Sony: PSP Update Version 4.05 "Coming Soon"

From the official PlayStation blog comes word this evening that the PlayStation Portable is set to receive a firmware update to version 4.05 very soon. E3, which started unofficially today and begins in earnest on Monday, is probably a safe bet for a more official Sony announcement. The folks at the PlayStation blog hinted the update is music-focused, and would feature new visualizers for music playback, among other unannounced features.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5024751/sony-psp-update-version-405-coming-soon

Gaming accessories

Caterpillar Watch Crawls 'Round Your Wrist to Tell Time

With timepieces embedded into every electronic gizmo nowadays, the humble wristwatch is on its way out, you might think. That's until you see this bizarrely cool prototype watch from designer Nicolas Lehotzky. Driven by a caterpillar-tread-alike drive, it turns the time-telling process inside out, from a virtual display into a sedate physical crawl around your wrist once every 12 hours. Brilliant! Forget the fact it looks slightly uncomfy... it's such a neat design I'd practically chop my arm off to own one, though that'd then complicate wearing it.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/5024770/caterpillar-watch-crawls-round-your-wrist-to-tell-time

Xbox 360 goes 60GB, 20 gigger going for $299 while supplies last

Word on the street was that the $299 price slash we've been hearing about wasn't about carving out a new pricepoint but instead making room for a new 60GB Xbox 360 in its place. Turns out the Mr. Word on the Street nailed this one, with Microsoft finally fessing up to the price drop, and announcing a new fancy 60GB Xbox 360 to fill in at that $349 pricepoint, which will be available in "early August." You can pick up a 20GB "while supplies last," but the $279 Arcade and $449 Elite aren't budging price wise. Oh, and can we just say that this couldn't come at any better a time? We just had to delete August Rush to make room for National Treasure 2, which we'll probably have to drop tomorrow for Fool's Gold. Such is life when you've only got 20GB to work with.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/13/xbox-360-goes-60gb-20-gigger-going-for-299-while-supplies-last/

Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5-series interior

We’ve seen plenty of spy shots for the new BMW 5-series, including a number of possible renderings for the final design, but this is the first time we get a good look at the new car’s interior. As the images reveal, the cabin of the 2010 5-series closely resembles the design of the current model although there are a few key differences.

BMW’s engineers managed to cover up most of the details but we can still pick up a few vital clues about the new 5-series cabin. Designers have moved the i-drive controller to the side of the gear selector, the same set-up as in the X5 SUV, and shots of the steering wheel show a lot more buttons than the current car. Engineers also seemed concerned about hiding the car’s command screen, leading to speculation that it could feature a new ‘Dual View’ display system.

The new 5-series is set to arrive in late 2009 for the 2010 model year and will have to compete with the next-gen E-Class from Mercedes-Benz, which is also tipped to arrive about the same time. In the meantime, check out our previous story for details about the engine lineup and to view several renderings of the new car.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/sedans/spy-shots-2010-bmw-5-series-interior/

Ferrari reportedly considering V6 turbo to save fuel

It won’t power a Dino - the car is completely off the table - but a turbocharged V6 might power one of the next-generation cars from Ferrari. A company spokesman has said that Ferrari has ruled out nothing in terms of technology as it works to keep high-performance a priority while accommodating strict emissions rules.

Already the company has begun to employ some small technological tools to keep power up while reducing fuel consumption. The recently released California uses the company’s first direct-injection engine, for example. As the company moves forward with the next generation of engines, focusing on the development period from 2013 to 2016, it is open to the possibility of using a turbocharger or other forced-induction methods to yield the power it wants and the economy it must, reports AutoTelegraaf.

If the Prancing Horse marque does end up with a smaller-displacement forced-induction engine, it won’t be powering anything that might be considered ‘entry level’, however. Nor will the company bend to the pressure to become a full-line manufacturer with the addition of an SUV or four-door car - Davide Kluzer, Ferrari spokesman, has said those two types of car “we will never do.”

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/ferrari/ferrari-reportedly-considering-v6-turbo-to-save-fuel/

Bentley Continental GTS Black Edition by Project Kahn

Late last year Project Kahn rolled out their take on Bentley’s ultra-luxury GTS coupe, and now they’ve one-upped themselves with a Black Edition. Building on the same basic appearance modifications, the dominant theme is the brooding color of the car.

The basic Project Kahn Continental GTS treatment consists of an eight-panel bodykit that treats the rear with a new three-piece diffuser and bumper, side skirts down each sill, a set of new front spoilers and a bootlid spoiler. Inside the car gets high-quality leather just about everywhere, with the choice of either leather of carbon fiber cladding for the steering wheel.

A performance exhaust enhances the twin-turbo W12’s already throaty sound, while a set of ‘Silver Mist’ 22in wheels add the most dramatic exterior feature to the Black Edition. Despite the giant wheels, the car also gets a 20mm drop to complete the transformation.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/coupes/bentley-continental-gts-black-edition-by-project-kahn/

BlackBerry Kickstart Flip Phone Only $49

The BlackBerry Kickstart is by far not RIM's best looking phone. But it is a real live BlackBerry and it will run a mere 50 bucks when it launches on T-Mobile in September. The Centro has proven that a cheap smartphone can sell like hotcakes. Granted the Centro is cute, the Kickstart is not. But $50 (with a two-year contract, natch) puts it in the same mass market as the crappier LGs and Sammys. It's a crazy way to hook the kids, but it might just work. (It'd work better if the phone wasn't so ugly.)


Source: http://gizmodo.com/5022221/blackberry-kickstart-flip-phone-only-49

Engadget HD goes hands-on with JVC's Everio HD40 camcorder

Engadget HD managed to acquire one of JVC's Everio HD40 camcorders -- you know, that HD shooter with 120GB of onboard storage. If you're interested in seeing it get unboxed and manhandled (along with comparison shots with Samsung's delightful SC-HMX20C), click on over and enjoy. For those wanting some serious impressions, keep a check on this space -- we'll be forming some opinions and penning a review here shortly.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/04/engadget-hd-goes-hands-on-with-jvcs-everio-hd40-camcorder/

Scientists train robots to love punk music

We've seen plenty of robots that are capable of showing their appreciation for music, but few have as refined a taste as this trio of bots designed by a team of UK artists and scientists, which have been trained to like punk music and nothing else. That was apparently done by employing "adaptive resonance theory," which allows the robots to build up a history of patterns relating to different sounds, and analyze songs on the fly, matching the patterns against other types of music it has already listened to. As you can see in the BBC's video available at the read link below, the bot's were apparently easily able to recognize a band that they hadn't heard before and, if you hurry, you can actually check 'em out first hand, as they'll be doing their thing at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts until July 5th.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/04/scientists-train-robots-to-love-punk-music/

Roundest Spheres in the World Produced

Even with man's advancements in developing increasingly intricate microprocessors and ever taller skyscrapers, there's one thing we cannot do. We cannot make a completely perfect sphere. Sure, we can get close. But a new problem has provoked a more perfect execution. The kilogram needs to be standardized across many countries as the 120-year-old physical platinum standard is changing in mass. And deviations in measurement have screwed up the value of a kilogram across the globe.

