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EMTEC to acquaint the Gdium at CES 2009

2009-01-05T16:33:00.001-08:00

We at Coolest Gadgets are actual aflame about CES 2009, and you, the clairvoyant, will be audition a lot about it this anniversary. Here’s a little bastard examination of one of the abounding articles that will be on display: the Gdium from EMTEC. The Gdium is a absolutely Open Source carriageable computer, and comes [...]

Comment on Prime Gaming Laptop Concept by Prime Gaming Laptop Concept | Loopy Gadgets - customer electronics and accessories

2009-01-05T03:34:00.001-08:00

[...] [Gadget Venue] http://www.loopyapparatuss.com/prime-gaming-laptop-abstraction/ Related Topics to this Article Prime Note Cartina UM Linux Powered NetbookQWERTY Slider Phone abstractionToshiba Satellite X205-SLi3The Torus ConceptG-Tune NextGear-Note M750WX1GAMEROX gaming chairFuturistic/Concept Gadgets That Really InspireBest 2008 Concept Phones [...]

Comment on Rubiks Cube Lamp by Fun Gadgets - Week Ending December 28, 2008 | Coated dot Com - The Gadget Authority

2008-12-30T03:38:00.001-08:00

[...] Labor Gabriel affluence turntable Watch Camcorder Eddy, The Industrial Vehicle Rubiks Cube Lamp Basketball Webcam Share and [...]

Comment on BagTV - Put a TV on your Bag by Use Zoom to View Websites Easier on Smaller Screened PCs | Misc. Gadgets | Cool New Gadgets and Gizmos

2008-12-25T16:34:00.001-08:00

[...] GadgetVenue Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, analysis out our reviews.[ Bag TV lets you watch TV on your [...]

GettaGrip Musclebuzz - Hand-powered Mobile Phone

2008-12-25T03:35:00.001-08:00

In the spirit of hand-powered eco gadgets, the GettaGrip Musclephone needs 40 seconds of squeezing time to give the internal battery a full charge. The advert doesn’t mention just how much talk time the squeezing gives, so we’ve no idea how good it is. The phone is really ugly, so it’d make sense to have [...]

Kyocera rolls out quartet of new articles

2008-12-24T16:35:00.001-08:00

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all accessories are air-conditioned [ Kyocera rolls out quartet of new articles absorb by Coolest Gadgets ]

Comment on ICON A5 by Outdoor Gadgets

2008-12-12T16:34:00.001-08:00

This is a abundant abstraction. With all the added action even abstractions out there, it is difficult to barrage a applicable even at a attainable amount, but this would plan for a affiliation of 2-4 humans absorbed in accepting into a float even....er 2 at a time that is.

Gadgets for the Winter - A pedal-powered snowplough

2008-12-11T03:32:00.001-08:00

If you’re advantageous abundant to accept lots of snow in your allotment of the apple, the pedal powered snow plough is a abundant way to exercise and bright the anchorage too! You can consistently accord the kids the job of brighting the anchorage, and apperceive that you’re accomplishing them some good!The snowplough started off as [...]

Comment on Wilting Flower Reminds of Wasting Power by Gadgets

2008-12-10T03:33:00.001-08:00

I'd accept to set this in foreground of my computer to apprehension it because I'm awful with plants too. I consistently annihilate abundance from carelessness.

Comment on Nail Flash Drive by Feature: 15 Fun USB Flash Drives | Geeky Gadgets

2008-12-02T16:35:00.001-08:00

[...] The Nailed USB drive comes with 2GB of accumulator and is accessible for $32 from Plankton. via Gadget Venue. [...]

Comment on iStylophone Monophonic Synthesizer by LinkCrave: the Blackberry Storm on Video | GearCrave | The Mens Buying Guide for Gadgets

2008-12-02T03:34:00.001-08:00

[...] iStyleophone connected blow synth [gadgetvenue] [...]

Comment on Dancing Robotic Hexapod by LinkCrave: Mitsubishi’s New Pico Projector | GearCrave | The Mens Buying Guide for Gadgets

2008-12-01T16:35:00.001-08:00

[...] Dancing Robotic Hexapod will annihilate you in your beddy-bye. [gadgetvenue] [...]

R2-D2 Aquarium

2008-12-01T03:35:00.001-08:00

We’ve featured a fair few absorbing, tasteless and camp aquariums actuality on Coolest Gadgets but this is apparently the nerdiest yet (acknowledgment Critiker), the R2-D2 Aquarium.Modeled afterwards the a lot of acclaimed astromech adherent in the galaxy, this R2-D2 holds a 1 3/4-gallon aquarium catchbasin in his axial alcove, ideal for a baby freshwater ancestors of goldfish, [...]

Best Buy Gift Card Doubles as Speaker

2008-11-30T16:32:00.001-08:00

We at Coolest Gadgets accept already covered how Target has somehow angry their $50-1000 allowance agendas into a 1.2 megapixel camera. It appears that Best Buy has gotten in on this allowance agenda acceleration as addition accessory activity with a allowance agenda that doubles as a apostle. That’s appropriate, if a Best Buy [...]

Navigon 8100T Gives 3-D GPS Maps

2008-11-30T03:36:00.001-08:00

Previously, on Coolest Gadgets, we covered Navigon’s two new GPS, the 2090S and 5100 max. Navigon has afresh alien their newest Personal Navigation Device (PND) today alleged the Navigon 8100T. The Navigon 8100T has a actual absorbing affection alleged the Panorama View 3D. This Panorama software uses NASA area abstracts, so you will [...]

Comment on Starwars USB Flash Drives by Feature: 15 Cool Star Wars Gadgets | Geeky Gadgets

2008-11-29T16:31:00.001-08:00

[...] A abundant way to abundance your date, with these Star Wars themed USB beam drives, accessible for $63 from Firebox. via Gadget Venue. [...]

Comment on Flat Bulb by Chris at LG

2008-11-29T10:18:00.001-08:00

Gorgeous architecture but isn't application ancient bulbs a bit of a footfall astern? WHy not energy-saving ones?

iPhone Apps We Like: QuickVoice Voice Recorder Is Great For Field Journos [IPhone Apps]

2008-09-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

If you're covering an event and already carrying a huge gear bag with a laptop, camera, emergency Cliff bars and all the rest, QuickVoice is a welcome replacement for a standalone digital voice recorder. We like QuickVoice as a late addition to our favorites for its pause feature, which allows you to start and stop recordings without creating a whole new clip.

