Gadgetell

miShake PMP begs to be shook

Natesh Sood — 2008-07-19T12:34:00-05:00

Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video

United Kingdom based company, Electro Box, recently came out with a new, innovative PMP called the miShake. With a name like this, one would assume shaking the device would cause some navigation changes, and this is correct. The unique feature in this PMP is that every time it is shook, it can change songs, videos, images, and move through pages of an e-book.

The 2.4-inch TFT touchscreen PMP has been uniquely designed to be a competitor to Apple’s iPod Nano, and other small players. It comes with 4GB of onboard memory, but can be expanded via microSD. Additionally, it comes with voice recording, an FM radio with recording, pedometer, gaming support and an e-book reader.

As I previously mentioned, it comes with the ability to change through songs, videos, images, and e-book pages all with a simple shake of the device. This is made possible by something called Shocktronix, which is a motion sensor built into the device. It even comes with a loudspeaker, and special miBud earbuds. You can even download games and wallpapers off a special, dedicated website.

It should be available sometime soon in the UK, and it is set to sell for 119.95 Euros, or about $190 US.

Read [miShake] Via [Pocket-lint]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

E3 2008: Microsoft revitalizing Xbox 360 through video content, personalization and games

NEWS — 2008-07-19T11:54:00-05:00

FROM GAMERTELL - Microsoft’s promising 10,000 movies and TV shows, large-scale (online) multiplayer Xbox Live games and the ability to create personal Mii-like avatars…
MORE »

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Google Docs adds support for templates

Rohan Puri — 2008-07-19T11:29:00-05:00

Section: Web, Web Apps, Google

In a quest to make its online application Google Docs more and more like Microsoft Word and OpenOffice, Google has added a Templates gallery to its Google Docs site. This new addition enables the user to simply edit a graphically formatted document with the content of their own choosing.

Users can now simply create their own flashy resumes, cover letters, financial data entry spreadsheets, and spiffy slide presentations, all without annoying commentary! (We’re looking at you, Clippy).

Although some designs are, well, considerably lacking in some areas, there are a plenty of templates to choose from. Although still not fully equipped, Google Docs is on its way to becoming an incredible alternative to document, spreadsheet, and presentation editing on any desktop platform.

Read [Google Docs]

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AT&T;releases Spore: Origins mobile game, giving away Spore for PC and Mac (with purchase)

NEWS — 2008-07-19T10:11:00-05:00

FROM GAMERTELL - The Spore game is sprouting legs and wiggling its way onto cell phones thanks to a deal between AT&T and EA. As an added bonus, AT&T’s high-speed customers also get a free download of the full PC/Mac game…
MORE »

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Acer’s 18.2-inch Gemstone 8920G now shipping

Robert Nelson — 2008-07-19T04:48:00-05:00

Section: Computers, Laptops

Acer has recently begun shipping their Gemstone 8920G, and for lack of a better guess, I can only assume the “G” after 8920 stands for gigantic.

The Gemstone 8920G is sporting an 18.2-inch display, and weighs in at about nine pounds. Otherwise it does offer a solid set of specs which include the previously mentioned 18.2-inch display that offers a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1920 x 1080 screen resolution.

The 8920G is powered by a 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 processor, has 4GB of RAM and also features two internal hard drives which total out at 640GB of storage, a 512MB nVidia 9650M GS card for graphics, Wireless-N Wi-Fi, an HDMI out as well as a DVD writer with Blu-ray reading capability.

While technically a laptop, the 8920G would certainly fall into the desktop replacement category, but it should make a nice ~~portable~~ semi-portable HD movie player. Of course all these high-end specs will not come cheap, expect to pay nearly $3,000 for one of your own.

Via [Trusted Reviews]

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T-Mobile limited edition Tony Hawk branded Sidekick LX now available for everyone

Robert Nelson — 2008-07-19T03:33:00-05:00

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

T-Mobile has always had an interesting approach to releasing new models of the Sidekick. They announce the device and then initially offer it for a limited time only to current customers who are looking to upgrade.

It looks like this pattern was not any different with their latest release of the Tony Hawk branded Sidekick LX. The device was originally available to those lucky customers a few weeks back, and has since just been made available for everyone.

Anyone looking to score the limited edition model will have to be willing to part with $299.99 along with a two-year agreement or $449.99 contract free.

Sure it looks really cool, and I am sure there is a good market for it, but do we really need a Sidekick that looks like a skateboard. The look is complete with the grip tape like texture and eight screws on the bottom.

