Gadget Extra

Audi: Cell Phone + Car Control (And More)

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:30:00 GMT

Audi is pioneering the way to the most literal attempt at minimal, all-in-one devices. They're combining their car control devices with a cell phone into one neat [and conceptual] gadget, not to even mention all of the other features it carries.

Not only can it control your car and your calls, it also sports Wi-Fi and 3G UMTS technology. But that isn't all, folks. If this thing goes through, it will play your MP3s and act as in input for the car's naviagtion mechanism. Plus, it can recieve pictures of attempting intruders taken by your car's camera system and allow you to watch the criminal with the built-in tracking system.

This thing has the potential to be insane (in a very good way). I'd want one, for sure, althought that'd mean I also need to buy a new car. In the mean time, we can drool with anticipation.

Phone Fingers: Protect Your iPhone From Smudges

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

These finger condoms, otherwise known as Phone Fingers, will help you keep your iPhone looking as shiny as the day you bought it. Of course, they'll also make you look completely ridiculous.

Minor technicalities (such as your dignity) aside, these serve a worthy purpose. You can't help but cover your iPhone in fingerprints, because after all, the thing is literally one big touch screen. And no matter how much you love it, you shouldn't lie to yourself about how you're going to clean it every couple of days. We all know you aren't going to, and sadly, that really takes away from the otherwise gorgeous, glossy phone.

For $9.90, you'll get a pack of 25 of these sexy, black latex finger gloves. You also have your choice of 4 sizes including small, medium, large, and extra large. The website really says it all when the mention, " This is probably the funniest accessory for the iPhone available!" Also, they apparently even have their own video on YouTube. I pretty much hope this is a joke.

iPod Classic Bug: Nonstop Disk-Spinning

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:20:00 GMT

As we watch Apple's shining rep for flawless gadgets out of the box slowly go down the tubes, another bug has been spotted. The reports involve an iPod Classic update, 1.0.2, and a bug that's going to be a significantly bigger problem than the glitchy, laggy, freezing iPods that users have been dealing with up to this point.

This time around, the update has been spotted to cause the iPod's drive to spin constantly. Naturally, most users have picked up on the issue as they notice the completely shot battery life, forcing their iPods to die out much faster than normal. This problem is only made worse by CoverFlow.

For whatever reason, some say that replacement iPods with 1.0.2 don't even show the problems; it appears to be completely random. So far, the only remedy has been turning off the iPod and listening for that characteristic humming of the HD, then possibly trying it again if necessary until the disk stops spinning.

At any rate, it looks like the best plan is to stay away from this update until everything is cleared up. Nonstop spinning can spell certain death for your drive. There are Apple support threads here and here, as well as an iLounge thread here.

Use Your Cell Phone to Board a Plane

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:40:00 GMT

The International Air Transport Association has persuaded various airlines to join in the rally to have customers use their cell phones as their ticket for the plane ride. This would mean you would setup your flight and you would then receive a text message containing a barcode that could be scanned right from your cell phone's screen and this would serve as your ticket. Now this system will not be implemented for some time, but a few things that I'm curious about are small children or folks that just dont use cell phones... I'm sure there's some out there some where. I guess this would make us all that much more dependant on our cell phones, guess you better make sure you charge them before you leave the house!

Gmail Mobile Updated

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:30:00 GMT

Gmail Mobile has just released version 1.5 to the public. This upgrade includes a slim down in data usage when communicating with gmail, which means if you're on a limited data plan then this will definitely save you money, if not then you may just notice a slightly faster loading time. Also the new version of the mobile client provides for better searching of all folders from your mobile, ability to view full contacts details stored in your gmail contact list, calls directly from your gmail address book, and being able to save a composed message to send later. So overall nothing gigantic, just a quick polish on the client to make it run a bit smoother and shine a bit more, but I must say I appreciate the update coming relatively quickly for the gmail mobile client.

iPod + Hot Tub

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:20:00 GMT

It's time for an update on the "what else can we combine with iPods" field (which incidentally, is a pretty large field). The lucky winner today? Jacuzzi has jumped on board.

The J400 Series brings its buyers a shiny new line of iPod-compatible hot tubs, allowing you to listen to your iPod while you soak. Of course, you could listen to your iPod in any tub, at the terrifying risk of dropping it in the water. That wouldn't be a concern in this Jacuzzi because you don't even need to wear the headphones to hear your tunes.

The music comes at you through a set of waterproof speakers, which can be controlled with the floating remote. This is made possible by the AquaSound Audio System, allowing your iPod to play music while being tucked away safely.

The main headline here is iPod compatibility, but rest assured, this is one sweet hot tub. There are little treats around every corner including "WaterColour" waterfalls, illuminated and footmound jets, and a therapy lounge. Also, it comes equipped with a CD player and AM/FM radio, though I don't really see why you'd buy an iPod-compatible Jacuzzi if you didn't own an iPod. Nonetheless, you can check it out here if you wish you owned one as much as I do.

Sunjar Traps Light, Maybe Saves Fireflys

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:20:00 GMT

The Sunjar goes along with my last couple post of solarpowered led devices, the Sunjar is a frosted and sealed mason jar with highpower solar cells inside. The solar cells are used to power 3 led lamps by recharging 2 AAA batteries. The jar gives off a wonderful warm glow much like that of a mason jar full of fireflys. The Sunjar also has a sensor in it to tell whether it it light out or not so the jar will not waste it's power during the day. The jar must be in direct sunlight to charge the solar cells, but since the jar is sealed it can be left outside even in the rain or snow. The Sunjar also features an override switch to turn the jar off conserving power if you wish at night. This wonderful little jar of sunshine will set you back $34.99, but what's it matter if you can tell everyone that you have sunlight in a jar back at your house.

Apple Cans Hundreds Of Employees For Collecting iPhone Rebates

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:10:00 GMT

Remember when the iPhone first came out, and tons of eager beavers paid way too much for it? Remember when Apple offered all of those schmucks a consolation of $100 in the form of a rebate? Well that was all fine and good, but it blew up in several hundred employees' faces.

800 Apple retail store employees, thinking they were so clever, collected their $100 rebates for the iPhone. To clarify, they collected rebates on iPhones that were given to them for free by Apple. Shame, shame. And what fools they were to think that Apple wouldn't catch and fire every last one of them, immediately.

The good news is, if you're looking to work for Apple, there are a lot of openings now. It does seem that it'd be easier for Apple to just dock all of those employees' pay $100 bucks, but that simply isn't Apple's style.

Write Messages ... On Your Roof?!

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:10:00 GMT

That's right, whether you're trying to advertise or maybe get a message out to someone out in the skys these transparent roof tiles from Lambert Kamps will do the job. They not only function as regular roof tiles to protect your home but also contain led's allowing for messages to be spelled out or animated over your roof. the cells are solar powered so throughout the day the cells store energy to be able to light up your roof and the sky. No real details on controls for these or setup but the idea is certainly remarkable, although I can't imagine that neighbors would particularly appreciate the light through the night, as led's are generally pretty bright.... although maybe that would spur some sort of crazy light competition to the point that eventually it will never be dark outside. Hopefully it doesn't go that far.

Apple's New Dock

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:30:00 GMT

A couple of years and several updates later, Apple has released a new dock to accompany the family of new iPods.

It's the same basic concept with a few new features and minor changes, just as you might expect. The universal dock now comes with five adapters and one infrared sensor on the front of its body, which has been trimmed down from a fat circle to a slim oval (I did say minor changes). This sensor responds to the Apple remote that is included with the new dock.

The S-Video output is gone, with the Dock Connector port cleverly taking its place. That port now offers authenticated video output, but this means you have to purchase one of Apple's $49 Composite or Component AV Cables. Well played, Apple.

Why the dock is still white plastic, instead of aluminum, is beyond me. This model is almost [visually] identical to the older version. Nonetheless, it's updated and now, we're bribed with a remote. All and all, not too shabby. You can pick one up now for $49.

Topple Bookshelf Rocks...Literally

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:10:00 GMT

This Topple bookshelf is a crazy new concept to add to the list of abstract bookshelves. At least those other wacky bookshelves aren't likely to fall over and crush me.

The Topple bookshelf's bottom is equipped with a 5-degree tilt, allowing it to rock. Julian Appelius proposed this idea, assuring us all that the bookshelf will hold your books level as long as you have enough of them to fill up a row.

Well, duh! I think we know that much, but the issue still remains: Why a rocking bookshelf? It seems needlessly reckless and completely pointless in the full sense of the word, but perhaps that is it's twisted appeal.

It seems that a tilted bookshelf would put an end to the classic problem of having your stacked books fall over, because they are leaned against each other. Feel free to check it out for yourself here, but I'd still say you buy it at your own risk.

Solar Night Light: GlowBrick

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:10:00 GMT

The GlowBrick from ThinkGeek is a nifty little light that works a little bit differently than your average night light would. The GlowBrick is actually a small lightbulb filled with glow in the dark pigment, encased in a small acrylic cube. The glow in the dark pigment charges when exposed to sunlight and will then glow when ever it is dark. Coming in two colors of green and blue these would make a nice little decoration around the house, of course you would have to make sure they were close to a light source so that they'll glow once the lights are out. They have a very sleek look to them, which personally I think is wonderful and at $29.99 they won't put too much of a dent in your pocketbook.

HTC Touch Dual Sighted

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:40:00 GMT

HTC had lauched the Touch as a iPhone equivilent for Windows Mobile, the phone didn't really boom, although it did do well. Presonally one of my complaints about both devices is that I really prefer to have a hardware keyboard, well HTC has just addressed that with the HTC Touch Dual, the Touch Dual features an almost identical design to the original Touch but also incorporates a slide out hardware keyboard, now the keyboard is not a standard full qwerty, rather it's a suretype keyboard with 2 letters per key, much like some blackberrys. Now in my experience with Blackberrys with this kind of keyboard they have worked great, although that was due to the the software, so we'll have to see how well it works for the Touch, but if you ask me this is certainly a move in the right direction, although I still think if you improved the iPhone a bit and slapped a keyboard under that pretty screen that it would be just amazing and then I'd most likely find myself toting one of those around in my pocket, but maybe the Touch Dual will take off and Apple will get the hint.... we can only hope.

OS X 10.5 FINALLY OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:20:00 GMT

Now as you may have read here I'm currently on a Mac since my laptop got smashed, well I must admit this thing is starting to grow on me a bit, although it's still no gaming computer. On that note while OS X 10.4 aka Tiger has been a great OS and had taken some great leaps over it's predeccesor, well the long awaited upgrade from Tiger has finally gotten an official release date after being pushed back numerous times. OS X 10.5 known as Leopard will be released on October 26th. At $126 for single users and $199 for the family pack it may be worth it to get a couple friends to pitch in and just get the family pack.

With key improvements throughout the OS and many immediatly obvious in the UI, Leopard also adds multiple desktop support standard to the OS, a redesigned desktop, a finder that is very similar to the album browser of the new iPod Touch and iPhone, file previews on mouse over, and Time Machine which acts as a system restore. Those are of course only a few of the 300+ new features added to the new OS X. Personally I can't wait to give it a go, and I certainly cant wait to watch it boot up as this mac's UI is already wonderfuly polished, now it should be shiney enough to see myself in (with the help of the iSight camera of course haha).

Go ahead and check out all the new features or go ahead and preorder Leopard by following the link at the bottom of this article.

Kenwood Response: Colors to Indicate Heating

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:10:00 GMT

Now personally I'm a coffee kind of guy, and I drink my fair share throughout the day and to be honest I'm not terribly picky by most standards. Though I sometimes like to relish in a well prepared cup to help me through my day. With the Kenwood Response boiling water for your coffee or tea has become a little bit more intuitive than listening for the whistle to sing out. The Kenwood response changes color as the water heats from red to blue, seems kind of backwards to me but I guess thats just me. The kettle will also indicate when it's at 80C* and holding constant by a pulsing orange light. Nothing revolutionary here but certainly a bit of a convenience for folks that enjoy their tea and coffee.

Open Source Phone From OpenMoko

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:20:00 GMT

In recent years it seems that we've watched a major push for open access and open software and devices from pretty much everyone, as it should be. When paying so much for a device, I want to be able to use it as I choose and with the service provider of my choice, although most of the time that isn't possible without some major programming work....*cough*iPhone*cough*. Well for al those of you that have a bit of insight into programming and like the freedom of open source technology, welcome the openmoko project.

OpenMoko has been working to produce the first open source Linux based phone for the masses. Featuring a 2.5in touch sesitive screen at a wonderful 640x480 (283dpi), AGPS-enabled, with 128Mb of internal memory, also featuring expandable memory via the microSD clot, which by the way is SDIO capable unlike most phones, this device is a programmer/hackers dream toy phone. Dubbed the Neo 1973 This device runs a quad band radio and will work with and GSM provider. Currently still in testing phases the phone can be purchased for $300 off of their website by developers, with a public release date still pending. Let's wish them luck and hope that maybe this will help send a message to all those phone companies that keep trying to lock everything down.

Dell M1730 Answers My Prayers

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:50:00 GMT

Well folks before I introduce this modern mobile giant, I'd like to se the mood here so maybe.... just maybe you can get as excited as I am. I'm a college student and recently on my way home from an exam my car was hit and essentially crushed, along with my car being crushed my laptop and basically everything I did went with it. I don't know about everyone else but I'm basically dependant on my computer, so I've been a bit of a lost soul as of late until I recently talked my brother into lending me his macbook, not really my cup of tea but it's getting the job done. Needless to say I'm on the market again for a new laptop. Now I'm a gamer through and through so I'm not looking to pinch pennies, I'm looking for the meanest machine I can find out there and when I browsed over to Dell's page today i found EXACTLY what I was looking for. Dell's M1730 is the succcessor to their popular XPS gaming laptops released in recent years, while these 17" marvels were great, the M1730 is taking it way beyond what the predessors could do. The M1730 is the first to feature the Intel Core 2 Duo Extreme Edition X7900 which starts you of with 2 dual processors running at 2.8Mgz each, well if that's not enough, this baby is ready to be overclocked to 3.4 WITHOUT voiding your warrenty! How great is that! Not only that but this laptop features choices such as performance raid setup for 400Gb of storage at 7200 and also the option to upgrade the ram to 4Gb. One wonderful thing also given as a choice is whether you would like Vista or XP preloaded which I think is wonderful as Vista still isn't too keen on managing resources properly. Of course as a gamer the next concern of mine was graphics and this is where the M1730 brings it home with NVIDIA® SLI® Technology Ageia PhysX processing unit running 2 256Mb for amazing graphics on the go. While weighing in at about 10-12lbs this thing is just begging me to take it home, and believe me I will. I'm going with grey for sure.

Zune's Battery Competes With iPod's

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:20:00 GMT

Not that I condone the purchase of Zunes-- I don't -- but it's worth a mention that the Zune is actually putting up a fight and holding its own in one field in comparison to the iPod. Even more surprising, it's a field that does matter; the ever-important area of battery life.

For the specs on the new Zunes, you'll get 30 hours of audio and 4 hours of video with the Zune 30. Flash Zunes, in flavors of 4 and 8GB, will still get 4 hours of video and 24 hours of audio.

Now, to compare it to the iPod. The 80GB iPod plugs away at 30 hours in audio, and it gets one more hour than the Zune (5 hrs) in video. As for the iPod Nanos, the results come out the same, giving users 24 hours of music and one extra hour (5 again) in video.

All in all, that's not bad. Zunes have done a pretty nice job here. That said, I still prefer the screen size, quality, and battery life of the iPod. Better luck next time, Microsoft.

Firmware Update: Turn Your iPod Into An iPod Classic

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:10:00 GMT

Though its name is slightly misleading, the iPod Classic boasts some handy features not to be found in past iPod generations. While the hardware of these models isn't exactly the same, it is similar, and it is entirely possible to run the newer features on the iPod 5 and 5.5. Still, Apple hasn't taken such action, nor do they plan to. So boys and girls, where do we look when Apple won't throw us a bone? Hackers, of course!

It's true, Apple and hackers really do go hand in hand. Once again, our friends have come through for us with a shiny, new firmware update for the iPod 5 and 5.5. Just as you would guess, this update allows slightly older iPods to get in on the attractive action, previously only found on the iPod Classic. Namely, you'll be able to scroll through the split-screen menu/now playing system.

Rest assured, the custom update runs just as you would expect one to run: buggy, laggy, and a little unpredictable. Nonetheless, it works and it might help to fill the iPod Classic-shaped hole in your heart. Besides that, the people who put this together are still working steadily to work out all of the kinks. Check it out here, and take a look here to see a video of the update in action.

Flying Alarm Clock

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 06:20:00 GMT

How many times have you pressed that snooze button on your alarm clock? When you run into the office 15 minutes late, are you still happy you did? Didn't think so. Sometimes though, we do it subconsciously. I have woken up late and found my alarm clock on the other side of the room! Well, if you are sick of snoozing everyday, this gadget is for you.

The Flying Alarm clock is a great unit that, when the alarm goes off, a propeller piece is launched off the top of the unit, and you can't turn the alarm clock off until you go find the propeller and place it back into its holder in the clock. This product is creative and effective. The only way to beat it is if you unplug it from the wall completely (in which case, maybe you shouldn't work so early)! Although the product is advertised at 27 euros, it CAN be shipped to a number of countries, including the US, for $40.

Faster Healing With Electric Bandages

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 11:30:00 GMT

Here's a neat concept from our friends at Yanko Design, centered around the idea of electric band-aids to speed the healing process (otherwise known as HealFast).

How would it work? I'm no scientist, but according to Yanko, HealFast would generate a very weak energy field that prevents infection around the wound. This protection allows the body to focus on sealing up your scours, meaning faster healing.

The bandage is designed not only for faster healing but for efficiency as well. Simply remove the outer layer, place the pad over your wound, secure it by pressing down, and peel off the remaining paper guard. In this way, it can actually be applied with one hand (or so they claim). Also, when the paper guard is peeled away, an electric charge is activated. This charge is responsible for the energy field mentioned above, and is the reason you heal faster.

HealFast was originally designed with diabetics in mind, as they tend to struggle with ulcers and sores chronically. This bandage is intended to help address such issues, though really, I could see any person in the general public taking an interest. We want everything faster, and healing is certainly no exception. Head over to the product page for some more pictures (in chronological order of application, I might add).

iPhone Apps On the iPod Touch

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 08:10:00 GMT

One deciding factor in the iPhone vs. iPod Touch debate is the attractive iPhone apps that can't be run on the iPod. Finally, that little annoyance has been remedied (making your decision that much harder).

So far, the third-party apps were installed onto an iPod Touch by a blog reader (check it out), so there aren't a ton of 'official' notes. Nonetheless, we are definitely sure that you can now have your Google Maps and NES emulators, even if the iPhone isn't for you.

Clearly, if you want any freedom, individuality, or old school games to speak of whatsoever, it isn't for the faint of heart. Ever since the release of the iPhone, not to mention the new iPod line, there have been countless hacks and unlocks discovered. If you're willing to work for it and get your hands dirty, either of these two gadgets can really shine.

Oddly Shaped, Ceramic Remote

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 05:20:00 GMT

Above, you can see this strange-shaped, ceramic remote. It's minimal, it's modern, and it appears relatively pointless. But believe it or not, its unconventional design serves a purpose.

Whether or not it's a worthy cause? That I can't vouch for, but I can provide a little insight. Designer Yuta Watanabe's explains the motivation as an attempt to end the remote-lost-in-the-seat-cushion syndrome.

Apparently, the train of thought is that perhaps if the remote is decorative and chic, its user won't be so quick to lose the thing. It's a possibility, I suppose, and this remote sure does look nice. Other than that, though, I can't really speak for the effectiveness of the theory. Hey, it was worth a shot.

Halloween CFLs

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 05:10:00 GMT

If you're big on going green, you're going to want to update your Halloween traditions. What's fair game? I'd say carving pumpkins, apples instead of chocolates, and a handful of these delightful, Halloween-themed CFLs.

If you have any CFLs in your home, you probably love them. Not only are they bright and better for the environment, they last forever. Seriously.

So go ahead and take that to the next level; eat your heart out with some colorful lighting. You'll get two 13W bulbs for $9, one black and one orange. And just think, nine bucks and you'll never have to buy any more ever again!

Stress-Relieving Massage Bot Stresses Me Out

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:20:00 GMT

This robotic 'doctor' is intended to give therapeutic facial massages in spas and hospitals. The only downside is, you might be scared to stick your face between its robotic arms.

The WAO-1 bot (Waseda Asahi Oral Rehabilitation Robot 1) was originally developed for patients with jaw-related medical issues. Some of these patients benefit from facial massage, and voila! The face-massaging bot is born.

The robot is fitted with ceramic spheres that administer the massage by rolling over your face. Behind that, these arms are programed with fancy algorithms and at the bases, there are six sensors to control the pressure being applied.

This bot is compared to those robotic massaging mechanisms found in the gnarly recliners at the mall, but it is, naturally, much more sensitive as it is working on your face. It's even been said that this bot can be tweaked to give beauty and relaxation massages.

Personally, I'd prefer human hands. This cold, metal robot doesn't relax me. At all.

Wii Firmware Update Allows For Full Keyboard

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:00:00 GMT

In the past, the Wii was capable of partial keyboard support with its firmware update. Now, the good gets even better. The newest firmware update (3.1) grants users support of full USB keyboards.

This is excellent news, in actuality, because it'll make our lives about 40 times easier when it comes to entering those insanely long 'friend codes' that Wii requires you to provide for every friend you want to play online with, on every game. That's a lot of codes, and it gets a little more than frustrating when you're trying to work with the Wiimote.

It's a small update, but we're all eternally grateful to Nintendo. The fact is, the Wii isn't even half as fun without other people to play it with.

Picoo Z RC Helicopter

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 02:30:00 GMT

The current demand for micro radio controlled helicopters is huge, and the Picoo Z Helicopter is leading the way. The tiny PicooZ measures just 17cm long and weighs only 10g.

For such a small machine it offers loads of fun, its very easy to fly and is very manoeuverable. The copter charges in just half an hour and gives you about 10 minutes of air time before needing another charge.

The Picoo Z is available in Red, Blue or Yellow, each color has a different frequency so that you can have 3 flying around at the same time without interfering with each other.

And if that wasn't enough, theres also a Picoo Z Sky Battle set which consists of 2 of these copters but each one has a laser beam added, so you and a friend can battle it out in the air. Once hit by the laser from the other copter yours is temporarily disabled.

Colorware Paints Up All of Your New Apple Gear

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT

Colorware continues their tradition of slathering paint (oh-so-carefully) onto your prized electronics, having extended their spectrum to the newer line of Apple products. This means if you aren't happy with the colors of your new iMac, iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPod Touch, or iPhone, or perhaps your gear just doesn't look exclusive enough as is, then you can call these guys up and change that (for a price).

The tags may seem a bit pricey for a paint job, but you can rest assured, the outcome is very professional and classy (not to mention totally awesome). The look is clean and quite obviously, unique to boot. If I wasn't such a fan of classic black, glossy colors [that are conveniently the standard], I'd get my own gadgets clad in new color.

You have the option of sending in your own devices or buying them brand new and painted in their entirety from the Colorware site. You get to design the new digs and purchase it exactly the way you want it to look. The only downside is that a paint job on something like, say, the iPhone would cost you a baseline price of $149.

Other than that, these look great. Whether you're set or merely intrigued, do go check out the Colorware site here. Still not convinced? Thanks to Gizmodo, we have access to a gallery of real-life, non-computer-generated images of a Colorware paint job being modeled by the lovely Xbox 360. Enjoy.

Xbox 360 Holiday Bundle

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 10:50:00 GMT

Just in time for the holidays, Microsoft has announced their up-and-coming Xbox 360 bundle. In any normal circumstance, I don't exactly recommend that you buy your high-dollar, high-status electronics around the season of giving. But hey, I'll let you be that judge of that one this time around.

If a bundle deal sounds good to you, you'll be getting both Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance with your Xbox, demanding no extra cash out of your wallet than you're already forking over for the system. With the freebies included, you still have your choice of the Premium and Elite consoles, at $350 and $450 respectively.

As if that's not sweet enough, you don't even have to wait for the holidays. Both packages should be available by the end of October (at which point you should probably jump on it). Oh ho ho!

Self Stirring Mug

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 09:40:00 GMT

This gadget is pretty self explanatory. You are sick of having to mix your coffee or tea by hand every day to get the full flavor throughout the drink. Well, "problemo" solved. This 8 ounce, Stainless Steel, Self Stirring Mug runs off of 2 AAA batteries. There is a button on the top of the mug's handle, and when you hold it down, the propeller at the bottom of the mug turns on and mixes your coffee, smoothie, or whatever else, into a well mixed treat.

Now, I thought this product was cool until I saw the price. Then I thought it was AWESOME. This handy gadget gizmo is only, no kidding, $6. Six Dollars. Just pick one up. They are so worth the price, you might as well.

Monitor Glasses Transform You Into Your Favorite Sci-Fi Character

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 03:50:00 GMT

You've seen it in the movies, and now it's here: a wearable monitor in the form of uber-cool glasses. True, it isn't actually the first of it's kind. However, this is still a limited edition optical device brought to you by Scalar.

In the line of specs, this Teleglass T4-N wearable monitor weighs around 30 grams and features titanium frames to give you that extra special, sci-fi look. Simply connect it to something like your iPod (or any other NTSC-capable video player) and you'll see your media literally right before your eyes via monitors tucked behind the lenses. The screen resolution is 640 x 480, and each monitor can be focused and adjusted to reduce eye strain. The audio of your movie will be provided by a pair of headphones mounted in the frames.

All of this is cleverly tucked away, producing a simple, chic pair of sunglasses. The only catch is, 500 pairs are available from the Scalar website for $1,150. If you can swallow that, then these would be a sweet purchase.

New Mac Keyboard Isn't Fond of Caps Lock

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 03:40:00 GMT

You may love the newer, thinner Mac keyboard, but it doesn't wholeheartedly love you back. The wired version of the keyboard is apparently biased against the caps lock function and will exhaust all of its sneakiest efforts to prevent you from using the key.

You typical, instinctive 'tap' on the key won't activate it. No, instead, you must mash the key down and hold it until caps lock is turned on. But then, the slightest tap [which wouldn't do the trick for the life of you a moment ago] will instantly turn off your caps lock.

A minor technicality, but annoying and odd nonetheless. Here's to hoping Apple looks into this and fixes it, because for the mean time, the caps lock key is all but decorative.

Rubber Cell Phones Built To Withstand More

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 12:50:00 GMT

No matter who you are, cell phones undertake a lot of abuse from day-to-day. Women's phones tend to accumulate an impressive amount of scratches from being tossed around in their purses, where others are throwing cell phones into their pockets with the keys or dropping them into the swimming pool.

While it may not help mobile phones taking a dip in the pool, a new, rubberized phone concept may help reduce the beatings our phones take. In this SaY concept, the potential [rubber] phone will be quite durable as well as functional, fitted with an ergonomically slanted keypad (not to mention the 4-megapixel phone and stereo speakers).

The rubber could be nice, though it does seem like it'd look somewhat tacky. It shouldn't be too big of an issue, though, as many people clad their beloved gadgets and mobile devices in skins that serve the same purpose. To see more, take a look here.

Bling MacBook Pro; Diamonds and Gold Included

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

The MacBook Pro: Pimp Edition has finally arrived! If mods are your thing, particularly the high-dollar flashy ones, you're really going to dig this. After all, why not dip your Mac into a pool of gold and diamonds?

So what exactly are you getting here? It's not those knock-off diamonds, of that you can be sure (although the knock-off diamonds are an option). For somewhere around eight grand [$7,000-$8,000], you can snag a package including the computer itself, the 24-carat gold casing, and about 3 carats in diamonds to fill in your Apple logo.

If that doesn't quite fit into your budget, yet your heart aches for a senselessly blingy MacBook, you still have options. That casing can be purchased alone for more like $1,500. Also, as I mentioned briefly before, you have the option of selecting fake diamonds (AKA cubic zirconia). In that case, you'll get the entire package at $5,500 or so.

Apparently, the pimped-out mod adds nearly no weight [merely ounces], which is all in the gems. On that note, the Apple logo can be replaced with any filler of your choice.

There's really no point here, and probably no demand for such a mechanism, but it's amusing nonetheless. Bragging rights, I imagine, would be endless. We have Computer Choppers to thank for the mod.

Samsung MP3 Player: Skinnier and Longer Lasting Than a Stick of Stride

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:30:00 GMT

Allow me to introduce you to Samsung's MP3 player duo, the YP-P2 and YP-T10. If you're looking for an alternative to the iPod, these babies will fall into the category.

The P2 boasts a 3-inch [wide]screen touch interface, as well as stereo bluetooth, and it is available in 4GB and 8GB models (flash memory). It'll bring you a lovely 35 hours of audio playback, and 5 hours for your videos. At $199 and $249, you have a choice between white, black, and burgundy.

The T10 is a ridiculous 0.3-inches thick, weighing in at 1.5 ounces. Even then, you still get a 2-inch screen and stereo bluetooth. Also, the T10 includes FM radio, voice recorder, and game playing ability. Again, you can choose between 4 and 8BG for $149 and $199, coming at you in lime yellow, black, purple, red, and white.

Both of these wonders will be shipping some time this month. If you're still searching for that iPod replacement, this may not be tons cheaper. However, it does bring you a lot of capability [and you can buy it in white].

HD DVD and Blu-Ray Drives

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:10:00 GMT

Thanks to HP, HD and Blu-ray fans are in for a real treat. They'll be offering both capabilities in select Pavilions.

