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Hey, a Sony Vaio software add-on that doesn’t suck: Sony’s pre-installing Google Chrome on its laptops. Not a bad strategy for Google to boost Chrome’s paltry but growing 2.6 percent marketshare—I suspect we’ll see them ink some more deals with other manufacturers—though I wonder how many people are still gonna think it’s crapware. [WSJ]
Strange solar gadgets, odd not-tent-but-not-houses, Navy robots, and crashed UFOs…all the best from TreeHugger this week. The Robotic Hull Bio-inspired Underwater Grooming tool or Hull BUG is a new autonomous robot that can sense where a ship is and isn’t clean, and spiff up besmirched spots. And the Navy expects it to be a big…
After showing us how much snappier the Storm 2 is to use, CrackBerry master, Alejandro Salomon, has shot this new video detailing that it’s also better-looking, includes Wi-Fi, has more free RAM and built-in memory, and boasts a better camera: https://gizmodo.com/blackberry-storm-2-explainer-features-piezo-electronics-5343612 At this stage, it’s looking like the BlackBerry Storm 2 will be coming to…
We heard an updated EeeBox was coming, and now what could be a killer entertainment PC is up on Asus USA’s site. The EB1012 packs an Atom N330 processor, 250GB hard disk, 2GB RAM, Gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11n Wi-Fi. https://gizmodo.com/asus-eee-keyboard-expected-as-early-as-october-5342417 Like the first EeeBox PC, the EB1012 is super compact (222mm x 178mm x26.9mm), and…
Not every GUI experience can be as smooth as Apple’s iPhone (and it still has more than a few annoyances). From WinMo 6 to DirectTV’s HD DVR to Windows 2.0, oobject’s collection could bring back some bad memories. [oobject] I never tried the DirectTV HD DVR, but my experience with a Dish Networks DVR back…
The ‘Comes With Music‘ service lets users download an unlimited number of copy-protected tracks for 12-18 months after buying selected Nokia phones. But though its live in the U.K, Germany and Mexico, the U.S arrival has been pushed into 2010. https://gizmodo.com/nokia-to-offer-unlimited-everlasting-free-music-with-329566 The reasons weren’t elaborated on, but I’m guessing Nokia is still straightening out deals…
Yep, it’s real. The Canon 7D is an 18-megapixel semi-pro DSLR that shoots 1080p video in 24—or 30—glorious frames per second for $1899, kicking Nikon’s previously unchallenged D300s where it hurts. But it’s also an odd little beast. https://gizmodo.com/nikon-d300s-dslr-adds-720p-hd-video-with-stereo-input-5326020 The 7D feels like Canon took the results of a survey they handed out to people…
Somehow the thrill of skydiving is lost after you’ve jumped out of a plane, had both parachutes fail, passed out before hitting the roof of a steel shed, and walked away. With video of the fall. [YouTube]
The PS3’s newest firmware upgrade, 3.0, is now officially going out to all the consoles in the land. https://gizmodo.com/ps3-firmware-3-0-brings-bigger-icons-and-better-themes-5340054 Go to “System Update” in the XMB to get the update, which replaces the Information Board with an icon-based system called “What’s New,” plus premium themes, trophy displays, and a status indicator at the top that…
Designed by Foster + Partners, the Incheon “super-city” will incorporate biomass energy generation, hydrogen fuel cells, and hydroponic roofs in order to be the greener city on the other side. No word on how much pollution the construction will cause. The hope is that Incheon will one day become an epicenter of R&D for sustainable…
In 2008, Apple announced that we would see ZFS as part of Snow Leopard Server, but a year later our copies are shipping with ZFS nowhere to be found. What went wrong? And will we ever get ZFS? https://gizmodo.com/mac-os-x-snow-leopard-for-servers-getting-zfs-5018512 Robin Harris, who has worked in the data storage field for as long as I’ve been…
Just follow these simple steps. It’s actually not as scary as it looks. The chart’s a compilation of all of the useful—and interactive—charts for PC troubleshooting and repair by Morris Rosenthal, found here. But, uh, sometimes, we prefer the one-step solution: Buy a new damn computer. [Morris Rosenthal via BeeBeeGee]
Astronomers are rejoicing that they’ve found the best place on earth for astronomical observation. The only problem? It also happens to be the “very worst place on the surface of the planet for humans.” Whoops. Send in the Robots. Dubbed Ridge A, this magical spot in Antarctica provides such a clear view of the heavens…
Time Bananas and awkward statements aside, Jason Chen’s a pretty cool guy to work for. I’m sure that unlike Vicki Walker’s boss, he wouldn’t fire me for going nuts with bold or colorful fonts in emails. RIGHT? https://gizmodo.com/jason-chen-and-the-time-banana-5253189 According to her employer, ProCare Health, Vicki Walker was terminated from her position as a financial controller…
Are you able to solve a Rubik’s Cube quickly and easily? Does that make you feel like a real smart guy? Well, piss off. Try the Bram’s Cube, created by the creator of BitTorrent. Click to viewBram Cohen, known as the dude who allowed you to download cams of shit movies you don’t want to…
For every copy of Internet Explorer 8 downloaded from here, Microsoft donates $1.15 to Feeding America—but if you upgrade from IE6, they’ll double their donation. Even if you switch to Firefox immediately, help give Microsoft’s money away: [BrowserFortheBetter]
UK-based Tech 21 have devised a real-life, mailable, flubber-esque gel that becomes rigid on impact. This substance dubbed “d30” is used to safeguard an iPhone or iPod Touch from owners with buttery fingers. According to the product page, d30 cases can offer up to “150% more protection than other cases.” Of course, that protection doesn’t…
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Hardcore photo geeks know that Leica’s M9 is supposedly due out on 09/09/09 (exactly one 9 less cool than the Sega Dreamcast’s release). Now the company’s second digital offering has been captured in several blurry shots from a promo. Live Webcast on 9/9/2009 – The next Generation of Leica Cameras from leica camera on Vimeo.…
Apple recently published a small Mac OS X Snow Leopard application blacklist. Now, some users have set up wiki with an exhaustive directory of Mac OS X 10.6 software, each with their compatibility status. [Snow Leopard Compatibility—Thanks Traviscat] https://gizmodo.com/the-mac-os-x-snow-leopard-applications-blacklist-5347769
