Not all that much is known about the next release: it was rumored to be in April, but it's unclear how Neowin came by this particular date. Steven Sinofsky, Senior Vice President of Windows, noted that there will be a broad release, meaning us guinea pigs won't get any bonuses for putting in beta time with 7. Sinofsky also mentioned that Microsoft has received more than 500,000 suggestions from the "send feedback" link alone, and that they're working on user concerns in preparation for the release date of the RC. [Neowin via Ars Technica]

Best Buy plans on expanding Blue Label to other product lines in the future, and they appear to be committed to using feedback to help customize these products to fit customer needs. That having been said, you can visit their community forums to get involved and share ideas for future products. In the meantime, both the HP and Toshiba laptops are now available for order in Best Buy stores and online. [Blue Label and BusinessWire]

This tactile display enables tactile feedback superimposed over 3D graphics projected in free space, which provides more intuitive handling of 3D "touchable" graphics. For example, users could touch Princess Leia projected in the air.

...

Again:

This tactile display enables tactile feedback superimposed over 3D graphics projected in free space, which provides more intuitive handling of 3D "touchable" graphics. For example, users could touch Princess Leia projected in the air.

...

Yes. Users can touch Princess Leia projected in the air. In her metal bikini. Oiled. OK, that's just me, but you get the idea.

How is this force field produced? The Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display uses multiple ultrasound transducers to project waves into the air. Without gloves or attachments, and without risk of penetration in the body, the device takes advantage of a nonlinear ultrasound phenomena called acoustic radiation pressure. This allows for the creation of spatial shapes of acoustic ultrasound radiation pressure, which is what gives you the sensation of touching Princess Leia's breasts for real, even feeling the nature of the material: The authors of the device say that eventually you will be able to "probe the surface of an object to measure the visc-oelastic properties of the object from a distant point." Paraphrasing Hank Moody, I think I got my manhood back and got hungry at the same time.

This version produces a 3D force field "that is sufficient for handling virtual objects with hands. The force field designed to be effective within a 30 cm3 region, with 10 gf, 1 kHz bandwidth, and 1cm spatial resolution." Holodeck, here we go. [University of Tokyo]

According to Palluxo.com, the two companies have already met, with a follow up meeting planned for next week to discuss licensing terms of Immersion's haptic technology. The iPhone would likely receive force feedback via inbuilt sensors, meaning a vibration of sorts would be output at the touch of on screen buttons, which would make the absence of a physical QWERTY that much more bearable. We'd probably give our right bionic arm (if we had one) for such haptic feedback on the iPhone, so we're hoping these rumorings are as solid as well formed stool. Until we hear something concrete, we'll keep you entertained with poo jokes. (See above.) [Palluxo]

LG launches its third Black Label Series handset

London, UK, 24 April, 2008 - LG Electronics, a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, today announces the global launch of its third LG Black Label Series handset, the LG Secret (KF750).

Boasting style that lasts, the LG Secret has been specifically developed to satisfy the refined tastes of trendsetters who desire a sophisticatedly designed, yet durable handset. Following the success of its predecessors, the LG Chocolate and the LG Shine, this third model from the LG Black Label Series is as feature rich as it is stylish. At just 11.8mm thick, the LG Secret is the slimmest 5 megapixel camera phone on the market.

Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications, says, "Trends in the mobile phone market prove that today's discerning consumer is looking for the ultimate mobile experience - style and substance. The great success of the previous LG Black Label Series models proved this and the LG Secret continues this style led technology legacy."

Timeless style
The LG Secret will always look as new as the day of purchase thanks to the materials used to make it. Its casing of carbon fibre, one of the strongest composite materials used for aircraft and high-performance cars, adds to the handset's durability. Its tempered glass LCD adds sheen and strength, as well as shielding the phone's screen, and its neon touch navigation buttons sensitively respond to commands with a luminous blue light.

Timeless memories
As well as being the slimmest 5 megapixel camera phone, the LG Secret boasts the ability to take video at 120 frames per second and DivX certified recording. Timeless moments can be edited with powerful photo and video editing features, including facial editing and SmartLight , a feature that automatically adjusts the picture's light settings. Users can also create their own music videos using the phone's Movie Maker software.

Timeless entertainment
The LG Secret's outstanding entertainment features take advantage of the phone's touch-screen - users can access five multimedia functions which include music, photos, games, documents, and the FM radio. In addition, users can simultaneously flick through photos on the screen while listening to music. Microsoft documents can be opened easily and the handset is loaded with a Google package that enables the user to surf the Internet, log into Gmail, use Google Maps and watch YouTube videos.

Timeless convenience
Using Bluetooth, the LG Secret automatically synchronises with PCs without the need to use USB cables. Images can be viewed both horizontally and vertically using the phone's auto rotating display, and the screen's lighting adjusts to ensure that it is always clear. In addition, the phone also comes with Voice Clarity technology that guarantees perfect sound quality in every environment.

After its European launch, the LG Secret will be launched in Asia and South America, followed by the rest of the world. Please visit the LG Secret Microsite at http://secret.lgmobile.com

We're hoping there's more than just keypad styles on the touchscreen—maybe some kinda QWERTY or something—but we do see that it looks different when a call is in effect. Head over to check out more pics.

Bonus shot after the jump.

– Jason Chen

Sky announces 'IM-R200' adopting OLED touch keypad [AVING]

Hit the jump to hear what we think about this (warning, self-playing audio).

– Jason Chen

Force Feedback on PS3? Not So Much [1up via Kotaku - Suck it McWhertor]