You Can Still Use That Xbox 360 HD DVD Player (For Other Things)

Don't trash those Xbox 360 HD DVD players just yet! You can use them for other things. Site TeamXbox has a lighthearted look at ways to get the most out of your obsolete peripheral. They include: paper weight, cup holder, chair leg balancer, door stop, mouse pad, Xbox 360 Power Supply platform, straight edge ruler and book end. This list makes us feel way better and happy that all Microsoft's effort was not in vain. Click through the gallery below to see the HD DVD player in action.


Source: http://kotaku.com/359465/you-can-still-use-that-xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-for-other-things

Cameras combine to create super HD TV

Japan's Mitsubishi Electric has come up with an unusual technique for boosting the resolution of high-definition video by combining shots from multiple ordinary cameras into one super HD stream.

The unnamed technology [Subscription link] is currently being tested at the company's labs in Tokyo using five video cameras capable of shooting high-quality images. It links these to computers with 3D graphics processors that can get to work on the raw data.

4x high-def

Input from the various cameras is analysed for differences, which are mashed together to form a composite video including everything at a much higher resolution.

With the current set-up of five cameras and five PCs the resulting video clocks in at quadruple the resolution of normal HD TV and is pumped out the other end just 0.15 seconds after the shooting begins.

Mitsubishi claims the quality is on a par with commercial digital cinema and says it hopes to use the technology in surveillance systems and possibly even in live TV broadcasts.

Source: http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/high-definition/news/cameras-combine-to-create-super-hd-tv?articleid=1870667248

Electronic paper advertising in the wild

Now that it's all grown up and mature, electronic paper is stating to get out a bit more and enjoy life - its latest sortie sees it appearing on train station ticket gates as a variety of advertising posters.

The trial scheme is being conducted - where else? - in Japan by Fujitsu, Hitachi and the marketing arm of the JR East railway company. From Monday, commuters at Ebisu station in central Tokyo will be exposed to the results.

Low demands

The Fujitsu-Hitachi e-paper ads appear at two spots on the automatic ticket barriers in the station, displaying adverts that change every six minutes on a feed from a networked PC. Each can display 512 colours, measures 21 x 10.5cm and has a resolution of 800 x 400 pixels.

The wide viewing angle and low power requirements of e-paper - it consumes electricity only when the display changes - seem certain to guarantee it a place in the advertising firmament if the trial goes well, so look out for some animated ads at a station near you soon.

Source: http://www.tech.co.uk/gadgets/future-tech/news/electronic-paper-advertising-in-the-wild?articleid=1227230999

Fioravanti Hidra Concept headed to Geneva

Another design house, Italy’s Fioravanti, plans to showcase a brand new concept car at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show dubbed the Hidra. The new design is for a five-door coupe and is being presented to mark Fioravanti’s 20th anniversary. What’s quickly proving to be the theme of this year’s show, the new Hidra has been designed to showcase next-generation alternative energy powertrains and flexible vehicle architectures.

The Hidra is described as a “sporty multi-functional vehicle” or MPC (Multi Purposes Coupe). Inside there’s space for four and what designers are calling a “revolutionary patented solution for the glass surfaces.” The Fioravanti studio was founded 20 years ago by Leonardo Fioravanti, a former Pininfarina designer whose previous collaborations include vehicles such as the Ferrari Daytona, Ferrari Dino, Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer, the Ferrari 308 GTB, and the Ferrari 288 GTO.

Other studios presenting new concept cars at this year’s Geneva Motor Show include Pininfarina with its Sintesi Concept, Bertone with the Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 11 and even Turin’s IED design school with the Maserati Chicane Concept.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/concept-cars/fioravanti-hidra-concept-headed-to-geneva/

New Star Wars Mimobots Are Available For A Short Time

Every day I see a handful of new flash drives that claim to look “new and exciting.” Unfortunately that seems to be marketing-speak for either “same as everything else” or “really strange”. However, the Mimobot line of drives always have something cool to look at.