The only hitch is you can't email the clips out from the phone, but how often do you actually need to keep your quick audio notes? Just break out the headphones, transcribe, delete. Done. [Ed. Note: I love emailing the clips from my Olympus digital voice recorder so I can email them to India and have them transcribed overnight.] Quality and range won't match a dedicated recorder, but definitely get the job done—I was able to hear my voice well enough to transcribe talking quietly from the other side of a 12-foot room. There are a couple other voice recorders in the store, but at $1.99 we're liking QuickVoice. [QuickVoice, Our Favorite Apps, App Review Marathon]

Question of the Day: Do You Feel Naked Without Your Cellphone? [Question Of The Day]

2008-09-09T07:13:00.001-07:00

It seems like a distant memory now, but there was a time I could walk out of my house without a cellphone and never give it a second thought. As the years have gone by I have found myself growing increasingly attached to my phone. To be perfectly honest, I would rather not be bothered with phone calls and emails when I'm out—so why the hell do I bring my damn phone with me when I'm riding on a mountain bike trail? Seriously, it's unhealthy. So, I have to ask—are you like me? Do you feel naked without your cellphone?

iriver's Spinn hits the FCC, means nothing

2008-09-09T04:13:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Sure, it doesn't look like much thanks to the FCC's staunch aversion to photo glam, but that's iriver's Spinn PMP, a product which had us at a full, rigid swoon back at CES. While this would generally be good news, the model approved features a DAB radio and DMB television tuner -- in other words, it's not intended for US consumption. The user manual also confirms a FM radio, Mini SD slot, Bluetooth, D-Click System interface, 27 hours of audio and 5 hours of video, and support for SWF (Flash), TXT, MP3, WMA, OGG, JPG, AVI, MWV file formats. With FCC approval out of the way, the rumored UK August release date is presumably in the bag.

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Zune Guy Buys iPod classic, Hell Freezes, Apocalypse Nears! [Breaking]

2008-09-09T01:13:00.001-07:00

No, we are not kidding: the infamous Zune Guy, that dude who got three Zune tattoos, and then decided to get rid of them, says now that he avoided buying a Zune last time he was at Best Buy and got an iPod classic 80GB. He openly admitted it in the Zune Scene forums.

And low and behold, it's a black iPod classic 80gb. When I was in Best Buy I looked around at the other players, and they sold no Creatives in the store, so the only choices were iPods, Zunes, Insignas, Samsung and Sony. So when looking at which had everything available in store (I despise UPS) I went with the iPod. I more than likely will regret this decision but I will let you all know down the road. I do like the weight and feel of the device thus far.

At least he's looking at the alternative, but at this rate he's going to end up with a lot of scars. I wonder how many iPod owners would change to Zune to see. Are you an iPod owner? Would you do it? [Zune Scene]

aTV Media Center Hack for Apple TV is Back, Now With GUI Installer and Support For USB Drives [Apple TV]

2008-09-08T22:13:00.001-07:00

After disappearing for a while due to a fair use scuff-up, the aTV software that helps turn the Apple TV into the media center it should have been is now back and freshly updated. Big new features are a GUI installer for loading the hack onto a USB stick, eliminating the messy command line work that used to be required, and support for external USB devices for connecting a bigger hard drive or NAS for more storage, on top of everything else this nifty unofficial upgrade does for your Apple TV.

Mplayer codecs mean you can handle just about every file format you can find (including uncompressed VIDEO_TS rips). Other add-ons include the Sapphire media organizer, a WebKit browser, game emulators, the ability to FTP into your box to avoid iTunes and more, all without blocking any of the out-of-the-box functions. Not bad at all for $60. [aTV via 43 Folders]

AMD denies report it plans to sell off manufacturing operations

2008-09-08T19:13:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

While it may not all be his doing, newly-minted AMD CEO Dirk Meyer seems to be at the center of more than a bit of confusion in his first few days on the job. First, he detailed AMD's plans to take on Intel's Atom processor this fall, which was apparently news to AMD's Chief Marketing Officer, and now AMD is denying a report that AMD is set to spin off its manufacturing operations into a separate company, which arose out of an interview Meyer gave to the Austin American-Statesman. In it, Meyer reportedly said that AMD was "just months away" from spinning off its fabrication business, which would let it concentrate on designing, marketing and selling chips, and allow it to compete more effectively against its two big rivals: Intel and NVIDIA. As eWEEK reports, however, an AMD spokesperson now says that Meyer was referring simply to "how the company manufactures its wafers," which could possibly be a reference to the company's planned shift to a 45-nanometer manufacturing process. That's quite a difference, and we're guessing we'll be hearing yet more "clarification" on the matter before all is said and done.

Read - Austin American-Statesman, "New AMD chief sees clear path to recovery"
Read - eWEEK, "AMD Denies Fab Sell-Off"

[Thanks, Chris]

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Mouse Uses "Alien Technology" to Relieve Stress and RSI [Peripherals]

2008-09-08T10:13:00.001-07:00

Whenever a gadget is focused on ergonomics, buckle up for some seriously weird looking design. A prime example of this phenomenon can be seen in this "Alien Mouse" concept from designer Mizanur Rehman. The idea was to create a mouse that would strictly adhere to the principles of ergonomics and provide maximum comfort by molding itself to the user's hand with a body constructed of soft gel and cellulose. It even features a pulsating central core that reverberates throughout the frame to help relieve stress.

As for the controls—all functionality is handled by the sphere-shaped section at the top. A central joystick is flanked by fairly standard right and left click buttons, but the layout of the controls means that the mouse never needs to be physically moved. As mentioned, the Alien Mouse is only in the concept stage at this point, so I doubt that we will be seeing it on store shelves anytime soon. Hell, we may not even be using a computer mouse in 5 years time (if "experts" are to be believed). [Project Page via The Design Blog]

Contest Reminder: Win an iPhone [Announcements]

2008-09-08T07:13:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that our Eureka contest is still going on, and you have until July 29 to get your entries in. That's very soon! You do want an iPhone, right? Get to inventing this weekend and you still have a chance. See our contest page for details.