Read [T-Mobile]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Bandai’s Smart Berry prepares next generation for texting

Mark Rollins — 2008-07-19T02:26:00-05:00

Section: Communications, Email / IM, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle

I’ve never caught an episode of Gossip Girl, but I have heard that it is about privileged teenagers who are addicted to their BlackBerry lifestyle. I suppose this show is representative of the youth of today who can text like no tomorrow.

It appears that toy maker Bandai is preparing the next generation of gossip girls with the Smart Berry. Despite the name, the Smart Berry has nothing to do with the genuine BlackBerry.

The Smart Berry is a kid-sized, kid-friendly mobile communicator that enables “email, chat, and online games within a 10-meter diameter”. It appears that a Smart Berry can only communicate with another Smart Berry. I honestly don’t think that the Smart Berry is capable of genuine email like Yahoo or Gmail, as messages are limited to 64 characters.

It does come with a feature that most BlackBerries don’t come with, a Virtual Pet. Yeah, the Smart Berry is a toy, and one that will prepare our youth for next generation of texting. The price tag for the Bandai Smart Berry is a little high at about $96.

Via [Engadget]

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Panasonic puts the Surface up against the wall

Mark Rollins — 2008-07-19T01:12:00-05:00

Section: Video, Computers, Peripherals, Displays

Panasonic made quite a splash at CES last January when it introduced the largest flat screen display at 150-inches. It appears that Panasonic is thinking big screen once again, and has added the power of touch.

Introducing the Digital Wall, a touch screen display that is so large that it covers the entire wall by design. Windows on the Digital Wall are accessed on the giant touchscreen with your fingers. It works like a Surface, but is not confined to a coffee table.

Panasonic is in development with this product, but the latest word is that the Digital Wall could be cheaper than the Surface. I wish I had more details on that.

I don’t know about you, but I want the Digtital Wall on every wall in every room of my house. Can you imagine? No more sorting through wallpaper patterns and imagining what the pattern would look like. If you don’t like the pattern, change it! As for pictures on the wall, a giant portrait can go from cell phone to your wall in just minutes.

The possibilities are pretty limitless. Yes sir, the future is starting to look like a less darker place with technology like this.

Via [Gizmodo]

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Kodak is coming out with an HD Player, just who is gonna buy it?

Jodie Andrefski — 2008-07-19T00:01:00-05:00

Section: Video, DVD Players/DVRs, HDTV, Gadgets / Other, Household, Web, Downloads

Get ready, here comes Kodak into the TV set-top box market. Due to hit stores in September, their Theatre HD Player is a Wi-Fi equipped TV set-top box that can stream music, videos, and photos from any computer that is connected to the same network right to your HDTV. It offers 720 playback, HDMI and component output ports, and a USB port.

Sounds decent, right? Sure. Until you take a look at the price tag and then compare it to what is already on the market and comparable. We have the PlayStation 3 and AppleTV. These two alone offer the exact same features and more. The Theatre HD Player will run you $300. Now, while a 40GB PS3 is a little pricier at $400; it also has a Blu-ray player and the obvious video game console included. The AppleTV costs less than the Theatre HD at $229, and it even allows you to store media.

So, what confuses me most about this set is the price tag. Considering most of the media downloaded wouldn’t even be high definition that I’d be streaming to my HDTV from my computer...what’s the use then? Just seems like a high tag for what the consumer would be getting considering what else is on the market. Makes me wonder if Kodak’s research team is totally oblivious to this fact. I think I see “clearance price” written all over this one.

Product [Kodak] Via [GizMag]

Full Story » | Written by Jodie Andrefski for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Opera Mobile 9.5 goes live as promised

Robert Nelson — 2008-07-18T22:52:00-05:00

Section: Communications, Accessories, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Web Browsers

After a brief delay on the availability date, Opera has released the beta version of Opera Mobile 9.5. While the new version is currently still listed as beta, the additional features should make it a worthwhile download.

Opera Mobile 9.5 is available as a free download for Windows Mobile based smartphones and offers a “true web experience.” Features include pan and zoom, the ability to save web pages or images for offline viewing and an improved user interface. Version 9.5 also has improved standards support as well as just having been made faster overall as compared to the previous version 8.65.

Read [Opera]

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Laptops to be powered up by methanol fuel cells

Jodie Andrefski — 2008-07-18T21:40:00-05:00

Section: Computers, Laptops, Gadgets / Other, Miscellaneous

Powering up a laptop with portable liquid fuel? It’s genesis is closer than you might think. The company PolyFuel, which develops fuel cell membranes, recently announced that it has developed a prototype laptop (the Lenova T40 ThinkPad), which uses methanol cartridges and a fuel cell as it’s power source.

