Low-Cost Wacom Tablet November 29, 2005
READ MORE Laptops
The Volito2 is Wacom’s entry level tablet device, and at about $67, it could be worth the text input, photo editing and ability to add digital signatures to your documents (which can be priceless). It’s nicely designed though has a smallish active area. Other features include a USB 2.0 port, battery-free pen but remember, it does need to be connected to your computer or laptop to work. Comes with ArtRage Wacom Edition painting software from Ambient Design, created just for the Volito2.
Wacom Volito2 Pen Tablet [Bios Magazine]
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BuzzTrainer - USB Shock Therapy November 29, 2005
READ MORE Gadgets
Personally, when I think of discipline, I think of torture and pain. That’s why I like this wrist strap that administers small shocks on specific commands. This product claims it can “improve your PC skill” through the administration of said pain. Apparently the BuzzTrainer software that is included is able to be bind to almost any type of PC command to administer shocks. One prime example would be looking at porn on the computer. Unfortunately, for porn fans, myself included, adding shocks into the mix may make it more enjoyable.
BuzzTrainer – USB Shock Therapy Gadget [the adventures of teapot the cat]
Worm Sneaks Onto Hard Drives November 29, 2005
READ MORE Storage
Big oops from IO Data. Looks like the Japanese company has shipped a batch of external hard drives that come with a big surprise—a Windows worm. The Tompai-A worm was found in the hard drives, which actually turns the host PC into a malware factory. But because it’s not some crazy, brand-new strand of infection, any anti-malware program should guard against it. And hey, it’s not here in the U.S., is it? Finally, the Japanese get something we actually don’t want.
Storage vendor ships hard drives with trojan [vnunet.com]
Windows Media Center: ‘99 Buick Edition November 29, 2005
READ MORE Portable Media
A person who seems to be pretty computer savvy has thrown himself together a PC inside of his car running Windows Media Center edition. The blogosphere seems to be shitting themselves over how cool it is. Don’t get me wrong, it looks nice and all, but I guess I’m not a big enough Windows MCE fan to want it in my car. It’s an average computer with a 7-inch touchscreen LCD. Good luck landing the ladies with that. Babes hate Windows users, especially when they drive Buick Centuries. But here’s a tip: the ladies flock to Linux users rolling in Suzuki Altos. It’s true.
Hitachi Vein-Recognition Laptop November 29, 2005
READ MORE Laptops
Biometric laptops are no big thing. We’ve heard of thumbprint recognition and even iris scans, but Hitachi has taken things one step further with its so-called “vein-recognition.” The FLORA Se210 Finger Vein-recognition Internal Equipment model, a recent addition to its notebook line, features a security measure that recognizes the specific vein in somebody’s finger. This, they believe, is harder to falsify than a thumbprint. Using a finger vein recognition pattern to identify the owner’s ID, the pattern is read by a LED sensor that diffuses light through the veins of the user’s finger. The user’s vein patter is stored on a “KeyMobile’ USB key—in order to verify your ID, the vein pattern on the USB key must match what is being read in the sensor. So, don’t lose that USB key. Beyond this little addition, you’ll also get the Celeron 600MHz CPU, Intel 915GM chipset (onboard video), 256MB of memory, 1024 x 768 (XGA) 12.1” LCD display, and 512MB of flash memory.
Notebooks: Hitachi laptop first with vein-recognition [TechJapan]
Xbox 360 Glitches Begone November 29, 2005
READ MORE Consoles
Everyone knows the Xbox 360 has been crashing—it doesn’t happen to everyone, but some gamers are seeing PGR3 come to a screeching halt every 20 minutes. Thanks to a series of scientific experiments involving string and cardboard boxes, the readers of GameSpot figured a workaround that solves the problem. My 360 was crashing a lot (like once every 20 minutes). So I took the power supply off the ground and suspended it in the air with some string. I have been playing for about 3 hours straight and no crashes so far!
EDIT: I found an easier way to do this. I got a box with no cover and put the power supply on the edges.
That damn brick! I knew it was trouble even before stubbing my toe on the thing. Hopefully it won’t catch that cardboard box on fire, which would require a recall and then Microsoft will send me an even bigger brick to play with that has built-in AC. And as long as COD2 is up and running, that will be just fine.
