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Thanko's Vonia BCT SportsHeadband: bone conduction fun on the run
Thanko's already rattled our skulls with its Vonia bone conducting earphones, but they couldn't leave well enough alone. The Vonia BCT SportsHeadband kicks out the jams using two waterproof bone conduction speakers near the temples, and also has a compartment conveniently located smack on the forehead to hold a small MP3 player. It's too bad the compartment isn't waterproof, since that'd be necessary to use this thing underwater -- so without a waterproof player we're not really sure how these will play out with the swimmer crowd, who Thanko is also marketing the headband to. On the other hand, runners, joggers, sprinters, skippers, and speed-walkers should be a-ok to blast some bone-rocking beats while keeping their ears open for oncoming traffic and catcalls.[Via Crave]
Shenzhen Adragon Digitek's MP4 watch gets reviewed
Shenzhen Adragon Digitek's MP4 watch was met with quite a bit of fanfare from folks who fell suddenly in love with the idea of having movies on their wrist to pass the time during class or on subways trips, and considering that Thanko brought this intriguing piece of kit to market, it's only right that we show you a hands-on review to help you with your potential purchasing decision. The folks at GearDiary landed a black rendition of the video-playing timepiece, and noted that although video files have to be converted from their current format to .NVX, software (in English, too) was included to "remove the guesswork" and make the process painless. Judging by the photos, it looks like the rubberized band provided for a comfortable fit, and although the 1.5- x 1.5-inch face doesn't look nearly as gaudy as some watch faces we've seen, it still screams geek whilst resting on your arm. Sadly, a proprietary USB cable coupled with an always-discouraging 2.5-millimeter headphone jack do warrant a few understandable digs, but the "all day" battery life, intuitive menu system, and respectable display all go in the watch's favor. On the musical front, it was said that playback was "on par" with other DAPs they tested, and while watching a movie back on such a diminutive screen wasn't apt to replace his PVP anytime soon, it was deemed a nifty feature that will "definitely garner geek points among those that are impressed by such things." So if you're interested in seeing just how long your retinas can stand to watch (ahem) a major motion picture on a 128 x 128 display, be sure and hit the read link for up close snapshots before coughing up the required dough.
Thanko's USB Mask circulates air, freaks out co-workers
Nah, USB-powered fans aren't anything special these days, but infusing a couple of 'em into a bizarre facial mask and marketing it to folks with allergies earns top marks in the outlandish department. Thanko, the folks who continually put the fun back into USB, is busting out yet another oddity that relies entirely on USB power and your willingness to suffer through public humiliation. The whirlwind mask purportedly circulates airs and filters the incoming flow in order to provide a constant stream of clean, "purified" air, which could actually be useful for secretaries or other cube-dwellers who are forced to inhale the same stale office air day after day. So if you've been having trouble breathing, and don't mind being tethered to your computer nor the constant whirring that'll surround your mouth, you can snag the USB Mask now for ¥2,480 ($21).[Via Engadget Japanese]
Thanko's Vonia bone conducting earphones
It's official: bone conduction technology just jumped the shark. Meet the Vonia bone conduction headset from the makers of such items as USB slippers and USB hubs for pirates -- Thanko. These skull rattlers won't work underwater and they won't enhance your gaming skillz much... but they might be of some benefit to the hearing impaired for the ¥9,800 (about $82) required to strap a set on. Want noise cancellation? Just add earplugs. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.[Via Impress]
Wiimote battery packs available for pre-order, shipped before end of February (in Japan)
Joystiq's resident 'man in a far-off land' recently checked out Japanese manufacturer Thanko for the skinny on rechargeable battery pack availability. He found that the company is taking pre-orders for their product starting today, promising delivery of said product before the end of February. Each pack, which includes a lithium-ion battery and the USB stand (pictured), allows one to plug it into one of the available USB plugs on the back of the Wii. Not only that, but the company says that a three-and-a-half hour charge will keep players in the game for up to 25 hours. Anyone plan on importing this?[Via Joystiq]
Wii Sports Pack offers trio of Wiimote extensions
In what's likely to go down as the most heavily accessorized (and harmful) controller ever, Nintendo's Wiimote sure is garnering a lot of attention from accessory makers. Sure, those Wii Gloves may keep butterfinger disasters from ever occurring, but they really don't give you any sort of competitive advantage when throwing down in Wii Sports. While we knew JoyTech was planning its own barrage of controller add-ons, it looks like Brando is offering up a sweet trio of Wiimote extensions to presumably improve your Wii Sports play. For just $22, you'll get a tennis racket, golf grip, and a baseball bat, which could arguably pull double duty as a sword in Red Steel. Of course, you'll still need to pick up that foam donut separately (or bundled in with another game) for the ultimate Excite Truck experience, but hey, you gotta start somewhere.
