Gizmodo: SF

Senslux SLD Desklamps Try to See Off Your Winter Blues, Acne

Kit Eaton — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 03:51:01 EDT

Senslux's new SLD range of desk lamps will light your stuff with LEDs for low power-consumption eco-friendliness, and come in three types. The SG-1500 model appears to be just a plain ol' desk lamp, but the SF is apparently a "full spectrum" lamp, presumably to give more natural light to combat the dim winter sun. The last, SA model, claims to be a light therapy for acne. Brilliant. Available in Korea for around $150, not sure if or when they'll make it over here. [Aving]

Japan's QR Codes Being Tested in SF

Jason Chen — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:30:00 EDT

You know those QR codes that Japan has? The ones that look like fancy bar codes that you take a picture of with your cellphone that brings up some bit of info or trivia on the display. Those are being tested in SF right now on 500+ restaurants/shops/businesses reviewed by Citysearch.

Once you snap a picture of the code, your phone will bring up the Citysearch's review page, letting you know whether you should go in. Also, a tourism company is shoving these onto some tourist locations, bringing up a 15 to 20-second audio snippet of what you're looking at. If they could stick this on things like busses, taxis, waitresses, drug dealers and prostitutes (all common in SF), we'd gladly use this service. [SFGate via New Launches]

Caltrain GPS Project Tracks, Locates Late Trains

Jason Chen — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:40:26 EDT

The Caltrain board is going to approve a multi-million-dollar project, finished by the end of 2008, that adds GPS and web-based tracking functionality for their trains. Caltrain, the SF Bay Area's commuter train, will then use the "Real Time Train Predictive Arrival GPS System" in nine train stops, allowing users to monitor the train's location/arrival via the website 511.org, and time their jog down to the train accordingly. [MercuryNews]

Videos of the iPhone's Guts, Both Academic and Destructive

Brian Lam — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:01:49 EDT

The first video includes an iPhone and a Hammer, and speaks for itself.
The Second video shows the iPhone for more academic reasons.Not too surprisingly, the phone has components you've seen in other handsets.

Namely: It has the same processor on the HTC Titan, Same sound quality and storage RAM as the iPod Nano. Balda Touchscreen, known for durability and quality. Bluetooth Bluecore 4 ROM chip by Marvel, same as a Blackberry Pearl. There's nothing surprising, which brings us back to the argument that design and software are the keys here.

Apple iPhones Still Available in SF, NY

Jason Chen — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:24:21 EDT

All the people who camped out for over 24 hours—ahem Greg Packer—should feel really foolish right about now. As of 9:17 PM PDT (12:17 AM EDT), the San Francisco store has both 4GB and 8GB iPhones in stock. The New York 5th Avenue Store? The same. If you still want one, head on down and grab it.

iPhone: Entering Kool-aid Central

Jason Chen — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 22:06:29 EDT

Picture this. We're heading in to buy our iPhones, and what do we see? A massive wall of Apple employees, clapping and cheering and offering high fives to all. It was a very surreal, and frankly scary experience. Remind us never, never to do that again, even if the Jesus Phone rises a second time.

SF iPhone Store Closes to Much Moaning, Bitching, and Gnashing of Teeth

Jason Chen — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:13:48 EDT

What are these people angry at? No, it isn't not being able to get an iPhone, it's not being able to get into the Apple store when they closed it down at 2PM to prepare for the 6PM launch. Apparently either some people's watches were a little off, or Apple closed the store down a little early, but they're pissed at not being able to get into the store. That's why we love SF—everyone always has things in perspective.

iPhone SF Campout Live (2:30PM PDT)

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:30:02 EDT

As you might have caught on our live camera, the store is closed to set up for the demo. Here are some shots of the scene, as it stands.

This is What an iPhone Extortionist Looks Like

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:16:49 EDT

Second in line in SF's Apple Store, Mark wants $1500, no less, for his spot in line. This is not an Apple Fan. choice quote: "Game recognize Game, Blood!"

SF Apple Stores shutting down in a few minutes ...

