Google Announces Plan to Open Online Bookstore; World Domination Details to Follow January 23, 2007
READ MORE Online
We knew that the beta of Google Book Search really was, for once,
just a beta version of a much grander project. Now we know what that
project is. BusinessWeek is reporting that Google has disclosed to
publishers its intentions to expand its Book Search beyond a mere
search and preview service into one where users will be able to
purchase access to entire copies of books, and possibly download them
to other devices.
There are, however, some roadblocks. Reaching agreements with the publishers themselves is naturally the most pressing issue in terms of acquiring content to sell, but we'll wager it's an issue not far from resolution, given Google's public disclosure of their plans. The book industry writ large, however, is obviously uneasy about the kind of access and distribution Google looks to bring to book content — the Authors Guild lawsuit against Google mentioned in the article makes this clear.
It's debatable, though whether relatively mediocre digital book sales are a content issue or a hardware issue — will more (and better) books that are more easily accessible fuel sales or do we have to wait for the iPod device of the book? It looks like time — and Google — will tell.
Google Download: No iTunes for Books [Businessweek]
image via Sevens Heaven
|
|
Brando Soap MP4 Player: Good Clean Fun? January 23, 2007
READ MORE Gadgets , MP3 , Portable Media
Brando
rolled out a digital media player that's low-priced ($99) but still
holds two gigs of your favorite songs in its flash memory. It's aptly
named the Soap MP4, because it looks like a bar of soap after you've
used it for a week or two. Oh, I mean, it must have good clean sound.
It works like an iPod, plugging into USB, but it brings more features as well, such as an OLED color screen, FM radio, voice recording and the ability to watch MPEG4 movies. Here's another pic of the white player with its black brother, plus a bit of harmless scatological humor:
Rocket-Powered Razor Scooter Launched Into the Air January 23, 2007
READ MORE Gadgets
Really, is there anything better than a bunch of guys tacking on a rocket booster to a razor scooter?
Thanks, Richard!
Sexy Ceramic Toaster Scoops Design Award January 23, 2007
READ MORE Entertainment , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Home Entertainment , Peripherals
This is the lovely looking Glide concept toaster, built from ceramic, by UK designer George Watson. OK, apart from the obvious drawback of being able to toast only one slice of bread at a time, this really is something different. It just scooped the MACEF Design Award and really does put a new twist on the tried and trusted bread burner. According to George:
There has been little development of the toaster since the start of the century, whilst other appliances have developed and improved incorporating new technologies and thinking, toaster have remained relatively untouched. When the toaster was first invented eating toast was a social activity that took place on the breakfast table, these days toasters have been relegated to cheap plastic objects hidden away in the kitchen landscape. This toaster is designed to engage the user, re-invigorating the social context of toasting by questioning everything about what we toast with today. I was also keen to make playful object to be proud of having on your breakfast table. Slip moulded bone china allowed me create this intricate and sculptural form, but also provided the material longevity that I required. This is a toaster that brings life and joy to a stagnant domestic appliance, and iconic object for the home.
I could stare at that toasting all day. Still, while it works for me, I envisage many household feuds over who gets to use it first in the morning, right after the existing who gets to use the bathroom first. Jump now for some more photos. -Martin Lynch
Robot Of The Day: Chaos Keeps Coming And Coming. Scary January 23, 2007
READ MORE Entertainment , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Robots , Wireless
Chaos is well-named because when this little guy can’t get up an obstacle he slaps those pointed appendages wildly until something sharp sticks and he moves on. Built by Autonomous Solutions, which have been building all manner of unmanned robots and vehicles, Chaos is something else at getting across and over rough terrain. They describe Chaos as:
A robotic platform with four configurable and independently controlled tracks. Its superior design allows it to go where no other robotic platform of its size can go. It can handle terrain like stairs, train tracks, rubble piles, gravel, and steep grades of loose debris. It was recently tested at Disaster City in Texas, the premier search and rescue training ground. There, in some of the most difficult terrain a robot will encounter, Chaos demonstrated its superior mobility.
It’s also virtually silent, weighs in at just 120lbs and can still pull two men and 4x4 with no problem. Watch it in action – you really don’t want this thing flailing in your general direction.-Martin Lynch
news technology gadgets robot robotics
ErgoQuest 500 For Lazy But Happy PC Users January 23, 2007
READ MORE Entertainment , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Home Entertainment , Laptops , PC , Peripherals
Just how attached are you to your PC and gadgets? If a cheap Argos desk is not going to reflect your obsession then you might want to consider the ErgoQuest 500, an all-in-one workstation designed for working anywhere, even in the bed.
With numerous work modes, you can work or game in the supine position, the work-in-bed position or, if you are feeling especially active, standing up. There are six grounded outlets with a 12ft cable, motorised legs good for 400lbs of lifting and a keypad for controlling key functions like the motorised monitor tilting mechanism.
For £2,000, you might never get out of bed again.-Martin Lynch
[More]
news technology gadgets PC home games
- Blogroll
Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
RSS Feed