More specifically, you can look for these luxurious features in the d4995t, m9000t and m9000z. Buyers will have the option of purchasing a duel-layer DVD burner or a drive that will burn Blu-ray/DVD and simply read HD DVDs. Also, a third option gives users an HD DVD/ Blu-ray combo player which also burns DVDs.

Even for the low-spec models, we'll be able to select some variation of an HD combo drive. Either way, we have something to look forward to.

One-Handed, Gamer's Dream: Belkin n52te SpeedPad

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 09:50:00 GMT

This one's for the hardcore PC gamers out there. Belkin has rolled out a controller intended to replace your regular keyboard and mouse so that you can take your gaming and speed to the next level (no pun intended).

If the n52te SpeedPad is your controller of choice, you shall not be disappointed. It brings you 15 programmable keys, all of which are backlit with a pleasing blue glow. Also, the whole unit is designed ergonomically to support your ~~addiction~~ passion, no matter how many hours that passion should last. For example, the 8-way gaming pad is located on the side, waiting to be controlled comfortably (and quickly) by your thumb.

For $70, you can confidently show up all of the n00bs on your turf. I may not be a dedicated PC gamer at this point, but something like this makes me want to start committing all of my life to it. To get your game on, check it out here. Look for this pwning machine in November.

Lycosa Keyboard and Piranha Headset

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 09:40:00 GMT

These two gadgets, the Lycosa keyboard and the Piranha headset, both have a slightly intimidating look to them. That said, bad never looked so good.

The gnarly keyboard packs in some impressive stats to go with its killer charm and strikingly handsome features. It includes some small, but very pleasing, perks such as a set of rubber, illuminated nonslip keys that'll give the satisfaction of blue lighting beneath your fingertips. In addition to that, this baby is fast. We're talking a 1000Hz polling rate that, according to the company, takes a blinding 1ms to respond to your input. A lit, gripped, speeding-bullet keyboard? That's performance.

Granted, the keyboard may hold more importance over something such as a headset. Nonetheless, the Piranha is equally satisfying. It, too, boasts the lighting themes found in the keyboard, and its mic has a very handy noise-cancelling capability to ensure the clarity of your voice. You'll also find volume control and an in-line mute button.

The keyboard ships next month, while the headset is available this month. Both will be going for $79.99. Thank you, Razer.

iPod + Teeth Whitening

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:20:00 GMT

We've seen some atrocious [and some very cool] iPod accessories, but this just makes no sense in my head. Whitening your teeth with an iPod fits into the realm of an acne-treating MP3 player, and I can't imagine what the marketing people were thinking when they wrote these ideas on paper.

That said, it's true and it's here. The creatively named "Rock My Teeth" system uses peroxide strips and about a half an hour of your life to provide a brighter smile. Once you've applied the whitening strips, you chomp down on the sexy mouthpiece and fire up your iPod.

You'll be listening to your tunes through bone conduction, and apparently, said vibrations help push along the process. For the record, it's been said that this works about the same as regular whitening strips. Of course, with regular whitening strips, you don't get to wear the attractive, drool-inducing mouthpiece with an iPod cord attached. Tough call.

Artificial Cornea for the Blind

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:10:00 GMT

We've had numerous innovations for the deaf, as well as for those with less-than-perfect vision. Now, the time has come to employ artificial corneas for the blind.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany have developed the gadget so that it will attach to the patient's natural cornea. The animal testing phases of this invention are complete, and the human trials are scheduled to begin some time next year. You'd probably worry about how easy it is to go on living normally with something like this in your eye socket, but it seems to be about the equivalent of an intricate contact lens. It will constantly be covered with tear fluid, as usual, and cells of the natural cornea can grow and latch onto the implant.

The actual, full explanation of this was over my head, but most of us can follow "artificial cornea". This could provide some real hope for the blind, assuming testing goes well.

Need a More Intimidating USB Hub?

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 04:50:00 GMT

Over at Instructables user fungus amungus has shown how to make a pretty scary looking USB hub for your computer.
This would do great to scare off your kids or maybe even a dog that has been chewing your cables... I know mine have been chewed several times. I must say this would also make a nice little conversation piece if your computer happens to be in a public area, and if you could maybe pop a small motion detector or camera in the head this would serve as a great little security setup in your home, just ahve the webcam run to your computer to record. Althought hose are just a few things you could do with it, you can make it so do whatever you want with it!

Check out the video for a small tour of this little USB monster!

Turn Your Earbuds Into...Not Earbuds

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:00:00 GMT

These Lobie accessories were created for all of those who cannot stand to wear earbuds for their music listening needs. I personally don't understand what it is about earbuds that makes you people cringe, but I digress.

Lobies fit onto your earbuds and wrap around your ears, transforming your headphones. I can see someone sitting in a office realizing that no one's done this yet, and that much I can respect. And perhaps, if you bought a painfully expensive pair of earbuds (stupid on your part, since you apparently don't wear earbuds), then I can see why you wouldn't want to throw that money away. However, other than that, this seems like another incredible, gel-based waste of an idea.

They might actually be comfortable, but I get the feeling quality wasn't really taken into consideration here. Lobies are available in an array of vomit-inducing neon colors, and they are sure to look ridiculous over your ears. If you'd still like to see for yourself, head here.

Buzz Box Drives Your Enemies Insane

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:50:00 GMT

Seeking revenge? Look no further! The buzz box is here to drive your enemies insane, minute by agonizing minute.

In a nutshell, the buzz box emits a buzzing noise, not unlike a mosquito would put off. Just hide one [or twenty] of these babies in your rival's pad. At first, they'll wonder if they're even hearing a noise. By the end of the day, they're curled up and rocking in a corner, foaming at the mouth as they curse the demi-gods of buzzing and mosquitoes.

As a bonus, these gadgets are sensitive ~~light~~ darkness. When the lights go down, the volume comes up. Picture hiding a buzz box in someone's drawer, pocket, refrigerator, or any other dark place. If a dark spot just won't do, don't fret! Putting these in any room would be just as funny, as your enemy can't understand why the buzzing begins when they flip the light switch. There's so much potential here, it's scary; I'm hoping no one puts one of these in my place.

That might be a little extreme, but you can hope. At $10.21 a pop, these are only available by the dozen. So, you'll either be finding 12 enemies or hiding 12 buzzing insanity-inducers around your one and only nemesis' home. Either way, you're bound to have a blast.

DIY Drinking Strawz

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 11:40:00 GMT

I have to say, this is actually a pretty slick design. The basic concept is this: build your own straw using straw pieces and connector pieces.

Build it however you want. Now to some of the duller of you, this may not sound like much, but if you know anything about suction and...knex pieces, then you will see great opportunities. Let me put an example in your head. You could shape the straw so that there are 2 straws going in 2 separate drinks. They could then connect into one straw, and you have yourself a mixed drink. To add more fun to the festivities, you could ad another straw up top and share a drink or 2. The possibilities really are endless, because the more packs you buy, the more room you have to play around with. You can get 1 set (which you can do alot with) for $13. This product is worth it. Have some fun.

"Ghost Finder" Camera

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 10:50:00 GMT

Do you know anyone who buys into every hoax picture they see? Or perhaps every Saturday, they go Bigfoot hunting. This ghost finding camera is the perfect ~~gift~~ prank for that very person.

This is a disposable camera that will, quite simply, add a 'ghost' to every picture its user takes. This saves you and your chump some bucks; instead of editing the spirits into your photography using expensive editing software, it's done for you! How convenient.

All of this can be yours for the small price of $10, and just in time for Halloween. What are you waiting for? Casper is calling!

RFID Digital Door Lock

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 10:40:00 GMT

This Gadget puts a whole new spin on "easy." All you have to do is simply walk up to your digitally locked door, tap your card or key fob on the unit, and open your door. Not to sound like a droning infomerical, but it really is that easy. Who ever liked inserting, turning, and pulling out, anyway? (Yes, I am talking about standard door locks and keyes.) Well, say goodbye to manual, it's all about digital now. Oh, and say goodbye to lock pickers too; there is no keyhole for those hoodlums to access. Forgot your key card or key fob? Just type in your pin number on the keypad. You can change your pin number as you please, so you never have to be worried that someone saw you type it in.

Also, the unit comes with a built in alarm system that will sound if the lock is exposed to excessive force.

Here are the important specs:

Comes with 8 RFID Smart Keys (4 cards, 2 fobs, 2 tags)
Auto/manual lock modes
External forced lock mode prevents unauthorized opening through mail slot or window
Burglar alarm
Smart Keys can be re-registered if one or more is lost or stolen
Takes 4 AA batteries (included)
External contacts for a 9-volt battery (in case AA batteries are completely drained)
Includes mounting hardware, screws
Dimensions: 5.75" x 2.7" x 1" (Outside component)
Dimensions: 6" x 3.9" x 1.5" (Inside component)
Installation guide
Please Note: this lock needs be mounted such that it will not be exposed to rain/snow

If you are the techie type who wants a new, digitized security system, then the RFID Digital Door Lock is for you. At $300, the lock system is pretty pricey, but you pay for what you get, because unless you have a Kevin Mitnick type on your hands, the burglar ain't getting in.

USB Digital Microscope

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 10:20:00 GMT

This gadget is for the Bill Nye in all of us. This very powerful Digital Microscope zooms up to 200X. That is pretty impressive, and to show you just how powerful this thing is, here is a picture of the name "Jackson" on a $20 bill.

You can even take high quality stills and video of your findings and display and save them on your PC or Mac. Have you ever wanted to see what easter eggs motherboard manufacturers left on their products? Want to study chips? Love biology? This powerful unit is great for all of the above.

Here are some important Specs you'll want to know:

Great for industrial inspection, science education, forensics, printing, textile, printed circuit board (PCB) inspection, jewelers, hobbyists, tinkerers, crime scene investigation, medical, serial number identification, quality control, parts assembly
Capture high quality images, video and time-lapsed video [sample images]
Resolution: 640 x 480 pixels for image capture
Magnification: 20x, 50x, 200x (for AM-311S) and 20x, 50x (for AM-310)
Built-in LEDs for illumination (8 LEDs for AM-311S) and (4 LEDs for AM-310)
LED on/off controlled by software (AM-311S only)
Interface: USB 2.0 (AM-311S only)
Frame rate: up to 30fps
Dimension: 10cm (h) x 3.2cm (dia)
Weight: 0.2 lb (90g)
Includes: Microscope, Microscope stand, DinoCapture Software (Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP, Vista, Mac OS9, OSX)
One year warranty
Two models are available (AM-311S and AM-310) [see details]

As you can see, there are 2 models. That means there are 2 prices, neither of them cheap. If you choose the cheaper model, you will get less magnification, the USB transfer isn't as fast, and you will lose software LED control. That said, you will save $60. The models cost $140 and $200. If you are into tech or science, this is for you. And the best part is, you can seamlessly transfer results right to your computer, through USB.

Update: iPhone Lives, Fully Functional

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 09:50:00 GMT

First, the iPhone was everything but bricked, leaving all of the unlocked and hacked iPhones raped by Apple firmware updates. Then, our hackers fixed it...almost. The third-party apps were working, but no one could actually dial. Now, it is back in full force, calls included.

So what's the fix? Quite simply, use your iPhone with a TurboSIM card and you shouldn't have any problem. This includes apps, web surfing, and calls; everything, just as it was and should be.

The next step, being worked on as we speak, is to create another free unlock to work with the 1.1.1 firmware. Check here for a video of the working iPhone using the method mentioned above.

Hopefully, we'll prepare ourselves a little better for the next update epidemic. Otherwise, I see a vicious cycle in store ahead.

Driving LED Emoticon

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 08:40:00 GMT

When you are on the road, you are in your element. Your car represents you. You've got the music going, you're sipping coffee; you feel great. Then some jerk starts riding your tail. You don't want to resort to immature hand gestures, but you need to let this clown know who's boss 'round these parts. Here is where the Driving LED Emoticon comes in.

The battery powered device is attached to your back window. You have a wireless remote up front that you can attach to the dash board, in the console, or you can have it free, in your pocket or something. From there, you can choose from 5 optons.

Happy Face
Sad Face
Thanks
Back Off
Idiot

#1 is for the cute girl in the convertible behind you. If only this gadget could give her your number. Oh well, maybe Version 2.

#2 is for the big guy who beeped at you for no reason. You didn't do anything wrong!

#3 is for the nice old lady who let you in before you lane ran out. Thanks, Gran.

#4 is for the guy who is so close to your rear bumper that unless you maintain your same speed, you will get hit. At least it's his fault. Use this Emoticon to warn the jerk. After that, it's Brake Checkin' Time.

#5 is for when you are having a bad day. You are mad because the person behind you has a better car than you. Or maybe you saw that they voted for ***. Show them who runs these streets.

Some more specs:

Main unit is powered by 4 AA batteries
Dimensions: 6" dia x 1.25" thick (approximate)
Has a power save mode

Don't let yourself stoop to the "Hand Gesture Level." Be the better person. Let technology do the dirty job for you. You never even have to get close enough for them to see your face. Now that's a plus. And for only $30, you can't go wrong. Note: may not be legal in all states. Check local laws before use.

The Stealth Switch

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 07:30:00 GMT

You are in the office, bored, and desperate for a mid day escape. You really want to look at Gadget Extra or maybe play some games you so cleverly loaded onto your bootable usb drive. And you need to check that item on your ebay watch list. But, you aren't aloud to stray off task at work, it may cost you your job, because you already got caught by the V.P. watching "Chocolate Rain" on YouTube. You tried to tell him that the video was meant to motivate you to work harder for the company, but he didn't buy it. So now, you are afraid to even check your email.

The Solution is Here.

Introducing the Stealth Switch. A little device that sits under your desk, out of view, and has 3 buttons. By stepping on a certain button, you can hide the current window, hide all windows, or hide all windows except for specified windows. And I don't mean minimize, I mean erase from the screen. Even the IT Guy won't be able to catch you now. With this heavenly switch, you can also mute sound, hide desktop icons, hide the taskbar, and even password protect the restore function. Then, when the coast is clear and your fun riner is back in their office, yo can tap one button and be back where you were before - in a happy place.

Here are some specs:

Software Requires: Windows 98, 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP Home/Pro
Includes: Stealth Switch with 6' Cable, USB-PS/2 Adapter, Installation CD-Rom, Quick Install Guide
Dimensions: Approx. 3"(W) x 1.5" (H)
Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 year limited

You probably already want one of these gadgets, but wait until you hear the price. These puppies go for only $25. I know. This is probably the best product for the price I have ever reviewed. Get yours now. And don't get this as a gift. Get it for YOU.

Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 06:30:00 GMT

When you think about the future of tech, lasers usually come to mind. Well, for me at least. Now there is this laser keyboard, a very small, even "pocketable", device that displays a virtual, full size keyboard on the flat surface of your choice.

And what's better than simulated click sounds when you press the "buttons?" One of my favorite things about this product is, it's connected by blue tooth. So if your computer doesn't support blue tooth, either get a dongle already, or get a computer made in the past couple of years! But what else does this "blue tooth" mean? Well, it means you can plug the keyboard into your cell phone or pda and type away with precision and speed while your peers look on with hate and jealousy. Gone are the days of cramped fingers and "Mini QWERTY Phone Keyboards" that are really just made to give you arthritis. The time has come to ~~scare~~ amaze people with lasers. What's better, the keyboard plugs in to recharge, so no batteries, and a charge usually lasts around 2 hours of continuous typing. Now, you should know this gadget is a little pricey. $180. Yeah, seems expensive, but some people spend that on gaming keyboards, why not on a laser keyboard? If cool is at the top of your priority list, then this keyboard is for you.

Handheld Gaming Console: Tons of Potential

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 04:40:00 GMT

Just the look of this one is exciting. This handheld gaming console, brought to us by some no-name manufacturer, has an unexpected amount of potential for gameplay, connectivity, and my likelihood to buy it.

We don't know a whole lot yet, but we know enough to anticipate more. One of its more noticeable features is its WiMAX, Wi-FI and Bluetooth. Connected? I think so.

In addition to the fact that it can be online on multiple levels, it also has a 4-inch touchscreen. But wait, there's more! If the touchscreen isn't enough for you, the whole bottom tray slides out, presenting you with some standard gaming buttons.

It all adds up to make a great system, so it's going to be a great disappointment if we can't play any good games on this thing. But sadly, that's what it'll come down to. Here's to hoping this goes somewhere, and picks up some nice titles along the way.

A USB...Seat Warmer

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 04:20:00 GMT

USB ports are so useful, aren't they? Except for when they're wasted. We've seen USB utilized to send convenience through the roof, and we've also seen it used to keep your drinks cool. I suppose that's the kind of diversity you get, but come on.

The gadget in question now is Thanko's USB Warmer Cushion. It's function seems obvious; plug 'er up, it warms your rump. I suppose if you had a metal chair or something, which doesn't seem that common, this could possibly be useful. Perhaps I'm just not seeing the light because I never leave my chair; it's always warm.

At any rate, if you're a big fan of heated seats and this turns you on, you can pick one up for about $26 frosties. And for what it's worth, this baby also works on the included USB AC Charger. Plus, the cushion can be easily removed and washed, if you can pry yourself off of it.

iPhone Revived...Kind Of. (Hit the Jump for How-To's)

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 02:50:00 GMT

Okay, so the iPhone isn't 100% back to itself, but it's progress since the last update announcing an all-but-bricked phone. When I said it would be war between hackers and Apple, I meant it.

If you missed it or just don't feel like going back to the article linked above, Apple has released the dreaded firmware updates we've been reluctantly anticipating; this means overriding all hacks/unlocks and bricking the iPhone. Luckily, the iPhone wasn't completely bricked, but it might has well have been, because the updates leave unlocked iPhones stuck in an inactivate-able state.

Thankfully, it seems we're able to spark some life back into the precious phones. Upgrades caused this whole shenanigan, so the obvious cure is to downgrade. This means taking iPhones in the most recent versions, 1.1.1, back down to 1.0.2.

The problem is, this little trick will get you running again and using third-party apps, but you still can't dial. So far, an iPhone that's been taken to 1.1.1 still can't be re-unlocked. So we're still waiting and searching for a way to actually get the phone back from the iPhone.

Here are some tools to get you this far:

Downgrade from 1.1.1 to 1.0.2

Hackintosh thread (where the magic happened)

How to unbrick an iPhone- Gizmodo

Multi-Card Reader Boosts Efficiency

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 02:10:00 GMT

Lots of different memory cards means lots of different card readers. I have to wonder why we didn't think of something like a multi-card reader sooner, but better late then never.

The guys and gals and Elecom are the ones to bring us this to make our lives of travel ten times easier (and lighter). ALl of your problems are solved with one USB port and their MR-C12 USB 2.0 card reader.

The whole thing comes wrapped in a small package with an opening lid under which all of your cards are safely tucked away for storage. The actual cards it supports include SDHC, SD, MMC, xD, and Memory Stick MagicGate/Pro/Duo cards.

It'll ship October 20th for a reasonable $29 bucks, and we'll have a color choice of red, white, black, or blue, though they actually all have a silver lid taking up the majority of the body. Elecom, we salute you.

Move Aside, Guitar Hero: Rock Band

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

If you haven't played Guitar Hero, you've at least heard of it. The addictive, guitar version of DDR has been a massive success, but now MTV and EA team up to take the franchise head-on.

Rock Band, the result of Guitar Hero's challengers, will be available for PS2, PS3, and of course, the Xbox 360. Instead of just a guitar, players will also be able to work with drums and mics. It's a cool feature, but oddly enough, the Sony guitars will be wireless and the Xbox versions will leave you tied down.

If you're with the recent trends (AKA PS3 and Xbox 360), your complete version of Rock Band plus accessories ships November 23 for a whopping $169.99. If you're still loyally hanging onto your PS2, Rock Band ships December 10 at $159.99.

The Annoy-a-Tron

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 12:10:00 GMT

If your goal in life is to prank and annoy, then this product is for you. The concept is rather simple. The annoy-a-tron is a device not much bigger than a quarter, that has a magnet for sticking on hard to reach metal surfaces. Don't have respect for it yet?

Select 2 kHz, 12 kHz, or alternate, turn it on, and hide it. In two to eight minutes you will hear the first annoying beep. The small but loud speaker issues a short, annoying tone every 2 to 8 minutes to keep your victim guessing. The random beeps will slowly drive your subject insane. But it gets worse. The device runs off of the included battery,which last for 4 weeks. That's right, you could hide the Annoy-a-Tron in a deserving person's office and forget about it, knowing that they are in for a whole month of sheer misery. Just close your eyes for a second and picture it. Remember that guy at ******* who tried to rip you off? It's payback time. Go back to the store, and plant one of these puppies in a nook, cranny, or better yet, in a ceiling panel. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor. Fortunately, in the unlikely event that the victim actually finds this gadget, they won't know what the heck it is. And at only $10, this product is well worth it.

Windows XP To Stay On Sale For An Additional Five Months; Vista Is To Blame

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Instead of cutting off the XP sales in Januray, 2008, it will continue to ship into June of 2008. Why? Because Vista sucks.

Even users who've never touched Vista can tell you how bad it is, simply from hearing all of the horror stories from those of us who have worked with it. And I mean that literally; it is work, and a constant struggle, to use Vista. But of course, in its infinite wisdom, Microsoft can find a clever way play it in words (and it goes a little something like this):

"There are some customers who need a little more time to make the switch."

...Right. Frankly, they should sell XP as long as possible, or at least until a decent, usable version of Vista becomes available. XP is stable and it's served us all well over the years, where Vista is a public beta disaster.

If Microsoft can manage to work out even some of the bugs, namely the nagging request to confirm every action you make, then Vista is bound to fare better. This is especially true considering the number of laptops that ship claiming Vista as their primary, standard operating systems. It's an outrage and an expensive annoyance, but perhaps help is on the way.

Discovery Weathertech FX5500

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 11:40:00 GMT

With this sleek looking weather gadget, you will always be ready to face the harsh elements. The Weathertech is a weather device that, paired with it's excellent, easily operable user interface, tells you everything you need to know from A to Z about the climate around you, whether you are inside or out of the house.

The product has big icons to tell you at a glance what the weather is at the time. A feature among many that I really like is that you can see the weather and humidity, inside and out. The device is also packed with a month, date, and day of the week calendar, and you can mount it on a desktop, wall, or simply don't mount it.

Here are some more useful features:

Dew point and heat index
Keeps records of historical minimum and maximum temperatures
12-hour pressure graph
6 animated moon phases
Radio-controlled clock for accuracy
Clock never needs setting with a clear atomic signal
Time zone indicator

The Weathertech runs off of 3 AAA batteries, which don't come with the product. For $100 dollars, I'd say the Discovery Weathertech FX5500 is fairly priced for what it offers. Buy it as a nice gift for someone, or become a weather whiz yourself.

Verizon Announces Motorizr Z6tv

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:40:00 GMT

Verizon announced this update to Motorola's Motorizr Z6, on the 28th. The biggest difference? Yep, you got it right, V Cast. Pay for V Cast, then pay for shows! As you can tell, I'm not the biggest fan of V Cast, but if you NEED your "24" on the go, your new Z6tv is the perfect place for it.

Verizon is hyping this phone as the "Ultimate Consumer Entertainment Source." I do love the slide aspect of the phone, but I definitely don't see iPhone Users switching over anytime soon, unless of course their iPhone was made inoperable after the last firmware update. This updated, feature packed, updated mobile will be released on October 5th, and will cost $230 before a $50 mail in rebate. Oh and, like always, you have to sign up for a 2 year contract.

Here are some useful specs:

-- Integrated digital audio player and support of .mp3 and .wma music
files
-- 2.0 megapixel camera
-- Video capture and playback
-- Landscape and portrait modes available for TV, video or camera capture
-- Location-based services-capable
-- Text, picture and video messaging capabilities
-- Display: 2.0" 240 x 320 TFT (65k colors)
-- Memory: Over 50 MB internal and optional external microSD(TM) expansion
slot
-- 2.5mm headset jack
-- Weight: 3.7 ounces
-- Battery: 940 mAh

Seems to be a good-great looking phone for those who love design and entertainment.

iPhone Firmware Update: Let the Battle Begin

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:50:00 GMT

It is upon us now; the Apple firmware updates that you have been so carefully warned about. There was always that chance of, "Maybe it won't affect our tweaks!" Nay, dreamers, the work of hackers everywhere is being undone and war wages on.

The newest iPhone version, 1.1.1, did bring some new features. So long as you still are still running your original SIM, you'll get some things like a louder speakerphone, iTunes WiFi music store, and other various treats. But the update also put hacked phones on the chopping block. So it is just as I said before for all of the users out there with unlocked iPhones; if you haven't updated yet, don't! This won't completely brick your phone, but it will turn it into an un-activateable vegetable in the blink of an eye.

For those phones that have already been firmware-murdered, our noble hackers in shining armor are tinkering right now, diligently searching for a way to revive the victims. Rest assured, something will be figured out. Until then, though, stay far away from the updates.

Say Farewell To Disney Mobile

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:30:00 GMT

Disney has decided to close down their service, Disney Mobile. Specifically, this US-based mobile virtual network (MVNO) is no longer allowing new purchases, and the service will be completely cut off by December 31, 2007. Current customers have until then to find themselves a new carrier.

Some people really seemed to like this plan, particularly the parents. With it, the location of a the child carrying the phone could be pinpointed at any given time; delicious, it's both creepy and dominating. Nonetheless, the company was having issues getting these babies into the hands of large retailers.

All is not lost, however. Once customers do terminate their plans, they should be reimbursed for all of the accessories that were purchased through Disney Mobile, such as handsets and content.

Tmobile Announces New Sidekicks

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 03:40:00 GMT

Tmobile earlier announced the upcoming releases of the Sidekick Slide and the Sidekick LX, the LX being released on Oct. 17th for current subscribers and Oct. 24 for non subscribers, then the Slide will be released Nov. 7th. The LX will set you back $299.99 and the Slide will go for $199.99.

The new designs are very similar to current designs although a bit slimmed down and with a smoother look. The sidekick is starting to look like it's not a toy anymore.

The LX features the trademark swivel display, while the Slide features.. you guessed it, a sliding screen. This could be a big change and there is really no telling if this will catch on or completely flop, maybe that's why Tmobile released both editions close together. Also finally Tmobile has added MMS support and the Sidekick is now quadband. Although the camera and such are pretty much the same, I would assume that you can expect much better service with this new handheld as compared to it's predecessors.

Halo 3 release is HUGE

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 03:30:00 GMT

Well if you own an Xbox or even have ever played Xbox, or have even just heard about the game through different media, or just through it's crazed fans... The chances are however it may be, you know what the game Halo is, and the long awaited third installment in the series was released this week with record sales. The game pulled in $170 million in the first day alone! Making Halo 3 the new highest grossing entertainmentment release day as of yet, stripping the crown from Spiderman 3. Well I say congratulations to Microsoft on keeping it alive, and I mean honestly even if the guy could shoot webs what chance does he stand against a p[lasma rifle.

Bookshelf Makes Us Crave Video Games

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:50:00 GMT

Do you love Tetris? Are you a minimalist? Do bright colors make you squeal with excitement? If so, I've got two words for you: Merry Christmas.

This bookshelf from Timothy Ben is supposedly arrow-based, but you can't deny its uncanny reminiscence of the game world. And that in no way is a bad thing; in my opinion, its aesthetic appeal hits a homerun. Granted, I can't possibly imagine the decor theme with which this shelving would fit. Nonetheless, as it comes in 20 different colors, I'm sure we could work something out.

In addition to twenty color options, you can also opt for either the lacquered or laminated finish. You could probably stack these babies in a way that truly tailors to the hardcore gamer within you, though if that doesn't do it for you, the sky is still the limit. Check out the product page here.

First Pure White LED

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:10:00 GMT

We're all fans of LED, and it's about to get better than ever. Ever notice that nasty tint associated with LED? It's usually blue or yellow-ish, and a major turn-off either way, but no more. Unlike the existing and unstable versions, this LED is truly pure white. According to Physorg.com:

"The researchers report the first success in developing a new LED based on a new phosphor from semiconductor nanocrystals of cadmium sulfide mixed with manganese."

Well, duh! We didn't we think of that? Scientists have had difficulty with developing pure white light, as the evidence of tinted lighting shows, but it seems that they've finally tinkered around enough to figure it all out. Not a moment too soon, either; this scientific discovery leads us to a stable version of white light that looks precisely the way it is supposed to look, even as time draws on.

Of course, now that we've successfully rendered it, the time has come to tamper with it even more. The light still has to be tweaked to increase efficiency so that we can actually use this stuff in our own daily lives. The resulting, practical versions of white LEDs would be brighter and would last longer than the other typical light sources we rely on (i.e. incandescent/fluorescent lighting). From there, we could even start replacing such lamps with the new and improved light.

MP3 Player: Ultra Thin, Ultra Handy, Ultra Cheap

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:20:00 GMT

I've seen some small MP3 players [with some large price tags], but this stands out to me. Here, we have a credit card-like MP3 player that doubles as a USB jump drive.

Granted, it may be covered in somewhat tacky, liquid-themed graphics, and granted, it may not be a server in your pocket (cough,160GB iPod, cough); but you have to give some credit where credit's due. It's tiny, as in, when I said 'credit card-like', I meant it. And yet impressively enough, it isn't fitted with something ridiculous like 64MB of space. As a matter of fact, this MP3 player/USB drive combo boasts 2GB of memory. Not too shabby, considering it fits in your wallet.

Not only does it fit in your wallet, it leaves some money behind. All of this can be yours for the low, low price of $42 dollars. It certainly fits into the ultra-portable category, and it does so without making you late on your bills. If this turns you on, check it out here.

Wireless iPod Dock For Bikes

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:50:00 GMT

Many people (including myself) like to have their music with them when exercising. Now there's a convenient, wireless dock available for your iPod when you're out biking.

