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

Now in its sixth 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 in the UK 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.

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 the awards party on 7 December 2009.?

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TICKET DETAILS

You are welcome to buy as many tickets as you like, and can bring journalists and others from your company.

We will be providing drink and nibbles on the night.

Tickets will be on a first come first served basis.

So just to recap:

What:?The 6th Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards?
Where:?The Light Bar, E1?
When:?7pm Monday 7th December?
Dress:?Smart casual (not black tie)?
Price:??25 a ticket
Drinks/nibbles:?Included?

Any queries etc give me a shout on email or phone.

Stuart

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

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards date confirmed and tickets on sale originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:13:14 +0000

Even people sans-bambinos know the old aeroplane trick when trying to persuade young ones to open their mouths ready for their baby goo, but this takes the concept a step further.

Without thinking too much about whether this is really for baby or dad, here's the "illuminated JetBib feeding system" from Thinkgeek.

Complete with aeroplane spoon with three heads, the LED landing lights on the runway bib light up as the pilot flies the food towards the mouth.

The "system" is on pre-order now from ThinkGeek for $24.99 with stock estimated to hit in 1 to 3 week's time.

Related links:

• Shop - ThinkGeek

Tags: Dad Baby Kitchen gadgets ThinkGeek

Aeroplane spoon gets light-up runway bib originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:38:31 +0000

Want to know what's been hot in the world of technology and gadgets today? Of course you do. The news roundup always aims to bring you a nice mix of the stories from the last 24 hours and today is no exception as we have a myriad of news as well as a cheeky review creeping in there.

First up is the story that Sony Ericsson's Nexus Android skin - designed to give a? more graphical user interface - might be available on devices other than the Xperia X10. Keeping with the Xperia X10 theme, if you're keen to find out some initial thoughts on the new handset you'll want to check out our First-Look review.

There's also news that the Apple tablet has been delayed due to the introduction of an OLED screen, the Nokia N900 goes on sale in the US minus a carrier for $649 and the Sony Reader Daily Edition is now available for pre-order.? Here are the top stories from the last 24 hours:

• NEWS:Sony Ericsson's Nexus Android skin promised for more devices
• NEWS:Apple tablet delayed by late decision to add OLED display
• NEWS:Nokia N900 goes on sale in US
• NEWS:PS3 Remote Play for Android "makes sense"
• NEWS:MS Office 2010 beta now available
• REVIEW:Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mobile phone - First Look
• NEWS:TomTom for iPhone updated
• NEWS:Sony Reader Daily Edition available for pre-order
• NEWS:Want a big TV? Don't move to California
• NEWS:WEBSITE OF THE DAY - Fingertips

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

Daily news roundup: Xperia X10, Apple tablet, Nokia N900 and more originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:29:22 +0000

The Vodafone Pocket-lint Awards 2009 public vote is now live, letting you - our valued readers - have your say in which gadgets you think should be crowned top for 2009.

As you will see over on the voting page, each of the nine categories has five products that have been nominated as the best of the year.

We need your help to narrow the five down to one overall winner for each category, the result of which will be announced at our Awards ceremony on 7 December.

The public vote will count towards 10% of the overall scores, with the other 90% weighting from the official Pocket-lint judges (a panel of industry professionals from around the globe) so your vote will make a real difference to the final winners.

Head over to the voting page now where there's simple instructions on how to cast your vote and stay tuned for the results on 7 December.

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

Vodafone Pocket-lint Awards 2009 public vote is now live originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:30:29 +0000

The countdown to?CES 2010, the biggest electronics trade show on the planet, has begun, but what can we expect from the show, and what should we start to get excited about? Here are six areas that are going to dominate the news come January.

Don't forget, Pocket-lint will be bringing you all the news, reviews, comment, photos and video as it happens in the run up to CES and live from Las Vegas for the duration of the show.

You can bookmark our CES coverage at pocket-lint.com/CES2010

Digital Living

Technology has gone mainstream supposedly, so that means the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center will be filled with technology launches that embrace all of us rather than just a select few. In real terms that means everything from gadgets for kids, gadgets for mums and dads that look after kids, and gadgets for the silver surfer. Expect new toys for health, parenting and higher education.

