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Archive for January, 2012

CES 2012 – G-Shock GB-6900

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Casio’s latest offering in the G-Shock line of watches is the GB-6900. It’s the first in the line to use Bluetooth Low Energy Wireless Technology, which is really Newspeak for this thing will be studying your daily habits to better plan the eventual machine takeover. All joking aside, it’s a pretty useful bit of hardware.

It connects to most smartphones to automatically adjust and correct its own display time and includes an alert signal that notifies the user of incoming calls and messages. Any ring alerts and vibration can be stopped by tapping a button on the watch. Similarly, phone alarm and vibration functions can be activated with a button press if the phone is misplaced. The Bluetooth signal features a data transfer rate is abound 1 Mbps with a signal range of 2m and a 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard.

As a watch, the GB-6900 isn’t too shabby either. It has five independent daily alarms, a stopwatch, countdown timer, and display options for 35 time zones in 100 cities, including Coordinated Universal Time and the option to enable Daylight Savings Time. Like other G-Shock models, it has a shock-resistant body and is rated for immersion up to 200 meters of water. A battery life of approx. 2 years is provided by a single CR2032 disk battery, assuming the communication function is used for only 12 hours per day. It’ll be available in Japan in March. The USA, and presumably everyone else, will get it by the end of the year.


http://www.gshock.com/

CES 2012 – Mimoco

Friday, January 13th, 2012

I’m not gonna lie. At first, my interest was purely in the property rights this company was carrying. A Boba Fett Return of the Jedi edition MIMOBOT USB drive? Hell, yeah! But, Mimoco has come up with a useful tool in their MIMOMICRO card reader/USB drive.

MIMOMICROs allow for easy transfer of data stored on microSD cards. You know, the really small ones that almost always require an adapter since barely any computers on the market accept them as is? My camera takes them, and in case you couldn’t tell, I’m not a big fan. You simply insert the microSD card into the device, then flip out the USB plug. Simple and fast usage of the normally pain-in-the-ass microSD. Plus, Batman and Darth Vader make everything cooler. The MIMOMICRO line will be available March of this year.

http://www.mimoco.com

CES 2012 – Sound Egg

Friday, January 13th, 2012

The Acousticom Sound Egg is a total immersion entertainment chair lined with ‘Acoustic Isolation Foam’ that keeps out external noise while five full-range speakers and a 10-inch sub woofer deliver 5.1 HD Surround Sound to the user. Each Sound Egg is highly customizable, with options for an attachable arm with a tv/monitor, tablet/laptop, or mouse & keyboard mount, colored leather or vinyl padded covered seats, cup holder, and 11 foam colors. Standard shell colors are black, red, blue, tan/beige, green, gray, LCD chocolate, dark green, and yellow, although a color matching option is available if requested. Available direct from the manufacturer or from Amazon.com.

http://www.soundegg.com/


http://www.acousticom.com/

Gratuitous Hot Girl With Gun

Friday, January 13th, 2012

You know, cuz we haven’t had one in a couple days.

Greatest MilSim Battlefields: SS Airsoft in Atlanta

Friday, January 13th, 2012

If you live anywhere near Atlanta, you might want to check out SS Airsoft’s indoor battlefield. It looks awesome. According to the news article we read, “SS Airsoft is a 14.000 ft² airsoft-dream. They offer you a unique field with light effects, fog and an unbelievable setting. Recently Brain from Echo1 visited this field and made a video that will provide you a great overview off the game area.”

Seriously, the attention to detail in this place is astounding.

This the video they’re talking about:

 

Tactical Fanboy: a view of the SS Airsoft Arena

Tactical Fanboy: a view of the SS Airsoft Arena near Atlanta.

 

 

Read more at World Airsoft News, then scope out SS Airsoft’s gallery.

CES 2012 – CTA Digital Inc. – U.S. Army Licensed Products

Friday, January 13th, 2012

CTA Digital Inc. has released a line of officially licensed U.S. Army video game peripherals. Seen above is the Elite Force Assault Rifle (US-EFR). Modeled after an M4 Carbine with an EOTech holographic sight (“modeled after actual military equipment”), the Elite Force controller has every button featured on a standard DualShock 3, including the rumble effect, and connects to the PS3 using Bluetooth. The ‘barrel’ can also be removed from the Elite Force and replaced with a Move controller, turning it into a navigation controller. The controller is powered by two (2) AA batteries. Available in digital camouflage and in Olive Drab with green-grey furniture as the ‘Commando Assault Rifle’ (not pictured).