Being a speaker that mounts on your handlebars, it'll probably get on all of your neighbors' nerves. But hey, it's still cool for you! Of course, there are some benefits to not wearing headphones such being able to hear a car horn blaring in your direction.

Instead of Bluetooth, this Cy.Fi dock uses Kleer Audio transmission. Supposedly, this technology works ten times better than Bluetooth; I'll believe it when I see it. With your iPod in your pocket, you can change the volume and track from the mounted speaker sitting in front of you. Assuming it works without losing connection, it all sounds pretty good.

AT&T Plans to Roll Out HSUPA... To Some

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:30:00 GMT

"Huh?" Some may say. Well lets break this down before we get into anything. There are a few different standards for wireless data transfer, such as EDGE (mega slow), GPRS (still slow), 3G or HSDPA (resonably fast), and HSUPA (just plain fast). This are standards used in the US and other regions to rate the speed of data transferred wirelessly to you phone.

Now AT&T currently has 3G rolled out in some area, GPRS in others, and still some sad souls stuck with EDGE. Well they have just announced that they will be rolling out the nexty upgrade to their service with HSUPA which will improve on the 3G speed of 120 Kbps to a nice 500-800 Kbps. That is certainly a nice little bump. Although AT&T said this will not be available in all areas, so you can probably bet you most likely won't have it, also they do not plan to upgrade their entire network to 3G, which I personally think would be better for all customers. Instead Some select areas will have great speed while some are still stuck in the EDGE darkness. Honestly this is the kind of move I would expect from a company like AT&T.

New iPod Nano, a Look Inside Isn't Too Suprising

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 01:20:00 GMT

With the release of the new iPods which I think look absolutely amazing, and even better is I don't need all that stuff crammed on my music player so now I can finally buy one of the older video iPods a whole lot cheaper. :) Although besides my financial gain in the situation, according to a company called ISuppli, who recently torn down the iPod nano to take a look at all teh new things crammed into that wide little shell and has said that Apple is going much further with it's pricing than the average mark up for a product based on the components used in it's design, which is certainly an interesting idea. Some argue that they did not take into consideration marketing costs and other PR related costs, but personally I wouldn't doubt that they are cheaper parts selling for a higher price, that's just how today's world works. The cost of the marterials for the new iPod nanos are said by ISuppli to be approximately $58.85 for the 4Gb version and $82.85 for the 8Gb version while the 4 Gb is selling for $149 and the 8Gb at $199. Either way, you wouldn't catch me with one of these little beasts... while they may be fatter now they certainly don't have anywhere near the amount of storage I'm looking for.

MP3 Players: The New Stethoscopes

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 11:50:00 GMT

Okay, so pretty much everyone [who matters, cough] has an MP3 player. That means little kids, elders, punks, or just your average working Joe/Jane. Also, MP3 players are cheaper than ever. A cheap MP3 player is no longer asking for bad news; you don't have to drop big bucks to get a display, voice memos, and decent battery life. Why not implement them into the workplace, like say, the hospital? This is kind of the idea; that perhaps stethoscopes can be replaced with MP3 players.

Research in this new concept is being carried out by Neil Skjodt and Bill Hodgetts. Apparently, MP3s sound more clear to the listener (AKA your doctor). By hold the MP3 player's microphone to the patient's chest, a heartbeat can be heard and recorded. Such leads us to the added benefit of being able to keep a file of a patient's heartbeat. The following statement was released, describing the comparison:

"The quality, clarity, and purity of the loud sounds were better than I have ever heard with a stethoscope … The MP3 files were later transferred to a computer and converted into frequency curves. Computer analysis of the stored sounds showed that each had a a distinct signature."

It can very difficult to identify a specific sound using a stethoscope. It may still be difficult to identify such sounds, but with an MP3 file on record, these noises could be analyzed more easily without the patient being right there in the same room.

I'm sure there will be certain doctors, particularly the ones who've been in the medical business for many years, who protest and refuse to use some gadget like this to listen to a patient's heartbeat. However, methods such as the stethoscope all become dated eventually. Who's to say at least some of the doctors can't use MP3 players? It isn't like everyone in medicine has to make a total transition right away. If nothing else, this method can be used as a backup so that doctors can have sounds on file in the patient's record.

Update Your MacBook's Look

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 09:50:00 GMT

I think we all know that those beautiful [plastic] MacBooks are finally on their way out. It's a sad day, but this is the truth. In case time wasn't reason enough, the new line of all-aluminum iPods was basically the final nail in that coffin. With metal Macs on the way, what can you do to update the look of your computer?

There's a couple of new skins on the market that I'd like to cover. The first is more or less a form of direct denial and desperation, mimicking actual aluminum Macs. The Shimura MacBook Metal Jacket is exactly what it sounds like, concealing the entire MacBook in metal except for the crucial status symbol (AKA the Apple logo).

With this 'jacket', the ports are all left open so you can access them regularly. Also, the whole mechanism has a carry handle on the top, so it doubles as a carry case on the cheap. I'll let you decide whether or not that's a good thing. Pricing and colors are to be announced.

The next skin comes from Iamhuman. They're hitting you up with some crazy, nature-reminiscent vinyl skins. The designs featured at the top of this post include zebra and wood, though there are said to be others. Prices on these babies range from $30—$45.

Mustek DV520T

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 09:50:00 GMT

This gadget is a perfect present for the kids. The Mustek DV520T is a very sleek and VERY inexpensive Camcorder / Digital Camera. The Camcorder is very primitive and easy to use, and the Digital Camera shoots 5.2 Mega-Pixel Images (which is fairly decent, not bad at all). This product also plays MP3s, which the kids will love. This useful little gadget stores data through SD Cards, up to 2 GB. The Mustek is just over palm sized, which makes it very handy for a boring car ride or a day of sight seeing.

This Digital Cam(corder) Hybrid is a great addition to your youngster’s tech collection, or makes a great gift for the “starter geek.” And for only $150, you can’t go wrong.

Kaiser on Tmobile US?

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 07:10:00 GMT

So originally most had assumed that the 3G carrying mega phone with built in GPS would come to AT&T here in the US because the predeccesor the 8525 was released with them and they are also the only US carrier with a 3G network rolled out at the moment.

Well the water has been teeming with talk of Tmobile's 3G rollout plan and now it looks like the Kaiser may be released here in the US under Tmobile rather thatn Cingular. Recent FCC articles have reveiled numerous references to MyFaves and Tmobile, also the Kaiser for US release feature Tmobiles's bands and also the band for their not yet released 3G network.

Personally I'm very excited as a proud Tmobile customer and I can only hope that these rumors are true, with Tmobile's amazing full internet access at just 19.99 a month this beauty may finally help Tmobile steal some of the iPhone's thunder!

How To Make Your Workspace Healthier

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 12:20:00 GMT

I just installed my new [Microsoft Natural] ergonomic keyboard and a flatscreen monitor, and I was instantly inspired to aid our readers in the health field.

So, you're here on Gadget Extra; clearly you love technology. In fact, you're no doubt reading this from your desk right now, be it at home or at the office, sitting in your self-arranged workspace. This is probably something you do several times a week, if not several times a day.

Ever get sore or fatigued from it all? Whether it's for business or pleasure, there are some guidelines that can help make your whole computing experience healthier. If you follow them, or even tweak your office just a little, it's likely you'll notice a difference over time in both your comfort level and your efficiency.

First thing's first, regardless of how your work area is actually set up or what kind of equipment you have. It's very important, though often underplayed, to take frequent breaks. Sitting behind a desk taxes you in numerous ways, and the longer you remain that way, the more you'll feel it later. Taking five gives your eyes a rest, allows your wrists to relax, and gives your whole body (specifically the spine) a break from whatever posture/position you had going on.

The problem here is, I believe will power to be a total myth (and so far, I'm right). You may intend to take a break, but even if you aren't putting it off, you'll probably legitimately forget all about it. The computer is endlessly distracting. So, that's why I suggest installing a program on your computer that'll make you take a rest. This isn't the only way to take breaks, but I highly recommend it. I personally use Workrave, which will stop you at scheduled times (every 'X' amount of minutes) for micro-breaks and full ones. It will even lead you through some stretches to ease your shoulders, fingers, eyes, and so forth.

How much is enough? Every 30-45 minutes or so, you should take a five minute breather. By 'breather', I mean get up and walk away from the monitor. Stretch a bit, or go through some motions with Workrave. In addition to that, you really should have a 30-second rest every ten or fifteen minutes. If you do nothing else to modify your workspace, at least use a program to remind you to take breaks. This is one of the best things you can do, and you'll feel better.

As far as the actual office itself, there's a certain way that things should be arranged to ensure that you're properly aligned. Poor workspace setup is where a lot of the soreness comes from, not to mention RSI (repetitive strain injury), so knowing the rules can really save you.

When your hands are at the keyboard, ideally, your elbows will be bent at a 90 degree angle. The whole idea is to have your keyboard even with your hands so that your wrists won't have to bend [much] in order to type. You want to avoid bending your wrists at an upward angle at all costs, though this is the way that most people type because they rest their wrists lazily on the desk while typing. It may help you to raise/lower your chair so that you are more even with the desktop and keyboard.

You want to keep your mouse and keyboard as close together as possible, to avoid constantly having to reach for them. Such repetitive action is both strenuous and annoying. You may consider utilizing something like this to make using the mouse more comfortable and ergonomic.

Posture, posture, posture! I cannot stress this enough. If you're sore anywhere in your body other than your wrists, this is probably why. I know it's hard; believe me, I'm one of those people that tends to sit in really foreign positions and lean into the monitor as time elapses (Workrave helps tremendously with that). Do everything you can to avoid bad habits like that.

Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor. If your feet don't touch the ground and that's your excuse, adjust the chair. In general, be sure to sit in a relaxed posture without slouching or tensing up your shoulders. This leads us to the next important factor, regarding posture and your neck.

Keep your monitor at eye level or slightly below it. Also, make sure the screen is at least a good foot and a half from your face. You don't want it too far away, obviously, because then you'll have to hunch or squint to see the thing. On the other hand, it's extremely taxing on the eyes to have a monitor right in your grill. If you're having dry eye issues, and you are taking breaks, then try moving your screen.

Other than those basic [but crucial] health tips, you just want to keep your workspace functional. I'm a minimalist, so all you'll find on my desk (other than computer gear itself) is one pen (you really don't need that whole cup full of 'em), a small notebook, and a lamp.

At first, this may sound like too little, falling far below the bar minimum. However, when you step back and think realistically, you'll realize all of the things you've surrounded yourself with that you don't need. I'm not saying get rid of it all, just don't put it directly in your workspace. If you use it daily, it'll probably need to be within reach. Otherwise, be logical and selective about what you choose. Your desktop and workspace should be a very exclusive area.

Keep the tips in mind, consider downloading a program to help with breaks, and you should see a difference in no time. The most important factors are to keep proper posture, rest frequently, stay far enough away from the monitor, and watch your wrist angle. If you remember those things, you're golden. ~~Happy~~ Healthy computing!

Robot Doctor Can [Allegedly] Fix You Anywhere

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:20:00 GMT

Here's a big one for scientists and problem-solvers across the world: A robotic physician that can do its job just about anywhere; in theory, anyway. Naturally, this is still in the testing and experimentation phases. In fact, they'll even be testing this guy out in space aboard a NASA C-9 aircraft at 34, 000 feet.

During this simulation, one test should include simply making an incision and then stitching it up. Researchers want to examine the precision and speed of human and RC robotic surgeons, under varying conditions. So, the stitch test mentioned above should be one fairly accurate way to measure the differences in human and robotic surgery; soon, we should know if our robot is up to par. From what I've seen in this field, it could very well come out on top in the precision and speed areas. Of course, there are always things a human can judge that a robot can't quite process, which is why I'm not too terribly concerned about the prospect of doctors and surgeons everywhere being replaced by robots someday.

In-flight robotic surgery, such as this, is exciting and has a lot of potential. The overall idea is, this could provide treatment for the wounded when they are out of a real doctor's reach. You'd find such a situation in places that we really need the extra [metal, robotic] hands such as war zones and natural disaster areas, not to mention in space itself, all while running SRI software.

There are plenty of things I'm curious about here, as usual, but I am optimistic about this one. I just wonder what factors affect such mobility like its size, and of course, what should happen if it messes up or can't compute an injury to treat it. This all probably shows how much I don't know about this and robotics in general; I'll admit, how we manage such artificial intelligence is a bit over my head. Nonetheless, I look forward to monitoring the further development of this technology. I just wouldn't want to be the one under the knife in the testing stages.

Mod: Make Your Xbox Controller work for PC

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 11:10:00 GMT

I've been getting pretty excited about the up-and-coming release of Halo 3. From that, I've been inspired to write something Xbox-related; what better, more useful post than a mod? With the help of MetkuMods, I'm going to share with you the wonders of making your Xbox controller work for your computer.

To successfully complete this mod, you'll need some supplies; nothing a gadget lover can't find around the house. Obviously, you'll need the Xbox gamepad. In addition to that, scrape up a USB extension cord, some heatshrink tubing, and some screwdrivers and pliers. In fact, you won't even require the heatshrink if you make neat, short work of your stripped wires.

First, you'll have to actually crack open the connector from your Xbox gamepad. Here's where a wide, flathead screwdriver comes into play. In the picture below, a green line marks the place you'll be prying open. Go ahead and force that apart; it may also work to just apply pressure, causing the claws to be released. Red arrows mark these claws.

Now, the rest is just meshing your connectors. You'll want to combine the same colors in your wires and be cautious; don't strip the wires too much, as this can cause a short-out more easily. To see in detail what you're working with in the wire department (the complex bits), head here. There are plenty of pictures, so don't panic. Overall, this is a fairly simple mod and the same basic concepts can no doubt be used on other controller models as well. Happy gaming!

Mini-Theater Portable DVD Player

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:10:00 GMT

I have to say, when I first laid eyes on this I didn't think it was a DVD player. That's probably one of it's coolest features, though. I'm talking about a transformer-reminiscent PDP (portable DVD player) that focuses mostly on design.

It appears to be ultra portable, though it doesn't seem like it'd fit in the average pocket either. Nonetheless, it's slim and cuts corners by nixing the screen. Instead of your standard display, this baby appears to have it's own retractable display, not unlike a miniature theater. It also has a turn table on which you can spin your DVDs, instead of your average [space-hogging] slot.

Designer Yeon-shin Seung hopes to use Sony's full-color flexible organic electroluminescent (killer mouthful) display on this particular gadget. Admittedly, this does make sense and seems like it would be the technology to mesh well with this thin little screen. With any luck, it'll get decent enough battery life to watch a few movies in a row. Otherwise, this perfect-for-travel design is wasted on another device.

I say that it is designed well for travel, but all in all, is it really worth it? I'm betting no. It's a great concept, as many are, but the execution here is poor. We'll just take that travel example for a walk while we're at it. Say you're on a plane, trying to pass the time with your mini-theater sitting in your lap. Assuming battery life isn't a problem (which it may very well be), then that'd be awesome. Well, it'd be awesome on an ideal flight were everyone stays seated and there's no mass chaos. But realistically, I'm curious as to what happens if someone is trying to squeeze past you in the sardine-tin aisle and he or she bumps this sucker. Is your DVD going to fly off into the abyss? Or perhaps your screen is going to bugger out?

It's a travel-suited design that...well, isn't designed properly. I suppose we'll have to see where the concept takes us; I'll admit it's a cool concept. That said, I wouldn't hold my breath for its utility.

Copier, Scanner, Translator

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:30:00 GMT

Fuji Xerox have just released a remarkable scanner that will not only perform as it's predecessors have, this scanner will also translate the document immediately after being scanned if you'd like! Currently the only languages supported are English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. The scanner is also set up so your document maintains it's previous layout after translation. Although like most translators you may find that this will form some awkward sentences but it will most likely get the job done. This scanner is still in it's prototype phase so don't expect to be finding it in your office any time soon.

Highest Ever Wattage in a Cooktop (Using Magnets)

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:10:00 GMT

I'd like to introduce you to the holder of the title "highest wattage ever" in induction cooktops. GE Monogram and Profile induction cooktops boast a whopping 3700 watts. Instead of gas or electricity, these cookers use magnetic fields to heat your food.

Not familiar with induction cooking? As I briefly mentioned, magnets are involved. For this cooking method to work, your pans have to be magnetic. This would include cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. Electricity flows underneath your cooktop, resulting in a magnetic field. Putting your magnetic pan on the element creates a current that'll heat your food right up. The site at GE suggests testing your cooktops to determine if your pans will heat or not.

"To test whether your cookware will work with an induction cooktop, simply hold a magnet to it. If the magnet sticks, your pans should be suited for induction."

In my opinion, this stovetop even looks sexy and modern. It's pretty snazzy technology, as well. The idea is, the system is based on magnets and magnets alone. Anything not directly touching your magnetic pan should not be affected or heated at all; in theory, anyway. Actually, those are ice cubes next to a pot of boiling water in the picture above. It's also, according to the site, a faster and more efficient way to cook than using gas or electricity. I can't vouch for it, but their magnet-related reasoning makes sense.

Check out these magnetic, monster-wattage cookers here.

Hands-On With Pico Mini Projector (Video)

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:50:00 GMT

Remember when I told you guys there'd be an up-and-coming miniature projector for cell phones? Well thanks to our friends at Gizmodo, we've got our hands on the...hands-on. No pun intended. Really.

Just like any other projector, we were promised the technology to display presentations, movies, or anything else we could think of onto surfaces from our mobile phones. As cool as it sounds, I've been waiting to see it for myself, more or less to determine the validity of such statements.

The photo alone, with all of us assuming it is a real picture, is enough to impress. The display appears surprisingly bright and crisp, just on a person's palm. This is all somehow crammed into the space of a mobile device, though it's been said to run rather loudly. An LED-based system (versus the laser-based) will run cheaper and cooler, but you'll lose some quality in the mix.

Mobile Internet Device on Linux: BenQ (Video)

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:10:00 GMT

You've all probably forgotten about mobile internet devices as of late, but I'm here to bring that back for you. There isn't a whole lot of information known about this little gadget, especially from the video below, but it certainly has at least one interesting feature.

The gadget of which I speak is BenQ's MID. This baby is a decent sized handheld sporting a black and blue color scheme. It comes equipped with a 4.8 inch screen, taking up the majority of the device's body. All in all, it doesn't look half bad. However, MID's are unavoidably awkward in size when compared laptops and data phones (both of which are significantly more common).

The first concern that comes with seeing it is that this is simply another feeble attempt (of many, I might add) to capture the Apple hype; specifically, the iPhone hype. However, upon further examination, this gadget actually appears to defy such popular brands and operating systems. That leads us to what is probably the most interesting feature, which is the fact that is is running Linux.

Granted, the Linux is still rather reminiscent of the iPhone, or just Apple in its entirety. Nonetheless, the change is appreciated and doesn't go unnoticed here in the technology world. Check out the short clip below for a taste of this BenQ device.

Phone Service With No Monthly Fees: ooma

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:30:00 GMT

I'm willing to look past the infuriating need of some corporations to put their company names in lowercase, and look beyond, into the wonderful realm of free[ish] phone service. Just who am I talking about? None other than ooma.

Instead of an ugly monthly fee, ooma offers its users the opportunity to buy the necessary equipment for their VoIP service and never pay again. This company, along with its dreams of freedom, isn't new. However, the said necessary equipment is now past the invite-only beta testing phase and onto the release. You may not have gotten all the gear for free by testing the products, but you can still save some major bucks.

So what are we talking about here [and more importantly, how much are we talking]? Each ooma hub is going for $399, and each scout is at $39.95. Make note that you'll need one scout for each phone extension. The bad news, in case those price tags didn't deter you enough, is that these are actually the introductory prices. That means come next year, a hub will set you back $599. Typically, any decent technical buying advice will tell you to wait a while before purchasing; initial releases mean hurtful prices that will come down. Not every company will give you $100 back because you bought too early.

That said, basically ignore that completely when it comes to ooma. If you're going to buy this hardware, you'd better do it sooner rather than later.

The hub will get you unlimited US calling and two functional phone lines. You'll also receive the broadband answering machine, giving you voicemail-like features with other benefits such as call screening. This voicemail can be accessed via the internet through the Online ooma Lounge, which I think is especially convenient and cool.

It may sound like a lot of money to initially pay upfront, but this is a prime example of something that pays for itself over time. It'll end up costing you less than traditional monthly billing, and you'll certainly appreciate the weight being lifted with your new found freedom; one less bill is always a good thing.

If this sounds like you, or you at least want to check it out for yourself, head over to ooma's website. All of the ooma equipment can be purchased directly from this site.

iPhone European Release Announced!

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:10:00 GMT

Today Apple announced that the iPhone will be released in Europe on November 9th, so get your tents and sleeping bags ready over there and get ready to camp for some of that iPhone goodness.

The iPhone will be release with UK carrier O2 given exclusive rights to the phone just as AT&T has gotten. The phone released in Europe will be exactly the same as the one released in the US but locked to O2, so if you were once of the many hoping this would be the 3G iPhone, then sorry you'll probably have to wait until next year.

On that note, CONGRATULATIONS EUROPE! ENJOY!

New Legislation to Lower/Eliminate Charges for Breaking Wireless Contract

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 02:50:00 GMT

You may or may not have had to deal with this issue personally but when it comes to Early Termination Fees from cell phone providers I would like to think of myself as a seasoned warrior. Many cellular carriers allow you a certain time frame to "trial" their service, this period oddly usually only cinsists of about two weeks. During which you are supposed to decide if you want to stick with that carrier for 2 years. In 2 weeks you are forced to try and determine if their price is worth the service you're getting in the places you need to be. If you haven't caught on yet, this obviously is not ample time to fully test a network's capabilities. Also what if you find yourself in the a situation where you simple are no longer satisfied with your phone carrier, because as most do forget you are the customer, and you are supposed to be having your needs met by the wireless carier, not the other way around.

Well in light of this issue brought more to the mainstage by the realease of the iPhone which had everyone trying to drop their wireless providers like a bad date, many found that they were goign to be getting hit in the pocketbook for their early termination.... and hard. Usually early termination fees are somewhere between $100(although I've never seena ny this low) and $250. Also you have to then pay for your new phone, in the case of the iPhone there goes roughly another $400, oh and don't forget your activation fee, usually around $35, and there is the first month's bill with your new carrier that they like you to pay upfront generally, oh and let's hope that youremembered to also pay that last month's bill for your old carrier too....
As you can see the cost easily begins to get very high very quickly. Consumer advocate groups here in the US agree that this is not right, and legislation has been put into motion in the senate that may limit or even get rid of early terminaion fees once and for all. This move would allow customers 30 days to try the carrier's service and cancel without any fee, after which they could cancel with a predetermined and set termination fee which would be drastically lower than any charges now. Currently Verizon is the only US carrier which has this type of system.

Smokeless Electronic Cigarette

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Non-smoking areas are on the uprise, which is nice for the general public and their lungs, but pretty upsetting for the smokers out there. Well for the smokers, though I don't personally smoke or condone it, I'd like to address the fact that help has arrived. You can now suck away on your cigarette anywhere, anytime.

This smokeless cigarette, the Crown7, is shaped like your average cigar. The only difference is, you fill it with nicotine cartridges (each equal to two decks of cigs). From the product site itself, Crown7 is said to offer the following 'benefits':

Emits a Harmless Vapor That Simulates Smoke yet Satisfies the Nicotine Urges & Cravings
Use Crown7 in Any Situation Where Smoking is Prohibited - Our Product is Non-Offensive
Rechargeable Battery for Endless Hours of Enjoyment and Smoking Pleasure
No Offensive Smoke… Only a Harmless Vapor is Emitted
Perfect Solution to Smoking in a Casino or Pool Hall - Prevents Noxious Odors by Never Creating Them
Sophisticated Design, Sleek Art Deco Look & Feel
No Residual Clothing or Room Odor… Now that’s a Real Benefit!
Battery Operated, Simple to Manipulate in all Situations Where Smoking Cigarettes has been Prohibited

So in a nutshell, this is a battery-operated nicotine vaporizer. I don't particularly think smoking is cool, but the gadget took long enough to get here and it's certainly worth a mention. Perhaps it can even be a step in helping a smoker quit.

Smile! (Or Else it Won't Take Your Picture)

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:50:00 GMT

There's a new Sony camera on the market that looks for your smile. Ever find yourself taking pictures without smiling faces in them? This camera looks to remedy that problem by incorporating facial recognition technology. The general idea is, either everyone looks happy or this camera won't take the picture.

Okay, so you can turn the feature off. Nonetheless, the “smile shutter” will scan your group of up to eight people. By looking at people's facial features, it decides who is smiling and to what degree they are smiling. There are apparently three such degrees (AKA settings) of a smile that go something like 'grin, full smile, and belly laugh.'

The photographer can decide which person he or she wants to smile, and the picture won't be taken until that specific person has a [forced] smirk on their face. I think a human can do a fine job of saying, "I'm not taking this photograph until you say cheese," as well as a fine job of deciding who has shut eyes or if the positions are right, all without the aid of a borderline artificial intelligence camera. But hey, what do I know.

Well, I say again, this technology can be turned off. That seems to be an increasingly good thing here, which isn't good for the camera's reputation or its likelihood to sell. Luckily for Sony, there will always be mass herds of people who buy the camera because of how intensely cool and advanced "facial recognition" sounds on the box. For those people and for anyone else who purchases this gadget for around $350, I get the feeling the smile feature will be amusing the first few times and turned off forever more.

Unlock Your iPhone: Free Software

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 09:10:00 GMT

I'll take the responsibility of announcing free unlocking software for the Apple iPhone. We'd heard stories of kids who can unlock the iPhone using their dark gifts, but where does that leave the general public? Stuck in a service agreement, that's where.

Yes, Steve Jobs may have gotten word and pitied all of the early iPhone buyers. Yes, he may have given them all $100 back to console their empty wallets. But early buyers or not, they all have one thing in common: [up to this point] their iPhones have been locked up behind cold, metaphorical bars.

There is hope now, though. After hacking and cracking away, this software has been developed and can now unlock anyone's iPhone for free.

All that being said, there is a catch. It doesn't matter who you are or what you've done with your Apple gear; they [Apple] can undo it, and with half the effort. The unlocks are safe for now, but be wary. If and when Apple decides to put out an iPhone firmware update, don't be so quick to make the jump. All unlock software is vulnerable to firmware updates, so do not update your software-unlocked iPhone until you've received confirmation that the unlock is unaffected by the update.

Other than that, your iPhone can run free and untamed with the aid of this free unlock software. Enjoy it, but keep your eyes open for sneaky re-lock opportunities from Apple (AKA firmware updates).

Sony's Rolly MP3 Player

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 04:50:00 GMT

With all of the Apple buzz going around, I understand that it's hard to keep up with the competition. But I have to admit, Sony, this thing looks a little strange. As the details were released about this new MP3 player, the Rolly, it has been said that this device aims to offer something completely different. It think it's safe to say they've certainly accomplished that much.

As you can see, it has sort of an egg shape. This, already, is different from the norm. There are two small caps on both ends of this egg-like body which flip open, revealing speakers. The second thing you'll notice is, it only has one button; the one that turns the Rolly on and off. I immediately questioned how that is supposed to work, at which point we can all discover those two little rings on each side of this device. All controlling is done using those bad boys.

The Rolly has two modes of functionality. In the first, the two rings will rotate, allowing the Rolly to move around to your music. Also, those two caps will move in this mode. The two rings each control volume and album or track.

In addition to that 'dancing' mode, there is also a stationary mode. Here, it works a little differently. If you want to change the album or track, you slide the whole thing back and forth against a surface. If you'd like to change the volume, you rotate it on a surface.

For tech specs, this thing only has 1GB of space. However, it can also stream music via Bluetooth. Track support includes MP3, ATRAC and AAC. With the movements, battery life is around 4 hours. Without it, you'll get 5. The movements themselves can be programmed by the user with "Motion Editor" software, though the default set is available.

The Rolly is to be released in Japan on September 29 for around $353. If that's accurate, I definitely wouldn't want one. I'm already shaky about the whole concept, and then you throw in an unattractive price tag? That's just not going to be for me.

Two New Ways To Eat (Pics Inside)

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 12:10:00 GMT

Or at least two modified ways to eat. There's a pair of new 'gadgets' on the market that aren't particularly important enough to get separate posts, but I'm happy to bring them both to you here for your viewing pleasure.

For the first, you can now eat like a truly wasteful rich person while staying within your budget. Well, staying within your budget if your budget includes $40 for two sets of five chopsticks, anyway. These chopsticks serve the purpose of feeding you, making your food sparkle, and increasing your meal's net worth. Just how do they accomplish all of these crucial tasks (no sarcasm there, sincerely)? Tucked in between the chopsticks are little [mostly] gold flakes. So when you crack these babies apart, the golden confetti rains down upon the TV dinner for which you settled in order to afford the golden chopstick meal enhancers in the first place. Ah, what a life.

The other utensil modification makes a little more sense, while still amusing all the same. Ever see bare silverware sitting on a bare table? The silverware that you are supposed to eat with? Preposterous! Nay, instead we shall invent silverware that sits on its side via built-in stands. Assuming no one knocks it over, you can rest assured that the silverware touches no surface other than your own [germ-infested] pallet. Tasty.

New, Non-Stick Chewing Gum Invented

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 06:10:00 GMT

It may not be your typical "gadget", per se, but this new chewing gum is worth a quick look. Just as the title indicates, it is non-stick gum, specifically. This doesn't mean that the gum is in some form other than the stick shape, but rather, it won't adhere to anything. For example, how many times have you walked the city streets just to step into a big, pink gum wad?