One of the fastest-selling sets of Mimobots were the Star Wars set. In light of the quick sales, they have decided to launch “Series 2”. You’ll have your pick of Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia or Han Solo. The drives are limited, so you’ll have to act fast if you want one. You’ll be able to pick from sizes ranging from 1GB to 4GB with prices starting at $50.

Source: http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/02/22/new-star-wars-mimobots-are-available-for-a-short-time/

MEDIVista won't ease your pain, but will kill boredom

One of the things most people fail to realize about being sick is that sitting in a hospital bed all day can be really, really boring. Luckily, a company called Lincor Solutions has realized that people need something a little more engaging than plain-jane television these days, thus the MEDIVista was created. The basic premise is quite simple: a touchscreen, LCD display is mounted to the side of a hospital bed which the hospital staff can use to display x-rays or medical information, and the patient can use for entertainment. Users can watch IPTV, listen to the radio or audio books, make VoIP calls, surf the 'net, check email, as well as play web and network based games. The system also logs activity and allows users to view billing information, though at this point it doesn't look like it can play Doom, will blend, or is due to become our overlord.

Limited edition R2-D2 DVD projector up for pre-order

Remember that R2-D2 projector that's been taunting you for months? Of course, how could you forget? Apparently, these critters are getting set to roll off the assembly line (seen above, if you couldn't piece it together) and into eager hands everywhere. The R2-D2 DVD Projector is up for pre-order right now for a stiff €2,799 ($4,114), and while that's most definitely more than we'd like to pay, it's probably better than waiting for all 4,000 to run out and being forced to pay "market price."


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/limited-edition-r2-d2-dvd-projector-up-for-pre-order/

WiiMote Lighsaber Add-on Possible For Xbox 360, PS3?

Kotaku found this InterSense technology demo down at the Game Developers Conference, which seems to do what Nintendo and LucasArts will not: a 1 to 1 mapping of a gesture controller to a lightsaber on screen. These guys are more of a technology company rather than a peripheral company like Novint, so they're aiming at getting a volume deal with a console manufacturer like Microsoft or Sony to bundle their tech into controllers. Head over to the 'tak to see their demo video. It's a little laggy, but them's the breaks.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/359463/wiimote-lighsaber-add+on-possible-for-xbox-360-ps3

Digital tattoo enables arm-based conversations, constant health monitoring

Okay, so this whole digital tattoo concept still seems more reasonable than littering one's body with Zune imagery or the BSOD message, but we're still a tad creeped out. Dreamed up by Jim Mielke, this minuscule, implantable display would reportedly connect to an artery and a vein for its power and could display caller ID information as well as video chats right on one's arm. Best of all, this thing won't become the source of all kinds of regret when you head over the hill, as it could also be used to constantly monitor certain aspects of your health and give you a heads-up if anything goes awry. If you're not squirming in your seat at the mere thought of this, it may indeed be right down your alley -- one day, that is.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/digital-tattoo-enables-arm-based-conversations-constant-health/

Buy Palm's TX, Get Palm Z22 Free, Finally

If you have been debating whether to purchase a Palm TX for the last three years, your amazingly long uncertainty period has paid off; you now get a free Palm Z22 with every Palm TX purchased. You may very well say that you care more about Angelina's adoption plans, and if you did, we'd be inclined to agree with you. Be that as it may, the Z22 usually retails for $99, and that is a great deal nonetheless. If you belong to that rare breed of failed stockbrokers that actually have friends; what the hell are you waiting for?


Source: http://gizmodo.com/359526/buy-palms-tx-get-palm-z22-free-finally

Kojinsha's E8 UMPC Is Tablet Competitor for EEE PC

Clearly aiming for the same market as the EEE PC, Kojinsha's new E8 UMPC has the added bonus of being a touchscreen tablet. It does, however, beat me how the Korean-made E8 is being labelled by some as a UMPC—it looks more like a sub-notebook to me.

