Gizmodo's Official License Plate [Big Giz]

The guys at Tasty Booze may think whoever owns this guy is a gigantic douche, but we know better. This guy is a gigantic Gizmodo fan. You can't fit "Gigantic Gizmodo Fan" on a license plate, so he shortened it to "BIG GIZ". Here's to you, Giz fan—you Pontiac driver you. [TastyBooze - Thanks Blakeley!]

Samsung's TL9 Point-and-Shoot Camera Has Dual Analog Gauges [Samsung's Tl9]

Outside of the TL34HD, Samsung released 3 other second-tier point-and-shoots: the TL9, SL310W and SL201. However, the most notable of these is definitely the 10 megapixel TL9 with its dual analog gauges that keep track of remaining battery life and memory capacity.

Besides that unique design feature, it also has a 2.7 inch LCD, internal 5x optical zoom as well as Dual Image Stabilization. Sure, the gauges are kind of gimmicky, but hey—it's easy to access when your on the go and it reels in the geeks. Samsung’s TL9 will be available in September for around $280. A press release outlining the entire series:

SAMSUNG UNVEILS 2008 SECOND-HALF DIGITAL CAMERA LINE UP

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., July 16, 2008 – Samsung today unveiled its 2008 second-half digital camera line up with the launch of four new models – the TL34HD, TL9, SL310W and SL201. Joining the company's growing array of advanced digital imaging solutions, these four new digital cameras bring new technologies to the industry and will be on retail shelves nationwide in time for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

TL34HD
Boasting an impressive resolution of 14.7 megapixels and renowned Schneider lens yielding a 28mm wide-angle focal length with 3.6x optical zoom, the TL34HD promises sharp, clear and detailed images with every shot. The most advanced point-and-shoot digital camera in Samsung's history, the TL34HD builds upon the success of its predecessor, the NV24HD, with the ability to capture high-definition video at a resolution of 720P along with Dual Image Stabilization.

Featuring an all-metal build, the TL34HD is pocket-sized with dimensions of 3.68" x 2.34" x 0.80". Available in all-black, or silver with a red accent adding to the camera's elegance, the TL34HD takes camera design to a new level. Although compact, a large three inch touch-screen hVGA LCD dominates the back of the camera and is sure to turn heads no matter where the TL34HD may be used.

The TL34HD also pioneers Samsung's next generation Smart Touch 2.0 user interface, which further simplifies the way users navigate through the camera's comprehensive feature set. By incorporating touch-screen technology, users can now select and control various camera functions by interacting with the TL34HD's large three-inch touch screen LCD. Not only does this enhance the experience for the shooter and the operation of the Smart Touch interface, but it also provides for a much sleeker and attractive design.

TL9
Samsung's TL9 is an ultra compact, 10.0 megapixel digital camera highlighted by a large 2.7 inch LCD, internal 5x optical zoom as well as Dual Image Stabilization. The latest digital camera in Samsung's digital camera arsenal to feature MP3 and PMP capability, the TL9 sets itself apart from the crowd as a multimedia powerhouse.

The TL9 is encased in a silver, metal body, measuring 3.74" x 2.36" x 0.84", and incorporates a unique design element which graces the top of the camera's body - dual analog gauges. The small gauges, located next to the power button, display remaining battery life and memory capacity in a way that's easy for the shooter to access while on the go. Thanks to the enhanced sensitivity of the TL9's CCD sensor, which features a maximum ISO of 1600, and the camera's Dual Image Stabilization, users can rest assured that they'll be able to capture images in low-light situations, especially when the use of a flash is not desired.

Shooters can also benefit from a comprehensive suite of automatic controls designed to help them capture better images, specifically portraits and group shots of family and friends. The TL9's Face Detection technology makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap, as it detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Furthermore, Smile Shot automatically triggers the TL9 to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the subjects' faces, and Blink Detection will prevent a photo from being taken if the camera recognizes that a subject's eyes are closed – a useful feature as it's often difficult to distinguish closed eyes when composing a shot on an LCD screen.

SL310W
Ideal for the step-up shooter, the SL310W is highlighted by features commonly found on higher-end, more expensive digital cameras, including an impressive resolution of 13.6 megapixels, Dual Image Stabilization, 2.7 inch LCD, and a 3.6x, 28mm wide-angle optical zoom lens which significantly improves the user's ability to photograph more of a desired scene.

Unlike a standard 35mm lens which is commonly found on compact digital cameras, the SL310W's 28mm wide-angle lens gives consumers the ability to expand their creativity and take even more moving and emotional images. Ideal for a variety of scenarios, users can easily leverage the increased viewing angle of the SL310W's wide-angle lens, especially when shooting landscapes or groups of family or friends.

The SL310W offers a number of user-friendly features, including 11 scene modes, auto red eye fix and MPEG-4 video recording. The camera also features Self Portrait, Face Detection, Blink Detection, and Smile Shot technology, all which help enhance the digital imaging experience for the shooter.

The SL310W also offers Function Description and a Photo Help Guide. Function Description automatically provides a brief and easy to understand description of each setting when scrolling through the camera's menus, helping the end-user determine which setting is appropriate for their current shooting scenario. The camera's Photo Help Guide is another intuitive component incorporated into the digital camera. Photo Help Guide offers the end-user a guided tour of how to take better images as well as easy-to-follow tips instructing them how to obtain excellent results.

SL201
The Samsung SL201 is an ultra-slim, compact point-and-shoot digital camera featuring a resolution of 10.2 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens and large 2.7-inch intelligent LCD which will automatically brighten or dim based on available lighting.
For added versatility, the new SL201 features Face Detection, Self Portrait, and Digital Image Stabilization technology. Face Detection makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap as it automatically detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Self Portrait mode is a unique function that takes the guessing out of taking a self portrait. When in Self Portrait mode, the SL201 automatically detects the user's face, adjusts focus and exposure, and will only allow a photo to be taken if the subject is centered in the frame. Samsung's improved Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) helps the user capture blur-free images.

With 11 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Children, Landscape, Text, Close Up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, and Beach & Snow, shooters can effortlessly adjust the camera to capture the most superb image possible in any setting. Additionally, the SL201 features Function Description and a Photo Help Guide. Function Description provides a brief and easy-to-understand description of each setting when scrolling through the camera's menus, helping the end-user determine which setting is appropriate for their current shooting scenario. The Photo Help Guide is another intuitive component incorporated into the digital camera. It offers the end-user a guided tour of how to take better images as well as easy-to-follow tips instructing them how to obtain excellent results.

Samsung’s TL34HD, TL9, SL310W and the SL201 will be available in September priced at around $330, $280, $230 and $170 respectively.

AT&T retailer accused of pawning used Nokias as new

Filed under: Cellphones

Notice that your freshly-purchased N75 smells more like a week-old head of cabbage than a bundle of brand new plastic, glue, and circuitry? That's gross, and no, we don't want to touch it (seriously, get that thing away from us). Turns out you may not be alone, though -- a new class-action suit filed in federal court alleges that CommClub, an independent retailer in California, was selling used Nokias for AT&T's network as brand new devices. For whatever reason, AT&T and Nokia are also named as defendants in the suit, though we're not sure exactly what role they played in CommClub's potentially nefarious dealings; at any rate, the class is looking to bring home some bacon for "injuries" suffered as a result of the bait-and-switch. You're going to go smell your N75 now, aren't you?

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iPhone Apps We Like: Twitteriffic is Best Twitter App [IPhone Apps]

Over at the still-going Apps review marathon, we've touched on three Twitter apps that bring the service to iPhone 2.0, with varying degrees of success. Twitterific's version for the iPhone is as good as their OS X desktop client with a beautiful interface, and it's free if you don't mind the ads ($10 to make them go away).

By comparison, the other main free app Twittelator is a bit more buggy (can't connect to server errors, etc) and is far less pretty. Neither can notify you from the background, though, so for timely updates a lot of people will still be using good ol' SMS to let everyone know when dishes are being washed, meals eaten, etc. One thing: Twitteriffic still not quite as good as the free jailbreak app Twinkle, which allows you to filter tweets by people who are within a certain distance of yourself. [App Review Marathon]

Meizu M8 iClone Finally Coming in August? [Cellphones]

Meizu will finally release the iPhone-wannabe M8 in August, according to a cryptic message board post by CEO Jack Wong. The first version will have 128MB RAM and an unspecified amount of storage, and a second version should ship in October with 256MB RAM and 8GB on-board flash. The funniest part? The M8 will cost around $320, or $120 more than the AT&T subsidized 8GB iPhone 3G here in the US of A. Luckily for them (and us) this probably won't see its way outside of China. [Meizu via Electronista]

Nintendo MotionPlus hands-on: blah.

Filed under: Gaming

So yeah, we got a chance to check out Nintendo's new MotionPlus accessory. Wii Sports Resort is the only title announced right now that requires (or supports) MotionPlus, and we gave a couple of the games a run (like sword fighting and jet-skiing). Basically we're a little at a loss as to how this does anything truly differently or more effectively than current controllers. We get that it's got additional MEMS accelerometers that supposedly bring the relationship of motion and gameplay to a more 1:1 ratio, and for the motion types we tested, it did seem to work -- but the experience and level of immersion felt basically the same. So what's the deal? More after the break.

Gallery: Nintendo MotionPlus hands-on: blah.

Continue reading Nintendo MotionPlus hands-on: blah.

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PlayStation-branded SOCOM Bluetooth headset spotted, touched, pictured

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Remember that PlayStation-branded SOCOM Bluetooth headset we told you about a while ago? Not surprisingly, it's for real, and we spotted it in Sony's booth alongside SOCOM Confrontation here at E3. It looks to be a relatively nice unit, a bit bigger than your standard Bluetooth headset intended for phones, and the USB charger it comes with is clearly intended to hang out with your PS3. Sony points out that the headset sports a giant mute button for your in-game arguments with significant others, and battery time is promised to be "exceptional." They wouldn't tell us exactly how exceptional, but we'll believe them for now. Finally, they did confirm that you'll be able to pair this with your cellphone in case you want to show off your SOCOM love while away from your living room.

Gallery: Sony's SOCOM Bluetooth Headset

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How the Wii MotionPlus Makes the Wiimote More Accurate [Nintendo]

When Nintendo revealed the Wii MotionPlus dongle, they talked about how the snappier response time and 1:1 motion accuracy it provided would let you do crazy stuff like swing swords (or lightsabers) and ride a jet ski—demoed live at E3. But they didn't tell us how it worked. Turns out, it's got a multi-axis gyroscope inside, made by InvenSense.

Combining readings from it, the sensor bar and the Wiimote's accelerometer, the Wii can track the remote a lot more precisely, so it can read more complicated gestures, like for throwing a frisbee. Supposedly InvenSense's silicon-based MEMS rate gyroscope use a lot less power than a standard MEMS one, but you can bet your batteries are going to die even faster now.

