Archive for the ‘Latest’ Category
Dependable Computer Diagnostics. Service in your office, home, or in our … For more information on our “Remote Repair Service”, or any other questions. …
Computer Repair Help - TweaksForGeeks.com
Computer Repair Help. TweaksForGeeks.com. Need more help? Ask a question! … When I boot up my computer, which has been going slower and slower, I get this …
Check Out:
![Introducing Neale Donald Walsch: God's Latest Scri [DVD] [US Import]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AQf3kuBsL._SL75_.jpg "Introducing Neale Donald Walsch: God's Latest Scri [DVD] [US Import]")
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get GPS (and Bluetooth) onto your PDA, handset, or other SD-slotted handheld, there’s not exactly a smorgasbord of offerings out there to choose from if you’re not willing to sacrifice your flash-based storage, but Haicom’s latest takes care of all those dilemmas in one fell swoop. The HI-505SD plugs directly into your device’s SD slot and utilizes its battery in order to power up the SiRF Star III GPS receiver and Bluetooth antenna, but rather than whining about your sudden loss of storage, this SDIO adapter offers up a miniSD slot to cram a few extra gigabytes back into your machine. Interestingly, Haicom also sells a bevy of attachment cables in order to use this device directly from a power source, but we envision this slightly unsightly device spending most of its time docked in your Treo. Unfortunately, there’s an absence of details regarding price and future availability, but we’re sure these will be available for import sooner rather than later.
[Via NaviGadget]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: iTS, Video, Apple
I have no qualms about the fact that I am a grade A geek. All the signs are there: I work in IT, I write about Apple, and I love Star Trek. The latest member of the Star Trek franchise, Star Trek Enterprise, is now available in the iTunes Store (you might know ST Enterprise as, ‘That one with that guy from Quantum Leap’). At the moment only the first season is available, but I am sure the rest of the show’s seasons will show up (I’m looking forward to the last season which is when the show actually became pretty OK).
Episodes are priced at the standard $1.99 and you can get the entire season for $48.99, which isn’t a bad price considering the DVD box set of the first season is going for $112 on Amazon (though, to be fair the DVD set includes some special features).
Here’s hoping Deep Space 9 shows up on iTunes soon.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Laptops
Dell 9400 owner “ViriiGuy” is a PC repair guy by day, human lightning rod by night. His 17-inch laptop seems just dandy, other than a nasty habit of sending off between 19 and 65 volts of AC out of any screw on the bottom of the laptop. Along with the annoying result of making ViriiGuy “feel like a 9 volt battery” to his wife whenever he’s using the laptop, the laptop also fried its own RAM and video card. After getting a replacement 9400 from Dell, along with couple more 9400s he was prepping for clients, VG noticed the exact same shocking dilemma on all three laptops. Reports have also surfaced of similar jolt coming out of a Inspiron 6400, and Dell’s 17-inchers are mostly based off the same platform, so other Dell laptops of that size could be at risk as well. The latest word is that VG’s own problems were solved by springing for a three-pronged grounded power adapter, but since Dell still hasn’t fessed up to the problem, or offered up such adapters for free other than in a few isolated incidents, we thought we’d run this by you Engadget guinea pigs valued readers to see how widespread the problem actually is.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: GPS
Alright, so maybe “unrealistic” is more like it, but regardless, we highly doubt the latest Bluetooth GPS device from Taiwan’s own Wonde Proud can actually live up to its lofty claims. Of course, the GPS-BT760 could indeed be using some early prototype form of EEStor’s sensational battery, but considering the company itself proclaims the built-in battery is of the 2400mA/h Li-ion variety, we’re a bit miffed. Aside from claiming up to “55 hours of continuous use” on a single charge, the unit is fairly ho hum, and sports a SiRF Star III receiver, -159dBm sensitivity, four hour recharge rate, four LEDs to indicate status, and a “non-slip back pad” for chilling on your dash. Nah, there’s no pricing — or more importantly, actual availability — information just yet on this one, but if someone manages to scoop one and has just over two full days to prove or disprove a claim, let us in on the results.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Hot on the heels of Hasselblad’s latest 31-megapixel monster, rumors of Canon introducing a 1DS Mark III, and the RED camcorder getting more real everyday comes news that Ikonoskop is looking to bust out the “first new Super 8 movie camera design in over 20 years.” The Swedish firm is hoping to offer up a Double Super 8 version of its “compact and affordable A-Cam SP-16 Super 16-millimeter model,” and will feature a good bit of similar attire such as the same interchangeable C-Mount lenses, parallel viewfinder, 100-foot film capacity, and “microprocessor-synchronized frame rates between 6- and 37.5-frames per second.” The device would utilize a “hybrid” design to use “16-millimeter wide film to capture Super 8 sized frames,” and although the company boasts about its numerous advantages, the “main downside is that relatively few film stocks are available in the format.” Still, things aren’t off and running just yet, as Leif Bystrom has announced that the outfit needs 25 eager customers to lay down a €1,000 ($1,301) deposit ensuring that at least that many will be sold for the €5,200 ($6,764) retail price. So if you need no more introduction to convince yourself that this bad boy is worth your while (and coin), send your down payment on in so we can see this thing materialize.