Although the working prototype is not an actual finished product, but instead a proof of concept, the company plans to show it off to consumer electronics and PC manufacturers in the coming weeks.

The machine uses what is called a direct methanol fuel cell (or a DMFC) that converts methanol to electricity to run the laptop. The cartridges are approximately the size of a deck of cards, and just one can provide 10 hours of battery life. The company is as yet unwilling to provide images of the prototype, but company President and CEO Jim Balcolm did provide descriptions. He said that the fuel cells bulge out a little more than the nine-cell battery on a Lenova T40, and it raises the laptop a little. However, it is substantially lighter and provides as much run-time as about three lithium-ion batteries.

Backers for the design say they like it since the cartridges are portable and can provide that longer running time. Since manufacturers are very much wanting to find ways to extend battery life for their portable devices, it would be a boon for consumers to have a means to go all day or night without having to carry around an AC adapter. Thus PolyFuel’s strategy to license it’s system design and sell it’s membrane technology to manufacturers.

Although manufacturers estimate that such devices may not end up taking over the entire market, they estimate about ten to thirty percent, even at the niche market of ten percent it would still be considered significant. So, although alternative fuel cells may not be replacing batteries, it looks like they will in fact be a reality in consumer electronics within the next couple of years.

Read [CNet]

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BlackBerry Bold heading to T-Mobile, in Germany

Robert Nelson — 2008-07-18T20:35:00-05:00

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

So sad for those hoping that the BlackBerry Bold would be landing shortly at T-Mobile here in the US, but instead pricing information has been announced for T-Mobile Germany.

The price is set at €219.95 (about $350 US), which is a bit higher than the $299 that has already been announced for Rogers, which will begin offering their version next Friday on July 25.

T-Mobile Germany currently has the available date simply listed as July, with the option to reserve now, but it is rumored to be coming on July 21, which is this Monday.

Coming back to the US release, at this time we have only seen a confirmation come from AT&T, but they are still having trouble setting an official availability date.

Product [T-Mobile] Read [Mobile Bulgaria] Via [Engadget Mobile]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Amazon launches its Video on Demand service for a lucky few beta users

Arnold Zafra — 2008-07-18T19:27:00-05:00

Section: Video, Content, Video Providers, Web, Websites, Online Music/Video

Amazon is set to launch a new service called Amazon Video on Demand which will enable users to watch any of the 40,000 movies and television programs right after they order them through their PC or Macs’ web browsers. Similar to cable video-on-demand services, the videos ordered by users will start streaming immediately after users placed their orders.

In addition to the computer support, Amazon has also reached a deal with Sony Electronics that would put Amazon’s Internet video store on Sony Bravia high definition TVs. Users who will opt to use the Video On Demand on their Bravia units would initially need the Sony Bravia Internet Video Link which costs $300. This would give them access to the Amazon Video on Demand content from their Bravia’s menu. Sony has also promised to embed this link in the Bravia’s menu screen sometime soon.

The new Amazon Video On Demand service will be initially available to selected US customers before it goes public later this summer. To answer the issue of storage, Amazon will also offer a service called “Your Video Library” which will store each customers downloads, and users can watch the movie or show whenever they go back to the Amazon Video On Demand store.

Read [New York Times]

Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Rogers slashes Nokia N95 price to $199

Robert Nelson — 2008-07-18T18:16:00-05:00

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

Canadian smartphone users who are either boycotting or simply not interested in the iPhone 3G will now have another solid option to choose from, and at an affordable price to boot.

Rogers Wireless has announced that they have dropped the price of the Nokia N95 down to just $199. Of course that new low price still comes along with the same three-year agreement, but that seems to be the standard with Rogers.

Sounds like a good deal, now you can get the N95, a great smartphone for about half of what it was priced at before and don’t forget, you can also take advantage of that limited time data plan that offers 6GB or monthly transfer for $30 a month.

Via [electronista]

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iPhone shortage to last 2-4 weeks, hurting businesses?

NEWS — 2008-07-18T17:31:00-05:00

FROM APPLETELL - The iPhone 3G was such a big hit that there were lines for the product even for a few days after it came out. This was bound to bring shortages, and it did.
MORE »

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Digital Foci intro’s the ultra-portable Photo Safe II

Arnold Zafra — 2008-07-18T17:03:00-05:00

Section: Imaging, Accessories, Peripherals, Storage

Digital Foci has announced its new and upgraded Photo Safe II. This portable digital photo storage now either comes in 80GB or 160GB storage capacity and a built-in memory card reader that supports practically all card formats including CF Extreme III, IV, UDMA, MMC, SD/HC card, miniSD, Memory Stick, MS PRO, MS Duo, MS PRO Duo, and xD-Picture card. The Photo Safe II card slot also offers rubber covers for added protection from dust.