InvenSense™ IDG-600 Motion Sensing Solution Showcased in Nintendo’S New Wii MotionPlus Accessory

World’s Leading Multi-axis MEMS Rate Gyroscope Enhances Performance of Latest “Wii MotionPlus” Accessory

SUNNYVALE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—InvenSense Inc., a leading provider of MEMS-based motion sensing solutions for image stabilization, dead reckoning navigation, 3D remote control, and gaming devices, today announced that its IDG-600 multi-axis MEMS rate gyroscope has started shipping in mass production quantities to Nintendo for its Wii MotionPlus accessory. Gesture based interfaces are quickly becoming the standard for many feature-rich consumer electronic products. Utilizing InvenSense’s unique motion sensing capabilities, customers of the new generation of Wii MotionPlus controllers will enjoy an immersive gaming experience with motion control never before possible in a video game. The Wii MotionPlus accessory attaches to the end of the Wii Remote and, combined with the accelerometer and the sensor bar, allows for more comprehensive tracking of a player's arm position and orientation. In the new Wii Sports Resort product from Nintendo, for example, the ability to throw a disc through the air and control the angle of flight is now possible.

Conventional MEMS gyroscopes, which are the key enabling technology that can sense absolute rotational motion inputs, are typically used in commercial automotive electronic stability control and GPS applications, where their larger size, high power consumption and costs are accommodated. InvenSense has introduced an entirely new class of high performance silicon-based MEMS rate gyroscopes that offers smaller package sizes, lower power consumption, and lower price points suitable for consumer markets. The addition of InvenSense’s multi-axis rate gyroscope solution to the Wii MotionPlus accessory allows high precision 3D tracking of rapid gaming gestures.

“The popularity of Wii in large part is based on its popular motion sensing interface and InvenSense’s MEMS rate gyroscope represents a truly disruptive technology that possesses inherent manufacturing and high performance advantages that drives the need for a new generation of Wii Remote,” said Genyo Takeda, General Manager of Nintendo’s Integrated Research and Development Division. “Nintendo selected the IDG-600 for its ability to measure large dynamic motions, high shock resistance, and accuracy for sensing the fast moving arm and hand motions required to support exciting new game titles.”

MEMS offers miniaturized sensing solutions to meet the ideal performance, size and cost requirements of consumer applications. A key advantage of MEMS technology, as compared to its quartz and piezo-ceramic counterparts, is its ability to incorporate 3D mechanical features directly into single crystal silicon substrates while easily and cost effectively integrating it with CMOS electronics. InvenSense pioneered its patented manufacturing platform, known as Nasiri-Fabrication, which enabled the company to bring the world’s first and smallest integrated multi-axis gyroscopes to consumer products. Using Nasiri-Fabrication allows for the integration of MEMS and CMOS structures at the wafer level with a proprietary bonding technology resulting in several thousand gyroscopes simultaneously produced on a single wafer.

“We are honored to be selected as a strategic supplier by Nintendo, the leader in consumer gaming, and provide them with the solution that met their needs,” said Steven Nasiri, founder and CEO of InvenSense. “This accomplishment is credited to our highly innovative team here at InvenSense. We will continue our development efforts to bring about leading edge motion sensing solutions with an even higher level of integration, improved cost and performance, and added functionality to address the huge demand for motion-enabled gesture recognition.”

For more information on InvenSense motion sensing solutions, visit http://www.invensense.com

About InvenSense

InvenSense is the leading provider of motion sensing solutions for mobile applications, with proven technology and millions of units shipped to major OEMs worldwide. The company’s patented motion sensing technology and it novel Nasiri-Fabrication addresses many emerging mass-market applications such as gaming, image stabilization, and smart user interfaces that use hand motion and gesture-based commands for mobile applications, such as, smart phones, digital cameras, 3D remote control devices and more. InvenSense’s corporate offices are located in Sunnyvale, Calif. More information can be found at http://www.invensense.com

InvenSense, IDG-600 and the InvenSense logo are trademarks of InvenSense

Wii and Wii Remote are trademarks of Nintendo

[BusinessWire]

OpenMoko's Neo FreeRunner is shipping, getting itself unboxed

Filed under: Cellphones

If you're a Linux fanboy with a hankering for some mobile action, you'll be pleased to know that buyers of the retail, North American version of OpenMoko's Neo FreeRunner have started getting shipments. If you hit the read link, you'll be able to see one lucky owner unboxing his new toy, complete with a spares kit and debug board (this guy is getting into it, okay?). This set of photos should be a nice companion to that in-depth look at the OS we saw recently. Now we're going to be on pins and needles finding out what gets cooked up for that spacious 480 x 640 screen.

[Via Slashdot]

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Question of the Day: Are You Still Excited About the iPhone 3G, Or Are You Sick of It? [Question Of The Day]

The iPhone 3G hype has been building steadily over the last few months and now that it has been launched, I'm willing to bet that many of you are feeling completely saturated by now. However, there are probably quite a few of you who can never get enough. So, I have to ask: Are you still excited about the iPhone 3G or are you sick of it yet?

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Two-Foot-Tall Motorized Lego Windmill Set [Lego]

If you're a fan of both Lego and renewable energy, you're gonna love the new Vestas Windmill set from Lego. It stands at over two feet tall, has a motor that rotates the windmill around on its own, and is pretty awesome looking. Unfortunately, there's no way to rig a bunch of these together in your yard to help power your house, and they'll actually suck up energy rather than create it like real windmills, but what are you complaining about? It's a two-foot-tall Lego windmill! It's awesome! [Brothers Brick]

SK Telecom still interested in scooping up Sprint?

Filed under: Cellphones

Some particularly juicy rumors die hard, and this one certainly qualifies: CNBC is reporting that SK Telecom is looking to hook up with some private equity firms to buy out Sprint Nextel, though a deal is "not imminent." This one's been making the rounds since last year, though it's possible that SKT sees some new impetus for making a break into the US market now that it's sold off its share in Helio -- and buying the third largest carrier in the country would certainly qualify as "making a break." It's claimed that SKT's only interested in completing a friendly deal -- no crazy hostile takeovers here -- and some of Sprint's board members aren't keen on the idea at this point, so it's definitely a hit-or-miss proposition. If this all means we can get even half of Korea's domestic hardware on US airwaves, then hey, no complaints on this end.

Update: The Wall Street Journal is now suggesting that Sprint and SKT are investigating some sort of joint venture -- not a full-on acquisition -- that would see the lovebirds work together on handsets and services. Possible, but we're curious to know what exactly Sprint brings to the table in that equation. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

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Bomb disposal robots get new life sniffing out chemicals

Filed under: Robots

It's not the first time a robot has been given fresh life with a new career, but it's always nice to see bots saved from the scrap heap, which is just what the Army's 95th Chemical Company has done with some PackBot-based bots that were once busy disposing of bombs in Iraq. Apparently, the bot was starting to show its shortcomings, so the Company decided to outfit it with some chemical-sniffing gear that lets it detect ammonia, chlorine, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and all other sorts of bad things. Now, after some extensive testing, it seems that the robot (dubbed CUGV, for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Unmanned Ground Vehicle) is nearly ready to see some action, with it set to begin field testing in both Iraq and Afghanistan this fall.

[Via Danger Room]

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Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard Update Details [Xbox 360]

Here's what we just learned from Microsoft in their round table discussion on Xbox Live and the new Dashboard. First, the impetus for re-designing the dash was that the current content navigation is too difficult. They only planned on a couple hundred/thousand items, but they currently have 20,000+ pieces of content in their marketplace. There needed to be a change, and the change is the streamlined dash. Here's what else we found.

• There might not be any de-listing of content from the marketplace now. MIGHT. Microsoft says they haven't de-listed anything "yet", and the whole point of the new dash is to make things easier to find—the problem that de-listing games was going to solve.
• Playing from the hard drive still requires games to be in the drive while you play, which means you can't just load all your games onto your Xbox and swap games from your couch.
• Hard drive gaming is mostly for saving load times.

• The current blade-based dash design still exists inside the Guide, and they've ported a lot of the current dash features there so you can actually access much of it from inside games. No browsing marketplace though.
• The new dashboard is fast and fluid, getting rid of the delays that come up when you're switching blades (occasionally) and loading up the thumbnails of your XBLA games. There's also an Apple TV-like reflection under each icon representing games, and the whole thing looks vaguely Cover Flow-like.
• There's a new Quick Launch feature from the Guide (the thing that pops up when you click the Xbox button on your controller) that lets you switch to any game you currently have installed. XBLA games or retail (if the disc is in your drive).
• Avatars will be used in XBLA games, Xbox 360 retail games and Xbox Primetime games.
• Avatars will be available for everyone, even Xbox Live Silver members. If you don't like them, you can still use gamerpics instead.
• "Primetime" games are like gameshows and will be more of a streamed experience rather than a boxed game or an XBLA game. It's a third type of game on the Xbox.
• All of the marketplace content will be listed on xbox.com so you can browse and queue up downloads for them to your Xbox. If your console is on, it seems like stuff is downloaded as you add them to your queue.
• The 8-people party system lets you basically chat with all your friends no matter where you are in any game, and then be able to drag each one through games with you. People who don't have the game the party leader loaded will get a screen telling them to go buy it.

Netflix on Xbox 360 and fall's revamped Dashboard / Guide details

Filed under: Gaming

US Xbox 360 got some huge news today in Microsoft's new partnership with Netflix, but the Dashboard's got us pretty damned excited, too. We got a chance to sit down with Microsoft, including Shane Kim, VP of Strategy and BizDev for Xbox. Here's what you need to know:

Netflix

• For now, Netflix will only stream in about-SD resolution.
• As Netflix transitions to HD, Microsoft said it stands to reason that streaming HD to the Xbox should be feasible. (Read: eventual.)
• Netflix will be for Xbox Live Gold members only, so you'll be paying that $50 per year if you want it.
• Netflix video sharing ONLY works with other Netflix / Xbox Live Gold subscribers. You can't share video with a Silver member, or who doesn't subscribe to Netflix.
• Microsoft doesn't seem to have concerns about redundant content between Netflix and XBLM, or Netflix cannibalizing XBLM sales. Makes sense -- if you had content available to rent or stream with Netflix, you probably weren't going to pay to rent it on XBLManyway.
  

Xbox Dashboard / Guide and Live

• "No functionality goes away" in new Dash -- so you won't be missing anything you have now.
• Microsoft's Shane Kim says the company has "no plans to create a [Sony] 'Home'-like environment. ... It's about delivering base functionality at the service level." So it sounds like the avatars won't have a Home-like virtual theme-park to run around in.
• No comment was made about Xbox price drops or how long it will take to get to the all-important $199 price point.
• There will be no increase in your number of Xbox Live friends. Psh.
• Don't like the new Dashboard look or avatars? Sorry, sucka, it's a mandatory update. Hey, at least it's free.
• Microsoft didn't have any comment on what it intends to do about the whole modded controller thing.
• The content Marketplace will be overhauled and revamped to ensure it's easier to navigate and much more scalable for the huge amount of content it's got.

