Yeah, it’s a mouse but men are notoriously bad at picking gifts for women and, hand on heart, if you buy this Bling Bling Computer Mouse for your girlfriend/wife/mistress you’ll be dumped about 10 seconds after the wrapper comes off.
It’s not a cool gamer mouse like the Head$h0t but more a vanity tool, allowing your loved one to surf and check your mascara in its shiny surface at the same time. The sellers describe this as:
“This is the ultimate gift for a female executive, boss or stylish girl. This silver and crystal embellished mouse is a must have to be in style.”
We say it’s tacky bling bling for 10-years old but, Christmas is coming and nieces abound. Expect to pay £30, or not.-Martin Lynch
The headline says it all. If you are not one of the Sky+ horde and tend to like freebies like Freeview digital TV then this is certainly going to appeal.
The sexily-monikered Sharp TU-R160H is a slimline silver and black deck with funky blue lights that houses a 160GB hard drive and dual-Freeview digital /TV tuners. Unless it’s heart attacks, two is usually better than one and in this case it means that familial squabbling over what to watch this Christmas can be avoided since you can watch one channel and record another.
There’s a handy 8-day electronic programme guide (EPG) while the unit can store up to 80 hours of telly. Other features include the usual time-shifting and picture-in-picture. Out now, you can find it here for £196.-Martin Lynch
If you’re gaming started with the PS1 then move swiftly on because we are about to hurtle back in time to the gaming Stone Age.
There’s a warm glow in my heart today, having chanced across these keyring-Atari consoles. It’s true. Basic Fun has launched three tiny Atari controllers, preloaded with some classic Atari games which old farts like me will remember from a misspent youth in seaside arcades.
There are two versions of the joystick controller that come with Atari 2600 versions of Asteroids and Milipede and the other with Centipede and Yar’s Revenge. The paddle controller comes with Pong, Breakout and Warlords. Sadly, there’s a ‘pocket-sized’ RCA connector with 6ft of cord too for hooking them up to a TV but c’mon, a great gaming system shrunken to the size of a pack of cigarettes and costing around £18 inc. delivery? Christmas can’t come fast enough.
We just mentioned the Creative Xmod earlier this week - a go-between for you speakers and digital audio source that supposedly enhances sound to "beyond original CD quality". While not planned for release until next month, some pictures have already hit the Internet.
Here is the Xmod next to a Vasoline coated Samsung YP-K5 (the poor man's iPod vs Zune shot). Hit the jump for more pictures of what looks to be a completely unnecessary complication to my already over-corded existence. And for those who actually believe in this product, please note that Creative labels their technology as "Xtreme". – Mark Wilson
For anyone with a 5G iPod, here is how you can make any video your iPod screensaver while it's charging, compliments of Francis Real:
1. Create a file named "Demo Mode" on your iPod.
2. In iTunes, rename any video file as "demo".
3. Sync.
4. Put on the charger.
Sounds like a neat, non-warranty-voiding hack. Now if only I could decide between hot women in bikinis and my favorite episode of Alf - you know, the one where he kidnaps the lion and tries to eat it. – Mark Wilson
The Holux GPSlim 240 is a GPS receiver that can interface with a PDA, smartphone or notebook via Bluetooth or USB. It's very small - about the height of a key - and runs off a rechargeable 8-hour lithium-ion battery (or car charger, etc). And the GPSlim 240 uses SiRF Star III architecture, which is the latest, fastest GPS system on the market.
It's available now for £50 and probably a good option if you've blown your cash on a smartphone or just don't want another largish piece of tech around. – Mark Wilson
I'm the first to admit that sometimes we can all get a little snobby about tech. This is just a standard hd, and the speed at which it continuously functions is unbelievable.
Of course, when they fail and I lose all my data...that can be pretty unbelievable too. – Mark Wilson
The Slik S Pole Digital (a name that is surely butchered by translation) is a helpful way for SLR photographers to get that extra bit of height for a shot. Its 30cm to 60cm can help a camera reach those tough spots, like over private fences and up to bedroom windows.
