Worse in the long-term is that the analyst's contacts tell him that developers are not exactly snapping up Google's SDK—they're too busy developing for the ten million other OSes out there, like Windows Mobile, Symbian, OS X and BlackBerry. It wouldn't be too surprising, given stuff like infrequent updates to the SDK, unless you're one of the super special developers with access to the privately updated one. The fact that bad news about Android keeps rearing its head isn't a good sign itself, since noise this persistent usually has a bit of signal embedded in it. [Barrons via Electronista]

Because hidden underneath that black finish, a kegerator keeps your beverage of choice ice cold. Two taps (one by the steering wheel, one in the back) and one cup holder (by the wheel) ensure that no matter where you stumble, it's not too far from more stumbling.

And on top of all that good stuff, the system can play any of its 200 (licensed) bundled PC titles, PS3 racing games through the built-in wheel, or PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii games with the built in joystick (and the aid of a few adapters). Oh, and they squeezed a 5.1 surround sound system in the chassis, too.

Priced at $6,995, it's definitely infringing on real car payment territory. But finally, we can drive drunk without all those pesky tickets and dead people. [DreamArcades via CrunchGear]

Microsoft:

In addition to Microsoft technology we are already familiar with like Surface, Home Server, Vista, the Zune , Xbox 360 and the like (the home of the future is still running the 360?), there are a number of future technologies installed in the home that were inspired by innovations from their prototyping lab:

•Magic Mirror: A mirror projects different clothes, accessories and hairstyles onto each family member’s image when they stand before it. The clothes not only morph to the contours of the body, but also sway as the person in front of the mirror moves.

•Kitchen of Your Dreams: The kitchen recognizes ingredients as a family member sets them on the counter, suggesting recipes for those items and providing instructions once a recipe is selected.

•Story Time: Visit the child’s room to be transported to Neverland. Read “Peter Pan” aloud to absorb a full multimedia experience, as cues in the story set off lights, sounds, colors and video.

HP:

In the kitchen, HP has their TouchSmart PC keeping things organized and the iPAQ 510 Voice Messenger is available to make calls. In the living room the aforementioned iPAQ is connected to the Surface table to transfer and display photos. They can also be transferred wirelessly to any number of HP digital photo frames in the house as well as to the MediaSmart TV.

As for Life|ware, they provided much of the RFID technology and media center solutions that tied all of the technology together.

To get the full scoop on the home of the semi-present, hit the following press releases. [HP and Microsoft and Life|ware and Disney via Hemagazine]

This isn't the Dream, but Android Community has shots and videos of the UI. Here's one of them. Head over to their site to see the rest.

[Android Community]

Studies indicate that electronic scraps are the fastest growing component of our waste system, so it is imperative that we find ways to recycle these products and put them to good use. As you probably know, the recycling of scrap circuit boards is of particular interest because of the valuable metals they contain. However, I don't plan on holding my breath that old, crappy Dell desktops will be an alternative fuel gold mine. [Live Science]

Well, the HTC handset is around five inches long and 3 inches wide with a keypad that either slides or swivels out to make emailing, note-taking and writing Web addresses easy. The Internet is navigated via controls below the screen. So, that's just like a generic HTC phone, then.

The source of the current leak, described as "a person close to the situation" (ha!) claims that the handset will be available around the end of the year, although HTC is staying schtumm on the matter. "We cannot comment on this product," their rep said.

HTC will be facing competition from Samsung. The Korean electronics giant is, apparently, wetting its knickers to get its Google phone out before that of HTC. [Yahoo!]

Greg claims he can get his dream car up to 45 mph. The vehicle can run for 80 miles on a single charge (it takes around four hours to juice the battery) and has all sorts of fabulous extras, such as an in-car heating system, electric brakes, gel-filled tires and lowrider-tastic neon lights.

The Dream Car cost the Zanises $60,000 in supplies, and who knows how many hours of their time. Now looking for financial backers, he says he needs $40,000 to build a Mark 2 prototype, and aims to get its range up to 500 miles. [Dream Car and YouTube via Treehugger]

Its head will be controlled by the eye position of the subject, e.g. if you're eyes are looking left, Sleep Waking will move its head to the left. The second behavioral control will rely on EEG information. Using an algorithm, the creators discovered a set of brainwave patterns, to each pattern a pre-programmed behavior was assigned. When a match is made with the EEG readout, Sleep Waking will carry out the designated action.

The creators hope that their work is seen as a vision of the future, where one's dreams are able to be enacted accurately, and dream scenarios are recorded just as photos are now. It's an interesting concept, and we want whatever Fernando and Brendan are drinking, but our dreams are most likely to get us into a whole lot of trouble. Some things are just best left inside the old brain chamber. Frankly, what we did to that elf woman/unicorn in our dream time would surely have us dumped for obvious reasons, fired for doing it whilst we should have been at dream work, arrested for violating bestiality laws and punched in the wiener because Mr Elf/Unicorn was thoroughly displeased in reality. Man, that dream was tripping. You can catch Sleep Waking on February 16th at the Exit Art exhibition. [We Make Money Not Art]

As you can see, he took the original design and added a whole lot of the iPhone and the PSP. Looks quite good to me, even while it still has some unresolved issues, like the hinge, which can't be like the MacBook because it will block the shoulder buttons. Still, a very doable, even slimmer form factor than the Lite which can perfectly fit all the not-so-crazy features we thought could make it to the next revision of the Nintendo portable console.

