New tech products
By Deborah Porterfield
Gannett News Service
Designed by the robotic whizzes at WowWee, the fully articulated Roboraptor mimics the movements and sounds of a prehistoric beast as it walks, runs and hunts for designated laser targets. Equipped with artificial intelligence and multiple sensors, it can feel, see, hear and respond to people and things in its environment. With the included remote control, you can make the 32-inch-long robot whip its tail, turn its head and perform dozens of other tricks. Or you can let it loose to roam the earth, or at the very least, your living room. The battery-operated dinosaur costs about $120.
www.roboraptoronline.com
A keyboard couch potatoes will love
There's no need to get off the couch. With Microsoft's remote keyboard, you can control a Media Center PC from across the room. Designed as a three-in-one device that functions as a keyboard, mouse and remote control, it gives you the power to turn up the volume, type a message, or point and click from the comfort of your recliner. Priced at $105, the Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition goes on sale in September. Also due in September for the same price is the Wireless Optical Desktop 5000. Designed for digital photo buffs, the package includes a wireless keyboard with a PhotoCenter that provides one-touch access to photo-editing tools, a wireless optical mouse with a magnifier for photo close-ups and Microsoft's ''Digital Image Standard 2006'' software.
www.microsoft.com
Shutterbug updates software for Macs
Thinking about creating your own Web site? XtraLean Software makes a program that's worth a look if you use a Macintosh computer. ShutterBug 1.2 includes intuitive tools that can help you design professional-looking Web pages and photo galleries. The newest version features one-click horizontal and vertical page centering, alphabetical sorting of imported photos and the ability to preview the look of your site on different browsers and platforms. The program costs $34. A free trial is available.
www.xtralean.com
Mini-Fi helps you hook up sans wires
PRISMIQ's new Mini-Fi makes it easy to jump online. When plugged into a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port on a PC, the plug-and-play USB device provides wireless connections to home networks and public hot spots using both the 802.11b and 802.11 g standards. Equipped with a built-in antenna, the Mini-Fi supports various encryption standards and works with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. The slim device costs about $40.
www.prismiq.com
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