The E8 runs Windows XP, has an AMD Geode LX800 CPU under the hood along with a 40GB hard drive, and its seven inch screen has 1024 x 600-pixel resolution. It's also got stereo speakers, a single USB port, memory card slot (we don't know what sort) and apparently 3.5 hours of battery life. Sounding like quite a competitor for the little Asus, the E8 is available Februrary 29th for about $600.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/359016/kojinshas-e8-umpc-is-tablet-competitor-for-eee-pc

BMW X5 diesel-hybrid concept, 1-series tii and M3 Convertible headed to Geneva

BMW will be showcasing two very different concepts at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, one a brand new eco-friendly vehicle touting the latest in EfficientDynamics technology and the other a previous sports concept displaying the carmaker’s new performance accessories range. The third major attraction on BMW’s stands at this year’s Geneva event will be the introduction of the new M3 Convertible complete with the carmaker’s all-new dual clutch gearbox.

Following on from the X6 Active Hybrid concept from last year, and the X3 Active Hybrid concept from 2005, BMW will showcase a new diesel-hybrid powertrain in a new concept based on the X5 SUV. The two-mode hybrid system, co-developed with GM and Daimler, uses twin electric motors which can either be used to boost acceleration, charge batteries or as a generator to mutually power each other. The two-mode active transmission is based on an ECVT electrical continuously variable transmission. The two operating modes, one of which has been optimized for low, the other for high speeds, are supplemented by fixed transmission ratios.

Also on display for the first time will be the new 1-series ‘BMW Performance’ range. Based on last year’s tii concept, the new range includes plenty of carbon-fiber, race-style alloy wheels and a new bodykit.


Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/concept-cars/bmw-x5-diesel-hybrid-concept-1-series-tii-and-m3-convertible-headed-to-geneva/

Gears of War 2 Coming In November

Microsoft's GDC keynote hasn't quite kicked off yet, but that doesn't stop the company's European public relations team from showing up VP John Schappert. Gears of War 2 is official and coming to the Xbox 360 in November. It's Xbox 360 exclusive, in case there was any doubt.

We asked the North American PR team, skulking about the keynote floor about the slip up, but they had a flustered "No comment." Just hold tight, folks, we're going to see it for the first time in just a few minutes.

Source: http://kotaku.com/358724/gears-of-war-2-coming-in-november

Scientist Invents 'Self-Healing' Rubber

A chemistry professor in Paris has come up with a kind of rubber that can "heal" itself.

Ludwik Leibler says his rubber can be stuck back together if it is torn, then used over and over.

Leibler and his colleagues built up their rubber from simple starting materials including vegetable oil and urea, a component of urine. The resulting material is a cross between silly putty and a rubber ball with applications ranging from adhesives to bicycle tires.

When the material melds together again, it has just as much strength as it had before, says Leibler, a polymer chemist at the Industrial Physics and Chemistry Higher Educational Institution (ESPCI) in Paris, France.


Source: http://spluch.blogspot.com/2008/02/scientist-invents-self-healing-rubber.html

Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang spotted in Abu Dhabi

Dubai may be home to one out of every five Bugatti Veyrons sold, but Abu Dhabi has a Pur Sang. Only five examples of this special-edition Veyron were built, and all were immediately sold at a $300k premium. We don't know where the other four have gone, but one of them just turned up in Abu Dhabi, the largest of the United Arab Emirates.

Some have mistaken this Pur Sang, spotted at night in the UAE, as a chromed Veyron. The Pur Sang – literally "pure blood" in French – is differentiated by its paintjob, or rather, lack thereof. The body panels were assuredly polished but left in their natural state of aluminum and carbon fiber, the separation between which does not follow along the lines of the traditional Veyron's two-tone color scheme. (The special wheels are also a dead giveaway.)

Follow the jump to see the video someone shot from the window of a car moving alongside the Pur Sang, but prepare yourself for the disappointment of seeing it get passed by a Toyota Land Cruiser. Thanks for the tip, SLICK!