And before the anti-Apple camp gets up in arms, let's not forget that the original DS got redesigned with a clear inspiration on the Apple's all-white, all-shiny, all-simplicity iPod design. People didn't think the same could be done with the original DS and look what happened with the Lite.

Some more thoughts from the "buts" that people claimed about the first 2D mock-up:

"But the screen on top should be the same size"
Not necessarily. For compatibility, you can play original DS games letterboxed. Even new games could retain exactly the same format and keep backward compatibility if you want. The top wide-screen, however, could be used very well in most games. But specially, for media playback.

"But the it should be a totally new concept. Nintendo broke the rules and will do it again in the next generation"
That may be true, but the True Next Generation is years away. It took decades for Nintendo to change the paradigm of the original Gameboy to the Nintendo DS. Until the latter arrived, the first went through many iterations, each adding more things: smaller package, more power, color, backlighting, etc.

They milked the cow until it was dead. Then, they reinvented themselves with the DS. The next DS will be an evolution of power and features, not of basic concepts. It works great now, it sells like crazy, so you don't need to change it dramatically just yet. Nintendo just needs to keep the distance with the PSP and that will be it.

"But it will be too expensive to make"
Like I said in the original mock-up article, given the sinking prices of current components thanks to the proliferation of smartphones like the iPhone or multimedia players, a DS 2 with shaved corners, better screens and built-in multimedia playback will be very doable in 2008. Granted, it may not take this shape, but it will happen sooner than later.

"But it doesn't have Advance cart compatibility"
With downloadable games coming to the DS and dirty-cheap Flash RAM prices, the next version of the DS will probably have Virtual Console emulation, just like the Wii. Why deal with hardware when you can have it all in software?

[Gizmodo and Phil Nolan]

But today, I can officially announce that there is no uncanny valley any more, not in real-time.

The Dream looks like the iPhone, and is five inches long, three inches wide, touch-sensitive, swivels, and hides a full-sized QWERTY keyboard below. It also switches to landscape mode when it's tilted. On the software side, it's got Google's own YouTube, plus email, text editing, and a virtual machine to ensure all applications work on all the various types of hardware. HTC's even considering developing a real version of this reference design in the same second half of 2008 that they're going to be releasing their Open Handset Platform phones. [Forbes]

The device comes in two parts; an egg that you put where the sun doesn't shine, and a fob which you put on your key ring. The fob has a button that can switch between 10 different settings, all of which hopefully have the same final outcome. The only thing I don't understand is how the egg can detect the fob's signals. [LoveHoney]

The Dream merges the radio and iPod experiences with touches like one-button access to six playlists, 12 FM presets and six AM presets (like you'll ever need that many). It appears to be a pretty robust system, sound wise, too, with 3" woofers and "high-definition" tweeters. But let's face it, the real allure is the motion sensing: The system lights up when you approach it in the dark, and engage the snooze alarm when you wave your hand over it in the early morn.

The Pure-Fi Anywhere goes further than its mm50 predecessor with a souped-up remote. Like the Dream, it gives you one-touch shuffle and repeat buttons, so you don't have to dig several menus in to find those options on an iPod. (Really, it's one of the only things that still annoys me about the iPod interface.) Its built-in lithium-ion battery lasts for 10 hours, and has a light-up battery-life indicator. Which is great if you're already nearby a power socket anyway, but of not much use when you're at the beach or out on some camping trip.

Logitech® Pure-Fi Dream™ Bedroom Music System for iPod® Innovative technology and design are perfect for the bedroom Shipping: November 2007 Price: $249.99

Product Description
The Logitech Pure-Fi Dream Bedroom Music System redefines iPod® music with high-quality sound and features designed specifically for the bedroom. Advanced acoustics, dual woofers and tweeters, and integrated controls provide full, rich-sounding music. Additionally, the added convenience of a clock, dual alarms and an AM/FM radio, as well as an auto-dimming display and motion-activated backlighted controls, optimize the overall experience.

Key Features
• One-button direct access to presets: six iPod playlists, six AM and 12 FM radio stations
• Easy access for iPod shuffle and repeat functions from the speakers
• Motion-activated, backlighted controls for easy access in the dark
• Song title display shows track/song/artist information from iPod and radio stations with RDS support
• Auto-adjusting LCD automatically dims at night
• Dual alarm with battery backup
• Motion snooze alarm responds to the wave of a hand
• Digital AM/FM radio
• Backlighted remote control with snooze buttons for easy music management day or night
• Two-way acoustic design provides excellent audio performance
• 3/4-inch high-definition, soft-dome tweeters and 3-inch high-power, long-throw woofers
• StereoXL™ technology widens the sound stage
• iPod automatically charges when docked in the speaker

System Requirements
Works with iPods with appropriate dock connector (included with purchase)

Warranty
Two-year limited warranty

Logitech® Pure-Fi Anywhere™ Compact Speaker System for iPod®
World's best-selling iPod speaker system updated with enhanced portability features, richer sound
Shipping: August 2007
Price: $149.99

Product Description
The Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere compact speaker system for iPod offers one-touch access to shuffle and repeat functions, a battery-life indicator, cable-management system and protective travel case. Additionally, a unique combination of active and pressure drivers provide full, balanced audio despite the speaker's compact size.