The £30 pole can also be attached to a tripod, which makes more sense for serious photographers who are trying to capture images of a bit more legitimacy (sunsets, not sunbathers). Gizmodo Paparazzi Tip: If you're not looking for tripod attachment, just go with a monopod instead - you will gain reach and the ability to plant the camera to the ground. – Mark Wilson
This tip about the future Tuvoli iPod dock/speaker set looks exactly like the old one, except we think this one's black. Is the black version what's new? We don't know, since there's no extra information besides the fact that it will retail for £150.00. Oh, and there's a remote this time. Tuvoli makes some good-sounding audio products, so this looks good if you're willing to spring £150.00 for an iPod dock.
But since this is version 2, couldn't they throw a few more Yi's in there? – Jason Chen
The Flashpoint Shareplayer is an MP3 player/radio that can record voice and store files, ranging in sizes from 128MB to 4GB and starting at £50.00. For those functions alone, the Shareplayer seems a little expensive.
But the Shareplayer can do more, like...errr...sharing. Sure, MP3s can be downloaded to another computer (unlike the iPod), but can also be shared to any mobile device with USB support. Pictures can be loaded onto a friend's digital camera - or downloaded to free up space. Hey, maybe you could go on your next holiday without the laptop - nah.
Essentially, the Shareplayer does exactly what we wish all USB thumbdrives/MP3 players could do -everything. It will just cost you a little more. – Mark Wilson
Here's a nice hack for how to get 2 for 1 Cokes out of a certain model vending machine. Gizmodo is not a proponent of stealing soft drinks, of course, but the hack is so simple that we are amazed no one in quality control caught it. Also: notice how well spoken the thief is - he's probably a bright, doctoral student in his other life. Oh, how the prospects of free Coke can corrupt even the most promising among us. – Mark Wilson
These microchip cufflinks are perfect for when we are choked into a suit and tie and pulled from our techcaves, kicking and screaming. They are a way of discreetly saying, "I am listening with sincerity, but my cufflinks could be processing how my cold, robot legs are going to kick your soft, fleshy ass all over this conference room. Now give me my raise so I can buy the matching tie clip." £30. – Mark Wilson
Hitachi has just recalled 16,000 lithium-ion laptop batteries due to possible overheating problems (Japan models only). The batteries, as in other recent recalls, are manufactured by Sony. We wonder if there are actually documented problems with the latest recalls ("boomies"), or if companies are just leaning hard on Sony, threatening to pull future purchases if their old batteries are not replaced. – Mark Wilson
It was bound to happen. Sure things were hot and heavy when we barely saw one another, but then she moved in and, well...I know we are just watching TV at home but are grey sweats and a complete lack of makeup necessary for such an endeavor? Can television no longer be watched in heels and miniskirts?
Here's a very unflattering picture of the Wii's sensor bar. Hit the link for more sad "morning after" shots over at Kotaku. – Mark Wilson
For those keeping up with Microsoft's new OS Veeeesta, they have just released their final built until the final shipping version, RC2 (Release Candidate 2). So what are you waiting for? Go download it and tell us what you think in the comments! And if it crashes your system or something, run to the nearest library/Internet cafe and let us know. – Mark Wilson
iRobot, makers of those cute vacuums, also produces badass, Rambo-esque killing machines. Their newest creation, the iRobot Warrior, is a 250lb beast that can move 12mph over varied terrain, including stairs, while carrying up to 100lbs on its back. Admittedly the device is not planned for killing (yet), but will instead be used for explosive disposal, casualty extraction and firefighting.
Then you find yourself doing the math...100lb payload...casualty extraction...180lb male...not all in one piece. War sucks, even with robotic companions. – Mark Wilson
The Samsung SCH-B510 is yet another sexy, ubertech phone we may see in the US, but it will be in 100 years when humans have evolved past the point of verbal communication. This candybar is only 8.4mm thick and supports DMB - allowing customers to watch digital television on their phone (South Korea) - and also sports MP3, a 2-megapixel camera, micro SD, 3D messenger (no 4D yet??), and MS file viewer. Sure, we could have posted a picture of just a phone, but then we all miss the internal dilemma: "Must look at girl...must look at phone...so thin...so beautiful...so multifunctional..." – Mark Wilson
Rope is so 2005. And the JumpSnap agrees. It's a jump rope system that doesn't use rope. Instead, it appears (little info on their site) that weighted ball spin on handles to make it feel like there is a rope, even though there isn't. We expected some complex motion-sensing, laser guidance system. Apparently such technologies are still triumphed by good old weighted balls.
