CrunchGear

Fan + Umbrella = Fanbrella (Video)
CrunchDeals: A $90 3G Kindle
Sony’s SmartAR Augmented Reality Looks Really Promising (Video)
CrunchGear Week In Review: Hammer Time Edition

Posted: 23 May 2011 04:52 AM PDT

Tokyo-based crap gadget maker Thanko has outdone itself yet again: the company has announced the so-called Fanbrella [JP] today, a combination of a fan and (you guessed it) an umbrella.

The mini fan in the umbrella is powered by three AA batteries, which is enough for about 2-3 hours, according to Thanko (you can activate the fan by pushing a button on the umbrella’s grip). The Fanbrella weighs 600g.

Thanko is already selling the thing on its Japanese website (price: $49). Ask specialized online store Geek Stuff 4 U if you’re interested but don’t live in Japan.

This video shows the Fanbrella in action:

CrunchDeals: A $90 3G Kindle

Posted: 23 May 2011 04:43 AM PDT

Wow. Woot has a ringer today in a refurbished 3G Kindle. $90 will net buyers the previous generation Kindle, but at least the more pricey 3G wireless model. Even though this is a 2nd gen unit, and Amazon is currently about nine months into the 3rd generation’s life, you’re really not losing all that much. This is a deal, friends.

The current model features a more, if you will, contrasty e-ink screen that has darker text on a lighter background. This screen is also easier on battery drain so that’s improved as well. These improvements shouldn’t take away from the 2nd gen Kindle, which still pwns any other ereader out there besides its successor. if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to explore the glorious world of ereading, whip out that credit card and order this Woot. It doesn’t get any better than this. (and it’s not going to last long)

Sony’s SmartAR Augmented Reality Looks Really Promising (Video)

Posted: 23 May 2011 03:48 AM PDT

Last week Thursday, Sony introduced "SmartAR", a so-called integrated Augmented Reality technology that looked pretty decent in the demo video big S uploaded that day. The company produced a new video over the weekend, and if you’re into Augmented Reality, the new footage will blow you away.

To recap, Sony says SmartAR doesn’t require markers to work, that it’s fast and accurate, designed to display content in 3D, and that it has an intuitive UI that makes it possible to interact with virtual objects even in a 3D space.

Judging by the video (in Japanese) below, this is not hard to believe, and I just hope Sony will integrate SmartAR in some form into the NGP.