Key Features
• One-touch access to shuffle and repeat functions - without having to navigate the iPod's menu
• Wireless remote control allows people to adjust volume, track forward, track back, play, pause, shuffle and repeat music without touching the speaker system or iPod
• 2-inch Max-X™ active, high-excursion drivers with neodymium magnets and 3-inch pressure drivers for clear sound, maximum bass response and minimal distortion
• StereoXL™ technology widens the sound stage
• iPod and speaker battery simultaneously recharge when powered by the included AC adapter
• 10-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Battery-life indicator lights up when speaker needs recharging
• Works with current and future iPods (uses the Apple "Universal Dock Adapter" specification)
• AC adapter includes integrated cable management
• Protective travel case holds the speakers, remote, and AC adapter as well as an iPod® Nano

System Requirements
Works with iPods with appropriate dock connector (included with purchase)

Warranty
Two-year limited warranty

Here's the Dream Lover 2000 remote control unit, letting you give the guy a warning, or you can go ahead with the shocks to keep that schlong where it belongs. You can even decide if it makes an annoying beeping noise or not, adding to the overall unpleasantness. But geez, this thing must hurt. [Dream Lover 2000]

Word is that there may be some editions distributed by cable companies, which makes sense. What's weirder is that Cisco may also sell one in stores under the Linksys brand. Would the Linksys boxes require Cable Cards? If so, wouldn't that put them at an unfair disadvantage (hobbled technology and presumably higher price) to their cable-co cousins?

One final question: Why should I believe in this initiative, when I myself have experienced not once but twice the way decent Scientific Atlanta technology gets adulterated by Big Cable? I like the sound of a Cisco Super-DVR, but when I close my eyes to think of it, all I can picture is the Cablevision Cripple-DVR sitting next to my TV. Good luck, Cisco—we'll be watching. – Wilson Rothman

Cisco Steps Up Consumer Push [BusinessWeek]

Mactab [Yanko Design]

The mask has built-in LEDs that blink at night to remind your sleeping self that you're in fact dreaming. Supposedly, that "awareness" is what lets you control your dream. Will it work, probably not. And with its $200 starting price, I wouldn't recommend you try one either. – Louis Ramirez

Product Page [via Gadget Lab]

We could go on and on about how it's illegal in some states to do this, and it's generally not a good idea to be watching a DVD while you're shooting down the 5 at 80 miles an hour. But we won't. We just pray that when you die, you're aiming your car at Travis. – Jason Chen

DM-VM092W02K, the Dream-Maker TV visor [Akihabara News via Uber Gizmo]

In other words, the Dream Machine is a giant PS2/PS3/XBOX360/PC joystick with a chair hanging on for dear life. Vibrating handles hold at least 10 buttons, and you can steer by twisting your hips. I got some hands-on butt-on time with the machine playing an ATV title, and I really enjoyed leaning to control the bike and pressing the peddles for extra control, but was a little taken back that you never actually move the handles.

Look for it late 2007 if Australian Simulation Control Systems gets their act together, at about $1500. – Mark Wilson

If you want an iPod dock that looks as good as your iPod, be ready to shell out $140 bones to grab this one for Xmas. – Jason Chen

Product Page [iDream USA via iLounge]

Ours would be one that has QWERTY, WiFi, 3G, a 10-megapixel camera with optical zoom, loads of battery life, DivX/XviD support and a price less than what we pay for rent.

Readers, how about you? – Jason Chen

This Gadget [Cartoon Church]

The price cuts are probably here as a precursor to the upcoming Zune launch to get all the old PMC units out of the way. Either way, 20 gigs in a player that plays back ASF, JPEG, MP3, WMA, and WMV files for $169 is a good deal. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Amazon via Tech Bargains via i4u]

Yes, I know it seems like a video game kit may be the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your lady, but guys, I'm here to tell ya that unless she's really, REALLY cool, you may want to skip the Dream Arcades limited edition Pink or Red-themed Arcade Kits with pink or red ball-top joysticks and t-molding. Though the "gift of game" is being marketed as the perfect way to please her this February 14, maybe the limited-edition Valentine's Day version of the head-to-head and side-by-side arcade kits isn't really worth the $1049. In fact, I can assure you that two nights at the Four Seasons will make you a much happier man than a few hours of Ms. Pac Man—unless she's a Real Doll and/or is really into pies with pink bows. The Arcade kits are compatible with PC, Xbox and PlayStation 2 and upgrade control panels can be added to the kits for $169. That's just in case you don't take my advice.

Dream Arcades offers special themed arcades for Valentines Day [Dream Arcades]