Luckily one man could create the perfect sphere. And he could do it by hand.

Achim Leistner was an optical engineer from the Australian Center for Precision Optics, pulled out of retirement to create two perfect spheres.

Another team started by creating a pure batch of silicon-28, spun in ex-Soviet centrifuges that were once used for uranium. Then in Germany, a team grew a pure crystal from the silicon, which was sliced into blocks and sent to Leistner.

Leistner and his crew used two spinning rotors to grind the spheres by hand—a process that took several months to complete. Their resulting spheres were accurate in smoothness to 0.3 nanometers and curvature to 60 to 70 nanometers. New Scientist explains that if these spheres were increased to Earth proportions, you'd see smoothness deviations of only 12 to 15 mm and roundness variation of 3 to 5 meters.

For the full remarkable story, be sure to hit the link.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5021010/roundest-spheres-in-the-world-produced

Sony officially reveals PS3 firmware 2.40 features, coming July 2

Following months of rumors, speculation, and – most of all – waiting, Sony has officially unveiled version 2.40 of the PlayStation 3's operating system and XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface. Joystiq got a look at it in action last week and can finally unzip our lips about what we saw.

In a nutshell, the update introduces most of the features we've seen floating around as rumors for some time. Here's the short list of what you can now do without exiting from games:

* In-game XMB (a quick tap of the PS button brings it up)

* View game-specific Trophies (We'll have more on this major feature at 8AM EST / 5AM PST)

* Time / date display

* Send text messages to PSN users on your friends list

* Access accessory settings, such as Bluetooth pairing and voice changer

* View and manage downloads

* Quits game directly from an icon under the "Game" section of the XMB

* Search the web using the Google Search option under "Network" (similar to the latest PSP firmware)

* Launch directly into another game from the one you're currently playing

* Play music tracks stored on the HDD in games that support this feature

* Access a new on-screen music player interface (when listening to your own tracks in supported titles)

Sony hasn't announced a release date for its latest firmware update, stating only that it will be "very soon." The official press release says the firmware is coming July 2 (this Wednesday!). There are quite a few rumored / hoped for features that aren't finding their way into this release. There are also a number of quibbles with the functionality of the features that did make the cut. We go in-depth with our likes and dislikes of firmware 2.40 right here

Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/sony-officially-reveals-ps3-firmware-2-40-features/

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith won't play nice with Rock Band guitars

While the axe that comes with Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is pretty sweet, if you were hoping to just get the game and use your Rock Band guitar, you're out of luck. Despite rumors that Activision had opened its doors to the Harmonix-made Rock Band guitar controllers, early users of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith are reporting that the Xbox 360 version game isn't being so friendly after all. The sad message: "An unsupported guitar peripheral has been detected. Connect either a Guitar Hero guitar or Xbox 360 controller and press START to continue." It's like they never even knew each other.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/01/guitar-hero-aerosmith-wont-play-nice-with-rock-band-guitars/

Life With PlayStation: Wii-like Weather and News on PS3

At today's Sony press conference, SCE president Kaz Hirai revealed new software on the way to all PS3s. Dubbed "Life With PlayStation," it's a virtual globe that can be explored to reveal weather and news. And while, sure, it sounds a lot like Nintendo's forecast and news channels (almost identical in theory, really), it also could be a lot better.

The key difference is that while Nintendo's globe is fun enough to use, it's essentially just spinning around a cartoon. The PS3's globe will not only be displayed in a far higher resolution (1080p we're guessing), but it will feature a global weather satellite image. So instead of just seeing the forecast, users will be able to see the weather.

In addition, clicking on regional news will load up a webpage, which some are interpreting to mean that Sony is more open to their news content partners than Nintendo's closed system.

And then the globe will go one step further into the future. According to Hirai:

For the primary version the application sticks to the present time but in the future we plan to build a system that can visually present stored photos and movies according to their recorded time and place, allowing users with their friends and family to enjoy the visuals in chronological order.

As usual, I'm sure it makes for a beautiful tech demo. But until we get a firm release date, it's just another PlayStation Home.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/5019861/life-with-playstation-wii+like-weather-and-news-on-ps3

Sony's PS3 movie download service rolling out Stateside this summer

Sony just released a rambling update to it corporate strategy through fiscal year 2010. An interesting read for fans and competitors alike as Sony lays bare initiatives intent on moving Sony from recovery to the "leading global provider of networked consumer electronics and entertainment." Most notable in the near-term however, is word from Kazuo Hirai, chieftain of Sony Computer Entertainment, that Sony will make a movie download service available to US PlayStation 3 owners this summer -- Japan and Europe at later dates with details coming "next month," presumably at E3. Moreover, Sony expects its gaming business to achieve profitability by March 2009, the end of the current fiscal year. Of course, we already knew that Sony was prepped to deliver full-length TV shows and movies sometime in 2008 via its North American PLAYSTATION Network. But summer, eh? Judging by the increased molecular agitation of sidewalk effluence, we'd say that Sony's season of movie downloads is already upon us.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/26/sony-launching-movie-downloads-in-us-this-summer/

iLuv's i1255 desktop iPod / DVD player combo now shipping

Hey there partner, we just know that troubled look on your face is due to the inability to find yourself a DVD player / iPod dock combo that looks ever-so-slightly like an Atari console, right? If so, you'll be completely relieved to find that iLuv's CES-announced i1255 is now on sale and shipping to whomever pays the stated asking price with a non-stolen, non-maxed out credit card. If you couldn't tell, this unit acts as a vanilla DVD player and enables iPod owners to play back audio / video clips on their television or sound system without messing with additional cables. Shoot, there's even an iPod-tailored on-screen display to sort through your playlists and such. Lasso yours now for just $149.99.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/26/iluvs-i1255-desktop-ipod-dvd-player-combo-now-shipping/

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 hands-on, sorta

So here's the scene. We're at the Digital Experience show, trying to get our hands on a powered-up Sony Xperia X1. Sure, we found a unit that wasn't powered up, but that does you -- and us -- no good. Sony told us to come back in 15 minutes, so we grabbed some press kits, made a round of booths, and came back.