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Sidekick 2008 Images Appear, Bigger And Clearer [Sidekick]

Some more images have popped up at Hiptop3 of the forthcoming Sidekick Gekko aka 2008 from T-Mobile, and they're the best we've seen to date. This is a slender looking hiptop witch will launch with a multitude of skins, making it the most customizable Sidekick to date. And really, with a feature like that, you'd think the code name would be "chameleon", but what do we know? [Hiptop3]

DIY biped robot makes your desk a happier place

Filed under: Robots

While some DIY bots understandably creep us out, there's just as many that bring a smile to our face, and this so-called BiPed robot V-3 from Alex V of Instructables definitely falls into the latter camp. Further adding to our appreciation is the fact that this one is built almost entirely from scratch, right down to the custom made framework cut by a CNC machine. You'd be hard pressed to pick it out from line-up of kit robots, however, with it boasting a full range of movement designed to mimic the human lower body which, as you can see above, even extends to it being able to stand on one leg with ease. Be sure to hit up the link below for a couple of videos and, of course, the instructions for building your own.

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ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 gets previewed

Filed under: Gaming

AMD's ATI Radeon HD 4870 has been a bit of a mystery since word of the card first leaked out alongside the slightly lower-end Radeon HD 4850, but it looks like things are finally clearing up, with AMD itself first getting official about the card and the first hands-on previews of the card now turning up. As [H] Enthusiast reports, it looks like this one was well worth the wait, with it saying that its gameplay experiences with the card were "phenomenal." That includes being able to play Crysis at 1920x1200 with all in-game settings cranked to "high" -- a recipe for disaster on most cards, but apparently more than playable on the 4870 X2 (with some other suitably high end hardware to match, of course). What's more, the site says the card's performance could get even better by the time it's officially released, as its test card was using a beta firmware that still leaves some room for improvement. Until then, you can hit up the link below for all the current numbers.

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A Few Stupid iPhone Apps [IPhone Apps]

Benny tested out a few of the obvious timewasters in the iPhone App Store, including iMilk, Crazy Mouth, and iPint. They range from fun (the $1 Crazy Eye) to the dumbest app ever (the $1 CowToss), but a mixed bag is expected when so many apps come out at once. Normally, Benny does know how to drink a beer, but he was too tired from standing in line for his iPhone 3G to remember where his mouth is.

Famous Batmobile Tumbler Case Mod on eBay [Case Mod]

About a year ago, the Batmobile case mod lit up the internets with a design crafted from a Wal-Mart R/C Tumbler. The mod still kicks ass, but the specs were lame a year ago and are now...one year lamer. Still, it would make for a unique web surfing device and a great way to celebrate the opening of the new movie. Plus, its pretty cheap at the moment (although there is still a week left). [eBay via Geekalerts]

BlackBerry Thunder first-ever live pics unearthed

Filed under: Cellphones

If you're a BlackBerry fan feeling the need for relief from the throngs of iPhone lovers, the cats at CrackBerry may have uncovered a solution to your problem. The RIM aficionados have gotten their hands on the first ever live pictures of the phone-maker's touchscreen device -- the Thunder -- and it's looking pretty darn sweet. Feast your eyes on the above photo (featuring the much-discussed "tactile" keyboard), and hit the read link for another look.

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Zombie Garden Sculpture Keeps Those Damn Kids Off Your Lawn, Might Eat Their Brains [Zombie Garden Gnome]

Design Toscano wants you to "expect the extraordinary from your home and garden," and that includes the walking dead. Take this 13-lb. resin undead garden zombie, for example. Designed by British artist Alan Dickinson, it's a life-sized resin sculpture that would be a terrifying addition to any lawn, garden or personal graveyard.

For about $90, Toscano will ship this guy to you in three macabre pieces. When assembled, they'll cover a 31½"x19½"x8" stretch of earth. That is, until the day he and his buddies claw their way completely to the surface, eat our brains, and take over the planet. Then they'll be everywhere, doing their zombie gardening with a silent stoicism, and you'll be the garden gnome. [Design Toscano via Boing Boing Gadgets]

Touchscreen BlackBerry Thunder First Live Shots [Blackberry Thunder]

The burning question answered by these pics from Crackberry: What does the touchscreen BlackBerry's keyboard look like? As rumored, landscape gets you full QWERTY, while portrait mode drops you to SureType to squeeze in all the buttons. It's straightforwardly utilitarian—taking up a massive amount of screen real estate, it definitely lacks in the glitz department. Here's a shot of the SureType keyboard:

Crackberry also reiterates the past bit that it'll be a glass multi-touch screen with dual tactile feedback—it pushes in just a bit like a giant button and has localized haptics (it vibrates where you push it). However, the BlackBerry button will still be in heavy use to navigate around the OS. No further info on the delayed/not delayed spat, or on the name (which we've heard is actually Storm). [Crackberry]

Happy Birthday to Ed Hansberry

Today is Ed Hansberrry's birthday; please join me in wishing Ed a very happy birthday! Ed has been with Pocket PC Thoughts since, well, forever! He's the most senior member of the team besides myself, and has been a great contributor to the site over the years. Who hasn't commented on an Ed Hansberry rant? Thanks for all that you do Ed! If you'd like to show Ed your thanks in a more tangible way, here's his Amazon.com wish list.

DIY Clove 2 Glove Allows You To Type One Handed, Sans Keyboard [DIY]

Oh how I love complicated DIY projects that impress your geeky friends but make simple tasks more difficult! Case in point, this Clove 2 glove that allows users to type without a keyboard using a convoluted set of hand gestures. The glove communicates with your computer using Bluetooth and custom software that translates your finger movements into keyboard actions. I can see how something like this would be useful in a simpler form, so if you are up to that challenge you can start with the complete set of instructions for building the base Clove 2 glove.

[HackaDay ]

Kodak intros the C913, M1073 IS and M1063 cheapcams

Filed under: Digital Cameras

We're not certain why Kodak is trickling out these middle-of-the-road digicams instead of announcing them all at once, but here we are. Joining the M1093 IS are the new M1073 IS (pictured) and M1063, while the C813 get a new friend in the C913. As you'd expect, almost nothing about these is all that spectacular: the $179 M1063 and M1073 IS are both 10 megapixel units with ISO1000 sensitivity and face detection, while the $120 C913 is a 9.2 megapixel unit with a 2.4-inch display and digital image stabilization. Expect to see these all in October, and check out the C913 after the break.

Read - M1073 IS
Read - M1063
Read - C913

Continue reading Kodak intros the C913, M1073 IS and M1063 cheapcams

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MobileMe OS X Update Available Now (Again) [MobileMe]

With yesterday's bumps mostly smoothed out, and MobileMe live for a straight day, Apple is apparently comfortable enough to push the MobileMe OS X update back out. (It was pulled after going up briefly on Wednesday.) Interestingly, it's version 1.1. Hit Software Update to get the party started, and let us know how it goes. [Apple]

Poker Bot Knows When to Hold 'Em, Knows When to Fold 'Em [Bender's Big Score]

Looks like the day when we all hang out with robots that smoke cigars, throw back drinks and win all our money in poker is edging closer, now that programmers at the University of Alberta have created a Hold 'Em-playing software that can beat poker professionals. The Polaris software was pitted against Poker pros like Nick Grudzien and Ijay Palansky in six games of limit Texas Hold 'Em—it tied on one, lost two and won three.

Each match consisted of 500 hands, with Polaris receiving the same cards in one room that the professionals received in another room. The duplicate system was used so that luck would be less of a factor and the game could be played as much on skill as possible.

Historically, computers have been better at playing games where all information is already on the board, such as chess. With poker, players have to make judgments based on incomplete information. Getting artificial intelligence to do that well is a big step, since real life problems are generally more like poker than like chess. [MSN Cosmic Log]

Tesla starts delivering Roadsters as production ramps up, hires hotshot engineering exec

Filed under: Transportation

Move over, Elon Musk -- the Tesla owners club is about to get bigger. The upstart electric-car company announced the delivery of the first nine production Roadsters to customers in California earlier this week, with several more to follow at the rate of four per week, and the plan is to start building 100 a month by December, when that new transmission is ready. That's pretty ambitious, but Tesla's brought in some big guns to help make it happen -- the company just hired Mike Donoughe as EVP of Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing. Donoughe is fresh off a 24-year stint at Chrysler, where he was most recently in charge of revamping all of the company's mid-size sedans. Word on the street is that Donoughe could have written his own ticket at any major carmaker, so it's interesting that he landed at Telsa, where he'll be working on the Model S as well as the Roadster. Oh, and there's a new Tesla store in Menlo Park, in case you were looking to blow a quick $100K in Silicon Valley -- aren't we all?

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NASA Wind Map Shows You Where The Greatest Gusts Blow [Wind Energy]

In an effort to figure out the best areas to harvest wind energy, scientists from NASA's Earth Science Division have used several years of QuikSCAT satellite data to produce some pretty awesome looking wind power density maps. According to them, if the areas with high wind power—an average wind of greater than 30 knots (45 miles an hour)—were tapped, they could potentially supply 10 to 15 percent of the world's energy needs.

The maps are especially important as floating wind farms become more technologically possible. Ocean wind farms have less environmental impact than onshore wind farms and also tend to be more efficient, since winds are stronger over the water and there are no hills or mountains to block a heavy gust's path. Placed in the correct areas, the farms could harvest up to 500 to 800 watts of wind power per square meter.

One area with extremely high winds is located off the coast of Northern California near Cape Mendocino, where northernly zephyrs are deflected to create a local wind jet that blows year-round. Similarly, Tasmania in New Zealand and Tierra del Fuego in South America have the potential to utilize similar jets. [NASA via Treehugger]

AquaRain Bath Fountain Puts on a Show Using Your Bathwater [Bath Fountain]

I've never found bath time boring enough to need a water fountain and a light show, but in case you hate not being reminded of the Bellagio every time you step into the tub, the AquaRain is here to allay your washroom ADD. The AquaRain floats in your bathtub and pumps bathwater through its jets to create a fountain effect. Four LED lights—red, purple, blue and white—can be remixed to turn your shower into a rave. On sale at Japan Trend Shop for $49, hilarious Engrish included. [Japan Trend Shop via Gizmo Diva]

iPhone 3G Review [Iphone 3g Review]

There are simple reasons why the new iPhone 3G is better than the last.

Apple has eliminated so many annoying little hang-ups that you might run into when using the old one. The GPS pinpoints to meters instead of blocks. The 3G connection slashes web loading times by minutes to seconds. The more rounded case feels great in the hand. And most importantly the new software polishes the OS and opens the phone up to nearly unlimited capabilities through the countless programs that are already being written by the brilliant legions of faithful developers. It's kind of cool.

If you want to cut to the chase, the software is what we're most excited about — so much that we ran the first half of this review earlier extolling the iPhone 2.0 virtues in detail, including the fact that it's a free upgrade for the people who snapped up the first iPhone, perhaps before it was ready.