Confirmed: All 6 Star Wars Movies to be Released in 3D [Star Wars 3d]

2008-09-08T04:13:00.001-07:00

Rumors have been floating around about it for quite some time, but it appears that all systems are go for the entire Star Wars franchise to be re-released in the 3D format. DreamWorks Animations CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg confirmed the details in a recent interview with Comingsoon.net saying "Lucas is excited about it" and "He isn't going to put a product out, I think, that isn't anything other than first rate."

Apparently, the cost of converting a traditional 2-D movie into 3D is between $50,000 and $100,000 per minute. I'm sure that Lucasfilm will make their money back and then some, but is it really worth it? Does anyone care to see this or is it just another case of Lucas screwing around too much with the franchise? [Comingsoon via io9 via Wired]

Eee hard drive, optical drive, and 3G card continue to reduce meaning of Eee brand

2008-09-08T01:13:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Peripherals, Wireless, Storage

Okay, so there's clearly a tube that dispenses marshmallows to the ASUS marketing department whenever it comes up with another product to slap the Eee brand on, because this just getting silly. In addition to the countless Eee laptops, Eee Box desktop, Eee monitor, Eee televisions, and other Eee-branded crap, we're hearing the company is working on a line of accessories, including an external hard drive, optical drive, and WWAN card. None of this is official quite yet, but knowing ASUS, it'll be out in 30 different varieties by the end of the month.

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Question of the Day: How's Your iPhone 3G Reception? [Question Of The Day]

2008-09-07T22:13:00.001-07:00

While some of us at Giz actually have better reception with the iPhone 3G than before, that's not the story raging in Apple's support forums, where few or no bars is the order of the day—and not just in the US, but worldwide, apparently. For AT&T's part, they're redeploying a bunch of 850MHz spectrum (which penetrates indoors better) for 3G service through the end of the year, so it should get a little better, at least. In the meantime, how's your reception? [Apple]

Sony Reader pre-order now live in the UK, shipping in September

2008-09-07T19:13:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Displays

We Americans have had the opportunity to pick up Sony's Reader for what seems like eons, but you poor bookworms holed up in the UK have been neglected unjustly. No more, as Sony has just opened up the phone lines for folks eager to claim their spot in ~~line~~ the queue. No need in rehashing the specifications you already know -- it's still the same ole PRS-505, just way more expensive in US dollars.

[Via MobileRead, thanks Alex]

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iPhone 3G Selling Twice as Fast as Original [At&t]

2008-09-07T10:13:00.001-07:00

The one major bit out of AT&T's quarterly earnings call is that the iPhone 3G is selling twice as fast as the original iPhone did last summer—in case the unending squiggles of people trailing out of Apple Stores and AT&T shops didn't tip you off. They didn't actually say how many were sold, but we know that worldwide Apple sold a million of them as of nine days ago, just three days after launch. Of course, the hot $199 price—undoubtedly responsible for the phone's brief life on shelves—means AT&T won't actually make money off of it until 2010. You know, when we're on our fourth-gen iPhone. [Alley Insider]

Really, really tweak your ride: the Unidrive has arrived

2008-09-07T07:13:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Transportation

Not content with simply creating bizarre, high-end sports cars, Spanish automaker IFR Automotive has unveiled a steering wheel-embedded computer that can electronically alter the way in which a car performs. Dubbed the Unidrive, the touchscreen-driven device (which appears to have been in development for some time) will provide instant access to tweaking the valve timing, rev limit, ride height, ABS, and a variety of other car-nerd trivialities that only a true grease-monkey could really understand. The in-car end of the system will interact directly with chassis and engine functions, even allowing for unique states that can be tuned to individual driver's tastes. Currently the technology is poised to be employed in the company's forthcoming £75,000 (about $150,000) Aspid car -- no word on if this will make it into your next Escort. [Warning: read link is a PDF, and in Spanish]

[Via The Register]

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Question of the Day: Does Your Partner Understand Your Gadget Obsession? [Question Of The Day]

2008-09-07T04:13:00.001-07:00

It's funny how technology can really put a wedge between two people in a relationship. That is to say, finding a couple where both parties share a genuine love for gadgets seems pretty rare. This issue is especially problematic when video games are involved. We are constantly hearing stories about how some dude is turning down sex and ignoring his family to play games online. As stupid as all this sounds, I'm willing to bet that it is a major problem with a lot of couples. Plus, gadget obsessions can be tied in with spending excessive amounts of money, which only serves to complicate matters. That having been said, I have to ask: does your partner understand your gadget obsession?

Amazing Wii-Like 3-D Controller Interface Built With Foil, Wiring, Resistors and Arduino [DIY]

2008-09-07T01:13:00.001-07:00

What you're looking at here is an actual Wii-like 3-D controller interface that can track objects like your hand in real time. It may look a little shoddy, but what's amazing is that this very functional 3-D interface was built by a hobbyist with parts most DIYers can find in their couch cushions—six resistors, aluminum foil, wire, a cardboard box, and an Arduino microprocessor to crunch the numbers. That's it. It couldn't be more simple. But how'd he pull it off?

The rig uses simple RC circuits to sense the distance of an object in relation to a set of capacitive plates (here, the aluminum foil with current running through it). The circuits feed their data to the Arduino, which processes them with builder kylemcdonald's custom Processing code (an open-source graphical programming language), and spits out raw 3-D coordinates that update 10 times per second for each sensor. Just a hint of the amazing things accomplished tinkerers can pull off with hackable microprocessors like the Arduino. [Instructables via Hack-a-Day]

Lightning Review: Caps4Stix Thumstick Covers [Caps4stix]

2008-09-06T22:13:00.001-07:00

The Gadget: Caps4Stix rubber thumbstick covers for Xbox 360 and PS3. They're meant to add more grip for better precision and control.

The Price: About $2 per pair.

The Verdict: Pretty good! I usually hate this rubbery add-on stuff that fattens up a sleekly designed gadget, but I have to admit, playing both the PS3 and Xbox 360 felt better with the caps than without. The texture isn't just more sticky, it also has a few nubs that support your thumbs as they push the sticks farther off center. (In picture above, left stick is capped, right is normal.) And the covers don't add too much bulk, either, even though the first few minutes of testing were definitely a strange sensation.