Sure enough, when we came back the X1 was powered up, but the nice booth lady tried to tell us that things weren't working just right and the unit was stuck on the config screen. After some jiggering, we determined the little X1 was just stuck on the touch screen calibration, and we were cruising through menus within minutes. It's pretty clear this unit wasn't ready for primetime -- you'll even see some HTC test apps in the below gallery -- but we were impressed by the screen's resolution and brightness. Windows Mobile 6.1 showed it face often in the UI, but the phone app and general utilities were looking good.

Overall, the X1 is a pleasure to behold -- it's one sexy device. That said, we'll have to wait how Sony Ericsson's user interface shapes up and just look at the pretty pictures in the gallery until mid-September.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/26/sony-ericsson-xperia-x1-hands-on-sorta/

Westinghouse upgrades $50,000 Quad HD LCD

Las Vegas (NV) – Westinghouse has increased the size of its Quad HD LCD and slightly increased its price tag. The screen size has grown from 52” to 56” and most of us still can’t afford it.

We were deeply impressed when we saw a demonstration of Westinghouse’s 52” Quad HD LCD about 18 months ago. At the time, Westinghouse was very secretive about shipments and pricing, but we managed to learn that the display was available in very limited numbers and was offered especially to companies that have a need for high-resolution graphics displays in exchange for $50,000. Over the recent months we heard that these displays eventually dropped to about $40,000.

The new 56” D56QX1 LCD Quad Monitor is back up to 56: and officially available for purchase beginning this month. Compared to your average 1080p HDTV, the LCD has four times the resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels produce a stunning 8.3 megapixels, which is overkill for most consumer electronics but a useful feature for 3D, medical, geological, military recon applications. The display also delivers a 1200:1 contrast ratio, 500 nits brightness and a 6.5 ms response time. Westinghouse said that D56QX1 is compatible with a wide variety of dual-link DVI video cards including ATI and Nvidia.

Quad HD LCDs are still very rare, but we have seen several announcements in recent months, including TVs a 56” version from Sapphire and Samsung’s 82” monster.


Source: http://www.tgdaily.com/html_tmp/content-view-38000-135.html

World’s Fastest Flashgun Can Capture An Image Of A Light Wave

Ok, this is officially the coolest image I’ve ever seen. What you see on the right is a pulse of light that is 2.5 billionths of a millionth of a second long. The image was captured by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics in Garching, Germany and the flash of laser light that made it possible lasted just 80 attoseconds. (An attosecond is one billionth of one billionth of a second.) The previous record for the shortest light pulse was 130 attoseconds set in 2007, and almost halving that number a year later is an impressive feat

But don’t expect your Nikon or Canon DSLR to pull off a cool shot like this. The team responsible for it used a laser firing extremely short pulses into a cloud of neon gas which ionized the neon atoms. This then releases electrons which the researchers were able to measure in order to produce this side-profile shot of the laser pulse.

The light pulses are produced by firing longer, but still very short laser pulses into a cloud of neon gas. The laser gives a kick of energy to the neon atoms, which then release this energy in the form of brief pulses of extreme ultraviolet light.

The trigger pulses contained only one or two oscillations of a light wave so that they packed a compact energy punch when they reached the neon cloud. To do this, the researchers had to corral the trigger-pulse photons into a tightly packed bunch using a device called a chirped mirror. These multilayered mirrors make the photons at the front of a pulse travel further than the slower photons at the rear do. That gives the back markers time to catch up, in this case producing a tight pack of photons that hit the neon atoms at roughly the same time.

To find out how short the light flashes from the neon atoms were, Goulielmakis and colleagues directed them onto a second neon gas cloud. As each flash is intense enough to completely ionise a neon atom and release an electron, the researchers could use those electrons like a flashgun, to illuminate some of the original 2.5 femtosecond trigger pulses of laser light.

Since the microscopic world is still a big mystery to us, this method might eventually allow researches to visualize the movements of electrons around atoms, or even ’see’ nuclear particles like protons.

Source: http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/23/worlds-fastest-flashgun-can-capture-an-image-of-a-light-wave/

Motozine ZN5 Camera Phone Now Official

We've been talking about this cellphone for a while, but today Motorola and Kodak officially spilled the beans. As we thought, the ZN5's a phone that's as much camera as phone, with a 5-megapixel Kodak unit on its back. This is quick-launched by sliding the lens cover, and has a Xenon flash, auto-focus and even auto-stitches panorama shots. The phone itself has CrystalTalk for high sound quality, Bluetooth, full browser and wi-fi (for photo transfers, and the web.) Due out in China in July at first, then globally through '08. Press release below.

Motorola and Kodak Redefine the Mobile Imaging Experience with MOTOZINE™ ZN5

BEIJING, CHINA — 23 June 2008 – Motorola (NYSE: MOT), a leader in wireless communications, and Kodak (NYSE: EK), the world’s foremost imaging innovator, today announced MOTOZINE™ ZN5, the first product combining world-class innovation from both companies. The MOTOZINE ZN5 combines a high-quality phone and camera experience to help content-craving consumers seize inspiration and share the content they create and love with the world.

Unveiled today in Beijing at a gallery-inspired event, ZINE ZN5 delivers an easy and immersive mobile imaging experience. ZN5 is the first mobile phone to combine Motorola’s ModeShift Technology and KODAK Imaging Technology. Together, they redefine the quality, convenience and connectivity of mobile imaging devices. With KODAK EASYSHARE Software and easy access to KODAK Gallery1 or other web sharing sites,2 pictures are easily moved off the device, allowing consumers to print, share and enjoy their favorite photos whenever they want.

“Today’s creative consumers not only want to be the photographer, but also the retoucher, the exhibitor and the critic,” said Jeremy Dale, corporate vice president, mobile devices marketing, Motorola, Inc. “The MOTOZINE ZN5 lets them be all the things they want to be.”

Built to Shoot
ZN5 puts image capture first, with a high-resolution landscape screen and one of the fastest click-to-click times available. To launch the camera, simply slide open the Kodak lens cover to transform the phone into an ultra-fast 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus, a Xenon flash, 4GB of optional external memory3 and optimized settings for low-light environments.