READ THIS!!! Solution to crashes cause… [GameSpot]
Xbox flaws fixed with a piece of string [vnunet.com]
Updated Nokia 9300i, With WiFi November 29, 2005
READ MORE Mobile phones
The Nokia 9300i is a business phone if ever there was. Nicknamed the “Communicator” it’s not small and it’s certainly not trying to fit into any pants pocket. With a full keyboard, WLAN connectivity, Bluetooth, 65, 536 color screen and support of many email solutions, it’s a high-end solution for the down and dirty business traveler. With the addition of WiFi, you can now use the data connection to download large files or email attachments and the 80MB of memory sure doesn’t hurt. Of course, there’s also an MMC slot which lets you expand the memory up to 2GB, perfect for spreadsheets, presentations and all kinds of documents. It supports E-GPRS (EDGE) and WLAN 802.11g, five party conference calling via an integrated speakerphone and multiple email clients (with attachments), including BlackBerry Connect, Nokia Business Center, IBM WebSphere, Oracle Collaboration Suite, Seven Always-On Mail and Visto Mobile. And we can even get it here in the US by first quarter 2006.
Nokia 9300i Communicator now with WiFi [Phoneyworld]
Scary Web Sites Offer Mobile Numbers For Cash November 29, 2005
READ MORE Mobile phones
If you’ve ever gotten a marketing call on your cellphone and wondered how the hell they could have gotten your number, you may have certain websites to thank. A local Florida TV station decided to do an investigation on this kind of thing and discovered that some websites will sell the last 100 phone numbers you may have dialed to anyone who has your phone number already. Sites like Locate Cell sells these private numbers for $100. These sites are, unfortunately, not illegal, but the TV station suggested calling the Attorney General’s office if you find this has happened to you. Nasty!
Web Sites Offer Private Cell Phone Information [mobility today]
TI Makes High Speed Mobi Phone Chips For Asia November 29, 2005
READ MORE Mobile phones
It’s great to hear that Texas Instruments is making a high-speed wireless chip, but it’s a big downer to hear that it’s mainly for Asian markets. Of course, I guess if we actually had technology they could put the things in, it would help, but still, this is a Texas-based company for god’s sake! The chip is based on W-CDMA and will support video and the Internet, pitting it against other big companies that have been putting similar chips out, like Qualcomm. TI developed the chip with NTT DoCoMo and I’m sure the Japanese phone company will help with the business plan substantially. But the big news here is that with this move, there could be a drop in 3G technology, maybe between 10 and 30 percent, according to TI Vice President Alain Mutricy. So great for us if we ever actually get it…
Texas Instruments offers new phone chip for Asia [Reuters]
PSP Firmware 2.6 Released November 29, 2005
READ MORE Portable Media
At this point it’s not exactly clear whether Sony is fixing past mistakes, upgrading features or making entirely new flubs. Probably all three, but this latest PSP upgrade does offer some improvements:
RSS feeds are added under the Network menu.
WMA had been added as a codec that can be played under the Music menu.
Simplified and Traditional Chinese are now browser options
Volume adjustment has been added as a feature to Location Free.
Copyright protected video data can be downloaded using the Internet browser.
PSP Firmware 2.6 is OUT! [psp3d]
Mac Mini Kaleidoscope Project Leaked November 29, 2005
READ MORE PC
Lately I’ve been researching ways to add a Mac Mini to my home theater set, and maybe even replace my second generation TiVo in the process. Now it looks like I won’t have to work very hard: Apple is set to unveil a new Mac Mini at MacWorld that includes Front Row 2.0, DVR functionality and an iPod dock. This project is dubbed Kaleidoscope and will be aimed at the living room, according to ThinkSecret. The Mini will have Intel inside, like lots of other machines being unveiled at the show (six months sooner than expected). Processor speed and other specs are unknown, although it’s a safe bet that the hard drive will be larger.
I hate to give up my TiVo—the remote control alone makes it a keeper. But TiVo Desktop has not panned out like I’d hoped, and I’m looking for a way to get my music library, photos and the DVR functionality on my living room set. So, what would you do—keep TiVo, wait for the Mini, or something else?