So do I play better with the Caps4Stix? No clue. But they aren't just a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. They are more like a subtle improvement on something that you'd never have realized was broken. Like a fix to a carbon monoxide leak if carbon monoxide just burned off a few brain cells instead of killing you.

Now if only you could buy them in a color other than black to match the 360 controller... [Caps4Stix]

Beijing's Apple Store Gets Crashed By Windows XP [Apple Store]

2008-09-06T19:13:00.001-07:00

We literally have no further information other than what you see in the image above, but either way, it's a very interesting photo even if it might be a fake. It makes sense that whatever huge display is running off a Windows XP machine—many giant displays do. What's also interesting in the photo are the cops (are they cops?) manning the line with fire extinguishers in case one of the Beijingnese Apple customers gets outta line. [Thanks Chris!]

In comparison, there's a WSJ shot of the same angle, but this time with an iPod+iTunes ad banner running. Could be that the XP shot is when the thing's in sleep mode?

Belkin BreakFree adds magnetic breakaway connector to your guitar cable

2008-09-06T10:13:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

From all the coffee shop musicians here at Engadget, we'd like to sincerely thank Belkin for producing this marvelous device. For the rest of us who run around on stage like madmen, we have our doubts about how well this will work. Nevertheless, the BreakFree Connectors were designed to add a magnetic breakaway point in your 1/4-inch cable, meaning that things will simply snap away if too much pressure is applied. Sure, this could save you a mint in shredded cable costs, but we'd venture to say that only the calmer performers in attendance will really find it useful. Snatch (gently, of course) the BreakFree this September for $19.99 and grab a few extra tips for $9.99 per pair.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

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Gakken Unveils a New 8mm Camera: That's Right...NEW [Retromodo]

2008-09-06T07:13:00.001-07:00

I must admit that I was intrigued by the Super 8 projector that Japanese manufacturer Gakken released back in March. My only problem was that you would need to get your hands on an 8mm camera in order to get back to the retro filmmaking stylings of our forefathers. Fortunately for film buffs, Gakken is planning to release a companion to their projector with their own low-cost, no frills 8mm camera.

Gakken's 8mm camera hasn't even been announced, so pricing and release date information are not available. Not to worry though—you can still take a trip down memory lane by hitting the link to check out out OObjects list of 20 classic 8mm cameras featuring famous selections from as early as the 1930s. [Trends in Japan and OObject]

British border guards recruit robots to root out stowaways

2008-09-06T04:13:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Robots

It looks like attempts to sneak across the border into Britain could soon become a battle of humans versus the machines, as the country's border guards have now recruited some robots normally used in warzones to help root out folks trying to smuggle themselves into the country. Developed by BAE Systems, the so-called "Hero" bots are equipped with searchlights and high-resolution video cameras that let it search the inside and undersides of vehicles, and they could potentially be outfitted with heartbeat detectors as well, or even sensors to detect chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials being smuggled into the country. While it's apparently only been tested in one location so far, the Border Agency seems to be all but sold on the bot, and it's now looking at rolling 'em out to other locations in the country. No word if they have any plans to employ BAE's spider bots, though.

[Via Danger Room, image courtesy of BAE Systems]

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Lightning Review: Brando Multi-Function Hard Drive Dock [Brando]

2008-09-06T01:13:00.001-07:00

The gadget: The SATA HDD Multi-Function Dock (USB + ESATA). It allows you to dock a 3.5" or 2.5" SATA hard drive like a Nintendo cartridge and access it with a computer via USB or eSATA. On top of that, the dock includes 2 USB ports and 4 card reader ports that support almost anything you can throw at it.

The price: $79

The verdict...

If you are looking for a convenient way to access multiple old internal drives or backup your system before a new install, this dock is a solid pick. Drives slip in fairly easily and an external power supply means that you really can use the dock to read all of your different storage media all while having them mounted simultaneously.

I didn't get a chance to test the eSATA transfers, but the USB option was on par with any standard drive of its type.

The only potential flaw I noticed is that the dock doesn't create a very tight seal when you stick a hard drive in. The small remaining gap could let it gather a lot of dust over the long haul.

Still, as a device that made my laptop hard drive reinstall relatively painless but will still remain useful to me in the future, the SATA HDD Multi-Function Dock (or one of its various incarnations on Brando's site) seems like a decent buy. [Brando]

Google Maps Adds Walking Directions, Bad Neighborhood Caution [Google Maps]

2008-09-05T22:13:00.001-07:00

If you drive a car in certain cities, you're dumb. There, I said it. But that's how Google Maps assumed everybody locomoted to their destination, until now. Yep! Google Maps finally has an option for step-by-step walking directions. Accounting for the speed difference between your kicks and four-wheeled gas-guzzlers, it estimates covering a mile will take about 19 minutes. And it says to use caution in dicey areas (I guess you'll be routed around them as it's updated?). Hopefully this gets added to the iPhone's maps in the next update, dodging cars on the BQE is exhausting. [Google Maps via Search Engine Roundtable via Lifehacker]

GPS-Like System Being Developed For Moon Astronauts [Moon Travel]

2008-09-05T19:14:00.001-07:00

When astronauts finally get back to the moon sometime between now and 2020, they will have an advantage that their predecessors did not—GPS. Well, it's not technically GPS given the fact that there are no satellites orbiting the moon, but the astronauts may not know the difference. The new system being developed by Ohio State researcher Ron Li will "rely on signals from a set of sensors including lunar beacons, stereo cameras, and orbital imaging sensors" to simulate GPS.

