Hobby News « Conrad Electronic UK

Smartphone control – how heating could soon be monitored by our mobiles

January 24th, 2012

An innovative Smartphone app showcased at this year’s CES emphasises the importance of mobile phones in the modern world as even our heating falls under their control.

It seems that the initial role of mobile phones as a way to communicate whilst on the go has been all but forgotten as new features are developed to further enhance these innovative designs.

With numerous technologies being showcased at the CES, the future of Smartphones could see everyday aspects, such as our heating, controlled by our mobiles.

The app – which will be available for iOs or Android handsets for free – is created by Nest and is labelled as “the thermostat of the future.”

A thermostat replacement is fitted to the wall of your home, replacing the traditional heating thermostat you usually find there, and is then controlled remotely via your mobile phone.

Along with being able to control the heating of your home whilst out and about, the app also allows you to pre-programme certain energy-saving functions.

These can include having the heating automatically turn off when you leave the house or lowering the temperature gauge at certain times – such as overnight.

The innovative app could therefore completely transform the way we heat our homes, helping to save energy and money.

The fact that it is free means that it is likely to be highly popular with the average mobile phone user, giving them a way to control their heating without disrupting their everyday routine.

Currently the app is only available in the States but, providing it gains success over there, it is likely to come to UK shores as well.

What are your thoughts on the heating thermostat app? Do you think mobile technology is reaching its limits or is this only the start of things to come?

Sport and fitness – common trends of the gaming chart

January 23rd, 2012

For many gamers, the consoles which you own are nowhere near as important as the games that you have with them. This means that lists, such as the gaming chart, gain greater importance and direct players’ choice in games. As 2012 gets underway, the current game chart shows that there are two things on every gamer’s mind this year: sport and fitness.

According to the chart, FIFA 2012 is now entering its fifth consecutive week at the number one spot. Just Dance 3, Zumba Fitness and Zumba Fitness 2, also feature regularly in the top ten.

This demonstrates how these types of game are dominating the current chart, positioning health and fitness as a prime concern for individuals in the current age.

Even the Wii Fit Plus and Mario & Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games feature above in the top 20, taking 15th and 17th respectively.

Of course, other popular titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 still retain high positions but the dominance of sports and fitness games seems unshakeable.

Perhaps one of the reasons for this is the developments regarding consoles and their technology. The rise of motion detection systems has made game playing far more interactive and have made fitness games such as Zumba fitness more enjoyable.

These controllers work on the same foundations as items such as Logitech steering wheels – intending to enhance game play for the benefit of the player.

With new titles being released at all times, who ends up top of the chart is something few can predict. One thing is for sure, however, and that is that fitness games are unlikely to lose their popularity anytime soon.

What are your thoughts on fitness and sports games? Which is the best console to play these games on and do you think they will remain popular?

London plays host to world’s biggest game controller

January 20th, 2012

For those who remember the good old days of cartridge games, the memory of classic controllers will probably still be fresh in your mind. Choosing to embrace this colourful part of gaming’s history, London recently played host to the world’s biggest controller named ‘NEStalgia’.

The controller, which is thirty times the size of the original NES controller, measures twelve by five feet. It was exhibited at London’s Liverpool Street Station as part of a promotion for a new edition of the Guinness World Records.

This edition (the 2012 Gamers Edition) has gone on sale today and is said to pay tribute to gaming related records across the world.

This is the fifth time that an edition of the popular records book has been released for gaming achievements – with the giant controller marking this occasion.

The controller, which was fully functional, was said to be “a labour of love” by its makers, which included British student Ben Allen and a team of individuals from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Taking five months to build and costing around £4,000, the game controller is as much a feat of engineering as it is of gaming.

Of course, numerous developments have been made since controllers like this were in use and that means gamers now have an even wider selection of accessories when it comes to playing their favourite console.

Whether they are using motion detectors instead of controllers or playing their games with the aid of Logitech steering wheels, gamers now have numerous ways in which to enhance the gaming experience.

What are your thoughts on games controllers and the accessories that are now available? Do you think retro consoles or modern versions are better and why?

Model railways experience renewed interest from all generations

January 19th, 2012

Model railways, a popular British pastime, have experienced renewed interest from both children and adults according to new figures.

The Chiltern Model Railway Exhibition, which takes place in St Albans, in particular have reported an increase in interest as their event attracted 15% more visitors this year.

The event is held on an annual basis and this year displayed twenty-five layouts for model railways. These came from all over the world and visiting children were even given their own periscope gadget to help them get the best view.

The additional 15% of visitors saw the exhibition receive over 3,000 people, with the exhibition manager, David Crossley, explaining that “it takes an awful lot of effort” to host the event but it is “worthwhile to see how much people get out of it.”

Alongside this report, a group of youngsters in Bognor Regis has also found a new love for this traditional hobby – spending one Saturday each month assisting their local club instead of playing on popular games consoles.