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:05:39 EDT

SF Apple Stores shutting down in a few minutes to setup for Easter Phone. Catch it live. [iPhone SF Campout Live Video]

The First Person in the AT&T iPhone Line Doesn't Know What the Hell She's Waiting For

Jason Chen — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:25:30 EDT

We're at the AT&T store in SF and quizzing line campers on the iPhone. People who got the questions right get a free limited edition Gizmodo iPhone shirt. Those who don't, get the whole internet laughing at him/her. It's like camping out for a Star Wars movie and not knowing what a Lightsaber is.

Video by Sarah Meyers and Richard Blakeley

iPhone SF Campout Live (12:30PM PDT)

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:18:33 EDT

There are 150 people on line; most of the true iPhone fans are in the back. And the sun is terrible for LCD screens. I'm frying out here.
[iPhone SF Campout Live Video by Justin.TV and Giz]

iPhone SF Campout Live (11:30AM PDT)

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:52:28 EDT

Hey. I'm back from my nap, and on the line again. And it feels like Summer. People are putting on sunscreen, which is not a typically necessary San Franciscan action. Things are going so well. Except those guys have started up the boomboxes again. I'm wearing one of our Limited Edition iPhone Launch T-Shirts, that we were originally going to give out. But one thing is clear in the daylight, from talking to people. Over half of the front of the line are here as mercenaries, and not iPhone fans. So we're going to quiz people before they get a shirt. Today should be for believers, not businessmen. Click through to http://Justin.tv/gizmodo to chat with other Gizmodo readers, too.

iPhone SF Campout Live (9AM PDT)

Adrian Covert — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:00:09 EDT

The line is coming back to life right now. Stanley Michael Jackson is still in full effect, the Financial Times stopped by with a few questions, and the line is wrapping around the corner of Stockton Street. Today should be even more entertaining. Thankfully, our neighbors from 8 mile who aspire to be rhyming legends have kept the boombox quiet this morning. Though we wouldn't mind some early morning Wu-Tang to get us fired up for the day. Also, many thanks to the Justin.tv viewers for keeping me entertained. We still have a long way to go before we can call it a day and get some real sleep. Mmmmmmm...sleeeeeeeeeeeep.

iPhone SF Campout Live (8AM PDT)

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:08:19 EDT

I need a nap. Adrian the intern is manning our live Justin.TV camera, which has been chronicling the entirety of the SF iPhone campout since 6pm last night. I even had that thing on while I was sleeping. I'll resume the Brian Lam Dog and Pony show sometime later. For now, I ZZZ. Video: [iPhone SF Campout Live Video]

iPhone SF Campout Live (6AM PDT)

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:16:00 EDT

I love the smell of iPhone in the morning. I got about 3 hours of sleep. Shook like a leaf when I woke, cold, despite the metallic emergency blanket's insulation. The Justin.tv lifecam is still running and so is my Macbook, thanks to the Wifi (instead of the usual and hungrier EVDO.) But i've got about 20 minutes left on each, and my brain can't quite get the words together.

This lady from NBC started at 4AM — the hardest working local news person I've seen in awhile. But lady. You do realize you can't beat me. I've been here all night. And when you interview me, I'm broadcasting everything you say in real time. I'm really interviewing you. I'm going to get the ocean so I can resume IM duties. And I'm going to swap out batteries before the lappies poop out.

[iPhone SF Campout Live Video, AIM me at lnelyiphoneboy30]

SF Headcount is 63. If you want to get an ...

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:15:36 EDT

SF Headcount is 63. If you want to get an iPhone today in SF, I don't think it'll be a problem. Yet.

iPhone SF Campout Live (4AM PDT)

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:00:10 EDT

All is well, although my meager facilities responsible for writing well are almost entirely gone. I slept an hour tucked in between a phone booth and a light post. Street cleaning came rumbling by and almost clipped a camper's leg off as it rumbled down Stockton street.

Then, just now, someone just drove up the street the wrong way and a cop caught them. (Luckily, no ticket.) There's a great display on the side of the store, and the security guard is, I think, using a dell near the door. I sent Adrian the intern up to the hotel to get some rest. When Chen comes to relieve me in the morning, I'll get mine. A news van just rolled by, counting heads. My video feed is still going strong, courtesy of Justin.TV's LifeCam. [iPhone SF Campout Live Video, AIM me at lnelyiphoneboy30]

iPhone SF Campout Live (2:00AM PDT)

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 04:56:01 EDT

Just spoke with some Apple engineers. Good guys. Thanked them for giving us an alternative to Windows Mobile (The Phone OS that makes me want to vomit.) A lot of people here are definitely here to sell iPhones. Whoa, intersting — down in Palo Alto, Justin.tv's intern almost got jumped defending his spot in line. Good God! The guys in line shut off their boombox! [iPhone SF Campout Live Video, AIM me at lnelyiphoneboy30].

