Gizmodo: Jason Chen

Good News, Everyone!

Jason Chen — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:24:17 EDT

Six thousand, six hundred and sixty-two posts after I first started writing here at Gizmodo, I'm about to type the words that I never thought would ever dribble forth from my keyboard: I'm the new editor of Gizmodo. After working with Joel Johnson, John Biggs and Brian Lam all these years and absorbing all the lessons and insights about blogging they left in this sweat, tear and who-knows-what-else-stained Editor's hat, it's time for me to pick it up and shove my head in.

Brian will of course still be around in his new position as editorial director, but the new title gives me a chance to help take Gizmodo from being the best written, most interesting and most readable gadget blog out there to the site that everybody—even people who are only kinda into tech—can't wait to consume every single day. Of course, there's nobody more responsible than the guys who are working here with me every day (Adam, Adrian, Benny, Chris, Dan, Dave, Elaine, Jack, Jesus, John, John, Kit, Logan, Mark, Matt, Sean and Wilson), who help make Giz my, and your, favorite place to pass the time, be entertained and be informed. How we're going to continue to do this in the future is to go beyond just covering trade shows, gadget news or even writing phenomenal features, but to expand and tap into the entire culture of what it means to be a gadget fan.

The new gig also calls for me taking on more management duties, which means you'll seldom see any more 12-post days from me unless the entire East Coast, Midwest and West Coast teams are wiped out from a sexy robot uprising. But that doesn't mean you won't see me on the site; the number one reason why Gizmodo is the best job I could ever dream of isn't because of all the cool tech we get to see, but because we get to write, and do so in the most unfiltered environment you can imagine for a publication of this size.

Here's what the news hopefully means for you: more of what you like, less of what you don't. My email's always open, so drop me a message when you've got an opinion about how we're doing. Gracias.

Some more good news: that photo above was taken when I was on vacation last week, right before I got engaged to the unlucky lady whose shoulder is the only thing remaining after I cropped the rest of her out (she's shy).

[Dilbert Strip]

Apologies to Professor Farnsworth for aping his phrase.

Bloggers Get Special Privileges, Their Own Exclusive Lounge at CES

Adam Frucci — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 20:51:46 EST

We've done a bit more investigation into this Press vs. Blogger war that CES has started, and it turns out that the Bloggers actually have more privileges than the Press! What the hell is that about?! There's a press room for people to come and write up their stories, as shown above. Both Press and Bloggers are allowed in. It's a big, desolate space with a bunch of round tables with Ethernet cables. Pretty boring, right? Then there's the Bloggers Lounge, which is open only to Bloggers; Press is turned away at the door. Get a load of this shot we snapped inside there.

I am no longer proud of my Press badge.

CES Separates the Wheat From the Chaff with Blogger and Press Badges

Adam Frucci — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:55:22 EST

High drama at CES! Instead of all of us being united under the umbrella of "press," some of us were arbitrarily deemed "bloggers" and others "press." I'm press, but Chen is a blogger. We aren't sure exactly what the difference is, but I assume that the CES admins will force Chen to wait for me to write up stories dryly and then he'll link to them and add some sassy commentary. We refer to his badge as the "white badge of shame." Sorry Chen, you lowly blogger.

The Best iPhone Book Ever Is Now Shipping

Jason Chen — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:20:27 EST

If you're planning on buying or gifting an iPhone or an iPod Touch this Christmas, might we suggest the book How to Do Everything With Your iPhone to go along with? It's got lots of tips, tricks, and will even teach you how to jailbreak and SIM unlock your iPhone. Oh, and did we mention that it's written by Jason Chen and Adam Pash? Yeah, that's the same Adam from Lifehacker, and the same Jason that you've grown to love here. ME!

We just got a big box of books from the publisher and proceeded to do to it what we've done to everything else we love—stick it down our pants. So yes, please buy the book and make both of our Christmases a happy one.

Oh, and thanks to everyone who pre-ordered. You should be getting your books very soon!Buy my book! [Amazon]

Android Imposter Takes My Name, Runs With It

Jason Chen — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:29:06 EST

If you were reading the Google Android developer's blog this morning, you might have come into quite a surprise.

