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Consumer Electronics

10 Best Induction Cooktops In India For 2020 – Reviews & Buyer's Guide

Are you searching for the best quality induction cooktop? You have reached the right platform to make your choice. Induction cooktops have turned out to be the superior choice to contemporary kitchens in Indian households. Compared to other electric and gas cooktops, it is a better option, as it relies on magnetic induction. Some of us choose this appliance for energy efficiency. What’s more, the availability of induction cooktops at a reasonable price is another reason to buy this gadget.

Induction cooktop follows the principle of magnetic induction to heat your cooking pan. As the heat starts conducting to your pan, this innovative technology works faster. Your cooktop remains cool while you are using it. The absence of any flame for heat generation is another advantageous trait of the induction cooktop. Within a very short time, it produces a lot of heat. 

We have read the reviews of various customers who have bought induction cooktop. Based on those reviews, we have picked the best induction cooktops for you.

  1. Philips Viva HD4928/01 Induction Cooktop 2100-Watt

Philips has offered one of the stylish and perfectly designed induction cooktops. This sleek cooktop is made of the durable microcrystal plate to ensure consistent heating. This 2100W induction cooktop makes your cooking process faster. Moreover, electromagnetic induction technology helps in retaining the nutrients of your food. After your everyday cooking activity, you may easily clean the cooktop.

This cooktop panel includes six preset menus, helping you to cook Indian recipes. You may use oil-boiling pots, stainless steel pots, water jugs and rice cooker with this cooktop. The touch-start button enables you in activating the cooktop. In addition, you can find a push-button for controlling the system. This lightweight cooktop is easy to move and store at any place. 

The surface is cool to touch, and you can easily manage the cooktop. The system comes with a cord of about 1.2 meter. Electricity flows smoothly through this cord.

Pros

  • Auto-off program for cooking foods safely
  • Time setting system (0 to 3 hours)
  • Easy to program
  • Comfortable to cook food

Cons

  • Sometimes can vibrate
  1. Pigeon by Stovekraft Cruise Induction Cooktop1800-Watt

The Pigeon Cruise, another induction cooktop model of 1800W, has become popular to several customers. This elegant looking cooktop has a trendy design, and it does not consume much space in your kitchen. The LED display is highly advanced, as it includes temperature and power settings. Control the power and temperature with the use of this LED screen. For busy users, this induction cooktop is the right choice. Set the time and then let the system properly cook the food for you. The system automatically becomes deactivated as per your timer.

The panel also includes options for increasing or decreasing the mode level. The dual heat sensor is a special technology, used for the induction cooktop. The technology also helps you in saving more than 90% of energy.

The cord, included in the package, is 1.3 meter in length. The high-standard electrical elements of this package prevent the risk of short circuits. The top plate is capable of enduring high temperatures.

Pros

  • High heating efficiency
  • Easily portable
  • Hands-free cooking
  • Automatic switch-off 

Cons

  • Sound issues
  1. Prestige Omega Granite Induction Cooktop 3 piece set 

When you are looking for a comprehensive package of the induction cooktop and cookware pieces, you may choose this product. With 230V of current, this cooktop performs its function smoothly. The push-button, present in the panel, helps you to control the appliance.

For saving power, the manufacturer has integrated an automatic voltage regulating system. Another positive trait of this induction cooktop is the aerodynamic cooling technology.

The vessel to be placed on the cooktop must have an induction base. Its diameter should be at least 12 cm. While you have chosen the wrong vessel, you may find an error message.

Now, the cookware pieces also provide you with long-lasting value. They have a spatter-coated, non-stick surface, making it easier to clean. You may use a metal spoon with them. You can place the cookware not only on the induction cooktops but also on the gas cooktops. 

Pros-

  • Provided the guidelines for troubleshooting
  • German technology-based cookware set
  • Dishwasher Safe cookware
  • Granite-finish coating applied on the cookware pieces

Cons-

  • Glass lid is not very durable 
  1. Prestige PIC 16.0+ Induction Cooktop 1900- Watt 

We have chosen another reliable induction cooktop from Prestige. The consistent and faster heating capacity is one of the notable aspects of this induction cooktop.