On the software side, the iPhone has the most advanced touchscreen OS out there today. Scrolling, dialing, panning, zooming, touching and pinching are all actions you can do to get around your photos, your maps, your movies, your music and of course, your phone calls. The iPhone 2.0 update improves on the already great communication features such as desktop-class email and web browsing by adding MobileMe and Exchange support—both of which push emails to your phone as soon as they're received, just like on the BlackBerry. These two new additions also allow your phone to always sync contacts and calendar events with your computer or your office's system directly over the air, without ever needing to dock, or take any action. There's also the App Store, which gives you access to a gigantic library of third-party applications to add features such as controlling your iTunes, instant messaging, 3D gaming and To Do lists.

The fact that the free software's advantages are available on the original iPhone means that the reduced subsidized price $199 for the 8GB and $299 for the 16GB are good, but maybe not good enough to justify a trade-in. (The $10 extra a month for 3G access is a wash, frankly.) Quite a conundrum for those of you tempted.

Onto the hardware. Let's start with the husk: Once, I sat down on a twisted key, putting a giant scar across the aluminum back of my iPhone. With that one exception aside, my iPhone's abused-to-hell case still looks strong and shiny.

The new case is made of smudge-able plastic, and last time I checked geek material lust hierarchy, plastic was a distant ranking of 452342 places behind aluminum. The effect is that the case feels lighter, warmer and thicker but also cheaper than before. And in your hand, picking up a slightly warm iPhone, it feels almost more organic. Between that and the the rounded shape, which fits far better in the hand, it's like you're cupping a warm baby bird. The old phone by comparison feels like it's a better quality device, with the spiritual heft of a German machine. The new case is lighter but actually thicker; still, it feels less significant and durable. The case is also a lot easier to send radio waves through than the previous case—useful as this phone has many more radios. Also, if you place the new model on a table, it rocks when you tap the screen, so you can't use it as a tabletop computer anymore.

The screen is slightly warmer in color temperature (more yellow than blue), slightly brighter (even when considering decay over time) and the daylight viewing is better, but it's the same 3.5-inch, 480x320 resolution screen. And it's still gorgeous.

Oh, the headphone jack isn't recessed anymore, so you can use whatever headphones or adapters you want. And the lock and volume buttons are recessed slightly more and are metal. To great effect.

To mention the 3G is to bring up painful memories, the time I've lost waiting for web pages to load on the iPhone, or standing on street corners waiting for maps to load.

Our tests in AT&T's aggressively built-out NYC area showed the 3G connection is 4.8 times faster than the old EDGE connection. When you turn off 3G and do an EDGE-to-EDGE test between older and newer models, they both perform the same. The GPRS (850, 900, 1800, 1900) and UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900 and 2100 MHz) cellular radios have the advantage of some design improvements, including the use of the steel ring around the screen as an antenna and the electronic transparency of the now all-plastic back.

Wi-Fi reception is better. In a side-by-side test with the old iPhone, when we walked away from an access point, the old iPhone's connection died at 100 feet and the newer one lasted to about 120 feet. And there's a new Airplane mode that turns off cellular but powers up Wi-Fi for airline internet.

At the end of a day with lots of email and browser use, or media playback, my old iPhone would be begging for a serious dock charge. How does the iPhone's 3G connection affect that?

The downside of such speedy downloads is a reduced battery life, something the original couldn't stand to lose much of. We'll do more testing of that soon. But here's an interesting thing: According to the data out there, the iPhone 3G has better battery life using 3G than the old iPhone does using EDGE. Let me explain. Apple's official browsing battery life rating on Wi-Fi is 6 hours for both models. They never rated the EDGE battery life but most testers found it to be about 25% less than Wi-Fi. That's 4.5 hours. The iPhone 3G rating is 5 hours of browsing. Apple is claiming that it's 5 hours for both the new iPhone 3G and the EDGE on the old one. We shall investigate such claims soon. But I wish Apple would take me up on my idea for using the 3G only for active browsing, maps and certain apps that need it, dynamically switching to EDGE for IMing, email downloading and weather checking.

Phone-wise, I decided to lower my minute plan. I completely have stopped using my old iPhone for voice in San Francisco's spotty network, and even when I'm connected, everyone sounds like they have marbles in their mouth. Network problems aside, the good news is that basic voice quality issues have been fixed.

Doing side-by-side calls, the difference when using the new phone and old is like the difference between talking to someone with their hand over their mouth and with their hand taken away. While the new iPhone's speaker and mic definitely improve sound quality, it seems packets do matter too. When the the phone is running on a 3G network (in downtown NY), calls sound especially clear compared with the old iPhone. But when both iPhones are on EDGE, the call difference is noticeable, but not night and day. Even the speakerphone's audio is much louder and so, music played through the mono speaker is also improved. As for reception back in spotty coverage areas, I'll have to do a side-by-side soon to let you know how that goes.

The old iPhone's location detector was accurate within a few blocks, using Skyhook's system of logging cellular towers and Wi-Fi spot MAC addresses and pairing them with physical addreses. I thought it was fine for making sure when I searched for an ATM machine, it would only return local results. The new A-GPS system is accurate within meters, though, opening up the iPhone to more useful location-based apps, maps and geotagging of photos.

The A-GPS helps get quicker fixes in the city, compared with a typical PND. However it doesn't refresh as quickly (every 5 to 15 steps), and won't give you a "heading-up" view, so when you're walking, it takes a bit longer to figure out where you're going. This is clearly optimized for walking, though in a pinch it could help lost drivers. The greater accuracy isn't the only reason it's better than the older iPhone: The ability to track your path is a nice enhancement too. The time to GPS lock is between 1 and 10 seconds, using a combination of Wi-Fi and cellular as well as GPS.

Apple didn't write a dedicated turn-by-turn navigator for driving, with voice, but now we hear that companies are making them, so we look forward to revisiting this once real navi apps are out.

The old iPhone's software can take a photo and email it or send it to a MobileMe gallery, but the camera itself is relatively weak. It won't capture video, and I've lost countless YouTube hits by not having a video device at the ready. This situation has not been improved much.

The new camera has the same 2MP shooter which returns 1600 x 1200 pixels. There still isn't video capture. Image processing seems to be slightly less grainy but it's not something you would notice. The MP count would be fine, but the low-light quality is still terrible. Nokia and Motorola have built thin phones with better imaging, why not Apple? And Apple's forte is software, so why can't they beef up the software tools, by adding image stabilizers and noise reducers, not to mention Photo Booth-type frames and effects?

This is really not a revolutionary phone. It's more like the iPhone we wished Apple made last year. But basics, like cut, copy and paste are still missing. (As is MMS, thanks for the reminder, commenters.) As well as the ability to use the phone like a hard drive. Other than that, we're hoping for some more revolutionary changes to come by software update. And let's take a moment to remember how many developers are making killer iPhone programs right this second. There's the revolution.

So the hardware is interesting in the iPhone 3G, but the real story here is the new iPhone OS 2.0 firmware, which we've written about in depth here. You manage to install that, iPhone users, you've got about 80% of this new iPhone's new mojo. But if you're not making your calls on an iPhone yet, well, what are you waiting for?
[Our iPhone App Review Marathon, iPhone 2.0 Firmware Review: Forget 3G It's the Code That Counts]

How to Upgrade Unofficial iPhone 2.0 Firmware to Official 2.0 Firmware [Iphone 2.0]

Macrumors has a useful post on how you can upgrade (downgrade, technically) from the leaked "iPhone1,2" firmware to the official "iPhone1,1" firmware issued early this morning. The leaked firmware was intended to only for use with iPhone 3G before it got out to the masses. In short, you need to download the correct firmware, and hold down the option key when you check for firmware updates in iTunes, allowing you to pick the file you want to install. [Macrumors]

Hellboy 'Big Baby' Shotgun: Stand Back iProduct [Hellboy]

We know that today's iPhone coverage has driven most of you to the brink of insanity (OK, let's be honest, that was actually the booze and black magic markers kicking in, but our iPhone coverage isn't helping matters), but if there's one thing that will shut up an Apple fanboy, it's this Hellboy 2 Big Baby life-size replica. A shotgun combined with a six-shooter, it features six removable shells and a wind-up music player (featuring Lullaby and Goodnight). And at 42 pounds, it's not fucking around. But the best part is that you can call your Apple-fanboy buddy and tell him that you just dropped $699 on something without a touchscreen or iTunes support. [bigbadtoystore via nerd approved]

How To Avoid the Upcoming Onslaught of iPhone/Apple Coverage [Applegasm]

Unless you've been in a coma for the last 2 months, discovered technology yesterday, or are just plain dumb, you've heard the iPhone 3G is coming out on Friday. We know some of you could care less about the nuanced intricacies of the iPhone, but it shouldn't be any shock that will be the focus of Gizmodo for the next few days. So we're just reminding you that you can avoid all such news by visiting http://www.gizmodo.com/tag/not:apple to nix all apple news (or substitute iPhone in there just to get rid of iPhone news).

Gizmodo At E3 2008: What Do You Want To See? [E3 2008]

It's almost here. E3. The Entertainment Ere... Elephant...something to do with games. Next week from July 14 to July 17, we'll be providing live coverage of all the stuff that's going down with Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony and all the other companies exhibiting their stuff on the show floor. Will Nintendo come out with yet another $99 accessory to build a game off of? Will Sony reveal their Wiimote knockoff? Will Microsoft show their Home + Mii avatar scheme? Will Nyko come out with some crazy accessories? What do you want to see there? Tell us in the comments.

Juicebar: A Super-Thin Disposable Cellphone Charger [Cellphones]

The British company behind the Juicebar are billing it as "the world's slimmest emergency phone charger." The device looks about as big as a cardboard coaster, but apparently it is capable of powering up a phone for up to 480 minutes of standby, or around 60 minutes of talk time depending on the device. Full charge is reached in about an hour, but you are free to talk anytime during that period.

It also has a 5-year shelf life which the company has backed with a guarantee. Obviously, it makes more sense in the long term to have a rechargeable backup solution, but if you are caught in an emergency situation, dropping around $6 on a Juicebar seems like a decent option. Juicebar is compatible with Nokia, Sony, Samsung, Motorola and Blackberry phones with an LG version coming soon—but, unfortunately, it is available in the UK only. [Juicebar via Gizmag]

Gemei ups the PMP / gaming ante with the X760+

Filed under: Gaming, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Finally we can toss out that old, boring Gemei X760 we've been fooling around with, and step up to some legitimate action. That's right, the X760+ is on the scene, and that + isn't just for show. The new iteration of the Chinese-made PMP / game playing device boasts 4GB of onboard storage, a 3-inch, WQVGA screen, a 400MHz CPU, FM tuner, and a TV output. The handheld is capable of playing MP3, WMA, APE, RM, MPEG, FLV, AVI, and VOB files (amongst others), but the main selling point here seems to be its built-in ability to emulate the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, as well as play "3D games." The price? 599 yuan (or about $87). Availability? Call an importer.