Built-in KODAK Imaging Technology ensures that every picture taken with ZN5 looks its best. When KODAK Imaging Technology is combined with KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology, images become brighter and more vivid on the spot. Multiple capture modes, like multi-shot and panorama, which automatically stitches together continuous shots taken on the horizon line into a single, extended image1, makes taking photos fun.

“KODAK Imaging Technology combines Kodak’s unparalleled experience in imaging science with easy connectivity to the company’s vast portfolio of products and services,” said John Blake, general manager digital capture and imaging devices group, vice president Eastman Kodak Company. “We have redefined the quality, convenience and connectivity of mobile imaging devices. We have worked closely with Motorola to create a device that not only delivers Kodak-quality pictures, but allows consumers to explore a wide range of options for sharing their photos with friends and family around the world.”

Built to Share
With one touch, photos can be viewed right from the home screen; no menus, no searching. This multimedia device provides a fun, quick and easy way to share favorite photos. Pictures can be uploaded via Gallery Link in one simple click and instantly shared to the KODAK Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com)1 to be viewed, stored and shared with friends and family. ShoZu can be used to upload photos to a variety of social networking sites1. ZN5 comes with KODAK EASYSHARE Software, the world’s most used photo software, making it easy to organize, edit, share, store and find mobile pictures1. Consumers can transfer pictures to a computer via USB, Wi-Fi1 or Bluetooth® wireless technology4 and print wirelessly on Bluetooth-compatible KODAK All-in-One Printers and at KODAK Picture Kiosks.

Built to Talk
In phone mode, ZN5 features Motorola’s patented CrystalTalkTM technology to help callers hear and be heard, even in noisy environments. With dual compatibility for GSM and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), users can connect in more areas around the world2 and enjoy high-speed wireless connections to surf the Web via a full HTML browser2. To complete the communications experience, ZN5 also supports SMS, MMS, IM and personal e-mail2.

The MOTOZINE Multimedia Experience
MOTOZINE ZN5 is the first device to carry the MOTOZINE franchise name, Motorola’s new label for its multimedia-optimized devices. For the consumer who thrives on content consumption and creation, products in the ZINE portfolio give them the freedom to shape pop culture, on their terms.

MOTOZINE ZN5 will be first available in China in July 2008 and is expected to roll out around the globe throughout the remainder of the year. For more information regarding pricing and product availability in your region, please contact your local Motorola representative.

About Kodak
As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com/, and our blogs: 1000words.kodak.com, PluggedIn.kodak.com, and GrowYourBiz.kodak.com.

Editor’s Note: Kodak corporate news releases are now offered via RSS feeds. To subscribe, visit www.kodak.com/go/RSS and look for the RSS symbol. In addition, Kodak podcasts are viewable at www.kodak.com/go/podcasts. Our podcasts may be downloaded for viewing on iTunes, Quicktime, or other PC-based media players. Users may also subscribe to Kodak podcasts via the iTunes application if already installed on your computer. From the iTunes store, type “Kodak podcast” in the search field to view all of our podcast offerings.

Kodak, EasyShare and Perfect Touch are trademarks of Kodak.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5018717/motozine-zn5-camera-phone-now-official

Tristar Massage Chair isn't built for the average living room

Really, we've yet to pinpoint a massage chair that fit in well with typical furniture and didn't cost a small fortune, but we're tempted to believe that the Tristar Massage Chair was actually created with Martians in mind. This rather terrifying seating device includes all sorts of apparatuses that will reportedly remove stress from your back, feet, face and fingertips. There's also an integrated audio system for surrounding yourself in Kenny G or Killswitch Engage, whichever group helps you cope with all that you dealt with during the workday. Too bad you'll be burning that midnight oil to pay off the €5,000 ($7,807) credit card bill.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/tristar-massage-chair-isnt-built-for-the-average-living-room/

Amazon's MP3 store nearing global launch?

While Amazon's quest to take its DRM-free, MP3 store global is public knowledge, the where and the when of that maneuver are closely guarded secrets. The UK's Telegraph is reporting that execs from Amazon's MP3 store were in London last week to "thrash out details of the launch with British record company bosses." Of course this says nothing about timing. On one side of the impending launch is DRM, that hot button of nastiness favored by the music industry and not offered by Amazon MP3. On the other, iTunes, and the music industry's desire to usurp Apple's digital dominance while inversely strenghthening the bargaining power of music execs' over Cupertino. In other words, we may be looking at an imminent launch of a global Amazon MP3 store... and we may not, though we're leaning towards the former.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/amazons-mp3-store-nearing-global-launch/

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon

We recently saw spy images of the E63 AMG version of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class testing in Germany and now we have new video footage of the performance saloon’s more mundane sibling. This time the car has been spotted at the Nurburgring and once again the thick camo gear that usually plagues Mercedes-Benz prototypes has been eschewed in favour of a thinner and more revealing cover.

The new E-Class is expected to debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show before going on sale later that same year as a 2010 model. A wagon variant will hit the market less than 12 months after the launch of the sedan and is expected to feature a widened C-pillar and a chrome strip across its rear.

Base models will be powered by a 184hp four-cylinder turbo engine, with the range topping out with the 550hp V8 E63 AMG. New to the lineup will be a direct injection petrol V6 model, a 354hp diesel V8 version and the all-new hybrid model that’s expected to arrive after 2010.

The interior will hopefully continue Mercedes’ recent return to form in the quality department, and is expected to feature a mix of elements from the S and C-class models including a centrally mounted color screen as well as an in-dash unit between the speedo and tachometer.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/sedans/spy-video-2010-mercedes-benz-e-class-saloon/

Car-free zone trial planned for New York

New York mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced plans to create car-free zones in parts of Manhattan for three Saturdays this August as part of a new trial to see the effects on the number of pedestrians and cyclists. The no car zone will run along a 6.9-mile stretch of streets through Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge, north to Park Avenue and the Upper East Side.

All cars, trucks and buses will be banned on the streets along the route from 7am to 1pm on August 9, 16 and 23. The new trial is being called the ‘Summer Streets’ experiment and if it proves successful at boosting visitor numbers officials will consider doing it again, Bloomberg told reporters from the New York Times.

Officials are planning to run fitness, dance and yoga classes along the empty streets and will also rent out bicycles as part of the event.

