I’ve been anxious to get my hands on the Leap Motion controller since I first saw it last May. It brings 3D gesture control to your Mac. Instead of a mouse or other pointing device, you just use your hands. Naturally. If you’ve seen Minority Report, you’ve got a good idea how Leap works. If not, check out the video above.

The Leap Motion team announced in an email yesterday that they’ll begin shipping pre-order units on May 13th – almost one year after it was first unveiled. I can’t wait.

You can find out more about the Leap Motion controller, or pre-order your own for $69 on their website, LeapMotion.com.

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You should follow Mike on Twitter for more great tech insights and good conversation. Be sure to say hello! You can also keep up with Mike on his personal blog: MikeBeauchamp.me, on Facebook, or on Google+.

Remember the Pebble? We told you about it last May, when it raised more than $10 million USD on Kickstarter. I backed the project, and have been waiting (and waiting) for it to enter production. Today at CES, the company announced that they’re going to begin shipping the Pebble to Kickstarter backers on January 23, with all 85,000 pre-ordered units expected to be delivered within six to eight weeks.

If you’re not familiar with Pebble, check out the video below. If you decide to pre-order one, you can do that here: www.getPebble.com. They’ll be available for $150 dollars, in five different colors.

Pebble will work with all iPhones going back to the 3GS running iOS 5 or 6, as well as Android devices running Gingerbread (2.3) or later. As you might expect, once mine arrives, I’ll be sure to let you know all about it.

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You should follow Mike on Twitter for more great tech insights and good conversation. If Twitter isn’t your thing, fear not, you can always keep up with Mike on his personal blog as well at: www.MikeBeauchamp.me or on Facebook.

Here’s a look at a device you can’t get for the next 6 – 7 weeks: the Google / LG Nexus 4. Since it was first available, the device has been out of stock, with increasingly lengthy shipping times. I got mine yesterday, and wanted to get some first impressions posted and a few images for you, in case you’re still on the wait list or considering jumping on board.

First Impressions

• The Nexus 4 feels good in your hand as you hold it. It’s noticeably thicker and wider than some other devices, and doesn’t feel as elongated, top to bottom. That shouldn’t sound like a strike against the Nexus 4, because form is always a personal preference. It’s function that matters. However, if you have smaller hands (present company included), you might find it a bit of a reach to get your thumb to the opposite side of the display.

• I absolutely love the Zero-Gap display LG used for the Nexus 4. It’s always been slightly annoying to use a device that has that air gap between the cover glass and the screen itself. It just doesn’t feel quite right. With the Nexus 4, they nailed it. You actually feel like you’re touching the pixels.

• The speaker on the back (for speakerphone or media) isn’t as loud as I’d like, even when cranked to full volume. However, the placement is good since your hand will likely be near it, which you can use to reflect some of that sound back towards you.

• As for battery life: I haven’t had the Nexus 4 for even 24 hours yet, so it’s too soon to say. What I can tell you is, I took it off the charger at 6:45 this morning and as of this writing 6 hours later, it’s at 79% with light-medium use. Not too shabby.

Once I’ve put some more time in with the Nexus 4, I’ll be sure to update you with a more in-depth review. I’m going to pick up a wireless Qi charger to try out the wireless charging, so I’ll let you know about that as well.

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You should follow Mike on Twitter for more great tech insights and good conversation. If Twitter isn’t your thing, fear not, you can always keep up with Mike on his personal blog as well at: www.MikeBeauchamp.me or on Facebook.

One of my favorite accessories for my iPhone is the Olloclip, an external lens system that gives you three unique perspectives: fisheye, wide angle and macro. When I got rid of my trusty iPhone 4S in September, I missed the Olloclip, since it wouldn’t work with the new, thinner iPhone 5.

Today, Olloclip announced their newest offering: an iPhone 5-compatible Olloclip. They’re keeping the same, very reasonable $69 price tag and it ships “before the end of November.” Pre-orders start today. You better believe I’ve already slapped down my credit card to get mine. Once it arrives, I’ll be sure to get a review posted.

If you’re serious about mobile photography (#iphoneography), you’ll love the versatility of the Olloclip. Order here.

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You should follow Mike on Twitter for more great tech insights and good conversation. If Twitter isn’t your thing, fear not, you can always keep up with Mike on his personal blog as well at: www.MikeBeauchamp.me or on Facebook.

If you’ve been following along the last few weeks, you might remember my last post about the iPad mini with WiFi + Cellular not shipping until November 21, with a delivery date shortly thereafter. It looks like Apple has gotten their inventory in and started shipping a little sooner, because I received the below email this morning saying mine has shipped and even with standard shipping, will be delivered this Friday, November 16. Not too shabby. Certainly a nice surprise, seeing that it’s arriving a week earlier than expected. Way to go, Apple. Under promise, over deliver.

I’m finishing writing my review of the iPad mini this week – I used the WiFi-only version for the review (photo) – so watch for that soon.

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You should follow Mike on Twitter for more great tech insights and good conversation. If Twitter isn’t your thing, fear not, you can always keep up with Mike on his personal blog as well at: www.MikeBeauchamp.me or on Facebook.

