baby and Me" game comes complete with a doll that - once hooked up with the Wiimote - becomes an interactive baby doll toy for little girls - or boys.

The game encompasses ten activities such as feed the baby or teaching it to walk and is aimed at those 3-years-old and up.

The doll will appear to be giggling, gurgling or crying through the Wii remote speaker and there's even Balance Board support to rock the baby to sleep.

Presumably unlike iPhone games in recent memory, shaking the baby will not be a suggested activity.

Read

Tags: Gaming Dad Nintendo Wii Kids games Wiimote

Nintendo Wii "Baby and Me" game comes complete with doll-mote originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Movember is upon us once more and that means plenty of talk about moustaches, moustache gadgets and of course not forgetting the main reason for the facial hair growth - helping raise awareness for?prostate Cancer.

Over the next 30 days the Pocket-lint team and others will be growing a moustache for charity. It's a tough job that from experience means we will be ridiculed, stared at, and worse still not get many kisses.

But fear not my hairless friends (that's you), it is not too late to join our hairy(ish) team.

We will be keeping a mo diary on the site so you can see our progress and expect plenty of related features exploring everything "Mo".

Men of tech! (that's you) join our brethren.

Read

Tags: Gadgets Bathroom gadgets Movember Comment Audio Car And GPS Dad Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness

Gentlemen start your Mo originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:35:49 +0000

Those with high self esteem might well like Firebox's latest offering - Minimee keychains.

Made to order, these individually crafted dolls are created to depict you exactly from a good quality image you supply as you order.

Minimee Keychains require 3 weeks lead time, measure approximately 5 x 3 x 3cm and cost ?19.99 each.

Related links:

• Shop - Firebox

Tags: Gadgets Keyrings Firebox Dad

Turn yourself into a Minimee keychain originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:33:36 +0000

Classic murder mystery board game Cluedo, known as Clue in the States, has been given a text messaging make-over by games giant Hasbro.

The new "Clue: Secrets & Spies Edition" launches in America as a spy-themed version of the game in which players receive secret clues through real-time text messages on their personal phones, a gaming first for Hasbro.

During the game, six informative text messages will be sent "to set players on a new path or prompt an urgent meeting".

An example text message reads, "Trouble down under! Move 1 agt of ur choice 2 SYDNEY!" Clues can also be uncovered by using the ultraviolet decoder included in the game to reveal secret meetings.

The game is now available in the States for $24.99 for two to five players age 9 and up.

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Tags: Dad Board games Hasbro Cluedo SMS

Cluedo gets text messaging make-over in the US originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:18:19 +0000

Tags: Audio Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards date confirmed and tickets on sale originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:03:36 +0000

Stuart Miles brings us his customary comment from NYC with a look at the talking points from this week in tech.

Under the spotlight in this instalment is Apple's Magic Mouse and whether this is the beginning of the end for the button and the launch of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system.

Miles also muses the rise of real-time search with the news that Google and Bing are due to integrate Twitter content into their search results as well as offering thoughts on Google's Social Search.

The fact that Nokia is suing Apple for patent infringement is the final topic under consideration - is the Finnish giant protecting its patents or looking for a quick cash injection? Hit play for more...

Tags: Audio Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness Comment Video

VIDEO: Tech Week in View: Magic Mouse, Social Search and Nokia sues Apple originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:05:00 +0000

TalkTalk has announced the launch of "Magic Desktop" offered free exclusively to TalkTalk customers. ?

"The service allows parents to introduce young children to a computer in a child-friendly environment and encourages families to use the internet safely", says TalkTalk, aiming the service at 2- to 10-year-olds.

Magic Desktop is said to feature a range of child-friendly, or perhaps more accurately parent-friendly, applications that let parents manage the sites their kids can visit and create a list of approved email contacts in "Magic mail".

There's also learning exercises rewarded by a point system that can be extended into the real world for the likes of homework or chores.

TalkTalk customers with Windows-based PCs can download the Magic Desktop application free of charge at www.talktalk.co.uk/magic-desktop.?

