transformers

Cable clutter is the bane of gadget hounds everywhere. If you can find a way to ditch a cable, it's a beautiful thing. I guess that makes the Orobis Transform cable a beautiful thing. It combines an Apple Lightning connector with a Micro-USB connector leading to a standard USB connector on the other end.

The idea of a 2-in-1 cable isn't new. What's cool is how the Transform handles it. Inspired by the Transformers, the Lightning part of the cable fits over the Micro-USB part. To expose the Micro-USB, you slide a small latch, fold it over, and plug it in. It's cute and functional.… Read more

We've seen transforming robots before, and I'm not talking about anything related to Hasbro.

Researchers from MIT are among many engineers and tinkerers trying to design robots that perform different functions by changing their shape or appearance.

Japan-based Brave Robotics has designed a 1/12-scale RC car that can transform into a humanoid robot. It can shuffle around, grab footage with its Wi-Fi camera, and even fire little missiles from its arms. … Read more

Seems like there's been a new tablet released almost every other day. While I'm excited that the tablet market is showing no signs of slowing down, speaking strictly from a personal standpoint, I could use a break.

I won't be getting one, though! Starting this week, we'll see new Windows RT and Windows 8 tablets from Microsoft and its partners. Then, over the next few weeks, expect major tablet releases from Apple, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and possibly Google.

Are manufacturers flooding the market with too many options? Hey, as long as the quality remains high (and in some cases gets higher), I think we'll be fine.

With the release of the Surface, I thought it would be interesting to compare the current full-size flagship tablets running Windows, iOS, and Android.… Read more

To put it lightly, something sensational happens upon feeding large concentrations of toxic gold chloride (also known as liquid gold) to the bacteria Cupriavidus metallidurans. After about a week's time, the bacterium creates a 24-karat gold nugget from the digested toxins.

"Microbial alchemy is what we're doing, transforming gold from something that has no value into a solid, precious metal that's valuable," said Kazem Kashefi, assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at Michigan State University, where the research is taking place. … Read more

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime is the latest Android device to see its Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean update, coming less than a day after Asus indicated it would be here "soon."

As is the case with every other Android 4.1 update, the Prime benefits from features such as Google Now, speed improvements, and enhanced notifications. Those of you who own the Asus TF201 tablet are advised to check the "About Tablet" section for a firmware update. Be sure to have plenty of juice in the battery and a good 10 minutes set … Read more

Think you've got a handle on what Windows 8 means for laptops and tablets? Based on Asus' announcement of a bevy of new products at IFA, you're not even close.

Asus has been a champion of aggressive design ideas for years, and to the company's credit, a lot of these products seem like clever ways to explore the touch potential of Windows 8. There are no fewer than three detachable tablet-cum-hybrid laptop products, two touch-screen laptops -- one of which has a two-sided screen -- and a large, standard but very stylish ultrathin 15-incher. Let's take a walk through the magical Windows 8 zoo, shall we?… Read more

Thanks mostly to Asus, keyboards and tablets are kind of a thing. It started with the first Transformer, continued with the Slider, and Asus hasn't really looked back since then. And why should it? The Transformer line has been very good to the company, even if the actual keyboard costs up to $150 extra (in addition to the tablet). The Slider isn't as popular, and its prices start at nearly $500.

So there's definitely room for a cheaper Android tablet/keyboard combo. Enter Archos. In November the company will launch its 101 XS, a $400, 10.1-inch … Read more

Anytime a major vendor releases a new tablet, I inevitably get asked the following question: can it take on the top dog? That "top dog" being the iPad, of course.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is the latest such device to get the "How does it compare with the iPad?" treatment. Let me break it down for you.

Well, the technology behind the S Pen stylus is really cool, supporting things like pressure sensitivity and palm rejection. This will no doubt benefit figure artists and even those who want a bit more precision when putting one person's head on another's body in Photoshop Touch. Ahhh, wackiness.… Read more

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101-X1 is the same as the Asus Eee Pad Transformer but the former is the version sold in Best Buy stores. There are no specification differences between the two.

For a full review on the TF101-X1 refer to the Asus Eee Pad Transformer review. For a newer alternative check out the Asus Transformer Pad TF300.