The idea isn't necessarily bad - especially if you live in a home where you don't want to scuff the floors/ceiling/cat. But at £30, the JumpSnap is about £29 too expensive. – Mark Wilson Thanks Jacob!
Product Page
The Brando iSing is yet another 5G iPod dock/speaker unit, but I like it nonetheless. It connects to your computer via USB, or can be loaded with AAs and taken on the road when wall power isn't available. It also comes in 3 colors that we assume match the new Nanos perfectly (though no photos have color iPods next to the iSings on their site, so buyer beware). The catch: at £15 the iSing can't sound that great, but at the low pricepoint we're also more likely to buy it. – Mark Wilson
Now that we've seen how well Think Secret does with Apple rumors, here's one from AppleInsider. They've gotten reports that Apple is starting manufacturing of Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros for the holidays.
On Apple's online store, stock MacBook Pros are still shipping immediately, but distributors and reseller partners are getting wait times of 2 to 3 weeks for custom orders. That may just mean they're stocking up in time for the holidays, or it could mean they're ramping down the Core Duos in favor of the Core 2 Duos. We'll have to wait and see.
The new models are reported to be 2.33GHz Core 2 Duos, which should be out in time to make sure Apple has a "Core 2 Duo" notebook presence this holiday. Our recommendation is to wait a few weeks to see what they're up to, just to be on the safe side. – Jason Chen
Some shots of the upcoming Verizon LG 9900. These look much better than the blurry-shots that have been floating around the net. Three more pics after the jump. – Jason Chen
Mitsubishi's own high-speed hand air-dryer has been deployed in Japan for almost 10 years now, a fact most foreigners—like us—were oblivious of. Apparently, that includes Dyson.
Called the Jet Towel, the dryer works in a virtually identical way to removes water from the front and back of freshly-washed hands.
We'll give Dyson the benefit of the doubt here, since there's only so many ways you can get water off your hands using air. – Jason Chen
Every time an Apple Event rolls around, ThinkSecret seems to have the inside scoop on what's going to be announced. But how often are they right? Apple Matters does a count:
In other words, for all announcements made by Apple, ThinkSecret gets them half right (or half wrong). Of the half they got wrong, they are usually total surprises by Apple (Intel switch, Boot Camp). Apparently, when they do have a real source inside they get all the info, such as product names, specs, pricing, and availability. When they don't have such detailed info, that means the source is either shaky or nonexistent. Something to note whenever there's a future prediction about Apple products. – Jason Chen
Although these ThermicSole heated insoles are of little use to us bloggers who spend 23 out of 24 hours indoors (hey, that's the same as prisoners), but for those who work for a living, keeping your feet warm may be hard to do. With these wirelessly heated insoles, that's no longer a problem.
Slip the insoles into your boots, slide the wire outside to the removable battery pack, and sling the remote around your neck. Press "+" to add heat, and "-" to stop. What could be simpler?
The only downside is the £200 price tag, but if we had to stand outside in the cold all day we'd definitely spring for one of these. – Jason Chen
This KNC HR-2800 seems to be a media player and more, thanks to its 400MHz processor and 1.3-megapixel camera. Add to that 1GB of internal storage, an SD card slot, 3.6-inch TFT, and built-in speakers so you can play back MP3/FLAC/AVI/MPEG4/DivX/XviD files. Sound good so far?
Well, because it has a 400MHz processor, you can play NES and Game Boy Advanced games on it using the directional pad and buttons on the right. Better yet, it's only £70 if you import it from China. – Jason Chen
This Sanrio Actroid DER2 has more facial expressions tha previous Actroid DER, plus it's thinner and smarter (which is what really matters). She can coordinate her motions with her voice using pneumatic pressure actuators, and is generally a pretty good substitute for flesh-based Wal-Mart greeters.