[Via CNET]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Check Out:
Find computer training schools & IT training programs in your area as well as online computer computer training & online computer degrees.
Check Out:
, Apple
Hey, it’s Monday! Let’s sue Apple!
PhatRat Technology is the latest company to bring a suit against Apple, claiming that the Nike+ Sport Kit uses their technology (in part). PhatRat makes wireless performance products for athletes, including the AirRat, which lets snowboarders, BMX riders, etc., record airtime via devices in their shoes. It’s this data collection and transmission via footwear that has PhatRat up in arms.
We have no information on the case, of course, but it does seem like suing Apple is the fashionable thing to do lately. We’ll see how this plays out.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Software, Productivity, Internet Tools
Fellow Mac users looking to sync iCal and Google Calendar - rejoice! For the Spanning Sync crew have re-opened their public beta to one and all. After their servers buckled under their first attempt at opening up the beta, they had to shut down temporarily. Fortunately, Spanning Sync’s own vendor stepped up to the plate and offered some serious upgrades in infrastructure horsepower, and new users can officially begin signing up to use the beta once again.
If you head over and sign up, however, be sure to back up your calendars - after all, beta means beta. Doing something as simple as browsing to your ~/Library/Application Support/ folder and pressing Cmd + D on your /iCal/ folder to duplicate it will do just fine.
To grab your own copy of the beta, head over to their re-opening announcement post for the latest version. Simply log in with your Google Account (or go create a free one) to get swept off to a land of desktop + web service synchronization.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
It’s officially here. The w880 is the latest evolution in Sony Ericsson’s highly acclaimed line of Walkman phones. Here are the beauty shots that put the blurry spy photos to shame. The phone’s stats include: A 9.4mm frame, 2mp cam, trackID music recognition software (like the W850). Colors include silver and orange/black. 18 hours of music life. And UMTS 2100, GPRS 900/1800/1900 make it officially quad band. Available in “selected markets” in q1 2007.
But enough blabbering. Click on through for the closeups.
Press release after the jump.
London, UK - 6th February 2007 - Sony Ericsson today announces two new Walkman phones; the W880 and the W610 building on the success of hit-models such as the W810 and further broadens the phenomenally successful Walkman phone line. Sony Ericsson also announces a suite of music accessories designed to further enhance the Walkman phone listening experience. At just 9.4mm thin, the W880 is the slimmest Sony Ericsson phone yet and combines the full Walkman phone experience with a device that fits easily into your pocket. The 1GB Memory Stick Micro (M2 ) provided in-box gives you room to store up to 900 full length tracks*, while the host of innovative music applications (such as Walkman Player 2.0 & Disc2Phone) make it easy to transfer and search play lists for your favorite music tracks. All of this, plus a 2.0 megapixel camera, is packed into a UMTS phone that’s as slim as a standard CD case.