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/video-bugatti-veyron-pur-sang-spotted-in-abu-dhabi/

Nike's SportBand passes FCC, bypasses Apple

Well what do you know, the Nike+ product line continues to evolve. This time, however, Apple's iPod appears to be out of the picture. Based on that illustration above, the 2.62 x 2.62-inch Nike+ SportBand device wedges its way into a bracelet where it communicates with the standard Nike+ shoe adapter. You then insert the USB device into your PC or Mac (presumably) to track your runs. Be sure to peep the actual device in the gallery -- looks like the FCC managed to bust the SportBand's USB connector during their tests. That doesn't bode well for final product now does it?


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/nikes-sportband-passes-fcc-bypasses-apple/

Sony's Bravia F-series is no wallflower

Sony Japan just announced their Bravia F-series of thin LCDs. We're talking 46-inches with just 7.4-cm of non-protruding, wall-mountable goodness when these go live in Japan on March 25th. Available in 1080p resolution ¥400,000 (about $3,700) 46-inch and ¥290,000 ($2,685) 40-inch configurations or a ¥200,000 ($1,852) 32-inch model offering 1,366 x 768 pixel resolution. Each set features Sony's 120Hz Motion Flow tech, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 24p True Cinema mode, Bravia Sync HDMI control, Bravia Engine 2 processing, and a bevy of jacks including 3x HDMI, 2x S-Video, 3x composite and yes, Ethernet. Sony's 2.4GHz Bravia Link remote allows the controller to be used without pointing it directly at the set. More Sony sets on the way in a few.



Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/sonys-bravia-f-series-is-no-wallflower/

Sony's New M-Series Bravias Get Multicolored, Bravia Bunny-Style

Sony have updated their low-end Bravias with two M-Series LCD TVs. The 20-inch KDL-20M1 and 16-inch KDL-16M1 share common technology, with 1366 x 768 pixel 1080p HDMI compliant screens with a 178-degree viewing angle, and an updated Bravia 2 video engine. The fun starts with the colored frames these TVs have: Sony seems to have picked colors that match as many bunnies as possible from their awesome commercial. Full specs after the rainbow-like gallery.
The 20-inch 20M1 has a 1,200:1 contrast ratio, 2 x 5W speakers, consumes 67W of power and measures 20.9 x 6.7 x 15.6 inches. The smaller 16M1 has a better 1,800:1 contrast, 3W speakers, uses 56W of power and measures 16.9 x 6.7 x 13.4 inches. Both have BS110 digital tuners, terrestrial analog tuners, a pair of HDMI inputs, composite input, analog audio in/out, optical audio out and, curiously, an ethernet port.The available color schemes are six basic shades with traditional silver/black bezels, and a suite of eight special editions, some of which have tinted bezels around the screen as well as colored frames. Available March in Japan, for $1000 for the 20-inch and around $830 for the 16-inch.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/photogallery/BraviaMcolors/1000771679

Futuristic Mobile Device with Advanced Search Function

The idea of this concept was to exploit the internet ability in a mobile device. Touch screen, built in camera, scanner, WiFi, google map (hopefully google earth), google search, image search… all in one device. See a building through it, it will give you the image search result right on the spot.

Choose a building and touch a floor and it tells you more details of the building. You can use it when you want to know a car model, an insect name, what kind of food is served at a restaurant and how much, who built a bridge, etc. With detail informations like that, this gadget might only be used by secret service agents. Very futuristic concept.





Source: http://www.tuvie.com/futuristic-mobile-device-with-advanced-search-function

MV releases top-of-the-range Brutale 1078 and F4 312 RR

MV has beefed up its top-of-the-range sports and naked bikes for 2008 with a new Brutale 1078 that features a detuned version of the F4 312 engine, and an RR version of the 312 that leaves us wondering exactly where the 312 was deemed lacking.

The new 1078cc Brutale is more brutal than ever, slamming out 154hp, a figure that eclipses pretty much every other performance naked on the market, if you leave aside the bargy B-King and the “nanna’s express” shaft driven K1200R Beemer. For a compact and short sports naked, it’s certainly massively powerful. It can probably be expected to be as harsh and unforgiving a ride as the older 910 was, but with an extra excess of torque and midrange power. A slipper clutch has been added to tame it on downshifts and corner entry, and there’s been some tiny improvements to the Marzocchi/Sachs suspension package.