Camera pointed at some Vanilla Ice wanna ...

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 04:08:35 EDT

Camera pointed at some Vanilla Ice wanna bees freestyling.[iPhone SF Campout Live Video, AIM me at lnelyiphoneboy30]

iPhone SF Campout Live (12:30AM PDT)

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 03:29:35 EDT

I went to get some Mel's Diner, on Mission and 4th. Shit took forever for basically some Bacon and Eggs.

Going to eat, we saw a new model WRX being shot for a commercial. (Ray Wert, we got video.) Now I'm back. The Justin.tv lifecam is working flawlessly, but I just swapped out a battery. The crazy people in the front of the line are pitching tents. I've got some of those space blankets, the emergency kind. The wind is picking up. My contacts are dry. Some NPR dudes are here. Slumming it with us bloggers. The stoners behind me are faded hard, and freestyling over some tracks now. I'm into it. But that could be the second hand smoke.

Here's my FAQ for people who keep IMing me old questions:

How is waiting in line?
It's ok. 17 hours til iPhone.

How Many people are in line?
About 50. If you're thinking of queuing up, you can arrive in the AM and be ok.
Is it cold?
It's getting Not Warm.
[iPhone SF Campout Live Video, AIM me at lnelyiphoneboy30]

A Video Tour Down the SF iPhone Line

Jason Chen — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 01:40:35 EDT

We went down the San Francisco Apple iPhone line (the circus of downtown) and asked people what they were going to do with their new iPhones. A couple good answers from the freaks and geeks, but you gotta watch for yourself.

And Lam's answer? Put it down his pants? Get your own ideas, Lam.

Much more coverage and video to come tomorrow.

Video by Richard Blakeley and Sarah Meyers

Linecount == 40. A bunch of Wired Magazine ...

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 01:25:44 EDT

Linecount == 40. A bunch of Wired Magazine people just showed up. [iPhone SF Campout Live Video, AIM me at lnelyiphoneboy30]

Breaking news, crackhead next to me with ...

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 01:18:59 EDT

Breaking news, crackhead next to me with boombox blasting is cruising for some maximum damage. Someone deliver me some nunchucks. Homeless guy just told me to tell you all, "TONIGHT WE'RE ALL HOMELESS! [iPhone SF Campout Live Video, AIM me at lnelyiphoneboy30]

iPhone SF Campout Live (10PM PDT)

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 01:00:46 EDT

Everytime someone asks me what I'm waiting in line for, I die a little death. It's 10pm here, and mercifully, the wind has been tame. The northwest/southeast config of Stockton street just works this way. The line is about 45 deep. And there is this guy I camped out with at Final Fantasy Fan Day with in 2001, and he won't shut up. (I wish I hadn't admitted that.)

I gave Stanely Michael Jackson (homeless guy) 2 bucks, and he friggin lost it playing dice. That money was clearly for beer and beer only. Guy behind me is smoking and selling a lot of weed. And he has a giant boom box. That's all for now. More updates through the night. If it gets too boring, I will start a fight with someone smaller than me, probably the crackhead who JUST PUT BATTERIES IN HIS FUCKING BOOMBOX. [iPhone SF Campout Live Video, AIM me at lnelyiphoneboy30]

Hey, there's a pay phone here...if I give ...

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:09:08 EDT

Hey, there's a pay phone here...if I give this number to you guys, you're going to call until I cry for mercy, right? So I guess I'd better not do that....but I kind of want to.

iPhone SF Campout Live (9PM PDT)

Brian Lam — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:08:48 EDT

The WiFi here rocks. Hotel and Apple store. Anyone know if they'll turn off the WiFi at night like Starbucks?