The W610 Walkman phone is all about the detail, whether in design that builds on the look of earlier Walkman phones or the detailed combination of mobile music with a digital camera. The W610 stores up to 470 full-length music tracks* on the 512MB Memory Stick Micro (M2) provided in the box. It also offers the inventive TrackID music recognition application; a feature that lets you record a clip from the FM Radio and quickly receive a notification of the track name, artist and album . Additionally a 2.0 megapixel camera with auto focus makes the W610 a wonderful fusion of phone, music player & digital camera.
“Our Walkman phones have proven to be phenomenally attractive to our consumers - we have sold 20 million Walkman phones since launch, and we are continuously developing our product portfolio to extend their appeal,” says Steve Walker, head of global product marketing at Sony Ericsson. “The W880 and W610 show that the Walkman phone can appeal to different lifestyles - the W880 is a hi-specification device that looks every bit as good as it sounds. And the W610 Walkman phone combines the best in both music player and digital camera, while first and foremost remaining a phone that’s intuitive and pleasurable to use.”
The W880 represents a milestone in the Walkman phone portfolio. Although without doubt one of the slimmest music phones, the true beauty of its design is seen in the brushed stainless steel finish and the stand-out color variants; either Steel Silver or Flame Black.
Of course, the W880 is about more than just good looks. The Disc2Phone music management software allows you to transfer your tracks easily and with no fuss from a PC straight to the phone. With Bluetooth Audio Streaming, all of that music can be enjoyed wirelessly on a Stereo Bluetooth Headset such as the HBH-DS970, or by streaming music directly to a home or car stereo (via the new Music Bluetooth Receiver MBR-100). Importantly for a music phone, all of this functionality has been introduced without having to compromise on battery life. The W880 delivers up to 18 hours music listening time & features a special flight mode for switching off your phone in mobile-prohibited environments.
The W880 Walkman phone is a UMTS 2100 GPRS 900/1800/1900 music phone and will be available in selected markets from Q1 2007.
The W610 Walkman phone is a fully specified music phone that does not compromise on its digital camera offering. As well as the 2.0 megapixel camera with auto focus, video recording and playback, the W610 provides a horizontal camera menu - so you can hold it as you would a regular camera when taking a picture - and a picture blogging facility for uploading photos directly to an online blog site. Switching back to the music credentials, the W610 includes an RDS FM Radio to brighten up the daily commute or trip to the gym. In fact, the only compromise with the W610 Walkman phone is choosing between the two color options; will it be Plush Orange or Satin Black?
The W610 Walkman phone is an EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 music camera phone and will be available in selected markets from Q2 2007.
The Perfect Musical Accompaniments
Sony Ericsson also announces 2 new music accessories that make your Walkman phone a complete music listening center. Sony Ericsson’s Bluetooth Music Receiver MBR-100 enables you to easily listen to the music on your phone in hi-fi sound quality. This discreet accessory streams music via Bluetooth from your phone straight to a home or car stereo, using the phone as a remote control to alter the volume or skip through tracks. The 3.5mm input or RCA cable provided fits most home or car hi-fi systems. The MBR-100 was announced in January 2007 and will be available from Q1 2007.
Of course, if you wish to share your tunes you can do this easily with Sony Ericsson’s newest set of portable speakers, the MPS-70. Light on power as well as weight, these compact speakers plug into the phone, contain an FM antenna for improved radio reception and will also run off the phone’s battery. Available from Q2 2007.
Check Out:
Priceline, Travelocity and Cingular Wireless have agreed to change how they advertise on the Internet, the New York state attorney general’s office said.
Adware funders fined for malware contributions
The companies had purchased advertisements on DirectRevenue, a notorious maker of adware that is the target of a separate lawsuit for fraudulent software installations and serving illegal pop-up ads.
MS Vista: read the fine print
Red flags raised
The more locks, the more holes
I feel it is extremely remiss of you to call the good people of Amicus union goons. These “goons” struggle against difficult peoplelike Fujitsu’s management for the low paid people of our land and deserve our respect.
Check Out:
Cingular Wireless LLC will pay $35,000 to settle allegations in New York it promoted products and services on the Internet through “adware” programs.