This year’s MV sports peformance flagship is the F4 312 RR, built on the foundation of the ludicrously excessive 312. The old bike made 190hp, had an electronically limited top speed of 312kmh, and was fitted out with componentry worthy of its performance. Still, in the Italian motorcycle world where development cycles are a lot slower than the 2-year model cycles we expect from Japanese companies, MV had to find ways to make an up-spec version to keep its line fresh.

The company has done so by including a traditional slipper clutch to accompany the 312’s existing EBS engine brake management system. Between the two systems the 312 RR promises to offer strong engine braking off the throttle, but without rear wheel lock-up. The RR has revised and closer gear ratios for a better track experience, a very slightly tweaked suspension setup, and the Brembo monobloc brake calipers are now basically the exact units run in superbike racing, with a couple of extra dust seals thrown in to make them practical on a roadbike.

Both bikes keep their iconic trestle frames, steering geometry and single-sided swingarms, and both come in a fairly standard range of MV colour schemes (red/silver, black, white) plus a cheeky blue for the 312 RR.

Source: http://www.thebikergene.com/naked-bikes/mv-releases-top-of-the-range-brutale-1078-and-f4-312-rr/

‘Gravity Lamp’ Is Powered By You

Clay Moulton, a student at Virginia Tech, has designed this Gravia floorlamp to be powered completely by gravity. The lamp contains a 50 pound brass weight which is placed 48″ above the ground, and as the weight descends over a period of 4 hours, it drives a generator to power an array of 10 LEDs which diffuse through the lamp, providing a soft white light equivalent to a 40 watt bulb. Now, if you think about it just a little bit, you realize who’s really doing the powering: you are, as the chump who has to lift the weight back up every 4 hours. It’s essentially the same as a clock that uses weights and a pendulum, or effectively the same as a wind-up flashlight. That’s not to say it’s not a cool lamp; besides being cordless and independent of the power grid, it does offer a few other novel benefits:

Moulton estimates that Gravia’s mechanisms will last more than 200 years, if used eight hours a day, 365 days a year. “The LEDs, which are generally considered long-life devices, become short-life components in comparison to the drive mechanisms,” he said. The acrylic lens will be altered by time in an attractive fashion, Moulton said. “The LEDs produce a slightly unnatural blue-ish light. As the acrylic ages, it becomes slightly yellowed and crazed through exposure to ultraviolet light,” he said. “The yellowing and crazing will tend to mitigate the unnatural blue hue of the LED light. Thus, Gravia will produce a more natural color of light with age.”

It’s currently just a concept, but if it ever gets produced, you’ll have to decide which source you’d prefer to power your lights: your hard work, or some power plant somewhere that you don’t have to lift off the ground several times a day.

Source: http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/02/20/gravity-lamp-is-powered-by-you/

Volvo XC60 crossover official details

Wagons and crossovers accounted for almost half of Volvo’s sales in the U.S. last year, so it comes as little surprise the carmaker will be adding even more of these models to its lineup in the near future. With its all-new XC60 crossover set to make its debut in Geneva next month, Volvo has finally dropped the staid boxy design of its past models and has instead adopted a much sportier and sleeker look.

The new model is claimed to be the safest Volvo ever, featuring a host of new safety technologies including the latest ‘City Safety’ automatic braking system as standard. The car is being launched with a choice of three engines, the turbocharged T6 which produces 285hp, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163hp respectively. All models also come with AWD as standard.