Namely, what's shown in the image above. No, that's not me. It's some other Jason Chen that's taken my name and is using it to whore out the Android project. The only whoring I do is for my own book, thank you very much. I thought I was the only Chen in the world. :'( [Android Developers]

'Abdominal Etching' Provides a Six-Pack Without the Exercise

Adam Frucci — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:20:00 EST

Do you want a hot set of washboard abs to impress the ladies with? Are you also much too lazy to actually do the sit-ups required to get them naturally? Good news, America! You can get "abdominal etching" done, a form of plastic surgery that gives you a six-pack without the work. For a mere $4,000 to $7,000 you too can have an awkward combo of manboobs and a six-pack to confuse and perhaps titillate the ladies. Stay tuned for a review of the procedure by our very own Jason Chen, God willing. [WSJ via Neatorama]

Jason Chen Nails His 4000th Gizmodo Post

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:30:01 EDT

It's time to show the utmost respect for Gizmodo Senior Associate Editor Jason Chen, who slams down his 4000th post today (there's #4000, just below this one here). Jason is our most prolific writer, and brings his astonishing accuracy, elegant humor and graceful writing style to every article he posts. Starting with his first Gizmodo story on April 16, 2006 to today, the guy's rock-solid every day and an inspiration to us all. Join us in honoring JC: master poster, journalist, blogger, great person and pantsmeister extraordinaire. If we could put him down our pants, we would. Congratulations, Chen, from all your awestruck Gizmodo colleagues! [Jason Chen on Gizmodo]

Ninja Thong: Cover Your Crotch With the Ultimate Protection

Matt Buchanan — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 04:05:42 EDT

In case you were wondering what Chen wears to guard his own gear when he shoves gadgets down his pants. [Product Page via Nerd Approved]

iPod Miniskirt: Designed for Women and the Men Who Wear Their Clothes

Adam Frucci — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:30:19 EDT

The worst part about wearing skirts a lot, or so Chen tells me, is that you don't have any pockets to store your gadgets. Sure, you could carry a purse, but what if you don't want to carry anything around with you? Finally, there is a solution for women everywhere, as well as for Chen.

This miniskirt has some shorts underneath with a pocket specially designed for your iPod, phone, or whatever else you want in there. It's got a headphone cable hole, allowing you to listen to tunes while you flash those sexy gams of yours. The company that makes it, Vickerey, also has a whole line of iPod-designed women's clothing, from Capri pants to tank tops, but this is the only one I could really picture Jason in. Also, Jason Chen wears clothes meant for ladies. –Adam Frucci

Product Page [via Crave]

Google News Likes Our Antics

Adam Frucci — Tue, 29 May 2007 21:00:22 EDT

We know it's all automated, but we laughed anyway. – Jason Chen

Thanks Weston!

Chen Copycat Stuffs Projector Down His Pants for Five-Finger Discount

Charlie White — Tue, 08 May 2007 08:17:03 EDT

Could it be that this Australian man was inspired by our own pants-stuffing Jason Chen of Wii-down-your-pants fame? This guy seen on the video somehow fits a huge projector down his pants and then laboriously walks out of an electronics store.

Next: Tough legislation will be introduced to keep bloggers from suggesting new shoplifting methods. Not to encourage anybody or anything, but this guy actually got away with this crime. – Charlie White

How To Hide a Projector In One's Underwear [Wired Gadget Lab]

The Best iPhone Guide Ever Now Available for Pre-order

Jason Chen — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 03:30:04 EDT

Did you guys see that iPhone for Dummies book cover floating around the blogs today? That's a weird cover, isn't it? The girl's holding an iPod up to her ear. I mean, aren't these guys supposed to know the difference between and iPod and and iPhone? Plus, you guys aren't dummies, so why would you want that book? You guys are as smart as slashdot readers, but much more well rounded (you actually touched a girl in high school).

That's why the discerning iPhone user will prefer How to Do Everything with Your iPhone. It's going to be the most comprehensive iPhone guide in the multiverse (it has the word "Everything" in it, after all). Oh, and the authors of it aren't two dudes you haven't heard of. They're two dudes you love—or at least can tolerate. It's that one guy from Gizmodo (Jason Chen) and that one guy from Lifehacker (Adam Pash). So you know it's quality++.

Pre-order now and you get a free comment account on Gizmodo and Lifehacker. Not to mention our thanks for pre-ordering. Oh and we'll sign it for you if you ever find and accost us on the street. – Jason Chen

Preorder this book! [Amazon]

Jason Chen: Almost Sexiest Man Alive

Mark Wilson — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:00:14 EDT

Ok, before everyone starts yelling "not news" in the comments, let me at least rehash the story.

Gina Hughes, editor of often-weekend-linked site TechieDiva, was proclaimed one of GeekSugar's "A Geek We Love"(s). During her interview, she had this to say when listing her 5 sexiest men in tech:

Jason Chen - Any guys who sticks electronics down his pants is pretty damn sexy.

Hmmm. We always liked Jason for his mind and his heart. Women can be all about the one thing. And on a side note, isn't it a bad thing that Jason has so much open space in the drawers? – Mark Wilson

UPDATE: Apparently Charlie White is SUPERHOT, too! Check it out here.