The local club has almost fifty members with sixteen of these being younger individuals.

The popularity of the club demonstrates how model railways are far from a redundant hobby, with both younger and older generations proving to be avid supporters.

Perhaps one of the reasons for the continued popularity is the range of model railway accessories and sets which are now available.

Toy trains come in a variety of variants, with trix trains and fleischmann model trains just two popular examples.

What are your thoughts on model railways? Do you think the popularity of the hobby will die out over coming years or will renewed interest still come from younger generations?

Five reasons why you need a radio controlled car

January 18th, 2012

Perhaps one of the most popular toys for both children and adult, all of us will have played with a radio controlled car at some point. So why exactly are these so popular and what are their benefits?

1. They’re fun

This is probably the most obvious reason as to why radio controlled cars are so popular, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Nowadays, these toys are capable of far more than just forward motion and this means that these products are even more fun than before.

2. They’re simple

With a few exceptions, the vast majority of radio controlled cars are simple and easy to use. This means that even the youngest individual can operate the controller – perhaps with a little help – making them the ideal gift idea.

3. They’re affordable

Unless you are buying a particularly high-tech version then you will find that most radio controlled cars are reasonably priced. This means that you will not have to spend a fortune on your purchase and will still get a fun gadget to spend all your time playing with.

4. They’re indiscriminate

By this I mean that they are suitable for everyone – whether you are young or old, male or female, a radio controlled car will always bring enjoyment. This means that they are the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy for individual.

5. They’re varied

With technology continuing to develop, radio controlled cars can now be almost as advanced as the real things. This means that there is an endless variety of options for those looking for a great gift (either for themselves or for others), allowing the radio controlled car to be tailored to the individual.

What are your thoughts on radio controlled cars? What do you think is the best one and why do they top your ideal gift list?

Read more on radio control cars and gift ideas:

Racecourse for radio controlled cars to be built in Wales

RC Helicopter ‘a great gift for budding pilots’

Labels: fun gadget, radio controlled cars
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The future of gaming: the new Nintendo Wii U

January 16th, 2012

Having been showcased at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the new Nintendo Wii U gives us another indication of how the world of gaming could be set to change.

The focus of the CES debut of the console was on the new controller, which is said to be filled with technological features and assets designed to enhance game playing.

The new development of their innovative controller, which helped to launch motion detected playing into the forefront of the gaming world, will now see players given a panoramic view of virtual gaming scenes.

The official unveiling of the Nintendo Wii U occurred last June, with this year’s CES providing the developer with the chance to show off some of the console’s best features.

Read ‘Nintendo Wii U officially unveiled: 5 things you didn’t know about it’ to find out more from the original launch.

Alongside the innovative console with its panoramic viewing, which has a five inch display, the console will also be capable of 1080p full HD gaming. HD has become a common feature amongst entertainment based technology recently, making this technology a likely cause of popularity for the console.

The controller’s display will offer the panoramic viewing whilst the TV will offer the standard forward-facing viewpoint, giving gamers an easy way to see switch between viewing modes and have the best level of visibility.

Of course, this type of gaming accessory is not that different from other gadgets – such as Logitech steering wheels – which also enhance game play through innovative controllers.

What are your thoughts on the Nintendo Wii U? Do you think it will mark another success for the brand or are there other consoles which are likely to be more popular?

Technology or tradition: eBooks Vs paper

January 5th, 2012

With Kindles proving to be the biggest selling product for online retailers Amazon for the second Christmas in a row, are consumers embracing technology over tradition?

Regardless of your personal opinion on Kindles and other e-book readers, it is clear that they have become a popular addition to our homes.

Of course, Amazon are not the only company producing such products, with Barnes and Noble releasing their own “Nook” device. A new e-reader developed by Waterstone’s, which is intended for release this Spring, was said to take inspiration from this reader hoping to offer increased services and features.

Yet despite other releases, Amazon’s Kindle has retained the top spot amongst this sort of technology, selling a large number of units over the past couple of years.

In fact, the success of the Kindle has seen the manufacturer claim that it is out-selling hard cover books on the site. According to Amazon, Kindle sales since April have seen 242 of the devices sold for every 100 hard cover books.

Technology take-over

With devices such as this growing in popularity, a technology take-over seems to have well and truly hit the UK. A study conducted by the University of Cambridge spoke to over 1,000 UK residents about their attitudes towards technology, generating surprising results.

34% of those between the age of 25 and 24 admitted they were overwhelmed by the number of different devices and gadgets they used, whilst 38% if those aged between 10 and 18 experienced similar feelings – read the full story here.

Perhaps one of the catalysts of this take-over is the developments which have been made over rechargeable batteries. Now, a common component of everything from mobile phones to computer Tablets and laptops, the developments over this form of technology have made a number of gadgets more viable.