Road to Expo: Reborn Mac mini set to take over the living room [ThinkSecret]
Al Jessup: Living The 5,000 Channel Dream November 29, 2005
READ MORE Home Entertainment
Al Jessup is a God among home entertainment mortals. As you can see from the photo, he has attached a dozen satellite dishes to his home. At first it was just DirecTV and Dish, and then it took on a life all its own. Now he’s all about Galaxy 10, AMC 2 and Telestar 5. More than 5,000 channels, and all on one TV set. What kind of remote control does he use? One can only ponder such mysteries. He is planning to add a 13th dish soon. Al Jessup of Beckley, WV., you are Gizmodo’s hero.
Dishing It Out [The Register-Herald]
MII Flashcam—Stalker’s Best Friend November 29, 2005
READ MORE Gadgets
Okay, this isn’t as good for stalkers and peeping toms as much as it’s great for tactical/law enforcement types. The MII Flashcam appears to be a mild-mannered flashlight. Looks can be deceiving because this flashlight is fully loaded. This flashlight features a conveniently-mounted camera that can record video up to 640x480 and take snapshots at 3 megapixels. It also features LED infrared illumination, standard 85,000 candle power flashlight and a 1.5” TFT-LCD screen for playback and viewing of pictures. Homebrew Cops, anyone? It also comes with a dock that doubles as a charger and a USB connection for downloading pictures and video.
Product Page [MiiFlashCam]
FWD:[Fwd:re:Fwd] CYBERHUG!!! November 29, 2005
READ MORE Gadgets
Singapore scientists and researchers are putting their time and effort into revolutionising the way your relatives forward emails. They are using an existing technology to hopefully develop a way to send hugs over the internet. Currently there is a jacket for chickens that simulates the feeling of being touched. The scientists are trying to make the technology possible to be used in humans—children specifically—to help stimulate contact in situations where that isn’t always available. Maybe this technology can be used to develop some other cyberspace touching technologies?
Scientists embrace plan for cyberhugs [Yahoo! News]
Intel Follows Stylish Sony’s Lead November 29, 2005
READ MORE Laptops
Like cellphones and MP3 players, laptops are finally coming up in the fashion department. Sony realized this year that throwing some pretty colors on a case would catch a lady’s eye and now Intel has partnered with Toray to make the Ultrasuede laptop. Yes, that’s right, not only are these concept systems in color, but real, life fake suede will be integrated into the casing. La-di-da. Of course, you’ll also get Centrino mobile technology but other than that, Intel isn’t giving us much, including when we’ll actually see them in stores. But a gal can dream, can’t she?
Intel Ultra-Fashionable Laptop [Bios Magazine]
Creative Rumour Runs Wild November 29, 2005
READ MORE Portable Media
The French site Generation MP3 seems to have uncovered a rumour that Creative will be announcing a Video iPod challenger sometime later this week. The company’s president Sim Wong Hoo is expected to present this news in person in Paris (but of course), but other than this strange drawing, there doesn’t seem to be much other info to go on. As one of the first companies to bring out an MP3 player many years ago, I’d love to see Creative really nail this one, but we’ll have to wait and see.
A new walkman MP3 at Creative… [MP3 Generation]
Meet ‘digital posters’ November 29, 2005
READ MORE TV
Digital signage is not new but these digital posters from UK company Remote Media, are. Ranging in size from 17-55ins, these are high-definition LCD panels running Windows XP Embedded on an in-built Nexcomm computer with a 1.8GHz Pentium M processor, 512MB of memory and a 30Gb 2.5in hard disk drive. Their purpose? Advertising I’m afraid. With a twist, though. Apart from displaying ads/promo material etc, they come with HyperTag technology that lets us consumers download content like vouchers, offer details, free games and money-off coupons to our wireless-enabled PDA or mobile phone. Great, more crap on my phone and adverts that detect when I’m near. I’m getting that Minority Report feeling of being chased through the mall by ads talking to me directly. Shiver. They do look like nice though.