Also available is the U.S. Army Universal Gaming Headset With 3D Effect (US-UGH). The Universal Gaming Headset connects to a monitor or sound system via RCA stereo jacks (red and white cables) and directly to your console or PC via USB. This allows you to independently adjust in-game and chat volume using the in-line controller. A ‘3D Sound’ button takes advantage of the triple drivers in each ear cup to deliver realistic sound based on volume and location in-game. Other features include a 14ft cable, removable microphone, and padded ear cups.

http://www.ctadigital.com/

Veronica Belmont On Skyrim

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Why she says it’s better than Portal 2. We love Veronica Belmont, and we agree with her.

Here’s an excerpt:

1. Yeah, I loved Portal 2. The first time I played it. When it was called PORTAL.

2. Oh, you like your little puzzles, do you? I like slaying dragons using massive fireballs and wielding blades imbued with ice and FEAR. Also, you think running around variations on the same room over and over is exciting, Kiala?? I think your brain was in stasis too long.

I am about to stab you in the head

3. If you’re bored walking through the (scenic and gloriously rendered) mountains, let me introduce you to a friend of mine: Skyrim Murder Bear. He’s been looking forward to meeting you.

Read the whole article.

Veronica Belmont: So Lifelike!

CES 2012 – XShot

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

XShot is a company that deals in tripods and other camera mounts. The product shown in the picture above is the XShot 2.0 Camera Extender. It features a universal tripod mount and extends the reach of the camera by 37″, making it perfect for group photos and self-portraits, along with any other situations where an extended camera reach would be useful and/or appropriate. The Pocket XShot Camera Extender, a similar product, features a reach of 30.5″ and can fit into a pocket or purse when retracted. XShot also offers iPhone cases with a detachable tripod adapter and a swivel that allow the user to quickly switch from portrait or landscape views, along with the XShot Kayak Mount, perfect for Kayakers and Kayak fishermen.



http://xshot.com/

CES 2012 – Lifeproof iPod Cases

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

20120111-133459.jpg

Lifeproof is a company that makes highly durable iPod cases that are designed to be water, dirt, snow, and shock proof. The cases feature a polycarbonate frame, scratch-resistant waterproof screen protector, shock absorbing elastometer, shock absorbing rear Polypropylene cover, and shock absorbing perimeter O-ring. They are built to MIL-STD-810F-516.5, meaning they have been dropped on all surfaces and edges onto concrete from a height of 2 meters without any decrease in performance from the device. Additionally, Lifeproof-clad devices are rated for immersion up to 2 meters of water and are low profile, with a main body depth of 10.8mm, only 1.3mm thicker that the phone itself. The case currently available is only compatible with iPhone 4 and 4S, although, according to the show rep, an iPad case will be available roughly six months out.

http://www.lifeproof.com/

CES 2012 – SkunkJuice

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

SkunkJuice earbuds and over ear headphones use magnets in lieu of an entirely cord-based connection. The headphones are separated into two parts, the phones and the jack, that also allow the use of up to three additional connector pieces. These allow other users to bridge into the connection, allowing a small group to effectively share a single music player. This particular connection method also helps to limit any damage that could occur with yanking or pulling away with a standard cable. Pretty useful if you’re rough with your earphones, or just happen to walk away from your electronics with your earbuds still in.

http://skunkjuiceearbuds.com/

2ND Annual Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Tactical Fanboy: Airsoft Players Choice Awards

 

Popular Airsoft has narrowed down it’s nominees to five (5) per category for the 2nd Airsoft Players’ Choice Awards. They are giving you until the end of January to select the winners, and they are urging finalists and their supporters to rally up and gather as many votes as they can to be finally chosen as winners.

From their website:

“As for our dear Popular Airsoft readers as voters, we have prepared some raffle prizes for lucky draw winners for the voting period. Prepared by our Main Presented, Edgar Brothers Airsoft Division, and even sweetened by Gunfire Poland, here are the prizes waiting for you:

1st Prize: Magpul PTS AKM Masada MOE*
2nd Prize: Magpul PTS MOE Stock (Choose the colour you want)
3rd Prize: 1 Box of Magpul PTS Beta Project 75-round Magazines (5-Pack)

Go vote now.

For those private moments with your girl…if she also loves bacon.

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

What is not to love about bacon? Nothing. Bacon comprises all that is wonderful in the world (well, most of it). Now you can have it for your alone time and your significant other. It could conceivably be handy when you’re deployed. (If you’re a Corpsman, doc, PJ or other health care professional, you might also check out the Mad Duo‘s report on Bacon Bandaids.)