I’ve considered buying the Chobi Cam One HD a couple times. There is something cool about having a tiny camera that takes decent pictures.

This latest marvel out of Japan shoots 720p video, and apparently can take 12 megapixel pictures as well.

The One Eye Kun

The camera fits in the palm of your hand. No optical zoom, only 4x digital. And the camera takes a SD card up to 64GB. On the back of the camera is a tiny 1.5″ TFT viewfinder with 480×240 resolution so you can see what you’re taking a picture of.

In addition to working as a pocket-sized point-and-shoot, the camera can be used as one of those vehicle recorder cameras, and even comes with a suction cup mounting bracket and cigarette socket adapter for your car.

It’s also got a motion-detection mode which will trigger only when someone passes in front of its tiny lens.

It’s a toy

The One Eye Kun camera is obviously not for serious photographers. I’m actually shopping for a decent SLR; this is more of a toy. But for a geek with a gadget addiction, this is about as far fetched as they come.

This is also one of the cheaper mini HD cameras out there. I mentioned Chobi which costs around $190. You can pick up the One Eye Kun for about $120. If you’re buying a toy camera that you’ll either never use and keep on a shelf, or attempt to use and subsequently lose, you might as well go with the cheaper model.

Am I right?

We’re down to the wire here. Time to get our last predictions in. Here’s what I think is going to be announced today:

Retina Display Upgrade for the iPad

This is a given for this event. Apple has shown a keen interest in bumping up the resolution of their displays across their product line. Their best display – the Retina Display on the iPhone 4 and 4s – will make it’s way to the iPad today.

If this is the only update to the iPad announced today, many will come out saying that Apple is doomed for not innovating. Those same people probably have not looked at the difference between the non-Retina and Retina iPhone displays in too long. An upgraded display will be a game changer. If the pixels are doubled as many suspect, the 10″ tablet will pack more pixels than Apple’s premier $999 27″ Cinema Display. If that isn’t innovation, I’m not sure what is.

But that certainly won’t be all that Apple will announce today.

Probability: 100%

iPad 3 LTE on AT&T and Verizon

I didn’t think this would be happening, but all signs point to an LTE version of the iPad being announced today. The best networks for an LTE iPad 3 will be AT&T and Verizon, though Sprint may get in the mix.

Those who aren’t in an LTE service area need not worry. Any LTE version will continue to run on traditional 3G.

This cannot be good for battery life, so that leads me to my next prediction.

Slightly Decreased Battery Life

A Retina Display and LTE version of the iPad is going to suck down a lot of power. Apple undoubtedly has invested a huge sum of time and money into taking full advantage of every ounce of battery life, but unless they announce some new type of battery technology today, there will be a slight decrease in the expected battery life of the iPad.

Many rumors have pointed to the iPad 3 being slightly thicker, and that will give some more room for a slightly larger battery, but I think that Apple will temper expectations on the long battery life on the device, perhaps by 1-2 hours.

Probability: 80%

New Naming Convention for the iPad

Will the new iPad announced today be called the iPad 3? iPad HD? iPad 2S? There are many arguments to support all three of those guesses. I’m not sure which way I lean, but I think it is only a matter of time before the iPad joins the other Mac lineups in ditching the number system altogether and will eventually become – simply – iPad.

Probability: Today – 50% Within 2 Years – 90%

Continued Availability of the iPad 2

The iPad 2 will linger around as a lower cost option aimed squarely at entry-level iPad buyers and Education markets.

Some have predicted the price dropping all the way to $349. I’m predicting a drop to $399.

Probability: 95%

The iPad 3 Pricing Will Match Current iPad 2 Prices

With a much more expensive Retina display being added to the new tablet, many predict that Apple will raise the price for the iPad moving forward.

I could not disagree more. Apple does not have a history of raising prices, but in fact has a very strong history of bringing new technology in at current or lower prices.

The only exception to this will be the pricing for data plans on a potential LTE enabled device. If LTE is enabled, expect a $10-15 increase in the price for data across carriers.

Probability: 90%

1080P HD Content in iTunes

If Apple is releasing a tablet with much higher than 1080P resolution, they’ve got to start providing full HD content for it. Apple will announce the availabity of 1080P content for as much video as they can.

It will likely happen in waves as Apple solidifies content deals and rescales the video in iTunes.

Probability: 80%

A New Apple TV, But Definitely Not a Television Set

With the new 1080P content, Apple will be keen to announce a new little black-box version of the Apple TV. No television set will be announced today. And even a new Apple TV will be mentioned in passing. Do not expect Apple to spend any length of time discussing the new 1080P version of the Apple TV.

I am not even sure that Apple will bring it up in the Keynote, but I would expect it to be available near the same time that the iPad 3 is publically available.

Probability: 65%

One More Thing…

I don’t think that we’ll specifically hear the words ‘One more thing’ during the Keynote. But there will be another announcement during the Keynote. Some have predicted haptic feedback while typing, others are making predictions for software. My bet would be that we will see an updated iPhoto/Aperture type of app for the iPad. Editing pictures on a retina display iPad would be a gorgeous experience.