'Smart' arm wrestling robot November 29, 2005
READ MORE Gadgets , Press , Robots
An intelligent arm wrestling robot may sound like a contradiction but the Koreans have built one anyway. Geeks at the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent System (IRIS) of Konkuk University have created ‘Robo Arm-Wrestler’, and gave it its first public outing at the recent Future Tech Korea 2005 show. The robot makes you feel like you are arm wrestling a real person, without the face-full of spittle, of course. The ‘smart’ robot considers your attitude, will-power and tenacity in deciding who wins. In other words, it lets you win sometimes, but it could really snap your arm off like a twig. Built to help old people exercise, I can see this baby getting beaten daily by walking sticks and Zimmer frames owned by grumpy, sore-loser geriatrics. Just build one that makes them tea and wipes their arses, would you? Arm wrestling – sheesh.
Probe lands on Asteroid. Again November 29, 2005
READ MORE Robots
This is a first, apparently. A Japanese probe named Hayabusa, or Falcon, is a Japanese probe that has managed to land briefly on an asteroid, shoot a projectile into it, collect some dust, and get off again without being shattered into a million pieces. The probe landed on the Itokawa asteroid (690m x 300m), which is a mere 180 million miles from here. Unlike planets and moons, asteroids have undergone less change over time and so may help us better understand how celestial bodies were created. Although I should point out that this asteroid landing is not exactly the first. They seem to have overlooked that excellent Hollywood documentary Armageddon, in which the US government actually landed two (well, crashed one) shuttles onto a giant asteroid known as a ‘planet killer’. Filled with charismatic oil drillers they proceeded to bore the shit out of it before dropping in some nukes to destroy it. And they saved Earth, too. Where the hell do this Hayabusa team get off? Check your facts buddy!
NSFW Chair November 29, 2005
READ MORE Gadgets
Luis sent us this video. It’s a chair that is entirely too complex for its stated purpose. I mean, it looks like you can read a Manga comic and bone your lady wife at the same time with this thing without even breaking a sweat. Click on for some NSFW action and some really funny voice-over work.
iPod Bar Japan: Great Service But The Cocktails Need Work November 29, 2005
If you’ve ever fancied sipping on a Steve Jobs Daiquiri or a Jonathan Ives Fuzzy Navel, then Tokyo’s new iPod Bar might just be for you. Or so I thought, as I sauntered up to the counter and demanded “something fruity, something like a Wozniak Colada or a Philip Schiller Fru-Fru,” only to be met with a mix of bewilderment and pity.
For the iPod Bar in Apple’s flagship Japan store in Ginza, Tokyo, is NOT a drinking establishment where one can consume alcoholic beverages whilst simultaneously enjoying the pretentiously cool vibe emanating from the fact that you’re in a place that has the word “iPod” in the title. It is in fact an iPod help and support desk, much in the same vein as the more conventional Genius Bar.
It’s a sign that, as if we needed any more proof, iPods are a rather important part of Apple’s market now, and they want to keep everyone as happy as possible. Although I’m not sure whether creating a whole Bar for it was necessary, especially when you consider how iPod problems are usually quite limited in variety compared to that of a more complex machine like a Power Mac. I imagine the iPod Bar staff are basically logo-t-shirted, restart-button-combination-pushing monkeys, since most common iPod problems (frozen / won’t turn on, etc.) can be fixed in this way apart from serious hardware-related problems.
Still, it’s nice to know there is now some specialist help at hand, enabling me to avoid queuing behind people with potentially more lengthy Power Mac, etc.-related problems / inquiries.
iPod Bar is open and disappointingly lacks any kind of alcohol [Digital Arena - Japan]
TiVo Lets Your Choose Your Poison November 29, 2005
READ MORE Home Entertainment
In a groundbreaking announcement today, TiVo said it will finally let you choose what ads you’re bombarded with. There are four possible categories of advertisements—automotive, travel, telecommunications and consumer packaged goods. These ads will feature the same technology that is used in internet-based targeted advertising, showing products TiVo thinks you’ll like. According to Tom Rogers, President and CEO of TiVo, this is a new and innovative advertising solution that will result in a better user experience for the viewer. Well, just because I enjoy a good adult film from the hours of 2am and 3am doesn’t mean I want to see ads for dildos during my evening SportsCenter. Thanks, TiVo.