So who's behind all this? A guy by the name of Professor Terence Cosgrove, a British chemist. Professor Cosgrove's company has apparently made a cheap polymer which will make the resulting gum hydrophilic. This means that the gum will essentially get along with water, where other chewing gums hate it. Why do we care? No more sticky, that's why.

Quite literally, this gum will [and does] simply dissolve in water. In any testing up to this point, the gum has been successfully removed from surfaces - even hair - using only H2O.

With permission, this gum was tested on pavements in Bristol and North Wales. It should come as no surprise that your average, leading gums stayed stuck three out of four times. However, this new gum was gone within 24 hours, just by natural events.

So it's a new, less sticky gum because of a new ingredient. That immediately makes me wonder if the gum tastes awful, even though it's better for the environment. Yet interestingly enough, they say the taste has not been affected. Even in blind tests, the gum came out scoring high. Our inventors went to the trouble to call in a gum expert from Italy just to get a proper evaluation of the "mouth feel, taste, texture and so on."

Overall, I'm really impressed. The taste is right, it won't stick to your shoe, and it's the most guilt-free gum you can spit out. I guess the only thing I can say is, don't drink water while you're chewing this stuff. Plans are to release this gum sometime next year, so look out for it.

ROSIE: Apple Meets Coffee Table

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The title pretty much gives it away; ROSIE is the lovechild of Apple and the common, oversized coffee table. So far, some seem to hate this thing while others think it's innovative and chic. I'll admit, I'm oddly attracted to it. But then, don't we all sort of want at least one massive, pointless coffee table in our living rooms? I think yes. If nothing else, they sure do look nice.

Right, getting on with it then. For the table structure itself, this sucker is big. What you're getting here is a 40-inch flat, touch-sensitive screen encased in a basic coffee table. Technically, I can't really speak for that last part; it's been said that a variety of different designs and styles will be offered. The whole mechanism runs on a Mac, wherever they've hidden the thing within this table.

Naturally, it's customizable (for that is the Apple way...sort of). Features include media playback, home automation, streaming, and control of various devices such as cameras. You can basically take a Mac (iTunes, rather) and cram all of the media functions in a screen-clad table. I'm not sure how comfortable, or worth your time, it would be to have movies playing in your furniture. Nonetheless, it would be a cool display of your library.

Overall, it's probably a waste of money. It will more than likely only appeal to the Apple fans, though there are plenty. All it's really good for is looks, and that has to be an awfully expensive way to show off. That said, I'll admit that I'm mildly amused and the small, rich, Apple-loving part of me wants one in my house.

It will be sold to consumers, unlike other similar models, but I haven't gotten any word on the price other than some nasty, steep estimates. The company hopes to have Rosie ready to ship somewhere between October and November.

The Blackbird 002: Gaming PC, Voodoo meets HP

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 12:20:00 GMT

Ever wonder what would happen if there was a mash-up between HP and Voodoo? You probably haven't, but the result is a cool gaming PC nonetheless. The Blackbird looks fierce and has been built for performance, including some pretty unique features and tricks.

This PC is said to be the first in its class to use full system liquid cooling. I don't need to explain to you how important it is to keep your computer cool, especially for gamers. The Blackbird really focuses an admirable amount of energy on this crucial function. In addition to the liquid cooling, the three most heated PC components (CPU, GPUs, and power supply) are all isolated in their own separate thermal chambers. This helps prevent heat from interfering with the cooling process throughout the body.

To compliment all of the above features, the Blackbird is fitted with a cast-aluminum foot that keeps the PC off of the ground [and cool]. The fans are mounted in the front of the case, to keep the system running quieter.

As awesome as it is already, the Blackbird really begs you to customize it. Rather, tinkering around with this PC is fairly hassle-free. The whole thing is built with standard parts, so it'll be easy to upgrade and compatibility should be less of an issue. The side panel is removable, and the back panel is LED lit. In general, all components are tool-less with the exception of the back panel (where there is a built-in tool kit, anyway).

It's beautiful and it packs some serious performance. Also, this PC would be easy to gut once you felt the need to modify or upgrade anything. It's very much built for the hardcore gamer, though in theory it would be just as appropriate for a hardcore musician/photographer/director/etc. The word is, dust seems to be an issue on the bottom air intake (where the foot comes into play), but this could be remedied. The pricing ranges from $2,500 - $7,100, and it can be examined/purchased here.

The New iPods Are In Town (Pics and Verdicts)

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:30:00 GMT

You knew it was coming; the new suite of drool-worthy Apple iPods have arrived, and they are looking spiffy as ever. Of course, there's plenty of things I'm not so fond of to balance out the good. With that, let us dive into a brief analysis of the new iPods.

We'll start with the smallest, and the least exciting: The iPod Shuffle. There isn't a whole lot to be said here; the Shuffle's previous design was simple, and there's hardly anything to redesign.

Shock and awe, it returns to us in an updated color spectrum. In addition to the old hues, your options now include dark red, purple, light blue, and light green. Also, just as rumored, the Shuffle should become available in a Product Red edition. As usual, you can shell out $79 for 1GB of Shuffle-ness.

The verdict:

...Meh.

That is all.

Moving right on along: The iPod Nano. Unlike the Shuffle, the Nano has definitely come back with some noticeable changes.

Yes, it's available in new colors: black, dark red, silver, light blue, light green, and the RED edition. The biggest change to be mentioned here is the new, video-playing screen. The Nano is now just that, a literal nano-version of the Classic iPod. The screen has moved up to two inches at 320x240 pixels, crammed in just above the click wheel.

This is nice, I'm sure. The thing is, the new screen looks awkward on a Nano, and furthermore, perhaps even defeats the purpose of a Nano to some degree. Maybe it's just me. The new Nano comes in at $149 and $199 for the 4GB and 8GB models respectively.

The verdict:

It has more capability, but it looks chubby and somewhat cancels out the reason to buy a Nano.

The iPod Classic; Mother of Pearl. It isn't terribly different, just...upgraded, as the Nano is.

On a small note, I'll take this opportunity to point out that white iPods are officially dead. It is a sad, sad day for many Apple fans, and I'd speculate that the white MacBooks are next on the chopping block.

As of now, your Classic color options are silver and black. In addition to the new color, iPod Classics now come in the same anodized aluminum as the Nano. It doesn't have quite the same aesthetic appeal, but a no-smudge surface is nice.

As for the prices, you can pay $249 for 80GB or $349 for 160GB (this is where "Mother of Pearl" becomes relevant). And for the record, the 160GB model is thicker than the 80GB.

The verdict:

No more white iPods? Boo.

Aluminum? Boo.

160GB? In the words of the Kool-Aid man, "Oh yeeeahh!"

And finally (drumroll): The new iPod Touch.

This is 'completely new' so to speak, though if you want the short version, it's an iPhone minus the phone.

As if I need to tell you, it's gorgeous and will drown you in eye candy. Surprisingly, it isn't hard-drive based; nonetheless, it comes standard with Safari, YouTube, and the iTunes Store. How is this possible? Oh yes, it has Wi-Fi.

As I said, this is an iPhone without the phone and without the headache of service agreements. You get all the nice little functions, Wi-Fi, full touch screen, and a customizable dock. How much will it set you back? An 8GB iPod Touch will cost you $299 and the 16GB costs $399.

The verdict:

Everything we wanted from the iPhone without the hassle. It's beautiful and it gets a huge thumbs-up for the Wi-Fi. The big dilemma is deciding whether or not you need a new phone.

So there you have it. What will you choose? The Shuffle is as uninteresting as ever, the fat Nano has gone to video, the Classic is huge (in terms of GB), and the Touch is pure sex [minus the phone functions]. Then again, I suppose you could always just opt to turn the other cheek on Apple. That works fine and saves you money.

Apple (iPods/iTunes)

Koolatron

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 08:20:00 GMT

The Koolatron is a mini vending machine that is perfect for a dorm room, family room, or anywhere else you see fit! The Koolatron holds ten cans of your favorite drink at a time, and has the option to dispense to different drinks. The machine accepts quarters, or tokens. Your choice. The machine also has a coin return, just incase anything does happen.

The Koolatron cools the beverages to 30° F below the room's current temperature. So if it was 70° F in your house, the drinks would be 40° F. The lowest temperature the Machine will cool the drinks to is a shivering 32° F. "Cool" huh? The Koolatron is $150, but think of how much you can benefit from your friends' thirst!

Discovery Wood Block Clock

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 06:50:00 GMT

This clock is really cool. It seems like a normal black of wood, but turn it on, and bright red digital numbers appear! How does it happen? I don't know, but the mystery clock is made by Discovery, so I'm sure there is some crazy science behind it. Here are some cool specs:

Looks just like a simple block of wood
LED digits appear on the front of the block
Easy-to-read red digits
Time and date alternate every 10 seconds
12 or 24-hour time display

The Block Clock weighs a pound and a half, and really is made of wood, so I'll leave the mystery of how it works up to you. At any rate, the clock will add a minimalst touch to any room, and will have your friend's jaws dropping. At only $40, this clock would make a great gift too.

TableTop Photo Studio

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:20:00 GMT

This is a great setup for amateur photographers, or people who run their own online stores. The kit consists of two backdrops, a compact light box with an integrated diffuser screen, and two high output lights with adjustable, retractable legs. Remember, this all fits on your desk, so for someone who works from home, or can't always be in the studio, this kit would be ideal.

Imagine how much more trusted you would be selling things on sites like Ebay if you took pictures of the products you were selling, rather than just stealing pictures off of the company's own site! This useful package is available, in whole, for only $80.

OHSO Ultimate Travel Tooth Brush

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Frankly, I'm impressed. This is one of those products you see and think, "Why didn't I come up with that?" The design on this toothbrush is pretty neat, so you all should listen... uh... look...up.

So, before you go on your business trip, night out, or rendezvous with Bond, you simply fill the handle of the Tooth Brush with your favorite tooth paste. Then, whenever you feel the need to brush, no matter where you are, you simply twist the handle, and toothpaste is dispensed onto the bristles. Then simply turn the toothbrush over, pop the top of the cap off, and there you have it. An instantly pasted tooth brush. And only for $20! This is a really cool gadget at a great price.

StressEraser

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:40:00 GMT

Being stressed out is no fun. It can cut doen on your productivity at work, ruin a date with that special someone, kill a night out with the friends, or just plain make you really frusterated. Now, of course, there are plenty of products out there that claim to reduce stress. Rubs, pills, exercises, mind tricks, etc. Well, the StressEraser is different than anything I've seen yet.

Now, some may call it an exercise, but, well, I don't quite know what to call it. You stick your finger in the finger reader, the screen tells you when to breathe, and after only a few moments, after your breathing is regulated, your stress should be gone. All of it. You should feel "almost euphoric." Now, you would think this would be $100 tops, right? Wrong. This product goes for 5 monthly payments of $60, or a whopping $300! I couldn't beleive it either. Although there IS a 30 day money back guarantee, so if you really have tried everything to rid yourself of stress and this is your last option, the money back guarantee is a good thing. This device seems pretty expensive for the technology it is implementing, but hey, if it really works, why not? Oh, and the $60 per month is interest free :]

IPhone Unlocked; Not for Everyone

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:40:00 GMT

In this past week a 17 year old boy from New Jersey, George Hotz, has managed to unlock his iPhone to work on other carriers such as TMobile, and other various GSM service providers here in the US. This unlocking though is not for the feint of heart, or most people for that matter. Hotz says that the task currently requires about 2 hours of work and the ability to solder well and certain knowledge about programming also. Hotz says he plans on working on a method soon that does not require soldering and would rather work from a simple programming change, and from there it could go to a simple application that could make it's way through the internet to you, then a few clicks and you could have your very own iPhone unlocked. So for those of you that have been crossing your fingers for the day either you could get that iPhone or your mobile contrat would end so you could slip into the clutches of AT&T, well you're a little bit closer... just not quite there yet.

Bone Conduction Headphone

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:30:00 GMT

Have you ever noticed that after long car rides or flights, listening to your MP3 player, your ears are sore? Well, to be exact, it's your ear drums that are tired. Another downside to tradition ear or headphones is that you often find yourself taking them off to hear what others have to say to you. Now, with the new, revolutionary technology of the Vonia EZ-4200P Bone Conduction Headphone, you can wave goodbye to those problems.

These new headphones really transfer sound through the bones in your ear to achieve reduced ear fatigue and reduced long term hearing loss. The sound quality is NOT an issue with these headphones, because as soon as you make contact between the headphones and your head, you will hear great quality sound through bone vibration, not the eardrum, which, in the end, almost completely gets rid of the burden your ears usually get when you listen to music. Another huge plus side to these headphones is this: they don't cover your actual ears. You can place them around the temple area, and they will work just fine. Why is this good? Because you can now use your ears to listen to conversations, while at the same time, listen to music. This is also great for people who go running or walking, because the safety concern of not being able to ear traffic, horns or other ambient noise can now be put to rest. There is no downside to these earphones. And for the excellent technological value, they actually aren't that expensive. You can get them for $82 here, and here are some tech specs:

System Environment	Audio device with 3.5mm stereo headphone plug (such as iPod and MP3 players etc.)
Power	Not necessary
Packaged Items	Bone Conduction Headphone, manual
Size	Approx. W 150 x H 185 x D 55 (mm)
Weight	73.5g
Impedance	10O±20% (DCR)
Sensitivity	74dB ± 3dB
Standard Output	30mW
Max Output	70mW

USB AC Charger

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:20:00 GMT

This is a very handy little gadget that is used to charge products, accessories, or devices that have to be charged via USB Port. This charger has two USB Ports built into it, and then it plugs into any standart AC Outlet. This is perfect for someone who wants to take and charge their iPod, or anything else, on vacation, but doesn't want to have to take their Laptop to charge it. Another fitting scenario for why this is a great product is: all of your USB Ports are full. Obviously, this product is much more useful than a USB Hub if all you want to do is charge a device.
Here are the product specs for the USB AC Charger:

USB Ports: 5V,500mAx2 (2 ports)
Blue LED (lights up when connected)
AC Plug (AC100-240V)(Type A)

This Charger is very compact, and is only $11!

QWERTY Keypad Attachment for Xbox 360

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 11:30:00 GMT

This is a great add on for the Xbox 360 that should be coming soon. This Keypad will be perfect for in game messaging, Xbox Live messaging, or even searching lobbies for a certain game room.No price or release date information has been made official as of yet. You want my guess? $25-$35 for one of these useful accessories. This gadget will make communicating much easier for gamers on teams, clans, or maybe 2 friends who want to talk privately during an active game. Not to mention, as you can see by the provided picture, this attachment flows seamlessly with the Xbox 360 Controller's smooth design. I believe this product will be a home run for Microsoft.

DOC Sofa/Bunk-Bed

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 10:10:00 GMT

This Transformer isn't a Camaro. It's actually a Sofa that turns into a bunk-bed (with ladder and upper protection railing!). This is awesome. This peice of hybrid furniture is absloutely perfect for an apartment, great for a living room, or basically any room in which you'd like to save space. Sadly, this product is based out of the UK, so no word on buying in the US yet. Oh, and don't be intimidated by this thing. You may think it's hard to switch "modes," but the truth is, it is as easy as:

As you can see, this will be a fairly simple peice of furniture to use. Not to mention it looks great.

String Master - Robotic Guitar Tuner

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 09:10:00 GMT

No, I'm not kidding. This is probably one of the coolest gadgets I have ever seen. Let me explain it to you through a possible story. You just got a new guitar. You aren't very good yet. You bought the guitar from some guy off a sidewalk. Well, he said it was new. When you strum it, it sounds horrible, but you don't know if that's just you, or if it's the guitar. The worst part is, you don't even know what a tuned guitar sounds like. Well, this will never happen again.

Introducing: The String Master

This awesome invention only requires you to pluck the guitar string you would like to tune. That's it! The device then listens to the tones, and the String Master's powerful motor turns the tuning peg for you. Pluck the string just a few more times, and you've got a perfectly tuned guitar. You can buy one for only $50, and even try it risk free for 30 days! Oh, and I almost forgot. This ingenius gadget can also re-string your guitar; automatically unwinding the old string and winding the new string with a push of a button. I have a feeling this product is going to be big.

Fonies

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:10:00 GMT

Brighten up your phone with these cute little phone danglies called Fonies.

Not only are these great for customising your phone and help make an old and boring phone look a bit funkier, but they are also designed to be screen cleaners.

There are 5 different Fonies, each can be seen in the picture below (Bart, Englebert, Otto, Manuel and Pedro)

These Fonies are available for just $7.90 (£3.95) From Firebox.

Wi-Spy 2.4 GHz Spectrum Analyzer

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:40:00 GMT

Wi-Spy is the world's smallest 2.4 GHz spectrum analyzer. What does that mean? Well, let's say that your internet reception from your laptop or wifi enabled desktop seems rather slow. Your router is in the other room, or on the other floor. Or, let's say you are installing your router in a new house and are trying to decide where is the best place to put it. Or, maybe you want to see where you would get the best wifi reception on your laptop. All of these tasks are made simple with the Wi-Spy. The truth is, your wifi signal can easily be weakened my everyday non-wifi devices.

Ideally, you should use Wi-Spy if:

You deploy and maintain wi-fi networks
Your wi-fi has intermittent bandwidth problems
The microwave interferes with your wi-fi network
When the phone rings your network connection drop

When you are deciding which channel to put your wifi on, Wi-Spy is the perfect gadget. It will tell you which channels are the most clear of disturbance, and that way, you can choose a channel that will be fastest for you. This product is designed for troubleshooting any problems with your wifi connection or reception, and also analyzing your connection.

Here are some additional info about the Wi-Spy:

Helps you identify wifi interference
Frequency range is 2.400 - 2.485 GHz
Record/playback data traces
Frequency/amplitude marker
Spectral, Topographic, and Planar Views
View the user manual
New Wi-Spy software available here (Windows and Mac OS X)
Linux software download is here

When using the Wi-Spy, which plugs into your usb port, you get an instant view of Amplitude, Frequency and Time, all in Spectrogram Form. This tool also runs on the three main operating systems in use today: Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Unfortunatley, this gadget is rather expensive. Now, compared to Other spectrum analyzers, this may seem pretty cheap, but to the average Joe who wants to optimize his network, it's going to cost you. $200. So, if you are a really wealthy person who just feels like constantly making sure their wireless network is ok, then Wi-Spy is for you. But, if you are an independent wireless consultant, home theater installer, or something like that, then you seriously should consider the Wi-Spy.

Hotdog Station

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:10:00 GMT

Love hotdogs? If so then this little piece of work is for you.

The hotdog station can cook two hotdogs and also toast two hotdog buns all at once. Featuring a toaster like design the hotdogs are just dropped in and then pushed down to cook. With four different settings for the heat coil you can cook both you hotdog and bun to taste.

While certainly not a neccesity for most this little hotdog machine may make a great gift for someone that really enjoys hotdogs, and at $49.95 it's not terribly expensive either.

HTC Kaiser comes to AT&T

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

The HTC Kaiser which is also now being refered to as the HTC Tilt is said to be released on the AT&T network by September 3rd. The device will sport the name of 8925 much like it's succesor the 8525.

Though this rumor really had nothing proving it's claim for the most part, Paul from MoDaCo has posted a large amount of screen shots from the device showing it's ROM's complete. Rumored to be released at $499 with a two year contract, I can only hope that resellers won't go up too much from there.

Hoverboards

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

You've seen 'em in all of your favorite sci-fi movies, and now they're here; that's right, hoverboards. You're going to have to be truly dedicated to your passion of hoverboards and the concept, because we aren't quite to flying cars or any fast transportation of that nature. Nonetheless, rejoice.

So who do we have to thank for this long-awaited geek fantasy made real? None other than Future Horizons and Alura Intelligent Products. There are two different models here, hence the separate companies.

First of all, the hoverboard. This baby (pictured at the top of the post) keeps you a sexy three inches off of the ground, as long as you're somewhere below 250lb. However, fret not. The weight support limit really shouldn't be a problem, seeing how this puppy will also make you $9000 lighter. It can go to a maximum speed of 20mph as you control it with a wired remote. The remote itself is useful for those crucial maneuvers such as turning (rudder position) and speed. This is a bit contradictory, as the hoverboard is mounted somewhat like a skateboard.

Our second lovely product at hand is the Airboard. It's up for debate which product looks cooler, but it might be useful to mention that the Airboard resembles a UFO-shaped treadmill. In other words, this one has a handle for you. Instead of a remote, the Airboard is controlled in a slightly sweeter way; weight transfer. Wanna go faster? Lean back! The same applies for stops and turns, only requiring you to put yourself in the right direction. The speed is relative to wind and terrain, but it should be around 15mph.

Either way, you can't really go wrong here. You may argue about which model looks better, but in my opinion, there is simply no uncool way to hover. It'll make all of your friends cry with envy, hands down. The price is something for you to consider, as well as how they are controlled. I can't speak for how much the Airboard will set you back; that information is only available through direct contact (alura75413@aol.com). Judging by the nasty $9000 tag on the hoverboard, it'll probably be painful as well. Check out these sites for more: Airboard, Hoverboard

MyFountain: For All Your Booze/Mixing Needs

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:50:00 GMT

It's only natural that a certain portion of our modern technology goes towards drinking. You can make your own wine without breaking a sweat, for example. So now what's the new thing? Forget making wine, now you can make any drink you want (still without breaking a sweat). Allow me to introduce you to our new friend, MyFountain.

MyFountain is essentially your personal, virtual bartender who makes whatever you want, whatever the hour. Instead of dealing with an impatient bartend, you deal with a machine, meaning drinks are made to your taste just as you program them. Of course, if you don't know what you want, you can always make use of the automatic recipe generator.

Whether you know what you're in the mood for or not, this gadget has the capacity for multiple users and the respective multiple passwords. Depending on what your drink maker is stocked with, you can create and combination or recipe that you want. The whole thing is equipped with a handy LCD touch screen, with which you select your choices from listed options.

And just how many options is that? You can stock this baby with 16 different poisons picked by you including your mixers, liquors, or concentrates. Its dispensing cap is said to keep all of these beverages fresher for longer periods of time. When you don't think you can help yourself, you can set a cut-off. You can program these limits, managed with passwords. Using a phone line, you can also automate beverage orders. When supplies begin to run low, MyFountain can notify the appropriate beverage supply by monitoring your consumption. Basically, you can get the stuff delivered to your house automatically.

All in all, it's super swank. If you're pretty serious about having that drink when you get home, or any other time for that matter, this might be for you. For $2500 next year, it certainly makes other drinking gadgets look a little lame. Have a look at the product page here.

Flashlight Enduces Vomitting

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Apparently the Department of Homeland Security is cooking up a flashlight that will cause anyone hit my it's beam to become sick and disoriented. The light works by initially disorienting the target as any bright flashlight would, the the secondary layer of the device which holds ultra bright LED's begins sending out pulses which apparently are said to cause psychophysical symptoms which can range from disorientation, vertigo, nausia, and vomitting.

Although it is not known why these light patterns cause these symptoms, their effects are well documented in helicopter pilots that catch the beams of sunlight through the helicopter blades. While someone being targeted by this light could simply turn away in many situations, there are also many others where this light could be practical and make it much eaiser for police and security guards to apprehend a person that is resisting. While it has it's shortcomings it certainly is an improvement on the average flashlight.

USB Fragrence Oil Burner

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:10:00 GMT

Have you ever been at the computer and then suddenly been hit by some unexpected odor that you wished you could dispel. Well with the USB Fragrence Oil Burner from Brando you can.

The mini thumb drive acts as an oil burner, powered by your computer. With no drivers required for use the pocket fragrence device is PC and Mac friendly. Coming in four different scents and colors featuring Red for Rose, Blue for Lavender, Yellow for Jasmine, and Green for Pepermint you can keep track of which thumb drive will deliever which scent. Each drive comes with a small bottle of fragrence oil to be used, although the site indicates that the usb drive should not be used with conventional scented oils.

At only $8 each this thumb drive may be the solution to getting that musty smell away from the computer in the basement, even if you can't keep your family members off it.

Lenovo to Preload Linux

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 08:00:00 GMT

Lenovo and Novell have announced a recent agreement to preload some Thinkpads with Linux while Lenovo will provide user support for the operating system. Which is actually new to Lenovo as they previously did not offer any support for Windows when that was loaded on their devices.

Lenovo will be using SUSE Linux 10 for their T models near the end of this year. Although they have not yet announced a price on units loaded with Linux. This will be a little different from Dell preloading Ubuntu though, as Ubuntu is a freeware version of Linux and SUSE is not. Although those familiar with SUSE will be more than happy I'm sure to catch these notebooks.

HTC Advantage Finally Reaches US Shores

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:10:00 GMT

HTC has announced that the Advantage is available for puchase in the states via Amazon.com and CompUSA. Though this device has been available in Europe for some time now you can now find it domestically.

The all in one Windows Mobile powered device will currently hit your pocketbook for $899 through either store. Though this wonderful device may be worth it for those looking for a Windows Mobile device with that iPhone-like touch, as the Advantage feature 8GB of internal memory, a speedy 624mhz processor, and a beautiful 5 inch VGA touch screen.

The Advantage also feature a magnetic attaching keyboard which also allows the device to be set on a desk or table with the screen tilted backward for easy viewing. The Advantage also manages to pack in a 3mp camera 256mb ROM, 128 RAM, and a full size 3.5 stereo head phone jack.

Loaded with Windows Mobile 6 and HTC's patented VueFLO this all in one device is sure to rock your socks right off.

Singing in the Shower Gets One Up

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:50:00 GMT

A deisgner by the name of Hae Lim has recently unveiled his current device in the works, the shower mp3 player. It seems like just about everything these days has to have a music player in it so why not your shower head?

Apparently the bar portion of the device controls the water and the music, while the base attached to the wall serves as the speaker and the charger for the shower bar. While I'm not entirely sure how the base would receive power to charge the bar, I know that my shower doesn't feature a power plugin that I know of. The storage method for the music also isn't clear although one would assume that SD card storage would be ideal as I don't think it would be a good idea having a device that was constantly going between your shower and your PC... as far as I know those two don't get along very well. While a novel idea there still seem to be many portions of this design that are unclear and may be troublesome in making it widely available.

Chair Jumping

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 08:40:00 GMT

Could office chair jumping be the next big thing? Unlikely, but the videos pretty cool.

Keyspan Media Remote for Windows Vista

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 05:40:00 GMT

Anyone that owns an infrared remote (most of you do), know how troublesome it can be waving your arms through the air when you are in a certain place trying to get your remote to communicate with your tv, well this remote will change all of that.

Keyspan has just introduced the RF remote for Windows Vista. This remote, unlike most Vista and other computer remotes for media, uses radio frequencies rather than infrared to delivery it's signals. This allows the device to not only deliver stronger, more reliable connections to your pc, but also it allows the remote to work through walls. With a range of up to 90 feet you could change the song playing on your PC from the kitchen while you're making a snack, or rewind that movie that you are playing through your entertainment system without having to get up and trudge over to your computer. At a smooth $49, the RF remote from Keyspan may be worth it for those that use their computers to deliever the majority of their media.

MOTOMAGX Announced

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:50:00 GMT

Motorola recently announced at Linux Today that their Linux-Java based OS will be dubbed MOTOMAGX... yes in all caps. The Linux-Java based OS can currently be found on the V8 and the Z6.

(shots of MOTOMAGX on V8)

Motorola additionally announced that they will be releasing developer tools so users can develop Linuzx native applications in addition to java applications. Motorola has said to expect MOTOMAGX on roughly 60% of their devices in the next few years.

Treo 800?

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:50:00 GMT

The average run of the mill camera phone pictures of the rumored Treo 800, or "gandolf" as it has been dubbed have finally emerged.

The specifications are still a bit hazy as some sources report the device running smartphone software (non touch screen) while others report pocketpc (touch screen enabled). The device is smaller than the Treo 650 with a smaller display and smaller translucent plastic keyboard. Rumor has it that both a GSM and CDMA version are in the works.

Although if you ask me they need to work on the design first because in my opinion it looks like some sort of small childrens toy.

Washer That Doesn't Use Detergent

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 11:10:00 GMT

Well this is certainly new (and nice). you may get tired of spilling your detergent, or accidentally bleaching clothes. Or perhaps you're just sick of paying for the stuff. Fair enough, here's your answer: a washer that sticks up its nose to your and simply scoffs, "Hmph. I don't need your pathetic detergent."

Hopefully it isn't quite that cocky. Nonetheless, its bold statement stands true. This innovative age-old appliance has joined humans in the water craze and eliminated the chemicals. We have Haier, a Chinese home appliance manufacturer, to thank for this. Instead of soap, this washer racks out the chemistry, breaking down water molecules to get your clothes and laundry squeaky clean.

"...it breaks down water molecules into their OH- and H+ ionic components. The OH- acts a cleaning agent, attracting and retaining stains, while the H+ ions sterilize and clean the clothes."

As with many breakthroughs, it's almost insulting to realize that these possibilities have been there all along, right in front of us. Nonetheless, we should be grateful to be spared the daily pains of messes, costs, and the popular 'oh crap we have a load of laundry and no detergent' scenario. Unfortunately, also with many breakthrough gadgets, this washer is only available in a certain non-US country. In this case, the country is France and the price comes to about $1,000 USD.

I can't speak for when (or if) this will be available in the States, nor can I say if the price will vary. It may or may not be worth it, either, considering other models on the market for around the same price range. I do know that it seems a bit faulty, as much as I'd love for it to be true and effective. For example, what's the likelihood of a stain coming out with water? Or any under-the-surface grim, for that matter? I understand what the theory is saying about water molecules, but I'm skeptical.