Moreover, the system has an anti-magnetic wall and aerodynamic cooling system. The engine performs in the best way. The fan continues its function although you have switched off the appliance. Thus, the cooktops cool down very fast.

The appliance is compatible with Induction base cookware, and the diameter of the cookware base has to range from 12 cm to 26 cm. Like other induction cooktops, it also has dual heat sensor.

Integrated with timer, the cooktop also includes a pause function to provide you with the convenience. You can turn off your cooking hob temporarily. While you have turned it on, it will resume the cooking temperature very fast. Furthermore, Prestige PIC 16.0+ comes with the power-saving technology. It can control the level of power based on your vessel size.

Pros

  • Best for cooking Indian dishes
  • Pause and restart anytime
  • Regulates voltage
  • Computer controlling system

Cons

Power button is a little hard to press

  1. Havells Insta Cook RT 1400 watts 

It is now easy to prepare tasty foods with Havells induction cooktop. The stylish looking cooktop is full of innovative features. You can conveniently cook your everyday meals with this appliance. The panel of this induction cooktop includes four cooking options- Manual, gravy/dal, deep fry and boil.

You may use the timer to preset the time while cooking the foods. The time can range from 0 to 2 hours. Also, the soft-touch buttons simplify the operations. There are controls for adjusting the power level.

Intelligent and in-built programming mechanism has made this cooktop unique. The appliance will control the temperature level based on your cooking purpose. Some dishes need variable cooking, while others must have a fixed cooking style. For every case, you will find this induction cooking to be much useful.

Pros

  • User-friendly digital LED screen
  • Black, attractive induction cooktop
  • Eco-friendly choice- No flame
  • Special sensor for auto-pan detection

Cons

  • No negative comment from customers
  1. V-Guard VIC-15 Induction Cooktop 2000-Watt

V-Guard VIC-15 can be one of the best additions to your modern kitchen. The digital screen is easy to read, and it displays four digits for showing the status of cooking activities. The innovatively designed cooktop protects its mechanism from the fluctuation of voltage and other electrical effects.

You may use the induction cooktop for preparing dosa, idli and chapati, for heating milk, for boiling water and slow cooking purpose. For cooking any type of dish, you can choose to rely on the timer feature. You may set the timer of up to 4 hours. While the set time is over, the cooktop automatically becomes deactivated.

The power level is easily adjustable. You will get eight options for setting the power. For various types of cooking activities, there is a need for varying power levels. That is why the manufacturer has integrated this feature to the induction cooktop.

The crystalline glass, used for the gadget, endures the high level of temperatures. Besides, it has a quality finish, helping you to clean the surface very easily. The copper coil for running the cooktop is also durable.

Pros

  • Made of high-grade materials
  • Energy and voltage consumption indicator
  • Preset cooking functions

Cons

  • Hard-ionized utensils do not work with this cooktop
  1. Bajaj Majesty ICX 7

Bajaj has offered one of the feature-rich induction cooktops. This 1900 W cooktop is best for all types of cooking purposes. For its compact design, lots of customers have chosen it. Although it is a compact model, it has a spacious heating surface. You can place the bigger pans on it.

The Tact-switch control is one of the features, helping you to adjust the cooking time to prepare various dishes. The touch panel of this cooktop is very stylish. The stainless steel pots, water jugs and rice cooker, grilling iron plates and cast iron pots are safe with the cooktop.

The Bajaj Majesty induction cooker has 8 Pre-set menus that simplify your cooking process. You may only press one button for preparing the favorite dishes. The preset menu includes- stir fry, hot pot, fry, deep fry, boil, braise, soup and stew. This menu performs the best function, as it helps you in saving your effort and time. 