Tags: Software TalkTalk Dad Online ISPs Kids games

TalkTalk offers "Magic Desktop" software for kids originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:51:31 +0000

Men of this world, this is your calling, your calling to sign up to become a real man, the kind of man that can present the news (Ron Burgundy), the kind of man that can be a private dick (Magnum PI) and not laugh about it, the kind of man....

Okay you get the gist. Movember is now almost upon us, and that means you need to sign up and get your moustache thoughts in gear.

Once again Pocket-lint will be going Movember for November in aid of charity and we are asking for your help.

We aren't asking for money (although you can pledge if you want), we aren't asking you to run hundreds of miles, all we want from you is to join our TechMo team, grow a moustache in November and help rid the world of the disease that kills thousands of men each year.

What many people don't appreciate is that one man dies every hour of prostate cancer in the UK, more than 35,000 men will be diagnosed this year and that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK.

The more that join us, the more we can "change the face of men's health" through raising awareness and the money that will be raised.

Let's do this - register and grow a moustache as a Mo Bro, or sign on as a Mo Sista.

To join this Movember team go to http://uk.movember.com/register/7181 and follow the steps.

Once registered you'll be sent all the information you need to get growing.

Let's "Change the Face of Men's Health".

Stuart Miles and the Pocket-lint team.

P.S PR's of this world. Pledge money and we will give you a big shout out on the site for helping us in a good cause.

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Related links:

• Link - Movember TechMo team page

Tags: Audio Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness Movember

Movember 2009: Join our TechMo team originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:45:19 +0100

The Star Trek Tricorder, a device that allows medics to check their patients in the field in the sci-fi TV show, took a step closer to becoming reality today thanks to a new device being shown off by General Electric in the US.

The device, which is a cross between a mobile phone and an iPod was shown at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco on Tuesday.

Called Vscan, the clamshell designed gadget is aimed at doctors, and possibly would-be parents who could use it in their office or in the field to check the progress of unborn babies or other medical instances, rather than sending their patients to a specialist department for a scan.

Jeff Immelt, GE's CEO, said that the device, which will be available sometime next year, will be "very digitally capable", coming with a small screen and the ability to save the images. It won't, however, feature Wi-Fi connectivity which would give it the ability to send images to others.

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Read

Tags: Dad Gadgets General Electric Medical

Star Trek's Tricorder on route to becoming reality originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:46:33 +0100

After a brief summer break, Megawhat is back on Pocket-lint with a brand new Tech Week in View episode for your viewing pleasure.

Pocket-lint's Stuart Miles talks tourists on Segways and tells us why he thinks the new Sonos S5 is a tidy bit of kit.

Miles also considers the Amazon Kindle's UK launch (was it a bit of a rush job?) and looks at what the? T-Mobile Sidekick data loss might mean for the cloud computing industry.

Watch the video above now to see it all play out, and stay tuned for more comment from Pocket-lint soon.

Tags: Audio Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness events Comment Video

Tech week in view: Tourists on Segways, the Kindle in the UK and trouble in the cloud originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:42:19 +0100

A 6-year-old boy,?Falcon Heene, was trapped in a helium balloon on Thursday in a 2-and-a-half-hour long unexpected flight.?

Rescue services in Colorado, near Fort Collins in the?US, tracked the home-made UFO in an attempt to save a 6-year-old who was trapped inside.?The "home built UFO", made a by father and son team took off unexpected on Thursday afternoon with the boy supposedly inside.

The balloon has now come down in a field, however on closer inspection, the boy wasn't onboard.?

Authorities are now baffled as to where the boy could be.

?

The landing

Eyewitnesses reports are now reporting that people saw something drop from the air prompting authorities to perform a ground search for the boy.

Richard Heene, the father of the missing boy is a Colorado weather-chaser.

Further digging by the US media has revealed that the boy and his family — mother, Mayumi and brothers, Ryo and Bradford appeared on the ABC series "Wife Swap" on Oct. 3, 2008 and were voted back for the 100th episode of the show, which aired on March 13, 2009.

