Gadgets to Wear

Cutting-edge technology is slowly making its way into apparel,accessories

Cutting-edge technology is slowly making its way into apparel,accessories
Remember the cool gadgets that James Bond would fish out every now and then? The watch with the magnet,sunglasses that could detect lasers and a pen that could fire all gadgets that would have teenagers fantasising about becoming spies and secret agents. Well,a few decades on,most of these celluloid gizmos have become reality. Here is a look at what you can own without joining MI6.

Burton Audex Jacket
This gadget wont be of use in most parts of India where it doesnt snow much,but the Burton Audex Jacket is something that is definitely worth considering. Built in partnership with Motorola,the jacket can connect to a mobile phone and iPod using an embedded system operated by an easy removable control module on the left sleeve. The control panel allows one to take or make calls and switch songs without removing the devices from the pockets. What makes this jacket unique is that the panel also sports a mini caller ID screen. Other cool quotient features include stereo speakers built into the hood,and a microphone near the collar allowing seamless,unobtrusive wearability and playability. Available for a price tag of Rs 40,000 450,the jacket can be ordered from the official Burton or Motorola website.

Oakley O Rokr Pro
Sunglasses
While the first of its line of Motorola-infused sunglasses were undoubtedly the slick Oakley Razrwire,inspired by the now iconic Moto Razr,the latest Oakley O Rokr Pro owes its genes to the Moto Rokr. Thanks to the wireless MP3 player built-in,it can not only stream music wirelessly from an I-pod,but also control the music wirelessly using buttons on the frame. Like the Razrwire,this sunglass too has a built-in adapter which enables it to double up as a Bluetooth headset. Moreover,the technology also integrates Oakley High Definition Optics HDO,Hydrophobic Lens Coating and patented XYZ optics to reduce glare and make sure oily fingers leave no residue on the lens. Plus,it has Mylar speakers for six direction movement and precise positioning. Available on direct order from the Oakley Store for 249.

Nike C.O.R.E. audio backpack
One of the things that changed the face of the technology industry was the Apple iPod. Not only did the device usher in a portable music player revolution,but it also sent designers across the globe scurrying to get accessories that increase the style quotient of the already suave gadget. Voted as one of the best iPod sync bags available in town,the Nike C.O.R.E backpack features an onboard Apple dock connector which connects to an iPod,Nano,Touch or Classic. What is cool is that on the right strap is an external dock for attaching the headphones as well as securely protecting them,while the lower half of the strap features raised buttons that control the song panel. With a limited release across the globe,and a very,very low price tag of 98,or Rs 5,000,this is one bag is worth the moolah.

Biodevices Vital Jacket
We believe the Biodevices Vital Jacket,which can monitor ECG waves and heart rate levels,will define wearable electronics in the not so distant future. The HWM100 version stores data on a SD memory card for post-analysis on a PC and allows long-term monitoring. Users can define heart rate limits and will be alerted through a vibration alarm embedded in the T-shirt if anything seems out of the ordinary. The HWM200,on the other hand,allows real-time visualisation where data is sent via Bluetooth to a PDA or smart phone. As expected this cutting-edge technology will burn a 635-size hole in your pocket.

Brando Workshop
Wi-Fi Detecting Hat
This gadget is cool in a weird way. A hat that detects 802.11 b/g/n signals using light-emitting diodes LEDs is definitely something on a geeks wishlist,maybe no one elses. The hat has two signals,one to show network availability and the other to show signal strength. It comes in a laptop design or a XM-like design and comes in black,white and red. The weird part,however,is that the wearer cannot see the activity while the hat is on his head. But at just 14 this is a fun and affordable geek gadget.

Silent Call Deaf Assistance Watch
This is the sort of device we would like to see more of in the future. The Silent Call watch attempts to negate the problems of those with hearing and vision disabilities by making them aware of changes in their environment. The watch starts vibrating when the doorbell or phone rings or when a fire or burglar alarm has been set of within a 300-foot range. Working with the Sidekick II system the watch provides different wake up alarms and mattress vibrators to alert the owner. The vibration changes with the type of alert so that the users know exactly whats happening. The watch sells for 150,and is one product that can do wonders for those with disabilities. We really hope to see this one in India soon.

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Adidas-1 intelligent sneaker
As Nike has its own revolutionary footwear technology called the Nike,rival Adidas_1 aims to provide comfort cushioning by using sensors on board the shoe to change the comfort level via a microprocessor. The shoe has a motor-driven cable system to provide the correct cushioning for a specified purpose. Uli Becker,Head of Adidas Global Communications calls the shoe a symbol of its brand attitude,Impossible is Nothing. And with a price tag of 250,or almost Rs 12,000,we are inclined to believe that.