The new XC60 will go on sale towards the end of the year as a 2009 model where it will have to compete against formidable rivals like the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander/LR2 plus the upcoming Mercedes-Benz and Audi Q5. Production will be handled by the carmaker’s factory in Ghent, Belgium, and officials are expecting to sell up to 50,000 units per year, with most of the sales expected to fall in the U.S., Germany, UK, Russia and China.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/crossovers/volvo-xc60-crossover-official-details/

Emotiv to make mind-controlled games a reality by Christmas

The idea of wearing a funny hat to mind control software is certainly nothing new 'round these parts. Now Emotiv Systems returns with an update to their Project Epoch USB headset. Crave went hands-on with the system which required a short, six-second calibration before entering the first "game." At that point, Crave was able manipulate a simple cube on the screen with varied success at making it disappear or pull forward. Oooh, what fun! Mind you, it's just a prototype and we've seen this tech applied to old-school arcade games like Pong and Space Invaders to great effect. You'll get your chance soon enough as Emotiv plans to launch the first thought-controlled, consumer gaming device this Christmas for $299 with at least one bundled PC game. One more picture of that Alien face-hugger of a headset after the break.





Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/20/emotiv-to-make-control-games-a-reality-by-christmas/

Nintendo's Wii Fit and WiiWare on-line game service coming Stateside in May

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Nintendo plans to begin shipping it's Wii Fit with weight and motion sensing Balance Board in May. Nintendo will also make good on a new online gaming game distribution service dubbed WiiWare. Right, that homebrew happy service which should result in vast quantities of cheap and innovative content previously only available in Johnny ChungLee's imagination.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/20/nintendos-wii-fit-and-wiiware-on-line-game-service-coming-in-ma/

Lap-Around-Japan Pedometer Lets You Virtual Hike Around Japan During Your Daily Commute

Out in Japan at the end of next month, U-Mate's Lap-Around-Japan pedometer is a novel idea to get people walking. Instead of noting the same old landmarks (skyscraper, dog toilet, convenience store, interminable roadworks, pervy builders etc etc) the miles you cover are transposed into miles around the japanese coastline. The device also keeps you entertained on your journey by acting as a kind of geographic Wikipedia for you. Confused? Read on.

Let's say you walk a mile and a half to work every morning, and then the same distance back home in the evening. The U-Mate device will convert your three city miles into three coastline miles, starting from the closest part of the coast to your real location. As you walk, little factoids will pop up on the screen about local sights, history and produce.

With over 11,000 miles of coastline, the makers of the U-Mate reckon it would take around 30 years for a virtual circumnavigation of the country if your daily commute was one mile.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/358511/lap+around+japan-pedometer-lets-you-virtual-hike-around-japan-during-your-daily-commute

ToyQuest Touch Table Turns Your Little Treasure into a Baby Bill Gates

Given how delicious we all think Microsoft's touchscreen table, the Surface, is (apart from the $10,000 price tag) here's a more basic version from ToyQuest. The Touch Table EES (that stands for electronic education system) boasts a 21-inch touchscreen from which you can play games and DVDs (hmm, very educational.) It does redeem itself somewhat, though.

There's also a Google Earth-style globe for you to bone up on geography—and work out where Bill and Melinda's malaria millions are being sent. There are built-in speakers and AV/USB/SD inputs, but no internet connection (so no tabletop pr0n surfing while Nannie occupies herself with the ironing.) Cost is $499.





Source: http://gizmodo.com/358504/toyquest-touch-table-turns-your-little-treasure-into-a-baby-bill-gates

Wedisk USB Thumb Drive Gives False Hope to The Borrowers

The Wedisk USB 2.0 thumb drive is a neat design, allowing you to tote your Nintendo fanboyism with you wherever you may be. (What kind of fanboy doesn't have a DS to do that?) Product ownership questions aside, the usual position of the IR screen on the top of the Wiimote is instead replaced with the USB connector port. Depress the A button will eject the connector, permitting you to get your data transfer on. The Wedisk is available in either 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB flavors. Pricing details are available on request, but we ask you this: what sort of item gives false hope to tiny people that a special edition miniature Wii is in the works? Wedisk, be ashamed.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/358498/wedisk-usb-thumb-drive-gives-false-hope-to-the-borrowers

Sony NW-A829, NW-A828 PMPs Come With Bluetooth Connectivity

Sony has just released its first Bluetooth (A2DP) enabled PMPs; the NW-A829 (16GB) and NW-A828 (8GB). With support for MP3, WMA, ATRAC, Sony PCM and AAC / High Efficiency AAC, as well as MPEG-4 / H.264, they come with enough playback potential to make these players good contenders for a space in your pocket / heart. Checkout the gallery for some more images of the A829 Network Walkman.