That said, if I could see it proven to work, I'd love to have one running in my home. If it really catches your fancy, you can have a look at the French product page.

Levitation Discovered

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:30:00 GMT

You've seen it in books, TV, and movies for decades. One of the biggest tricks of every magician, and one of the trickiest problems for scientists to solve; levitation. Our intelligent scientists, as well as the ones who probably never sleep, have discovered the theory of levitation. In fact, these are the same guys that suggested the idea of an 'invisibility cloak' (Harry Potter, anyone?) is actually a possibility.

They've come across this breakthrough by harnessing the natural forces that would normally cause objects to be attracted to each other, or stick together (without adhesive). From there, this concept was reversed. The repelling result? You guessed it, levitation (AKA the Casimir force).

To reword it more simply, this force isn't gravity or electricity. It's all related to objects sticking together in the same way that a gecko can walk across a ceiling, like a “dry glue” effect. The Casimir force could be utilized as a big help, preventing tiny objects from sticking together. This, among other methods, makes it obvious why reversing the effect could be useful.

We are still a long way from the big tricks, such as levitating humans. However, scientists assure us it's quite possible and we just aren't there yet with the development. In the mean time, this could lead to micro-machines that run using levitating parts. Think, for example, of the tiny mechanical device that triggers your car's airbag to inflate. It all means a smoother, better experience in our technology; the one thing we can't get enough of.

"Micro or nano machines could run smoother and with less or no friction at all if one can manipulate the force,” explained Professor Ulf Leonhardt, one person behind the discoveries.

As always, I'm all for anything that leads to faster, smoother gadgets. This could improve safety as well. Probably most of all, though, it's pretty wicked cool. We've actually harnessed levitation, and that's hard to pass up. Check out this article for more.

New Nintendo DS Slide Accessory

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:30:00 GMT

While [in terms of add-ons] it may never keep up with its fellow system, the Nintendo Wii, the DS has added a new accessory of sorts. It's a piece that almost turns the DS into a mouse, speaking in functions. In addition to the already innovative controlling of the touch-controlled DS, you may now be able to move the DS around on a flat surface in sync with your game.

After moving the DS like a mouse, the DS computes your action as always and the game will respond accordingly. If it all isn't too much for you to think about while gaming, this could be a very cool and very natural feature. I don't know about you, but I tend to move my controllers and handhelds with the game I'm playing anyway, at least out of frustration.

The peripheral is actually released as an included piece of an appropriately named DS game, Slide Adventure: Mag Kid. The feature is described as similar to the trackball, simply reversed. Naturally, instead of rolling it with your palm, you would roll the controller around to move the creature known as Mag Kid. The slide controller plugs right into your NDS' cartridge port, after which you can roll the NDS and Slide Controller together.

Mag Kid itself is "a little spherical beast who's special ability is magnetism which attracts metallic objects onto its body so that they're linked and pulled when moving." Mag Kid apparently has to put back together a busted-up Robot, of course giving reason to wander all over the place to find the appropriate missing parts. There are said to be a total of 12 mini-games included, as well as a wireless multiplayer feature enabling a contest of up to four players.

It could be brilliant, though I'd really like to see it included in other titles. If this is only the beginning and release, it should be excellent. However, I doubt I'd buy a game just to try out a new accessory, despite just how cool of an accessory it is.

The Slickr: Sexy as the iPhone

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:20:00 GMT

The Slickr is a spiffy device that seems to look like an iPhone Nano, if there was such a thing. We've seen rumors, but there hasn't been any public development concerning that and as far as I know, they're still just working on the iPhone itself. Something else we've seen is our fair share of PMPs. The Slickr is cool, or just really unoriginal, because it's the best of both worlds.

The first thing to be observed with the Slickr, despite its stunning aesthetic appeal, is that it has no touch screen capabilities. That's just one way that it may look like an iPhone, perhaps even smell like an iPhone, but it certainly doesn't act like one. It's a bit impressive, nonetheless. It's true, it doesn't use a touch screen. This entails that the Slickr is run strictly on buttons, which are clearly well hidden and at least don't take away from the look of the device.

As far as functionality, the Slickr seems to have a few tricks up its sleeve. Regrettably, none of these tricks are new ones. This German gadget is fit with a 2.83 inch screen and 2GB of memory. Of course, that's chump change today, thus the device also includes a card slot for potential expansion; wise move, Slickr.

What can it do? This baby is a portable media device, clearly, and it will allow you to play your MP3s, WMAs, and WAV files. In addition to that, you can view your JPEG pictures and watch movies in AVI format. Also, you can tune into FM radio while enjoying the built-in speaker, as opposed to the sole use of headphones. Naturally, it has a WAV voice recording feature.

So it isn't packing any new tricks, as I've said. It still has some nice abilities and features, but even at that, I can't say I'd choose it as my PMP. That said, it still looks hot and could nearly pass for a downsized version of the iPhone. If you don't need much space for storage, this just might be what you're in the market for. Check out the $129 here.

USB Finger Dance Mat

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:50:00 GMT

As if being forced to play Dance Dance Revolution with your friends isn't bad enough, being really bad at Dance Dance Revolution might be worse. Your feet are tired. Your legs are stiff. All of that stomping and twisting has made you sore. Well, now you are already into the game. You are starting to think, "Hey, the DDR Game is actually pretty darn cool. I wish there was a way to play at my computer." Then the thought of you jumping up and down with your CPU just feet away changes your mind. "Wait a second," you say to yourself, "what if I could play... using my fingers?!"

Introducing the USB Finger Dance Mat

For around $18, you can get yourself one of these handy timewasters. Whether you are waiting for your hotpocket to finish microwaving, or you are just bored out of your mind, this Dance mat will provide, oh, I'd say probably 1 hour of fun oer day. How it works is, a song starts playing, and then you have to move your fingers where the spots on the pad light up, unlike in Dance Dance Revolution, where arrows stream up the screen. But wait. Here's where it gets REALLY good. The dance mat comes with a little paper cutout of a dancer. The spots where the dancer's legs would be a filled my two holes. You stick your fingers through the holes, and BAM! You've got yourself a dancer with little finger legs. Brilliant. Now, die-hard Dance Dance Revolution fans out there, don't expect this game to have all of your favorite techno songs on it. In fact, I belive the gadget MAY only come with one song. Bummer. The Game UI looks pretty simple, but I mean, how hard could it be? Follow the arrows.
Here are some features:

A fingertip dance mat.
Illuminating arrows for you to chase.
Optional sound track with on/off switch.
A 'move counter' to track your success.
A choice of a 30 second or a one minute game.
A disco gal that rests on your hand to add to the disco inferno feel.
Requires a USB port.
Suitable for ages 8 years+.
Size: 10.5 x 10 x 2.5cm.

So, if you get bored easily or want to get a gift for your pal, pick one of these up here.

American Airlines gets WiFi

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:30:00 GMT

American Airlines has just announced that their 767-200's will soon be carrying WiFi thanks to the services of Aircell. Finally the American Airliners can catch up with international airliners and carry this connectivity for their customers allowing them to access their email and web browsers. Aircell says that all services will cover the entire US and will allow 802.11 a/b/c wifi connections with user providing their own devices. Although this service will come at a cost, prices will not be announced until the service is formally launched into service. Either way, there is finally something to pass the time for those on long flights.

Google Phone Expected Soon

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:20:00 GMT

The next big thing in the cellphone industry could be coming from a Google campus near you; and no, it's not an iPhone. Reuters is reporting that the search giant has supposedly invested "hundreds of millions" into the development of a cellphone and is actively seeking out mobile carriers in both the U.S. and Europe.

Reuters company Anian initially broke the news that Google had established a deal with Taiwan-based HTC (High Tech Computer Corp) to design a Linux-based cellphone sometime last month. HTC currently builds and re-brands cellphones for sale in the U.S. and European markets.

By creating its own cellphone, Google will certainly put its relationships with Apple and other companies at risk. These manufacturers currently rely on Google Maps and other Google APIs to function properly. In fact, Apple's iPhone uses Google's search functionality within the Safari browser.

Eternity II - Win $2 Million!

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 04:40:00 GMT

Eternity II is a puzzle with a difference, its incredibly hard, theres thousands of solutions and theres a $2 million prize for the first person to solve it.

There are loads of puzzles around where you can win money by solving them first, but the makers of the Eternity II claim that this is the biggest prize of any puzzle competition.

Eternity II is the sequel to the first Eternity puzzle which was won by Alex Selby, who solved the puzzle much quicker than the makers had anticipated.

So now its your turn to see if you can scoop yourself the winnings by solving the puzzle.

Eternity II is availble for $70 (£34.95) from Firebox.

You can also try your hand at a simple version of the game on the official Eternity II website I completed this one in 3 minutes 34, can you beat that?

VMWare Fusion to Start Shipping

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:50:00 GMT

If you're a Mac user looking to run Windows, your options will soon expand because VMWare Fusion will start shipping on August 6th. Unlike Apple's solution (dubbed Boot Camp), VMWare Fusion is similar to Paralells Desktop because it enables Windows to co-exist with Mac OS X.

The folks over at VMWare claim that the software supports virtualizing up to 60 different types of operating systems. There is no limit to the number you have running simultaneously; this is only capped by the amount of memory that your system has.

Compared to Boot Camp, both VMWare Fusion and Parallels Desktop do not require a full restart just to run another operating system. With the addition of features like Unity and Coherence, the guest operating system(s) can exist "transparently".

VMWare Fusion will retail at $79.99, however you can get it for $39.99 if you order early.

iPhone Receives First Update

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:20:00 GMT

iPhone users now are able to download and install version 1.0.1 of the iPhone software to their iPhone. This update is basically just bug fixes and working out a few annoying kinks in the OS but it's definitely nice to see that updates are being made regularly and quickly, which is good news. Although no new features were added to the device in this update users can keep their fingers crossed for the next update. Unfortunatly this also brings a bit of bad news as some of the sercurity flaws in Safari that hackers were trying to exploit for unlocking the device have been patched, but regardless I'm sure one of those adament in the process will get through.

To see the full list of bug fixes head over to apple.

AimBLADE Support For "Cyber Athletes"

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:20:00 GMT

Anyone who uses the computer in excess (say bloggers or workers) knows that using frequently can be strenuous enough to call ourselves 'cyber athletes'. You also probably know that most of us don't really take the proper measures to protect ourselves from RSI or just average aches. There's a lot to consider like posture, screen position, chair height, lighting, breaks, wrist angle, etc. It's basically too much and pretty well ignored.

The AimBLADE has come to the rescue here with an arm rest that affixes to your desk. It was developed specifically to be an ergonomic support, reducing stress while using a mouse. Yes, it'd be good to already have armrests on your chair with your computer desk. It's pretty tricky to actually line the two up comfortably, though, so something like this is ideal.

More specifically, the AimBLADE seems to work for anyone. It is compatible with left-handed people as well as righties. In addition to that, it doesn't really matter if you use the computer tons or hardly at all; this could still be a good product for you. Then again, I don't think someone who barely computes would be in the market for something like this. One crucial feature is the 360° that this baby can swivel, allowing the user to control a mouse as usual. They also say you won't need any tools to install the AimBLADE, so that's always nice.

If you're anything like me, you would like to take the effort to make things better on yourself, even if it's just to justify using the computer as long as you do. I might initially set out to hold my wrists properly when I type or navigate the mouse, or perhaps to sit in a proper posture. Nonetheless, give me a minute to fall into whatever it is I'm doing and all those techniques are lost on me. Anything I can buy to keep me from remembering to practice healthy etiquette is warmly welcomed. At that point, I tend to worry if a gadget would be more inconvenient in the long run, but I think 'no' in this case. It's very appealing and you can check it out for yourself here.

USB Powered Beverage Chiller

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:40:00 GMT

It's a hot day out. Sweat is dripping down your back and forehead. Your fingers repeatedly and rhythmically tap the keyboard as you finish your "raid" on World of Warcraft. If only you had a refreshing, crisp, ice-cold soda at your fingertips. If only... but, your whole room is taken up by stacks of Yuh-Gi-Oh Games and old N64 controllers. There is no room for a refrigerator; it wouldn't fit on your desk.....

There is now a solution.

Introducing the USB Beverage Chiller, by "CoolIT Systems." The nifty and sleek-looking device simply plugs into your USB Port, and in a couple of moments, the cold-disk has shot down to a brisk 45°F. Thats enough to chill anyone's can. This unit needs no external power supply, which is great for your camera, phone, iPod, and possibly even Laptop. Yes, you could turn your Laptop into a beverage cooler. Now unfortunately, the device only chills on can at a time, but then again, it's not like you have guests or anything. And again, how many sodas can you drink at one time? ....ok, bad example, but you get my point! Just imagine, you are surfin' the net outside on your laptop. You want a cool drink - and there it is. and at the low price of $22, you could even pick up 2 of these bad boys and - you guessed it - double chill. Two at a time! This is the perfect gift for any of your geek friends. They will simply love it, and they won't know how they ever survived without it.

Here are some scenarios of when you could use the USB Beverage Chiller:

Your gaming desktop+up late+need energy in a cool form+Beverage Chiller= Level Up!
Outside on the porch. Hot day. Keep your Lemonade cool. Beverage Chiller!
Long car ride. No in-car mini fridge. You DO have that laptop car charger though... Plug in your Beverage Chiller!

Buy yours here.

Blackberry with GPS FINALLY!

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:20:00 GMT

RIM just released the 8310 in Germany which has the same specifications as the Blackberry Curve, with the addition of an onboard GPS receiver. Blackberry fanatics have been dying to get GPS on their phones for awhile now and finally they will see that. IT seems that due to the rise of smart phones, pocket pcs, and the iphone that Blackberry has been forced to redirect some of it's consumer focus to target more of the general population with it's devices, and if you ask me it's about time.

The 8310 has no sign of washing up on our shore anytime soon although with the release of the Wifi Blackberry here in the US we can certainly hope that this wonderful device will make it here soon.

Mobile Software for Mushrooms

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:10:00 GMT

Over in Austria developers at Hagenberg College have been working on software that allows it's user to identify whether a mushroom is safe to eat or if it is poisonous.

The software is able to tell the user if the mushroom is safe simply by taking a picture of it. This means it would be able to run on mobile phones. Although I'm not too sure if I would trust my life to it as I'm not sure how accurate this software could really be. Though with this software I suppose that would bring a reason to not be able to live without your phone other than texting and email.

EzKey Keypad Mouse

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:10:00 GMT

I love my laptop, plain and simple. But there are a few problems with our relationship and one of the main problems would be my enthusiasm for a full numeric pad for quick number entry. This especially showed through when I had an online statistics course. Well now there is an answer to those that share this frustration with their notebook.

Coming in two flavors of black and white, the EzKey mouse features a flip up shell to reveal a full numeric keypad, perfect for the next time you have to travel and plan on getting some work done on the way. There aren't a whole lot of details as to when this number crunching mouse will be available as the patent is still pending.

Humming to Search For Songs

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:50:00 GMT

A new technology is in the works that will allow us to search for music and downloads simply by humming the tune. It is being developed by an Australian scientist, Dr. Sandra Uitdenbogerd, is the Melbourne researcher and mastermind behind this. Her idea is simple, suggesting that finding a song can be tricky if you don't know its title, or perhaps if it has common lyrics.

"If you know the words then you're far better off just typing some lyrics into Google and that will work brilliantly, but for certain types of music, that's not really an option," she says.

The good doctor has a PhD in Computer Science and specializes in music information-retrieval technology. The word is, she's been working on this particular project for about ten years. Within another three or four years, the technology could actually be ready for commercial use. Naturally, she wants to see it being utilized in our most popular, biggest card-holders of music applications and download programs (i.e. iTunes).

To use it, all you'll need is a microphone and an internet connection. According to the explanations, I'm led to believe that singing in key would be a plus. It's even been said that the less accurate the singing, the harder it'll be to find a match. So on that note (no pun intended), it can also be assumed that you may have to try a time or two to get it right, probably just like you already have to do with many voice recognition applications.

"What you sing into the computer gets stored as a wave form and in order to do matching against the music we have convert that into note information," she said.

After this step, you'll receive a list of your matching results, at which point you can select which song to download.

The concept is good, and I've found myself in such a pickle before. I can't say if it'll be any more convenient in the long run, but it seems appreciated for those tricky situations nonetheless. We already know that it'll require a little patience to work with, but if you're willing to sing to a computer to find and download it, I guess it's all worth it.

The First Waterproof Video Player

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:30:00 GMT

Well it's about time, I guess. Not only do we have our own underwater video cameras, we even know how to rig them up by ourselves. I'm assuming we could probably submerge anything in the same way, but it's nice to have companies build these things for us, too. That said, this seems like one of the more pointless waterproof gadgets out there. But, it's a first and if you really must watch digital video underwater (or perhaps if you're a bored mermaid seeking relief), your dreams just became a reality.

Chinavasion will be bringing us this lovely device soon. The MP4 player will be packing a whopping 1GB...which of course, isn't much at all. Then again, it has a 1.8-inch screen, and that screen can only show you 128 x 128 resolution, 15 frame-per-second playback. That considered, 1GB could be plenty.

With somewhat wimpy specs, it doesn't seem like it could be worth it. Nonetheless, I'll give it to them; at least it's handheld. We have to remind ourselves that no one else has done this yet. With it, you'll get some software to convert videos from MPEG, WMV, ASF formats. The supported audio formats include your standard WAV, WMA and MP3. You'll also get, quote, "super fine quality earphones packaged with every order that keeps water out of your ear, and pipes the music directly into your ear." Use the neck strap or armband to take it with you, but bare in mind that the bulky yellow gadget isn't so pretty.

Maybe it's nice to be able to take this with you to the pool or something, but if you are more interested in watching videos than swimming, it seems like you'd get a real device and be careful enough to go somewhere dry instead. Well what do I know, anyway; if it sounds like you or something you'd like to look at, check it out. No word on the price yet.

How To Manage All Those Gadgets/Chargers

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:10:00 GMT

So you already know the most important concepts of keeping your gadgets safe. That doesn't change the fact that you have a lot of them, and it builds up on you. We all have the tangled cord nightmare once in a while, but fear not. There are some excellent, cheap (or free) ways to manage all of your devices and to charge them, too.

First of all, you can always buy a rack to store your gadgets and cords on. There are some cool newer products out these days that can be convenient, such as the "Socket Pocket" concept. That kind of thing, pictured below, is handy but not for multiple devices.

Moving right along, there are a slew of methods [many DIY] to help with multiple gadgets. I'll run through a few of the projects here, all of which you can handle by yourself at home.

1.) The first idea is probably the simplest, and still quite effective. I'd suggest getting a shoe organizer, prefferably clear, and designating one pocket to each device and cord. This will give each gadget its space while still keeping them out of the way, easy to access, and organized. There's also a method of making one such storage unit yourself (pictured below), but that seems like a lot more trouble for the same result as my personal suggestion.

2.) The second method involves using pegboard. You could put this wherever you wanted, though under your desk is one particularly appealing idea if you're in the market to organize the slew of cords and gadgets that comes with a computer. You'd simply mount some pegboard and your gadgets with it, threading the wires though it. Go here for more pictures and details.

3.) A toolbox is used in the third method, to make more of a charging station. You can find a cheap toolbox and essentially drill holes in it, while labeling and using the box's cubbyholes to house your devices as they are charging. This is especially nice because it hides all of the unsightly cord mess, leaving you with only what you need.

4.) Another option is the same basic concept as above, though it is may be more aesthetically pleasing in the end. This method involves a media box, and X-Acto, and some bookplates. Again, it looks nice but this way won't provide you with places to hold the devices like a toolbox would. Take your pick.

So there are a couple of ways that you can manage all of your cords, chargers, and devices in a organized manner. Because after all, nothing kills the look of sexy gadgets like a monster jumble of cords. Besides that, charging needs to be as easy to access and use as the devices you're charging (I say that, hoping it's a good thing).

Celltray: First to Display Living Cells

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:50:00 GMT

This is the first worthy update to microscope technology in years, and it may actually fit into the 'breakthrough' category. This IDSA's 2007 Gold Winner [in the medical category] is also the first to allow scientists to view living biological cells. For once, when using this new equipment, we will not be relying on dead, preserved organisms to make deductions.

It's the same basic concept of a standard microscope slide plus one very important feature that changes the way we see the subjects. It incorporates an incubator to keep the cells alive while they are being studied. Also, unlike traditional well plates, it isolates the cells into their own individual wells so that they may be observed accordingly. The area to be viewed specifically contains 7,614 wells and a liquid medium. These wells are linked by a channel system that supplies nutrients and removes any build up of toxic waste. One quote from Gizmodo sums up the meaning of such innovation:

"In the past biological researchers have relied upon using slides of preserved cells to make inferences about cellular processes. Put plainly, making deductions relied upon studying an 'old photograph' of a system. Comparatively, the cellTRAY will be like making those same deductions using a time-delayed, video transmission."

This new technology could really open the door to discovery in diseases, including treatments. Whether or not everyone understands the specifics of the workings, we can all relate and benefit. Most of us have had to use microscopes in school, or perhaps you even played with them as a kid. The dead samples were definite and viewed on their simple, glass slides. This was, essentially, like viewing an intricate picture, and over time the impact of something like live viewing has the potential to be huge.

If you'd like to check it out or further examine the details of the cellTRAY, head to the page at Nanopoint.

Hide the Doorknob for Maximum Security

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:20:00 GMT

Traditional door mechanisms not your thing? Perhaps you just aren't feeling laser/fingerprint/retina/face scanners as your means to security. Or maybe, you don't even approve of a standard locking system. If you're thinking you want to go back to basics, then you ought to like this new doorknob design.

It isn't just about security, though. This newer concept is the same idea of old methods that were utilized just to get some privacy. If you wanted to keep someone out, just throw up the old 'do not disturb' sign, or perhaps toss a hat onto the doorknob. Go straight to the source and get their attention at the knob, which they have to see and use to get in in the first place, right?

The Doorknob Condition uses a pulley system, essentially. Once you're inside your humble abode, you can pull the doorknob from your side of the frame and the outside knob is caused to recess into the door itself. This hides the knob from the outside and makes the panel flush. Similarly, you would push on the extended knob (from the inside) if you wanted to 'unlock' the door and present visitors with a knob. As far as getting in from the outside, I'm assuming one would use the small slot pictured below the knob [or lack thereof]. I can't, however, speak for how you'd use it, or whether it is any safer than a standard lock and key system.

Security [or privacy] wise, it's not too shabby. Not only can they not get into your house, they can't even try to turn the knob. Of course, there's always the possibility of straight having your door kicked in. Regrettably, the Doorknob Condition does not protect against such threats at this time. As I said before, I don't know if it's any better or not. I do know that it has to be better than an alarm placed over the doorknob that screams a 105 decibel screech, should anyone even touch it.

Mac Updates: OS X Leopard and Keyboard (+ Pics)

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 03:20:00 GMT

There are a couple of Mac-related updates that I'd like to cover involving a tentative revamped keyboard and a little thing we like to call Mac OS X Leopard, which is currently set for October.

I'll start off with the changes in Leopard and how things will be different for Mac users out there. Before I get into specific features I'd like to assure you that it's still Mac, it's still the same concept, and everything is still wrapped in a pretty, aesthetically pleasing package.

1.) Games. Right from the beginning I'll mention that a partnership has been announced to bring more games to the Mac platform. This certainly interests gamers and the impatiently waiting Mac users.

2.) Safari 3.0. Safari's speedy performance is said to load pages and execute JavaScript more than 2X faster than the current version of Firefox. You'll also get the always handy tabbed browsing and on-screen word search. Safari should be running for Windows, too, now for either Vista or XP.

3.) Bootcamp. Bootcamp is going to be included with Leopard by default, allowing you to boot and run Windows on your Mac. However, if you'd like to run the two OS's side-by-side, it looks like you'll still require some third party software.

4.) Quick Look. Quite simply, Quick Look allows you to peek at entire files and folders without actually opening them.

5.) Spaces. You can uses Spaces to group and orangize your windows and separate workspaces. You will also have the bird's-eye view of all of your spaces in which you can select or toggle the spaces.

6.) WebClip. Webclip enables you to create a one-click Dashboard widget out webpages (say, for example, a site that you visit frequently).

7.) iChat. You can now put on presentations or slide shows via iChat, or use Photo Booth effects to change your appearance during a video conversation.

8.) Core animation. Though that's pretty much all it is, Leopard's core animation is stunning and definitely there for our viewing pleasure. (See first picture of this article)

9.) Time Machine. The Time Machine feature is a very welcome one, and possibly my favorite. It backs up everything on your Mac for you and keeps things tucked away, just as they were in the past. You can search for any older, lost files and restore them instantly.

Now, speaking of all the updates in Leopard, I wanted to make a quick shout-out to a potential new keyboard for Macs. Take a look:

Small updates, yes, but noteworthy nonetheless. It's been long enough and these are some welcome, further organized changes if this keyboard is ever released.

Projector Display for Mobile Phones

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:30:00 GMT

Plenty of workers in today's society deal with presentations, the most common form of which being projection. Though we sure have developed some nice ones, carrying around a projector would clearly be no easy task, especially considering most already lug a laptop. Granted, places of work may be able to provide for you, but it'd sure be nice to have super-portable means instead. I won't suggest that a phone could do that for you, but that's the next big project with Motorola.

Motorola has entered an agreement with Microvision, looking to bring projector displays to your mobile device. This should be done utilizing Microvision's PicoP, involving a laser-based projector technology small enough to squeeze inside of something like a phone. Even then, we aren't expected to sacrifice what they are calling the "big screen viewing experience."

Just as normal, the content should be projected from your device onto a blank wall, or really onto any other surface you like. This would allow us to share anything from movies to presentations, personal videos, mobile TV, photographs, or websites with colleagues and friends.

"With its slim form factor and low power requirements, Microvision's PicoP projector is optimized for the mobile environment," says Alexander Tokman, President and CEO of Microvision. "We believe that our unique display technology, combined with Motorola's focus on delivering cool experiences, would allow mobile users to enhance their viewing of information and entertainment."

This up-and-coming feature definitely shows advancement and it has a lot of potential, I'll say that for it. It has the massive potential to be convenient, effecient, and just cool in general. If you have the right kind of phone and applications, Powerpoint could actually come with you and be presented anywhere from a phone, which is sweet. Then again, it also has the massive potential to be annoying. Ever have some light reflected into your face or a laser pointer aimed at you? I rest my case.

Insect-Like Robot Vehicle: Halluc II

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:20:00 GMT

The prototype of the Halluc II was unveiled a few days ago by researchers at the Chiba Institute of Technology. This swank robot vehicle is equipped with eight legs that are prepared to handle rough and rugged terrain, whether it is driving or walking. In addition to those options, the robot can move sideways, conquer obstacles in either mode, and turn around in place. It's reminiscent of something from Inspector Gadget meets Transformers, and it admittedly looks like an intensely cool toy.

That said, researchers would actually like to see this gadget helping with rescues and mobility issues for the impaired. Developers plan to have this baby in action for practical use within the next five years.

The Halluc II has three modes including insect, animal, and vehicle, depending on the terrain. Naturally, the vehicle mode uses its eight wheels to drive around. When in vehicle mode, the structure can still navigate around uneven surfaces with each of the legs moving up and down in sync with the terrain. This should provide a smooth ride because of the cab being kept level and constant.

In insect mode, the Halluc II extends its legs and walks, rather than rolling on the wheels. The legs are away from the cab in this mode, giving it an insect-reminiscent stride. Finally, the animal mode walks with the legs directly beneath the cab. Because of this, animal mode is fit for tight spaces. Throughout any maneuvering, the Halluc II is also equipped with sensors to look out for potential obstacles and keep distance. It is constantly assessing the best position for its legs and wheels.

Shunji Yamanaka aided in the design of this robotic vehicle, having worked on different gadgets ranging from furniture to transportation. “Human beings have a large number of muscles, which allows for a great degree of freedom,” says Yamanaka. “By incorporating greater redundancy into the vehicle’s functions, we can give it more flexibility and speed and enable it to continue operating even when obstacles are in the way.”

The actual design of the Halluc II requires 2 motors for each leg joint [at 3 joints per leg] and 1 motor for each wheel. That adds up to a total of 56 motors for this gadget, and it seems that none of it is wasted. Check out a video of the Halluc II in action:

Light-Operated Mouse/Keyboard

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 11:50:00 GMT

Lomak (AKA Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard) is simply that; a mouse and keyboard set designed for those can't use standard tools of the trade. You may have seen similar innovations such as speech recognition, or even mind reading, capabilities in technology to accommodate any and all users. The concept here is the same, simply utilizing a beam of light instead.

The system works with the aid of a light-sending pointer, which can be worn somewhere on the head or hands. By directing that light supplied by the pointer, the intended key and mouse functions can be highlighted. It seems that this is haphazard and unreliable, but apparently each selection is confirmed, cutting down on error and improving efficiency.

Lomak claims to have several advantages over the alternatives besides speed and accuracy. For example, it is said that learning to use the system is a quick, painless process that will allow users to be up and running almost instantly

"I realized that if I arranged the alphabet in a circle I would be able to create symbolic words by crossing from one letter to the other. This arrangement would eliminate the need for extra computing to decide which letter or symbol had been produced. With the circle configuration, commonly used words would become easily remembered “symbols” and the user would create these readily in the same way that one learns to touch type without looking at the keys." -- Lomak inventor, Mike Watling

It can perform in any ambiance, and it won't rob you of any screen space like an on-screen keyboard would. It can also be used with any application while not actually required software itself; no calibration is necessary.

Maintenance and support should rarely be called upon; one of the bigger ideas is that the system is recognized only as another USB keyboard and mouse. It should allow the user to log in to his or her computer normally, without having to reveal passwords or have any assistance. It is lightweight, low-energy, and it goes in place of your old keyboard just where it belongs.