In addition to the increased storage and wide range of memory card support, it also has a nifty “Auto Copy” button which copies all the content of a memory card, including all file formats (RAW images and videos) without changing their file name and file structure. Adding more value to the Photo Safe II is the fact that it can be used as a back storage device as well when connected to a computer thought the USB port.

Other features of the Photo Safe II include; fast copy speed, a backlit LCD, user-replaceable lithium-ion battery, high-speed USB 2.0 support, auto shut-off functions as well as full compatibility with Mac and PC.

The Photo Safe II is available now in retail stores and retails for $139 for the 80GB and $189 for the 160GB model.

Via [Imaging Resource]

Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

So Hot Right Now: Top 10 Gadgetell posts for the week of July 13, 2008

NEWS — 2008-07-18T15:59:00-05:00

Section:

Haven’t caught all of the Gadgetell news this week? Here’s your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles!

BlackBerry Bold for Rogers gets priced, $299
“ It was just about a week ago that we first began hearing that the BlackBerry Bold would make its debut with Rogers for the low price of $199, and while it may have just been a week, that price has since been deemed inaccurate. …” MORE »
Severed cable that offers 2GB of built-in storage
“ I cannot help but think there will be a specific type of individual that will purchase this, without offering up any stereotype’s I am sure you can think of at least one. While this…” MORE »
Live photos of the BlackBerry Thunder show up
“ Just when we all thought the the new BlackBerry Thunder is not yet ready for primetime due to some issues in its key features, here comes some new live photos of the…” MORE »
New iPhone App: Horrible Van Remote courtesy of Joss Whedon
“ That is right, a new iPhone App we probably won’t see at the App Store comes to us from the mind of Joss Whedon and company embedded in the new web smash vlog, Dr. Horrible. Starring the iPhone…” MORE »
Sony unveils the 15.4-inch VAIO BZ notebook series
“ Sony has announced several new models of its famous VAIO notebook series. One of these is the VAIO BZ series notebooks geared for the business and IT professional. This lightweight notebook PC features a 15.4-inch LCD widescreen display with…” MORE »
Google, Microsoft, IBM to report Q2 2008 earnings later today
“ The US has been having tough times lately on Wall Street. Meanwhile, it’s rumored that the “tech giants” may not be following suit (that’s a good thing). Google, Microsoft, and IBM are expected to report…” MORE »
Acer brings the Aspire One to the US, priced from $379
“ Acer has announced that the Aspire One notebook is now officially available here in the US. Set to compete in the already overflowing market with the likes of the Eee PC from Asus, the HP…” MORE »
August launch speculation for the Dell E mini-laptop continues
“ The Dell E mini-laptop has been previously rumored to be coming this August, and while an announcement still has not come officially from Dell that does not seem to…” MORE »
Google’s “Lively” getting a little TOO lively for some
“ Google’s new online virtual world program “Lively” is causing a bit of a stir for some users. It seems it has become a tad too lively in some of it’s rooms. Apparently there have been some “sex rooms” created in the…” MORE »
Lenovo releases the SL400, SL500 Thinkpads
“ Lenovo has just released the new SL400 and SL500 ThinkPads touting a 14- and 15-inch LCD display respectively. Both laptops are loaded with the new Intel Centrino 2 processor. Covered in black-gloss design, these ThinkPads are being geared for…” MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Thinkware announces the 7-inch iNAVI ES100+ GPS

Natesh Sood — 2008-07-18T14:41:00-05:00

Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation

Korean based GPS manufacturer, Thinkware, recently unveiled their high-end 7-inch GPS called the iNAVI ES100+. Interesting model name, to say the least.

The iNAVI ES100+ is a GPS based from the iNAVI ES100, and this one comes with a few extra features to make it better than the last. Basically, it comes with an aforementioned 7-inch touch screen, runs on a 700MHz CPU, 900mAH batteries and built-in rear view camera. It is encased in a metallic silver color, and a brown color and the LED lights are displayed in royal blue.

Additionally, it comes with a DMB receiver with Dynamic Picture-In-Picture, and something called TPEG which basically gives real time traffic updates. Lastly, it doubles up as a PMP as it plays MP3’s and videos, displays photos, and has gaming support.

