FXI Cotton Candy – The Miniature PC On A Stick

 

FXI Technologies has recently just released in limited availability the Cotton Candy miniaturized dual-core PC computer the size of a USB flash drive.

The FXI cotton candy is referred to as an “any screen computer” which really means it’s a tiny miniaturized fully capable PC computer that doesn’t come with a screen or monitor. These miniaturized computer devices are ideal for embeded applications including portable set top box gaming and entertainment equipment, mobile “any screen” computing, and a full range of specialized applications including medical, automotive, security, surveillance, and other dedicated solutions.

This tiny fully contained computer is packed with impressive raw horsepower and offers integrated HDMI, USB and MicroUSB connectivity for surprising flexibility in the portable market.

And let’s talk about just how how tiny and compact. The Cotton Candy miniaturized PC on a stick weighs only 21 grams. That’s just a little over 1/2 ounce. The dimensions of this super miniaturized computer are roughly 3 inches in length and a bit over 1/2 inch in width.

The cotton candy architecture will lend itself as an ideal add on to smartphones, tablet computers and notebook PCs including Macs. In addition, the device is perfect for adding intelligent computing capabilities to displays, set top boxes and gaming consoles.

 FXI Cotton Candy Technical Specifications

• ARM® Cortex™ A9 1.2GHz Central Processing Unit (CPU) with NEON extensions and Trustzone extensions.
• ARM® Mali™ 400MP Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) delivers 720p and 1080p OpenGL ES v2.0, can process 30M Polygons and 1.2 GPixels per second.
• Wifi 802.11 b/g/n network connectivity.
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.
• 1GB DRAM memory.
• Up to 64GB expandable memory with microSD local storage.
• Supports standard OS’s including, Android (Gingerbread and Ice Cream Sandwich), Linux (Ubuntu),  and includes embedded virtualization client for Windows, Linux, Mac.
• USB 2.0 port for power and connection to devices that support USB mass storage.
• HDMI 2.1 port with audio.
• Decodes MPEG-4, H.264 and other video formats, displays HD graphics on any HDMI equipped screen.

FXI Technologies (www.fxitech.com) is a Norway-based hardware and software startup with a focus on improving the world of digital screens with smart and personal capabilities. This includes initiatives

• Improving consumer access to Cloud computing.
• Accelerate the adoption and use of “smart screen” technologies.
• Easy ability to share media and content (videos, movies, photos, games, etc.) from mobile and portable devices on large screens and projectors.

FXI Cotton Candy, the PC on a stick, may very well open up even more exciting embedded computing applications around the corner, and we’ll be ready to talk about it here at Mint Gadgets. If you’re interested in learning more about the cotton candy miniature PC on a stick, you can visit the comunity website at cstick.com where development units are available now for pre-order.

Source: [FXI - cstick.com]

 

The Virtual Laser-Generated Keyboard

 

iPads and iPhones are wonderful devices that have achieved enormous popularity. But while these devices strive for perfection, they do leave a bit to be desired for those of us that sorely miss the keyboard. If you’re like so many users that really do prefer a keyboard when you have to get some serious work done, then have a look at this cutting-edge new innovative keyboard device for the iPad and iPhone as well as Android Phones.

The Virtual Laser-Generated Keyboard is the latest keyboard invention that projects a laser-generated keyboard image onto any flat, opaque surface. A Class II laser draws a full-size 9 3/4 inch wide by 4 inch high keyboard and renders 3/4 inch square keys with a bit of drop shadow for visual depth.

The Virtual Laser-Generated Keyboard has an optical sensor that detects your finger placement at different locations on the keyboard in three dimensions. And an infrared horizontal plane is projected just millimeters above the surface which detects the actual contact your finger makes with the keys when the infrared plane is interrupted.

The virtual keyboard device translates the detected key strokes into the appropriate character code and sends to your iPhone, iPad or Android device via the Bluetooth radio interface, so no wires or cables needed.

The Virtual Laser-Generated Keyboard can keep pace with even the fastest typists, able to track typing speeds up to 400 characters per minute.  The rechargeable battery provides up to 2 1/2 hours of typing from a 1 1/2 hour charge using the included USB/AC adapter.  The virtual keyboard device dimensions are 3 inches high by 1 1/2 inches wide by 1 1/4″ deep, and a light weight 2 1/2 oz.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $199.95

Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth Earbuds

 

Jaybird has released a new wireless bluetooth earbud product with a behind the neck strap wire. The Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth Earbuds follow this popular trend with the behind the neck wire which definitely helps keep your earbuds from falling out, especially when you’re engaged in an active sports activity.

If you’re like me, you probably don’t go anywhere without your iPod. I’m listening to music all the time. And I don’t think I could make it through my exercise routine without the music. The wireless bluetooth earbuds are definitely the way to go rather than a typical headset wire tethered to the iPod which always seems to get in the way when you’re trying to exercise or run.

The Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth Earbuds, with the behind the neck wire strap will definitely stay in place much better. This really helps solve the common problem of your earbuds falling out every darn minute. These earphones are the best of its kind with a built in with a microphone allowing you to answer calls as well. The sound quality is very good, the sound fidelity with the wireless bluetooth earbuds has definitely improved considerably. And the ear cushions are very comfortable to wear.

The Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth Earbuds set comes with a pair of earbuds, 3 sizes of ear tips, 3 sizes of GeckoGrip ear cushions, a user manual, a warranty and a really nice hard-shell case that seals with a magnetic clasp.

This Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth Earbud design is definitely high quality. The controls are located on the right ear piece, including the main button. The bluetooth receiver is universal and standard and you shouldn’t have any trouble pairing with standard phone and MP3 devices. The battery can play music for up to six hours, roughly the same talk-time as well, with a standby mode that will run for 260 hours on a single charge.

Available: Amazon

Price: $99.00

Logitech Fold-Up Keyboard for iPad

 

Apple’s iPad 2, despite all of its incredible features, is not exactly an ideal device for typing. Especially if you need to type longer documents and you don’t have all day to navigate the virtual keyboard. This is precisely why you’ll want to get your hands on the new Logitech Fold-Up Keyboard for iPad, a physical wireless Bluetooth keyboard that facilitates your typing on your iPad 2 and can be stored efficiently when not in use.

The new Logitech Fold-Up keyboard for iPad 2 comes in black color and is made of a light durable plastic. It can be separated into two sections for compact storage when not in use, and easily reassembles into a single keyboard unit when you’re ready to use it. When you’re finished using the keyboard, you simply tuck the keyboard under your iPad. Think of of this wireless keyboard as a handy combination of a portable keyboard and a storage case for your iPad 2.

Even handier, the keyboard acts like a stand for your iPad so that your iPad can be tilted as you are typing. It virtually transforms your iPad into a mini laptop. An internal rechargeable battery that also includes a USB module for recharging powers the Logitech Fold-Up keyboard. And connecting to your iPad 2 couldn’t be easier using the Bluetooth wireless interface provided by the  keyboard. With the convenient Bluetooth feature you won’t need any wires or cables to connect the keyboard to you iPad 2.

And this is a quality keyboard as you would expect from Logitech. Comfortable and responsive to your touch, one user reported that she was able to  type 91 words per minute using the Logitech Fold-Up Keyboard for iPad 2.

The Logitech Fold-Up Wireless Keyboard for your iPad 2 may be the ultimate accessory you’ve  been looking for to finally complete your iPad 2 and make an already truly wonderful device absolutely perfect!

Available: Amazon

Price: $129.99

Kanex AirBlue Portable Bluetooth Music Receiver

 

Do you ever find yourself getting frustrated over little inconveniences like figuring out a way to connect your iPhone, iPod or other MP3 player to your home stereo or home entertainment so you can listen to music that you keep on your mobile phone, iPod, MP3 or other portable media players? To alleviate this inconvenience the Kanex AirBlue Portable Bluetooth Music Receiver makes it possible for users to listen, play and control their music media from their favorite audio sources wirelessly.

The Kanex AirBlue Portable Bluetooth Music Receiver connects to your home stereo or entertainment system through the standard audio cables provided. Then you’re able to stream your favorite music, podcasts and other media from your iPhone, mobile phone, iPod, MP3 player or any other portable media player over a standard wireless Bluetooth connection and play the audio straight through to your home stereo or home entertainment system.

The Kanex AirBlue Portable Bluetooth Receiver is a convenient, small footprint portable device that measures 1.875 inches across and about 0.25 inches thick. This is roughly the size of a the lens cap for an SLR camera lens. And the Kanex device is attractively styled with a smart, soft-touch matte black finish.

You can wirelessly control your favorite playlist or podcasts anytime, anywhere through your vehicle, speakers or home stereo as long as you are within the Bluetooth transmission range of 33 feet. You simply connect the Kanex Airblue Portable Bluetooth Music Receiver to the audio system using the 3.5mm audio cables (or mini USB connector) and then pair your media source (iPhone, iPod, MP3 player, mobile phone, etc.) with the Kanex AirBlue Bluetooth receiver. Then, you’re able to receive streamed audio with the same audio output via the analog audio connection.

And the fidelity is quite good. The Kanex AirBlue Portable Bluetooth Receiver employs a Bluetooth v2.1 receiver with EDR which enables the highest music fidelity and premium sound over a Bluetooth connection. The device is also easy on the battery and is able to deliver an average of 10 working hours on a full charge. The internal rechargeable battery is easily recharged using a simple USB connection and cable and you can also use the device while it is charging.

The Kanex AirBlue Portable Bluetooth Music Receiver is a handy portable, reliable, and convenient wireless solution to stream your favorite media for use at home and when you’re on the go.

Available: Amazon

Price: $49.99

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