For reasons unknown, Tokyo-based accessory maker Thanko keeps churning out “spy” gadgets. This time we get a watch [JP] that looks quite bland from the outside but features a micro camera that can shoot both pictures and video. Another selling point is that it’s Thanko’s first spy watch that’s waterproof (IPX8 certification) – isn’t that great? → Read More
It’s cute, it’s as small as an eraser, it’s light, and it’s waterproof: Tokyo-based accessory maker Japan Trust Technology is offering the CHOBi CAM WP, a digital camera that’s actually not waterproof by itself but comes with a special case that makes it possible to take it up to 20m underwater without any problems (IP68). → Read More
Kyoto-based Murata has developed the world’s first piezoelectric speaker that not only is waterproof but also ultra-thin (0.9mm). The devices are meant to be mainly used with mobile phones, which makes sense, given that almost 25% of the 50 latest cell phones released (on the Japanese market, at least) are actually waterproof. → Read More
Sanyo last week announced the DMX-CA100 for the Japanese market, the world’s first waterproof full HD camcorder “for consumer use with optical zoom lenses” (Kodak has released a simpler model just recently). And now we can (courtesy of DigInfonews Tokyo) give you a video that shows the device in action. → Read More
Short version: The price is right, and it is rugged, but form factor problems may sink this camera’s chances. → Read More
A Japanese company called Idea Label has designed the “Music Planet” [JP] today, a portable, ball-shaped MP3 player that you can take with you to the bath tub. The device is IPX7-certified, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to a depth of 1m for up to 30 minutes. → Read More
You might remember the SwiMP3, an MP3 player designed specifically for use when swimming. Handy if you swim a lot, but what if you just like to run or bike in rain and snow? You don’t really want to wear a swimming accessory while you’re running — unless you’re running to the pool, I guess, but let’s ignore that contingency for now.
That’s why this XtreamP3 looks like more of a match for… → Read More
A Japanese company called Sanwa is selling a waterproof case [JP] (or a bag as they call it) that protects your iPhone from nasty stuff like scratches, water and sand. Sanwa says their 200-PDA016 is ideal for all users who can’t go hiking, to the beach or skiing without their iPhone.
The case looks pretty robust, but the company promises that users will be able to do everything with the iPhone in… → Read More
Memorial Day has come and gone, which means that aside from an abundance of family cookouts, many swimming pools have officially opened their doors for the summer swimming season. I love swimming, and I enjoy swimming laps for exercise. Unfortunately, it’s mind numbingly boring to swim back and forth. I’ve long wanted a waterproof MP3 player to liven up my swimming. Enter the Finis SwiMP3. Read on… → Read More
Time to break out the expense account, ladies and gentlemen. This is the Sea & Sea MDX-PRO 5D Mark II. It’s a fancy waterproof cover for the Canon 5D Mark II. It costs ¥280,000, or just under $3,000. Yeah → Read More
Olympus has unveiled a bevy of new cameras, and they’re targeting just about the entire consumer and prosumer market, with offerings that will appeal to many people. Whether you need a camera that can survive a serious beating, or just want some fun shots in the pool, or an enormous zoom factor in a point-and-shoot camera, Olympus aims to please. → Read More
Need an SDHC card? Need one in 4GB or 8GB? Need one that’s waterproof? Unless you work for Magnum, my guess is “no,” but the option’s there, thanks to Elecom, if you want it. She’s out later this month, but the Japanese firm hasn’t revealed an asking price. Considering you can buy an 8GB SDHC card on Amazon for a little more than $20, Elecom’s new deal should be… → Read More
Sony Japan today added the XDV-W600 [JP], a mini TV (145×42×98mm, 302g) to their Bravia brand. The new device is waterproof and supports the Japanese digital TV standard One-Seg. The 4-inch LCD TV (16.7 million colors, 272×480 resolution) boasts an IPX7 and IPX6 waterproof rating, meaning that you can theoretically watch TV under water (at a depth of up to 1m) for around 30 minutes. After a… → Read More
Tokyo-based Plaza Create started selling a recycable digital camera [JP, PDF] this weekend (Japan-only at this point). And considering its low price ($18), the camera doesn’t seem to be too bad. The so-called “Eco digi mode” measures 120×53×71mm (weight: 245g), is waterproof (up to 3m depth) and can be used for 50 pictures. After these are used up, the cameras can be given back… → Read More
Today Pentax announced [JP] the release of a new camera, the Optio W60, which will be available in Japan at the end of June. The W60 is the successor of the Optio W30 the company released in this country in February 2007. The new model can be used under water (up to 4 meters) for 120 minutes. It can handle temperatures of down to minus 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Pentax says the camera was optimized… → Read More
This keyboard is a Really Cool keyboard, as in that’s its name. What’s so cool about it, you ask? It’s waterproof. Admit it, you’ve spilled coffee or soda on your keyboard before, rendering it sticky and useless, much like our own Peter Ha. It’s also quiet, unlike Peter, meaning you won’t disturb your fellow cubiclemates with your clickity-clack while updating… → Read More
