Gadgets

Questions and Answers

What technology and gadgets do the Japanese have that we dont?

Q) Is it true that the Japanese have robots in their home? What can these robots do? What other cool stuff do they have that is not commercially available in the rest of the world? Are these gadgets expensive? Any info on what makes Japan the most technologically advance country in the world would be most appreciated.

A) Those Japanese toilets are available for purchase in America as well but usually only Japanese buy them and not many at that. The cell phone thing is true, they completely live off of it. The system of money and credit and the trend of PCs developed different in the West and Japan so I think that's why so much is integrated into mobile phone culture in Japan. For example, there's little square marks, like bar codes, but for phones, on all sorts of posters in Japan and if you use your cell's camera on it, it jumps you to the web page. The other thing I have yet to see in USA is unlocking the cell phone with your fingerprint. There are some devices to lock your PC like that but it never really got popular in America. Also, there are remote controls for everything and this has been true since I noticed it in the 80s, maybe longer. Remotes for things I rarely or never see in America. Example, in my uncle's car in the 80s, we'd sit in the back and control the radio with the remote. Or we can't use the air conditioning at my grandmother's house anymore because someone lost the remote.

Why aren't all electrical gadgets fitted with retractable wires?

Q) Its such a nuisance to have loose wires everywhere when it would be so much tidier having retractable wires in gadgets like toasters, blenders, mixers etc. Sorry I should have made it clear....I meant for storage.

A) it is actually bad to wind up electrical leads while they are running, because it causes what is called induction and can make them heat up (only really happens on things that draw alot of current like heaters, toasters, and kettles. The tighter the coil the worse it is. also every time it is wrapped so tightley with spring loaded stuff, it puts stress on the cable and the connection, eventually (hardley ever happens) it will wear out. Usually only power tools and stuff get broken connections or leads, from getting handled roughly.

How would you go about getting a job testing mobiles/gadgets?

Q) I have always been into gadgets and would love to have the experience of working somewhere that I can play till my hearts content! Where on earth would these jobs be advertised and under what context?

A) First of all, have you thought about getting a degree in this subject area? Perhaps in telecommunications or similar? If you worked for somewhere like The Link, or a gadget shop, you would get to handle them all day. Would you consider working with people with disabilities? Blind people in particular use a fascinating range of gadgets and you could get a job in this area too. Do you have any journalistic skills? Perhaps you could get a job with one of the gadget magazines. You could also apply to be in The Gadget Show's Focus Group - you would get to try out the latest gizmos and have a chat with someone there. Also there are lots of gadget related shows and conventions around the world, such as Ceebit, go along to a few of those and make some enquiries. Finally, keep a watch on the websites (mobile phone operators, technology companies etc) and check their jobs page regularly.

What websites can you look on to give you the instructions to gadgets etc.?

Q) I have a new palm personal organiser and i cannot find the instructions anywhere. Can you tell me the website that gives information on this and other gadgets. thank you.

A) try www.ehow.com or www.about.com

How do you start designing gadgets and embedded systems like that?

Q) I can do programming and know quite a bit about computers, but this kind of thing has always confused me. I mean things like MP3 players and mobile phones. Thanks, Sophie

A) By have an idea and then working all the hours god sends to make it into a working model

Recently i have got a new bedroom, i am 15 and want some gadgets or something cool to put in it. Got any ideas

Q) Recently i have got a new bedroom, i am 15 and want some gadgets or something cool to put in it. Got any ideas? e.g runaway alarm clock.

A) Lava Lamp HD Telly Playstation 3 Nintendo Wii Xbox 360 DVD/BluRay Player/Recorder Dartboard Pool Table PC/Apple Macintosh

How many kitchen gadgets do you have and never use?

Q) I have so many that my cupboards are full, but it is so hard to part with them - even Oxfam doesn't want them when they are looking pretty well used!

A) you must use them if they look that old

What useless gadgets do you have in your home?

Q) You know the ones! Seemed like a must have at the time. Used it once and now sits unloved gathering dust.

A) George Foreman's "Mean Lean....." - you know the one...!! lol

Little round gadgets holding what appear to be magnets around cables from mains transformers to freeview box?

Q) What do these do? Can I still cut the cables and fit an on/off switch?

A) These are ferrous RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) filters. Their function is to reduce the amount of interference generated by the power supply which is no doubt a "switching" type unit and they produce a huge amount of RFI. To demonstrate this, take a portable AM radio, turn it on near the low end of the band and place it near the power supply. Your radio will buzz like crazy. Splicing in a an ON-OFF switch will cause no problems or change the way the filters work.

Which wind-up gadgets could we use to save fossil fuels/ electricity and save the planet?

Q) I know about wind-up radios. Any other devices you know about or have used?

A) Wind up technology is developing. There are already radios and torches, as you are probably aware, there are also wind up phone chargers and laptop computers(olpc.) All wind up technology is an effective replacement to burning fossil fuels but it is sadly still in its infancy. Fortunately progress is spurred on by the increasing efficiency of international communications and clever marketing.