Li explained how the system will work: images taken from orbit will combine with images from the surface to create maps of lunar terrain; motion sensors on lunar vehicles and on the astronauts themselves will allow computers to calculate their locations; signals from lunar beacons, the lunar lander, and base stations will give astronauts a picture of their surroundings similar to what drivers see when using a GPS device on Earth. The researchers have named the entire system the Lunar Astronaut Spatial Orientation and Information System (LASOIS)

NASA has awarded Li a $1.2 million grant to develop the LASOIS system over the next three years. He hopes that it will help the astronauts explore the lunar surface with a greater degree of confidence and avoid the stress that comes with getting lost. After all, losing your bearings on the moon is a far cry from taking the wrong exit on the highway. [Physorg]

Apple Earnings: Record Quarter, Steve Promises "Wonderful New Products" This Year [Apple]

2008-09-05T10:14:00.001-07:00

Last quarter was the best June quarter in Apple's history in both earnings and profits, but the real news is that Steve actually promised new products later this year: “We set a new record for Mac sales, we think we have a real winner with our new iPhone 3G, and we’re busy finishing several more wonderful new products to launch in the coming months.” Apple never comments on future products in any way, shape or form. Ever ever. Whether he's alleviating investor worries or just feeling especially open, it's a rare, if not totally unheard of Apple move. Check out how much money Apple's bean counters are dealing with and speculate what new toys are on the way below.

Apple Reports Record Third Quarter Results
Revenue Up 38 Percent Year-Over-Year
Mac Sales Reach All-Time High

CUPERTINO, California—July 21, 2008—Apple® today announced financial results for its fiscal 2008 third quarter ended June 28, 2008. The Company posted revenue of $7.46 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.07 billion, or $1.19 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $5.41 billion and net quarterly profit of $818 million, or $.92 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 34.8 percent, down from 36.9 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 42 percent of the quarter’s revenue.

Apple shipped 2,496,000 Macintosh® computers during the quarter, representing 41 percent unit growth and 43 percent revenue growth over the year-ago quarter. The Company sold 11,011,000 iPods during the quarter, representing 12 percent unit growth and seven percent revenue growth over the year-ago quarter. Quarterly iPhone™ units sold were 717,000 compared to 270,000 in the year-ago-quarter.

“We’re proud to report the best June quarter for both revenue and earnings in Apple’s history,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We set a new record for Mac sales, we think we have a real winner with our new iPhone 3G, and we’re busy finishing several more wonderful new products to launch in the coming months.”

“We’re extremely pleased with the growth of our business and the generation of almost $5.4 billion in cash in the first three quarters of fiscal 2008,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO. “Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we expect revenue of about $7.8 billion and earnings per diluted share of about $1.00.”

Apple will provide live streaming of its Q3 2008 financial results conference call utilizing QuickTime®, Apple’s standards-based technology for live and on-demand audio and video streaming. The live webcast will begin at 2:00 p.m. PDT on Monday, July 21, 2008 at www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/earningsQ308/ and will also be available for replay.

This press release contains forward-looking statements including without limitation those about the Company’s estimated revenue and earnings per share. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation potential litigation from the matters investigated by the special committee of the board of directors and the restatement of the Company’s consolidated financial statements; unfavorable results of other legal proceedings; the effect of competitive and economic factors, and the Company’s reaction to those factors, on consumer and business buying decisions with respect to the Company’s products; war, terrorism, public health issues, and other circumstances that could disrupt supply, delivery, or demand of products; continued competitive pressures in the marketplace; the Company’s reliance on sole service providers for iPhone in certain countries; the continued availability on acceptable terms of certain components and services essential to the Company’s business currently obtained by the Company from sole or limited sources; the ability of the Company to deliver to the marketplace and stimulate customer demand for new programs, products, and technological innovations on a timely basis; the effect that product transitions, changes in product pricing or mix, and/or increases in component costs could have on the Company’s gross margin; the effect that product quality problems could have on the Company’s sales and operating profits; the inventory risk associated with the Company’s need to order or commit to order product components in advance of customer orders; the effect that the Company’s dependency on manufacturing and logistics services provided by third parties may have on the quality, quantity or cost of products manufactured or services rendered; the Company’s dependency on the performance of distributors and other resellers of the Company’s products; the Company’s reliance on the availability of third-party digital content; and the potential impact of a finding that the Company has infringed on the intellectual property rights of others. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in the Company’s public reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007; its Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended December 29, 2007 and March 29, 2008; and its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2008, to be filed with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

[Apple]

Kevlar Body Armor Could Soon Repel Germs [Not Just For Bullets]

2008-09-05T07:13:00.001-07:00

If researchers are successful, Kevlar-based armor will soon be able to protect the wearer from more dangers than bullets and fire. Yuyu Sun and Jie Luo of the University of South Dakota have discovered a way to coat Kevlar with a substance called acyclic N-Halamine. After testing it against "E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida tropicalis (a fungus), MS2 virus, and Bacillus subtilis spores (to mimic anthrax)," they discovered that the coating prevented these microorganisms from sticking to the Kevlar fabric.

The idea of making fabrics germ-resistant is nothing new, but it is obvious that applying this technology to Kevlar products has more practical applications than simply servicing the world's hypochondriacs. Further tests are needed, but so far Kevlar and acyclic N-Halamine seem to be getting along quite nicely. [LiveScience]

How to Tether Your iPhone 3G to Your Laptop [IPhone 3G]

2008-09-05T04:14:00.001-07:00

While Apple doesn't allow tethering with the iPhone 3G, if it's jailbroken, they can't tell you what to do, can they? After it's jailbroken, getting your tether on is surprisingly easy. All you need is a pair of programs, 3proxy and MobileTerminal. Create an ad-hoc Wi-Fi network with your notebook, join it with your iPhone, perform a bit of beginner's voodoo with MobileTerminal and your browser, and voila, you're cruising on AT&T's 3G network on your laptop via your iPhone. It really is easy, but be careful, if AT&T notices your data usage is wonky, they will probably rape you with massive fees. Good luck, and Godspeed. [Cre.ations.net]

SunNight Solar Giving Away 500 Solar Flashlights [Free Stuff]

2008-09-05T01:13:00.001-07:00

Mark Bent, owner of SunNight Solar, is giving away 500 of his company's solar flashlights (no Polish jokes, please). This isn't a simple first-come first-served deal, however; you need to justify why you deserve one. People who work in emergency services or the media (ahem) get first dibs (as do Al Gore and Angelina Jolie for some reason), but I bet if you're creative you can talk your way into a free flashlight as well. Tell 'em Giz sent ya. Shoot them an email at info@sunnightsolar.com with your reasoning and they'll let you know whether or not you made the cut. Tip: don't just say you like free stuff, ya jackass. [SunLight Solar via Book of Joe]