All in all, it looks to be a very complete GPS by Thinkware, and it is set to be available on July 21 in the Korean market. It will be available in three models, a 2GB for 399,000 KRW (about $393 US) , a 4GB for 449,000 KRW (about $443 US), and a 8GB model for 499,000 KRW (about $492 US).

Via [Aving]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Nokia N810 gets price cut, now just $299

Robert Nelson — 2008-07-18T13:30:00-05:00

Section: Computers, Mobile Computers

While the price drop does not seem to be available at every online retailer, at least one, namely CompUSA has dropped the price of the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet down to just $299.99. Currently listed as in stock and available the discounted price comes after an instant savings of $100.

No word on how long this price will last for, so if you were considering an N810 purchase, this may be a good time to part with the cash. A quick check of a few other online retailers still reflect the standard pricing. NewEgg has it listed for the expected $399.99, while Best Buy is still trying to get $479.99.

Now you can purchase the N810 for little less and be able to play around with Android a bit, sounds like a win-win.

Product [CompUSA]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Verizon Wireless opens mobile banking for BlackBerry customers

Leo Blanco — 2008-07-18T12:22:00-05:00

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle

Mobile banking is slowly catching up as mobile carriers continue to integrate this technology in their system. Today, Verizon Wireless has announced that it is extending its mobile banking solutions to their customers who use a BlackBerry Curve 8330, BlackBerry Pearl 8130 or a BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone. Too bad I don’t own any of these devices!

These lucky guys and gals can easily use their BlackBerry devices to pay bills, check transactions, monitor account balances and transfer payments. A very convenient way indeed if you ask me, particularly if you’re always on the go.

However, I know that not all share the same sentiment. Security remains to be the biggest issue even though Verizon Wireless and other mobile carriers continuously advertise their safety measures such as multi-factor authentication, encryption technology, and 6-digit PIN requirements. It reminds me of the same route traveled by online banking before going mainstream.

Other smartphones compatible with mobile banking app include LG Voyager, FlipShot, MOTORAZR, LG VX940, Samsung’s Juke and Alias. The app is free of course but data charges apply.

Read [PR Newswire]

Full Story » | Written by Leo Blanco for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Visionman releases the wickedly fast Widow Double Nine gaming notebook

Arnold Zafra — 2008-07-18T11:16:00-05:00

Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware, Laptops, Gaming

Visionman really knows the name of the game when it comes to gaming notebooks. It just released a powerful and wickedly fast gaming machine with an ultra-cool name, the Widow Double Nine. This portable gaming machine boasts of a NVIDIA GeForce 9800M video chipset supported by a whooping 4GB-8GB of RAM and Intel’s quad-core 9000-series processor rated at 2.66GHz. These specs are further complemented by a 17-inch, 1680x1050 WSGA+ resolution LCD display with a option to hook up a secondary display.

A quick rundown of the Widow Double Nine’s features and specifications yield the following aside from the previously mentioned key features; a 320GB SATA-II hard drive with additional support for two more hard drives, a 7-in-1 card reader, SLI enabled, 8x DVD-RW, 5.1 sound system, built-in microphone, integrated speakers, Express card 34/54 slot, integrated touchpad with scroll up/down slider, full-sized keyboard, user definable gaming hot keys, DVI/D-Sub VGA/USB/RJ-45 ports, S-Video TV-Out, 2.0MP digital web camera, 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless and Bluetooth.

The Widow Double Nine is now available for online purchase or at various retail stores starting at $4,600, which is expectantly what you have to pay for such a powerful gaming machine.

Product [Visionman] Via [Electronista]

Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Gamertell Review: The Dark Knight the movie

NEWS — 2008-07-18T10:04:00-05:00

FROM GAMERTELL - Title: The Dark Knight (aka Batman: The Dark Knight, Batman Begins 2, The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience) Release Date: July 18, 2008 Company: Warner Bros. Rating: PG-13 Length: 142 min (2 hours, 22 minutes) Pros: A lot of great acting, a well-woven story and plenty of psychological creepiness. The… MORE »

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Thumbnail Watch goes where no watch has gone before

Mark Rollins — 2008-07-18T02:18:00-05:00

Section: Gadgets / Other, Miscellaneous, Peripherals, Displays

If you’ve seen the last Die Hard movie, the villain has one of the best quotes ever when it comes to technology. He tells John McClane that “he (John) is a Timex watch in a digital world.” In all honesty, I’m not certain that anyone is using watches, digital or analog, in today’s society. I stopped wearing one long ago when I got my cellular phone.