UPDATE: The boy has now be found. He was hiding in a box in the attic of his family's home.

Tags: Gadgets Dad Video

Balloon boy: 6 year old trapped in helium balloon originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:35:36 +0100

The Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards are back letting you know what the best products of 2009 really are.

Now in its 6th year, the Pocket-lint Awards, thought to be the longest running in the UK, pick the best gadgets and gizmos from the last year from around the world.

Pocket-lint's vigorous vetting process means that all the gadgets up for nomination have to have been seen by a member of the Pocket-lint team (so far over 600) and have to have been available somewhere in the world between December 2008 and December 2009.

The awards, voted by a panel of leading gadget journalists from around the world, including the staff from the Pocket-lint team, will decide the real must-have gadgets of the year, rather than those simply deemed cool or anticipated, being the definitive guide for consumers looking to buy gadgets.

Better still, because we don't have a print publication to worry about, we haven't had to call the decision early meaning the best gadgets of 2009 get a chance to win rather than those just announced in the first half of the year.

This year's categories are:?

• Best music gadget
• Best car gadget
• Best digital camera
• Best laptop
• Best software/service/app
• Best game
• Best gaming hardware
• Best home cinema device
• Best mobile phone
• Best gadget
• Product of the Year 2009

Nominations for the award categories are being taken now and the final list of nominations (five per category)?will be announced on Monday 16 November with the winners being announced at an awards party at the beginning of December.?

What do you think are the best gadgets of 2009? What should be included for nomination? Let us know in the comments below:

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Tags: Audio Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 announced originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:42:59 +0100

It may sound like the plot-line for an episode of The Simpsons, but a multi-national, mega corporation has opened an "Education Centre" within a school here in the UK.

"Childhood favourite is used to shape scientists of the future" is the angle taken on the LEGO Education Centre initiative that can be found at the Stockley Academy, in Middlesex.?

The centre boasts the aim to "help students develop essential skills - from technology and mathematics to creativity and teamwork". Apparently Scandinavia was the first area to take the concept into the mainstream school and over 140 are now established in the area.?

"As well as building and programming their own models and robots, students are able to make LEGO constructions that generate and store energy, as well as learning about the principles behind everyday technology", says the official blurb.

Presumably children are informed after every lesson that building bricks and robotic kits are available from other manufacturers.

Tags: Dad Video Lego LEGO Education Centre

VIDEO: LEGO Education Centre opens in the UK originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:23:35 +0100

In an attempt to make salt content counting sexy, the Food Standards Agency has released "FSA Salt", a free app for the iPhone or iPod touch.

The app is designed to "help consumers plan, calculate and monitor their daily salt consumption when shopping and on the go".

As well as for owners of Apple's products, the salt calculator app is also accessible by other web-enabled mobiles at www.food.gov.uk/saltapp.

By entering the level of salt per 100 grams as stated on the food item's label, via a traffic light system, the app will tell users instantly if it's a healthy, low salt option or "something to be enjoyed only every once in a while". ?

There is also information on salt intake for children and iPhone and iPod touch users can shake the phone for tips on how to reduce their salt level.

Related links:

• Link - FSA Salt mobile app

Tags: Phones iPhone apps Mobile phone apps FSA Sports Fitness Dad

The Food Standards Agency offers "FSA Salt" iPhone app originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:41:45 +0100

After the EU's volume limit proposals have been revealed, Logitech has followed Griffin's lead in launching volume-limiting headphones for kids.

The "Loud Enough" noise-isolating earphones come with built-in volume control that reduces the maximum volume of the original source by at least 30% percent compared to standard ear buds.

The new earphones also come with three soft ear-cushions in sizes ranging from extra small to medium and are said to be tough and durable.

Available with matching cases in blueberry, mint or plum, the Logitech Loud Enough earphones are available now for ?29.99.

Tags: Audio Headphones Logitech Dad

Logitech "Loud Enough" earphones launch for kids originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:27:25 +0100

Let's face it, there's not a lot that's funnier in this life than a well-timed fart. If you can't always perform on cue then Firebox has your back(side) covered with its new Sound Machine.