New York is not the first major city to conduct such a trial. Similar events have been run in London, Paris and Bogotá to much success. Downtown business owners were upset, especially those running parking lots and other car related enterprises, as many will lose revenue during the period.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/news/new-york-to-trial-no-car-zone

iPhone 3G Could Cost Just $100 to Make, Say Analysts

Soon after the iPhone Mark 1 launch last year, we brought you an estimate of its manufacturing cost, and now the same analysts have looked at the iPhone 3G. Portelligent thinks that this time Apple may pay as little as $100 for the components, down from $220 for the original. The saving's made in engineering advances and Apple's buying power: the extra 8GB in the 16GB version may cost as little as $20, but you'll pay $100 for it. "But we're only paying $199 for the phone, so Apple make less!" you may point out. True, but Apple may be charging AT&T as much as $400 for each unit. And with 70 countries eager to buy iPhones, the analysis suggests it might be Apple's most profitable device yet.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/5017486/iphone-3g-could-cost-just-100-to-make-say-analysts

Sprint Drops Samsung Instinct Price Again: Now $129 After Rebate

Sprint is trying to set some kind of sales record with its exclusive Samsung Instinct: The fun little don't-call-it-an-iPhone feature phone goes on sale June 20 priced at $129 after a $100 mail-in rebate. A week ago, we reported that the price had fallen from $299 to $199. Honestly, I can safely say there's no good reason NOT to buy one of these things if you plan on sticking with Sprint for two or more years. But with phone subsidies this high, one wonders how many years Sprint itself can stick around. (Press release with details on plans, accessories and features below.)

AWARD-WINNING SAMSUNG INSTINCT™ AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM SPRINT ON JUNE 20 FOR JUST $129.99

Revolutionary device offers industry-leading combination
of full touch-screen functionality and fast network speeds
with live TV, stereo Bluetooth, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation
and one-touch access to favorites

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – June 18, 2008 – Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced pricing for Instinct, a new wireless device that offers consumers an industry-leading user experience by combining full touch-screen functionality with the fast speeds available on the largest national mobile broadband network. When the device launches on June 20, it will cost just $129.99 with a two-year contract after a $100 mail-in rebate.

Customers will be able to purchase Instinct through Sprint retail stores, Web (www.sprint.com) and telesales (1-800-SPRINT1.) Best Buy is Sprint’s exclusive retail partner for Instinct from June 20 – August 28.

In order for customers to experience the full capabilities of the device, Instinct must be activated on a pricing plan offering unlimited data. Customers can choose from Everything plans for individuals starting at just $69.99 per month for 450 voice minutes or Talk/Message/Data Share plans for families starting at $129.99 per month for 1500 voice minutes to share between two lines. Instinct complements Sprint’s signature Simply Everything Plan offering both unlimited nationwide voice and data services for just $99.99 per month. The Simply Everything Plan offers premium services, including GPS navigation, email, web surfing, Sprint Music Premier and Sprint TV Premier, while letting customers easily budget for phone expenses.

Instinct was recently named “Best in Show” in the third annual Emerging Technology (E-Tech) Award competition in April at CTIA Wireless 2008. Instinct was also honored as “Most Innovative Product at CTIA Wireless 2008” by the editors of LAPTOP, a leading mobile technology magazine. CNET also recognized Instinct as the “Best Cell Phone” in its annual Cream of the Crop CTIA 2008 awards.

The innovative device speeds up the user experience like no other touch-screen phone and brings the customer’s most-used applications and contacts within a single finger tap. Instinct has a high-tech look with large, vibrant touch-screen featuring localized tactile feedback, called haptics, which transform the virtual QWERTY keypad and other screen interactions into a sensory experience. The device also offers a Speech to Action button providing many functions using speech activation for calling, texting, picture messaging, traffic, movie, sports, news, weather and search.

As Sprint’s first EV-DO Rev A consumer-centric device, Instinct provides the ability to quickly browse the Web, access business or personal e-mail, share pictures, listen to commercial-free radio and more at broadband speeds. Instinct also provides smooth access to GPS applications including Sprint Navigation, with GPS-enabled audio and visual turn-by-turn driving directions and one-click traffic rerouting as well as Live Search for Sprint, powered by Microsoft, providing easy access to directory information on-the-go, interactive maps and one-touch click to call access.

Instinct boasts many advanced features including Visual Voicemail, allowing users to listen to messages in their order of preference and manage them with a simple tap of the screen. This device also provides support for corporate and consumer (POP3 and IMAP) email, multitasking capabilities that allow the user to play music in background mode while surfing the Internet, texting or playing games, a 2.0 megapixel camera with camcorder and expandable microSD memory of up to 8GB. Additional features include advanced stereo Bluetooth® 2.0, SMS voice and text messaging with threaded text, picture caller ID and Sprint Mobile Sync.

Instinct comes with everything the user needs to enjoy the device’s full capabilities right out of the box. Contents include a 2GB microSD™ card that can hold approximately 2,000 songs from Sprint Music Store, two standard 1,000 mAh batteries offering up to 5.75 hours of continuous talk time each, battery-charging sleeve, travel charger, USB cable, 3.5mm headphones with built-in microphone, and carry case with stylus. Customers can access the latest information on Instinct at www.instinctthephone.com.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving nearly 53 million customers at the end of the first quarter 2008; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5017524/sprint-drops-samsung-instinct-price-again-now-129-after-rebate

TI showcases 3D projector and DLP Pico chipset at InfoComm

InfoComm is in full swing down in Vegas, and Texas Instruments isn't wasting any time showcasing its latest gear. First up is a prototype 1080p beamer hailed as the industry's first with a lamp-free design. Said unit also utilizes a PhlatLight LED light source and a BrilliantColor chipset, and if TI is to be believed, certain vendors will be shipping wares based on this stuff later this year. Moving on, we're being (re)treated to the planet's "first" 3D front projector (also known as the F10 AS3D), designed in cooperation with projectiondesign. Hidden beneath the big boys is the DLP Pico chipset for mobile applications, which will unsurprisingly pop up in pico projectors from companies like Optoma in late 2008 (Europe and Asia) / 2009 (the rest of us). Peek the full release after the break.

Texas Instruments DLP® Products Demonstrates Innovation Leadership with New Prototypes Including Lamp-Free Projector
DLP unveils the world's first 3-D Front Projector and shows the first DLP Pico chipset product

Las Vegas – June 18, 2008: Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today at InfoComm DLP® Products introduced the industry's first home theater lamp-free projector that utilizes a PhlatLight™ LED light source and a BrilliantColor™ chipset. This technology demo delivers a superior 1080p picture for which DLP technology is known, while eliminating maintenance costs such as lamp replacements and filter changes required by some competing projector products. Multiple DLP customers have plans to develop DLP lamp-free LED-based projectors, including Optoma, with units expected to ship in late 2008. Similar to the deployment of DLP Product's now popular BrilliantColor technology, the solid-state, lamp-free innovation will first be incorporated into home theater units and proliferate through corporate and education product lines thereafter.