Apple

Don't get too excited,?Apple isn't attending CES, regardless of how many rumours you hear, but that doesn't mean companies that work in the Apple eco-system aren't going to be in Vegas launching new gadgets. With a whole area dedicated to the iPod,?iPhone?and Macs, expect a fair share of iPod speakers, cables to connect to something else in your life and the usual array of cases to protect it all.

eBook readers

If you're planning on getting an ebook reader for Christmas you might want to think again. The ebook market has exploded in the US with Amazon,?Barnes & Noble?and?Sony?all fighting over each other to offer you the digital reader you supposedly need. Plastic Logic has already confirmed that it will be launching a new ebook at CES and there is bound to be other manufacturers like?Spring Design?and iRex offering new models.

3D

Riding on the wave of euphoria that Avatar will no doubt give the industry, consumer electronics manufacturers like?Sony, Toshiba, LG?and?Samsung?will be likely to be pushing?3D TV?hard at CES 2010. IFA 2009 already showed us the concepts, CES will show us the reality. Expect new televisions, announcements from the Blu-ray Disc Association, television makers, graphics card companies like Nvidia and movie companies all trying to get in on the action.

Netbooks

While most people have surely moved on from the popularity of netbooks, CES organisers CEA believe netbooks are going to still be big news at CES 2010. What that means is a barrage of computers that don't do much but let you surf the Web and write the odd document. Of course manufacturers will be trying to tell us otherwise with improved graphics courtesy of Nvidia and ATI. You should also probably expect a barrage of tablet devices with touchscreens allowing you to surf the Web around the home.

Green

With the economy making a comeback, manufacturers can once again turn their eyes to saving the planet. Although the idea of being green for green's sake is still very niche, generally manufacturers will be trying to tell you to ignore the thousands they are spending on lighting their booths and the sheer carbon emissions the show creates, by concentrating instead on how they've made advancements in the glass they use or the boxes your favourite gadgets go into. At least you can sleep at night knowing that we haven't had to chop down any trees to let you read this.

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Tags: Audio Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness CES2010 ebooks Televisions Netbooks Sony LG Samsung Toshiba Apple iPod iPhone 3DTV Laptops Eco Amazon Barnes and Noble Spring Design

CES 2010: What new gadgets will be announced? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

The latest episode of Pocket-lint's Tech Week In View has hit the small screen as a moustachioed Stuart Miles brings his unique take on the big tech stories of the last week or so.

Miles considers Rupert Murdoch's threat to build a pay-wall for News Corp's online content to stop everyone "stealing" it and there's the old faithful of the debate over violent video games as Modern Warfare 2 heads to the top of the charts.

Future tech also goes briefly under the microscope as Miles muses the technology he's seen of late and its implications for the near future.

Finally, has the Twitter bubble burst? An 8% dip in Twitter use in the States during October has seen nay-sayers suggesting that the micro-blogging site has peaked. Hit play on the video above to see Stuart's take on all this.

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

VIDEO: Tech Week in View - Murdoch, violent games and the Twitter bubble bursting originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:18:15 +0000

Here is the full list of nominations for The Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009.

The following products were chosen because we feel they represent the best of the best in the category, and ones that given the money we would recommend you buy or at least try. All have gone on sale in the last 12 months that are available in the UK.?

The nominations are:

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Best Music Gadget 2009

Sonos S5 ZonePlayer

Monitor Audio Airstream 10

Etymotic/ACS hf2 custom fit headphones

Griffin myPhones headphones

Apple iPod touch 3G

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Best Car Gadget 2009

TomTom XL Live

CoPilot for iPhone

Navigon 8410

Jabra SP700

TomTom One IQ

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Best Digital Camera 2009

Olympus Pen E-P1

Canon PowerShot S90

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1?

Nikon D5000

FujiFilm FinePix F200EXR

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Best Laptop 2009

Apple MacBook Pro

Sony VAIO VGN-Z21ZN/X

Dell Adamo XPS

HP Envy

Toshiba NB200

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Best Software, Service, or App 2009

Spotify

Windows 7

Tweetie 2

Dropbox

Sky Player for Xbox

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Best Video Game 2009

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Guitar Hero 5

Battlefield 1943

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

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Best Home Cinema Device 2009

Philips 56PFL9954H Cinema 21:9 television

Panasonic DMR-BS850 Freesat Blu-ray recorder

LG 37LH7000 television

Sony PlayStation 3 Slim console

Humax Freesat+ FOXSAT-HDR recorder

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Best Mobile Phone 2009

HTC Hero

iPhone 3GS

Palm Pre

BlackBerry Bold 9700

HTC HD2

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Best Gadget 2009

Dyson Air Multiplier

Eye-Fi

Livescribe pen

Logitech Wireless Guitar

Sony Reader Pocket Edition

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Product of the year 2009

HTC Hero mobile phone

Spotify

Apple Mac Book Pro

Eytmotics HF2 Custom Fit headphones

Canon PowerShot S90 digital camera

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

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 in the UK 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.