It appears that Timex is completely reinventing the watch with the Thumbnail watch. The company had a design contest to come up with a new design for the watch, and this is one of the better entries.

I have heard that the Thumbnail watch is designed to slip over your thumb, so I’m guessing that no Lee Press-on nail action is required. The time glows on your thumbnail, and it can light up and change modes just by pressing the end of the thumbnail.

I can’t quite figure out what type of technology is used to make this device work. If this is some new sort of LCD, then why not apply it to all the nails. Can you imagine having a computer interface like this on all on your nails?

Maybe your cell phone could be on your pinky, so you can take calls by making the “phone” sign on your hand. The iPod on your ring finger, and a ring could be the speaker. Your middle finger could be a Blackberry, but just be careful not to flip people off when checking your e-mail. The pointer finger could serve as a digital camera, and all you would need to do is point and shoot.

We’d better see where the Thumbnail watch goes before we speculate on the other fingers.

Via [DVICE]

Full Story » | Written by Mark Rollins for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

eBay wins trademark lawsuit against Tiffany

Elisabeth Young — 2008-07-18T01:06:00-05:00

Section: Web, Websites

A decision by US District Judge Richard Sullivan has spared eBay of the damages of a trademark lawsuit filed by Tiffany, a popular luxury jewelry brand. The court has recognized the appropriate actions taken by eBay in removing the listings and suspending the service for sellers who offer counterfeit goods. It was also discovered that some of the goods thought to be “counterfeit” were actually legitimate, second-hand items.

The judge’s ruling also points out that company that carries the brand should be the one responsible for protecting their brand from counterfeiting. Therefore, Tiffany is expected to be the party responsible for policing the sale of their goods. The court ruling expressed the over controlling action of Tiffany over online sales at eBay.

Because of the result of the case, the perception is that the posters or sellers should be the one responsible for posting any good to offer online. It is not eBay who holds this accountability.

Nicholas Sharp, an eBay spokeswoman claimed that, “The court ruling reaffirms we have been doing enough to keep counterfeit off the site.”

Tiffany on the other hand, is displeased with the court decision, stating that the ruling was an “erroneous reading of the law,” as expressed by mark Aaron, a Tiffany vice president.

eBay is a top online marketplace on the Internet that offers a virtual venue for sellers and buyers to interact for acquiring and selling goods. Tiffany, on the other hand is a popular luxury brand known for producing sterling silver and crystal.

Read [SiliconValley]

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Nyko cuts the nunchuk’s cord with Cord-Free

NEWS — 2008-07-18T00:31:01-05:00

FROM GAMERTELL - Nyko chose to show off it’s Cord-Free Wii peripheral at E3. The device attaches to the wiimote and nunchuk to make the official Nintendo nunchuk wireless. The Cord-Free device is currently available in stores for $19.99.
MORE »

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Ecobutton saves the environment, money

Mark Rollins — 2008-07-17T23:59:00-05:00

Section: Computers, Gadgets / Other, Green

You know those Staples ads that say “now we have an ‘Easy’ button”. Man, I wish I had an easy button that worked, but there is an easier way to become more eco-friendly with the Ecobutton. This is an ecologically friendly USB add-on that you put on the computer, and will help you reduce energy.

All a user needs to do is plug it in, and it goes into operation if you are away from your desk for too long. I think we all know that we waste so much energy when our computer is idling, and the company says it “adds up over the years creating a hefty carbon footprint that could only be rivaled by Bigfoot-if he used a PC”.

The Ecobutton is programmed to power down your PC when not in use. Apparently, there is some sort of software in the device that can somehow calculate the carbon units and dollars saved by using the Ecobutton.

Just what we need: a device that tells you how it is paying for itself. Apparently this software requires you to answer numerous questions that relate to power consumption on your PC. The Ecobutton is available at the appropriately named I Want One Of Those site, for a price of £14.99 or about $30 US.

Read [The Red Ferret Journal]

Full Story » | Written by Mark Rollins for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

San Francisco scrambles to rebound after being held cyber-hostage

Jodie Andrefski — 2008-07-17T22:48:01-05:00

Section: Computers, Networking, Security

The alleged takeover of the City by the Bay may sound totally rare, but, unfortunately, it has happened before that disgruntled employees take to modern technology as a means for revenge.

City tech employee Terry Childs, allegedly modified the city system so that he was the only one with top level clearances. The city is still in a tizzy trying to regain control of their new fiber optic municipal network that handles everything from the mayor’s email to electronic court records. Childs, who was arrested on Sunday, is still being held on $5 million bail, after allegedly refusing to hand over the passwords. He at first did supply some, but they turned out to be bogus.