Even on EDGE, Mobile Safari 2.0 Is Much Faster [Mobile Safari]

2008-09-04T22:13:00.001-07:00

The iPhone 2.0 software might be shakier than a true believer's legs in the presence of Steve himself, but there's at least one benefit (besides the app goodness): Mobile Safari 2.0 is much zoomier. John Gruber ran the benchmarks, comparing them against historical ones, and found that it runs at least 1.7 times faster than before, if not faster (depending on the test). Check out all the numbers over there, if you care about the details, and not just the zip zip away. [Daring Fireball via Ars]

Invisible nanotubes could support human weight

2008-09-04T19:14:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Nanotubes are the stuff invisible dreams are made of, producing batteries, ramen, tiny chips, and in this case, invisible tightropes. Nicola Pugno of the Polytechnic of Turin in Italy has figured out a way to spread invisible nanotubes 5 micrometers apart that he says could support an entire human. The resulting "cable" would measure 1 centimeter in diameter and weigh just 10 milligrams per kilometer. So, what would we do with this ultra-strong, invisible cable? Support things that weigh about as much as humans do, naturally. Really, though, this means that super-strong, super-small cables are coming, and architecture could be changed forever. Other uses abound, for sure, but we'll leave that speculation to the science guys.

[Via NewScientistTech]

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Walk Hard to Win With the Masochistic Jinsei Game of Life Pedometer [Pedometers]

2008-09-04T10:14:00.001-07:00

Put simply, the Jinsei Game of Life won't let you play the simple game contained inside it unless you exercise. It's part pedometer, part Tamagotchi, part Lap Around Japan, and a little bit of masochism mixed in for good measure. To complete the "stages," you must take 300 steps, at which point you'll be granted a spin on the wheel to advance your character through the game. Don't take the steps and there's not really any kind of punishment. You'll just have yet another piece of gaudy tchotchke dangling from your keys, and those little people inside will be judging you without remorse. [Takaratomy via Trends in Japan]

Brando's USB LED Message Board Displays Obscene Messages To Your Workmates [Message Board]

2008-09-04T07:14:00.001-07:00

Are your coworkers always giving you a hard time about being away from your desk and not knowing where you are? Grab this $27 LED Message Board from Brando and always have a sign showing where you are. Sure, a Post-it or a mini-whiteboard would accomplish the same thing, but are they USB? Do they light up with red dotted letters? Are they that much more hilarious when the words "Fuck off Phil" scroll across their body? We think not. [Brando]

Cyber Figure Alice gives randy geeks something do to with their cybersticks

2008-09-04T04:14:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

We're not going to make any judgments regarding the hentai-tastic Cyber Figure Alice, but let's just say this product is of questionable purpose. Geisha Tokyo Entertainment Inc. calls this little gadget a good example of augmented reality, the coming-together of virtual and real objects. In essence, Dennou Figure ARis comes with two "cybercubes" and two "cybersticks." Using a webcam, the software projects Alice on the cybercubes. You can then, uh, manipulate her using the cybersticks, undress her, touch her, change her clothes, and, well, we'll leave the rest up to you, you naughty little thing, you. Look for her this fall in the dark underworld of your import shop if you must.

[Via CrunchGear]

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Famicom Wii Classic Controllers Can't Wash Away Bad E3 Press Conference Memories [Wii Classic Controllers]

2008-09-04T01:14:00.001-07:00

Still smarting from Nintendo's half-ass, arm waving train wreck of an E3 press conference? Yeah, these retro Famicom-inspired Classic Controllers for the Wii Virtual Console won't help at all with that, but they're still a pretty cool collector's item. They come in two red and gold Famicom versions, two Wii white versions, and will retail for about $15 apiece when they arrive in Japan on September 10. Import only for now, but that could change drastically in the future, just like Nintendo's marketing strategy. [Amazon Japan via Virtual Console Reviews]

DIY NES USB Controller Plays Games, Contains Emulator For Playing More Games [DIY]

2008-09-03T22:13:00.001-07:00

This DIY hack does what modders have been doing with NES controllers for years, and then adds an awesome twist. First of all, it's a USB controller that lets you play classic Nintendo games on your laptop. The cool part is there's an emulator crammed inside the controller and it contains all the software and ROMs you need to have a pretty intense retro Nintendo party all by yourself. So far designer Jay Kaye has made three; how about a couple thousand more?

From the look of the finished result pic below, I was reminded of Club Nintendo SNES Classic Controller (Japan only), and became insanely jealous all over again. [Ed's Howto]

Behind the IMAX in The Dark Knight [Batman]

2008-09-03T19:14:00.001-07:00

One of the many exciting aspects of The Dark Knight is how the movie incorporated IMAX shots. Friends who watched the film have called the shots absolutely stunning and incredibly immersive; another reason why this is the Best. Movie. Ever. Having yet to see it, I can only sigh wistfully and aggregate information on how it was done. Popular Mechanics has a great write-up of the challenges in shooting with an IMAX camera, including a behind-the-scenes video on how the action came together.

IMAX cameras, which use 70mm film, are much larger and heavier than a traditional 35mm machine. Among the plethora of changes to accommodate IMAX, technicians reinforced gyrostabled remote control camera cranes, crafted sturdier rigs to be mounted on cars, and forced one poor cameraman to actually carry the damn thing on his shoulders in an especially tense S.W.A.T. Team sequence.

When you're done checking the video out, head over to Wired (if you haven't already) for even more information on Christopher Nolan's methods and madness. Helicopters, wrangling with the Chinese government; the making of this movie could be its own movie. [Popular Mechanics]

Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle for $3000 [DIY]

2008-09-03T10:14:00.001-07:00

For DIYers with a lot more technical know-how than cash, an Instructables user has put up a really interesting tutorial on building an electric motorcycle using just $3000. The vehicle has a 70mph top speed, but can only go about 10 miles before it needs to be recharged. It's great for a quick trip to the store, if you don't make any unexpected stops along the way. With gas prices being what they are, you should probably try to make it so everything you would normally need to get to is less than 10 miles away anyhow. [Instructables via Uberreview]

Eee PC 1000H gets a $100 price drop

2008-09-03T07:14:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Laptops

It's only been on sale for six days, but the pricetag on the Eee PC 1000H just dropped by $100, down to $549. We're not sure if early buyers will get that extra Benny back, but it certainly can't hurt to ask -- and ASUS, while you're at it, how about taking a little off the 901 as well?