TiVo to Let Subscribers Choose Ads [DesignTechnica]
Evergreen Speakers with Wired Remote November 29, 2005
READ MORE Home Entertainment
These Evergreen 2.1 channel speakers not only look like something I’d actually want in my home, they also have an interesting extra feature. As well as including two flat front speakers and an active subwoofer, the DN-USP913 system has a wired remote with a USB port, letting you plug in any MP3 player or USB drive. MP3 files are then decoded and played with a bit rate of 64 - 320 kbps. You’ll also get a bundled SD / MMC card reader. Just $50.
Evergreen DN-USP913 speakers [New Launches]
Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 November 29, 2005
READ MORE Home Entertainment
Here’s the most recent version of Neuros’ MPEG4 recorder called the Recorder 2, marketed mainly for its support of direct encoding on the Sony PSP. But of course, there’s more to this product. It actually records from any video source directly onto a Memory Stick, which you can then play in any compatible PMP. It also supports time-controlled recording and has a 368x208 pixel resolution. Goes for about $150.
Neuros MP4 Recorder 2 for Sony PSP [i4u]
Video On Demand Gets Spotlight November 29, 2005
READ MORE Home Entertainment
It seems there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that video on demand is going to be hot for Internet users. But in Europe, the real problem isn’t whether somebody will make money, but who that somebody will be. At a conference in Montpellier, France, telecom operators and media companies got together to haggle their way through business models that will hopefully mean on-demand programming for us sooner rather than later. Sure, there have been a few smaller deals brokered recently, like those between between U.S. TV and film-rights owners like Warner, and "European telecom operators such as Fastweb, Deutsche Telekom AG and recently with France Telecom. But programming is limited and neither camp expects big profits from this just yetFor their part, media companies say they are concerned online video on demand could increase their exposure to piracy.
"Internet peer-to-peer software enables millions of web surfers every day to download films for free, even though piracy protection technology has improved. Films rented from online distributors can destroy themselves within a few hours."
Obviously, this draws a parallel with the music industry, which faltered on its business models, letting Apple’s iTunes gain a huge lead. I don’t think anyone wants to see that happen again.
Firms haggle over video on demand [Reuters]
Nintendo Revolution May 9 Unveiling November 29, 2005
READ MORE Consoles
If you’re waiting patiently for both the unveiling of the Nintendo Revolution and the 2006 E3 gaming trade show in LA, here’s some news that should make you happy. Looks like Nintendo plans on unveiling (officially) the Revolution at its May 9 press event at the Kodak Theatre. Of course, this isn’t to say that the company couldn’t sneakily unveil the machine earlier to throw us all off, but right now, this is the best we can figure from what we got. Time to make those flight reservations, huh?
Also, just a little update, looks like IBM has finished its “Broadway” processor and the rumour is that plans and a prototype have been shown to Nintendo execs and select developers. One source says the processor is dual-core, though that’s about as much as he’ll spill.
Revolution Unveiled on May 9? [Kotaku]
Rumour : IBM’s Broadway Complete [Revogaming]
Cowon 3GB Flash MP3 Player? November 29, 2005
READ MORE Portable Media
eCost is featuring a 3GB version of the Cowon iAudio U3. Why is this newsworthy, you may be asking? Well, Cowon doesn’t have a 3GB model of the U3 so this may be a spectacular new product, or simply an error. Quick, someone buy it and sue when you are shipped a 1GB model instead.
Cowon iAudio U3, 3GB [DAPreview]
Locking Cigarette Case November 29, 2005
READ MORE Gadgets
As a former nicotine-inhaling cretin, I fully support a gadget like this. The hardest thing about quitting cold turkey is those random cravings, and most people (like me) don’t have the self control to wean themselves off cigarettes exponentially downward. This locking cigarette case could help. It’s set to open at timed intervals, but unfortunately doesn’t appear to have any way to control how many cigarettes you take. $35 to save the rest of your life—sounds like a hell of a deal to me.
Locking cigarette case [Red Ferret]
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