CORRECTING and REPLACING HP Enhances the Microsoft Windows Vista Experience with New Products, Support
PALO ALTO, Calif.—-Tenth graph, last sentence of release should read: The service is available in either 45-minute sessions for $69.99 or 75-minute sessions for $99.99. .
Security Fix Live
By Brian Krebs, Security Fix Blogger Security Fix blogger was online at to provide advice on how to protect yourself and your personal information online.
1) User Account Control
Before Vista, Windows automatically gave users too much power over their systems, Microsoft has said. With User Account Control (UAC), Windows will require a few extra steps before the user can do things such as install new programs.
Check Out:
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates inaugurated a technical support center in Bucharest on Thursday, saying he was confident that Romania’s recent accession to the European Union would boost foreign investment and the country’s IT industry.
No Laptop? No Problem. Positive Networks PositivePRO(TM) Version 3.5 Delivers Secure Remote Access via Handhelds, PDAs, …
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.—-Sometimes, mobile professionals need to access a critical file from their corporate network and there is no laptop or easy access to the Internet available. Using any browser-enabled mobile device, like a cell phone, smart phone, or PDA , mobile workers can get the files they need using the new PositivePRO 3.5 hosted/managed secure remote access service.
Microsoft’s OneCare Fails Vista AV Tests
Microsoft’s own anti-virus software was one of several Vista-compatible programs that failed to sniff out all the malware currently loose in the wild, a noted testing publication said Friday.
REPORT: Super Bowl Web Site Compromised With Malicious Code
Websense, Inc. , has discovered that the official Web site of Dolphin Stadium has been compromised with malicious code. The Dolphin Stadium Web site is currently experiencing a large number of visitors, as the stadium is the home of Super Bowl XLI which will be played this coming Sunday, February 4, 2007. The site is linked from numerous official Super Bowl Web sites and various Super Bowl- …
Symantec to acquire Altiris for $830mn
NEW YORK, January 30 (newratings.com) Symantec Corp ( SYMC.NAS ), the developer of the popular Norton antivirus software, Monday announced its plans to acquire Altiris Inc for about $830 million in a bid to expand its product base.
Masiva propagaci n de variantes de gusano Nuwar
Buenos Aires, BA (PRWeb) January 30, 2007 — Eset, proveedor global de protecci n antivirus de ltima generaci n, inform hoy la aparici n de diversas variantes de un gusano, llamado Win32/Nuwar, que se propaga masivamente a trav s de correo electr nico, y que ha elevado notablemente las detecciones en los sensores de la empresa.
Vista will ‘wow’ early adopters
Those who waited in line and rushed online to get their version of Microsoft Vista with its official launch in 30 countries, including Singapore, should be happily discovering the new features on their machines right now.
Microsoft’s OneCare Fails Vista AV Tests
F-Secure’s Anti-Virus for Vista 2007, Grisoft’s AVG, Sophos Anti-Virus, and Symantec’s AntiVirus managed to catch all VB100 bugs.
Billy Blackjack impresses
BANGALORE: Billy Blackjack and Heroism impressed when the horses were exercised here on Thursday morning (Feb. 1). Outer sand: 800m: Heroism (rb) 57, 600/43. Impressed. Faction Leader (Mark) 58, 600/45.5. Moved well. …
Northern Softworks Updates Tiger Cache Cleaner
Northern Softworks has updated Tiger Cache Cleaner to version 3.2.5, a Universal Application, and added support for Mac OS X 10.4.9
Check Out:
Microsoft has flipped the switch on an IE7 feature that displays Web sites with new security certification in a green address bar. Images: In IE7, green means go
News: Security pros work to undo teacher’s conviction
Security pros work to undo teacher’s conviction
Tim Dowling: The launch of Microsoft Vista
He has installed the latest DVD and security software, but Vista threatens to tip Tim Dowling into paranoia.