She's not for sale, but you can rent her for five days if you've got £2,000. I suspect the first thing you'd do is to get her out of that Hello Kitty shirt. Imply what you want to that last sentence. For some reason we expected a deeper voice than the one currently programmed in. Not a Kathleen Turner, but not an 8-year-old child either. – Jason Chen
The WSJ reports that Google's in talks to buy up YouTube, most likely to supplement or replace their flailing Google Video. As of now, Google Video lets companies like MTV, the NBA, and Nickelodeon sell videos on their store, whereas YouTube is mostly people uploading last night's South Park episode.
What does this mean to you if it's true? Well, our guess is they're probably going to consolidate the two video sites. Doesn't really make sense to have two sets of developers working on what amounts to the same project. So one of the two is probably going away. As for Google, we'd like to see them work with handset providers and cellular providers so you can get GooTube on your mobile phone. The quality of videos are pretty poor already, so that's great for watching on a 2-inch mobile phone screen. – Jason Chen
What is a better way to say fuck casual Friday than by wearing a new name badge that says precisely that. This USB LED scrolling badge allows you to program up to 512 letters that will scroll, telling everyone around you just want you think. It supports English and Japanese letters and retails for approximately £20. The battery will last up to 12 hours, also. – Travis Hudson
The Samsung NV10 has the highest megapixel count in their new NV-Series cameras, which are point-and-shooters with a thin and stylish case. What's different about this camera is the context-sensitive menu that's always on screen, instead of a menu that you have to access with a button. Depending on what mode is active, you'll see different options for the buttons, which are always displayed to give you a quick look at what you can do.
The body itself is solid, but the requires some manual cajiggering of the ISO speeds to account for poor lighting—something not for amateurs. There's a large manual that seems to be mandatory for beginners to read if they want to get the most out of the camera, but after that, everything is pretty easy to use. Available all over the place for £180. – Jason Chen
Microsoft, Apple, Sony, Nintendo, and others want to turn your living room into a Web-enabled entertainment center. Roland wants to make it into a full-featured karaoke parlor. Their new "VIMA" keyboard is a bizarre mash-up of digital piano, digital media hub, and karaoke machine. Plug in your iPod, hit center cancel to remove vocals, plug in one or two mics, and the keyboard transforms into a karaoke workstation. The keyboard can even store digital audio, photos, and videos for making custom music videos or karaoke accompaniment, with full support for lyrics display. It's either the perfect way to start your own karaoke bar, or, if you believe the Roland press release, to create "customized family entertainment." Coming hot on the heels of the do-all entertainment center / DJ-VJ station / Windows PC synth MiKo, the VIMA is a further sign that music keyboard makers want in on the battle for the living room. But will it catch on outside Japan? (Hint: large quantities of your favorite alcoholic beverage might help the customized family entertainment.) – Peter Kirn
Nobody told iSkin that Apple stopped making the first generation iPod nano so they've come out with the SiLo, a fancy case for said 1G iPod nano. How fancy is it? There's a two-tone leather ("premium leather" at that) exterior while the inner layer is made of silicone. The SiLo also covers the click wheel, which just has to be some sort of innovation that's never been done before.
The iSkin SiLo is out now for £25 and a 2G iPod nano version is in the works as well. It's a pseudo luxury case for pseudo fancy people. – Nicholas Deleon
Take a beanbag and attach an LED flashlight to it and you have the BeamBag, a worthy companion to under-the-covers readers everywhere. Its beanbag base takes the shape of whatever lies underneath, anchoring it for some steady light for that late-night book that you just can't put down.
The BeamBag will probably be used more for comic book reading than Important Novels; its £15 price is well within reach of those unfortunate indentured servants who still must heed lights-out orders from the 'rents. Slip it in the back door, kiddies, they'll never know. – Charlie White
Yeah, it’s a mouse but men are notoriously bad at picking gifts for women and, hand on heart, if you buy this Bling Bling Computer Mouse for your girlfriend/wife/mistress you’ll be dumped about 10 seconds after the wrapper comes off.
The headline says it all. If you are not one of the Sky+ horde and tend to like freebies like Freeview digital TV then this is certainly going to appeal. 
If you’re gaming started with the PS1 then move swiftly on because we are about to hurtle back in time to the gaming Stone Age. 
Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
Contributor | Tamlin Magee
