We’re not that far into the new year and a few of us are still trying to keep some of those New Year’s resolutions, specifically the one that talks about losing weight.

And, arguably, one of the best things you can do to help you lose that roll you’ve built up by spending hours and hours squatting in front of your monitor is to drink more water. 8 glasses a day, so they say.

If you’re like me, that seems like an awful lot of water especially when you hate to drink it as much as I do. I have a hard time knowing when I’ve had enough for the day but now I’ve found some help.

The HydraCoach incorporates a LCD screen to help you keep track of your hydration goals throughout the day. HydraCoach will track how much water you’ve had, plus paces out the servings throughout the day so you don’t try to slug all 8 glasses down in 5 minutes just to meet your goal.

While I think that HydraCoach might come in handy, I’m not sure I’m willing to cough up the $30 necessary to get my water needs handed to me by a glorified sippy cup. I think I’ll just stick to slugging down all 8 glasses in 5 minutes.

Product Page [HydraCoach] via [CrunchGear]

When DirecTV announced that they would be adding 100 new HD channels to their programming line-up this year I nearly jumped out of my seat. Having just purchased my first HDTV I’m pretty psyched about any new little tidbit of programming that I can get. The Discovery Channel is nice, but I need a little more variety.

However, an explosion at the Sea Launch platform may delay these new channels coming to a DirecTV dish near you.

The explosion did not involve the launch of a DirecTV satellite and, thankfully, no one seems to have been hurt in the explosion. However, DirecTV 11, one of the new satellites slated to offer these new HD channels, is scheduled to launch from this same platform this summer.

DirecTV 10, the second satellite, is slated for a land launch and should not be affected by the explosion. It remains to be seen if there will be a delay in launching DirecTV11.

There is another incident on record at this platform in March of 2000 with a successful launch following in July 2000. Hopefully, the repairs and review of the launcher will be done in time for the scheduled launch.

Read [DBSTalk]

Not everyone wants to be associated with the Apple iPhone, Verizon has turned down a deal to be the exclusive distributor of iPhone. But Verizon may be doing that for the right reasons.

Among other things, Apple wanted a percentage of the monthly cellphone fees, say over how and where iPhones could be sold and control of the relationship with iPhone customers, said Jim Gerace, a Verizon Wireless vice president. “We said no. We have nothing bad to say about the Apple iPhone. We just couldn’t reach a deal that was mutually beneficial.”

Apple now has no other choice but to work with Cingular (now AT & T). There are no financial terms made known to the press but reliable sources have said that it is a 5-year, USA-only exclusivity contract. That leaves Apple a free hand to market iPhone to the rest of the world. Whether or not Apple will try to push the same conditions as proposed to Verizon remains to be seen. But I guess Apple will make it a condition that the terms of the negotiation will not be made public for fear it would embarrass Apple the second time should any carrier decided not to dance along with Apple. With all those ridiculous terms and conditions imposed by Steve Jobs, who in the right mind would?

Read [USA Today]

Manufactured by Autonomous Solutions Inc., Chaos is a mobile robot that allows a user to haul gear, dispose of explosives, carry out surveillance, search and rescue and other dangerous tasks.

Designed with 4 configurable and independently controlled tracks, it’s a robot platform like no other i.e. it can handle stairs, train tracks, rubble, gravel, steep gradients and other difficult terrains.

Weighing a mere 150 pounds (with its robotic manipulator) with a 27″ x 53″ x 8″ dimensional size, it has an onboard video/ camera, 802.11 wireless ethernet, GPS navigational sensors and two way audio hook ups. Modularly designed, all its components (tracks, arms, drive modules, electronics module, battery, and chassis) are held together by velcros and straps for easy replacement.

The video below shows the Chaos hauling a H2 Hummer and 2 of the designers, which works out to be about 2200 lbs or so. Pretty impressive for a robotic machine of that nature. Thanks to them, governmental and private agencies can carry out dangerous tasks with more ease.

Site [Autonomous Solutions]

SmartShopper is a device that allows you to say the name of a grocery item, electronically record it and when you are done, print it out from memory on an embedded thermal paper roll. It was recently awarded the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show’s Design and Engineering award and named one of the top ten new products at the show,

Founded by Richard Brundisi and Gregory Vittardi, the SmartShopper has a built in LCD screen and is smart enough to categorize all items of the same type e.g. lists can be categorized by frozen foods, produce, toiletries etc. Its memory is jam packed with over 2500 grocery item types and users can add their own items and brands if they are not already there.

Another useful and unique feature that the SmartShopper is the “errand list”, a way to record and say the names of errands and to-dos needed at any time. The errand list can then be printed with the grocery list.

Run with 4 AA batteries, the SmartShopper retails for $149.99 and can be purchased from their website.

Detailed Technical Specs:

* Thermal Printer
The unit uses a built-in thermal printer which does not require any ink cartridges! The unit comes with three thermal paper rolls and replacements are readily available.

* LCD Screen
The large LCD Screen shows the items that have already been input into the unit in alphabetical order. The on-screen list is easy to read, with a 9 point font size.

* Batteries
The unit operates on 4 standard AA batteries. These are easy to replace when necessary, accessed by an easy opening door on the back of the unit.

* Size of Device
The SmartShopper unit is a compact 7 1/2″ x 4″ and is only 1 1/4″ thick.

* Materials
The unit is made out of a durable, hard plastic with a brushed aluminum front. This brushed look will make a great impression in any kitchen!

* Mounting the Device
The SmartShopper can be kept in three different locations in the kitchen. It comes with a strong magnet which allows adherence to the refrigerator. It can also easily be wall mounted, or simply kept out on the counter.

* Voice Recognition
The SmartShopper employs the power of Nuance’s Vocon 3200 engine. This speaker-independent voice recognition system makes it easy for any member of the family to use the device.

* Database
The unit recognizes nearly 2,500 items sold in your local grocery store in english. You can also add your own additional items to the database of your unit!

Product Page [SmartShopper]