z00pster’s gadget blog

The Roomba is a quite sophisticated robot.

Any Roomba that was manufactured after late October 2005 (24 Oct 05 to be exact) has a serial command interface (SCI) built into it which will allow one to be remotely controlled. There isn’t any storage capabilities (yet), but you can connect a small computer (think wearable size - cappucino?) to it and voila…you have a fully programmable robot.

Roomba sentries, roomba servants…even roomba hackers? Hmmm…interesting.

Filed under: Household

src="http://www.engadget.com/media/2005/12/ph_home.jpg" alt="" />In a world gone mad with the expectation of
instantly contacting anyone, anywhere — it’s nice to see a product come along to remind us that always-on is a choice:
the Home Phone Control. With a simple button push you can quickly and easily shut off all the (landline) phones in the
house blocking both inbound and outbound calls.  So don’t go hiding the device from the kids while trying to
control their outbound calling hours ’cause they just might need to make a call to 911 on your behalf, dig? The process
is entirely manual so don’t expect to set up automatic do-not-disturb time blocks a la the href="http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/the-linelok-wont-give-you-control-of-your-phones/">LineLok, but then what
do you expect for a $19.99 device with line-splitter? Their site says "available soon" with the expectation
of taking orders "before the end of 2005" giving them, oh, about a dozen hours to get their shiznit
together.

 [Thanks, Brent]

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Digital tablets had always been one of the more expensive peripherals one can add to the PC, but thankfully the Acecad Acecat Flair digital tablet cost a mere $67. Ditch Microsoft Paint, you can now dabble and unleash the inner artist in you via Photoshop and Illustrator. A great value-for-money buy for casual users, home photo editors, and sketch artists alike. (features below) Trusted Reviews via DL Mag

Sprite’s new SAM-2114DW 5.1-channel Bluetooth home theater speaker employs Dolby stereo and can be connected to different home entertainment devices like DVD players or Media Center PCs. TV and DVD players are connected via cables in general, but the product comes with a separate RGB component terminal that allows the user to control sound via software. When signals are received via Bluetooth, compression rate increases to minimize data loss and blocks external interruptions as well. Signal strength is good up to 40m. Via AVING.net

The LG FM-20 flash player features Brain Shower technology that uses music as a therapeutic tool. It can enhance one’s mood depending on the situation, and the graceful music that pours from within will soothe any overworked cerebrum. The FM-20 comes in 256MB to 1GB capacities, offers MP3, WMA, and OGG support, and lasts up to 20 hours with its internal battery. We can’t tell whether a screen is included with this gizmo though. Via dapreview

We reported in June that the Sony EBR-1000 will not make its way to the US, but thankfully Sony has made an about turn on that stance. Over 50,000 titles are available from Sony’s Connect music and book service, with content supplied by Simon & Schuster, Random House, and Harper Collins. The EBR-1000 can last up to 15 books on average, can take in SD cards and display PDF documents as well. Via DL Mag

MatrixStream Technologies will unveil the world’s first H.264 AVC Video on Demand and IPTV Set Top Box (STB) and PC Player compatible with the highest HD signal formats at CES 2006. MatrixStream’s 1020HD STB can match and exceed broadcast or satellite quality video over any broadband network, capable of instant Video on Demand, streaming DBD-quality video in real time. Trials will begin in late January 2006, culminating in a consumer edition launch by the end of Q1 next year. Via eHomeUpgrade

Video Without Boundaries will include support for popular online services and applications such as iTunes, Yahoo Music, Google Video, AOL Optimized 9.0, voice calling, as well as audio and video transfer to the Apple iPod with its upcoming range of MediaREADY Digital Media Center products. All MediaREADY products are broadband-ready and ships with a durable Linux OS. The easy software/hardware upgrades and exclusive downloadable content makes the deal so much sweeter. Via eHomeUpgrade

Mobilygen has developed the MG1264, a codec chip that provides USB developers with the functionality to convert DV in H.264/AAC that fits in perfectly with the 30fps QVGA 768kbps baseline profile requirement of the iPod video. The MG1264 sips only 125mW of total chip power, making it a viable option for those who want TV on their portable devices. Commercial samples are available at $10 a pop when purchased in volume. Via Everything USB

MIT’s Smart Cities research group has designed a concept 2-passenger electric car that’s stackable and shareable. It works similar to the shopping cart experience, and parking need not be a problem anymore as these stacks can be placed strategically throughout the city. This vehicle will not have an engine and features liquid-like airbags, omnidirectional movement wheels, and seats that grip the passengers in place of seat belts. Guardian via Gadget Review