From the manufacturer:

“J&Ds baconlube is water-based, proudly Made in America and is the gold standard of meat flavored massage oils.  We only made a very small quantity of this pork flavored nectar and it’s available while supplies last.
What started as an April Fool’s joke is now a REAL product thanks to the thousands of people that emailed, harassed and sent us highly explicit explanations of what they would do with this (thanks for that).

Just Keep It Sizzlin’ with baconlube. They’ll be bacon for more.”

Bacon Lube. Getcha some.

Tactical Fanboy: You gotta love bacon lube. Er..don't you?

 

CES 2012 – Mighty Dwarf Speaker

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

20120111-151627.jpg

Mighty Dwarf Speakers are a series of devices that turn any surface into a speaker. This model features a 5-watt resonating downward-facing driver and plays .mp3 files by using any MicroSD card up to 16GB. It can also connect to any electronics that support a standard 3.5mm earphone jack. Mighty Dwarfs feature a built-in lithium-ion battery that charges via USB and will last up to 12 hours, depending on the volume and base of the sound playing.

New this year at CES is the BlueII Bluetooth model. Like the standard Mighty Dwarf, the BlueII accepts MicroSD cards up to 16GB, but it also can connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device for instant streaming. This model features a 10-watt resonating downward-facing driver along with a skyward-directed tweeter that projects a ‘dome’ of sound around the device. It also has a lithium-ion battery with a maximum life of 12 hours.

http://www.lavaimports.com/

Fanboy Is At CES 2012!

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

This is Tactical Fanboy, and I’m currently walking the Consumer Electronics Show! Expect plenty of articles through Friday detailing products and events throughout the show. Speaking of which, is there anything in particular as a reader you want to see covered? Let me know in the comments and I’ll see about getting to it.

Spike’s Tactical Part 1: Pirate Huntin’

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Spike’s Tactical has a number of different “designer” lowers for real steel shooters. Today we’ll look at the Pirate version. Could be perfect if you are a pirate (though truthfully that would mean you’ve lost most of your teeth, chew qat and prefer an AK) or better yet if you’re a pirate hunterKilling pirates isn’t such a bad idea. Too bad the government no longer issues letters of marque. The one pictured is the ‘Pirate Lower w/ Enhanced Kit: FDE CTR Stock & MOE Grip”. It runs $444.95.  It features the Calico Jack logo instead of their typical Spider logo, and the selector switch markings are bullet pictograms. Though they don’t show it specifically, you may be able to get a color fill job on it if you want (see below).

Spike’s Tactical AR pieces come with a lifetime warranty. Full specs below.

Also check out their video on how to zero your weapon, it’s really good.

For more on their kit, here’s an article from Tactical Weapons about their “BioHazard EDW 6.8

Tactical Fanboy: The Pirate Lower from Spike's Tactical

 

(more…)

Time lapse apocalypse management

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

This is really cool to watch, even if you’re not the artistic type. It’s a time lapse video showing the process of creating the cover art for Xabiroi. More on deisign.com.

We love that post-apocalyptic stuff here on TFB.

 

 

Harry Potter is doing some trigger pulling in Iraq

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

Ignore any of the conspiracy theory stuff, if you want. Just watch the video. It’s pretty cool.

Tactical Fanboy: Harry Potter is running direct action missions in Iraq, apparently.

Tactical Fanboy: Harry Potter is running direct action missions in Iraq, apparently.

NO idea if this is actually Harry Potter using his invisibility cloak and marauder map to put some hate down on insurgents in Iraq, some kind of high level steely-eyed snake-eater tech accidentally being revealed or just some clever video editing (after all, anything is possible with film these days: they made us want to get freaky with green-skinned chicks on the new Star Trek movie, right?) Definitely worth checking it out though.

 

 

 

More here.

MilSim Event 2011

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

MilSim Event, a motivated airsoft organization very active in the Oklahoma-Texas region (and slowly spreading into other states, doing some awesome stuff) put up a one-year video retrospective of 2011. Check it out. We’ll show you some stuff from their big damn battle at Ft. Hood soon.

 

JL Bourne Talks Zombie Loadout on Gear Scout

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

JL Bourne, author of Day by Day Armageddon, did a guest blog over on Gear Scout. We’ve taken the liberty linking to it here, for two reasons: one, the author is JL Bourne. Two, the gear is the First Spear OAGRE, and we really like First Spear.

You might want to read some background first.

_________________________________________

If you think JL Bourne is cool (if you don’t, you probably warm your milk and collect prize show cats) then check out his article over on Gear Scout.