The 2.4-inch (320 x 240) LCD display may be on the small side for serious video viewing, but the PMPs are slither thin at 9.3mm wide and weighing in it at only 59g, the screen size is easily excusable. Add to the mix a 36-hour battery life for tunes, or a 10-hour life span for video viewing, and it seems like the new Network Walkmans have quite a bit to shout about. We can't wait to give them a shot. No word on pricing / shipping dates as yet.





Source: http://gizmodo.com/358497/sony-nw+a829-nw+a828-pmps-come-with-bluetooth-connectivity

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider production car headed to Geneva

Our love affair with Alfa Romeo’s beautiful 8C Competizione continues with the announcement today that the even more stylish Spider convertible will be appearing at next month’s Geneva Motor Show in full production trim. Like the hardtop, Alfa will build just 500 examples of the stunning 8C Spider and the bulk of cars have already been earmarked for the U.S. and Germany.

As gorgeous as the new Spider is, it’s also set to be a stunning performer as our first drive of the 8C Competizione has shown. The new model features the familiar 4.7L Ferrari-built V8 engine and delivers the same 450hp peak output at 7,000rpm. This engine has been mated to a self-shifting 6-speed gearbox (with computerized selection of the gears via levers behind the steering-wheel), and a self-blocking differential unit.

Controlling all that power is some of the best brakes in the business. Sitting inside the pretty 20in wheels are a set of carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes measuring 380mm up front and 360mm in the back. The 8C Spider also gets Alfa Romeo’s VDC traction and stability system to maximize safety.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/convertibles/alfa-romeo-8c-spider-production-car-headed-to-geneva/

HP's secret ultra-mobile PC plans exposed

When it was first announced, many computer manufacturers looked upon the ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) as just another gimmick that would have very little practical significance in the marketplace. However, now that tiny computers are taking off, HP looks like joining in with one of its own.

According to a recent report from CNET, HP sat down with the publication over an informal dinner and told those present that it has plans to release a UMPC in the coming months. Unfortunately, it did not divulge any possible specs the device might feature, but did say that it will offer a low price and above average battery life.

A UMPC for everybody

HP staff also told its guests that the UMPC will be suitable for use by professionals and enthusiasts alike, and should sport a slim form factor to make those looking for portability quite happy.

HP is obviously no stranger to the portable PC market and has sold its iPaq PDA for quite some time. But with UMPCs becoming increasingly popular in the market, the company believes it will be able to make a significant dent. So far, no availability timeline has been announced, but announcements should be expected in the coming weeks.

Source: http://www.tech.co.uk/computing/computer-hardware/news/hps-secret-ultra-mobile-pc-plans-exposed?articleid=463059823

Sony exec says PS2 to get just one more year

It seems pretty clear that Sony's PlayStation 3 is currently on the up and up, but we're surprised to hear a company exec suggest that its predecessor, the PS2, might get just another year of support from the parent company in spite of booming sales.

SPOng reports that Michael Ephraim, the managing director of Sony Computer Entertainment Australia, claimed the older console would soon be on its way out.

Software still coming

"We still are going to support PS2 hardware for the full year, we still have a number that is rather bullish, we're not backing off on hardware and we think the software tail will be very strong," he is reported as saying.

In other words, a year from now, the company will be hoping that gamers still considering buying PS2 hardware will be persuaded to go for the newer machine instead. Naturally, Sony still intends to sell plenty of new games to the PS2 fan base as well.

Whether that perception shift is accomplished through more must-have games appearing for the PS3 or by the seeming triumph of Blu-ray over HD DVD, it will definitely have to be accompanied by a lower price for the console as well.