[Via Mobile Stylus; thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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FCC Asked to Get Carriers to Hurry Up Local Number Portability Already [Fcc]

2008-09-03T04:14:00.001-07:00

With all the advances in technology we've had over the last couple of decades, you'd think that something as simple as changing your land line number into a cellular one would take hours at most. At least Congress does, and its now urging the FCC to put rules in place that will speed up local number portability processing.

Congress says the rules, which would give a 48-hour time limit for carriers to transfer numbers between each other, are necessary since carriers have been known to delay processing in a bid to throw as many retention offers as they can at customers trying to switch. The FCC seems to agree that it's a good idea, but was ambivalent as always about when it'd get around to implementing new regulations. [DSLreports]

First iPhone 2.0 Pwnage Tool Out Tomorrow [IPhone]

2008-09-03T01:14:00.001-07:00

The iPhone Dev hints rather strongly on their official blog that the much anticipated Pwnage tool that'll jailbreak phones running the 2.0 software so you can install unofficial apps alongside those from the App store will be released tomorrow. Usually I hate Sundays, but apparently not tomorrow. UPDATE: Nevermind, it's out.[iPhone Dev Team Blog]

Windows 95 Lead Architect Is a Mac Convert, Launches First iPhone App [Windows 95]

2008-09-02T22:13:00.001-07:00

After he left Microsoft, Satoshi Nakajima, the lead architect of Windows 95 and a "defining force" in the creation of Internet Explorer 3.0, wanted to understand why people were so into Apple. He picked up a Mac two years ago and decided he'd never use a PC again. Now his company, Big Canvas, develops apps for the iPhone. Their first app for the iPhone, PhotoShare, isn't bad, but it's another photo service to sign up for, and we just wanna use Flickr, damn it.

Still, he has some interesting thoughts on the mobile market, like there's "no business reason" to develop for Android and that "Apple has proved that having a single app store does make sense to users as well as the offerers, so I believe Microsoft, Nokia and possibly Google will follow and we’ll have five stores, and that’s ideal."

Google has already announced that there will be an app store for Android, so that's at least two in the game (and I think he's right about the others). Check out the full interview over at Cult of Mac. [Cult of Mac, PhotoShare]

Mercedes Benz Makes an iPhone Pouch...Wait What? [Mercedes Iphone Pouch]

2008-09-02T19:14:00.001-07:00

It's Mercedes' Swarovski Elements iPhone pouch from their GLK collection, which holds your iPhone the way that only a gaudy piece of leather can. Only 40 are going to be made (as of now), and will be raffled off in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin to people who are rich enough to attend. More gaudiness after the jump. [eMercedes Benz]

Mobile Edge TSA Compliant Laptop Bags For Speedy Trips Through Security [Laptops]

2008-09-02T10:14:00.001-07:00

We have known for quite some time that the TSA would allow companies to develop "checkpoint friendly" laptop cases—and now the first products are beginning to roll out to the masses. The ScanFast collection from Mobile Edge is among these new releases, and their lineup features a backpack, briefcase, and a messenger bag that can allow security personnel to easily view its contents so you never have to remove your laptop. The products are expected to be released "in late summer" but pricing info has not been made public. [Mobile Edge]

Digital Foci's Photo Safe II takes the load off of your flash card

2008-09-02T07:14:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Storage

Digital Foci didn't go out of its way to drastically redesign the original Photo Safe, but we 'spose that's alright in the grand scheme of things. Essentially, the Photo Safe II picks up where its predecessor left off by including a multicard reader (now with 100% more MS Duo and miniSD support) which automatically transfers photos from your flash card onto the built-in 80GB / 160GB hard drive. The integrated display tells you at a glance how much space is remaining and how much battery life is left, though it won't show your stored photos in slideshow (or any other) fashion. A touch steep at $139 (80GB) / $189 (160GB), but that's convenience for you.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

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Birdcage Backpack Will Get Both You and Your Bird Beat Up [What]

2008-09-02T04:13:00.001-07:00

This is a backpack that doubles as a birdcage. You can carry your bird around with you. On your back. In the birdcage backpack. TGIF, am I right, guys?? [Designboom via Coolest Gadgets]

Nintendo says it's considering Wiimote with built-in MotionPlus

2008-09-02T01:13:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Gaming

It's pretty far down on the surprise-o-meter, but it looks like Nintendo is at least considering the possibility of a Wiimote with built-in MotionPlus for further on down the road. That word comes straight from Nintendo's Katsuya Eguchi, who told a developer round table that, "as to looking at whether or not it will be an attachment or built in - we're always looking at how hardware should evolve and where we should take it," and that, "it's something we'll be looking at." Katsuya also insisted that MotionPlus wasn't an acknowledgment that the original Wiimote was somehow lacking, saying that Nintendo is "very happy" with what it did, but that, "of course, you always want more."

[Via Yahoo! News / PC Magazine]

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Question of the Day: Do You Support Hands-Free Laws? [Question Of The Day]

2008-09-01T22:13:00.001-07:00

It seems like common sense—if drivers have two hands on the wheel they are less likely to get in an accident on the road. Therefore, all states should adopt a hands-free law when it comes to driving and cellphone use. However, there are studies out there that suggest hands-free driving with a Bluetooth headset is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Whether that is true or not, there is still the problem of implementing the law in such a way that it becomes a truly effective deterrent. So, despite these potential shortcomings, do you support hands free laws?

If you have been busted by the hands-free law, Bluetooth headset companies are already doing promotions aimed at offenders. (Although, you can type in any random number in the citation box and still get the deal.)

ASUS' Chinese site reveals Eee PC 900 with 30GB hard drive

2008-09-01T19:14:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Laptops

As if it wasn't already clear that ASUS has descended into self-parody, the company's Chinese website has now revealed yet another Eee PC model which, by our estimation, brings the total number of variations to about on par with the number of Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavors. This latest model, dubbed the Eee PC 900 30G, boasts a 30GB hard drive in place of the usual 12GB or 20GB SSD drive, and is apparently set to be available in both black and white Linux versions, and a black-only Windows XP model. No word on a price or release date just yet, but it seems safe to bet that it'll come in under the flash-based models. Given the saturation of Eee PCs 'round these parts, it also seems entirely possible that these'll only be available in China, although we certainly wouldn't put anything past ASUS at this point.