In fact, as well as parps, the hilarious handheld gadget offers a variety of pithy phrases and comedic audio snippets, including the similarly gas-based burp as well as applause, perhaps to celebrate a well-delivered emission.

The full roll-call of sound effects is as follows: clap, audience laughter, unlucky, loser, bomb (nb. not funny in some parts of the world), gun shot (see previous nb), smashed glass, cash register, drum roll, punchline theme, spring, bright idea, wolf whistle, scream, fart and burp.

Infantile it maybe, but if you're not below using a little orange box to get laughs, then you should know it's on sale now from Firebox for ?9.99.

Related links:

• Shop - Firebox

Tags: Gadgets Dad Firebox

Firebox offers comedy "Sound Machine" originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:47:35 +0100

First off, as far as the winner for last month goes, we'd like to offer our congratulations to Tony Hedges for his comment on the HTC Hero review and all his input during its release. We'll be sending him a TomTom XL Live IQ Routes Europe.

For the month of October Pocket-lint has teamed up with Omio to bring you the chance of winning a Nokia 5530 XpressMusic.

The phone features a 2.9-inch touch interface and a homescreen that offers one touch shortcuts to the likes of Facebook and MySpace, and as with similar Nokia phones, the 5530 gets the scrolling "Contacts Bar" for direct access to 20 people and their latest conversations and updates.

Being an XpressMusic model playback is all important and it doesn't disappoint with up to 27 hours of playback time, as well as a 3.2-megapixel camera along with Wi-Fi rounding off the package.

If you're weren't sure of what Omio is all about, here's a quick run down in their own words:

?Omio.com is a mobile phone comparison site that uses an innovative interface to help users navigate the vast array of mobile phone deals and phones from all the major mobile manufacturers".

"Users can filter over half a million deals by anything from price to colours, ensuring they get the right deal at the right price. Whether you're looking for a new phone or simply want to research what's available, Omio.com offers the most up-to-date information".

The rules of the competition are simple, you can enter as many times as you like by simply commenting on any story. It doesn't have to be in depth, detailed or technical, but it does have to be useful, helpful or funny.

You don't have to sign up to comment on the stories, we just ask for your name, location and email address - that does not show up online and is not passed on.

So get commenting and the winner will be chosen at the end of October.

Related links:

• Video - Nokia 5530 XpressMusic

Tags: Audio Biz Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness TomTom GPS Competitions Nokia 5530 XpressMusic

Win a Nokia 5530 XpressMusic originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:30:10 +0100

If you're the type of competitive parent whose kid's next party has to be bigger and better than the last kid's, you might want to note this new product.

The illoom balloons, sold in packs of five, are essentially light-up balloons that come complete with a matching LED inside.

They can be inflated by normal puff, or for more impressive results, helium, and will provide up to 15 hours of illumination.

The illoom balloons are available now from CuteBitz for ?3.95 for a pack of five.

Related links:

• Shop - CuteBitz

Tags: Dad Gadgets Lighting Balloons CuteBitz

CuteBitz launches illoom balloons originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:45:44 +0100

A 10-year-old schoolgirl's eBay listing for her grandmother has been yanked by the online auction site.

Although having attracted 27 bids in excess of ?2000, eBay has withdrawn Zoe Pemberton's gran for sale, as eBay "does not allow the listing of any human being on the site".

The story, according to the Daily Mail, goes that young Pemberton, tired of her grandparent's moaning, decided to offer her to the highest bidder.

Asking no reserve, the schoolgirl described her elder relative as "rare and annoying and moaning a lot", although did up the salesmanship with the added note that her gran was "very cuddly".

Zoe's father, a Mr Pemberton of Clacton in Essex, who helped Zoe with the listing, said: "It was all her own words and I just went along with it really".

Read

Related links:

• News - Woman auctions her name on eBay

Tags: Dad Software eBay Online

10-year-old attempts to sell gran on eBay originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:18:53 +0100

Disney has made a big move into the ebook market in the States with the launch of Disney Digital Books.