Pros

  • User-friendly design
  • Automatic shut off within a minute in the absence of any vessel
  • Warm mode available 
  • Power button indicating the amount of power consumed at the time of cooking

Cons

  • Button materials must be of better quality
  1. Sunflame Sf-Ic09 2000 W Induction Cooker

Sunflame has manufactured high-quality induction cooker, having high power efficiency. This cooktop does not consume high amount of electricity. However, it still produces much amount of heat, needed to cook foods. This 2000 W Induction Cooker has the potential of preventing unnecessary heat generation due to the presence of Aerodynamic Cooling System. Thus, you can use the system safely.

Crystal Glass Plate, used for the cooktop, helps in producing the consistent amount of heat. You will get perfectly cooked food. Thus, Sunflame has offered highly reliable appliance, performing at a superb level. 

The preset menu helps you to cook various Indian dishes within a short time. In addition, the system also includes Dual Heat Sensors to ensure the right amount of heat, applied to your food. The soft push controls are easy to use, and you can adjust the temperature and power. Moreover, the system includes an auto cut-off feature.

Pros

  • Quality glass plate
  • Cooling mechanism
  • Elegant and sturdy design

Cons

  • Vibration and sound problems
  1. Preethi Excel Plus 117 1600-Watt 

Preethi induction cooker is one of the innovatively designed appliances for a modern kitchen. Cook your food with one simple touch on the menu. You can find separate controls, including boil, slow cook, idli, roti, fry, milk, tea, gravy and manual. You may place the bigger vessels on the heating base. In addition, the induction cooktop is highly durable, and its ceramic plate has the capacity of enduring the high level of temperature. However, make sure that you have used the flat bottom vessel. The cooktop will not be able to heat up other types of vessels.

The system needs 230 volts for operation. The cord, included in the package, is very long to give you convenience in connecting it to the plug. 

The customer service from Preethi is also good, and you will be able to solve your queries on the cooktop.

Pros

  • Safe to operate
  • Lengthy cord
  • Easy to use
  • Preset menu

Cons

  • No complaints
  1. Bajaj Popular Ultra Induction Cooker 1400-Watt

In the world of electronic appliance, Bajaj has earned a high status. Thus, we have chosen the best induction cooktop model from Bajaj. This 1400W induction cooker with stylish design is easy to use. The novices would face no challenges in dealing with it. The LED screen clearly displays the control. The menu includes 7 preset options. Touch the right option on the menu to boil water, cook rice, prepare soup, idli and curry, heat milk, deep fry anything and pressure cook the ingredients. Thus, you will get fun in your everyday cooking activities. Among other controls, you can find timer. Preset the time for cooking the desired food. In addition, there are tact switch controls and a separate on/off button.

The crystal glass with the semi-polished surface has a dimension of 250 mm by 250 mm. You must not touch the plate after cooking anything. This plate remains hot and can injure you.

Pros-

  • Preset menus
  • LED screen with clear controls
  • Low energy consumption

Cons-

  • Few users have found it tough to use the system 

Guide to buy the best induction cooktop

Buying quality induction cooktop is not easy. You have to check out the following features while buying the appliance. 

Features that enable you to cook food safely and properly

  • Safety sensor

It helps in assessing the temperature level at the base of the cookware. When you have left the empty pan on the cooking zone, this feature performs its function. The safety sensor also helps in adjusting the power output for avoiding your cookware damage. 

  • Automatic switch-off

It is one of the special features, effective for turning off the element automatically while there is an overheating issue. Most of the models have this special feature.

  • Automatic heat-up

It is another innovative feature, intended for heating the cooking space to some higher setting. It automatically follows the preset option. This feature is helpful while cooking different foods. For instance, at the time of cooking rice, you can initially boil rice and simmer it later.

  • Safety cutout

Safety cutout is another important feature to let you cook food without any risk. While you have switched on the cooking zone for a longer period without adjusting the temperature, the system becomes deactivated automatically. The lower setting means cooking zone, remains activated for a longer period. Thus, when you think of cooking continuously, you can choose the cooktop, having longer safety cutout time.

  • Power management

Some cooking zones have a higher wattage, and thus, power manager helps in splitting power level between different cooking zones. You can set the optimum power level only for a particular cooking zone. For another zone, the power level has to be low.