Geeky Girl We Love: Gina Hughes [geeksugar]

Fanboy Video: Chen's In-The-Pants Style Influences Impressionable Youth

Charlie White — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 17:35:00 EDT

How many gadgets can you shove down your pants? Our beloved Jason Chen of Wii-down-your-pants fame has a growing fan base, and now they are emulating his unique style. Jason fanboys, do try this at home! – Charlie White

Jason's Fanboys [Where's the Brain]

Gizmodo's Jason Chen Parlays Fame Into Adoration, Fends Off Lustful Fans

Charlie White — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 15:45:00 EST

Our own Jason Chen, master blogger and lover of gadgets to such an extent that he can't seem to keep them out of his pants, is coaxed away from his Xbox 360 long enough to tell his story to blogger babes at GeekSugar. In the entertaining interview, part of the "Geeks We Love" series, Chen reveals his inner self, one that's multidimensional and far beyond that of your basic blogebrity.

Take a look at the article, and you'll benefit from JC's sage advice on how he blends the life of a serious blogger and gamer with the life of his girlfriend, clues you in on his five favorite gadgets, and even lets you know some of his hopes and dreams. It's a great read, and one that doesn't even come close to describing our esteemed colleague with his quick wit and sharp intellect. – Charlie White

Geeks We Love: Jason Chen of Gizmodo [GeekSugar]

Jason Chen, Asian to the Max, Gets Interviewed

Travis Hudson — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:45:47 EST

We usually like to give props when one of our own goes out of the fenced-in Gizmodo area for an interview with another news source. For example, Charlie has been interviewed by everyone and their dog. And today is Jason Chen's lucky day. The automobile blog, Jalopnik has decided to interview him. No, it isn't for his expertise on the Zune or anything else technologically related. It is for his expertise of being an Asian-American. Click the link below to see Jason Chen decipher the meaning behind an Asian-heavy Ford ad. –Travis Hudson

Ad Watch: Do Asian-Americans Like To Live On The Edge, Make Bold Weddings Happen Every Day? [Jalopnik]

Gizmodo's Chen to Appear on Big-Time Talkfest: Cranky Geeks

Charlie White — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 11:44:37 EST

Don't miss our very own internationally-famous Jason Chen (pictured above in one of his more private moments) on today's Cranky Geeks videocast, hosted by often-loved, occasionally-loathed technology pundit John C. Dvorak from PC Magazine. Catch the live stream at 11am Pacific, or you can subscribe to the videocast or podcast version of the show at the iTunes Store.

Today the mighty Chen will be mixing it up with the rest of the geeks, talking about battery life with Microsoft Vista, flaming laptops, stocking stuffers and that Wii strap recall.

Speaking of Wii, Chen promises not to put a Wii down his pants on the show, but then, his behavior is often unpredictable. Look out, Dvorak. – Charlie White

Stream the video here [Cranky Geeks]

Wii Safety Manual: The Missing Pages

Jason Chen — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:15:57 EST

In honor of the Crazy Japanese Wii Manual, Iconfactory (our favorite icon site) has released a series of missing manual pages.

We like the one above. Can you guess why? We're going to need a large version of this so we can frame it. – Jason Chen

Flickr Gallery [Flickr]

Wii Safety: The Missing Pages [Iconfactory]

Watch Gizmodo's Jason Chen on Cranky Geeks Thursday

Jason Chen — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 18:00:44 EDT

Hey all! I, JC of Gizmodo, am going to be on John C. Dvorak's internet TV show Cranky Geeks 11 a.m. PDT tomorrow, Thursday, August 24. If you're not familiar with the show, it's a bunch of writers and editors from PC Mag, CNET, and Ziff Davis being cranky with Dvorak. Fun times.

We're going to be talking about topics ranging from the PS3 not being in production yet, to Apple firing its own workers for downloading Leopard off the internet. All stuff we talk about here on the Giz. Our buddy Nick Douglas from Valleywag was on the show back in June. Watch tomorrow as I chat it up with three guys twice my age. – Jason Chen

Cranky Geeks

Monster Gizmodo Blogger Chen Quoted in NY Post

Charlie White — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 17:10:15 EDT

Big Media are starting to take notice of blogs such as the one you're reading right now, as evidenced by the New York Post citing our own Associate Editor Jason Chen. The monster Gizmodo blogger was sought out and quoted by the big-city newspaper in "Tech Wars," an article about how blogs are pretty much taking over the world. Said the awe-inspiring Chen about the speed with which we post up the big stories here at the Giz, and how we sometimes actually influence the big retailers:

"We jump on press releases really fast. The same day a press release comes out, we turn out a post analyzing what this means to the community." When Toshiba's HD-DVD player first dropped, "there were lots of problems," says Chen. "Because of all the blog reports, Toshiba had to get a firmware update out there faster than if the reviews came from magazines."

That's right, folks, the fat cats are starting to listen to us. Wonder why the New York Post had to refer to us as "tiny online bloggers." We're not so tiny any more! – Charlie White

Tech Wars [New York Post]