The Buzz: tools, trends, and gizmos

The clever people at Kapor Enterprises are experimenting with using 3-D video cameras to make virtual environment Second Life, well, more real. Mitch Kapor, chair of Linden Labs, maker of Second Life, has posted a video demo of the new interface, which allows users to control their avatar in real time, using body movement. As demonstrated in the video available on YouTube, Philippe Bossut, the program’s author, leans forward before the camera, causing the avatar to walk. The camera, created by 3DV Systems is not yet available.

What could be more fun than digging for dinosaurs? Paleontology is almost a no-brainer for sparking enthusiasm for science. Hence, the GeoSafari Dinosaur Dig. A new classroom activity by Educational Insights, the dig includes everything you’ll need to set up an excavation in the schoolyard or sandbox, where students can unearth and reconstruct a scientifically accurate Tyrannosaurus rex. For grades 3–12, the kit comes with excavation trowels, specimen brushes, dig stakes, and lesson plans for both in and outside the classroom. $150.

Novelty versions abound in the tech accessory market. Hello Kitty this and Swarovski crystal-encrusted that. Sony Ericsson’s latest is a bluetooth headset “with a female touch.” The HBH-PV712 Style Edition is a lightweight, high-performance device that features three changeable faceplates in red, black, and purple. Specs include 15 hours of talk time, auto-pairing, and automatic volume adjustment technology. The Style Edition measures 2.4 inches long, with an ear hook that’s compatible with long hair. $119.

The new ScreenPlay HD 500 GB multimedia drive from Iomega lets you play digital files on your TV, no PC connection required. The compact device, measuring 5 x 7 inches, offers high-capacity storage of your media, including photos, videos, and audio files. The ScreenPlay includes an HDMI connection and accommodates most media formats such as MP3, AC3 (Dolby Digital Encoding), WAV, WMA, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI/VOB), MPEG-4, and JPEG. Remote control included. $218.

HP’s new mini PC was intended for the education market, but the unit’s small form factor and low price have drawn the attention of adult users. Starting at $499 (Linux version) and weighing about 2.5 pounds, the nine-inch 2133 Mini-Note features a near full-sized keyboard with a patented DuraKeys finish, an integrated webcam, and sleek aluminum shell. HP also announced the Teacher Experience Exchange, a new online community centered on tech use. Coming soon: our own take on the 2133 by Test Drive columnist Jeff Hastings.

Adobe has received mostly high marks for Photoshop Express, the highly anticipated online version of the top photo-editing program. Tailored for the average Joe shutterbug who wants to post good-looking photos, without hassle, the program boasts an easy-to-use, attractive interface for enhancing snapshots with Photoshop technology. But some poorly written user terms seemed to grant the site unreasonable rights over user content, and critics sounded off. In response, Adobe has revised the terms of service on the beta site.

As if it wasn’t easy enough to unload your dough on the retailing behemoth’s site, Amazon.com has rolled out a new service that lets customers use text messages to shop. With the new TextBuyIt, simply send a text message to “AMAZON” (262966) with the name of the product, search term, or a UPC or ISBN code, and, within seconds, Amazon replies with the product or products that match the search, along with prices. To buy an item, customers simply reply to the text message.

Classic works, from The Iliad to 1984, have stood the test of time, confounding generations of high school students. But now there’s Rocketbooks. Akin to CliffsNotes for the YouTube generation, these video study guides provide summaries and detailed analyses of literary works. Still in beta, the site also offers WikiNotes and PDF and MP3 guides, all available free of charge. Yes, there is advertising, but a glancing pre-roll for Outback Steakhouse seems a small price to pay for some illumination on Heart of Darkness. Videos include links for quick posting to a blog or Facebook.

Despite criticism from purists who cry foul at a self-tuning instrument, Gibson has introduced two new versions of its Robot Guitar. The Gibson Robot LP (Les Paul) Studio and Robot SG both feature self-tuning robotic technology. Premiering in late 2007, the first Robot Guitar was introduced on a Friday and sold out by Monday, prompting Gibson to issue the new models, which will set you back $3,999 and $3,599, respectively.

For inspiration in the area of industry and teamwork, there’s nothing like the common ant. Digging endless tunnels, gathering grub for an insatiable queen, swarming picnics, these little guys know how to get busy. Supposedly to inspire human drones, Bandai has created Ants Life Studio. A virtual take on the classic Ant Farm, the Tamagotchi-like toy lets you manage a colony of hundreds of ants, finding food, building nests, and fending off marauding spiders. Let that remind you of the big picture, as you toil away feeling sorry for yourself. Available only in Japan, at least for now.