DLP also introduced the first 3-D front projector with Norwegian manufacturer, projectiondesign, and the brand new pico-projector stand-alone product with Optoma. The 3-D portable high-resolution active stereoscopic single-chip projector is designed for the demanding visualization, simulation and entertainment environments in applications that have not been able to achieve this level of performance in the past, while the pico product uses a pioneering DLP Pico™ chipset for mobile applications.

Benefits of Lamp-free

Due to the inherent switching speed of the DLP chip and advancements in LEDs from Luminus, a leader in LED manufacturing, consumers will benefit from the increased picture quality, reliability and value found in this new projector category. The reflective nature of the mirrors on the DLP chip allow more light to reach the screen resulting in a 50% increase in color gamut range producing more than 200 trillion colors and a contrast ratio in excess of 500,000:1. The proprietary combination of LED illumination, coupled with DLP technology elevates picture quality to a new level while eliminating the traditional projection lamp.

In addition to the expanded color and contrast performance, the illumination system has an incredibly long life and offers up to 30% lower power usage and, most significantly, hundreds of dollars in savings from lamp purchases.

Due to the sealed DLP optics, DLP projectors are inherently prepared to withstand dusty environments and unlike projectors based on other technologies; do not require a filter to protect the optics. Most DLP projectors are filter-free. This important value attribute will remain true with new lamp-free DLP projectors, eliminating potential costly filter cleaning and replacements required by other technologies.

DLP is leveraging strengths from its other leading product lines for the new lamp-free projectors. Since 2006, lamp-free DLP HDTVs with LED-based illumination systems have been available from Samsung. To date, nearly 150,000 of these units have shipped.

DLP Products is featuring other market leading innovations at InfoComm booth #C909, Central Hall, including

o World's first DLP 3-D Front Projector Product

The F10 AS3D is designed for the demanding scientific visualisation, simulation and entertainment environments. A full 120 Hz refresh rate enables flicker-free 3-D image. The F10 AS3D features a resolution of 1,400 x 1,050 pixels, and it is fully compatible with 1080p inputs. It is also compatible with both IR transmitted and DLP® Link 3-D shutter glasses. The F10 AS3D can be found on the projectiondesign booth, N5541 at InfoComm.

o World's first DLP Pico-Projector Product

Optoma has announced plans to build a miniature stand-alone projector using the DLP Pico™ chipset. Product is expected to be available in limited distribution in Europe and Asia in late 2008 with a worldwide launch planned for 2009. There will be a demo at the DLP booth of this hand-held projector displaying composite video from a mobile business device.

"DLP Products has a proven legacy of "firsts" in the market and the projectors being demonstrated this year are examples of that commitment to innovation and commitment to our customers," said Lars Yoder, vice president and business manager, TI's DLP Front Projection Business Unit. "DLP Products is proud to enable our customers, who are the leading projector manufacturers globally, to be the best."

For more information on DLP and DLP products please visit www.dlp.com or booth #C909, Central Hall at InfoComm.

# # #

About Texas Instruments DLP Products
DLP display technology from Texas Instruments offers clarity down to the most minute detail, delivering pictures rich with color, contrast and brightness to large-screen HDTVs and projectors for business, home, professional venue and digital cinema (DLP Cinema®). 50 of the world's top projection and display manufacturers design, manufacture and market products based on DLP technology. DLP is the only HDTV technology built from a foundation in the digital cinema where it set the industry standard demonstrated by the deployment of DLP Cinema technology in 6,000 theatres worldwide. At the heart of every DLP chip is an array of up to 2.2 million microscopic mirrors which switch incredibly fast to create a high resolution, highly reliable, full color image. DLP technology's chip architecture and inherent speed advantage provides razor-sharp images and excellent reproduction of fast motion video. Since early 1996, more than 16.5 million DLP subsystems have been shipped. For more information, please visit www.dlp.com.

About Texas Instruments:
Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries.

For more information: www.ti.com.

DLP and DLP Cinema are registered trademarks of Texas Instruments.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/ti-showcases-3d-projector-and-dlp-pico-chipset-at-infocomm/

NEC kicks out 26-inch EA261WM LCD monitor with WUXGA resolution

While Lenovo saw fit to stuff 1,920 x 1,200 pixels into a 22-inch panel, NEC is giving users a little more real estate to work with in its 26-inch EA261WM. The WUXGA LCD monitor is the first member of the newly launched MultiSync Enterprise Advanced (EA) Series and includes a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness, 5-millisecond response time, 92% color gamut, 4-port USB hub, 4-way adjustable stand and on-screen display controls in the bezel. Furthermore, you'll find down-firing speakers with a headphone jack, a DVI-D input, cable management cover and an ECO mode for giving Mother Earth (and your power bill) a break. It'll be available this August with a three-year warranty for $679.99.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/nec-kicks-out-26-inch-ea261wm-lcd-monitor-with-wuxga-resolution/

Seat reveals three-door Ibiza Sportcoupe

Seat has taken the wraps off its new three-door Ibiza and introduced two new diesel engines as well as an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The new car, dubbed the Seat Sportcoupe, is set to go on sale in Europe in the second half of the year and is now available with either an 80hp 1.4L diesel or a 90hp 1.9L unit.

The petrol range mirrors the lineup in the five-door Ibiza and includes a compact 1.2L three-cylinder unit with 70hp, a 1.4L four-cylinder with 85hp or a 1.6L four-cylinder motor with 102hp. Although based on the five-door, the new Sportcoupe features lower positioned headlights and a slightly revised radiator grille for a sportier look.

The new three-door is equipped with VW Group’s seven-speed DSG gearbox on its 105hp 1.6L version, the first time the high-tech ‘box is available in this segment, and features shorter first and second gears and a smaller gear ratio to help aid acceleration.