It isn’t even clear why he did what he did, although it’s been said that in days leading up to his arrest, his behavior towards his colleagues was becoming erratic. A new security chief had been brought in to oversee the group’s security, and over the past few weeks some evidence of tampering had been found. It was escalated to the police, who in turn brought in their own forensics team to investigate their network.

Security expert Adam Shostack, the author of the New School of Information Security, says that assuming the allegations are true that “this is a great example of how powerful insiders can be. Insiders do have a tremendous amount of power.” He does concede however, that such ploys are still rare considering how many network admins are fired or quit without destroying the system behind them.

At least with no real tangible damage reported so far, this incident kind of pales next to past cyber-sabotage efforts through the years.

In 2008, Danielle Duann, a former employee of the Life Gift Organ Donation Center in Houston, Texas, was indicted for computer hacking. Duann allegedly deleted database records used to match organs to needy patients after she was fired in November, 2005. The feds say the deletions caused more than $70,000 in damages, and had the potential to affect medical treatment.
In 2007, Lonnie Denison pleaded guilty to intentionally sabotaging a data control center in the California Independent System Operator Corporation, which the Feds described as an effort to bring down the Golden State’s power grid. Denison, a contractor working at the CAL ISO, broke into a high security computer room and pushed an emergency electrical shut-off button for the computer room crashed computers that communicate with California’s deregulated power market.
In October 2003, Andrew Garcia, a former employee of monitor maker Viewsonic, was sentenced to a year in prison for deleting critical server files that were necessary for Viewsonic’s Taiwan office to do work.
In 2002, a former American Eagle Outfitters employee posted passwords and logins for the company’s network on a hacker mailing list on Yahoo. He also included instructions on how to get into American Eagle’s wide-area network. He put those instructions into use himself after Thanksgiving 2002, hoping to disrupt the company during the busy holiday season. For his trouble, Kenneth Patterson was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
A former network administrator for the Inglewood, California-based Airline Coach Service and Sky Limo Company attacked his former employee’s network, deleting files and changing passwords. The hack crashed the company’s dispatch system, causing thousands in losses. When his house was raided by the feds, they discovered a file folder labeled “retaliation.” In 2003, Alan Giang Tran plead guilty to one count of hacking.
A disgruntled Australian engineer used a laptop and radio control equipment to dump hundreds of thousands of gallons of sewage into rivers and parks in Australia in 2000. The engineer was angry at being rejected for a job from the Maroochy Shire in Queensland, which contracted the company he worked for to make the sewage system.
Roger Duronio, a disgruntled former UBS PaineWebber employee was sentenced to 97 months in jail for planting a time-bomb program that destroyed files on thousands of computers inside the financial giant’s computer network. Duronio planted the code before his February 22, 2002 resignation, which followed repeated complaints by Duronio about his salary and bonuses. The timer for the code went off on March 4, and Duronio shorted UBS’s stock on the day of the time bomb, hoping to make a profit by having the rogue code drive down the company’s stock price.
In 1996, a network administrator planted computer code that deleted the sophisticated production software of a high-tech measurement and control instruments company called Omega Engineering, causing $10 million in damages. Timothy Allen Lloyd designed the company’s network, but was fired after 11 years on July 10, 1996. The time bomb went off 20 days later. After being convicted in 2000, Lloyd was eventually sentenced to 41 months imprisonment.

Well, at least when most IT folks go postal...they do it with a computer, not a rifle.

Read [csonline]

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How To: Link your Playstation Underground and Network IDs to create a Portable ID

NEWS — 2008-07-17T21:58:00-05:00

FROM GAMERTELL - Go through this step-by-step process to create a Portable ID. It will also generate code that can be pasted in emails, forums and social sites to share your avatar and link to your ID page…
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Samsung offers up the Omnia i900 in European, beginning with Italy

Arnold Zafra — 2008-07-17T21:32:00-05:00

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile

Samsung has officially launched the Omnia i900 for the European market starting in Italy on July 22. To celebrate the release of its latest all-around mobile phone, Samsung Europe is treating our Italian friends who pre-ordered that Omnia from July 14 with a free Xbox 360 Arcade gaming system. This promotional gig was made possible through a cooperation with Media world, one of Europe’s electronics store.