Winners will be announced at an Awards evening in London on Monday 7 December.

If you would like to order tickets to the event please visit our awards event page.

Public voting will start on Wednesday 18 November.

Related links:

• Link - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009

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

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Nominations in full originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Here are the nominations for the Product of the Year in The Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009.

The following products were chosen because we feel they represent the best of the best, and ones that given the money we would recommend you buy or at least try. All have gone on sale in the last 12 months and are available in the UK.

The nominations are:

HTC Hero mobile phone

Spotify

Apple Mac Book Pro

Etymotic/ACS hf2 custom fit headphones

Canon PowerShot S90 digital camera

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

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 in the UK 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.

Winners will be announced at an Awards evening in London on Monday 7 December.

If you would like to order tickets to the event please visit our awards event page.

Public voting will start on Wednesday 18 November.

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Related links:

• Link - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009

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

Product of the Year 2009 nominations originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

We brought you news this was incoming from this year's Toy Fair, but the Stylophone Beatbox is now available to buy in the UK.

Following the relaunch of the retro Stylophone, the Beatbox edition produces several different percussion sounds, from bass drum all the way to hi-hat.

With different sound "palettes" - percussion, actual beatboxing (provided by beatbox champion MC Zani) and bass tones - the gadget lets you create a percussion loop, which means you can form a beat over to improvise with other voices. ?

There's also the option to connect up your MP3 player to the Beatbox via the headphone socket and tapping along with your own records.

IWOOT is offering the new musical gadget now for ?19.99.

Read

Tags: Audio Musical instruments Stylophone Gadgets Dad

Stylophone Beatbox goes on sale in the UK originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:57:12 +0000

It's the 13 Movember 2009 and a few of you out there might be feeling a little envious or indeed entirely left out of the tache growing proceedings. Don't panic. We've got it all sorted for you here. Here's a few moustache-inspired bits and pieces that'll help you feel like you're part of the game, just because you don't have the mo on the outside doesn't mean you're not wearing one on the inside.

Moustache Mugs

Funny yet warm and soothing at the same time, the moustache mug is possibly not the best choice around the boardroom table. Fortunately, it does give the fairer sex a chance to pick and choose their magic mo-ments or perhaps provide men a December and beyond memory of the great sacrifice they went through on behalf of charity. It's also something to keep your top lip warm through the long winter months. Each mug has got two taches of a different style - one on either side - and you can pick them up for around ?12 from Peter Ibruegger.

Humunga Stache

Apologies for the whopping great picture but somehow the silliness of the giant, curly, rubber moustache on a moody-looking bulldog is all the better the larger it gets. It takes a while to figure out what's going on here and, in fact, it's only when you navigate to the Humunga Stache product page that you realise you're looking at the protruding end of a dog chew. Naturally, it's made of non-toxic, very sturdy rubber and will entertain yourself and all your guests no end as your pooch develops a complex about being the permanent butt of the joke. Still, it is very funny and rather good value at ?9.95.

Bottle 'Stache

If you want something that shows more commitment than the Moustache Mug, you'll find yourself in Bottle 'Stache country. These removable rings fit around a standard soft drink bottle neck rim, giving the illusion that you're actually sporting some lip fur guaranteeing it'll fool a few. You can buy them in designs known as Box Car, the Stromboli, the Winnipeg Special and Beans for Breakfast. As the strap-line says: What is more fun than a moustache? Nothing.

Chalkboard Moustache

If you'd rather support the good cause in a marginally less silly and obvious way, then you might want to go for the subtle comedy class of a set of moustache napkin rings. Curiously, they look rather similar in design to the Bottle 'Stache but we're assured they're quite different. They're made of acrylic but have a neat little feature that means you can personalise each one for your guests. They come in a set of four, cost $24 and will probably become more entertaining as the evening goes on.