Check Out:
Here’s one that’s sure get at least half (or so) of you fired up. In speaking with the New York Times, Sony Computer Entertainment of America spokesperson Dave Karraker was boasting about how “100,000″ PlayStation 3 units were being shipped stateside each week, and were continuing to “sell out” nationwide. Aside from the fact that a large majority of the country can find, secure, and purchase a PS3 now without worry over being shot up or forced to pay ridiculous prices, Mr. Karraker proceeded to dig himself a little deeper by insinuating that Sony’s latest console is “much more powerful and should therefore be regarded as being in a different category.” As if sparks weren’t already about to fly, he then stated that Nintendo’s Wii “could be considered an impulse buy more than anything else,” simultaneously slamming any citizen who doesn’t consider $250 a drop in the bucket and indirectly proclaiming that millions upon millions of Americans are still unable to resist their “impulses” by snapping up Wii units as quick as they arrive. Of course, he attributed the vast shortage of Wii consoles to Nintendo’s stingy shipments, but the Big N’s vice president of marketing, Perrin Kaplan, simply deemed that “absolutely inaccurate.” So, inquiring minds are dying to know: was your Wii purchase well-planned, or are you still coping with buyer’s remorse?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: Home Entertainment
While there’s no shortage of custom skins for game consoles and other front-and-center gadgets, skins for the humble DVD player are still a relatively rare breed (DIY efforts notwithstanding), which makes Zox Japan’s latest compact DVD player here slightly more notable than it would have been otherwise. In addition to spinning DVDs and CDs (DVD-R and CD-R/RW included), it’ll let you slide in one of three different snazzy looking covers to add a splash color to your home entertainment setup (such as it is). If that’s not enough, you’ll also apparently be able to download additional skins from the company’s website in PDF form or, of course, whip up your own custom job pretty easily. Look for this one to be available in Japan later this month for 7,000 Yen (about $58). [Warning: PDF link]
[Via Far East Gizmos]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
We ve gotten a lot of comments about the confusing “Windows Defender has expired” message. Even my dad who has been in the computer industry for 30 years got confused by it. The Security Tips & Talk blog has the information you need about downloading the latest version of Windows Defender, where to find support, and what to do if you re still having problems with it. Visit their Download the new version of Windows Defender post.
–Jason Kozleski
Filed under: Wireless
Although PanGo isn’t the first firm on the block to kick out WiFi-enabled RFID tags, that didn’t stop the outfit from introducing its latest active unit and aiming it squarely at you (and your officemates). Sure enough, this third-generation “asset tracking tag” touts a smaller form factor, “enhanced functionality,” and extended battery life compared to ones past, but still looks to ride along with you while on employer grounds or while in the company car. The device will reportedly last “over five years” on the built-in battery, and boasts about being the “world’s first” to be compatible with the Cisco Certified Extensions (CCX) tag protocol — which is a “WiFi communication mode that enables a higher level of location accuracy for Cisco 2700 Series Location Appliance customers and the ability for the tag to provide enhanced telemetry reporting.” Most frightening, however, is how close these voyeuristic liaisons are to shipping, and since your boss can place a batch order by the end of the month, you should probably keep a close on anyone trying to slip you something in your coat pocket while ’round the water cooler.
[Via DailyWireless]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: Laptops, Peripherals
If you’re looking to cut down on cable clutter in your laptop bag but not willing to go all out for a cordless mouse, you may want to take a gander at Buffalo’s latest offering here, which manages to pack a retractable two-foot USB cable into its tiny shell. Apart from that bit of innovation, however, the mouse looks to be entirely unspectactular, with Buffalo only saying that it has “high accuracy tracking” of an unspecified resolution. It does pack the advantage of coordination though, with the mouse available in your choice of silver, white, or black, each setting you back 3,980 Yen ($33). And if you want to take the plunge and go cordless, Buffalo’s got you covered there as well, announcing a nearly identical-looking mouse that replaces the wind-up USB with a wireless receiver, and a promised 157 hours of use from the required two AA batteries. Look for it to run a slight premium, demanding 5,320 Yen ($44) when it launches later this month.
