Kevin Wong

Contributing Editor

Exposed at an early age, Kevin has always been more interested in how things work than actually using them. Thanks to a brief run-in in the early 90's with a Lego Mindstorms kit, it seemed Kevin was destined for Engadget. He has been part of the Engadget team since late 2008, beginning his gadget career under Josh Topolsky. His biggest passions are resisting Apple products, giving Windows products a fair shake and tinkering with DSLR cameras. A graduate of New York University, with a bachelors in Computer Science and a minor in Computer Applications, Kevin now resides in Manhattan and continues to discover new aspects of technology to surround himself with.

Articles by Kevin Wong

TetherGPS brings GPS navigation to Nook Color, in a manner of speaking
The smart folks over at ComptonSoft are looking to provide a GPS receiver to your mobile device in a rather unconventional way. TetherGPS links up your Android phone's GPS to the Nook Color by means of WiFi -- either on the same network or via a WiFi tether -- because the Nook Color is lacking in the standard usable Bluetooth department. After connecting the two devices, it makes a second link by running a TGPS server on the phone and a TGPS client on the Nook. The two devices are then intertwined in a blissful, all-you-can-GPS buffet of routes and roads. For the most part, the Nook's location-aware Android applications, such as Google Maps, will draw from this connection for location data and use it as if there were a GPS receiver on board. TetherGPS is up for grabs for $2.99 on the Android Market, and there's also a free "Lite" version for those who only need GPS for five minutes at a time -- we'll assume you know who you are. [Thanks, Red]
Clickfree Wireless hands-on (video)
We went out on the CES show floor to find the clickfree Wireless Backup and all of its wireless backing-up power. Coming in two versions -- 500GB or optional 1TB capacities -- the Wireless Backup seems to be a fully capable backup option, competing with other wireless solutions like the Apple Time Capsule and the LaCie Wireless Space. It includes the company's patented AutoRUN feature that takes care of the initial setup, which is simple enough that even non-Engadget readers would be able to plug in and start backing up their files through the waves of the WiFis. After the software is configured for one or more computers, all that is required is a standard outlet for some juice and you're rolling. There's a number of options for those who want to choose specific files for backup and restore. While the clickfree Wireless is certainly competitive and one of the smallest backup solutions we've seen, comparing in size to an Apple TV or a Roku XD, it certainly doesn't share some of the features of being a NAS and WLAN router like the LaCie Wireless Space, nor does it have USB support. Video after the break. %Gallery-113425%
Breffo Spiderpodium Tablet stand hands-on
Just when we thought were safe from the grasps the Breffo Spiderpodium Tablet stand, we found Breffo on the CES show floor and were forced to took a closer look at the scary yet flexible solution for all of our tablet holding needs. Priced at $35, the arachnoph-olding stand is aimed at tablets, but is certainly not limited to them. The Spiderpodium Tablet stand is built with a steel exoskeleton allowing for bendability and covered with silicon for maximum grippage of all tech toys, household objects and human faces alike. If the Spiderpodium Tablet stand isn't your cup of tea for elevating your gadgets, you can still create some terrifying monsters. %Gallery-113307%
Netbook Navigator NAV7, NAV9 and NAV10i hands-on with full specs and video
With the announcement of three new Windows 7-based tablets, Netbook Navigator has made a splash in the already flooded world of tablets here at CES 2011. Netbook Navigator showed off the NAV7, NAV9 and the NAV10i for us on the CES show floor, check past the break for all of the details. %Gallery-113374%
Calibur11 Vault eyes-on, protecting your Xbox from tactical nukes and stuff
Although it won't protect your console from a certain red ring, the Calibur11 Vault will fend off pretty much everything else. Calibur11 claim that the MLG approved plates that latch on to your Xbox 360 increase console airflow, while adding an integrated game interaction through the use of LED / USB lighting effects and the extravagant 3D extremities protruding from the sides of your console. The pieces themselves are interchangeable as well as customizable with colors, decals, nameplates and accessories packs. Calibur11 has several versions of the Vault available, including an MLG special edition as well as an upcoming chainsaw-wielding blockbuster-title special edition sometime in Q3. Calibur11 plans to release at major retailers like BestBuy in March 2011, so we'll have to keep our consoles safe from nuclear attacks the old fashion way till then. %Gallery-113317%
Recon next-gen GPS goggles eyes-on
We brought you the official details earlier in the week and now we have images of the Recon next-gen GPS goggles in its broken-down self. Users will be able to choose from an assortment of Recon frames and lenses, in collaboration with the integrated LCD, allowing for customized appeal. Recon is bringing in a revised platform based on Android, which allows users to shred some powder while using apps, music and track their GPS locations as well as locations of others that share the must-have for apps-in-your-goggles fetish. The Android platform allows for full integration with your Bluetooth-enabled phone with real-time alerts and notifications straight onto the built-in LCD. With the Recon next-gen GPS goggles, you can look like a tech-savvy hipster while flying down your favorite trails. %Gallery-113295%
HyperMac responds with vengeance, and non-patent infringing adapter
You may remember back in September the sad story of an Apple filed patent-infringement lawsuit that HyperMac and their beloved HyperMac batteries found themselves at the end of. The big whigs in Cupertino accussed HyperMac of using their patented MagSafe power connector and 30-pin iPhone / iPod dock connectors without the proper licensing agreements. Well, HyperMac has responded with a clever yet uninvasive way to avoid future legal ramification and still satisfy a power hungry family of MacBooks and their equally demanding users. HyperMac has now included a new Auto / Airline Adapter with their newly renamed HyperJuice external batteries which connects to a Magsafe Airline Adapter that you can legally purchase from Apple for $49. It is still the same old HyperMac battery we know and love, but with a juicier name and new connection. Update: HyperMac has also included a law abiding MagSafe Cable DIY kit with their HyperJuice external batteries. The kit is made up of two connectors, one male, one female, both connecting to the MacBook Power Adapter cable. Check the break for the official diagram of these connectors.

Kevin Wong

Articles by Kevin Wong

TetherGPS brings GPS navigation to Nook Color, in a manner of speaking

Clickfree Wireless hands-on (video)

Breffo Spiderpodium Tablet stand hands-on

Netbook Navigator NAV7, NAV9 and NAV10i hands-on with full specs and video

Calibur11 Vault eyes-on, protecting your Xbox from tactical nukes and stuff

Recon next-gen GPS goggles eyes-on

HyperMac responds with vengeance, and non-patent infringing adapter