As a recap of the features, the Samsung Omnia is a Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional powered handset which will pretty much let users to extend their PC’s functionality into their mobile phone. It comes packed with various Microsoft applications including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel, Word and Outlook. In addition, the Samsung Omnia also features a 5-megapixel CMOS camera with auto-focus, face and smile detection, auto-panorama shot, a 3.2-inch WQVGA LCD screen, MultiCoded support for DivX, Xvid and other video formats, 8GB or 16GB internal memory, GPS navigation with geotagging features and runs on HSDPA (7.2 Mbps), EDGE / GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 networks.

The Omnia mobile phone has an retail price of around $740. No words yet on when the i900 will be available in the US.

Read [Samsung]

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Fight the dark side on your iPhone or iPod Touch

NEWS — 2008-07-17T20:52:01-05:00

FROM APPLETELL - Add another win for iPhone gaming, as Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will be released for the popular touch screen device in mid September.
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Update: nope, no one likes Sprint

JG Mason — 2008-07-17T20:26:00-05:00

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers

Earlier in the week, you’ll recall my post about CNBC saying SK Telecom was in talks to acquire Sprint. Turns out, not so much. In a statement this morning, SK set out to clear the air: they are not acquiring any US carriers (whew) but they are seeking technology and business partnerships with Sprint.

So maybe that counts as SK having some love for Sprint, but like a friend. Surely there was not a dry eye in Kansas (Sprint HQ) when SK phoned in the “I just don’t like you like that. I want to be friends.” Probably still stings a bit for Sprint. Sprint stock is on it’s way back down after rising on the SK acquisition news…

No matter, back to our non-stop coverage of lines around Sprint stores for the blockbuster Instinct. Hold up, sorry, wrong feed.

Read [Phone Scoop]

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Breaking: Gmail goes offline?

JG Mason — 2008-07-17T19:19:00-05:00

Section: Web, Web 2.0, Web Apps

For what seems like years, users have asked for gmail to be accessible offline and Google is finally going to acquiesce to their demands. Coming in approx 6 months, both Gmail and Calendar will offer you the chance to move offline. Early testers saw a dialogue box allowing them to save 3 months of appointments locally.

Allowing these advances is something called Google Gears which exists to facilitate a smooth transition between online and offline realms. We’ve expected good things from Google Gears for a while now, but it is good to see some progress later rather than never.

This news comes from Andrew Fogg’s twitter (where I get all my news) and he warns that it may be just for enterprise users; he is not sure but did see a demo.

Anyone really excited about having Gmail offline? Heck, when was the last time your were not connected? Let us know in the comments.

Read [Google Operating System]

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Canon’s newest great is a relief for those missing the 200mm f/1.8L lens

Jodie Andrefski — 2008-07-17T18:08:00-05:00

Section: Imaging, Accessories

Just about anyone who has ever shot a wedding or a sporting event and tried desperately to get that almost unattainable shot loved their Canon 200mm f/1.8L lens. It offered up a great combination of focal length and aperture speed which made those otherwise unattainable shots possible. So, back in 2003 when Canon went and announced they were actually discontinuing that lens, you could practically hear the tears and shocked gasps of photographers around the globe. Now, finally, five years later, Canon announced the replacement for this legendary lens: the Canon 200mm f/2L IS. Can you almost hear the crowds clapping in glee?

Now, anyone that was upset by the f/1.8L being replaced, Canon more than made up for it with the f/2. It has image stabilization, knocks 60cm off of the minimum focusing distance (which is a very nice touch for when you are trying to get those macro shots!), and even adds seven new glass elements. You’d think this would make for a heavier lens, but actually, they reduced the max aperture by a mere third of a stop, which knocked off 500 grams off the lens weight. (Hey, every little bit helps.)

When you pay this much for a lens, you obviously expect the best that lens manufacturing has to offer, and with Canon’s L-glass series, you get it. The lens ships in Canon’s 200-series hard case, and instead of a front lens cover, the 200mm ƒ/2 uses a leather-like ‘’sock’’ which extends over the front of the lens to cover not just the front element but half of the lens, as well.

The lens is very solidly built, with the distinctive white color of Canon’s pro lenses. As with most heavier lenses (even with the shaved off weight, this one still weighs in at 5.6 pounds), you’re better off using it on a tripod rather than hand-holding it. A tripod collar comes standard, which can rotate the lens through its entire axis. Two sling lugs are attached to the tripod mount, should you wish to carry the lens this way. The lens is completely weather-sealed with rubber gaskets in critical areas. Just another bonus in my mind.

The f/2 is the clear high point of Canon’s lens technology. You want it? It’s probably got it. But, keep in mind, all this sweetness doesn’t come cheap. Retail price on this girl is about $5,500.

Read [PCPhotoMag]

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