The Lomak actually won gold in the 2007 IDEA design awards and is still highly agreeable no matter the system. Check out the site here.

Sony PS3 new low price, free extras

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 10:10:00 GMT

It has been announced that the 60 GB Sony PS3 price of $599 is being dropped to $499. The system also comes with 5, yes 5 Blu-Ray Movies, and a Blu-Ray Remote, all for free. This seems to be a smart move for Sony, because although they are losing money now, it could all pay off later. The PS3 has already moved back into the number 1 spot on Amazon.com's "Video Game Top Sellers" List.

This item currently has free standard shipping, and you can also get 1-day shipping, which tells me that Amazon obviously isn't running low on PS3s.

When the PS3 first came out. I wanted one REALLY badly. Not because of the Blu-Ray Drive. Not because of the SIXAXIS. But because of the hype. I was stupid. A couple of months later I realizd that XBOX 360 was the way to go, almost everyone I knew had one. Well, now things are changing. With the huge scandal going on with XBOX 360's red circles of death, I am now considering the PS3 again. I think this is the best move Sony could have made at this point. They knew they were dying, so decided to go down fighting. Hopefully, they will make a full recovery in the gaming world. The one thing Sony could add that would make this deal unbeatable, is a couple of games instead of all Blu-Ray Movies.

For anyone thinking about purchasing a PS3:

Find someone you know who has one
Wait for Killzone to come out
Play it
Check out the online
If you like it, then buy it.
If you don't then good luck getting your faulty 360 repaired.

Sony dominated the gaming field with the PS2. They got a slow, lousy start with the PS3. It was WAY too expensive from the beginning. Now, though, I honestly do think that Sony is rising to the top once more. And I couldn't be happier about it.

Wi-Fi: Now Helping to Save Your Life

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:50:00 GMT

Now there are two things in this world that have really gotten better, not to mention significantly more widespread; security systems and Wi-Fi, that is.

These two systems have finally joined forces, meaning wireless technology has stepped up to the task of keeping you safe. The appropriately named FireAngel is responsible for bringing us just such a range of products.

The line consists of the all-important [Wi-Safe] Smoke Alarm and [Wi-Safe] Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Naturally, it includes a handy-dandy Remote Warning Handset which makes the system unique. This is simply a small handheld device that can be left somewhere in your bedroom while you snooze, or perhaps even carried with you.

The handset is sure to get your attention, unlike a typical alarm which may be affixed elsewhere in your house. In that case, there's no guaranteeing the alarm will be heard, particularly when everyone is asleep. That's the benefit of being able to keep this remote at your bedside, thus the whole concept of Wi-Fi communication in your home's security system. In addition to that, the handset has a thoughtful "Escape Torch" feature which converts it into just that [a 'torch'] once the remote is removed from its cradle. Instead of your standard, run-of-the-mill Wi-Fi, FireAngel employs wireless technology of its very own.

As far as prices, the remote will set you back less than £30, with the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms ranging from £15-£35. For a close look, hit up the FireAngel website.

Of course despite the security, experts have recently been bickering over whether or not Wi-Fi is a health hazard. Shocker, right? It really isn't much of a surprise that we probably should have seen it coming, especially with the arrival of early warning signs [such as the scientific analysis regarding the safety of cell phones]. I'm not arguing with any of the studies or accusations; I really can't speak for it. Nonetheless, I think it's safe to say that we can rest assured for a while. Rather, I expect the verdict to remain "no conclusive evidence that leads to..." for years to come.

Apple Wants iPod to Charge Only For You (Not Thieves)

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:20:00 GMT

Yet another attempt to cut down on theft is being considered by Apple. There's already a slew of things you can do for yourself to protect any gadget, though at the end of the day, anything can still get swiped. I'm not sure if this is the most foolproof method to employ, but it's the new concept and it could be a nice feature, regardless. The plan is to make iPhones charge for you and you only, rendering stolen phones useless, attractive bricks after a period of time.

It only makes sense to try something new, as the iPhone is as hot as ever and still being stolen enough to break anyone's heart. Though it sounds potentially inconvenient at some point, the technology refuses to charge an iPhone that has been connected with an unauthorized computer.

"For devices that are mainly powered by a rechargeable-power-supply (eg. music-players, phones, Personal Digital Assistants), disabling the recharger effectively renders the device inoperable when the power of the main power-supply has run out," Apple notes in the filing. "As such, disabling the recharger should serve as a deterrent to theft."

It really seems obvious and easy, so at the same time, why haven't we tried it before? Well played, Apple. When plugged into a computer, the codes burried in your iPhone and in your software are compared for a match. Naturally, if these codes don't match, the "guardian circuit" could be triggered to prevent any further charging. The guardian circuit itself is suggested in the patent and would be attatched to the charging unit; it could/would prevent further charging if necessary, hence the name.

It's as I've said before, this isn't necessarily the most effective attempt at improving security. For the measures to work, every crook and criminal would have to actually realize the iPhones won't charge for them. Otherwise, these gadgets will be swept up and gone from your possession, business as usual. It simply isn't as if a thief is going to retrun the phone to your doorstep, even once they realize that it's no good to them. That said, I do like the concept and would look forward to its inclusion.

700Mhz up for auction

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:20:00 GMT

The FCC has announced that it will be auctioning the 700Mhz frequency soon. The 700Mhz frequency was used by television companies but is now being abandoned as they have all moved to digital delivery. This frequency is well known for it's ability to deliver amazing speeds and for it's ability to travel through walls and other objects allowing amazing signal strength.

There is a bit of a catch though that has been put in place for you, the end user. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has proposed mass changes to the rules for this spectrum, saying that whoever picks up this frequency will have to offer open devices, meaning that you could use a mobile smartphone and download any applications and not have to deal with just carrier loaded software and abilities.

Initially many carriers were very upset and refused to these terms but recently both AT&T and Verizon have announced that they would support the open 700MHz ideal and will support it to their full extent.

With the coming of the 700Mhz spectrum to mobile phones we can now very well see the arrival of true mobile broadband speeds in your pocket, and constant truly reliable service. With this auction the mobile phone will be revolutionized and it looks like there very well be a very large change in the relationship between mobile service providers and their customers thanks to Martin's proposal. With this auction you can certainly mark the beginning of what will be amazing new mobile software and devices that have not before been imagined.

HTC busy with the FCC

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:00:00 GMT

Recently HTC has put 4 different handsets through the FCC for approval, These include The HTC Touch and the HTC Kaiser.

The first of the handsets know as the HTC Vogue is a dual-band CDMA version of the HTC Touch which would be expected to be released for either Verizon or Sprint, although there isn't a whole lot of details as to it's release.

The three handsets will all be variants of the anticipated HTC Kaiser, The Kaiser 100 will feature no digital camera, which will allow business users that are not allowed to have cameras in the workplace the chance to own this wonderful device. The second variant, the Kaiser 110 Which will feature the rear-facing 3mp camera, and the third variant known as the Kaiser 120 will feature both the rear-facing 3mp camera and the front facing vga camera which is used for video calling.

The Kaiser is most likely to be released on AT&T as it is running on 3G and AT&T just announced launching it's Video Share capabilities.

Transformers Belt

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:50:00 GMT

Transformers seem to be taking the world by storm at the moment, so for all the true Transformers fans here is the latest bit of merchandise, a Transformers Belt. This is an officially licensed belt and sold by Truffle Shuffle for just £9.99 (~ $20).

And if Transformers isn't your thing then Truffle Shuffle also sell a huge range of other 80's clothing including the Flintstones, Thundercats, A-Team and lets not forget, The Goonies which is where they got the name Truffle Shuffle from, from the famous belly dance that Chunk performs.

Another one of my favorite belts is the Pac Man Belt which will also set you back £9.99 (~ $20).

Teach Your Daughter to Exclude Others: BarbieGirls MP3

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

I thought Barbie had enough accessories, but apparently I'm wrong. She now has an MP3 player roughly shaped like herself. What makes this MP3 oh-so-special and exclusive for your little girl? It plugs into a dock that will unlock a slew of pages that include games an chat rooms. These pages can't be accessed without the MP3 player. I guess there goes 'sharing is caring'.

“Over the next few years, you’ll see a lot of companies finding ways to create products that are Web enabled,” said, Marc Rosenberg, chief marketing officer at Zizzle. “The monetization for us comes from the product, and not from the Web.”

I'm not saying the advancement is bad, but it's a bit unnerving to bring up children this way. Their leisure time and even the ways they are raised have shifted to heavier web involvement, and it's natural that toys have to follow. The fact is, hot wheels don't cut it like they used to (unless you can plug it into your PC and download virtual tracks).

This gadget costs $59.99 and only gets worse from there for you, your wallet, and your child's mannerisms. These MP3 player girls have additional 'outfits' which will unlock even more exclusive chat rooms and pages. The MP3 player itself has a measly 512MB of internal memory, though there's a good chance the kids won't care. It's very possible for them to only want this gadget in order to avoid being excluded (thus excluding others themselves). What a super-fab cycle.

I'm probably reading into it too much, but it still makes me itch a little. As far as the company, the concept is really ingenious. This is exactly the type of thing that up-and-coming 'it' girls will beg their moms for, and the 'it' girl moms will probably go for it. I have a little trouble seeing kids using MP3 players, but then again, I still get weirded out at the sight of 8-year-olds with Razrs.

Fingervein Scanning

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

We're all familiar with the fairly high-tech fingerprint scanning. More recently, we aren't so pleased with the technology. Say someone wants to break into your print-protected PC. Simple; all they have do is cut off your finger and they're in! That may not be so realistic, but supposedly the MythBusters crew fooled a print scanner with a simple Xerox copy of a fingerprint. I'm not saying it's easy, but we can do better; such is the scientific way.

The new thing now is not fingerprint scanners, but fingervein scanners. Quite obviously, this type of scanner is based on vein recognition within your finger. Hitachi seems to be leading the development way here with their small gadget in which you'd insert a finger to be scanned, as pictured above.

Instead of strictly security, which not everyone utilizes, Hitachi is targeting money. Payment methods are another thing we are constantly trying to minimize, and scanners are really starting to come into play. Rather than scanning a card, one would have their finger scanned to pay (AKA “finger vein money").

This device works by reading the pattern of blood vessels in your finger to verify your identification. It uses infrared LEDs and a special camera to acquire an image of your vein structure. Then, that image is converted into a readable format and sent to the database, where it is verified. Naturally, this method of ID is every bit as unique as a fingerprint or retina (or a snowflake). Being under the skin, it's significantly more difficult to counterfeit.

Apparently, this technology is already in play at Japan's ATMs and computer log-in systems, among other places. To take advantage of this system, you must register your finger vein pattern data with your credit card company. After that, once you've been shopping and are ready to pay, all you'd have to do is scan your finger and be on your way. The expenses are simply charged to the account you've registered with.

This is an admirable approach, in my opinion, that would maximize convenience as well as security. It'd be pretty tricky to lose your vein data or have it stolen. Perhaps this is another step in the promising process of forgetting about credit cards (and the anxiety that comes with them).

A Promising (and Interesting) Solution for the Stutter

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:20:00 GMT

Having a stutter has to be frustrating, not to mention underestimated. Until recently, a stutter couldn't be cured. This is difficult for the stutterer, as they cannot sufficiently express themselves without breaking up. Some cases are more mild while others are quite severe, really meddling with life. A new device has a rather unpredicted method of potentially stopping the stutter, or close to it. I saw this a while back and it intrigues me just as much now as it did then.

SpeechEasy, the device I mentioned, is apparently already helping thousands to overcome their stammer. SpeechEasy boasts a rather impressive stat in which 80% of its users are fluent or almost fluent with the help of the device. Naturally, they're also improving self-confidence while potentially helping sufferers to land jobs or feel comfortable in social situations.

The method of the solution involves wearing a hearing aid-like device in the ear. However, instead of making things louder, SpeechEasy uses a technology called Altered Auditory Feedback (AAF). What this does is repeats the words a user speaks back into their own ear with a slight delay. This tricks the brain into thinking the user is speaking in unison with someone else, thus reducing or even eliminating the stutter.

I've seen the video/testing of this with a new user and it really is very impressive. Someone with a severe, repetitive stutter can speak completely normally and fluently. The process of this "choral effect" is actually pretty old, having been well documented for decades. The news is in scientists' ability to capture the effect in a small earpiece suited for everyday use.

To get this gadget, you must make a screening appointment in which you would actually wear SpeechEasy to immediately experience its effectiveness. You would then go outside and further test the device for thirty minutes, after which you can decide whether or not you'll purchase it. Unfortunately, this is currently only available in Europe. Check it out, nonetheless, here.

Denon Does it All: Home Entertainment

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:10:00 GMT

If you aren't familiar with Denon Electronics, they manufacture different kinds of home entertainment systems/components. A popular line of theirs is the S-Series, and that series is now being updated with two new compact 2.1 systems. Models include S-302 (SRP: $1,699), and S-102 (SRP: $999). Both of these are taking entertainment systems to a better, more convenient level with more options than your run-of-the-mill set. The company is also adding its first two Networked Audio Systems to the S-Series line, including models S-52 (SRP: $ 699) and S-32
(SRP: $499).

The idea is to improve networking capabilities, connectivity, performance, and convenience in these new systems. The S-302 and the S-102 can both upscale DVDs to 1080p; the S-302 bumps up all analog incoming video to 1080p as well. The S-302 actually has built-in Wi-Fi. In addition to that, it can display the cover art of your music when streaming from a PC or Mac, or when simply listening to your iPod.

The new S-32 and S-52 are both in your typical iPod dock and clock/radio genre, but they aren't so average. They're networked and wireless, and the S-52 will have an HD radio tuner, a slot-loading CD player and a USB jack for other content. Sure blows my clock/radio out of the water, anyway.

For enhanced performance, these new S-Series models feature Audyssey Bass-XT and Dynamic EQ for greater bass response from the included subwoofer (which happens to be 20% smaller than previous designs). Also, to utilize the iPod inclusion, Denon has added a scroll wheel on the top of the units for easy control of long lists of artists, albums, or playlists.

These aren't features you can't get elsewhere. In fact, you probably already have many of them in some form or another. However, if you're interested in combining the sources or simply upgrading your clock/radio or dock, this might be good. These have some original capabilities (such as connectivity/networking/Wi-Fi) that you won't find so easily. If nothing else, it certainly seems like a smart way to utilize the space in your abode.

Go Green, Alien Style

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

We've seen a rapidly-increasing number of attempts at "going green" lately, backed by the huge population looking to buy off their global warming woes. This is one of the goofier methods I've seen/heard to date, and I'm having trouble taking it seriously. Here's a quote to sum up the new-age flying concept at hand:

"I want to get rid of the image of a cylindrical body with wings," said Etnel Straatsma of Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.

Now what does that make me say?

"Good luck."

The image of flight probably isn't changing anytime soon. Nonetheless, there are some new tries on the rise, including the UFO approach that you'll see here today. This flying saucer 'plane of the future' is supposed to be much more eco-friendly, created by people who've considered bringing back the propeller plan for the sake of the environment. The big picture is utilizing lighter materials and funky shapes with the goal of getting
the carbon usage down to less than 50% of current planes.

The challenge, apparently, lies in the fact that modern planes are already close to maximally optimized (well we should hope so). Flying releases the equivalent of about 1 pound of carbon dioxide per mile per passenger, which is about the same as driving a car the same distance. By 2050, it is said that air travel could account for 5 percent or more of the total warming affect, according to a 1999 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Clearly, we're very concerned about Carbon Dioxide emission.

Aside from radical, timely potential solutions, there are alternatives to what we're already doing. One interesting suggestion involved essentially launching cruise ships in the sky. This means putting vacationers on slower flights to save fuel while starting their party on board. Also, it's been suggested that we simply put more people on each plane. This would be accomplished by extending flight seating into the plane's wings. However, there are concerns that sitting there will result in a wobbly ride, not to mention this capacity won't work on every route.

Whatever the verdict is, flight should be changing. The changes made just might include a routine ride on the flying saucer.

Alas; The iPhone is Hackable

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:40:00 GMT

Thought the iPhone was perfect (or perhaps just Apple)? It's often perceived that these devices are immune to viruses or hacks. Apparently, the iPhone is vulnerable. The New York Times has been so kind as to inform us that these fantastic phones can, indeed, be attacked by hackers.

The word is, there's a flaw with the device that presents hackers with the oh-so tempting opportunity to take over your phone. Independent Security Evaluators tells us there are two ways this can be done. Short and sweetly, those ways are:

Method One. The first way an iPhone can get hacked is through its Wi-Fi.

Method Two. The second way to hack an iPhone is by conning its user to visit a website that contains special code that would open up a door for hackers to enter.

The researchers at Independent Security Evaluators, who literally hack for a living, have been testing these theories. They've been able to retrieve personal information from the phones. Naturally, Apple reminded us how seriously they take security and they've ensured us that they'd take a long, hard gander at the submitted report. So far, there have been no actual reports of hacked iPhones.

Wait...what? Well, now that we've told everyone how to hack these phones, you may want to be extra careful until the bugs are worked out. Hopefully, Apple will come up with a fix soon that should guard the phone completely. The good news is, that's only two ways.

That said, it does seem more likely that your phone will simply get swiped the old fashioned way. This would be easier anyway, and there have been reports of such. Not only is it small, it's on fire right now and no doubt very appealing to crooks. Either way, take precautions and bear in mind that you have portions of your life saved to this little slab of a gadget.

Tivo HD

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:30:00 GMT

Tivo HD has been released, and the verdict is a good one. I suppose now would be a good time for me to stop with the "Right after I get TiVo" joke.

This is built on the Series3 platform, but it isn't really an update. To compare the two, Series3 has a 250GB drive (300 hours standard-def video & 32 hours HD) while Mr. TiVo HD has just a 160GB drive (180 hours SD & 20 hours HD). In place of Series3's glowing OLED display, TiVo HD has an array of multicolored status-indicator LEDs and a standard TiVo remote.

It's not THX certified, but it's got the coaxial cable and antenna inputs, plus HDMI, component, S-Video and composite.You also get an optical audio out. You can record two shows at once with the duel CableCARD (while watching a third show, if you like).

The actual software hasn't really undergone any changes. Also, TiVoToGo isn't available in TiVo HD, just to clear that up. TiVo has the a monthly fee as always that can get around $17 bucks a month if you won't agree to more than a year. However, if you pay the $299 for three years of service, you can get $9 bucks a month. They're accepting preorders right now. If you're interested, some other fetures include:

• Movie & TV Downloads - In partnership with Amazon.com, TiVo brings you Amazon Unbox™ on TiVo®, allowing you to download thousands of movies and TV shows straight to your TiVo DVR. Amazon Unbox on TiVo allows you to rent or buy movies from Amazon Unbox using your remote, download them to your TiVo box over your home network, and enjoy them right on your television set whenever you want. The movies you want are always in stock and new releases are available for purchase the same day they arrive on DVD. Best of all, order with your TiVo remote from the comfort of your living room and your rentals and purchases end up in your Now Playing list, right where you'd expect them to be. It's like having an entire video store connected to your TV.

• Universal Swivel™ Search - Exclusive to the TiVo service, universal Swivel search lets you quickly find everything you want in the world of broadcast and broadband television with a single, powerful search. It's the first truly TV centric onscreen search tool that allows subscribers to explore and discover broadcast, cable, and broadband content in an easy-to-use experience. TiVo subscribers can search using the way they intuitively think about television; that is, by starting with a program they currently enjoy and using elements of that program to find more of what they like. Universal Swivel search allows viewers to seamlessly link from descriptions of one program to all others that have common elements, including program name, actors, or suggestions based on other viewers' feedback.

• TiVoCast - TiVoCast delivers original video programming directly to your TiVo box over your broadband Internet connection from a variety of media brands and producers, including the New York Times, CNET, iVillage, The Onion, and many others. The content appears in your Now Playing List, alongside regular broadcast programming as well as your Amazon Unbox rentals and purchases and even Home Movies. It's all seamlessly integrated into the entire TiVo experience.

• Home Movie Sharing - Instead of burning your home movies to DVD and mailing them to friends and family, now you can share them through a private TiVo channel of your own. Simply upload your video footage or photographs to One True Media (www.OneTrueMedia.com), get a channel code, and send the code out to your audience. Your home videos will show up right in the Now Playing list on their TiVo boxes, so they can enjoy them on their own TV. No need to huddle around a computer screen anymore, home movie sharing delivers those precious moments directly to the TV.

• Online Services - With your TiVo box connected to your broadband home network, you can access a variety of online services right on your TV, including Yahoo! Traffic and Weather, Fandango movie tickets, live radio, podcasts, games and more.

• TiVo KidZone - Only TiVo-branded DVRs give you total control over what your kids see on TV. With TiVo KidZone, you get to choose which shows your children can watch and record. It also helps you discover great new shows for them through recommendations from leading national children's organizations. TiVo KidZone provides a customized Now Playing List for your children that displays only the shows you pre-approve, keeping their shows separate from your own shows. TiVo KidZone relies on your own personal settings and password to ensure your kids only see what you want them to see, keeping TV as safe as possible.

Do-It-Yourself Wine

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:10:00 GMT

With ordering your wine being outlawed in some areas, home brewing has become pretty appealing. If nothing else, some people really enjoy that do-it-yourself feeling. Or perhaps, you think wine will taste the best if it was of your own creation. Either way, there's a solution that isn't going to completely change your lifestyle (or change it at all, for that matter). If it sounds like you, then you're interested in the Oenophile's Personal Winery.

The concept is simple and somewhat self-explanatory (but I'm going to lead you through it anyway). In fact, all you really have to do is find yourself some legal crushed, frozen grapes from wherever you want. This gadget will take care of the rest.

This automated home winery can prepare up to four cases of wine at a time. The classic methods are combined with modern technology here, making it even more appealing. The design even looks somewhat modern, boasting a large stainless steel tank and a small control panel. The system handles everything throughout the wine-making process. It regulates temperature, Brix (grape sugar level), and fermentation. All of this information is wirelessly transmitted to a PC where you can log and analyze everything with their included software. By utilizing the computer and graphing, it seems that you may come out with your ideal, preferred wine taste.

It prompts you when to smell and taste the fermenting must or press down the grape skins. Also, the software brings you instructions on how to fine-tune the characteristics, such as bold and fruity. After 6 months to a year in the tank, the wine can be removed and further aged in the oak barrel. You can share any tips you may have (or your results) with the world in a global community of users. Finally, it automatically lifts the grape pomace out of the basin for you.

For anyone who shares a close relationship with their PC and their wine, this sounds great. If you want to check out iBooze, head here.

M200G Volantor - Your Personal Flying Car

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 10:10:00 GMT

Moller International have been working on bringing us affordable flying vehicles for more than 30 years, and it seems that the first of these is very close to being available. The M200G is capable of flying up to 10 feet above any surface, including land, water, sand, swamp and snow.

Safety is very critical to Moller and the M200G has been designed with safety in mind, it is powered by 8 engines which can still operate the M200G if one fails. There are multiple computers onboard which keep the craft stable, these computers work on a voting basis, so if one fails then the others will out vote it for control of the vehicle. It will have extensive air bags and puncture resistant fuel tanks.

Controlling the M200G is simple, with 2 control sticks, the left to control the altitude and rate of climb/descent and the right controls the direction.

The M200G is expected to be available in 2008 and could cost as little as $90,000.

For all the latest news on the Moller Vehicles check out there website: http://www.moller.com/

Robo-Hello Kitty...What?

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 12:20:00 GMT

Of all the things to spend our robotic innovations on; her? Hello Kitty, seriously?

Yes, seriously. This kid-friendly cat has gone robot, possibly replacing your child's best mate for good (and nearing the completion of her long-planned world domination). If you're prepared to dish out the $6,299 (mee-OUCH), you've crossed the line of obsessive fandom and entered the world of her design. Or perhaps you just don't like your kids. Allow me to elaborate with a quote from the website:

"This is a perfect robot for whoever does not have a lot time to stay with child. Hello Kitty Robo can help you to stay with your child to keep them from being lonely."

But who really knows what happens when you leave the two of them alone. I can only imagine the piles of Hello Kitty gear you can buy with this chunk of change, but I suppose you've got to have what you've got to have. This Hello Kitty robot can apparently chat with you in three different ways: 1) As a close friend; 2) with the family; 3) guessing game. Now I don't know the specifics of all that, but it sounds pretty self-explanatory. And naturally, the bot uses Hello Kitty's voice to communicate.

Even stranger, she remembers faces and calls you by name. She's suited up with a slew of sensors and a voice-recognition microphone. The face, whiskers, and ribbons are equipped with LED lights. Additionally, her moving head and arms have four angles each. These are all things that I'd expect to get for my money, but the fact still makes me itch. It's just creepy to breathe life into something like this, and I'm almost certain she'd try to brainwash me; but I digress.

The bot is up for preorder at this time. If you want to check it out, or order it if you dare, head over to this site.

Save Your iPhone

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 10:40:00 GMT

I've managed to avoid writing about the iPhone up to this point, but I think now is the time. I want to do a quick roundup of methods for protecting you chic, pricey, high-status baby. With the money you spent buying it, and then money you can spend on accessories, you really need to dish out a few bucks to keep it in good condition.

There are tons of options when you're protecting any gadget, really. You have choices to make in types, brands, and prices. It's no different with Mr. iPhone. Luckily for us, and smart on Apple's part, the iPhone uses optical grade glass for the touch screen. This is very difficult to scratch, but that still leaves the rest of the phone unshielded. That said, I'll start with defining the types you should look into to clothe this phone.

Skins. First and foremost, you have skins. It's a very simple concept of wrapping the entire iPhone in plastic. The silicone, a flexible yet rugged type of plastic, includes cutouts for buttons while still allowing you full access to the screen. The good thing about skins is that, while guarding against scratches, it looks nice. In some cases (no pun intended), you can't tell that anything is on the iPhone. Of course, the downfall is what it won't protect you against- If you really drop the phone, it can still get damaged.

Screen Protectors. This is similar to the concept of a skin. It's typically a very thin piece of silicone with an adhesive backing that covers the entire front of the iPhone. This is the minimal version of a skin, and it protects the iPhone accordingly. Some are better than others, offering features such as dust resistance and anti-glare.

Cases and Gloves. While the first two options can be more subtle, this is not. You can buy wallets or full cases that will most assuredly protect your iPhone; you can also get a convenient belt clip. Cases and wallets typically come in both leather and canvas varieties and in a wide range of styles. They may take away that 'naked' effect, but they can still look quite nice.

Be wary: When buying any encasing for the iPhone, pick one that will not interfere with the sensor just above the ear piece (pictured below). This means selecting a clear case, or a case with a cutout around the sensor. If that sensor is blocked, the screen will not know to turn off when it’s being held up in proximity to your face.

New Meaning for Air Warfare

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 06:20:00 GMT

I'm sure at some point or another you have always wished you could have some sort of secret high powered fan or something you could get out and let loose on someone right after they fix their hair or a pile of papers, not to hurt them but just for the good laugh you could get from messing those things up from a distance and their initial response. Well with the Airzooka now you can have that power.

The Airzooka is capable of launching a strong ball of air up to thirty feet to your unsuspecting victim. Watch from a distance as they start looking around frantically for the source of this sudden gust of wind.

With a built in sight, the Airzooka is suprisingly accurate. Powered only by the air there is no need for batteries ever. You load the Airzooka by simply pulling back the elastic air launcher and then let it rip.

Currently at $12.99 it may be worth the small cost for the potential laughs you could get out of this little air gun.

Road Rage vs. Emoticons

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 12:10:00 GMT

You know you've been there, driving down the road, you're running late or just having a bad day and then some person decides that they are going ride your tail for 20 miles then proceed to fly past you and cut you off just so they could get to the exit ramp a whole 2 seconds before you. There are a wide array of possible responses that a person may consider from screaming or certain hand gestures. Well with the Driving Emoticon you can express those feelings easily and very clearly to all drivers.

The Driving Emoticon features a LED lit panel that suction cups to your car window. With a small remote near your seat you can easily active one of the five emoticons of the device which are a smiling face, frowning face, "Thanks", "Back Off", and "Idiot". While this may not seem like the most fulfilling response for the moment it may come in handy for situations where those afore mentioned gestures can't be used (i.e. you are in the car with your kids).

I would like to point out though as it is mentioned on the products page, that this device may not be legal in all states so if you were to get one make sure to check your local codes.

The King of...Legs: C-Leg

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:50:00 GMT

Here's a nice quote from Gizmodo that pretty much sums this baby up:

"Nice Lexus. Oh, what's this? Just a ROBOTIC LEG. But really, your car is quite nice. Cup holders and everything."

But seriously, the C-Leg has to be the coolest I've ever seen. It's a microprocessor-controlled hydraulic limb, complete with a wireless remote control. This limb is designed for above-knee veteran amputees. The system is so advanced, you can control the modes at any time (with your snazzy remote), maximizing mobility and independence. What other features does it have?

Standing Mode. Regardless of dynamic alignment...the Standing Mode stabilizes the C-Leg® at any flexion angle between 7 and 70 degrees. This takes weight off the sound limb. Allowing the user to relax while standing.
Adapting Swing Phase Dynamics delivers independence to the user. Gives users the ability to slightly adjust swing phase for higher or lower dynamics for different activities. Easily done with the touch of the remote.
Scope of Application. The new C-Leg® is suited for knee-disarticulation, transfemoral, hip-disarticulation, and hemipelvectomy amputees. Amputees that fit in Mobility Grades 3 and 4 according to Otto Bock's MOBIS® Mobility System. Designed for amputees with a maximum body weight of 275 lbs (125 kg).