A new subscription-based website, families can access more than 500 interactive, electronic replicas of Disney books for $79.95 a year, but only on the PC.

As far as the kids go, the books are aimed at children aged between 3 and 12, with books offered that are read aloud with music, as well as titles designed for kids to read alone.

Disney is said to have "digital aspirations" to make the content downloadable to phones and other devices, such as ebook readers, in the future, but for now will focus on the site.

Read

Related links:

• Link - Disney Digital Books

Tags: Dad Disney Books Websites Online ebooks

Disney Digital Books site launches for kids originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:28:59 +0100

The BBC is launching a new red button interactive service for CBeebies, following the launch of the CBeebies iPlayer earlier in the year.

Pressing the red button on the CBeebies channel will take viewers into a "new and enhanced" interactive area.

There are also three new games featuring "In The Night Garden" and the "Green Balloon Club".

The Beeb says children will quickly be able find all their favourite CBeebies red button TV programming and games.

Additionally, on Sky they can listen to CBeebies radio and Virgin Media customers will be able to access children's content on the BBC iPlayer.

Tags: Dad BBC Red button Cbeebies iPlayer Home Cinema

BBC launches new CBeebies red button bits originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:01:30 +0100

Air2Air today launched the DraganFlyer X6 helicopter in the UK. This awesome little radio controlled helicopter has three pairs of rotors and is heaped with sensors to assist stable flight.

Constructed from luscious amounts of carbonfibre, it has three quiet motors driving those paired rotors and the on-board sensors include a barometer, which will let you hover the helicopter based on barometric pressure.

There is also a GPS onboard that will feed-back a trace of the location to the base station and let you always know where the Draganflyer is and where it has been.

But this isn't just a funky helicopter, it is really designed to be mounted with a payload, and you can choose from an HD video camera, 10-megapixel stills camera, low light camera or a thermal imager.

Control is via a hardcore radio controller and you can have a master and slave unit, letting you control flight with one and the camera with another, although you could do it all from one.

We especially like the base station and the fact that you can have a wireless transmitter accessory to hook-up for a live video feed. It's the stuff that geek dreams are made of.

The basic kit, comprising of the X6 airframe, the camera (Panasonic Lumix LX3), handheld controller, wireless base station and software will cost you ?21,585. Gulp.

Ok, so it isn't designed to be a toy, with useful commercial applications like inspecting difficult to reach locations, birds-eye view shots or traffic monitoring, it even has some Police service time under its belt.

The battery gives you around 20 minutes of flight time (without a payload), it will max out at 30mph and climb to a maximum altitude of 8,000ft.

Now 007, you will be careful, won't you?

Related links:

• Link - Air2Air

Tags: Gadgets Helicopters Dad Cameras Panasonic Panasonic Lumix LX3 Air2Air DraganFlyer X6 Photos

DraganFlyer X6 helicopter lands in the UK originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:18:40 +0100

A new scheme is to offer parents free access to a social networking site that links them to their children's schools and other parents.

Aimed at busy mums and dads, the scheme is government-backed and run by the Netmums group who hope that "it will become a hub for every secondary school in the UK to create a dialogue between the school and parents".

Described by children's secretary Ed Balls as a "virtual school gate", it's designed to boost parent's involvement, give them info on their kid's education and be a place to discuss issues such as bullying.

Balls said: "We need to find innovative ways of involving parents in schools, particularly secondary schools. I like to think of it as a 'virtual school gate' - where parents can chat to each other online, find out what is happening in the schools and pass on useful information to each other".

Read

Related links:

• Link - Parents School Network

Tags: Dad Software Social networking Parents School Network Netmums

Parents offered social networking site for children's schools originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:33:29 +0100

If you've currently got one in the oven, or are planning to do just that, then there's a new iPhone app that claims to give you a glimpse of what your offspring will look like.

Taking an image of "mom" and dad, the app uses "complex facial mapping and recognition algorithms to generate the most realistic looking babies possible".

BabyBuilder's facial mapping and recognition technology focuses on key facial features such ears, eyes, nose, mouth and chin, the distance between those features, as well as skin tone to provide a pic of what it calculates your new arrival will look like.