I’m all about being productive, but the shower is not a place for browsing for porn. Or maybe I’m just old fashioned. This ziplock laptop bag allows you to do just that, or at least it’s supposed to, but I’m not going to try it with my MacBook. On the other hand, if you live in a wet climate, like I do in Seattle, then maybe this makes sense, though I’ve never had any… → Read More
Yesterday I had a moment of panic when I dropped my main mobile phone — Helio’s Ocean — into a mug of hot, steamy coffee. It got wet. Yes, there’s irony in the name, thanks. The phone freaked out. The Ocean’s a tank, it’s taken some abuse in its time, but I’ve always kept it dry. Eventually it dried out and now it’s working fine, but if I continue… → Read More
These waterproof speakers seem to hit a pretty good combination of price, looks, and functionality — assuming they sound good. The set can hang by a strap for the shower, or you can use the built-in stand to put it in the soap dish if you’re the bath type. It’s only for iPod Nanos, but there are plenty of you with those out there. The touch wheel area has a little membrane you… → Read More
The FA MP3 player I reviewed way back in August is on sale at Dogfunk for $30. Yeah, it’s only 512MB, but $30 is relatively cheap for a waterproof MP3 player. → Read More
That’s right, with the Fantasea Line FS-51 Housing for the new Nikon Coolpix S52 and S52c cameras, you could toss it in the ocean without any worries. Even if it happened to leak it’s still protected by its one year flood Insurance policy (your photos are probably hosed though). Another great thing about this is that while it’s in the case you still have access to all the camera… → Read More
There’s a pretty interesting MSN group made up of diving enthusiasts dedicated to using GPS devices while underwater. GPS signals aren’t able to penetrate water to any meaningful depth so the group devised a few simple but smart solutions that basically involve enclosing portable GPS doodads inside waterproof cases. When the divers need to check their respective positions, they simply… → Read More
Fujitsu’s keeping up with the whole “world’s slimmest waterproof cell phone” thing with the release of the F705i, the latest since the F704i and the F703i before that. I predict the next one will be called the F706i. No, wait, I take that back. The next one will be called Carl. That’s my prediction. Anyway, the F705i is skinny and waterproof up to one meter at 30… → Read More
I’m not a huge listen-to-music-in-the-shower person but I’ve had bathroom speakers rigged up in various ways over the years, just in case the mood hits. This new doodad looks cool and it’s certainly an interesting take on waterproof music but it might be more trouble than it’s worth unless you plan on leaving your iPod inside the tube permanently. It’s made by a… → Read More
This keyboard sleeve from Waterfield Designs borders between completely useless and the really useful. I can’t tell. On one hand, it’s a nice keyboard sleeve. Waterproof, heavily padded. It can probably take good care of your keyboard on the go. But another part of me asks, “Why are people bringing a full-sized keyboard around with them?” I mean, when are you going to use… → Read More
The Freestyle Audio Sport is the perfect solution for any athlete whose playing field is in or around water. The FA can be submerged up to 10 feet and still deliver a healthy dose of tunes for you to get jacked up on. Rather than shelling out a few hundred bucks for an iPod and then getting a waterproof case, which turns your arm into something out of a sci-fi flick, take a look at Freestyle… → Read More
It’s the same story every time. You’re at a pool party in The Hamptons and you go to push some unsuspecting socialite into the pool only to hear, “No! I’ve got my cellphone in my pocket!” Pocketable electronics have done nothing but turn every person who hangs out poolside into Chief Nofun of the Idonwanna Tribe. Well if Fujitsu gets its way, that’s all about to… → Read More
Swimming and listening to music aren’t generally things I think of doing together, but apparently it isn’t just second tier super hero Aquaman who wants to listen to tunes while getting wet and wild. Freestyle Audio is introducing the Audio Digital Music Player, which they claim is nearly indestructible. This MP3 features shock proof, skip free audio and can go deep – up to 10 feet under… → Read More
From time to time we’ll post about some new waterproof case for an iPod or device from companies like Otterbox. The problem with all these cases though, is that no matter what, they always run the risk of a leak. Basically unheard of company SwimMan wants to change the way we waterproof our gadgets by waterproofing from the inside out. Take for instance, SwimMan’s completely waterproof… → Read More
These $40 Aquapac waterproof headphones have been tested to a depth of 10-feet, or 3-meters, and are perfect for those long listening sessions in your pool, hot tub or jacuzzi. Just remember to purchase an Aquapac waterproof MP3 player case while you’re at it. Aquapac waterproof headphones [via Coolest Gadgets] → Read More
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