Likely as not, it means a product announcement. The last time Apple rented out the YBCA, it was for September's iPod event, which while sort of unexciting did see the introduction of the new video-shooting Nano. With the grumblings about Apple cutting deals with cable TV networks, analysts are bound to be going crazy with the thought of the Tablet being announced. Either way, we'll know January 26th, and will keep you updated as invitations and other hints come forth. [Financial Times]

Sad you missed it? Yeah, us too. It (along with Giz Gallery) is indicative of the type of events we'll be doing more of, so don't worry about it if you missed this one. We'll have lots more coming up with glamorous people, exciting tech and good times all around. To see the recap on Fleshbot, hit up the link. And yeah, that link's NSFW too. Dude, it's Fleshbot. [Fleshbot]

On Friday the 25th, we'll be staying open late from 8-10p, where you can kick back, check out the original Macintosh computer, play some video games on a giant TV, and win a few prizes. If you're lucky, you might even get a chance to touch the great Blam (no promises however...he can be a bit ill-tempered). And if you can't make the reader meetup, just stop by anytime during the week and say hello. We won't bite (well, Blam might, actually).

Gizmodo Gallery 2009
Groupe
267 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012

Gallery Dates:
September 23rd-27th

Times:

9/22 Tuesday
Media Day by appointment only. For info please contact gallery@gizmodo.com.

9/23 Wednesday
12-8

9/24 Thursday
12-8

9/25 Friday
12-8

9/26 Saturday
11-8
9-? - Live Musical Performance

9/27 Sunday
11-6

Read more about our Giz Gallery 09 here, follow @gizgallery on Twitter and see what else we'll be playing with at the event. And special thanks to Toyota's Prius — without their sponsorship, there would be no Gizmodo Gallery.

1876 - Thomas Edison receives a patent for his mimeograph, a precursor of the photocopier.
1908 - Wilbur Wright makes his first flight at a racecourse at Le Mans, France. It's the Wright Brothers' first public flight and the French public goes wild.
1910 - The US Army installs the first tricycle landing gear on the Army's Wright Flyer.
1929 - The German airship Graf Zeppelin begins a round-the-world flight.
1946 - First flight of the Convair B-36. The B-36 was the largest mass-produced piston engined aircraft ever made and the biggest wingspan combat aircraft ever built.
1974 - Watergate scandal: U.S. President Richard Nixon announces his resignation, effective the next day.
1989 - Space Shuttle program: STS-28 Mission - Space Shuttle Columbia takes off on a secret five-day military mission.

[Wikipedia, Gawker 2008 Olympics Coverage]

Currently, the Albilmo temporary housing units are being rented out to customers in European countries only—but the idea seems to be catching on, so I wouldn't be surprised if some enterprising individual tried their hand at setting something similar up in the States. [Abilmo via Cool Hunting via io9]

The Riseman is a digital watch designed for outdoors-types and includes an altimeter and a barometer, and is the first watch to feature Multi-Band 6 synchronization, which synch the time from six locations around the world instead of the usual five. It'll set you back $220.

The Gulfman, the other digital watch, was inspired by fisherman who wanted a rust-resistant timepiece to use in the ocean, and has screws that won't rust. It retails for $220 as well.

Rounding out the group is the Giez, an analog piece with a solid metal case, and it costs $300.

I'll update as I learn more, but for now, I need to get back to the show.

They are also pretty pricey to rent at a whopping £120 or $240 per person. That's right, I said "rent." Once the concert is through, the Myhab is dismantled and set up for the next customer. Man, we have come a long way from Woodstock where you had sex in the mud, did your drugs out in the open and loved every minute of it. No word on whether Myhab plans on expanding outside of the UK anytime soon. [Myhab via Hippyshopper via Core77]

Maker Faire [MAKE]

This guy's name is John, and he's been here since 8am this morning, putting him about 50 people back in the line. He might be 50 people back, but he's got more spirit that most of the tired and irritable
people ahead of him. Why, just look at that sweatshirt! I mean, he's even got a Super Famicom controller on there and he's wearing a Power Glove. Kudos John, kudos.

Why is he the second biggest fan an not the first, you ask? Well, the guy who is first in line has been here since last Thursday (with some of his friends and his infinitely patient wife taking over once in a while to give him a break). His name? Triforce. Look for an interview with him shortly. – Adam Frucci

The Toys 'R' Us employees are handing out white Livestrong-esque Wii bracelets to everyone in line, which apparently guarantee a unit tonight, but it doesn't look like anyone will get turned away unhappy tonight. – Adam Frucci

Wii Launch [Gizmodo]

More NYC mayhem after the jump.

– Adam Frucci

Wii Coverage [Gizmodo]

Meanwhile, the Apple Store has just shut down, joining the already-shuttered iTunes Music Store.

The event starts at 10am Pacific, so stay with us for all the latest happenings in real time right here on Gizmodo! – Charlie White

Apple Store

The mega-event will at least be seeing some major changes, because apparently vendors are getting sick and tired of the arms race associated with the annual event, where each tries to one-up the other with ever more-expensive liquor-and-caviar parties for the press, while achieving new heights of schwag giveaways and "booth" opulence. Perhaps companies are thinking, what next? Giving away Rolls Royces and Rolexes?

While some sources are saying E3 may shrink to a wisp of its former self, others pronounce the event dead. We're in contact with officials at the group in charge of E3, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), trying to get to the bottom of this with some sort of official statement. More as we get it. – Charlie White

E3 Cancelled?! [Kotaku]