As well as future moms and dads, the app can be used for comedic purposes - visualising the offspring of celebs, or "a 'hottie' or 'nottie' at work or school, or ANYONE you can get a quality picture of" says the app's makers.

When created, the virtual baby can fart, spit up milk and move its eyes, as well as get uploaded to various social networking sites. The app is available to download now from the App Store.

Read

Tags: Dad iPhone apps iPhone Phones BabyBuilder App Store

BabyBuilder iPhone app launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:48:38 +0100

You can now build your own t-shirt design with the Brick Construction Shirt from ThinkGeek.

The awesome garment offers a removable black baseplate across the chest to create flat or decidedly 3D designs on.

It's compatible with LEGO, PixelBlocks, Mega Bloks, and K'NEX Bricks and on sale now for $17.99.

Read

Related links:

• VIDEO - Google Chrome logo re-created in LEGO
• Via - LikeCool

Tags: Dad Lego Clothing ThinkGeek GeekBooTeek Photos

LEGO t-shirt launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:19:40 +0100

"nu-m8" is the world's first GPS locator specifically designed for 3- to 12-year-olds - or more importantly, for their parents.

With the claim of making outdoor play "far safer", the nu-m8 has been designed to look like a standard watch but means parents can locate their child, wearing the wrist-piece, at anytime from anywhere they have access to a mobile phone or a computer.

Perhaps raising questions about how far you'd go to make sure you know where your child is, the nu-m8 is securely fastened to a child's wrist - with a web of reinforced steel through the rubber strap.

If the nu-m8 is forcibly removed, an alert is sent to the designated mobile phone and/or email address detailing the child's location.

Parents can set up "safe zones", and if kids stray, the watch will then automatically switch to "live track" mode and the child's location is continuously monitored, updated and sent to the designated email as an address with postcode and a link to Google maps.

Presumably aimed at parents who know text speak, to locate a child at any given time, the parent can text "wru" or click "where r u" on the Lok8u portal.

The child's location is then presented as an icon on Google maps and/or the street address and postcode is displayed.

The nu-m8 comes in green, black, blue or pink, is priced at ?149.99 and is available to buy now from www.lok8u.com and Amazon.co.uk. There is also a monthly subscription charge starting from ?4.99.

Tags: Dad Car And GPS Lok8u nu-m8 Watches

Lok8u nu-m8 GPS watch for kids launches originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:01:27 +0100

When was the last time you saw a USB drive do the above? Bonkers right, but not as crazy as the optical mouse that turns into a dinosaur.

Toshiba has teamed up with Hasbro to launch four official 1984 Transformers in the shape of a USB drive and optical mouse in time for the "Holidays", hoping to capitalise on the films and the general nostalgia for the cartoon.

The fully working robots in disguise are described by Toshiba as "Portable accessories with a classical twist".

Those wishing to sign up, will be able to get Tigatron and Ravage as a 4GB thumb drive while Grimlock and Trypticon are the mouse.

No word on pricing, but if you're a Transformers fan, get excited.

Tags: Dad Gadgets Hardware Transformers USB Mice Toshiba Hasbro Photos

Transformers: USB drive and mouse in disguise originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:54:13 +0100

Wow. You guys really like the tag homepages, a lot it seems, so much so that we've now made the default homepage on Pocket-lint look like the tag homepages.

While the module homepage is still alive and kicking, following feedback, usage data and a stack of other feedback from different sources, the tag homepages across the site have been so popular that we've decided to bring virtually all of the features to the homepage.

What that means for you is you get to see what the most popular stories are on the site over the last 24 hours, the articles that we recommend you take a look at, and the most popular reviews over the last 7 days.

If that wasn't enough to get you excited, you can check out the latest reviews on the site via the latest reviews carousel, as well as see the latest news in a more traditional list format.

Fans of the modular homepage don't panic, though, we've got you covered. You can still access that page with all your stored settings on it, it's just moved to a different location - pocket-lint.com/modules.