So basically, this leg will let you relax as it supports your whole body weight (up to 275 lbs.). Data is taken 50 times per second by a joint angle sensor, while a force-sensing strain gauge pylon is used to determine phase of gait and walking speed of the user. So you'd have changing speed while being able to handle slopes and uneven surfaces.

Like a lot of things, there's the basic version and the tech version in prosthetic limbs. Always go for the tech version, right? I think in some cases, it isn't entirely necessary. But in this case, it just works better, and this happens to be a very important place for things to function correctly. Coming in at $30,000 to $40,000, you might even want to show it off. If you say that's steep, consider it carefully. Is there really any better investment than a body part? I think not.

Take a look at the world's coolest leg, if you'd like.

Buy Yourself a Trip to Space

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:20:00 GMT

I've heard rumors about space trips for a long time, but I didn't really expect it to actually happen any time soon. I've also always had trouble seeing how it's possible considering the extensive length of time astronauts spend training to go into space. How is it that we can simply send civilians? Well however that is, it's now gone from 'possibility' to 'opportunity'.

Apparently, Space Adventures is finalizing the contracts with the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation (FSA) for two commercial seats aboard upcoming flights of the Soyuz TMA spacecraft. How much will this little trip cost you? $100 million big ones.

The company became world renowned in 2001 with the launch of Dennis Tito. Since then, they've sent four other privately-funded individuals to space. Space Adventures has purchased the fall of 2008 Soyuz TMA-13 and the spring of 2009 Soyuz TMA-14 private spaceflight opportunities. Each package includes cosmonaut training and a week in space orbiting the Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures, had this to say about it:

"With the successful flights of the first and only five private space explorers, we not only created the space tourism industry, but now, because of the global market demand, we have secured two additional Soyuz seats and have proposed to the Russian space agency the purchase of seats in 2010, and beyond. The unique provision to Space Adventures of these commercial Soyuz seats has enabled my team to engage with potential clients from all over the world who have the interest in private spaceflight, the financial capability and the insatiable desire to explore."

Well the "financial capability" is certainly true; I don't think I know anyone who could begin to afford this. The people who can swing the price will be announced in the coming weeks. The contracts have already been finalized with these folks and they have their seats.

Space Adventures is the first and only company to send private individuals into space like this. They offer a variety of programs such as the availability today for spaceflight missions to the International Space Station and around the moon, Zero-Gravity flights, cosmonaut training, spaceflight qualification programs and reservations on future suborbital spacecrafts. Their advisory board includes Buzz Aldrin, Shuttle astronauts Sam Durrance, Tom Jones, Byron Lichtenberg, Norm Thagard, Kathy Thornton, Pierre Thuot, Charles Walker, Skylab astronaut Owen Garriott and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachev.

It's a lot of hype, a lot of money, and a lot of experience. It isn't something I'd jump on, but space isn't my highest interest, either. Space Adventures.

Almost-Cool Disney iPod Gear

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:00:00 GMT

I'm really not a big fan of the whole iPod gear craze. Everyone's dressing their iPods better than they dress themselves, and a lot of it is overpriced hoo-ha. On that note, I also don't like Disney very much, especially when they mess with technology. From Disney CDs to Disney phones, I just can't stand the concept.

That said, they made something that is almost kind of neat; your kids will certainly like it, anyway. Unfortunately, it's all themed to that High School Musical movie. Nonetheless, they've created a clock/radio dock and a matching LCD TV. They're both cased in a red school locker-looking design, and they both have High School Musical plastered on it somewhere.

The High School Musical Clock/Radio is, quite obviously, a dock that will allow you to wake up to the tunes from your iPod or radio. Its design is unique, housing the iPod in a chubby locker with a closing door, though that seems inconvenient to me. It'll also charge your iPod and work with Disney Mix Stick.

The High School Musical LCD TV is probably much cooler. When I first saw this, I thought it was just a little toy thing, not much bigger than the iPod screen. But that's only what I'd assumed, and I later discovered that it really is a 15" LCD TV. It, too, is housed in a red locker that looks pretty goofy and great for kids all at the same time. Apparently, this is just one of several $300 TVs that Disney will be rolling out this fall. It'll support your iPod video content and it will include an ATSC tuner.

The iPod dock costs $60, so that's not bad at all. Both of these products should be hitting your local Toys"R"Us store in September (TV) and October (dock). I'm pretty impressed considering these are just for kids. I'm assuming it'll fly off the shelves just because it involves Disney, not to mention iPods.

New Face-Recognizing Cameras; The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 08:20:00 GMT

You've no doubt noticed all of the new technology in security over the years. To date, we've been able to get very Hollywood with these security approaches, utilizing tools such as voice and fingerprint identifiers. It seemed cool to me a while back, and now I'm not alone by saying that I can see the ugly other side of that coin.

On July 19, NEC announced its newly-developed border control system. What does it rely on? This happens to be the world's first attempt using automated facial recognition technology. These cameras can recognize your face while you're in your car. It's initially be used at the Hong Kong border, where people with national ID cards can get through faster by being verified by the cameras.

The system is designed to speed up Hong Kong Immigration Department operations. It's built around NEC's NeoFace biometric face recognition system, as well as NEC’s electronic passport technology. Apparently, it reads your license plate before you even get to the gate. It'll check this information to see who should be inside the vehicle. That's when the camera scans your face and performs a database search. If all of that matches up, the gate should open and let you pass.

The NEC system only works with truck drivers right now, for whatever the reason. But sure enough, improvements are on the way, and they promise to be able to identify up to eight passengers per vehicle. The cameras have been installed at 8 of the 40 border gates on a road connecting Hong Kong and Shenzhen. By August, all 40 of those gates are expected to be patrolled by this system. In addition to all of that, NEC even hopes to one day replace fingerprinting.

Again, it seems cool now, but we have to assume that this technology will be coming overseas, leaving America thinking one thing.

"Oh crap."

It can probably be set up to scope out anyone driving and talking on a cellphone. Or perhaps, it'll catch you at the tollbooth. Nonetheless, it's just one more step in the direction of one day tracking our every move. So I guess we'll see where this goes.

Beer Chill Dispenser

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:40:00 GMT

Theres nothing quite like a nice cool draught beer on a Friday afternoon, or any day for that matter! Thats why I love this Beer Cooler made by Wunderbar, it chills your beer to a perfect temperature and then lets you pour yourself a refreshing pint with as little or as much head as you like.

The Wunderbar Beer Cooler is a stylish accessory and a must have for parties, infact, I would say more than one of these is required for any good party.

This great little gadget comes complete with the beer tray to catch any accidental spillage and a digital LED temperature controller.

You can buy the Wunderbar Beer Chill Dispenser from Firebox for $280 (£139.95)

SmartShopper: Voice Operated Shopping List

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 10:50:00 GMT

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Man!, I hate writing all those dumb shopping lists every time I go to the store! I just wish there was an easier way!" Well now, there is. Introducing the SmartShopper Grocery List Organizer. [MORE AFTER PICTURE]

This item is really great. How it works is, through out the week, before you go on that dreaded shopping trip, you can pick up the SmartShopper, press record, and tell it any item you want. The SmartShopper will then give you 2 other options of what you might have wanted to say. You pick the right one, and the SmartShopper adds that item to it's growing list. But wait, there's more! If the SmartShopper doesn't recognize what you are saying, you can scroll through the alphabet using the onscreen keyboard to enter odd items. At the end of the week, or whenever you go shopping, you then press print on the SmartShopper, and out comes a paper list of all the items you had previously recorded. It gets better though. The list is organized by aisle/area of the grocery store, AND by item catergory (drinks, snacks). Now, naturally, you can erase or add items from the list at any time and print a new one. You can even save a list. Another great feature of the SmartShopper is the FLAG Feature. This lets you FLAG items on the list that you have coupons for. This is perfect, because when you print the list and see the marked items, you will remember to use coupons. If you are worried that this product won't have the items you usually buy at the store, think again. The SmartShopper comes with 2,500 PRELOADED Items in it. And remember, you can always add more. This item is a must-have. Get yours here. The only con: Very Pricey. $150.

Air Conditioning on the Go

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:40:00 GMT

In Japan they have the right idea whether it be to keep cool or to look huge and possibly ridiculous, either way this shirt would definitely earn you some glances as you walked down the street.

The airconditioned shirt features two adjustable speed 10cm fans in both the left and right side of the shirt that basically take the outside air and blow in on you to help battle the heat. The shirt can be powered either via usb, 4 AA batteries, or you car's power outlet. The shirt may look a bit ridiculous but you know you'll find youreself wishing you had it next time you are out in the sweltering heat.

Reel Lazy...

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:20:00 GMT

Oh yes that terrible pun was fully intended!

The rocket propelled fishing rod, never did I imagine I would find something like this, but none the less. The rocket propelled fishing rod features a super soaker-like design, where the user pumps the fishing rod up and then fires off the bobber. Supposedly this is a really safe innovation for kids that fish, personally I see it more as a potential fishing hook rocketing at my face, but that's just me. The rocket rod will set you back 39.90 plus 8.99 shipping, but if you want one keep in mind

"Due to the high demand there is a limit of 5 kits per order."

Blackberry + Wifi FINALLY!

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:10:00 GMT

RIM just officially announced the rumored 8820, the first in the Blackberry line to have onboard wifi. The 8820 has all the same specs as the successful 8800 but with the 8820 the phone is able to make calls over both it's phone line and over wifi similar to the Tmobile hotspots at home. The 8820 will be released on AT&T, as it seems AT&T is scooping up all the new phones, much to my dismay. The 8820 will also be able to support up to 32GB of SD stoarage, which compared to most mobile phones is enormous, allowing the user to store almost endless amounts of documents and things for the bussiness user. No word yet on an official release date although it is rumored late Q3, so keep an eye out for it in these next few coming weeks

Make Tap Water Exciting!

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Over at Thinkgeek they decided that it may be time for people to jazz up their experience when getting water from their tap. With the LED Faucet Light an small LED is activated when water begins coming through the faucet attachment. Coming in two different choices, an always blue stream or a LED that is normally blue until water reaches 89 degrees, then the LED turns red. Personally I think this is not only really neat but also could serve as a great way to help kids distinguish the water temperature to prevent them from scaulding themselves, as that is always a worry in smaller children.

The LED Faucet Light runs on a small watch type battery and comes with a spare set for when those give out on you. With adapters to fit most US faucets and at only 12.99 for blue and 19.99 for the temperature sensitive LED I think I may be ordering a few of these myself.

Laptop: Nothing Short of Voodoo Magic

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 09:50:00 GMT

I've seen a lot of goofy gadgets in the past couple of days (the kind that make me want to carve my eyes out), so thank God for this beautiful gaming laptop, the Voodoo ENVY H:171. Do I envy its owners? Oh yes.

For gaming, I tend to think Alienware without hesitation. I have to say, though, Voodoo is really impressing me here. It delivers the punch that you'd expect from a desktop PC, and it does that in style. You have all the options you dream of to maximize your experience, and it's designed to handle every last drop.

To start off, this is actually the first notebook to incorporate the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor. It offers up to a whopping 600GB of hard drive capacity via three 200GB HDDs. What's that mean? Three hard drives in one nicely-sized laptop. The H:171 is not for the faint of heart.

So, in addition to a fast, multi-tasking machine, you get tons of details that make the experience nothing short of luxurious. For example, this has a built-in mic and 1.3 megapixel camera to help you stay connected to reality (because we all know that once you get this notebook, you may drop off of the face of the earth).

The H:171 has a 17-inch screen and a Dual NVIDIA GeForce Go 7950 GPU. To add to the list of first's, it's the
first 17” with integrated RAID support and SLI capability. It weighs about 11.9 Lbs with the battery and drives, and you have some very cool color options in both classic and limited edition (pricier) shades. After you've finished selecting that, you have the option of adding 'tattoos' that look like cool island graphics on the top of your notebook.

The surprising thing about this is its deceiving look and feel. If you consider the reasonable screen size and dimensions, this doesn't look like a monster computer at all. However, there are tons of features and top-line, top-dollar configurations (not to mention the hard drive) all packed into a small, uniquely stylish laptop.

I already love this notebook in nearly every way, but I probably can't afford it any time soon. It appears to start at $5,000 big ones, and I feel certain that it would cost significantly more than that for anyone that's even looking at a laptop like this. That said, it's well worth it.

Do check it out for yourself, but be careful not to drool on the keyboard.

Stress Relieving Wristband? ...Maybe.

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:20:00 GMT

Apparently, we're all so stressed out in this day and time that we overeat, can't sleep, and we need gadgets and magic-bullet pills to regulate all of this. We know that much, don't we? There's a lot of hype about stress relief that I don't really buy. I'm into taking walks and actually breathing. Can't sleep? I could name plenty of books that will take you right to dreamland.

But I really should know better. Those things just aren't good enough or fast enough. Lucky for us, we have lovely devices such as the stress relieving wrist band. This gadget claims to be on my side, 'naturally' promoting relaxation without the aid of medications.

Its job is to massage your pressure points while it sits on your wrist. They claim to have a procedure similar to acupuncture, but instead of needles, it uses tiny electrical signals. These signals supposedly provide a constant reminder to your brain that all is well, while improving your time and quality of sleep. It won't interfere with what you eat or what medicines you're taking, though it doesn't agree with pacemakers.

Clinical trials conducted by the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Sleep Center showed a deep sleep increase of 16 1/2% in participants. I suppose that's all fine and dandy, but I hope there isn't too much emphasis on the sleep factor. If I am stressed out, it isn't while I'm snoozing. This water-resistant device requires a AAA battery. It seems half-baked to me. Really? Electric signals, and it's water-resistant; gee, that's impressive.

Overall, it's bulky and unattractive, and it may or may not be effective. I wouldn't call it a 'natural' solution, though I can see where the pressure point-attempt is coming from. All I know is, if I wore this thing and found myself $80 poorer and still stressed-out...Well, that wouldn't be pretty at all. Take a look for yourself and see if it does anything for you, but be wary.

Motorola ROKR Z6m

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:40:00 GMT

This will be the first Slider-Phone by Motorola to be released for CDMA networks in America. This cool looking phone is, basically, the CDMA version of the Motorola RIZR Z6, popular in T-Mobile. [MORE AFTER PICTURE]

The cell phone is very slim for a slider, and is branded as a "music phone," with many features. For example, this phone supports 2 GB of music, is Stereo Bluetooth Ready, and has EV-DO Capabilities. This phone also takes pictures and records video. The Front Exterior Screen is glossy, which although looks better at times, is prone to fingerprints. The keypad is the same style as the notorious RAZR, raised rubber around the flat pad.

I personally loved the look of the RIZR when it came out, and was mad that Verizon didn't offer it. Now, with a CDMA version, I will most likely be able to get this phone on Verizon. I will admit though, The RIZR just plain looked better. I think that is because when the RIZR slid open, it opened sort of at an angle, more rounded, then straight up, like this ROKR. If you want my honest opinion about Motorola, here it goes. The should carry 3 media phones, that's it. The new RAZR MAXX Ve, the RIZR Z6, and the SLVR. Now, of course, modifying the phone a little to switch over to another provider, like Moto did here, is fine. Like I said, I am happy they did this. Before the specs, however, let me tell you what I don't like about this phone (from first glance):

It opens straight up

Open at a rounded angle, and you've got my money. It just adds that new level of style.

The front face (black border part) looks dull.

Change the material to a glossy, but fingerprint resisitant glass or plastic, and you've got a winner

That keypad is really starting to get old.

Just replace it with individual keys already! Enough with the rubber dividers!

Here are some facts for this phone.

Modes

CDMA 850
CDMA 1900

Weight

3.81 oz

Dimensions (approx.)

4 in X 2 in X .5 in

Form Factor

Slide, w/ Int. Antenna

Battery Life

Talk

4.3 Hours

Standby

370 Hours

Battery Type

Lithium Ion 910 mAH

Display

Type

LCD (2 in.)

Colors

65, 526 (16 Bit)

Resolution

240x320 Pixels

Memory

Capable

2 GB

Standard

14 MB Flash Memory

Phone Book

1,000 Contacts

This phone is due to be released some time in 3rd Quarter 2007. No price details have been released as of yet. Specs found here.

Shanling MC-30 Music Center for iPod

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:30:00 GMT

For anyone thats into their music then this is a must have gadget, its a fully featured and great looking iPod dock aswell as a general music center.

The MC-30 Music Center also comes equiped with a CD player, an AM/FM tuner and a tube power amplifier giving 3 watts per channel to your speakers.

This stunning piece of equipment retails at $1000 so its not cheap, but you can't put a price on style, right!

Portable DJ Equipment From Vestax

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:10:00 GMT

This is the Vestax S1 Premium Stage Controller and is a complete set of DJ equipment in a unique and portable design.

The S1 allows you to mix and scratch your CDs and MP3 discs while walking around using an intuitive interface.

So if its a bit of style or showmanship your after while performing then this is the piece of kit for you.

Features include:

Touch sensitive jog wheel for vinyl like scratching
4 hot-cue points
dsp effects controls
Crossfader
Pitch Control
Anti Shock

Pac-Man Inspired Chair

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:10:00 GMT

Have you ever wanted to be eaten by Pac Man? No, I haven't either, but this new chair from Martin B. Jing has been developed and inspired by Pac Man.

It doesn't look like the worlds most comfortable chair, but it does look very cool, and should be on the must have list of any true gaming geek.

Its not been confirmed whether these chairs will ever make it to the commercial market, but lets hope so.

Can You Hear Me -gurgle- Now? The Waterproof Phone

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

I've never done it myself, but I hear of people dropping their phones into water pretty often. I suppose it's easy enough to do, and it can be pretty devastating. I do think it's smart that we've created a phone that can withstand water. However, the only such phones before this time were huge and ugly. It'd go straight to the bottom and take you with it.

This creates a bit of a problem. If dropping your phone is an issue for you, and you'd like to be cautious, there isn't really a decent-looking option. You're best bet would've been to pick a normal phone and buy a nice grip for it.

Luckily, Fujitsu has come to the rescue here. Sure, it may not have been any dire emergency, but it's good to see the world's slimmest waterproof phone. The F704i, an updated version of the F703, is a mere 1.8cm thick.

Phones and swimming pools (or baths) really haven't mixed well up to this point, but this phone can handle the abuse. It can stay submerged in 1M of water for around 30 minutes, or so they tell us. I wouldn't suggest actually testing that out, but I feel confident that if your phone slipped, everything would be just fine.

I'd normally expect this to be a very basic phone, but the F704i works with Napster To Go. Apparently, it will play your WMA files that are stored on a micro SD card. Its 3G capability is said to work in 43 countries and regions. Last but not least, this phone comes complete with an anti-shake 1.3 megapixel camera and videochat. The phone can lock up all of this data every time it closes.

On a sillier note, the phone also offers a bathtime massage Java applet. No really. Also, the colors and case were hand-selected by a color therapist to soothe you and enhance your overall mood (as well as the mood of potential buyers, they hope.)

F704i

"Look, It's PSP Barbie!" And Other PSP Slim Gab

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:20:00 GMT

Alright, I love the PSP. It's hard not to, with the convenience of having games, music, and video in one spot (not to mention its killer good looks). I'm also a Sony fan at times, and I'm definitely all for a slimmer version of any technology. Give me different colors and sleeker looks, please.

But this is just ridiculous.

Though I've always liked it, the original PSP is pretty average; rather, it does a fine job of functionality. It's portable, yes, but it could be better. The redesigned, newer model is light weight and trimmed down. It's probably ideal in terms of whether or not you can travel with it, though I will say that it isn't drastically different. On that note, I don't really need my gadgets to get too small when we're talking about a device like this. I want to be able to make out the graphics on a decent size screen.

The PSP Slim is going to offer digital TV this time around, via PSP receiver add-on that will cost you $58. The unit snaps into place atop your PSP, bringing you television delight. Of course, the new PSP will also be 19% slimmer. Again, this isn't going to be a huge change and you may not even notice, unless you're really looking.

Overall, we really can't be too picky about wanting drastic change. Consumers seem pretty happy with the interface, and Sony is kind enough to let us keep the screen size and functionality. I don't expect this to be the last generation of the PSP, either.

With all that considered, it's a nice device. But how to top it off? New colors, brilliant! And boy, they really hit this nail on the head, because nothing says 'hardcore' like Lavender Purple. Your spiffy, warrior-like color options include Piano Black, Ceramic White, Ice Silver, Rose Pink, Lavender Purple and Felicia Blue, as you can see in the pictures.

I can respect new-age looks, but this is just too nancy. If I picked up an improved PSP, I'd stick with Piano Black while completely ignoring the pastel collection. Maybe that's just me.

Who wants to get rear-ended?

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:10:00 GMT

Most if not all have of will be involved in a motor vehicle accident in their lifetime and the troubles that can follow with insurance companies, police, and the other party can be downright terrible. I know when I was rear ended about a month ago one of the things that I found out right away was that the driver of the SUV that smashed my little car wasn't insured nor was it even his vehicle... you can imagine my reaction I'm sure. I personally think that most anyone would do just about anything they could to prevent something like that from happening, whether your the party being hit or the driver that just couldn't stop in time. Well there's a new license plate holder that could help to increase the chances that drivers will see if you suddenly stop earlier than they would with just your regular break lights.

The suddenstop license plate holder hooks up to you car's electrical system and is able to calculate g-forces allowing the plate to know whenever you come to a sudden stop, and by hooking it up to your vehicle's electrical system the plate will only be activated when you are braking.

The plate runs on eight little lithium disc batteries, much like the ones you find in watches and other small electronics, and the batteries are said to last for 15,000 hours which is roughly two to three years!

Upon your sudden stop the led lights start blinking very quickly for three seconds alerting the driver behind you to allow them more time to stop and potentially the chance to prevent a possible accident. Giving the driver a potential of 20 more feet of stopping distance at 60mph. The Suddenstop plate currently costs $29.99 on the product's website.

iPhone bugs

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:50:00 GMT

If you are like me and many other the general rule of gadgets especially “ground-breaking” devices is to wait out the first generation of the devices as it is generally too buggy for most to bear. The iPhone is no different, just like every new device it has great leaps forward and it has pitfalls. Personally I wouldn’t even consider one unless they added a hardware keyboard, better radios, and it was available for someone other than AT&T… but that’s just me. The iPhone has shown to come through many of skeptics thoughts about the device as the UI is very stable and the device is quite rugged despite the device’s appearance.

When I look into purchasing a new device I tend to spend a lot of my time on forums and different sites looking for every single problem that users are experiencing and the fixes for these problems, or the lack of for some devices. Well the folks over at Applehound have saved those that are interested in the iPhone the time of sifting through the internet to find the bugs in the first generation iPhone. Applehound has compiled a list of 68 bugs in iPhone and how users can reproduce these errors. They do say prior to the list that the device, especially for a first generation device, is extremely solid in both interface and applications.

Usb Gloves

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:50:00 GMT

In my finding of the USB powered heated slippers I found that there is also a cure for those users who get cold hands while on their computer, whether it be from a cold day or a cold house these gloves work to heat up your hands by a USB connector. The Gloves similar to the slippers feature a heating pad in the lining of the gloves that is powered by a USB port, the gloves feature two levels of heat and a cut finger design to allow easy use of your keyboard. The gloves are made of wool and can reach a maximum of 52 degrees by rising 10 degrees every 5 minutes.

I'm also happy to report that these gloves are PC and Mac compatible. =) These toasty computer gloves will set you back $22.00 over at usbgeek.

Cold feet + USB

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:30:00 GMT

If you're like me you generally find that after you are at the computer for awhile your feet begin to get colder until eventually you crack and get up to find some warm socks or slippers or something of that sort. Well wouldn't it be nice to have heated slippers that would be nice and toasy right when you slipped them on, taking care of those bothersome chills that are gripping your toes. Well apparently our friends in Japan think it would be great too because they have gone ahead and made heated slippers for just this occasion. How are they powered you ask? Well you simply plug them into your USB port of your computer! ... wait did he say USB port? I most certainly did.

These slippers contain small heater cells in the bottom portion of the slippers that are powered through your powered USB ports, so while not exactly ground breaking they certainly are innovative.

Video Watch = Watch Videos

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

It seems like these days everything is becoming multi-function, if it can only do one thing at a time; what's the point? Well to continue this trend is the Metallic Video watch. A multimedia playing watch that supports video and audio as well as image review.

This video wristwatch features an OLED screen with 128x128 resolution with a black leather band. The watch supports MP3/WMA playback with built in equilizer functions. This media watch also sports a built in microphone so you can record voice notes on the go. With 2GB of built-in memory and 7 hour playback this watch could certainly help folks pass time in waiting rooms or anywhere else they may be. The device is powered via your usb port and includes earphones, mini cd with video conversion software, user guide, USB cable, and a Wall-to-USB charger.

Light Show in Your Living Room

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:10:00 GMT

Okay, cheap frills time. Well, certainly not cheap frills; perhaps 'easily amused' or 'shallow gadget lovers' is more accurate. That said, I, myself, am a shallow gadget lover. That is, in addition to the latest and greatest equipment I can get, I want it to look sexy too. Even I probably wouldn't go for this, but there's a new coffee table in town; an LED coffee table, no less.

This snazzy piece of furniture, the Wave LED coffee table, is exactly what its name entails. You have a lovely piece of finished wood crafted into a table, topped with a plate of LED lights. Is it just a lit table? Heavens no! This table interacts with you, lighting up in the direction of motion.

Naturally, the LED lights only come on when movement is sensed. For example, if an unmoved cup of coffee is sitting on your table, nothing is going to happen. When you reach for it, however, the lights activate around your hand and the cup. During motionless downtime, the entire table twinkles lightly, similar to a star-sprinkled night sky; if only the table were black.

To get into specifics, the table uses 32 active and passive near-infrared sensors. This is what detects motion above the table, and also what changes the lighting. The closer an object, the brighter the lights. The lighting fades gradually and gracefully in respect to motion. This dazzling visual effect works night or day, in sunlight or a dim room.

Size-wise, the table is 62" x 31" x 18" (W x W x H). You have your choice of topping the wooden base with a thick sheet of glass or plastic. Underneath the tabletop is a shelf and strong, wooden lattice. Interestingly enough, the table is pretty friendly. It chews up less power than a single common household light bulb, at 35 watts when fully active.

Overall, this is something that is totally pointless but very aesthetically pleasing. Each table is made custom according to your specifications. However, because of this, you must allow up to six weeks for delivery. And the price? This baby starts at $2,800. I think it's great, but for me, it isn't $2,800-great. I'll let you be the judge of that.

A Smarter Oven

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:30:00 GMT

Do you ever realize that, with all of the technological improvements, not much happens in the kitchen? Well, I really can't speak for the entire kitchen; there's plenty of gadgets out there. Nonetheless, I haven't really seen a new oven in a very long time. I've seen average ones and professional, top-dollar ones, but nothing that's really inventive or new at all.

On that note, I haven't really been looking. So thank you, BL 253 Lift Oven, for reminding me that I can be a smarter chef...and perhaps burn myself less. This spiffy oven comes equipped with a child lock to prevent it from being switched on automatically. In addition to that, you also get the safety lock which stops the oven from heating if it sits idle for longer than 12 hours without being used.

It's not only a cautious oven, but it pays attention to tech detail as well. For example, it can regulate your temperature precisely, potentially allowing you to cook things longer at lower heats. Essentially, your food will come out tasting better. Also, "Thermo-Test" is a feature that helps you monitor your heat. If you were to change the temperature while cooking, the technology would notify you when your new temperature has been reached. Naturally, this oven can clean itself and it's guarded against overheating.

Probably best of all, the oven has an automatic lift. At your command, the oven's base can move to where you want it, including closed. It'd be pretty hard to burn yourself unless you were trying. Also, since heat rises, your heat isn't lost from the inside while open.

This oven looks sleek in its stainless steel-tinted glass front. You can see your dish from the outside, illuminated. It comes with automatic temperature recommendation and 12 heating methods, including convection. The oven preheats fast and has other optional accessories.

It may seem like a lot of hype over cooking material, but it's pretty upscale and satisfying. It's certainly something that should please the home chef, and even average joes like me would like it. Overall, it's safer and smarter than other ovens. Check it out for yourself.

Complete Home Cinema Kit From Epson

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:10:00 GMT

If you've ever fancied setting up a home cinema system but just don't know where to start then the new Epson Ensemble home theater package is just what you need. Rather than trying to buy all the different components separately and hoping that you have remembered everything and that they all work together, Epsons system is the complete package which includes everything you need and is simple to set up.

Included in the package is:

100 inch motorized screen
5.1 surround sound system with 10 inch subwoofer
AV controller with dual HDMI inputs and 1080p upconversion
Built-in progressive scan controller
All the cables to connect it up
Mounting Brackets
Wire Management tracks (to keep your cables nice and tidy)

The speakers are cleverly built in to the system so you don't have to worry about where to place those external speakers. The front speakers are built into the screen housing and the rear speakers are in the projector itself.

The Epson Ensemble Home Cinema System is due out in November and will set you back approximately $5000 for the 720p and $7000 for the 1080p system.

Panasonic Releases The Worlds Biggest Plasma TV

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 01:30:00 GMT

In the world of TV screen sizes, bigger is always better and thats why Panasonic have created this huge plasma TV, measuring 261 centimeters diagonally (2.4m by 1.4m) its the world largest Plasma screen.

At $105,000 it certainly doesn't fit into my budget for a new TV, but theres no doubt that there will be demand for this in the luxury home market as either the main TV or in a separate home theater. Its also ideal for pubs and clubs to attract the crowds for the sports broadcasts.

The trend of increasing screen sizes is a little worrying for those who are energy conscious as this Plasma TV could use up to 20 times more energy than a conventional TV.