[Thanks, Raz]

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Wii Nunchuk Hacked for 3D Animation [Nintendo]

We've seem more than our fair share of fascinating Wiimote mods, but few involve the Wiimote's faithful, platonic sidekick, the Nunchuk. So one modder took the Nunchuk, hooked it up to his computer, converted the MIDI signal and piped the information into 3D Studio Max. The result is realtime, 3D motion capture of a quasi-phallic CG object. And when it's all said and done, who can really ask for anything more than that? [via Hack-a-Day]

Promo Box for Nokia 6205 Dark Knight Edition Is Cooler Than Phone Itself [Cellphones]

Nokia just sent us the 6205 Dark Knight phone in a promotional box and man, is it cool. The box, that is. As you can see in the clip above, the purple box with pretty green bow on top surprised the hell out of me when I opened it—it cackled in the Joker's voice. The box is also packed with a DVD of Batman Begins and a creepy Joker card that has the scribbles of a madman all over it. Way to go with the box, Nokia...now where's the psycho purple 6205 Joker Edition to go with it? [Verizon Wireless]

Question of the Day: Are You Spending Money on the iPhone 3G or Hellboy II This Friday? [Question Of The Day]

In one corner we have the iPhone 3G—the second coming of one of the most successful and influential gadgets in history. In the other corner we have Hellboy II: The Golden Army—the second coming of a moderately successful comic book adaptation about a big red demon fighting for the U.S government. It's a (kind of, sort of) clash of the sequel titans! Which one will you be spending your money on when the big July 11th release date arrives?

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Nikon Coolpix P6000 Gets Leaked, Rumored to Deliver an Absurd 13.5 Megapixels [Rumors]

What looks to be the upcoming Nikon Coolpix P6000 has leaked, showing a picture of the high-end point-and-shoot as well as some of the specs and a purported release date of this August. Most notable is an absolutely-bananas 13.5-megapixel sensor, which should provide you with pictures large enough to print billboards from. The follow-up to the P5000, it's aimed at people who want better quality shots than your average point-and-shoot without the bulk of a DSLR. No word on pricing, but the P5000 debuted at $400, so place your estimates in that ballpark. [Nikon Rumors]

G-Park iPhone App Lets the Forgetful Bookmark Their Car [Dude Where's My Car]

Park your car and tap "Park Me" to take a GPS reading; on the way back, hit "Where Did I Park" for turn-by-turn directions back to the whip. It'll work for first-gen and iPod touch users (although not as well, I would imagine) via Wi-Fi and cell-tower positioning but 3G users will get turn-by-turn directions via GPS. Sure, you could just drop a pushpin in Google Maps, but part of the charm of these apps is going to be the simple execution of simple ideas, Xbox Live Arcade style. I recommend just remembering where you've parked. [PosiMotion]

LeapFrog's Didj / Leapster 2 handhelds go on sale

Filed under: Handhelds

They aren't quite ready to ship, but LeapFrog's big-boy-and-girl gaming / learning handhelds are finally up for pre-order over on the outfit's website. For those who missed the February introduction, the firm is hailing the web-connected Didj (pictured) as the "first completely customizable educational gaming platform," and given that it is summertime here in the US of A, this is probably your only shot at getting your kiddo to do anything beneficial for their brain for the next two to three months. Get in line now for $89.99 (Didj) / $69.99 (Leapster 2).

[Via CNET]

Read - Didj order page
Read - Leapster 2 order page

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PSA: Turn Off Flash When Working on Laptop Power [Flash]

Thanks to our frequent liveblogging and writing while solely on laptop power, we're always cognizant of how much CPU load we're putting on our machines. One thing we've noticed is that Flash—the thing that makes YouTube videos move and advertisements blink—puts an abnormally large load on your processor, which makes for a dramatically decreased battery life. If you're using Firefox, use Flashblock to disable Flash except for certain sites, and if you're using Safari, use Safari Stand. IE sufferers can use Toggle Flash.

Confirmed: Toyota To Offer Solar Panel-Powered Prius In 2009 [Prius]

In a Nikkei article set to publish Monday, it was revealed that Toyota has green lit plans to offer solar panels on its popular Prius hybrid vehicle. The solar panel option will be available on the high-end Prius model when it receives a redesign in 2009. Strangely, the Japanese business newspaper also reports that the power generated by the solar panels will be used for the air conditioning system. The solar panels are being manufactured by Kyocera Corp. Previously, Gizmodo has covered some DIY solar panel options for the Prius, but the news today confirms that an official offering is now forthcoming from Toyota. It's a start, right? [Reuters]

Sexy Venetian Blind T-Shirt Bares Midriffs With the Pull of a String [Blinding Fashion]

Hey girls, can't decide whether or not to wear that midriff-bearing shirt out to the bar tonight? No worries, simply don this Venetian blind t-shirt and yank on the fully functional string when Joe Hotty walks by. Sure it's ridiculous, but it's also one-of-its-kind, and available only at art museums for the time being. Just don't be too peeved when some drunk mistakes your shirt for an actual window and pukes all over your chest. [Shikisai via I New Idea]

iRobot Patent Filing Hints at Lawn Mowing Robot Update [IRobot]

The folks behind the Roomba robot vacuum appear to have another robotic helper up their sleeves. In this case, it's of the lawn mowing variety, but the final design is anything but final if the wide variety of shapes, configurations and features are any indication. A lawn-mowing Roomba-like robot... Lawmba? Loomba? Mowba.

According to a detailed 84-page filing, various configurations are on the table, including all-electric model and a gasoline-electric hybrid. The filing also depicts several acoustic and optical sensors that will allow the robot to "avoid hard surfaces, water and other barriers," in addition to its main job: cut grass. The robot can even sense uncut grass and make sure the blades are aligned properly.







Other features gleaned from the filing by Robot Stock News:

• A possible edge trimmer along the outside edge of the chassis.
• The possibility of collecting clippings and depositing them at a specified location
• The possibility of using RFID tags or proximity sensors to avoid running into pets or people
• The possibility of learning your lawn in the first cutting and remembering it for future cuttings
• The inclusion of grass-combing technology to ensure that the grass is fluffed and properly oriented for cutting

[Robot Stock News]

iRobot (still) working on lawn-mowing Roomba?

Filed under: Robots

Not that it's any surprise, but according to a patent filing (which we were unable to ourselves unearth from the abyss that is the USPTO), iRobot would appear to still be working on the "Mowba," or whatever the hell the lawn-cutting robot is that they were talking up years ago. We're not sure you really need to pore over 80+ pages of sketches and drawings to get the idea though, especially since there are already a number of autonomous grass-cutting machines out there.

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US Army Selects Top Inventions That Can Take, Or Save, Your Life [Army Gadgets]

IEDs, or Improvised Explosive Devices, are a sad fact of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, so you'll see the influence of these deadly weapons in this list of the US Army's top inventions for 2007. Every year the Army selects the top refinements, outright new inventions, or streamlined weaponry, and pumps out a list. This year's list features several new types of Humvee armor, GPS-guided artillery rounds, and a wheeled contraption for vehicles called SPARK (above), which sniffs out IEDs before they have a chance to do any damage.

Here is the XM982 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectile. Soldiers are able to program map grid coordinates into an Excalibur round and use GPS to guide it to target with pinpoint accuracy.
The Objective Gunner Protection Kit (OGPK) is a motorized, rotating turret mounted on top of Humvees and MRAP vehicles. According to the Army it offers protection from IED fragmentation and small-arms fire, includes transparent armor, a sling for the gunner, and super handy rear-view mirrors.
The HMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer (that's better known as "Humvee") is a mockup of a Hummer's cabin, and can be spun around to simulate an upended vehicle. Soldiers use this invention to practice disembarking from damaged or overturned vehicles before they're deployed. [CNET]

MIT Professor Studies Snail Slime to Create Go-Anywhere, Anytime Robots of the Future [Robosnail]

Forget legs or treads or wheels, everyone, because tomorrow's robots will traverse the earth on a thin film of slime, just like the humble snail. At least, that's MIT associate professor Anette Hosoi's vision of our robot future, and she has the "Robosnail" prototype to prove it. Since 2003, Hosoi and a revolving cadre of students have studied her terrarium full of more than 200 snails in an attempt to recreate their slimy way of locomotion in a robot. They've since got a working model together that can climb tree bark, walls, and—coming soon—perform invasive surgery procedures near you!

The Robosnail moves along various surfaces using moveable segments that ripple along a synthetic slime. Because the slime allows the robot to traverse vertical surfaces and even ceilings, Hosoi hopes to be able to deploy similar robots to adverse environments in the near future. It would be kind of like the slowest bomb sniffing or exploratory robot of all time, that can go anywhere, eventually.

Now, this sounds cool and you can call me shallow all you want, folks, but I don't Tricia Helfer would be *quite* as hot slithering around the universe on a trail of slime instead of those long legs of hers. Just an opinion. [CNN]

Twist Chair Will Corkscrew Giant Holes into Your Lawn [Furniture]

Here's a great product to ensure that you'll never be invited to somebody's backyard ever again—the “Easy Install Twist Chair.” Instead of having four legs like regular chairs, the Twist uses a corkscrew base that you plug into the ground and spin until it's solidly placed. Bring the chair along the next time you go to a garden party and see if your hosts appreciate you aerating their lawn. [Yanko Design]

Windows Update Getting Updated: Will Be Faster, Less Sucky [Windows Update]

Have you ever searched for new updates with Windows Update in Vista? It's slow as balls, no matter how beefy your machine is. But! Windows Update is getting an, um, update that will make it run a lot faster—scan times are down almost 20 percent. If you have automatic updates turned off, obviously you won't get this happy joy update when it rolls out at the end of the month, unless you go to Windows Update and install it manually. And you should, unless you want update scans to still take forever. [Microsoft Update Product Blog]

Sony Gets Serious With Another Next-Gen Display Tech: FED, Like CRT But Really Thin [Sony]

Sony is probably OLED's most vocal prophet as the TV of the future. But according to Nikkei, they're hedging their bets and getting more serious with another next-gen display tech: field emission display, which is a lot like a good ol' cathode ray tube, except that it's super thin—it has all the benefits too, like deep blacks and zero motion blur. A "dream panel" says Nikkei. Plus, they're easier to build at large sizes than OLED TVs. Sony just agreed to take over a plant run by Pioneer to begin mass production of FED panels in late 2009 after holding the tech at arm's length for years.