USB-powered drink chiller / warmer keeps beverages happy
If you're the type who spends more time in your computer chair than basically anywhere else, Brando's got a must-have coming your way. While the zany (and numerous) array of USB-powered gizmos we've seen is nothing short of overwhelming, the USB Chiller And Warmer actually ranks fairly high in the utility department. Sporting that oh-so-hip glossy white finish, the device is entirely USB-powered, rocks a built-in fan, and can keep your beverage cool or warm with the flip of a switch. Moreover, it claims to boost the temperature of your drink 29-degrees in 10 minutes, and chills 13-degrees in the same period of time. So if you're already surrounded by a mini fridge and espresso machine, be sure to throw down the $24 required to keep your rear planted (and drink temperature satisfactory) around the clock.
Thanko makes the best even better, updates hand-warming mouse
Thanko, not just content with keeping our feet warm this season, has released an update to its USB hand-warming mouse as well.The new device, though, seems to be nothing more than a redesign, as all the specs have remained the same. For those unfamiliar with this toasty gadget, the mouse can reach a maximum temperature of 45°C and has an 800dpi resolution. It claims to only support Windows NT/ME/2000/XP, but since it's driver-less, we're sure that it won't leave Mac users out in the cold. While we enjoy the bump in aesthetics it got, we think we'll take our chances with frost bite and hold out for the third version, when perhaps it will have a higher resolution and a few extra buttons. [Via Book of Joe, thanks David B.]
Thanko releases "USB heat slippers dual"
Trying to avoid the chill that sweeps through the office during the winter months, we have been forced to either remain stationary, or do a bunny hop to get around in our USB heating slippers. Now, Thanko -- the company keeping us comfortable by our computers -- is allowing us to do the two-step with their new product. The aptly named "USB heating slippers dual" has two heating settings -- reaching a maximum temperature of 50 degrees F -- and individually powered slippers, assuring that each foot is cozy. Coupled with all their other products, we have never been happier bloggers.[Via Brando]
Thanko Video Glasses for iPod make you the coolest kid in town
We're still not really sure who exactly is buying these crazy-looking video visor displays, but companies still seem to be coming out with 'em. Thanko's the latest to try its hand at one of these crazy getups; its new offering is supposed to simulate a 37-inch screen when viewed at two meters (6.5 feet). The price of ¥29,800 ($256) isn't bad either, though it doesn't quite match the $200 cost of the Kowon MSP-209 visor that we spotted back in May. Still, the main reason why we're holding off on getting these (aside from the fact that they probably won't come Stateside anytime soon), is that we're waiting for a set that can simulate HD. Of course, we could just watch "Battlestar Galactica" on our HD sets at home, but then we wouldn't look nearly as ridiculously cool as this dude pictured above.[Via Impress]
Thanko's Gold Ingot USB Hub: for pirates?
Damn, it just doesn't get any more craptacular than this, the Gold Ingot USB hub from Thanko. The best part sure isn't the 8-ports of USB 2.0 action, the ¥5,980 (about $52) price tag, or even the fact that it weighs as much as a laptop at 5.18-pounds. No, the best part is "Fake Gold" engraved right up top to impress the ladies. Class man, real class. Oh, and be sure to check their pirate pitchman after the break... arrrg![Via Impress]
Thanko's heating action continues with USB-powered Eye / Seat Warmers
Ah Thanko, how we adore your USB-powered oddities. From Japan's king of off off-the-wall gimmicks that are just too cute to pass over comes two new warming products just in time for the holidays. While we're sure the ladies are already rocking the G-Gloves, and the fellas are mousing it up within the toasty confines of their blue whale, here's two more reasons to leave the central heating unit off this winter. The USB-powered Eye and Seat Warmers (the winterized USBHCU01, pictured after the jump) both feature on / off switches and varying temperature controls, and receive all the power they need to keep you fired up from one of your sure-to-be-unoccupied USB ports. While the company is leaving us out in the cold regarding pricing or availability, we're sure these will be stuffing stockings everywhere in just a few weeks.[Via Uber-Review]
Thanko brings MP4 watch to market
With SolidAlliance too busy creepin' out the kids, who better than Thanko to bring the Shenzhen Adragon Digitek's MP4 watch to market? That's right, starting today in Japan, the 1GB model is all yours for ¥14,800 (about $125) or ¥18,800 (about $159) for the 2GB version. Besides playing videos on that eye-corrosive 1.5-inch, 128x128, 260k color display, this watch will also playback MP3/WMA files which can be easily transfered in USB storage mode and listened to over standard 2.5-mm headphones. Just remember, "MP4" players of Chinese origin does not mean support for MPEG-4 video. In fact, this watch appears to support AVI, MPEG and WMV video formats but only after conversion into wildly popular NXV. Still interested? [Via Impress]
Thanko's hand-warming mousepad is Shamu-approved