The new Ibiza Sportcoupe will be manufactured at Seat’s Martorell factory near Barcelona and will be available in three trim levels – Reference, Stylance and Sport. In the near future, Seat will also release a fuel-efficient EcoMotive model as well as FR and Cupra performance variants.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/seat-reveals-three-door-ibiza-sportcoupe/

Gigantic LEGO Tomcat F-14 Ready to Take Off

We have seen some amazing LEGO aircrafts in the past, but this F-14 Tomcat has to be the most awesome LEGO plane to date. In fact, it's so technically complex—most parts, including cannons, swing wings, landing gears, brakes, flaps, air intake doors, are electric and pneumatically controlled—that builder Jeroen Ottens got a dream job in Denmark as a Technic designer. Looking at the list of features, we are not surprised:

• Electric controlled
• Canopy
• Cannon
• Swing wings
• Landing gear
• Landing gear bay doors
• Steering of front wheel
• 2 Engines
• Pneumatic compressor
• Pneumatically controlled
• Brakes (main fuselage+wings)
• Arrester hook
• Flaps (front & aft on main wings)
• Glove vanes
• Air Intake Control System doors
• Main landing gear lock
• Manual controlled
• Vertical flaps
• Differentially controlled stabilators
• Air fuel intake nozzle
• Ejection seats

It may not fly like the A-10 RC model, but Jeroen's creation is equally as impressive on its own right.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/394735/gigantic-lego-tomcat-f+14-ready-to-take-off

Samsung i900 Cellphone Hands-on Photos Leaked

We first brought you leaked mock-ups of Samsung's upcoming i900 cellphone in January, along with a single pic and some specs. Until now, that's all we have to go on, but now Chinese site pconline.com.cn has got their hands on a real model and some more details on what the touchscreen phone will have inside.

That 5-megapixel camera is confirmed by these photos, and it looks like there's the word "autofocus" on the bezel too. And that 3.5-inch touchscreen is supposedly a WQVGA resolution display, at 240x400 pixels. The phone is quad-band, 3G and HSDPA at 7.2 Mbps, with wi-fi, FM radio functionality and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR. There's 16GB on-board memory, it'll run Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and there's a microSD slot for expansion. The phone will apparently also have integrated GPS, a TV-out port and will measure 4.4 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches. There's no official word from Samsung about this cellphone yet, so the release date and price remain a mystery.




Source: http://gizmodo.com/photogallery/samsungi900/1001778971

Dell Latitude XT displays compared: daylight viewable vs. LED

When Dell's long-awaited Latitude XT finally hit the scenes, many were captivated by the idea of a daylight viewable screen on such a portable rig. Up until now, however, there's been little analysis over which was actually superior. Granted, we aren't saying that you can't disagree firmly with GottaBeMobile's assessment, but after checking each out for an extended period of time, Rob Bushway actually concluded that the LED-based machine was preferable. Aside from coming in a few ounces lighter, the LED-equipped unit didn't seem to perform noticeably worse than the DLV counterpart, and even battery life was practically the same for each.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/dell-latitude-xt-displays-compared-daylight-viewable-vs-led/

Hands on with Gigabyte M912 and M724 convertible mini-tablets

Carving out the newest niche in the low-cost, mini-laptop, ultra-portable, *gasp* netbook category is the Gigabyte M912. As a convertible, touch-screen mini-tablet, the M912 runs Vista or Ubuntu Linux atop Intel's Atom processor. Unfortunately, it looks like it might be hampered by a 4-cell battery showing just over 1.5 hours of battery left on a 95% charge. The 7-inch M724 apparently shares the same chassis as the M912 but is meant for classrooms-only, not consumers. Uh, right. That was the original market for all these netbook-class machines as we recall.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/hands-on-with-gigabyte-m912-and-m724-convertible-mini-tablets/

Detroit looking forward to 2010 turnaround

The past decade hasn’t been a success story for any of the Big Three American automakers, and the past year has been particularly tough. But as new, more fuel-efficient models and revised union contracts come into play starting in 2010, Detroit thinks it has a future worth looking forward to.

Sales early this year have been slipping rapidly from the SUV and pickup-truck-focused market of the past
several years, with the share of SUVs slipping from 8.4% of the market in 2007 to 4.4% through the first half of May, according to The Detroit Free Press.

The lack of preparedness in the product lines at Chrysler, Ford and GM is somewhat surprising, given that fuel prices have risen and remained high since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In a perverse turn of events, however, analysts think past failures may actually help the companies survive the present downturn because they were already responding - if several years late - to that downturn when fuel prices began their spike earlier this year.

Those restructuring plans have smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles coming to the market and renegotiated UAW contracts that will save each maker billions in labor costs annually thanks to job cuts, early retirement buyouts of high-wage earners and new hires brought in at lower pay levels. With less overhead and a leaner, more marketable model line-up, the companies are hoping to be positioned much more profitably from 2010 onward.

GM’s Volt (concept pictured) plug-in hybrid is emblematic of the type of change the Big Three are working toward, and its 2010 goal for production availability should position it as a leader of the revival. Smaller and more efficient turbocharged engines are playing a role in all three makers’ more conventional offerings, and the industry is already preparing for the shift.

The next two years will continue to be tough, however, as current model lines expire, sales volumes continue to fall and more jobs are cut. Ford at least will also be cutting sales in the near term by as many as 350,000 units per year. GM missed out on nearly that much production thanks to the recently settled strike at the American Axle plant.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/industry/detroit-looking-forward-to-2010-turnaround/

Toyota Night View features pedestrian detection

The Japanese-market-only Toyota Crown Hybrid first debuted as a concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, and was revealed as a production model in April of this year. Now the luxury hybrid sedan is getting a cutting-edge pedestrian detection system for its Night View night vision computer.

The previous model displayed the night vision information in a heads-up display format directly on the windshield. The new Night View system employs an LCD screen instrument panel that can display gauges in both fuel-saving Eco mode and power-enhancing Sport mode and can also show the road ahead in infrared. The computer system searches the image for pedestrian shapes and then highlights them with yellow boxes, making it easier to be aware of and drive safely past the nocturnally ambulatory.

Vehicle speed and weather conditions affect the system’s ability due to the processing power required to recognize the pedestrians at the roadside. Driving in excess of 60km/h (37.2mph) makes it too difficult to process the image and suss out the pedestrian outlines in time, and the feature is deactivated. The same happens when it is raining and the operation of the windshield wipers interferes with the image processing system.

