New Gadgets in 2009 to Watch Out

One thing can be said for sure about gadget lovers, they're always looking towards what new gadgets and technologies lie ahead. They're always in search of what's newer, thinner, sleeker, faster... and more bizarre. And, now that we're about ready to bring 2008 to a close, manufacturers are beginning to unveil some of the cool gadgetry we can look forward to seeing in 2009.

T-Mobile, Motorola, Using Android OS On Mobile Phones
More advanced gadget lovers who thrive on virtual social interaction will appreciate the new Android Operating System that has been adopted by T-Mobile earlier this year. And, now it looks as though Motorola may incorporate it into their mobile phones in the upcoming year, as well.

According to an excerpt from BusinessWeek, the idea behind Motorola evolving to the new google-backed operating system, is to make their phones part of a new class of smartphones, which enable users to access social networks like Facebook and MySpace.

Napkin PC
It is said that many a great idea was born on a napkin. So Industrial Designer, Avery Holleman, developed the Napkin PC. The Napkin PC is a cool concept that uses a base station - disguised as a napkin holder - with seven different stylus pens that allows multiple users to scribble their ideas down on individual "napkins" that ultimately interface with the base station.

It's definitely an idea that has got creative types and businessmen thinking "outside the box". The concept allows users to not have to limit their creativity to in front of a PC screen. The "napkins" employ full color e-paper and multi-touch technology.

The napkins can hold the image drawn on it indefinitely, or until it's cleared off by the user. Which means you can hang it up, or share it with your coworkers at your next meeting.
The Napkin PC took first place Judge's Award and Chairman's Award in NextGen's PC Design Competition.

Nokia Aeon
The Nokia Aeon cell phone is still in the research and development phase of its life, but gadget junkies the world over are already "wowing" over the full touch screen. Nokia is keeping all other details under wraps due to competitive pressure.

B-Membrane Computer
We may not see the B-Membrane concept computer for some time, but it's certainly worth mentioning just in case. The B-Membrane computer is a unique take on a laptop/desktop computer.

Korean designer Won-Seok Lee created his B-Membrane computer to look like no other. Indeed, it is about the size of a large round platter, and boasts an omni-directional projector, rather than a monitor. A keyboard appears on the membrane of the computer's surface when needed.

When not being used as a computer, Lee's design can be used to create a relaxing ambience using a variety of light effects through its projector.

Microsoft Arc Mouse
The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a handy little device that serves as both a desktop mouse and a laptop mouse, depending upon if you have it extended to its full length or folded.
The mouse uses Microsoft's BlueTrack Laser Technology, and has a wireless range of up to 30 feet. It offers four customizable buttons, Tilt Wheel Technology, and comes in red or black.

This is a neat, money-saving concept. You can purchase this from Microsoft for $59.95.

Asus EEE Notebook With Touch Screen
The Asus EEE notebook computer is truly an awesome gadget for the college student, or business traveler who just needs to access basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. You know, it's rather like an electronic notebook of sorts.
Its small profile is not much bigger than a regular book, and can easily slip inside your purse or briefcase. But what's really cool about this gadget, is the manufacturer offers a touch screen option with this computer. While it does come with a stylus, many users find that they're perfectly comfortable simply using their fingers to move pages and open programs.

Asus has also released a more powerful desktop version of their EEE computer with touch screen capabilities.Check out the Asus EEE PC now.

Schwinn Electric Tailwind Bicycle

In these tough economic times, when everyone is searching for cheaper ways to commute, comes the Schwinn Electric Tailwind Bicycle expected to hit the market in early 2009.While it certainly resembles a traditional bicycle, the Schwinn Electric Tailwind, dubbed e-bike, packs a lot more punch. Essentially, Schwinn joined forces with Toshiba to create a hybrid bicycle.

Schwinn uses a Toshiba Super Charge lithium-ion phosphate battery to help propel this bike down the road, giving you the option of pedaling yourself, or offering you adjustable pedal assistance if needed.Toshiba's battery charges in just 30 minutes, and can be recharged about 3000 times before it needs to be replaced. The battery slips discretely in the luggage rack, and off you go.

Visit Schwinn Tailwind to take a look at this really cool set of wheels. You'll be able to get yours for about $3,200.

Test Tube Hamburger
And, while this next item is not actually a gadget you can put your hands on, it seems that it may be something you'll be able to sink your teeth into in the upcoming year.Back in 2006, stories were circulating about test tube hamburger. Yep... scientists believed that they could make enough fake meat from one stem cell to feed a million people for one year. Their goal was to have it on people's tables by 2009.

People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and fellow vegetarians, of course, are thrilled with the prospect of the lives of thousands of cows being spared by this in vitro beef. In fact, PETA is said to have offered a $1 million reward to the first scientist to produce and market in vitro meat.

While it may sound questionable to some, the in vitro beef expected in 2009 is said to look, smell, and taste just like the real thing. Real, on the hoof, beefeaters may be skeptical, but meat created like this might give vegetarians a reason to say "where's the beef?"