Sony's plans for FED displays are to push them to broadcasting and medical apps first, building slowly, rather than to jump right into the high-stakes plasma/LCD war, where nobody's making money thanks to the very bloody price war. Then it'll inch into the consumer market, first with 60-inch displays (at the level they can be more profitable, obviously). Looks like after plasma vs. LCD, we might have yet another fight on our hands: FED vs. OLED. [Nikkei]

Duct tape server II gets proudly introduced

Filed under: Desktops

Don't deny it -- you totally blew the original Duct Tape Server off as some one-off project created after a hard night of truth or dare, but the DTS team is out to prove that this here is no fad. Just this week the DTS II (that's Duct Tape Server II for those who prefer things broken down) was introduced shortly after DTS I came unglued. Reportedly, this unit will be on server row at MillionManLan and will pack a 2.2GHz Pentium 4, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive and a few fans to keep things breezy. Hit up the read link for a slew of build shots, and click on through for a quick video.

Continue reading Duct tape server II gets proudly introduced

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ST-2 Indoor Shooting Simulator Is Duck Hunt on Steroids [Shooting Simulator]

For the ultimate game of Duck Hunt, Marksman Training Systems is offering the ST-2 shooting simulator—the first on the market for shotgun and rifle shooting. Co-developed by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the simulator is so accurate that its used by Russian and Slovakian national clay shooting teams as a way to practice before the Olympics.

The ST-2 gives exact feedback after every shot, including hit position and a replay of the aiming movement. Results can be saved and kept in a file to record short- and long-term progress. You can even bring your own gun, which can be hooked up to the system's programs. Pricing is on a case by case basis, but you can expect this outfit to cost a pretty penny. Snickering dog not included. [Marksman Training Systems via Born Rich]

How would you change Roku's Netflix Player?

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Now that you've had a little over a month to cram down popcorn while enjoying your shiny matte new Roku Netflix Player, we're interested to find just how pleased (or displeased) you are with the $99 purchase. Has it lived up to your expectations? Is the quality sufficient for you? How does it look on your HDTV? Is wireless performance up to par, or were you practically forced to run an Ethernet cable all the way downstairs? We already know what the paid professionals said -- we want the cold, hard facts straight from the users themselves. Let us have it comments below.

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Fujitsu Siemens' Lasso external graphics card get spotted, should hit retail soon

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

An external graphics card that's actually nearing release? Be still our hearts! Fujitsu Siemens' recently leaked external unit, which will be based on ATI XGP technology, is actually really, really close to hitting retail -- according to a piece over at Fudzilla, anyway. Slated to be titled Lasso, the RV670-based device should be more than enough to handle basic tasks, but unfortunately, benchmarks were off limits. On the upside, digital photography was not, so head on down to the read link for a few more snaps.

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Most dial-up users don't want to upgrade their connections

Filed under: Networking

So here's a bit of brilliant statistics work for you: The Pew Internet & American Life research project has determined after endless polling and number crunching that 62 percent of American dial-up users have no interest in upgrading their connections to something a bit more peppy. In fact, only 14 percent of them would upgrade if they could. They cite high prices, barrier to entry, and -- ooh, is Survivor on? We look at it this way: if you're not already on broadband with the multitude of options, and you can get broadband (i.e. you're not stranded out in the wilderness) in one way shape or form, you probably just don't really care, and we can make fun of you because you're not reading this post anyway.

[Via Switched]

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iPhone 3G lines start at the Apple Cube... one week early

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

So we heard some really over-eager folks have decided to get a jump on the iPhone 3G line -- a really, really big jump. Obviously, we had to head down and see if it was true... and it is. Right now, about ten people have started a line outside of Apple's flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York. Word is that the family at the head of the queue are attempting to break some kind of record which involves their baby -- which kind of sounds a little intense if you ask us. On the other hand, you didn't hear Greg Packer complaining, right? We're going to wrangle some of these cats for an interview and video, so stay tuned! For right now, check some more pics after the break.

Update: We got a chance to speak with group leader Daniel on video, who let us in the gang's desire to break the world record for waiting in line, as well as some... er, broad political ideas. We also learned that the baby probably won't be forced to stay outside of the Apple Store all week. See it for yourself in the clip after the break!

[Via GearDiary]

Continue reading iPhone 3G lines start at the Apple Cube... one week early

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Non-planar devices promise downloadable hardware, interactive soda cans

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Scientists have been up to some wacky (and amazing) stuff in the world of flexible computers and organic user interfaces. Putting our standard concept of computers aside, researches at the Human Media Laboratory at Queen's University in Canada are developing what are called "non-planar" devices: computers that can change shape while using three-dimensional and touch-driven interfaces. The "tank top" user interface is a smart fabric based around two-handed, multi-finger touch sensing. Paired with flexible displays and computers that can change shape to achieve different computing outcomes, you have what they call the computer of the future: computers that can download (and turn into) new hardware, foldable paper computers, and interactive / disposable product designs, because, you know, the advertisers won't be able to wait to get their hands on the first interactive soda can.

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Celebrate July 4th the Gizmodo Way [July 4th]

How do you celebrate July 4th like a true Gizmodian? If you answered "waking up on the 5th with a severe hangover and sparkler burns where the sun don't shine," you'd be correct! Oh, that, and visiting our July 4th tag.

Is the BlackBerry KickStart getting a $50 price tag on T-Mobile?

Filed under: Cellphones

We could tell by looking that RIM wouldn't think of charging too many hundies for its still unannounced BlackBerry KickStart, but $49.99? CrackBerry has it that said flip phone will be selling at T-Mobile for a penny under $50 on a two-year contract, which certainly seems smart given the competition. 'Course, we've nothing to substantiate this with just yet, but take one more look at that chubby side and tell us this thing deserves a triple digit price tag. That's right, you can't.

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DeLorean Shows Up at Nike Hyperdunk "Back to the Future" Sneaker Premiere [Nike Hyperdunk]

As you already know, today was the launch of the limited-edition Marty McFly-inspired Nike Hyperdunk sneakers. 350 pairs were sold almost instantly (some are now for sale on eBay for as much as $2,000), a hundred of them at the UNDFTD shop in Santa Monica, where L.A. Lakers' megastar Kobe Bryant arrived in a DeLorean time machine to be greeted by hundred of fans, some of them camping outside for more than 24 hours. Seriously, I'm a Back to the Future fan too, but what kind of obsessed fanboy can wait for more than 24 hours for a stupid piece of merchandise? Ah... hrmmm. OK, never mind. [Hypebeast]

NVIDIA said to be dropping GeForce GTX 280 price in response to AMD

Filed under: Desktops, Gaming

It only launched a few weeks ago, but it looks like NVIDA could already be set to cut the price of its top-end GeForce GTX 280 graphics card -- a move that would be prompted, as you might have guessed, by AMD's cheaper but powerful Radeon HD 4800 series. According to HotHardware, that word comes from "multiple NVIDIA board partners," who say that the card could be dropping to as low as $499 (the same as AMD's competing card). One board partner reportedly added that the price "may be a little higher, or potentially even a little lower." Obviously, all of that is still up in the air until we hear from NVIDIA itself but, as HotHardware points out, it could certainly pay off to hold out a couple of weeks if you've been considering taking the plunge on one of these.

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The Godfather Box Set Going Blu [Blu-Ray]

The Godfather box set is coming to Blu-ray this September. [Amazon]

Gateway's 17-inch P-6831FX gaming laptop gets reviewed

Filed under: Laptops

Given that Gateway just pushed out a round of updates including the relatively ginormous P Series, we reckon it was only logical to expect a review shortly. To be frank, the P-6831FX critiqued over at HotHardware is far from being the most potent machine with a 17-inch panel, but unlike many of its luxurious competitors, this one is actually affordable. So, how much gaming joy can $1,349.99 bring you? Quite a bit when the 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTS and 3GB of RAM are included. Reviewers found gaming performance to be downright remarkable, though the 1.67GHz CPU did hamper it a bit in other areas. It should be noted that the unit now arrives with a slightly faster CPU among other minor extras, so if it was good then, we're guessing it's a runaway winner now.

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HP rolls out Puma-based Compaq 6735b, 6535b business laptops

Filed under: Laptops

HP has already busted out a bundle of Puma-based laptops and tablets, but it looks like it's not done with AMD's latest platform just yet, with it now rolling out a pair of new Compaq laptops aimed at business users. Those include the 15.4-inch Compaq 6735b and the 14.1-inch 6535b, each of which will come loaded with your choice of AMD Turion X2, X2 Ultra, or Athlon X2 processors, along with ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics, support for up to 8GB of RAM (though only 2GB and 3GB options are configurable from HP), a max 160GB hard drive, and an optional second hard drive in place of the DVD burner if you so choose. You can also expect a WXGA resolution on each, with WSXGA+ also availabe on the 15.4-inch model and WXGA+ an option on the 14.1-inch (both have both BrightView and anti-glare options, as well). From the looks of it, you can get your hands on either one right now, with the base configuration for each setting you back $779.

[Via Laptoping]

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Sony Ericsson C702 Toilet Test Is Gross, Yet Intriguing [Sony Ericsson]

Nowhere in the specs of the Sony Ericsson C720 does it say that it's completely waterproof—just dust and splash proof. And if there's one thing that a toilet does well (at least when we use it), it's splash. This could be one of the more disgusting tests imaginable for a phone. Seriously, are you going to use it now, because the CDC thinks otherwise. [bka]

Sony pulls 2.40 firmware update after reports of bricked PS3s

Filed under: Gaming

Sony has pulled the 2.40 firmware update from both its in-console update and website after some users reported that the firmware has bricked their system. SCEA PR director Patrick Seybold told Joystiq that Sony is "looking into it right now and will work with those customers directly to address any issues they may be experiencing." Has it bricked your system? Let us know in the comments below.

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Nyko's Media Hub for PS3 inelegantly adds USB ports, multicard reader

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals, Storage

Nyko's got a knack for delivering some of the ugliest, most preposterous third-party peripherals on the planet, yet -- for whatever reason -- we can't help but love 'em. The latest abomination from the outfit that begins to grow on you almost immediately is the Media Hub for PlayStation 3. For those that went cheap on the 40GB PS3 and missed out on a multicard reader and the full array of USB ports, this here adornment presumably connects to one of those USB sockets and adds three more while tossing in the card reader you've so dearly missed. Thankfully, Nyko's only charging $19.99 for this, so you should be okay even if your ship has yet to come in.

[Via Joystiq]

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iPhone Keeps Cyclists' Leg Skin From Becoming Part of the Street [Safety First]

Sure, the iPhone can help you make calls and check your email and settle arguments in bars, but when was the last time it helped keep a stretch of skin on your leg from getting peeled off on a hot stretch of pavement? Not recently, I'm guessing. But that's just what happened to an avid cyclist who got a popped tire while traveling at about 25MPH.

In the instant just before executing my turn, something in the road punctured my front tire. In two places. 130 psi of traction and control were gone in an instant. I immediately went into an uncontrolled fall at 25 mph. Since I had already started my turn, the vertical stability of my bike gave way to momentum and gravity. I hit the pavement hard, sliding about 20 feet before friction brought me to a stop. Suddenly the pavement didn’t feel so good beneath me. I had a nasty abrasion on the outside of my right leg and right forearm, and a very sore right ‘cheek’, which took the brunt of my fall. I stood up as quickly as I could to take inventory of my faculties to see if I suffered any broken bones. Luckily, I hadn’t.