At present only pedestrians are included in the detection system, but Toyota hopes to include animals, cyclists and other mobile roadside hazards in future.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/safety/toyota-night-view-features-pedestrian-detection/

iPhone Officially Coming to Spain

Spanish site Apple Weblog has discovered a hidden iPhone page from Movistar—Telefónica's mobile arm. The page officially confirms what we already said two weeks ago: Telefónica will sell the new JesusPhone. The launch day was not mentioned in the site itself—which was supposed to be secret, and has been taken down already—but the date that we announced remains the same according to my friends in the company.3

The 3G iPhone will be available for sale in Spain at the June 18 grand opening of Telefonica's megastore—an Apple Store-like shop located in the company's landmark building in Madrid's Gran Vía—with nationwide availability the next day or after a few hours. The shop is now getting its final touches.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5012197/iphone-officially-coming-to-spain

Sony bringing VIA's OpenBook to market?

Although late in arriving, Sony appears ready to join the low-cost, ultra-portable, netbook, mini-laptop party. An apparently generic prototype based on the Via OpenBook was just spotted at the Quanta booth at WiMax Expo. It seems that a quick check of the properties revealed a 1.6GHz Via C7-M processor and more interestingly, Sony as the manufacturer. When the Quanta exec demonstrating the box noticed "he quickly closed the properties window and declined to explain." Sony refused to comment. In other words, expect to see it in Q3.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/02/sony-bringing-vias-openbook-to-market/

Hands-on with Atom-based Eee PC 901 running WiMax

What, you're not in Taipei? No problem, Engadget Chinese is at the WiMax Expo with the first WiMax-enabled Eee PC 901 pictures. Showing off a funky, cutaway hinge (likely due to missing battery), the Eee PC 901 features Intel's Atom processor as expected, Bluetooth, 802.11b/g, and now 802.11n too (hoozah!). The card reader supports MMC/SD/SDHC cards and the WiMax chipset is Intel's Link 5150. Keep in mind that the Link 5150 is a dual-mode WiFi and WiMax module. In other words, there's no guarantee the 802.11n will carry over to the WiMax-less 901 being announced tomorrow. A few more pics after the break, all the rest at our Chinese site.




Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/02/hands-on-with-atom-based-eee-pc-901/

Surf chair workstation - Surfing for comfort is as comfortable

As of yet, I am able to sit upright, facing my monitor, for many hours at a stretch in a day and also maintain a healthy back. But since my passion and job involves surfing internet, I need to focus on getting an ergonomically designed work station that will keep all the posture related probs at bay. Theoretically, on the mention of the Surf Chair, your mind with drift to relaxing lazing chairs on the promenades and beach fronts. But in a geek’s dictionary, it’s not the same. A true geek can immediately conjure up an image of a chair used to surf the net at ease. Like the one designed by Kenneth Lylover! Intended for the ‘Internet Collection’ competition at the Scandinavian Furniture Fair, this rocking chair also managed to bag the price of Winner of “Best Product” there. This chair seems to be very comfortable, as you can see from this picture that it is fitted with numerous pillows to support every part of body.

Nokia's N-Gage hacked, games pirated

A group of hackers has cracked Nokia’s N-Gage gaming service, with pirated games being distributed online.

Pocketgamer.com reports that they have already: “found one online forum with a download link to the application saying it works on Series 60 v3 handsets including the E65, 5700 XpressMusc, the N73, N71, E51, 6110 and 6210c.”

Rampant piracy

As well as allowing N-Gage service to work on those handsets, the application also allows cracked versions of N-Gage games to be downloaded and played.

Numerous forums are already offering cracked N-Gage games such as System Rush Evolution, Mile High Pinball, Space Impact: Kappa Base, Asphalt 3: Street Rules, and Hooked On: Creatures of the Deep.

TechRadar spoke with Nokia reps in the UK. The company is aware of the issue and will be issuing an official response shortly.


Source: http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/nokia-s-n-gage-hacked-games-pirated-376632

Weird Tech: Quit smoking game for DS

Help is at hand for smokers struggling to kick the habit in the unlikely form of a new game for the Nintendo DS.

Based on books written by anti-smoking guru Allen Carr, Videogame firm Ubisoft (formerly of demonic rabbits fame) is developing a title to “coach” smokers away from cigarettes.

There are apparently 15 anti-smoking games to choose from, including one “set in a disco where a cigarette-shaped monster tries to pull the gamer outside for a smoke,” reported Register Hardware.

To save themselves, players must draw lines to connect themselves to fellow virtual dancers. How effective the game will be remains to be seen. On the plus side, at least it’s not a Nicorette patch.

Taking the pISS?

In other news, astronauts aboard the International Space Station Discovery faced a new kind of problem this week when their zero-gravity toilet malfunctioned.

According to CNN, members of the crew have been forced to make-do with a “jury-rigged system” since the 7-year-old urine collection unit packed in several days ago.

Thankfully, fellow astronauts will be bringing new kit when the space shuttle Discovery launches on Saturday. The space station's solid waste unit is said to be functioning well.

Machine mashup

Forget last week’s jet-powered bicycle – this fully motorised fire-breathing wheelchair makes it look positively pedestrian.

Constructed from a Marine rescue helicopter seat and parts of an electric golf buggy, the chair is equipped with a flamethrower capable of blasting out 15-foot flames and can allegedly tackle just about any terrain.

Mind you, as far as menacing-looking mods go, this robot armed with a million-round-a-minute gun looks as though it might get the prize. Apparently intended for “crowd control”, it’s the result of a collaboration between an electronic gun-maker and a military machine-maker. Sounds like a marriage made in heaven.

While we’re on the theme, ever wondered what happens when you attach a surplus US Air Force helicopter turboshaft engine to a jet boat hull? The chaps over at Hacked Gadgets investigated earlier this week. Suffice to say, it’s pretty quick. The ferry to France will never be the same again.

And to round things off, a quick nod to designer Nikola Knezevic’s concept Glovephone. Basically, er, a phone in a glove, the speaker is housed inside the tip of the wearer’s index finger while the microphone sits on the palm. Meant for use in extreme weather conditions by rescue workers and the like, it’s the least destructive-looking gadget in Weird Tech this week. (Or is it?…)

And finally…

Look out Energizer Bunny, there’s a new creepy climbing toy in town. In a bid to prove just how durable its new alkaline batteries are, Panasonic placed a small robot on a rope and left it to climb and climb. And climb. All the way up the side of the Grand Canyon, in fact, reported Yahoo News on Wednesday.

The new battery cell, dubbed Evolta, soldiered on for six hours and 46 minutes, reaching an impressive 1,740 feet and bagging a Guinness World Record in the process.


Source: http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/weird-tech-quit-smoking-game-for-ds-377232