Christmas Cake USB Hub from Solid Alliance Heralds the Arrival of Festive Tat November 20, 2007

Read more Entertainment , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Peripherals

When Solid Alliance and Christmas meet, there can only be one winner: fans of all things USB. What collector of dumb peripheral stuff could refuse this Christmas cake, complete with 1GB memory key strawberries? And then you see what else they use to decorate the cake.

Nerf Sniper Rifle is Three Feet of Fun November 20, 2007

Read more Gadgets , Gizmodo UK

The Nerf N-Strike Longshot CS-6, to give it its full name, is the kind of blaster gun that your kid would kill for. It's also the kind of thing that would be a gift in name only, because, any child will have problems prying it out of a parent's hands once unwrapped. And it works just as well at close range as it does on long targets:

Man Fits Home-Made Gaming System to IKEA Dining Table November 20, 2007

Read more Consoles , Gadgets , Games , Gizmodo UK , Home Entertainment

ric Gradman built his own MAME gaming system from a 15-inch LCD, Happ controls and an Ultimarc I-PAC, and fitted it into an extendable dining table that he bought from IKEA. "There's always someone who doesn't feel comfortable around large groups of people, and so sits at the table playing video games," he says.

Although the system will play all sorts of games, Eric only plays Ms. Pacman. "It hasn't yet translated into a better score," he says plaintively. -Addy Dugdale

[Flickr via MAKE]

BBC HD Gets Thumbs Up November 20, 2007

Read more Entertainment , Gizmodo UK , HD , HDTV , Home Entertainment , TV

The BBC’s plans to launch a high definition (HD) TV channel, BBC HD, have been given the final green light by the BBC Trust following positive consumer feedback. The consumer feedback process began back in September.

The channel has been running in a trial format on Sky but the plans now are for a 9-hour channel of HD goodies to start running on cable and Sky satellite ‘as soon as possible’. A launch on Freesat will follow once the platform launches but Freeview viewers may feel a little left out in the cold.

Earlier Beeb plans to launch a 4-hour overnight service on Freeview have been shelved by the Trust, at least until after a 2008 review of current ‘digital spectrum capacity issues’.

Diane Coyle, BBC Trustee and Chair of the Public Value Test Steering Group said:

“The Trust is pleased to approve the new HD television channel on all platforms. After considering all the evidence we are satisfied that the public value generated is sufficiently high and there is unlikely to be a negative impact on the market.

"High Definition will eventually become a significant broadcasting standard and, as with all BBC services for which everyone pays, it is essential that this is universally available as soon as possible. This means the Trust will consider in spring 2008 the timing of the launch on Freeview, when there should be greater clarity on HD broadcast standards and the spectrum capacity available for the channel."

Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, added:

"BBC HD will be available on cable, satellite and – in due course – on digital terrestrial and the Internet. HD is the next generation of television, offering the richest, most intense viewing experience imaginable. Audiences can look forward to the likes of Earth – Power Of The Planet, Cranford, Torchwood, Hammonds Heroes, Diary Of Anne Frank, Around The World In 80 Gardens and Live At The Apollo in extraordinary sound and vision.”

The launch of BBC HD is expected in 2008.-Martin Lynch

TV BBC HD HDTV

Everglide DKTBoard Gaming Keyboard – As Used By Leading Fraggers November 20, 2007

Read more Gadgets , Games , Gizmodo UK , PC , Peripherals

Not all keyboards are created equally. Ask anyone that plays a lot of games and you’ll soon learn far more than you ever needed to know about the importance of having the right board.

The new DKTBoard Professional Gaming Keyboard from Everglide is designed for those people that want a little bit of an edge when fragging online. Designed with the help of online gaming’s answer to The Terminator, Brian "DKT" Flander, the new keyboard is very slim, built from durable and pretty brushed aluminium, sports ‘instant response key-cap structure’, 8 one-touch multimedia keys and, let’s not forget that very cool LED backlit illumination which can be switched off. A modest ‘DKT’ says:

“Gaming professionally means that I travel around a lot. My gear needs to be tough and portable. The DKTBoard is a divine fusion of sleek style and unyielding durability that makes it the perfect companion in my conquests. My skills do not fail me, nor would my gear.”

Well, he would, wouldn’t he? It costs around £35.-Martin Lynch

[Everglide]

keyboard games gadgets peripherals

Amazon’s Kindle eBook Reader November 20, 2007

Read more Entertainment , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Mobile Devices , Online , Portable Media

The e-book hype has never been matched by the reality, with people doggedly hanging onto their dead trees over electronic books.

Amazon wants to change all of that with its high profile launch of Kindle, a slinky portable reader for around £200. The Kindle has a number of innovative touches to it though, not least of which is the ability to dial-up Amazon’s Whispernet network – just like with a mobile – and have a book downloaded in less than a minute. No PC, no network, no Wi-Fi and Amazon will be picking up the tab for your call.

The device weighs in at 10.3ozs and measures 7.5in x 5.3in x 0.7in – not very small, but reasonably light and will hold 200 titles on its internal 256Mb of memory – expandable with SD Cards. Battery life is good for a week without wireless or a full day if the wireless connectivity is on. A full recharge takes two hours.

There are 90,000 books on offer now – including most of the New York Times Top 100, as well as subscriptions to many leading papers and magazines. New books will cost around £5.

"We've been working on Kindle for more than three years. Our top design objective was for Kindle to disappear in your hands -- to get out of the way -- so you can enjoy your reading," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We also wanted to go beyond the physical book. Kindle is wireless, so whether you're lying in bed or riding a train, you can think of a book, and have it in less than 60 seconds. No computer is needed -- you do your shopping directly from the device. We're excited to make Kindle available today."

There’s no indication when, or if, Amazon will launch this outside the US yet but it’s likely if it takes off. Jump for more details.-Martin Lynch

Glass Radiators Make Staying Warm Really Cool November 20, 2007

Read more Appliances , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Technology

Radiators have come a long way from the ugly, ancient slabs of white metal adorning my walls.

Few more so than the slick glass radiators from German outfit, Sprinz. This is the Supratherm, free-standing glass radiator which can be left in its natural, clear state or can be customised with the image of your choice. Jump now to see one blazing away like a real fireplace.

The radiator comes in many shapes and sizes and can be left standing or mounted like some piece of modern art.

There’s no prices but they sure are pretty. If your German’s up to scratch you can find out more here.

If glass is just too fickle for you, you can make a more significant art statement with the metal and concrete Heat Wave from Droog design. –Martin Lynch

[Geekalerts]