[Via Electronista]

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Question of the Day: What is Your Take on Push Email? Love it, Hate It, Or Somewhere In Between? [Question Of The Day]

2008-09-01T10:14:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but I receive far too many emails to be messing around with push email. Those emails constantly chiming in annoy me, which is why I have everything set to manual update. However, that is certainly not the case with everyone. Some people really need to be on top of every email, while others receive only a few emails here and there—so the need for push updates varies. So, I have to ask: What is your take on push email?

Microsoft Backed Zumobi Browser Now Available on Blackberry Devices [Zumobi]

2008-09-01T07:14:00.001-07:00

I have been keeping up with the Zumobi browser platform since it was launched last year, but up until now the tile-based UI was only available on Windows Mobile devices. However, the Microsoft-backed company announced today that it will deliver the application for 81xx, 83xx, or 88xx Blackberry devices with OS 4.2 or later. The browser is free, so it is worth trying out at the very least. Hit the Zumobi website to pick up the download. [Zumobi]

Zumobi Now Offers Innovative Mobile Widgets Application to BlackBerry Users

Award Winning Mobile Widgets Now Give Brands Direct Connect to a Broader Mobile Audience

SEATTLE, WASH. – July 17, 2008 – Zumobi (www.zumobi.com), the innovative mobile widget company, today announced the launch of its application for BlackBerry devices. As the profile of Smartphone users expands to include more than just business users, Zumobi has developed its BlackBerry product to enhance the user experience by providing easy access to small “bites” of customized Web content via mobile device. The Zumobi platform, which is ad supported and gives a fully-branded experience to users, is an ideal medium for advertisers and content providers to directly reach consumers in an engaging and highly-targeted manner.

With an already robust library of widgets (Zumobi calls them “Tiles”) to entice users of Windows Mobile and BlackBerry with news, sports, weather, entertainment, games and more, Zumobi now offers even more new Tiles for users including NPR, AP Olympics report, Major League Baseball as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. Users can also create their own Zumobi mobile widgets from just about any Web content with the new Tile Creation Wizard now available on Zumobi's website.

Popular industry weblog BlackBerry Cool will launch a branded Zumobi Tile to extend its brand to the mobile space. “BlackBerry Cool is the first choice for timely news, opinion and reviews of the BlackBerry space, delivered to an audience that expects updates when they are available,” said Douglas Soltys, editor-in-chief of Blackberry Cool. “Until now, there have been few options to do this successfully over mobile. With Zumobi available now on BlackBerry devices, we will be able to reach our audience directly with news that is important to them while they are on-the-go.”

The unique design of the Zumobi application provides the user direct access to what they want, when they want it, with cached content for quicker retrieval of fresh information. This puts content at their fingertips, and allows for a more engaging and immersive experience for brands. In the new age of mobile marketing, this direct contact with consumers is ideal for brands looking to deliver products and services that are tailored to a specific audience.

“By adding BlackBerry as our second major mobile platform, Zumobi significantly expands our reach for brand and content partners. We're thrilled to introduce Zumobi to Blackberry's data-savvy users, and look forward to providing them with a highly-engaging mobile experience,” said Ken Willner, vice president of Market Development.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of the release of an updated application for Windows Mobile announced in June. For a tour of the Zumobi mobile widget platform or to download the mobile widget platform for Windows Mobile and BlackBerry, please visit http://www.zumobi.com or get.zumobi.com on the mobile Web.

Anodos shows off FED-based, internet-connected set-top display

2008-09-01T04:14:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Home Entertainment

FED technology may not have exactly caught on for use with TVs just yet, but Japan's Anodos looks set to bring it into living rooms in its own little way in the form of an internet-connected set-top box. Dubbed the "Anobar", it'll give you a 640 x 94 resolution with which to view the headlines and low res images of your choice, along with a more than capable VIA C7-M under the hood, and Windows XP Embedded running the show. You'll even apparently be able to get real-time comments about the show you're watching courtesy of 2channel's discussion forums. Unfortunately, in its current prototype form, all of that added up to hefty ¥200,000 (or $1,900), and the researchers say that they're going to have to get it down to ¥30,000 ($280) or less before they make a go at selling it to the general public, which could take a little while. For now, you can get a taste of what might be in store courtesy of the video after the break.

[Via Engadget Japanese]

Continue reading Anodos shows off FED-based, internet-connected set-top display

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Vintage Time Travel Posters Shatter Space Time, Harken Back/Forward to Our Favorite Epochs [When Are We]

2008-09-01T01:14:00.001-07:00

Dave Eggers' temporally advanced Time Travel Mart in LA ("whenever you are, we're already then!") just released a fantastic poster set that takes on the look and feel of old Pan Am travel ads to hype several of the historical eras we'll all be hitting in our future DeLoreans—Pangaea to run with the dinos, Tokyo 2.0 where binary is the official language, and so on. LA Artist Amy Martin is responsible, and like everything else in Eggers's novelty shop empire (pirates and super heroes also have their own outlets), the $20 goes to writing workshops for kids. Me want. [826LA Online Shop]

Gizmodo's Official License Plate [Big Giz]

2008-08-31T22:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-31T19:14:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-31T10:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-31T07:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-31T04:14:00.001-07:00

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.

2008-08-31T01:14:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-30T22:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-30T19:14:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-30T10:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-30T07:14:00.001-07:00

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?

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

2008-08-30T04:14:00.001-07:00

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?

2008-08-30T01:14:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-29T22:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-29T19:14:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-29T10:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-29T07:14:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-29T04:14:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-29T01:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-28T22:18:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-28T19:15:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-28T10:15:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-28T07:15:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-28T04:14:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-28T01:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-27T22:20:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-27T19:15:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-27T10:15:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-27T07:15:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-27T04:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-27T01:14:00.001-07:00

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]

2008-08-26T22:14:00.001-07:00

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]