Newer Technology's' Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet is an in-your-wall solution for conveniently powering and charging all sorts of USB devices. It's just like your standard electrical outlet, with two sockets, only it also features two USB charging ports. So now you don't have to unplug your reading light or alarm clock to charge up your phone, or search for that extra power adapter when your partner and you both need a charge. In short, the Power2U lets you charge two devices while still leaving both 120 volt plugs free. Heck, that means you could plug in two chargers and recharge four devices if you wish!

The Power2U looks just like one of your regular outlets. Neat little doors over the USB outlets help keep out dust and dirt, as well as keep the look clean when you're not charging.

There some great video instructions over at OWC, so you can get a good idea what's involved. Basically all you will need is a slot screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver. It's all pretty simple, if you've ever replaced an outlet, you know what's involved, and if you haven't, well this is a great way to learn a little skill that will come in handy throughout your life. BUT FOR GEEK'S SAKE, be sure to TURN THE POWER OFF before you work on your outlet. Turn the breaker off, and double-check that both receptacles are not receiving power.

The Power2U is an awesome addition to any geeky home and makes charging your iPhone or iPad so convenient, you'll wish all of your outlets were like this. Well, when you build your geek dream house, you can make sure they are, as OWC offers 10, 20, and 100 packs! For a single unit, the price is around 28 bucks, buy two and that goes down to about 24 bucks each. That's pretty darn good considering you can spend that on a single iPhone charger alone!

UPDATE: NewerTech has lowered the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price by 25%. ThePower2U is now priced at $29.95 MSRP, with street pricing as low as $22.99.

(via Woz via BigGeekDaddy)

via Kastriot

via Big Geek Daddy!

If you like to carry your iPhone in your pocket, but you want to protect it too, then these cases are for you. They are made of ultra hard polycarbonate with an anti-scratch UV coating, so the case protects the phone, and the coating protects the design on the case. These super slim cases add hardly any bulk to your iPhone 4, so you can still slip it easily in and out your pocket. Best of all they come in great designs and colors, so you can give your iPhone a fresh, artistic personality.

First up, Nitrozac tried the Rebelution case for her white iPhone. She loved the look of the design, and it's super-snug fit to the phone, and the built in little grippy nibs on the sides of the case. Next I tried the U-Suit Premium - Executive Director for iPhone 4/4S. I liked the look of the brown case on my black iPhone, it reminded me of the old leather camera cases from the 1940's and 50's. This case is mostly polycarbonate with a patch of leather on the back that gives it a bit of warmth. I do wish the sides had some texture grip like the Rebelutions, but that's about the only complaint I had of the case. Lots of access to ports and camera, and generally un-intrusive.

Mind you, both of these cases only protect the backs and sides of iPhones, although they do come with a cleaning cloth and a protective film for the front glass that you can install if you wish. UNIEA has others available, including flip style cases that cover the front glass. If you are looking for something to make your iPhone indestructible, these probably aren't for you, but if you want some stylish and inexpensive protection for your phone, without it feeling like you are carrying an anvil in your pocket, then they are just the ticket.

Check out all the designs at UNIEA, and if you have an iPhone 4 or 4S, enter our giveaway! (Note: giveaway is now over, congrats to the winners!)

Bonus! From December 26th to January 3rd, customers can use the promo code MYGIFT at uniea.com for 40% off their entire order, plus $5.95 flat rate shipping worldwide.

Two mics you say? Well that is interesting, especially to a binaural recording geek such as myself. Much like how a stereo camera records three-dimensional pictures, these headphones can record a true stereo sound. When you are wearing them, each microphone records the sound it hears from its relative location on your head. Now because you have a head, sound waves have to move around it to get to each ear, so a sound on your left side will reach your left ear first, then must travel around your head to reach your right ear. This is affectionally know as a "head shadow", and everyone's is a little bit different. The micro delay and subtle shift in sound characteristics caused by your head shadow is all interpreted by your brain to create the three dimensional sound you normally hear as a two-eared geek. When recorded by binaural microphones like those on the SuperBeams, then replayed through headphones, your brain re-assembles this soundscape just as if you were hearing it live again. The effect is powerful, and so life-like it's often quite freaky. Binaural recordings can accurately reproduce all the subtle nuances you normally hear with your ears but are lost in most recordings... the location of sound behind, ahead, above, and to the sides of you.

So there you have it, the convenience of no boom, plus the added power of binaural recording. Recording podcasts, live entertainment, music, lectures, environmental sounds, or you just walking around in the mall has never been so much fun. Available in two models, SuperBeam Buds (earbuds) and SuperBeam Phones (on-ear headphones) both come in black or white and retail for around $99.95 and $119 respectively, or over at Amazon.

via the Atlantic, RT'd by pcweenies