We’ll be surprised by something here.

Summary

We’ll see a Retina Display iPad, likely with LTE, that may or may not be named iPad 3. Pricing will remain the same, except for a lower cost iPad 2 targeted to the lower end of the market. As appendages to the iPad announcement, HD content, a 1080P Apple TV, and some sort of photo editing software will be made available.

What do you think?

Where do you stand on these predictions? Any others that you’d like to make? Do you think I’m way off? Let us know in the comments or call me out on Twitter.

I have absolutely no idea when I would have used this thus far in my life. I do realize that some people have to share a room with others, and would like to keep covered, and private nevertheless.

If there ever is a time that I want privacy from other people in my room, I think we’ve found the trick.

Privacy Pop

The Privacy Pop gives you your own quiet space, even when you share a room with siblings or are in a dorm. You get all of these amazing features:
- Designed to allow for simple and fast set up and take down.
- Durable style that fits twin and twin XL beds.
- Innovative zip window sides that offer ventilation for easy breathing and light when you need it.
- Ease of use because of interior and exterior zippers.

It’s not that bad looking, if you want to live in a perpetual tent. Some people may actually like that look. In fact, you could just think of it as a “sort-of canopy” bed, if that’s something you have always thought would be nice.

Patent Pending

-The Revolutionary Patent Pending Privacy Pop Bed Tent-

I have no quarrel with the product. It’s probably going to very popular with kids in school, who also wish they could camp every day of their life. I am entirely concerned by the idea that this could be patented.

What would the patent claim? “No one else can market their tents as if they can be used on top of a bed. We thought of it first, and any competitors in this space are going to discourage future innovation. Without us, no one would have thought to put a tent over their bed for privacy.”

Except for every 5-8 year old with a big blanket, an imagination, and a desire to be alone.

Image Source: Privacy Pop

I mentioned in another post that Google’s results are tainted in my mind for a couple of reasons: relevancy and privacy settings.

I found that I search using Google everywhere. I use it on my desktop at work, and on my laptop, and on my iOS devices. I don’t really use my Android phones/tablets much, but if I did, the steps are the same as on iOS.

Safari Omnibar and DuckDuckGo

It would have been a 3 step process, but there is a feature that I love for Safari: the Omnibar. Before you add DuckDuckGo, I suggest you install this beautiful extension. Combine that with DuckDuckGo and you’ve found yourself a veritable power tool.

• Install Omnibar
• Right click on the Omnibar (you may need to highlight some text)
• Add a new item, and set to default: “http://duckduckgo.com/?q={searchTerms}”

Done.

Chrome default search DuckDuckGo

Chrome already has the omnibar, and just needs to be changed in the preferences pane. This is for those of you who, like me, prefer Safari for most browsing, but open Chrome when you Flash has failed you again.

• Click on the wrench, and go to preferences (“splat-,” for Mac users)
• Click Manage Search Engines
• Under “Other Search Engines add DuckDuckGo, whatever keyword you prefer, and the url “http://duckduckgo.com/?q=%s“

Done.

Home page on the iPhone

For now, there is only one tool to change the Safari search engine, and it doesn’t work on iOS 5. This one is only for jailbreakers. You can download the DuckDuckGo iPhone app if you want, but I’ve never thought those apps are quite as good as built in search. For good measure I installed omnibar on my iPhone (Cydia) and changed the default search to Bing. But I’ve found that with DuckDuckGo as my homepage, I just open a quick page, and search.

• Search Cydia for “Home Page in Safari”
• Click install.
• Visit http://duckduckgo.com in Safari
• Tap on the Action button, and then “Set as Home”

Done.

Get your results

The only hacky part is Safari on the iPhone and iPad. Hopefully soon enough, Apple will add the option to search custom engines. After all, there seems to be a cold war brewing between Google and Apple; it seems likely Google can’t hold onto it’s default search spot for much longer.

But these devices: my Macbook Pro, my iPad, my iPhone, even my iPods, are sleek thin, and attractive devices. They are light and small, and have very aesthetic combinations of metal, glass, and plastic. They easily slide in my pocket, or sit comfortably light in one of my bags.

Go big, or go home.

Look, if you’re going to use a case, I can understand it’s because you want to protect it from dropping it. My first response is: stop dropping your devices. My second response is: well, if you’re going to protect it from dropping it, you might as well actually protect it, and that little piece of plastic you bought is less protective than the steel band around the iPhone itself.

Meet the new Aqua Tek S from Snow Lizard Products. I doubt you will find a better case for your iPhone if you’re looking for something to protect it like a tank.

For those serious.

This case is for the serious user. Hikers, campers, snowboarders, and other extreme sports athletes are going to enjoy what it can do. Twenty feet waterproof, shield it from dirt, extended batter inside, and a solar panel charger outside.

They still have some time remaining.

The Aqua Tek S has raised $3,271 of its needed $75,000 with 24 days remaining. You can find out more at the Kickstarter link below.

Image source: Kickstarter