Gizmodo: shenanigans

Dell to Sell XP after June 30, Microsoft to Pretend They're Selling Vista to Save Face

Adam Frucci — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EDT

While we've heard Microsoft hint at keeping XP on store shelves longer than they initially stated due to the, well, boatload of people who want nothing to do with Vista, Dell is the first retailer to confirm having plans to sell the faithful ol' OS past the end of June. But it isn't because Microsoft's gone and changed their policy; it's because Dell is taking advantage of a loophole in Vista licensing that lets Microsoft pad their Vista numbers even when people avoid it like the plague.

Dell will take advantage of a licensing option in Vista Business and Vista Ultimate that lets PC makers provide XP under the Vista license, which Microsoft calls a "downgrade" license. (Enterprises with site licenses have these same rights with any version of Vista.) In essence, the user is buying a Vista license that it can apply to XP, and Microsoft can still claim a Vista sale.

This is all well and good for people who want to buy a new PC with XP instead of Vista, but in what universe is Microsoft able to claim a Vista sale with this? That's some shady bookkeeping if I've ever seen it. That means if Dell sells way more machines with this "downgrade" option than with Vista, Microsoft can still claim that people are adopting Vista in droves.

But hey, it'll keep XP available for people who want it, so I guess it's a good thing no matter what kind of maneuvering it entails. But it just goes to show that you can never trust sales figures tossed out by marketing departments. [PC World]

David Pogue: Now a Badass, at Least in this Gallery

Adam Frucci — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 15:30:00 EDT

Man, you guys love to Photoshop David Pogue. I received over 100 entries to my challenge to make the NY Times tech guru cool, and it was a lot of fun going through them all. Mr. Pogue himself offered to send autographed copies of whichever of his books the top 3 winners would like, so look for a post about determining a top 3 later on. Until then, here are the best 24 entries as judged by me in no particular order. Sure, I'm not an unbiased judge (both entries with my picture got in, not just because I'm in there but also because they're the most insane), but I'm all you people have got. I chose entries that were either technically amazing or funny with some effort shown, even if the skill wasn't all there.

Now, seriously, stop sending me Photoshops. I've seen enough Pogue in the last week to last me some time. It's not that you aren't adorable, Dave, but a man can only take so much.

–Adam Frucci

Houston Astros Implement Bluetooth Zones for Free Content

Travis Hudson — Mon, 14 May 2007 18:00:32 EDT

Remember to bring your Bluetooth-enabled phones if you manage to make it to an Astros game at Minute Maid Park. The Astros have launched Bluetooth zones all around the park where folks can download video and audio clips, applications, ticket offers and more. This seems like a baby step to the future that could possibly include live replays, live stats and more to cellphones across the ballpark (like Arsenal already does). These area could also be a hacker's dream with an endless number of open Bluetooth connections. Now, will these Bluetooth zones make the 'Stros any better? Possibly. –Travis Hudson

Astros Launch Bluetooth Zones [Gearlog]

Water Mortar Drenches the Competition

Travis Hudson — Mon, 14 May 2007 17:20:54 EDT

The traditional summer water balloon fight just got a little more intense. Fill up a water balloon and load it into this shoulder-mounted water mortar. It uses a spring-loaded mechanism to fire the water balloon. The effective range is anywhere from 15 to 20 feet, and this device is sure to piss off Mom. $40. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via SCI FI]

Solar Powered Lighter—Wait, What?

Travis Hudson — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:00:30 EDT

A Portugal-based company has reinvented the wheel and created fire from the sun, kind of. This solar-powered lighter doesn't actually create an open flame, but it does create a series of sparks that should be capable of lighting a BBQ grill. So in all reality, it is the environment-friendly lazy man's flint or sparker. The bottom is also a bottle opener—I'm sold! $19. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via uber-review]

Floating Golf Game

Travis Hudson — Wed, 02 May 2007 17:40:51 EDT

Interested in working on your short game but that pesky backyard pool getting in the way? This poolside golf game is the perfect solution to that predicament. It floats in the water, and you can chip special "hoop-and-loop" (Velcro) balls onto it. Miss the target and be forced to get wet retrieving the balls. It is like a sick and twisted version of Chinese water torture, but in polos. If you feel the need to work on that long game, just toss the poolside golf game into the ocean. $50.

Floating golf, floating table tennis, what's next, floating foosball? I hope, foosball rocks. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]

Motorized Grill Brush is For the Lazy Grillers

Travis Hudson — Tue, 01 May 2007 14:45:20 EDT

I personally enjoy getting my paws dirty scrubbing the grill down, but for those uber lazy types this motorized grill brush is fantastic. Push the button and the roller spins, cleaning up all of that leftover meat, grease and hooker spit from the grill. It is available for $25 and includes years of ridicule you will endure for actually using a motorized grill brush. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Product Page]

Floating Table Tennis Game

Travis Hudson — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:00:05 EDT

This waterproof floating table tennis table is the perfect addition to any summer party. It measures in at 54 inches long by 27 inches wide, which is significantly smaller than a traditional table, but it could still provide some fun. It has a hard top surface and soft sides (for smashing it against the opponent upon defeat). Personally, It would work better for pool beer pong, but what else would you expect me to say—I'm a 22-year-old college student who loves beer bongs. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via ubergizmo]

Flashlight Slippers

Jason Chen — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 16:40:57 EST

If combining flashlights with a pair of slippers is wrong, we don't want to be right. Instead of waking up your spouse by accidentally kicking the cat, these weight-activated slippers let you silently glide to the can, the fridge, or wherever you're going at three in the morning.

The only downsides are that it costs $69, and take replaceable, not rechargeable, lithium batteries. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Bim Bam Banana via Crunchgear]