  • Protection from overflows

The best cooktop produces the beep sound or shuts down the system while the water, milk or any other liquid is overflowing the controls. You have to wipe out this spill and restart your cooking activities. However, you must treat the cooking surface thoroughly by cleaning the gaps and cracks. 

  • Pan detector

While there is no pan, your induction cooktop won’t perform its function. Similarly, if you have removed the pan from the cooking surface, the system will stop its operation, and you will find an alert notification. Conversely, this alert goes away while you have put back the pan to the right place. You will also see the symbol for using the wrong cookware. After displaying the sign, the cooktop deactivates itself.

  • Touch controls

Instead of the conventional style control knobs, there are touch controls on the induction cooktop. Those cooktops enable you in altering the temperature level with the simple touch on the glass-made surface. Touch controls work best while you are merging your kitchen benchtop to the cooktop.

  • How many cooking zones do your cooktops have?

An induction cooktop with a width of 60cm provides you with more than 3 cooking zones. Thus, you will have much amount of space for preparing your everyday meals. Moreover, the wider induction cooktops have more cooking zones. You may prepare much amount of food at a time.

What’s more, the wide cooktop is capable of accommodating the bigger pans and pots. Hence, it is best for growing families.

  • Automatic detection of pan size 

The sophisticated induction cooktops have this unique feature, and they can quickly identify the cookware shape and size, used by you. It is a unique feature, enabling the cooker to have energy efficiency.

  • Choosing the size of induction cooker

Size is one of the most critical factors to the induction cooktop buyers. The smallest models have a width of about 30 cm. However, the biggest one can be almost 90 cm. Although you may find a difference in the cooktop models, most of the buyers look for 60 cm induction cooktop with 4 cooking zones. 

When you need to replace your older cooktop, you have to take the measurement of the space. While you are in search of one cooking zone, you may invest in the compact models. These models are highly portable, and you can move them from one site to another. 

  • Child locking system

It is one of the safety features, integrated to most of the models. The child lock option prevents your children from dealing with the buttons or controls in any way.

  • Timer

The automatic timer is best for busy users. This is present in most of the sophisticated models. You can activate the timer feature for switching off the system automatically. There is no need to observe the cooking process a number of times. However, you must specify the right time with the timer. You may read the instructions of the manufacturer.

  • Pot Compatibility

The use of right pots is highly important to get the optimized benefit from the induction cooktop. You have to check out the compatibility of the pot with the chosen cooker. The vessel and pot, placed on the cooktop, must have magnetic conducting design or ferrous bottom. It ensures the proper conduction of heat. The stainless-steel cookware with cast iron base is best for induction cookers. It is also essential to find out the minimum size of the pot base that works properly with your induction cooktop.

  • Does induction cooktop produce noise?

Induction cooking process is noiseless, as the system’s electrical coil generates energy silently. The device has no moving part. The cooktop also has a cooling fan in its interior side. However, the fan may cause some noise. Moreover, while the power level is high, the lightweight vessels have slight vibrations. 

  • Power Ratings of the cooktop

While preparing any dish, you need to adjust the power level for heating the ingredients precisely. You have to check the power levels of the modern induction cooktops. Thus, you must choose the right power setting for cooking the food. For instance, 1800 W induction cooker has 10 power levels, and the lowest level can be 200 W.

  • Pre-set Menus for Induction Cooker

The menus are intended for definite dishes. The common options, included in the menu, are – boil, heat milk, deep fry, fry, idli, grill and stir-fry.

Now, it is the right time to purchase the best induction cooktops of a reliable brand. Read our above guide and choose any of the products to make your deal.

Categories
Consumer Electronics

Tips To Using Solar Power While Traveling or Hiking

Carrying power banks could prove to be a bit heavy when you are hiking or traveling. That’s when the idea of harnessing solar power comes to the rescue. Making use of solar power is not only economical but eco-friendly too.

first-image

If you too are thinking of making the best use out of solar power while traveling or hiking, we got you covered!