Salt & Pepper Tache

It's wooden, so it's kind to the environment; it dispenses salt and pepper, so it's useful; it splits in half, making it even better; it's shaped like a moustache, no comment required and it can be on display at all times being a table top gadget. That, in the business, is what they call a big bag of win. You can make someone's day at the paperdollwoodshop on Etsy for $28.

If you've found all this very inspiring then why not grow a mo yourself and help in the fight against prostate cancer? You can follow the Pocket-lint team's diary and even donate a little too.

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Related links:

• Feature - Moustache toys - The Mo is everywhere
• Feature - Grooming tips for your moustache
• Feature - Top grooming gadgets for Movember

Tags: Gadgets Dad Movember Features Home And Kitchen

Five fantastic moustache-inspired gadgets originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:03:48 +0000

Since we announced the Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards, nominations have been flying in to Pocket-lint headquarters at a rate of knots.

With a lot of lists, flow charts, pie graphs, copious amounts of coffee and a fair few, shall we say, heated discussions, we're almost ready to reveal the final lists for each category.

The numerous nominations have been narrowed down to five products in each of the categories, which will then see the sparks really start fly as our panel of judges whittle those down to the one winner from each.

Check back on Monday when we will reveal the five finalists for each of the nine categories, one from each which will ultimately be crowned best of 2009.

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

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards nominations to be revealed on Monday 16 November originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:49:33 +0000

Japan's Mobile Art Lab has come up with a charming new way to use the iPhone. The clever designers have created a book-shaped frame for the handset in which the iPhone slots, turning it into an interactive story book for children. Hit play now on the demo video above to see the charming concept in action.

Read

Tags: Phones iPhone apps Dad Books iPhone Video

VIDEO: iPhone becomes interactive children's book originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:14:11 +0000

Addressing the problem that Google's SafeSearch is only safe if the little blighters you're trying to "protect" from nefarious web content haven't worked out the fairly simple way to undo the settings, Google has introduced a way to lock it down.

Now when choosing the "strict" setting in SafeSearch, users can use their Google username and password to lock it to make sure it stays strict.

Concerned parents can hit play on the video above for a walkthrough on how-to do it - and an at-a-glance way of checking it's locked from across the room - but remember folks, "it's no substitute for adult supervision".

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Tags: Dad Software Google Search engines Video

VIDEO: Google demos locking SafeSearch originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:44:02 +0000

If you can't decide on a shape or structure for your upper lip decoration and your online search has delivered imagery of the resplendent Selleck or snaps of pretty boys Pitt and Depp, you've mused over the Einstein brush and chuckled at Chaplin's nearly not-there tash and you want to avoid politicising your Movember hair affair by going down the Guevara or Stalin routes, don't be disheartened.

Inspiration is at hand from an unlikely source, a collection of famous names and faces and some not such household names, yet they all sport a surprising number of unique styles that'll lift your spirits and ready you for your first "shaping" day.

Mr Potato head and the Monopoly Man are the two most memorable for most with proudly displayed "mo's", anyone remember the names of the five Guess Who geezers sporting terrific top lip decorations from the original 80's flip down game?

It's Charles, Alfred, Richard, Alex and Max, a fact, which will get you many points in a pub quiz some day.

If these aren't to your liking then there are a host of other characters on which to mould your growth, Mario and Wario in their vinyl figure form, a vast collection of random plastic cowboys from playsets of yesteryear, moustache design studios that utilise iron filings as the hair so you can try out different shapes without recourse, even screaming tots have been treated to their very own Mr Pontipine who sports a "Daliesque" number in the pre-school show In the Night Garden.

Even Lego dudes wear the "Mo" with style sometimes. Of course, by now, you'll be shouting the omissions from this brief list at your screen, so let us know what they are in the comments below.

Peter Jenkinson is the editor of?Toyology.co.uk?a website dedicated to toys.

Movember is about having fun, growing a moustache and raising much needed funds and awareness for men's health - specifically prostate cancer. 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 change the face of mens health.

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Related links:

• Link - Movember

Tags: Gadgets Dad Toys Movember

Moustache toys - The Mo is everywhere originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:11:11 +0000

Fancy being a part of one of the leading global gadget news and reviews sites in the world? Thought you did.?Pocket-lint is looking to fill positions in?New York and?San Francisco, the roving reporters joining the team will 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 depend 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 answers 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?

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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 http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:18 +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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:18:19 +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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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.

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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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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.

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 Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 announced originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com 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 http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:28:59 +0100