Source: http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/gaming/news/sony-exec-says-ps2-to-get-just-one-more-year?articleid=475402283

Nerf Vulcan EBF-25 Is Plastic And Foam Pwnage

Back in the day, I was pretty proud of my Nerf Bow n’ Arrow. Recent Nerf innovations have made it about as obsolete as a real bow and arrow would be when compared to something like, oh, an M61 Vulcan. The recent Nerf innovation I am referring to specifically is of course the Nerf Vulcan EBF-25 electrically powered, belt fed, tripod mounted, foam dart annihilation machine. According to the Hasbro press release, it’ll come with a 25 dart ammo belt, and will run off of 6 D batteries. I’d love to know what the rate of fire is, and whether or not you can combine multiple ammo belts out of the box. It doesn’t really matter, though, since Nerf weaponry has a long history of user modification. My guess is that within a week of its fall 2008 release, industrious juvenile warmongers will have figured out how to jack it into a car battery and turn it into something magnificently dangerous. MSRP $39.99, recommended for ages 6 and up.

Source: http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/02/19/nerf-vulcan-ebf-25-is-plastic-and-foam-pwnage/

USB Owl Blinks Wisely, Doesn't Leave Owl Pellets, or Worse, On Your Monitor

This desktop owl toy is the intellectual's version of the USB humping dog: plug it in, perch it on your monitor and get lovely warm reassuring feelings as it looks around and blinks appreciatively at your typing. On the other hand, it may also evoke weird Harry Potter-esque waking nightmares—watch the short video to check how you'll react.

Useless, but very cute, it also comes with a perching log, just in case that blank-eyed stare from above reallydoes give you the chills. Available May in the UK for around $25.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/357968/usb-owl-blinks-wisely-doesnt-leave-owl-pellets-or-worse-on-your-monitor

Electronic Cigar Not Something You'd Find in Monica Lewinsky's Underwear Drawer

Although it sounds like something you might find tucked away in Monica Lewinsky's bedside table, the electronic cigar is a SMOKE. Give it its full title, "Natural Wood Effect Electronic Cigar" and you would think that it belonged in Bill's bedroom, though. It works on the same principle as most electronic cigarettes—see how in the diagram below.


The Natural Wood Effect Electronic Cigar costs $76 and comes with batteries, recharger and 22 cartridges‐apparently the equivalent to 22 packs of cigars. Last time I looked, they came in either boxes or tubes. Or Monica.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/357969/electronic-cigar-not-something-youd-find-in-monica-lewinskys-underwear-drawer

AT&T Palm Centro Official

The Palm Centro is losing its Sprint only roots and going to AT&T for $99 after rebate with a two year contract. That's the Glacier White color combo, and in a month there'll be an Obsidian Black version. It's essentially the same phone that Sprint offers, but this is a quad band GSM version with EDGE (no 3G.) I don't like the ads which try to portray the OS as somehow radically changed from business to social phone, but it's still a good deal for $99.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/357945/att-palm-centro-official

Sleep Walking Robot

This sleep walking robot is one smart piece of tech - it actually deciphers recorded brainwaves and re-enacts your movements inside of your dreams. Hopefully it isn't too strong as there are some folks who tend to kick and muscle their way on a bed while engaged in a blissful rest. Insomniacs won't find too much use for this though.


Source: http://www.gearfuse.com/robot-acts-out-your-dreams/

Quadband GSM Wristphone from Epoq Charges Kinetically

The EGP-WP88 from Epoq is the first GSM wristphone that actually looks like a watch. Waterproof to 50 meters, the WP88 has a kinetic recharge system, meaning you can charge it just by walking around, and boasts a 1.3-megapixel camera, OLED display, plays MP3 and MP4 files and can transfer data via either USB or Bluetooth. You get between two and two-and-a-half-hours' talk time, and 70 to 100 hours' standby. Costing $530, the Epoq WP88 goes on sale on March 1.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/357963/quadband-gsm-wristphone-from-epoq-charges-kinetically