The best gadgets to harness solar power while traveling

 The Tag Along Solar Battery with USB port enables you to charge your phone or any device. It operates on an inbuilt Li-Polymer battery like the batteries available in mobile phones. It constantly stocks sunlight to the inbuilt battery when placed in sunlight.

The 3.5Watts foldable detachable solar panel and 2000mAH battery gear from main backpack has an innovative design. Your phone will simply not run out of power day or night.

solar-bag

Caption : 3.5Watts foldable detachable solar panel

The 22% high effective transfer solar cells in a secure anti scratch hardened covering and sewn into high-wear PVC fabric for weather-resistant exterior durability.

Another notable gadget is the solar/dynamo waterproof LED flashlight equipped for all terrains and situations. It is water-proof, flood-proof, floats on water and constructed of sturdy casing to avoid shock from loose wires.

water-proof-solar

Caption : Dynamo waterproof LED flashlight

The flashlight can also be recharged with solar power or by hand crank, so as to never leave you in the dark.

The Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Panel has a nice, compact size which snugly fits in a backpack and offers a reasonable charge time for most tiny gadgets. It contains a dedicated USB port and 12v port with adaptor cable.

zero-nomad-7-solar-panel

Caption : Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Panel

With the panel, you can charge any USB powered gadget such as iPod or GPS or with the Goal Zero Guide 10 kit, 4 AA batteries can be charged for headlamps.

How a solar powered phone charger can help you?

Solar powered phone chargers provide users the freedom and adaptability to use their smartphones and portable mobile devices everywhere without incurring any danger of draining of battery juice. For heavy smartphone and gadget user power management is a major hurdle influencing your ability to operate your smartphone. Smartphone draw hugely on power and need to be frequently recharged to function optimally. Functionality of a smartphone and its power utilization are positively correlated. It requires increased power with additional features. Present day smartphones incorporate cutting-edge technologies to aid them preserve and handle power better.

Apollo 2 is a charger with a smartphone type  battery and a solar panel. If you need slight charge and a small solar recharging power, the Solar-5+ 5000mAh charger made by Creative Edge is very useful for outdoor and is water and dust resistant.

apollo-2

Caption : Apollo 2 charger

Equally reliable and portable is the SunFerno Flintstone that is custom made for hikers and outdoor lovers. The Goal Zero, 2 Port 21 W Anker and the Instapark Mercury 10 can hold your phone, additional battery pack and USB charging cable.

To charge a phone what you require is a lightweight gadget with a USB port. However, for charging many and bigger devices such as laptop it is necessary to choose a versatile device. The Goal Zero Venture 30 battery charges your high energy gadgets in a powerful manner. Both USB ports will emti 2.4 A simultaneously.
p1

Caption : Goal Zero Venture 30

The Powertraveller Solarmonkey Adventurer is 2-panel chargers that is weatherproof and has a “daisy-chain” feature that make it easy to charge your appliances while the internal battery is getting charged through the solar panels.

solar-monkey

Caption : Powertraveller Solarmonkey Adventurer

It is able to charge iPad and iPhones. The Brunton Power Essentials Kit which is not light and lesser versatile, but is reliable for low performance grades.

How a solar panel can help you while traveling?

Solar panels create voltage quite smoothly and that also under minimum light conditions. Some of the ratings given may not correspond to the real power output because when the manufacturer’s rate panels they put more importance on flash testing. Testing devices estimate the voltage generated by the cells and after that the watt rating is evaluated by multiplying it by current or the amperage. If there is over estimation of the amperage, than the general rating will be misleading. The panel may generate huge voltage to make your phone charge, but it may have have ample current for it because of the tiny size if the unit and the panel’s efficiency. Thus, it is very convenient for manufacturers to make people believe based on their testing process that 8 watts are being produced by the solar panel when actually it does not produce that much.

 The Instapark Mercury 10M18U containing battery is a portable solar panel with 2 USB ports and is a wonderful option for charging your mobile or small electronic gadgets.

mercury-10m18u

Caption : Mercury 10M18U

When it is integrated with an external battery you get a smartphone and tablet charging storehouse.