Practical Testing: MilSim Eye Safety

Monday, January 9th, 2012

Here are a couple pretty good videos on goggles, facemasks and eye safety for you MilSim shooters out there. Wearing eye-pro should be a no-brainer along the lines of “don’t get drunk and stick try to have sex with the garbage disposal while it’s on, or ever“, but we still see knuckleheads pushing their goggles up, removing their glasses or otherwise imperiling their vision. While this would seem to be a Darwinian situation that is self-correcting, people make mistakes, and we’d hate to see someone lose part or all of their vision to a simple screw-up or a moment of absent-mindedness. (TFB Knuckledragger, one of our other writers, tells us he met an AF Security Forces guy on Masirah Island right after 9/11 who was unable to pursue his dream of trying for the CCTs because he’d screwed up and taken a paintball to the eye. This isn’t to say his career in the AF wasn’t honorable or worthy of respect, but it wasn’t the dream he might very well have realized if not for one moment of lapsed judgment.)

Anyway, check it out. Do it safe.

 

 

Holographic Hybrid Sights Offered by EOTech

Monday, January 9th, 2012

You know the EOtech sights you’re using in MW3? (They’re the “Holographic Hybrid Sights, or HHS kits.) You can, of course, get them in real life, and you can get extended range from their G33 magnifier. The HHS with G33 will, according to EOTech, allow accurate shooting from 0 to 500 meters, using the G33 “Quick Switch to Side” magnifier mount.

There are two kinds of kits. One (the HHS1) is for use with nightvision (EXPS3-4 HWS) and has a 4 dot reticle for shooting 0-300, 400, 500 and 600m. The other one (HHS2) has a non NVG compatible sight with 2 dot reticle for CQB “fast action” targeting.

Both come with a quick detach base that’s designed to return the optic to zero after mounting it back to the same rail location (to within 2 MOA). Both have operating buttons on the side, so you can use it with other rail mounted furniture.

They’ll be available this Spring and will run $1,000 to $1,225.  You can check out more on the EOTech website.

EOTech and magnifier

EOTech and magnifier

Monster Rehab Rojo Tea + Energy

Monday, January 9th, 2012

I finally managed to track down a can of Monster Rehab Rojo Tea, and found it to be quite refreshing. The primary ingredients are rooibos tea and cranberry (other ingredients include black and green tea, coconut water, gogi berry, acai berry, and mangosteen fruit), with a taste very similar to Boston iced tea. It has a lighter sweetness than the Green Tea + Energy, and very little tartness despite the cranberry. Again, you’re looking at 10 calories per serving [about 2 servings per 15.5 oz can], but with 3g of carbs per serving instead of the 4g previous Rehabs offer. Like the rest of the Rehab brand, the drink lacks carbonation and the “Rehab Energy Blend” which gives a pleasant, long-lasting buzz without a major crash. Yet another winner from those energy drink geniuses at Monster.

Now, if I could only find the [dreaded] ProTEAn + Energy flavor…


Monster.com – Rehab

Ninja Force 17

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

Nobody even knew they really existed until Raven Concealment called ’em on it.’

Just goes to show, nothing is sacred and nothing is secret. If you’re a douche-waffle, someone will eventually call you on it.

Not saying this prime specimen of warriorhood is a douche-waffle. He looks harder than woodpecker lips. Just saying, Ninja Force 17 is out there. We haven’t seen anyone this bad ass since Dog the Bounty Hunter gave up his training billet with CAG.

Tactical Fanboy: Ninja Force 17 has been compromised.

Tactical Fanboy: Ninja Force 17 has been compromised.

Interesting Images Caught by Louisiana Hunters

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

Monster Rehab Green Tea + Energy

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

20120107-152836.jpg

So it seems that Monster has expanded their Rehab line past the original Tea and Lemonade Arnold Palmer-esque flavor to include Green Tea*. I’m a big green tea drinker, so I had to snatch up a couple of cans the moment I saw it at the store. It has a pleasantly fruity flavor that pairs well with the tea, although it seems a bit sweeter than its predecessor (no doubt thanks to the acai berry, goji berry, pineapple juice, coconut water, and prickly pear also listed in the ingredients). It’s also 10 calories and 4g of carbs per serving [about 2 servings per 15.5 oz can], non-carbonated, and the “Rehab Energy Blend” gives a pleasant, long-lasting buzz without a major crash. If you’re ever looking for a light pick-me-up, Green Tea + Energy isn’t a bad choice.

*There’s two additional flavors of Rehab, Rojo Tea and ProTEAn, that I still haven’t seen in stores.

Monster.com – Rehab