HTC P4550 "Kaiser"

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:30:00 GMT

While most in their quest for mobile bliss marked their calendars and counted down the days until June 29th I find myself still waiting for a later date to fill my technological lust. While mega giant Apple has the iPhone buzzing in everyone's head I've got my eye on the real prize; allow me to introduce you all to the HTC P4450, affectionately dubbed the HTC Kaiser. The Kaiser is the new Windows Mobile All Star. Sporting a 400mhz processor, 3mp camera, 3g / UMTS connectivity, and integrated GPS.

The Kaiser is predecessor of the popular HTC TyTN, known here in the US as the Cingular 8525. The Kaiser is a bit smaller than the TyTN although it is a little heavier than the earlier device.
Loaded with Windows Mobile 6 the Kaiser features a full qwerty keyboard that slides out from the screen. The Kaiser also updates on the TyTN by allowing users the ability to tilt the screen forward when the keyboard is extended making the screen easily visible when placed on a counter top or desk.

Much like it's successor the Kaiser sports a 2.8" display with a 240x320 resolution with support for microSD, bluetooth 2.0, quad-band radios, and 802.11 b/g connectivity.
The device has a sleek brushed metal front and a nice beveled screen for a smooth and professional look to the device.

Currently the device is only being released in Germany under T-Mobile as the MDA Vario III. Due out this fall, many are hoping it will make it's way across the waters but there has been no confirmation just yet.

HTC Touch... iPhone Killer? Not just yet.

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:20:00 GMT

In an attempt by HTC to fill the void that the iPhone has caused in Windows Mobile users, HTC has released the Touch. The Touch much like that iPhone is a Pocket PC without a qwerty keyboard, although the Touch is still reliant on Windows Mobile 6. The Touch is much smaller than most Pocket PC's on the market not in thickness, but rather in height. In a sleek black package the Touch features little hardware buttons as HTC wanted users to rely on the touch sensitive screen rather than a keyboard.

When first looking at the Touch it seems that HTC has accommodated the OS to provide a finger friendly interface rather than the average stylus interface most WM users are accustomed to. The Home screen features a large clock atop a three button menu. The first button being the return to home screen key, the second taking the user to weather reports for their local area, and the third invokes a launcher for 10 of your favorite applications.

The secondary launcher for the device is called on by simply running your finger up the screen of the device. This launcher has three separate sections for different applications and functions.
The first being the media launcher giving you the selections for music, photos, and videos. While the audio player has been adapter for the Touch with large easy to use buttons, windows media player is still used to play video and isn't quite as easy to manage with just a finger.

Upon sweeping your finger from the right side of the screen to the left the user is taken to a new launcher for the phone application. This launcher features a place to add nine of your most called friends and family with access to your phone, missed calls, contact book, and the ability to remove or change users in your launcher. HTC has also enlarged the buttons for the dial pad making it easier for users to dial numbers in the phone application... I'm not entirely sure why this hasn't been present on current devices though because I know I certainly don't get my stylus out to dial a number.

The third panel of the launcher is saved for productivity and communication. This panel features a launcher for email, SMS/MMS, internet browser (still pIE), tasks, communication manager, and the calender. The only improvement really seen in any of these programs is the flick scrolling in pIE which just like the iPhone allows the user to scroll through a page by simply flicking your finger down the screen.

The thing that is somewhat misleading about the device is that after leaving these menus the user is plunged into standard Windows Mobile applications which are difficult, if not impossible to navigate through with your finger. HTC must have realized this at some point because the Touch does come with a stylus although much like the device, the stylus is much smaller than the standard stylus.

The device features a 200 MHz processor with 128mb Rom and 64mb of ram. With a triband 900/1800/1900 radio and edge support, a 2.0 megapixel camera, and microSD support. Also onboard the Touch is bluetooth 2.0, 802.11 b/g, and usb connectivity.

Currently the Touch has been released only in Europe but the device is coming to the US this fall so keep an eye out for. The device isn't quite an iPhone killer but it is a step in that direction, if HTC could get Microsoft to tweak the OS for the device then they may have a chance of stealing a bit of Apple's thunder so to speak.

Upcoming: HTC Omni

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:20:00 GMT

HTC has announced it's newest mobile device dubbed "Omni". The device will be powered by Windows Mobile 6, which is a bit of a disappointment given it's UMPC-like design.

The device supports 3G + UMTS/HSDPA connectivity. The device has been found down-under with IMate sporting the name of the i-mate Ultimate 7150 with the following specs:

Processor: Intel Bulverde 520MHz
Quad-Band GSM/EDGE
Tri-Band UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 or 850/1700/2100
Memory: 256MB ROM + 128 MB RAM
Screen: VGA 262K Color LCD Touch Screen
WiFi 802.11b/g/e/i
Bluetooth® v2.0 + EDR - up t 1.3 Mbps
Mini USB high speed - 480 Mbps
Direct Video Out XGA
Micro-SD card slot
2.0 mega pixel camera
Battery: 1400mAh

This wonderful pack of features is wrapped up in a stunning little package with dimensions being 130 x 81 x 16 mm. Rumor is that this device should be heading towards the US in October although nothing has yet been confirmed with any carriers.

TV Remote for Wii addicts

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 08:10:00 GMT

In Australia scientists have come up with a device very similar to the Nintendo Wii remote to operate your television. The device can reportedly control up to 8 different devices through it's built in camera.; The computer also is said to recognize deliberate gestures rather than simple movement thorough the house.; So far the device is able to turn the television on and off, raise and lower the volume, change channels, and also give a play and stop command to devices such as dvd players.

The gestures for the remote are rather simple with a fist activating the box's recognition system, a pointed hand to power on a device, with a thumbs up for up volume, or up channel if preceded by a sideways peace sign.

The device is still in development stages and scientists are working on features such as inputting specific channels and other needed features, so while the device isn't quite awe-inspiring just yet I much admit I'm intrigued by the idea.

LG Shine Goes to the Dark Side: Bad Never Looked So Good

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 08:10:00 GMT

The original LG Shine was a pretty creative concept that looked quite spiffy. If you aren't familiar with it, this is a phone that really put design first, launching back in February. It's not to say that it functions horribly, because it doesn't. However, the phone is designed around its killer good looks, namely the mirror-finish front. Naturally, sliding open the phone or pushing a button displays it normal screen underneath the illusion of a mirror.

Moving on. The Shine has been taken to a new level, and that level's name is Titanium Black. All of the fabulous features are the same, but it has a chic new look. The dark metallic gray is the perfect balance between black and silver. It seems to be a phone that will sit well with anyone, any gender. I wouldn't doubt that anyone who loved the original will jump on this quite quickly. LG is growing fast, leading us into stylish looks for our electronics.

Aside from the color, the phone itself really does boast a sleek, aesthetically pleasing design. It's a slim slider with flush buttons (though some see that as a disadvantage) and a simple scroll wheel. You also get a nice 2 mega-pixel camera, Bluetooth, and a music player for your MP3s and whatnot.

There's a quote from the Executive Vice President of Overseas Sales & Marketing Division for LG Electronics Mobile Communications (that's a mouthful) saying,

“The 2nd Black Label Series has been a phenomenal success with sales of the LG Shine reaching over 2.5 million worldwide. We are confident LG Shine ‘Titanium Black’ will continue to build on this success, taking LG Shine to wider audiences and those who favour new trends, ensuring it remains this year’s iconic handset.”

I'm sure that's accurate enough, too. It's said to appeal to the customers with the highest demands in style, and that is indeed a growing number of people. The LG Shine has really boosted LG's status in the competitive mobile phone market, and the new color should only increase those effects. Check out the sexy new look for yourself here.

Samsungs Wireless Plasma TV

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 11:50:00 GMT

If like me you have or have wanted to wall mount your plasma TV then you'll know the headache that comes from deciding what to do with all the wires, you don't want loads of wires running down your wall and is it really worth the effort of building them into the existing wall? Now Samsung have come up with a great solution to this, the Samsung 94 Series Plasma TVs.

Instead of running wires to the TV the Samsung 94 series comes with a built in wireless connection that connects to a receiver that you can hide away up to 200ft from the TV. The wireless connection uses advanced 802.11n technology to broadcast the audio and video signals at up to 1080i.

The only downside is that there is still one wire to deal with, and thats the power cable, still, its much better than about 10 wires hanging down your wall.

And its not just wireless connectivity you get with this TV, it also comes with all the usual great features of the Samsung Plasma TVs, including Samsung's Ultra FilterBright™ anti-reflection technology and Samsung's new Auto Wall Mount system.

The unit will be available later this year in 50 inch and 58 inch versions and priced at $3,599 and $5,299 respectively.

Two Concepts Every Gadget Lover Should Harness

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:50:00 GMT

Gadgets and electronics don't just belong to those who study them. Nearly everyone has a cellphone in their pocket or and iPod while they jog. If that's you, or if you're the most advanced person within a 100 mile radius, there are things you should know. There are two concepts that are simple but vital. Technology needs to be kept cool and dry, and I'm here to help with that.

So first of all, it is very important to keep gadgets from overheating. This is a concern that a lot of people overlook. However, heat can affect all kinds of things, including battery life. It's important to know what to do in order to keep your things at a reasonable temperature.

1.) Keep your electronics away from heat, duh. It's obvious and might even insult your intelligence a bit, but keep your gadgets away from heat sources like direct sunlight. In fact, the closer to a fan or AC unit, the better. Also, keep in mind that heat does rise; low is good. However, be wary. Ground-level is extreme, and carpet is bad. Make sure your things are raised a bit.

2.) Clear the vents. Do whatever you have to in order to motivate yourself to do this one; it's important. The vents on your electronics need to be clear. Don't set anything on top of the vents, and dust them as often as you can. The vents' whole purpose is to regulate temperature, so help them do their job.

3.) Stacking is a no-no. It's tempting to stack, especially if you're in a tight space. However, don't do it. Electronics get quite hot without any help at all. When you stack them, heat just multiplies and nothing can 'breathe'. This is what shelves and spacers are for, so use them.

4.) Keep them clean. This pretty much goes for anything; things work better when they're clean. Air duster really comes in handy here. Just make sure all the parts are tidy, and keep the vents grime-free, as we talked about. Not only will your devices run better, they'll look great too.

5.) When in doubt, turn it off. If something is overheating or there is any doubt, turn it off and unplug it. This will stop damage from progressing. When the gadget is cool to the touch, you can try again. But before you do, make sure everything else I've listed is done. It should have it's own, breathable space, and it should be clean.

Now that's you're sure they're cool, you should know how to keep things dry; rather, what happens if you get something wet. Drenching a gadget can be an easy mistake to make, but don't just curse and give up. Well, curse if you want, but there is something you can try to save your device.

It sounds a bit crazy, but rice may be your solution. Leave your device, turned off, in a bowl of uncooked rice overnight. The rice will suck up any moisture. If you're skeptical, just remember; you got it wet already, what have you really got to lose. You can also remove the battery as soon as possible after getting something wet. That will increase its chances of living.

Nonetheless, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep your goods dry. If you're really concerned in a particular situation, you can always be sure that everything stays clear of moisture. In fact, you could try this, using condoms and glue:

Buying Condoms For My Electronics - video powered by Metacafe

At any rate, you now know what you need to keep your beloved possessions safe. Keep it up, and remember the tips well.

No Need For GPS

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:50:00 GMT

For a while, GPS has helped us get around. If you're anything like me and millions of other people, you aren't so great with directions and are more than willing to rely on technology to find your way for you. Unfortunately, many of us don't actually have GPS. Yeah, you can get maps and things, but it isn't the same. In fact, confusing maps and directions are probably part of the reason GPS is so popular.

So, don't have the GPS chip? No problem, Mexens Technology is here to help! The software, Navizon, will actually turn a PC or Mac into a navigation system. It does this using Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth enabled computer, but not a GPS chip. Now I know what you're probably thinking; how the heck is Navizon supposed to help you if you can't take it on the road?

Luckily, Navizon can be used with Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Symbian, and Java phones. Like GPS, it can pinpoint your location using your mobile device or phone's radio. It works as a peer-to-peer wireless community, allowing users to map and share information with other users of Navizon. Members who do actually have a GPS device can use Navizon to plot out the Wi-Fi and cellular landscape for us in their areas. Either way, If you submit landscapes and share it this way, you're a data contributer who is eligible for a money reward. Best of all, Navizon is a free download for a PC, Mac, or mobile device. So I suppose we have a choice: Spend money, or make it? I know it isn't quite that simple, but it's a lovely concept.

Apparently, Navizon has been around since 2005 and it has some 60,000 mobile users in more than 60 countries. I didn't know that it's been here a while, but that appears to be a good thing. From the sound of it, the more active users, the better. It seems to be a relatively simple, free alternative to GPS. Give it a shot at the Navizon website.

PSP Copy Cat: Treasure Cove for Pirates

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 09:30:00 GMT

So we're all familiar with the Sony PSP, yes? A delicious portable gaming system and much more. It plays your videos, songs, and displays your photos. It's pretty nice with some not-too-shabby graphics, not to mention it looks quite sleek.

But that's no news. Now natrually, there's a copy cat out there. The creatively named Portable Media Player, or PMP, does look like the PSP, minus a little bit of the name-brand chic factor. In that light, it's nothing special or different, though it costs an attractive $109.

The PMP plays your music, plays your video, plays your games, and allows you to view pictures. In addition to those regulars, it can record video for you in VHS quality. You start out with 1GB of storage, though you can upgrade that to 4GB via external SD card. You also get the built-in Litum rechargable battery, allowing around 20 hours of music play or 6 hours of video. It has a 3.6" screen and your standard theme, wallpaper, equalizier, and language options.

So, what is it that makes it so special? It's truly the dream of any pirate or true techie out there. Formats, formats, formats and enhanced capability to suit our hacking needs.

Music: MP3, WMA, FLAC

Video: AVI, MPEG-4 format

Video (recording): 320*240 MPEG4

Pictures: JPG, GIF , BMP format

And last but certainly not least, this puppy allows for game emulation--

Game: NES, SNES & MD/SMC ( Sega 16bit )

So this means that we can run downloaded games, and tons of them. I'm sure all of this isn't legal, as far as putting it in a product such as this, but I'm loving it all the same. Apparently, you can also take pictures, record sound, or read novels. Another format I didn't mention above is our beloved DivX, and that opens up several downloaded doors. Normally, you'd have to carry around an embarrassing number of devices to get all of this done, or you'd just have to limit yourself to a computer. Frankly, neither is really an option, is it?

With E-Books, emulation, and crazy-awesome formats, I'm more than willing to overlook sexy Sony's often over-priced technology. This is beautiful, and tempting for me to pick up. Feel the same? Check it out.

The Sideways Bike

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 06:00:00 GMT

This has to be the strangest ideas for a bike I've ever seen, rather than facing where your going as you cycle along you face out to the side.

One of the best features of this bike is that you can steer both wheels which means you can cycle in any direction, forward, sideways or diagonally (check out the video).

I'd love to have a go on this, but I expect it would take some time to get used to it and to stop crashing.

Moving GPS on with the Navigon 5100 and 7100

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:20:00 GMT

In the hugely saturated market of GPS systems a new product really has to have something different or special to stand out above the rest and this is just what Navigon are trying to achieve with their 7100 and 5100 GPS devices.

So what do the Navigons offer that makes them so special, well firstly a subscription-free real-time traffic data report aswell as points of interest reviews, a Lane assistant which tells you the best lane to be in for where your going and a Reality View which gives you a rich 3D virtual reality display of your route. As well as all these great features, the Navigon is a great looking piece of kit.

The Navigon 5100 will set you back around $500 and the Navigon 7100 which includes integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling and text to speech functionality is $649.

Transformers Cellphone

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 03:40:00 GMT

Parkoz Hardware are riding the Transformers wave which is going on at the moment by bringing us this cool little concept cellphone which transforms into a bi-ped with a pair of miniguns.

Myvu: The Portable Bigscreen for your iPod

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 11:30:00 GMT

This item by Myvu is very unique. Imagine being able to watch all of the Movies, Podcasts, and TV Shows that are on your iPod, on a bigscreen. This "Myvu Personal Media Viewer" sort of looks like a pair of glasses. Practically, the Myvu is a pair of glasses with "lenses" built in, that show video. The lenses are so close to your eyes, that the video looks huge (Can't be good on the eyes). The eyewear has earbuds built in, so having this and your iPod would be ideal for a long plane or car ride. This product is very lightweight, and a major plus is that you can see around and over the eyewear, so, although it might look weird, you can multitask while watching a movie if you really want to. There are two options when purchasing this device.

Myvu for iPod - Solo

$200
For 30, 60, or 80 gig iPod Video

Myvu for iPod - Fully Loaded

$300
For 30, 60, or 80 gig iPod Video
Hard iPod Case/Battery Pack
Travel Case for Myvu and iPod
A/C and Car Adapters for charging
8 hours of video playback

Now, this is, by NO means, a way to get girls, or pick up chicks. It's actually quite the opposite. I mean, yeah, it looks cool in that kind of "wierd geeky, but shiny" kind of way, but that's about it. In the event that you do get made fun of for wearing this though, just tell the bully that you get to go to the movies, no matter where you are. Odds are that they will look at you as if you are an alien, and then walk away. I am guessing you are very secure aboutyourself, and still want one. So, for anyone who gets really bored on plane or car rides, this is the gadget for you. If you are going to spend the money already, though, you might as well spend the extra $100 dollars on the chargers, case, and extra battery life.

Lomography Ringflash

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:20:00 GMT

The Lomography Ringflash is a neat gadget that you can attach directly to the lense of your camera. From there, four lighting elements render different colors upon your subject. Instead of utilizing all four colors, you also have the option of simply using one. However, it seems that the maker of this device actually encourages you to "get right up to your subject's nose" for the picture, using all four colors for a dazzling effect.

Commonly, up-close shots don't come out the way their taker had hoped. This is because the flash tends to wash out everything or unevenly light the scene, in a bad way. This is somewhat the reason the Ringflash was created. It allows you to use specially designed filters, rings, and creative techniques. So let's review. We've solved the problem of damaged up-close shots by purposely damaging them. It's so crazy, it just might work.

The techniques they offer you are strange, which fits with this type of photography. The suggest that you magnify your subjects, take shots in front of the setting sun, make things rainbow, or get so close that you distort the subject. And everything they tell you is described as a mere 2% of what the ring is actually capable of; "the other 98% or more is up to you my friend."

Like most technology, there is the issue of compatability. This ring can only be used with special Lomographic cameras. Of course, these can be found at reasonable prices and there is a whole section regarding that on the website.

So, don't even know what Lomography is? In case you haven't used your context clues, it's an unconventional type of photography. The word "hippie" may come to mind, but this becomes nearly a way of life for many photographers. It's trippy, it's free-form, and it religiously seems to follow the no-rule rule. It involves fisheye lenses, any time of day, and strange angles. If you aren't thinking too hard or hesitating to take the picture, you're probably doing it right.

But hey, I'm really no photographer. Check out the site yourself. Lomography Ringflash

Sneak Peek: JVC GZ-HD3 Tapeless Camcorder

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 03:50:00 GMT

JVC was kind enough to flash us a little demo of their up-and-coming GZ-HD3 HD hard disk camcorder. What did we find out? It's a small enough body with a relatively large lense, essentially taking up the entire front portion of the camera. It's stated to have 60 delicious GB of hard disk space, though it can also record onto SDHC memory cards if you need even more space. The included 60GB means five hours of HD quality film, though it isn't using the full 1920 x 1080 HD. Instead, we're provided with 1440 x 1080 in an MPEG-2 TS file type. Nonetheless, it should still be a beautiful, HD crispy-crunch in every bite.

This is, in fact, the little bro of the GZ-HD7. It's much smaller and should actually cost about $500 less. It's capability to record onto HDD or to the SDHC memory cards in growing quite popular, in a sense. Hitachi, for example, was successful with their DVD/HDD camcorders. Also, Panasonic offers two models that record to HDD or memory card. Is this trend a bad thing? Of course not. More memory is getting bigger and bigger, and that is fantastic if you ask me.

Despite some great features, the GZ-HD3 isn't pinned as a wonderful value or even the easiest to use. At the same time, the GZ-HD7 went against several camcorder competitors and came out on top with better handling and manual controls. The problem with it was its difficult-to-work-with 1920 x 1080 file types. The GZ-HD3 is actually limited to HDV file formats, which in theory would relieve editing concerns. Then, add on the blessings of its big brother, right? Nonetheless, consumers aren't convinced that the quality will be up to par with Sony or Canon.

Other than this information, not much about the camera was released. We don't have any information regarding the price, release date, or in which markets the camcorder will sell. All we can do is wait, and hope that the little bro camera goes over well. Good luck to you, GZ-HD3.

Dension Ice>Link Gateway

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:40:00 GMT

The Dension Gateway is a fully featured, fully loaded piece of kit for connecting up your iPod or other MP3 player to your cars stereo. This isn't your standard FM iPod connector and theres no need to have a cassette plugged in from your iPod to your radio, the Gateway connects your iPod either directly to your radio or via your CD Changer.

You can connect almost any media storage device to the Dension Gateway by using the USB connection, including MP3 players, Portable Hard Disk and Memory sticks or cards (via a card reader).

The Dension Ice Gateway comes in a few different versions depending on your car and your needs, the most basic is the Gateway 300, this connects directly to your stereo and replaces your CD changer if you have one. Next up is the Gateway 400, this is almost identical to the 300 except that it works alongside your CD Changer. And finally we have the Gateway 500, this uses fibre optics to connect to your stereo and is only available for a few cars including Audi (with MMI), BMW (with iDrive) and Mercedes (with D2B or MOST).

It doesn't matter which gateway system you decide to go for, they all have the same great range of features, including:

Control your iPod from your radio
Charges your iPod
Video output for external screens (iPod video only)
USB connection for mass storage devices, memory sticks and MP3 players
Supports MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA and PlayForSure

So how much will one of these systems set you back?
Dension Gateway 300 - $304 (£149.97)
Dension Gateway 400 - $365 (£179.97)
Dension Gateway 500 - $568 (£279.97)

If you fancy picking up one of these then they are all available from Dension Ice.

Motorola Q9M Phone

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:10:00 GMT

Not all the details are set in stone yet, but things are looking pretty good for the new, second-gen CDMA Motorola Q. (brother of the Q9H, the GSM version for carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile.) Motorola has chosen Verizon Wireless as their first carrier for the CDMA phone, which is great, because, well, I have Verizon! In physical appearance, the phone is very simple looking with some cool metal trim. This new phone is about the same height and width as the first-gen, just a little thicker. And I like that. The first Q on Verizon was, I felt, too thin. It didn't feel natural in your hand for that reason. Motorola has changed that this time around. (MORE AFTER PICTURE)

[Source: MobileBurn]

Afraid of dropping this smartphone? Don't be; Motorola has added a soft-touch (rubberized) paint to the back of the phone, so it will have better grip. Another plus about this phone is that is has a 2 megapixel camera, which, although it may not seem like much, is better than alot of camera-phones out today. Yet another great new feature added to the Q is a scroll wheel in the center of the command panel. This makes things easier for users, like viewing web pages, reading texts, or writing word docs with the Windows Mobile 6 OS.

The keyboard on the Motorola Q9M sounds fantastic, using a reported "grippy matte surface" rarely seen on phone keyboards before. Testers report that "the QWERTY keyboard on the Q9M is probably the best ever used on a Windows Mobile Device when it comes to typing." Sounds good to me.

All in all, the Motorola Q9M, expected later this year, is an improvement to the first Q. The new phone has much better battery life than the original, with the old phone having 4 hours of talk-time and 8 days of standby, and the new phone having 6.5 hours of talk time and a whopping 20 days of standby. We know nothing about prices as of yet, but we are hoping that this phone will be under $300 dollars. Why? Because I'm not rich, that's why!

Well, now you know about the Motorola Q9M: Coming Soon.

Now, all there is left to do is play the wating game.

Wii Party Station

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:00:00 GMT

Like other systems, the Wii has already begun the process of building an arsenal of accessories. For example, you can buy skins for the remotes, steering wheel equipment, and old-school controllers. There is something new, though, that I haven't quite seen before. It's Nyko's Wii Party Station.

Some of the most fun you'll have with your Wii is when you're with a group. This piece is awesome for Wii parties, and a nice addition to enhance the overall gaming experience. It's basically a four-person console to accommodate all of the things you'd have when you're playing the Wii, and some convenient add-ons.

This station includes a handful of places for sustenance. It has four cup holders, complete with freezable sleeves to keep them cool. Also, you get the must-have chip and dip tray, sitting atop the whole mechanism.

Aside from niceties that make it easier to feed your face, the party station has LCD scoreboards to keep up with who is winning. Also, there is a fan to relieve you from your sweaty gamer palms. I think that is a great feature, but that's me. This also holds all four of your Wii remotes, and it includes a drawer that's handy for storing manuals, memory cards, or Nunchucks. Sweet.

Naturally, there are some obvious flaws here. The first thing I noticed (though it's a bit sad) is that the chip and dip bowl is small. Pretty darn small. I think it's sufficient for one person, but then, this is a party station. Nonetheless, minor technicality. This is in fact a prototype, and Nyko should be releasing the final version in the coming months. With the final version? A bigger chip bowl.

Even I would normally hear of a product like this and write it off as goofy or pointless. In this case, however, I really like this great idea. That's a gamer for you, I suppose. Best of all, it's quite affordable at a mere $24.99. That's a lot of bang for your buck, in my opinion, and it'll be hard for families and friends to resist picking up.

Just a Flick of the Wrist : Logitech's MX Air

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 03:20:00 GMT

Big fan of the Wii? You'll love this. Logitech has launched a brand new, shiny masterpiece, the MX Air mouse. The G4 Slim mouse is slender and therefore sexy, but this is a tough act to beat. And not only is she beautiful, she's smart too.

This rechargeable mouse acts less like a traditional mouse and more like a wand, or a remote. To put it simply, it works on your desktop or waving about in the air. It responds to Freespace motion technology, allowing the user to hold it at any angle or point it in any direction. Wireless is good, but this is the best so far. You can truly sit back and enjoy this perfect partner to your entertainment experience.

It can easily be used, for example, to kick back and browse through your media. Want to change the volume? Simple wave this mouse to the right or left, and gesture controls will take care of the rest. The typical scroll wheel has been replaced by a touch-sensitive scroll panel. Naturally, the mouse uses laser tracking, which is as wonderful as ever.

In addition to that, "stealth hot keys" can be found along the back ridge, glowing orange when the mouse is in use. You can easily access these to execute commands such as Play/Pause, Volume/Mute, Back, and Select. Frankly, the controls can glow orange often, as this mouse has a 30-foot range. It come equipped with a Li-ion battery, meaning faster charging and more time to play.

Unfortunately for Mac users, it's still only for Windows. Even then, this isn't something that's for everyone. It may seem pointless or perhaps, too much effort for something that could be done by any regular mouse. But then, some of us see it as easier and streamlined. Besides that, it's new technology; it doesn't really matter what it is, we've got to have it. I think this is beautiful and innovative, and free-motion interfaces are my favorite. But that's me, what do you think?

If you're interested, the MX Air mouse can be found here for the expected price of $150.

Thinnest ever Laptop Mouse

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:40:00 GMT

The new G4 Slim Mouse is claimed to be the worlds thinnest ever mouse, infact, its so small you can fit it inside the PCMCIA slot of your laptop.

The G4 mouse has a retractable USB cable so you can hide away all the wires when its not in use. It also comes with a touch scroll pad in the middle of the 2 mouse buttons and is also an optical tracking mouse.

In its standard form the G4 is just a flat piece of plastic and metal measuring only 5mm thick, but once you have figured out hold to unfold the G4 it turns into a fully functional optical mouse, although it isn't the nicest looking mouse I've ever seen, it is definitely the most practical and is available in a variety of colors.

The G4 Slim Mouse is available here ($69.99).

Halo 3 Special Edition Xbox 360

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:40:00 GMT

Microsoft have announced plans to launch a special edition Halo 3 Xbox 360 console in line with the release of the Halo 3 game in September.

The console itself will be to the same specification as the current premium system including a wireless controller and headset, 20GB hard drive, a componant HD cable as well as the usual free silver Xbox live membership and a one months membership to the gold Xbox live, the only difference with the special edition console is that it will be in the Halo colors, spartan green and gold and the wireless controller is painted to match.

Microsoft haven't yet released prices for the limited edition console, but you'll have to add on the price of Halo 3 the game as oddly enough it doesn't come with it.

Wenger Giant Swiss Army Knife

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 05:40:00 GMT

Could this be the worlds biggest swiss army knife? We're not sure, but it certainly isn't pocket sized measuring 9 inches wide!

The giant swiss army knife made by Wenger comes with 85 different implements ranging from your standard corkscrew, screwdriver and knife (7 of them) to the more unusual Golf shoe spike wrench, mineral crystal magnifier and tyre-tread gauge.

The Wenger also comes in a very stylish presentation box ideal for showing it off.

If you fancy getting your hands on one of these rather extravagant bits of kit then its available for $1000 (£499) at Firebox.

Do you know of any bigger or more extravagant swiss army knife? If so then let us know in the comments.

The Beginning of Gadget Extra

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:50:00 GMT

Hello and Welcome to Gadget Extra. This is a brand new blog that I have created, I have been wanting to start up a new blog for a while and have been trying to decide on something that interests me enough and also has enough scope to keep the content flowing and the site growing.

So the aim of this blog is to bring you news, previews and reviews of the latest and greatest gadgets and new technologies on the market (or in the making).

If your interested in writing for us or you have some news you want published on the site then please send us an email from our contact form (here)