Various latest solar panels contain a USB connector, while others come packed with adapters, alligator clips, charging lights, extension wires or carabiners. It is not easy to say what accessories are paired with a panel or which have to be bought exclusively or the exact connection for a panel. This becomes a hassle while attempting to charge older cameras specially the ones that cannot be charged through USB. So, always make certain that you know the accessories required and the exact ones that accompany your panel.

Many people like to use the mono and multicrystalline technique compared to the thin-film design as they are more efficient and provides rigid surface treatment to the cells and do not delaminate with the passage of time. The polycrystalline panels are not so pure and are less efficient. The monocrystalline panel is becoming the industry grade due to its superior quality and it saves weight and quickly charges at camp.

Always figure out the panel size and type of system you need for charging your phone. Find out the number of appliances for charging and then compute the required wattage for charging them. If it’s half cloudy or the panels are extremely dusty in that case you may actually require double the wattage. You should also consider the days you have to rely on the charger and the “days of autonomy” in off-grid mechanism where you have to continue for days with no sun input.

Author Bio: Wanda Greaves is the co-founder of BatteryChargersExpert.com – a website that helps people to find, use and do anything with their batteries, chargers or related electricity devices.

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Consumer Electronics Gadgets

Streak 10 To Use Honeycomb

The tablet from Dell, Streak which was first previewed at the Consumer Electronic Show in January is going to use Google’s Android 3.0 or Honeycomb. The use of Android 3.0 was confirmed this week at the quarterly fiscal meeting this week and Dell has also confirmed that the 10 inch tablet would be called Dell Streak 10. Although, Dell did not reveal the availability date of the tablet, except that the Streak 10 is due some time this year. While rumors are abuzz that Streak 10 is due in April.

Another interesting fact is that the Streak 10 would also have a Windows 7 edition and the users would get to choose between the Android and Windows 7 versions. The Windows 7 version of the Streak 10 are also due this year, but no exact date is not yet known.

Well! 2011 is flooded with all sorts of tablets. Users could be spoilt for choice.

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android Consumer Electronics HTC Motorola Verizon

AT&T Android Phones List To Be Doubled in 2011?

According to an internal document from this year’s International CES (Consumers Electronic Show), AT&T will be launching 12 more Androids along with 20 new 4G devices. If the details of this internal document prove to be right, the first quarter of 2011 is going to witness the launch of 2 new 4G smart phones, which by the end of the year will be pushed to 20. As far as the Android phones are concerned, in 2011, AT&T is looking forward to add 12 more of these to the already existing list of 7.

Also, rumored are the availability of Motorola Atrix 4G and the HTC Inspire 4G in the markets from February 14, for which purpose, the employee training is to begin from February 2. The internal documents also indicate that Verizon is also fully prepared to offer simultaneous voice and data, but it has to be seen, to what extent will they be successful.

AT&T customers are sure in for an Android treat this year.

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Consumer Electronics Gadgets

Dell Streak Price And Launch In India Announced

India is still not a market that is mature enough to take in a regular sized tablet computer, let alone an awkwardly sized Dell Streak. That however does not seem to have deterred the manufacturers as Dell India has announced the imminent launch of the much touted Dell Streak in the country.

According to Mahesh Bhalla, Executive Director and General Manager – Consumer, Dell India, the 5″ Dell Streak tablet device will launch in India during the Diwali season (early November) and shall be sold unlocked at a price of Rs 34,990.

Smaller Dell Streak In The Works

Mahesh Bhalla also confirmed another interesting bit of information about future product launches. He noted that the company shall be launching a new variant of Dell Streak that will have “a screen smaller than a five-inch“. This is interesting considering that we have already heard about the company working on 7″ and 10″ variants of Dell Streak in the American market. It is not clear when the new product is expected to hit the market.