Just in case you're too manly to rock the oh-so-toasty G-Gloves, and the hand-warming mouse wasn't functional enough, Thanko's busting out yet another zany offering to get your fingers (and hand, and wrist) nice and warm during the sub-zero winters some of us must endure. The USB / AC-powered, um, blue whale sports an insulated compartment to stuff your plain ole mouse as well as your mousing hand. There's also a "high / low" switch to control the fiery depths within, and just in case you'd rather not use your insulating mammal while on the PC, you can optionally connect it to any AC power source and attempt to shove both hands in simultaneously. The warm whale mousepad is available now to heat up those long, freezing evenings spent perusing through Engadget archives for just ¥2,480 ($21).[Via Akihabara News]
Thanko's hand-warming / snow globe holiday mice
If you just so happen to be in the market for a new mouse or off-the-wall hand-warming device, Japan's own Thanko has just the things. If you're down with a bit of holiday cheer, the admittedly unsightly snow globe mouse sports a bright, smiling face across the buttons, actual snow globe in the casing, and USB connectivity; additionally, Frosty can get his party on with the seven color-changing LEDs that light up the dome. If all that glitz just screams overkill, the hand-warmer mouse can keep your palm toasty as the snow trickles down outside your window, and the adjustable temperature knob can prevent unnecessary perspiration from accruing. Both mice sport 800dpi optical sensors and light-up when connected to a powered USB port, and the heater-equipped version can be had for ¥2,980 ($25), while the Santa-approved variety demands just ¥980 ($8.32).Read - Thanko's hand-warming mouse [Via The Raw Feed]Read - Thanko's snow globe mouse [Via The Raw Feed]
NB-mate USB hub / speaker / power source / charger
The font of gadget goodness that is Thanko just keeps on giving, with the Japanese manufacturer now trotting out its NB-mate multi-function device to make our lives a little easier. A USB 2.0 hub that doubled as a portable speaker system would have been sweet enough, but Thanko takes things even further, with the NB-mate also able act as a power source for any USB-powered device by popping in couple of rechargeable Ni-MH batteries, which themselves can be recharged by plugging the NB-mate into an AC outlet. It's the circle of life, man -- and it'll only cost you fifty bucks.[Via Engadget Japanese]
Thanko's USBHCU01 USB-powered seat cooler
Here at Engadget HQ, things can get kind of stuffy when locked down to a computer chair all day, and apparently Thanko has figured out what folks like us really need to beat the heat (and the subsequent odor). Although we're just kidding on that last part, what's not to love about a reportedly slim and comfortable seat cushion that not only gives you a bit more padding underneath, but funnels cool air right where it's needed the most? Joining a bajillion other excuses to fill up every not-yet-utilized USB port on your machine, the USBHCU01 receives its juice from any 'ole powered USB port, and with a convenient off / on switch, you can easily quiet the wind tunnel surrounding you whenever your boss or office sweetheart happens to drop by. As expected, the device works by sucking air through an overhanging fan and channeling the breeze through "countless holes" on which you sit. While we can't verify how powerful the airflow from this bad boy is, we'll toss out fair warning to ladies (and gents) with long, flowing locks that may find the potentially hair-raising experience a bit too much to handle. So if you can't convince management to cut costs on things other than air conditioning expenses, or you just want one more USB toy to fool around with, you can get your relief now for ¥4,800 ($41).[Via Far East Gizmos]
Thanko's PIN-protected Morse Code Drive
You may think that those USB thumb drives with biometric protection are keeping your data on adequate lockdown, but with so many Play-Doh-equipped crooks looking to steal your personal information these days, are you really willing to trust your most secure infoswag to a notoriously unreliable fingerprint reader? Our old friends at "innovative" Japanese manufacturer Thanko certainly aren't, as evidenced by their new keypad-sporting model called the Morse Code Drive -- which, despite its name, has nothing to do with the dash-dot-dashing we've seen performed by characters in old war movies. Available in either 512MB or 1GB flavors, this USB 2.0-compatible drive requires the user to input the proper PIN before revealing its precious data on a Mac or Windows machine, although we doubt that a determined hacker would be unable to penetrate its defenses. Still, most consumers will find the $60 and $85 drives acceptable for everyday use, and the fact that they camouflage themselves as a cheap calculator when stored in your pocket protector should only help seal the deal.[Via Fareastgizmos]
Thanko's 512MB USB lanyard
You know, even Thanko can ignite a bright spark now and again. Here we have the Thanko USB neckstrap which brings 512MB to your MP3 player or cellphone's lanyard. Sure it's not for everyone but for all those crazy kids flauntin' their high tech wares up front, well, why not for the ¥4,680 or about $41 bucks it'll cost ya? We're just wondering what happened to the integrated earphones, huh Thanko? [Via Fareastgizmos]
Thanko's Silent Keyboard...shhh
From the folks who brought us the silent mouse and PC in a vat of vegetable oil (oh wait, that wasn't them) comes the Silent Keyboard. Thanko's latest contribution to the inane claims to squash that tap-tap-tap to a squishy silicone whisper -- cutting the typical 61dB blast from a standard keyboard in half. Yours for the low, low price of ¥5,800 or about $51 cash money.[Via Impress]
