disco

Mobile phones weren't the only exciting tech that dazzled me at CTIA this week. Bluetooth gizmos put on a show as well. Here are a few of the devices that piqued my interest whether for having a neat skill, good looks, or for being very well priced. … Read more

LAS VEGAS--OK, maybe they dance and draw better than I do, but the SketRobo and DiscoRobo are some seriously skilled robots.

Showcased at the Digital Experience press event on Monday, the pair of bots are from Vietnamese robotics company Tosy. The SketRobo was the more impressive of the two. Just give the humanoid a piece of paper and a pen, and it will start drawing intricate images right before your eyes.

Tosy representatives told me that the SketRobo is currently limited to sketching objects that are already programmed into its systems. However, the plan is to equip the robot with … Read more

Links from Monday's episode of Loaded:

Google launches a group-texting service called Disco

YouTube offers Create to help you edit other people's videos into your own

Google is reportedly working with Citigroup and MasterCard to launch mobile payments on Android devices

Intel is taking a crack at the smartphone market

Amazon.com may be looking to launch a cloud locker service that would host and stream all of your music, photos, movies, and books

Wal-Mart will give you a $100 credit for your old Nintendo DS if you want to buy a new 3DS

A new concept gadget … Read more

Let's say, for example, that wearing a Star Trek T-shirt around town doesn't adequately convey your love of the franchise. You could step it up a notch (or a few) with a shirt that continuously flashes Trekkie images, disco-ball-like, for upward of 32 hours. That ought to help get your message across.

Glow-in-the-dark garments and apparel that uses LED displays have been around for a while. But ThreadLites turn the brightness up with an integrated graphic-illuminating electro luminescent panel that allows designs or text to flash on the outer area in a predetermined pattern. Imagine a sound equalizer … Read more

Anybody can turn an iPod into a mini-disco with a variety of accessories, from flashing cases to pulsating cube (though we'd hope they would resist the urge for their own sake). But in the bathtub? We thought that was reserved for Craver Caroline McCarthy and her only-in-Japan discoveries.

The concept has apparently made its way west with the "Underwater Disco Lightshow" from those cheeky monkeys at Firebox, which Chip Chick says can turn the tub into an aquatic dance floor. Just slip an iPod into the waterproof case, and Donna Summer will magically appear for the last … Read more

It's one thing for Sony to reminisce about the good old days when they ruled the music world, but at some point it's time to let go. That was our immediate thought, anyway, upon seeing this dual cassette tape recorder. That's right--tapes.

Akihabara News says many people still use them, though we'll have to take their word for it because we haven't known any since about 1989. It also has a CD player in case they want to experiment with some of that cutting-edge stuff, as well as an AM/FM radio. We're still … Read more

IXOS is one electronics maker that, from what we've seen so far, will always keep us guessing. It boggles the mind to imagine how a company that can produce something so elegant as its iPod speaker tube can also be responsible for the "Disco Cube."

But Tech Digest says the blinking phenom, which made its debut last holiday season, is back for another performance in models updated for the newest generation of media players. It must have something to do with the natural bond between iPods and '70s dance-floor lights.

While we're generally in favor of … Read more

Puma sweats? Check. Adidas shell toes? Check. Kangol? Check. But you still need a watch to keep yourself on point and on time.

The Stamps Disco record turntable watch is a perfect fit for b-boys and vinyl aficionados, offering a miniature turntable as its face. You can also swap in a disco-ball-themed faceplate, but the turntable looks doper.

The $55 watch is available online through Urban Outfitters.

In a perfect world, the watch would actually play miniature records, but unfortunately, the face is just for show. But what a sweet show it is.

[Via Retro To Go]

Note to electronics industry: Sometimes, rather than trying too hard to come up with a new design, it might be best to take a trip back in time. We never thought we'd be touting a look from the '70s, but Grundig is releasing a pair of speakers with an irresistible mid-century feel that has held up well over the years. (Then again, we never thought we'd see platform shoes again either.)

To commemorate the 100th birthday of founder Max Grundig, the company will be offering an updated version of its spherical "Audiorama" speakers next year, according … Read more