This, along with innovative thinking, has led to the creation of a number of new products, such as e-book readers, seeing some of us reject traditional items (such as paper books) for their digital versions.

What are your thoughts on e-book readers? Do you think they are better than physical books or do you prefer paper to digital?

Read more on rechargeable batteries and technology:

Rechargeable Batteries and Alternative Energy: The Facts

Are Better Lithium-Ion Batteries The Future of Rechargeable Energy?

Iron Man Triathlon: Can Rechargeable Battery Robot Last The Course?

Labels: digital, e-book readers, e-books, gadgets, hobbies, Kindles, paper books, tecnhology
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Nintendo 3DS proves to be bigger than Wii

January 4th, 2012

Despite the fact that many people labelled the 3DS as a failure, the handheld console’s manufacturer (Nintendo) has revealed that the device actually outperformed its popular Wii console.

According to the data which has been released by the company, the handheld console sold more than its brother, the Wii, in its first nine months of release.

The company revealed that in the US alone they sold over 12 million units across their product range. This was said to break-down to more than 4 million 3DS handheld consoles, 4.5 million Wii console and 3.5 million standard DS consoles.

This puts the final figure for Nintendo Wii sales in the US to more than 51 million, demonstrating its current popularity. However, Nintendo claimed that when you compare the launch of the Wii with that of the Nintendo 3DS, the latter outperformed the former in terms of sales for the first nine months after its introduction.

This means that the company are now expecting similar levels of success to be experienced for 2012, stating that the prospects are “extremely promising”.

Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, explained that “the new Mario and Zelda titles [had] broken records” for the company, helping to cement the popularity of their consoles. He also described their current product range as “one of the strongest software line-ups in [their] history”.

The use of games and other enhancements, such as Logitech steering wheels, has often led to an increased popularity for certain games consoles. However, with the PlayStation Vita on the way in 2012, could Nintendo’s current success be about to stall?

What are your thoughts on the Nintendo 3DS? Do you think it will prove to be more successful than the Wii or will the new PlayStation steal sales from this handheld device?

Model Railway Used In Transport Campaign

January 3rd, 2012

Campaigners in Beverly Minster have used a model railway to prompt the re-opening of a closed railway line in Yorkshire.

The Beverly to York line was close in 1965 following the Beeching Report, something which the campaigners wish to overturn.

In order to demonstrate how the line could be beneficial, campaigners used a model railway to recreate part of the line which would be in operation. The model railway measured 40ft (12m) in length and recreated the line as it would have appeared back in the 1950s.

According to George McManus, the campaign chairman, the desire to re-establish this train line is prompted by a desire to provide “an environmentally friendly, economically viable transport infrastructure” for future generations.

McManus explained that without this railway, “to get from Beverly to York you have to use the A1079.” He went on to explain that the re-integration of this railway line would “[provide] a safe, reliable alternative that is sustainable.”

Model railways

The use of model railways to promote their campaign was an innovative idea and what that could potentially assist the cause. Known for their realistic construction, model railways were the perfect way to show the public and officials how the railway line could benefit modern society.

The model was created by confessed model railway enthusiast, Mally Brown and featured a number of key landmarks – such as Market Weighton Station.

Model railways can vary in length and type, with a number of different options being available. Continuing to be a popular hobby for children and adults alike, the range of model railway accessories which are available is extensive, helping enthusiasts and campaigners alike to customise their models for ultimate impact.

What are your thoughts on this use of model railways? What other innovative uses of technology and toys have you witnessed recently?

Trix Trains: How They Help Your Model Railway?

December 23rd, 2011

A popular Christmas gift for a number of years now, model railways are available in a number of different forms. As one of the most well-known brands, Trix Trains are a great gift for anyone looking to expand their railway but just why are they so good?

A Garman company that originally made metal construction sets, Trix has become one of the main manufacturers of model railways, establishing them as a household name in the industry.

Their development of the Trix Twin system, which allows two trains to run on the same piece of track at the same time, helped to make them successful and positioned them as pioneers in this area.

Who do they help your model railway?

For anyone thinking of expanding their own model train collection with the addition of items from this company you may be wondering how they can help your railway. The truth is that these items have a number of benefits and offer collectors a range of different options.

With model railway accessories and a vast selection of vehicles and items to purchase, these items offer high quality services that are varied and diverse. For collectors, the materials used are of a high standard and precise attention to detail is implemented to ensure the offer realistic and fun additions to your toy train set.

What else should you consider buying?

Alongside your purchase of Trix Trains, railway enthusiasts should also consider buying other top additions such as model railway scenery and other great products. These can help transform a model railway and are therefore a worthwhile investment for any individual.

Of course, there are other great models of train available alongside those produced by Trix, with Marklin and Fleischmann being just two examples. It is therefore always wise that you consider all of the options available to you before making your decision.

What are your thoughts on Trix Trains? How do they help your model railway and are they better than other makes or models?

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