Gizmodo: plus

Ngmoco's Xbox Live-esque iPhone Service Set to Launch Tomorrow

Andi Wang — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:30:00 EDT

High-end iPhone gaming company Ngmoco will be launching Plus+, their social gaming service, for the iPhone tomorrow.

Similar to Microsoft's Xbox Live subscription, Ngmoco Plus+ gamers will be able to create profiles, keep track of friends, records and gaming history across multiple games. But unlike XBL, Plus+'s service won't be $50 a year—it'll be completely free. Since I've had enough of homophobic middle-schoolers, let's just hope that this service doesn't come with voice chat. [Business Insider]

The ±0 Electric Kettle From Japan

Brian Lam — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:30:58 EDT

I've been thinking of getting an electric kettle for some time, and I think I've found the most simple, beautiful one I could ever hope for. The small container's power cord is stored inside the base, explaining that one seam you see running around the base of the unit. I'll have to pick this up in Japan or ask Doug to send one back on his next trip. [+- via Core77]

Creative Drops Zen Stone Plus, Doesn't Crush Foot

Jason Chen — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:22:03 EDT

Weighing much less than a stone, the Zen Stone Plus updates the Zen Stone with twice as much storage (2GB vs. 1GB), a blue OLED screen (cheers at being able to see), more format compatibility, FM Tuner, and half an hour less battery life.

It's only been a month and a half since Creative introduced the Zen Stone, so we know either the first version wasn't selling well, or the second version wasn't ready in time to get out the door by May. Why they didn't just wait until now to do things right is anyone's guess. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Creative via EpiZENter]

Apple Launches iTunes 7.2 and iTunes Plus

Jason Chen — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:17:57 EDT

Just a quick note for those of you who are looking forward to the EMI DRM-Free iTunes tracks rumored to be launching this week. Apple's just updated iTunes to version 7.2, and added iTunes Plus support. iTunes Plus is the new higher quality, DRM-free music store that sells at $1.29 per track we've been talking about since April.

Although there aren't any DRM-free songs on there now at midnight, Apple will probably make an official announcement in the morning and release the tracks then. One good note from the help file shows that if you've already purchased songs from the iTunes store, you can upgrade those to the respective DRM-free version as well. Stay tuned later today for more info. – Jason Chen

Apple Releases iTunes 7.2, Launches iTunes Plus (DRM Free) [MacRumors]

Creative Zen V Plus Gets Bumped to 8GB

Jason Chen — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 18:15:46 EDT

The last time we saw the Zen V Plus we decided that it was definitely a worthy alternative to the iPod Nano. Now that the Nano got a storage bump to 8GB, the Zen V quickly followed suit.

To recap, the Zen V has a built-in FM tuner, a 1.5-inch color OLED display, and a colorful exterior. It should be available in Singapore—Creative's home country—in October for around $270 USD. When the player hits the US, you can probably expect it to go down to a more iPod Nano-like $249. – Jason Chen

Press Release [Creative via epizenter]

Bluetake i-Phono PLUS Bluetooth Headphones Reviewed (Verdict: Makes Colin Farrell Sad)

Jason Chen — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 20:45:16 EDT

Our brother in nerd-dom Adam over at Lifehacker took the Bluetake i-Phono PLUS out for a test listen. The result? These are nothing you'd ever want to wear if you've still got use of your eyeballs.

While the functionality is decent, letting you listen to music, make phone calls and control playback, the low max-volume and the horrible design makes you think this was actually made by blind people. Which is a shame, since we hate for great features to be wasted on something nobody wants to wear.

Take it from Colin Farrell: "woof woof". He's not talking about Miami Vice. – Jason Chen

When Wireless Ain't All It's Cracked Up to Be [mp3.about.com]

Creative Zen V Plus Reviewed (Verdict: iPod Nano? What's That?)

Jason Chen — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 20:57:42 EDT

Creative has been pumping out lots of fruity players lately. By fruity, we mean very colorful, very well designed, and so pretty that we want to just bite it. This Creative Zen V Plus is no exception.

The Zen V Plus is a flash based player available in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB sizes. The differences between the Zen V Plus and the Zen V are FM radio, video playback, and $30. That's it. You're better off with the Plus for that negligible price difference.

Its 1.5 inch screen is bright and colorful, but not bright enough to be visible in really bright light. The Zen V Plus is small and rounded and can fit on an armband easily—something the iPod Nano is known for in exercise circles. The player supports MP3, WAV, WMA, Audible, MPEG-4, WMV and DivX, the last two iPod Video does NOT support. The FM tuner, line in recording, and 20 hour battery life make this one a winner. The battery was actually rated at 15 hours! When was the last time you saw actual life longer than the rated life specified by the manufacturer?

Here's the gist of it. If you're looking for an alternative to the iPod Nano, here it is. The Zen V Plus looks great, has a bunch of features and accessories, and excellent battery life. The optional arm band costs $29.99 and colored cases cost $19.99 each. – Jason Chen

Creative Zen V Plus [CNET]