Once I gathered myself and my bike to the side of the road, I reexamined my injuries. I was somewhat pleased the abrasion on my arm was not as bad as it could have been, saved by the leather-palmed gloves I was wearing for such an occasion (which were now ruined, but a small price to pay for the protection they provided). And my leg could have been worse, too, had it not been saved by my…my iPhone. “Oh no!”, I yelled.

Panic raced through me. Retrieving the iPhone from my pocket immediately revealed the screen had not suffered breakage, so I pressed the ‘Home’ button and the iPhone sprang to life. I was still about a mile from home, so I unlocked the display and immediately pressed the Phone icon so I could call home for assistance. The ringing sound at the other end was music to my ears; the phone still worked!

Sure, any phone could have protected him just as easily I'm sure, but could that phone then help you look up the surgery you're avoiding due to its protection? I think not. [Gantos]

South Korea's "ubiquitous" Songdo city begins to take shape

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

It's been a good long while since we've heard anything about South Korea's planned "ubiquitous city," Songdo, but it looks like the mammoth effort is finally beginning to take shape, as evidenced by the BBC's recent trip to the $200 billion development. According to the BBC, the city is now scheduled for completion in 2015, as opposed to 2014, but the first few developments will apparently be open for business as soon as 2009. Somewhat disconcertingly for South Korea, however, is the complete lack of any blue chip companies that have signed up for a piece of the action as of yet, despite the promised incentives that come from the city being located in the Incheon Free Enterprise Zone (IFEZ). The folks behind the development seem confident that companies will eventually come flocking to the city though, with its central location between China and Japan, and its blanket of technology, including WiFi and RFID, promising to work in its favor.

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Great Giz Ideas: Harass Your Neighbors With Your Wi-Fi Hotspot Name [Great Giz Ideas]

We were setting up our wireless router in this our new house when we made a startling realization. Our wireless hotspot doesn't need to be limited to boring names like LinksysN or 2Wire1969, they can be messages to our neighbors that they see every time they connect to their router. Here are some that our crack team of jerks have come up with.

• YourDaughterIsAWhore
• KeepThatNoiseDown
• ThosePeopleIn1583LookLikeTerrorists
• ThatLawnChairIsSoAwful
• YourWifeCheats
• FreePornography
• IHaveYourMail
• IPoisonedYourDog
• IPoisonedYourKid
• YourPriusSucks
• GetYourOwnDSLCheapskate
• MyNetworkIsLockedJackass
• ISawYouNaked

We're sure you can think of much better ones.

Caption contest: Chinese S.W.A.T. team caught ridin' dirty... on Segways

Filed under: Transportation

Look, protecting the world from the terror of Jihadists is serious business -- which is why we're not sure that rolling up on a Segway is the best way to get the Axis of Evil to drop its weapon / bomb / fanatic mindset... still, Jackie Chan will be psyched. Our suggestion? the electric unicycle.

Josh T: "Stop! Step out of the vehicle and agree to be my friend."
Don: "Don't make me lean forward and come over there."
Chris: "Do it... do it now! Get to the human transportah!"
Josh F: "Snake? Snake?! SNAAAAAKE!"
Ryan: "Watch yourself, Frank, we're dealing with professionals. They've got a... car."
Darren: "So, um, is it safe to back away from this vehicle?"
Richard: "Yes, this would be more intimidating from a Humvee, but y'know, gas prices these days..."
Nilay: "Put the Roomba down!"
Thomas: "Quit calling me Ginger, I'm a day walker!"

[Thanks, Mike]

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Linksys Should Re-Think Their Router Naming Conventions [Linksys]

Linksys' upcoming WRT610N Ultra Rangeplus Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router may look great and perform great, but it's got one of the most ridiculous names we've ever seen. Don't take it from us, take it from Linksys's own Mani Dhillon, who can't manage to get the name out without looking at the box. And even then, not so much luck. The money shot comes at 1:05. We love ya Mani!

SSDs save battery power, right? Wrong.

Filed under: Storage

If you just shelled out some pretty pennies for the a high-speed, low-power SSD, Tom's Hardware may have stumbled onto some findings that won't sit well. According to a rigorous benchmarking session, they discovered that not only do the drives not save you battery power... they eat more of it. How is this possible you ask? Well mechanical drives only hit peak drainage when the actuator has to move the heads, whereas SSDs use full power whenever they're in use, so the end result is actually a diminished efficiency. What that means is that the hype over "green" drives may be just that: pure hype. On the other hand, you're still getting a drive with no moving parts, which at least makes your data more secure, if not more eco-friendly.

[Via Eeeuser; Thanks, Tony]

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Kegstand Keg-On-Wheels is Great for Weak Frat Boys, Bloggers [Beer]

I once had a job delivering beer to bars but I only lasted a day, mostly because my body is built for blogging and not manual labor. If the Kegstand was around at that time I may have gone down a much different career path. This tub-on-wheels makes the keg easy to roll around, has a snap-on—and hopefully watertight—tub that can be filled with ice to keep your brew cool, and a drainage spout to empty out all that nasty beer water at the end of the night. Sadly, you'll still have to keep pumping iron if you want a keg at your next party—it's just a concept for now. [The Greener Grass via Core77]

Akron, Ohio to provide free citywide WiFi, inevitably fail within a few years

Filed under: Wireless

Municipal WiFi systems in the US have been pretty much failures across the board, but the good people of Akron, Ohio are apparently in for another go-round -- the city's just committed some $800,000 to build out a free wireless network over the next five years. The service will be installed and operated by a nonprofit called OneCommunity, which just received a $4.5M grant as part of a $25M commitment from the John S. and John L. Knight Foundation to implement digital access projects in 26 cities. The University of Akron has kicked in another $350,000, since the signal will cover its campus as well as the downtown area -- all in, some 90,000 residents and 31,000 workers will get access through the project. The network will start lighting up in the next year -- let's hope it fares better than other city WiFi projects.

[Thanks, Glenn]

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Wired's Summer Gear Test Issue [Recreation]

The folks at Wired have put together their Summer Test roundup for 2008—a guide that brings you the best (and the worst) gear that money can buy for outdoor fun. Everything from campstoves to putters to ultralight notebooks are covered, so hit the link to find out what you should be picking up this year. [Wired]

Asus Eee PC 904 & Eee PC 905

Asus will be launching new models in the hugely popular Asus Eee PC range, the Eee PC 904 and Eee PC 905. The two new models are going to replace the Eee PC 900 (904) and the Eee PC 901 (905).


Asus is trying to stay competitive against many new players such as MSI Wind and [...]

The T3 Makes a Guy Wearing a Bike Helmet on a Scooter Scary as Hell [Crowd Control]

For the most part, I wouldn't consider a police officer or military personnel riding down the road on a scooter as intimidating. However, if that scooter happens to be Lamperd Less Lethal's new T3 Mobile Defender, there is definitely something to be worried about. The vehicle comes equipped with a powerful air gun that is considered non-lethal in a body shot, but could potentially kill someone if they were to take a synthetic bullet to the head. That is why the gun utilizes a holographic sight system to ensure accuracy.

"An eyepiece shows a red target dot, and then transmits an image of the target to a monitor, which relays the information to the gun." According to creator Barry Lamperd, if the holographic sight is on target, you can't miss. Let's hope so—because the company plans to sell the scooter to the US Army to use in crowd control situations (presumably in Iraq), and it will probably make its way down to local law enforcement somewhere down the line. [Lamperd Less Lethal via Sarnia Observer via Danger Room]

Nikon D700 DSLR shows itself in German magazine

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Nikon's D700 hasn't exactly been doing the best job staying under cover as of late, and it looks like Germany's ProfiFoto magazine has now pulled back whatever veil of mystery remained around the camera, with its current issue prominently featuring the high-end DSLR in a two-page spread. Among details discernable via the translation is confirmation of a 12-megapixel sensor, along with a sensor cleaning system, an end of July release date, and a €2,600 price tag -- or just over $4,000, although we're guessing that'll even out a bit with the North American release. Needless to say, we'd recommend staying tuned for more details on this one.

Update: User heavymeister at the dpreview forums has some way higher-res scans of the same issue -- anyone care to translate?

[Thanks, Albert]

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Nokia 7610 Supernova cellphone

The new Nokia 7610  cellphone has a built in  3.2 megapixel camera with auto-focus,dual LED flash and 6M color QVGA screen making it the flagship phone of the Nokia Supernova series.


It also has a funky colour illuminated keypad which changes automatically dependent on its current environment and features the XpressOn covers. Unfortunately it only works [...]

Nintendo pushes back DVD-playing Wii for Japan, again

Filed under: Gaming

While those of us 'round these parts have pretty much given up on the idea of a DVD-playing Wii a long time ago, folks in Japan have had some cause for hope based on promises from the company that such a system was, in fact, headed for the country sooner or later. It seems like they're now about to enter the acceptance phase as well, however, as Nintendo has just announced yet another delay to the system with no word about an eventual release date. According to IGN, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata would only go so far as to say that due continuing worldwide supply constraints on the current Wii, "the priority is on the current model." One thing getting a boost in availability, however, is the Nintendo DS 1Seg TV tuner, which Nintendo says will get a retail release next month after previously only being available online.

[Via Joystiq]

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LancerLink DDV-1080HD Camcorder

Check out this new camcorder from LancerLink  it’ll be priced at around $470 when it arrives in Japan this July - which is fairly good value for a compact high-definition device capable of full 1080p recording.  It has a 1/2.5-inch 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, 3-inch LCD display and SD/SDHC/MMC memory card slot happy with cards up [...]

Secrets of Wanted's Action Scenes Revealed [Movie Magic]

For those of you who have seen the Angelina Jolie/James McAvoy violence-fueled campfest Wanted, Wired has an expose up on how they filmed some of their craziest scenes. Russian director Timur Bakmambetov used his own Moscow-based special effects company to create the movie's non-stop, over-the-top action. At his disposal was everything from a European high-speed train equipped with hydraulics that rotated 360 degrees to scanned digital stunt doubles. Warning: If you haven't watched the movie yet and actually want to, the article contains a load of spoilers. [Wired]

M-Series Is Industry First Quad-Display GPU, Says Matrox [Graphics Cards]

Matrox keeps updating its multi-display thingamajigs, this time with the first Quad-Head GPU in the industry, according to the company. The M-Series M9140 LP PCIe x16 can drive up to four 1920 x 1200 screens with 512MB of RAM. Matrox says its for business time, so hedge fund managers and fans of the Conchords will be able to get their graphic information overdose for $599. [Matrox via The Inquirer via Crunch Gear]

Matrox Reappears With Multi-Display Graphics Card Line For Professional Apps [Graphics Cards]

In the battle for video card domination, dark horse Matrox never seemed to even come close to keeping up with Nvidia and ATI's crazy GPU arms race. But after fading almost completely from the gadgetsphere, the company has suddenly returned with the launch of five new graphics cards under its “M-Series” line. The M-Series targets the multi-display market and consists of two low-profile PCIe cards and three standard formate ATX PCIe cards.