The module homepage is great if you are an occasional visitor to the homepage and want a glance or overview as to what is happening on the site and what's good to read rather than just seeing the latest breaking stories.

You have a massive amount of control of what stories are displayed. You can choose the modules you want from a comprehensive list such as most read, popular reviews, most commented on, latest videos and plenty more.

If you're not sure what we mean by tag homepages, simply type a company name after the Pocket-lint.com url and you'll see what we mean. It's great for keeping track of your favourite topics.

Ultimately the move is all about us making your experience on Pocket-lint the best it can be.

Stuart and the Pocket-lint team.

Related links:

• Link - modules homepage
• link - Tag homepage example

Tags: Software Audio Biz Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Sports Fitness Photos Site news

Site News: New look homepage originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:56:16 +0100

Want to know what's been hot in the world of technology and gadgets today? Scroll down to see what you should be reading on the site.

NEWS:Pioneer launches CDJ-2000 turntable
With 6.1-inch screen
Pioneer's CDJ-1000 turntable has become the industry standard among DJs that play from CDs thanks to its tank-like construction, big vinyl-emulation wheel and exceptionally precise controls...read more

NEWS:Pentax K-x entry-level digital SLR announced
K-m successor to launch in red, blue and white
Pentax has announced the launch of the K-x digital SLR camera. The claim is that the new snapper combines a variety of advanced features and user-friendly functions in a compact, lightweight body...read more

NEWS:Students gets discount Windows 7
?30 for .ac.uk email addresses
Microsoft has announced a deal for cash-strapped students ahead of the start of the University term across the country...read more

NEWS:UK postcode database gets Wikileaked
Royal Mail "looking into it"
The UK postcode database is reported to have been leaked online over at the Wikileaks site...read more

NEWS:PHOTOS: Pure Sensia internet, DAB and application radio
Hands on with the touchscreen radio/media hub
Pure is aiming for the October release of the Sensia to reinvent radio once again as the hub of home life...read more

NEWS:PHOTOS: HP Dreamscreen digital photo frame
Hands-on photo gallery showing some of the features
HP has released a new range of digital photo frames and Pocket-lint was on hand to snap the new frames in action ahead of their official launch on Thursday...read more

NEWS:MoGo Talk for iPhone adds Bluetooth headset into casing
Slimline Bluetooth headset slots onto the back of your phone
Newton Peripherals, the company that specialises in creating Bluetooth headsets and mice, has launched a new Bluetooth headset that fits snugly into a case that fits on the back of an iPhone 3G and 3GS...read more

NEWS:HP Dreamscreen digital photo frames bring facebook photos to your living room
New model offers music, video alongside pictures
HP has released two new digital photo frames on Thursday that promise to be more than just your average digital photo frame...read more

NEWS:Dell Studio XPS 8000 desktop PCs launch
For demanding users
Dell has launched the new Studio XPS 8000 desktop computers that it says are "designed for people who insist on raw power"...read more

NEWS:Site news: Photo galleries get slick
New features make viewing our images even easier and better
We like photos here at Pocket-lint, we like them a lot. That's why we've been working hard to bring a new slick feature to our photo galleries on the site, for both news and reviews stories, to save you time and improve your experience...read more

Tags: Audio Biz Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness

Daily news roundup - 17/09/09 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:57:02 +0100

Griffin has launched headphones for children - the MyPhones - that have a maximum volume limit to "protect young ears".

The MyPhones cap volume at 85 decibels, apparently the maximum sustained volume level as recommended by regulatory agencies. In addition, the headphone design means they don't go in the ear so are also thought to be safer in that respect.

To try and make the safe choice more attractive to nippers, the MyPhones can be customised. Kiddies can design their own shell caps and there's also a "GoCase" for on-the-move.

Griffin's MyPhones are available in Apple stores worldwide, although a quick keyword search on the UK online Apple Store brought back nada.

Tags: Audio Headphones Griffin Dad Griffin MyPhones Apple

Griffin MyPhones headphones for children launch originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:18:53 +0100

We like photos here at Pocket-lint, we like them a lot. That's why we've been working hard to bring a new slick feature to our photo galleries on the site, for both news and reviews stories, to save you time and improve your experience.