[Via Akihabara News]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: Gaming
The Wii modchips are really coming on fast, with Wiinja and CycloWiz already drawing their own shares of fanboys and detractors, but the latest chip on the scene, “WiiKey,” from the same kids responsible for the XenoGC modchip for GameCube, looks to be the best yet — at least on paper. First off, the chip is upgradeable via DVD, meaning new functionality can be added, and future Wii software updates can’t easily disable it for good. The even better news is that the chip supports NTSC Wii game imports from different regions, a first for a Wii modchip, and one of the most useful features to actual users. Of course, functions like compatibility with backups, mult-disc games and audio-fix GC titles are all included. No specific word about homebrew of the Wii or GC variety — perhaps that’s just a given — but the creators stress that “More features are being worked on, and will either be included in the upcoming release or in a future upgrade that will follow the release shortly.” Unfortunately, at the moment there’s no actual picture of the chip, so the CycloWiz still has the upper hand on the “actually exists front.” Supposedly shipping should begin February 7th, so we’ll plan on checking in around then to see if this thing actually works as advertised.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Check Out:
We ve gotten a lot of comments about the confusing “Windows Defender has expired” message. Even my dad who has been in the computer industry for 30 years got confused by it. The Security Tips & Talk blog has the information you need about downloading the latest version of Windows Defender, where to find support, and what to do if you re still having problems with it. Visit their Download the new version of Windows Defender post.
–Jason Kozleski
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
The long, long list of uber-secure USB flash drives continues to grow as paranoid data carriers attempt to protect their lab reports and award-winning recipe books, but Gemalto has a slightly different kind of security in mind with its latest USB smart cards. The forthcoming keys will function much like the Mighty Key already does, as it offers up phishing protection by requiring that users have the USB stick plugged into their computer before being able to access files, online banking accounts, or your secret stash of 90’s anime. While the company already provides such security measures for governmental / enterprise agencies, the Network Identity Manager is purportedly tailored for the average joe, won’t require “any specialized software,” and will play nice with standard browsers. Additionally, the system will utilize a token management system and support Verisign’s VIP Network Identity federation framework, but won’t require users to carry around a perpetually changing key fob as does PayPal. Gemalto hopes to “simplify” user security and curb the growing phishing problems in America, but there’s currently no word on when we’ll see these protection measures available for sale here in the States.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: Robots
We won’t go so far as to call this thing vaporware: there’s clearly an uber-cute, finger-biting robot in the works here (and that new press shot to prove it!), but our confidence has been shaken by this latest Pleo delay. UGOBE, which was claiming until recently that it would begin taking orders of some sort in March, with a price of roughly $250, has just announced that it’s going to be releasing the bot in the summer of 2007 for about $300. To blame for the delays are new improvements based on test user interactions, including a brand new chin sensor — sensor number 35 for anyone keeping track — because that seems to be a touching favorite. Pleo is also getting better and louder speakers and an increased number of sounds for “fostering an emotional connection.” Finally, UGOBE is brushing up the looks, with better sculpting in the hard plastic parts and more detailed eyes, along with adding muscle-like tissue under the skin to enhance the feel. You can’t fault UGOBE for trying to make this thing perfect, we just wish they’d make it perfect a little sooner already. Peep a couple new shots of Pleo after the break.
Continue reading UGOBE delays the Pleo again, adds new sounds and sensor
Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: Household
We’ve seen two-way displays and undercover mirrors before, but the latest two-faced invention to come from the depths of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) can pull double duty in regard to purpose and save a little energy in the process. The “switchable glass” has certain reflexive properties created by the twin coatings of “40-nanometer-thick magnesium-titanium alloy, plus a 4-nanometer-thick layer of palladium,” which allows for the mirror to become transparent when a small amount of hydrogen is introduced between the two panes. Alternatively, tossing in a bit of oxygen forms a reflecting mirror, allowing users to “switch” the glass by injecting gases. Contrary to other commercialized approaches, this rendition can purportedly result in up to a “30-percent savings in energy costs” by having to run your air conditioner less, but there’s still work to be done. Scientists at the AIST are still toiling away as they try to fight the relatively rapid deterioration that occurs from “frequent switching,” but if they can add a dash of durability and get the price down to a respectable level, we could all be living in a house of mirrors before too long.
[Via PlasticBamboo]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