The cards range from $259 for the M9120 PCIe x16, which has a single DVI-I output that uses a breakout cable to run two independent displays, to the $599 M9140 LP PCIe x16, which can power up to four 1920 x 1200 screens.

Judging from the pricing and features no regular person would need, it seems that Matrox has bypassed the home consumer market in favor of “professional” applications. That's probably a smart move, considering how even Intel is having trouble wrestling control of the market away from our two graphics chip overlords now. [The Inquirer via Crunch Gear]

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith gets unboxed, rag-covered mic stand not found

Filed under: Gaming

Well, what do you know? That Guitar Hero axe that was spotted a few months back on How I Met Your Mother was actually a sneak peek of the six string that comes bundled with the new Activision title. The unwavering rockers over at FW Labs were able to secure a copy of the game in Chile before most everyone else on the planet, and rather than enjoying their fortune without telling a soul, they decided to snap a host of photos and even upload a few videos of the experience. The new toys in the attic are right there in the read link.

[Thanks, David]

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Mathmos Poplight, Ditches Lava for LED Color-Changing Cuteness [Lighting]

I've just installed a set of color-change lighting strips in my new apartment, but now I kinda wish I'd spotted these new lamps from original lava-lamp makers Mathmos first. The Poplights are cuteness exemplified: just six inches high, and in hand-blown glass. They've got a set of LEDs inside the central "bulb" and change between blue, purple, violet, magenta, red lighting, and you turn them on my simply pushing down on top, which I guess must be the "pop" part. Available now for $75. On second thoughts, I might buy them anyway... you can't have too much color-change moodlighting can you?[Technabob]

Creative's Zen X-Fi to Enter Ring Dominated by iPod Touch, Zune [Zen X-Fi]

New details have been leaked about Creative's answer to the iPod touch and Zune, a wireless music player with Wi-Fi media sharing capabilities called the Zen X-Fi. Pictures show the device sporting a chrome-and-black plastic look that's vaguely reminiscent of the iPhone, along with a nine-point directional pad. Besides certain Internet features, X-Fi will also come with an SD card slot and a built-in speaker.

According to leaked specs, the nine-point pad will offer users the option of instant messaging on Windows Live or Yahoo Messenger in a phone-style typing schema. The device will also use wireless to share media between home networked computers and access an Internet-based media pool, called a Public Home Server.

The player is named after Creative's X-Fi audio technology, which restores lost data in compressed music files to create concert-like audio effects. Users can turn to two X-Fi options—Crystalizer makes audio richer and clearer, and Expand repositions the music to sound like it's coming from in front of you, simulating listening to a live performance on stage. Check out the manual:

[epiZENter]

Live Photos From the Giz NYC Meetup [NYC]

Couldn't make it out to the Coney Island meetup today? It's OK, it's really, really hot outside. Now you can enjoy photos taken from our trusty Nokia N95, continually updated as we take them tonight. So go ahead, enjoy our baseball and shenanigans from afar, you lazy bum. Thanks to the fine folks at Nokia for setting us up with the N95 and Ovi share account!

Treo 800w spec sheets and training materials reveal details, lack of MMS

Filed under: Cellphones

We're not sure where our tipster got these pictures (nor are we going to ask), but they appear to be screens from the Treo 800w's specification and knowledge training documentation. New tidbits include a 333 Mhz processor, 4.4.1 x 2.28 x 0.73-inch dimensions, 320 x 320 pixel screen, and a weight of 4.94 ounces. Windows Mobile 6.1 looks to be in full-force, the camera shoots at 2 MP, and the USB port is 2.0. As for other revealed features, you're looking at threaded SMS chat, but MMS is mysteriously missing in lieu of Sprint Picture Mail, a trend that continues to confuse us. If all this pans out, look for the 800w to be available on July 13th for $249.99. Hit the continue link to see the rest of the juicy shots and details.

[Thanks, brian]

Continue reading Treo 800w spec sheets and training materials reveal details, lack of MMS

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Motorola Blaze Adds Another Touch Screen Handset to the Pile [Motorola]

The Boy Genius Report has a first look at Motorola's answer to the "Touch Screen Wars," called the Blaze. From the looks of the branding, this touchy-feely handset is coming to Verizon, complete with a special Verizon-only operating system. BGR says the touch screen is decent, and the mobile browser is "OK," but nothing to write home about. Email and texting functionality are also lambasted by BGR, as is the crush-the-screen-to-make-it-work haptic touchscreen feedback. Specs include a 2 megapixel camera, EV-DO Rev. A support, GPS, and Bluetooth. They didn't sound too keen on the Blaze, but they didn't write it off completely. Thoughts? [Boy Genius Report]

BuzzBall Brings the Rollercoaster Experience to Your Backyard [Buzzball]

Can't quite make it to a Six Flags this weekend? Sign up for a BuzzBall then, and bring the motion-induced vomiting to you! Cooked up by some crazy New Zealanders from Evento as a cure for 'coaster aficionados without access to the rails, the BuzzBall features a pair of electric motors, each of which controls a separate throttle. The two throttles cause the chair inside to spin, or they can work in tandem to move the ball around a flat space (or a hill, Mr. Extreme Sports, whatever you want). Once the ball gets moving, however, watch out, because that's when the real vomiting fun begins.

When the BuzzBall moves about and the operator starts to turn, the seat begins to rotate against the direction of travel. If you haven't figured it out already, that means you get a series of spins and barrel rolls—while you're moving. How one stops this thing we haven't a clue, but it probably involves passing out.No pricing is available just yet, but the BuzzBall folks are surveying site visitors with some options. [Evento via OhGizmo!]

Bucket-based hydroelectric generator powers up small gadgets

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Never mind those ginormous dam-based hydroelectric generators -- we've got a much smaller version that you can actually use in your backyard. The Pico Hydroelectric Generator was installed within a 5-gallon bucket by Sam Redfield in order to convert the energy from "existing gravity fed irrigation, fresh water, or waste water systems" into usable electricity that can juice up your cellphone, DAP, portable fan / water-bottle combo, etc. Regrettably, there's not a whole heap of details beyond that, but you can check out another angle in the read link below.

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Topia One-Seat Electric HUVO Prototype Might As Well Be Shaped Like a Coffin [Death Trap]

With the arrival of Topia's one-seater prototype, I think it's finally safe to say the SMART car has something it can take in a fight. Called the HUVO, this diminutive electric car forgoes features like "well-being" and "sanity" for "lightweight" (330 lbs.) and "Jesus Christ watch out for that MINI Cooper!" To save weight and development costs, the HUVO is made out of materials that would make any contemporary golf cart proud; mainly plastic, ceramic, more plastic, and a bit of high-tensile steel plate. Although, as the headline implies, if HUVO goes into production Topia should probably just make the thing out of a nice, sturdy wood, and save your immediate family a step at the funeral parlor.

[Tech-On]

Canadian mini-satellite promises to detect Earth-destroying asteroids

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

It's hardly the only project out there that's aiming to detect asteroids on a collision course with Earth before it's too late, but this effort backed by Defence Research Development Canada and the Canadian Space Agency does take a slightly different tact than most and, despite appearances above, it's apparently actually close to a launch. Dubbed the NEOSSat, the suitcase-sized satellite packs a 15-centimeter diameter telescope that's able to look for objects near the sun (something impossible to do from Earth), and it'll reportedly be able to stay in orbit around Earth for at least five years using no more power than a 60-watt light bulb. If all goes as planned, the satellite will hitch a ride into space sometime in 2010, when it'll take part in NASA's efforts to find 90 percent of the 95,000 near-Earth "space rocks" that are at least 140 meters in diameter before 2020.

[Via Slashdot, image courtesy of NEOSSat]

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ICANN Opens Door For Crazy Domain Names Like Crap.Crap [Domain Names]

ICANN has just made a decision that goes beyond allowing .xxx to be a top level domain; they're allowing all words to be top level domains. That means you're going to see domains like fuck.shit, shit.shit, shit.fuck, whatisthisshit.fuck, and so forth. What's not allowed is domains that conflict with trademarks (.pepsi was the example), too similar to current top level domains, or names associated with countries or governments (juicy.turkey). Companies will also register their products and services, leading to really annoying domains like pleaseplayyour.ps3pleaseplease, or dontyouwantanother.ipod. Nice one, ICANN. Nice one. [USA Today]

The Bill Day giveaway (part 3) - Zune 80GB (black)

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Hey, if Bill can give away tens of billions of dollars, the least we can do to celebrate his last day is to give away some Microsoft-powered gear, right? Next up: a black Zune 80GB.

• Leave a comment below. Tell us about your favorite Microsoft-powered product. Or your favorite Apple product, too, since Bill totally bailed those guys out back in '97.
  


• You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)


• If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  


• Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  


• Winner will be chosen randomly. That winner will get a brand new black Zune 80GB. Approximate value is $250.
  


• Entries can be submitted until Sunday, June 29th, 11:59PM ET. Good luck!


• Full rules can be found here.

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Question of the Day: Do You Get Stuck Fixing Everyone's Gadget Problems? [Question Of The Day]

The main problem with being tech savvy is that everyone looks to you to solve their gadget-related issues. I mean, I'm happy to help but sometimes I just want to say "go and Google it dammit!" This is especially true with anything computer related. You know what I'm talking about—that frantic call from a friend who says their computer isn't working, so you go over there and find it unplugged. Seriously, I don't know how IT people can stand it. So, my question is: are you one of those people that gets stuck fixing everyone's gadget problems?

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Bill Gates wipes away tears at Microsoft farewell

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

It looks like there more than a few misty eyes around Microsoft's Redmond campus today, where even the man of the day himself wiped away tears as he bid his official farewell to the company. According to Reuters, Gates was joined on stage at the employee-only event by CEO Steve Ballmer, who reportedly got choked up himself as he heaped praise on Gates, saying that "there's no way to say thanks to Bill. Bill's the founder. Bill's the leader," adding that, "this is Bill's baby." Ballmer also talked about how he had contemplated leaving Microsoft just a month after joining the company, only to have Gates persuade him to stay by saying "You don't get it. You don't get it. We are going to put a computer on every desk and in every home." Say what you will about some of his predictions, but he was sure on the mark with that one.

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Voodoo Envy 133 photographed gloriously in the wild

Filed under: Laptops

No frontin' here: this is the most excited we've been about in the wild shots in quite some time. Not only do we have a veritable plethora of Envy 133 shots to glance at, but each one is high resolution and sharp as a tack. If you think your heart can handle checking out this slab of sexy from all angles, head on down to the links below and give it a go. From here, the only thing we're down on is that mirror they call a glossy display; otherwise, this thing looks downright heavenly.

Read - TheNextBench message board
Read - Envy 133 gallery

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NAB attempts to delay XM / Sirius merger even further