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Consumer Electronics

Gefen Launches TV Volume Regulator To Control Loud Commercials

Are those loud TV commercials bothering you? Gefen Inc. is launching a new TV Volume Stabilizer that they claim will auto-regulate the volume so that you do not have go scurrying for the remote everytime a commercial or TV host goes yelling.

The device needs to be placed close to the TV source and the input source is connected to the back of the GefenTV via analog or optical cables. This is then connected to the TV input source so that the audio has to pass through the Audio stabilizer being broadcast via the speakers. Gefen claims to make use of a Dolby volume technology that will maintain a steady volume for any input source.

The GefenTV Auto Volume Stabilizer is now available for purchase from the Gefen website at a price of $179 a unit.

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Consumer Electronics Gadgets

Vulkano Media Player Price And Review Of Features

Monsoon Multimedia has launched a new range of Vulkano multimedia players that the company claims is the “World’s first All-In-One Video Product“. With Vulkano, you can schedule, record and watch TV shows from your mobile phone or iPad just like you do with a TiVo while watching videos from the web, cameras, PCs or smartphones by simply connecting them to your TV.

Monsoon Multimedia says that the new range of Vulkano products can help you to do away with the clutter of home entertainment devices like Roku, TiVo, SlingBox and the like from your living room and instead replace them with this one sleek device.

Vulkano comes in three models – Vulkano Pro, Vulkano Deluxe and Vulkano Deluxe Pro and is priced between $259 and $379. There are additional features like local storage space of up to 1TB  that is available on the higher end models.

Vulkano Media Player

Does this look exciting to you?

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Consumer Electronics

Wirelessly Stream Online Videos On Viera HDTV With Netgear Adapter

Owners of Panasonic Viera HDTVs can now stream online videos from YouTube, Amazon Video-On-Demand and access websites like Picasa and other applications wirelessly over their televisions thanks to a new partnership signed between Panasonic and Netgear. The new partnership will offer these television users the ability to access the internet via the Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter.

Panasonic has noted that the Netgear N600 adapter is the only third party accessory to support online video streaming on Viera HDTVs. Netgear N600 makes use of a special Push ‘N’ Connect technology that makes it extremely simple to set up an internet connection.

According to the announcement, users will be able to get hold of a new Netgear N600 USB adapter at a price of $79.99. If you still do not own a Panasonic Viera HDTV, you may check out these low cost by clicking here.

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Consumer Electronics

Syabas PopBox On Sale – Price And Features Review

Remember PopBox – the HD media player from Syabas that was expected to hit the virtual shelves of Amazon on July 23? So the word is out that the device is now already on sale. Several users who had pre-ordered a device have been notified that their PopBox has now been shipped.

So, in case you are a late bloomer and still wondering what this one brings, here is a recap – PopBox builds upon the media player from Popcorn Hour into a more consumer friendly format that integrates support for Picasa, Youtube, Twitter, Shoutcast, Revision3 and Clicker. Netflix is still conspicuously absent though we’ve heard that this is only for the time being.

What more? PopBox includes compatibility for RealID 3D content, HDMI video component outputs, 100Mbps bitrate and 1080p video. Now, all of this costs $129. Think it’s worth it? Check out the Amazon store right away.

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Consumer Electronics Google

Google TV Will Be A Set-Top Box And A NetTop

A lot has been discussed about the upcoming Google TV. Several companies including Logitech, Intel, Sony and Google are learned to be working on this new set-top box that will take Google to the television and media entertainment space.

However, it appears that Google TV is not going to work merely as a set top box for your television sets. A recent picture of the device’s interiors offers greater insights into what purposes the device will serve. And the speculation right now is that this is not just a set-top box, but also a nettop.
Google TV For Computer Nettop
As you can see from the picture above, the Google TV platform looks pretty similar to any normal Intel Atom powered nettop that supports multimedia capabilities. It has a 1.2GHz Intel Atom processor, hardware accleration for HD video, 3D graphics, heat sink, Wi-Fi module, USB ports, ethernet jack and other connections.

So in all probability, you can not only connect your Google TV to your television as a set top box, but can also connect it to your computer to serve as a media-center platform.