(AIM me at lnelyiphoneboy30) Justin from Justin.tv came to fix my LifeCam rig. (Or, in the case of iPhone camping, no-life cam). THe weather is balmy, and I hear this is very different from NY, where it's raining like crazy. Those mother f&cking drummers finally stopped. There are some guys with GIANT STASHES OF WEED behind me in line. I've been using an OQO2. The battery life isn't good, and it's a bit underpowered. Maybe I should have given more credit to the more powerful FlipStart PC. [iPhone SF Campout Live Video]

Justin.tv Visits iPhone Campout: San Francisco

Adrian Covert — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 23:45:33 EDT

So the Giz Justin.tv channel has been a little wonky in the early stages of our campout coverage, but Justin of Justin.tv has come by to outfit us with a new camera to combat the less-than-stellar sound and check out the circus himself. Gizmodo is holding up strong here, except that these goddamn street drummers won't stop (wait...they're leaving!). But the night is young...and still warm. Stay tuned, Gizmodo faithful.

iPhone SF Campout Live (8PM PDT)

Brian Lam — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:47:13 EDT

Hey McCracken, one of your reporters, Michelle, got really freaked out she was on camera. Tell her I said sorry. Also, some Homeless guy, Stanely Michael Jackson, will stand in line for $200 bucks. That's like $8 an hour. Text me at lnelyiphoneboy30 (AIM...get it?) if you want to take him up on his offer. Some german guy offered to buy someone's second iPhone. I'm loving the live reporting. This is the best part of blogging. Getting outside of my house! More to come, updates on the main page. 22 Hours left for us, and 19 hours left for NYC. I hate those clowns and these drummers are driving me nuts. [iPhone SF Campout Live Video]

The Ultimate iPhone Camping Guide

Jason Chen — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:00:20 EDT

Camping for stuff is hard work. Standing in line for eight+ hours just so you have the chance to buy something is hard enough without worrying about where you're going to pee or how you're going to get your next meal. That's why we've partnered up with Gridskipper, Gawker's urban travel blog, to bring to you the most comprehensive guide on how to camp out for an iPhone. If you're planning on camping out next Thursday/Friday in the NYC Soho store, the SF Downtown store, or the LA Century City store, bookmark these pages so you can make your experience slightly less painful.

Among the amenities listed are local motels, free bathrooms, good eateries within a couple blocks, and of course, free Wi-Fi. We'll update the maps leading up to launch, so you'll want to check back often. If you want an iPhone, you're going to want to be prepared. – Jason Chen

NYC Campout [Gridskipper]

SF Campout [Gridskipper]

LA Campout [Gridskipper]

Zombies Mob SF Apple Store, Forget IDs at Home, Pay Cash Instead

Jason Chen — Sat, 26 May 2007 17:40:24 EDT

The Zombie flash mob group—yes, they're exactly how they sound—over at eatbrains.com organized and pulled off an SF Apple Store invasion yesterday. Brain- and flesh-eating Zombies filed into the Apple store and feasted on white plastic along with their usual blood and guts, which probably helped their digestion a little thanks to Apple's recent efforts to go green. Worst pun of the year? Probably.

In any case, if you're at all interested in seeing hippies and yuppies dressed up as zombies, you know where to look. – Jason Chen

Gallery [McCullagh via CNET]

PlayStation 3 Launch Events: NY and SF Party With the Stars

Jason Chen — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 20:12:03 EST

Darkness! Darkness is spreading! No, not the PS3—though that's spreading too—we're talking about Charlie Murphy and his appearance at the PS3 NY Launch Party on November 16. If you're one of the first 400 to show up at 550 Madison Ave., NYC, and you'll see host Ludacris and hear music by D-Nice, not to mention be able to purchase your own PS3. Party starts at 9:00PM.

If you're in SF, you're in luck as The Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, and an Onlympic Gold Medalist show u...wait, is that right? NY gets Ludacris and Charlie Murphy, and SF gets the COO of Marketing? At least there's a "highly anticipated musical performance", which means "we don't know who's going to be there yet because he hasn't confirmed, so we're scrambling. Please come anyway!" Party starts at 8:30PM and lasts 'til 10:00PM on the barricaded 4th Street, and you can buy your PS3 at midnight.

Bonus points: send a picture of yourself with the newly bought PS3 in your pants. – Jason Chen