Why should you care?

What now?

Why have we done it?

Will it work on every browser?

Questions?

Related links:

• Photos - Photo stories homepage

Tags: Audio Biz Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness Photos Site news

Site news: Photo galleries get slick originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:53:08 +0100

Elonex is to launch what it says is the world's first TV games dock, the iGAME FAMILY, that plays non-app iPod content as well as apes the Nintendo Wii.

Designed in the UK, the iGAME is described as a "convergence product that takes the best functionality from an iPod dock and combines it with the best functionality of a wireless games console to create a home entertainment system that is fun for all the family".

A dock that connects up to a big screen TV, it comes complete with a 2.4GHz wireless motion-sensitive controller and will charge a docked 'pod product.

With a "Made for iPod" sticker, the unit will launch without the ability for iPhone apps to be accessed via the dock, although users will be able to browse through their iPhone or iPod's content to play music, videos, podcasts and movie rentals on their TV.

An application that will allow apps to be played directly on the television via the iGAME device is "intended" to be available as a free download later in the year.

In the meantime, iGAME is playing fast and loose with Apple's strict approval process by offering its own games with 20 free ones bundled that include Wii Sports-esque efforts.

More games are due to be available soon priced from 99p to ?4.99, the company promises, as the SDK for iGAME has been released.

The iGAME FAMILY should be on sale now for ?79 from HMV with other retailers getting in on the act from around the end of September.

Read

Tags: Gaming Dad Elonex iGAME Nintendo Wii casual gaming iPhone accessories App Store Apple Home Cinema HMV

iGAME FAMILY TV dock borrows from iPhone, Wii originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:17:36 +0100

Pocket-lint has teamed up with Duracell to bring one Pocket-lint reader and friend the chance of winning an adrenaline-fuelled ride in a helicopter.

The pilot will "put the helicopter through its paces in order to show you just how versatile these incredible machines are" so make sure you forgo the full English on the morning of the ride.

The winner will also come away with a Bladez 3D remote control helicopter, a Duracell mini charger and Duracell ActiveCharge rechargeable batteries in a prize package worth ?600.

Duracell ActiveCharge rechargeable cells are ready to go straight out of the packet and have the ability to hold up to 75% of their power even after a year in storage.

Click the link below which will take you to the Duracell website so you can browse their full range of products and the second link will take you to the competitions page where you'll have the chance of winning this top prize by answering the question.

Related links:

• Link - Duracell
• Competition - Extreme helicopter ride

Tags: Audio Biz Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness Competitions Duracell

Win an extreme helicopter ride originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:16:03 +0100

Freerunner, the free public Wi-Fi network launched in the UK in May, has announced a fund to invest in free Wi-Fi hotpots to serve local communities in "deprived or remote areas".

The fund is enough for Freerunner to set-up 50 free-to-use hotspots in local communities across the UK.

Community members will be able to apply for one of the 50 connections until 25 September 2009 and can choose where they want it - "be it the local library, youth centre or pub" - says the company.

In addition, Freerunner is working with JustGiving.com, to give 500 UK charity locations free WiFi.

Freerunner wants community members from across the country to apply by sending 150 words explaining where and why they want the connection to connectmenow@freerunr.com or call on 0800 860 0815.

Related links:

• News - Freerunner to bring Wi-Fi to "digitally remote"

Tags: Biz Freerunner Wi-Fi Software Hardware Dad Broadband

Freerunner free Wi-Fi fund opens for applications originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:57:08 +0100

Star Wars, LEGO, and er, chess. What's not to like? Flickr user icgetaway has lovingly detailed the Star Wars: A New Hope LEGO chess set with a plethora of pics that are a must-view for fans. Taking two months to create it was originally debuted at Star Wars Days at Legoland California. Enjoy!

Read

Tags: Dad Star Wars Lego Board games Photos

PHOTOS: Star Wars: A New Hope LEGO chess originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:36:42 +0100