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Microsoft’s expanding Windows 7’s multitouch powers with the Touch Pack for Windows 7, a pretty sweet collection of multitouch apps. Three are Surface apps, like the Virtual Earth 3D Surface Globe (guess what it does?) and Surface Collage. The other three are awesome-looking games. https://gizmodo.com/microsoft-surface-confirmed-touch-sensitive-10k-min-264338 The Touch Pack only works with multitouch Windows 7 PCs,…
Google/Android’s Andy Rubin said at the Google I/O conference that Google expects 18-20 Android phones this year from 8 or 9 manufacturers—and those are just the devices they know about. But it’s gonna be slower going in the States because of the custom Android builds that carriers want. https://gizmodo.com/google-android-2-0-donut-has-universal-search-and-text-5271590 (The custom builds frighten us, on…
A locally owned DVD store named Video Hits in Wylie Texas has successfully sought to heavily fine and/or arrest customers that are delinquent in their returns. According to the Video Hits rental agreement, if a movie is not returned within seven days of the due date, the customer will be charged the full retail price…
There’s a rare material used in cellphones that is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The material, columbite tantalite, is mined by workers under inhumane conditions, including rape. Now, activists are calling for phones to be “rape-free.” [AllThingsD]
Steve Wozniak recently talked to his ole buddy and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, apparently on the phone. Woz told reporters that though he didn’t ask specifically about Jobs’ condition, Jobs sounded “healthy, energetic”—not sick. That’s good news, as Jobs’ scheduled return to Apple is imminent. [WSJ]
Those Google I/O Conference attendees apparently went straight home and placed the Google Ion phones directly on eBay. It makes no real difference to Google, since they spent their money on these already. [eBay -Thanks Zain!]
“Nokia has about 35-40% of the total phone market. 1.1 billion users…I would have said that Motorola was our number one competitor a few years ago. Now, RIM, Microsoft, Apple.” Walt says, “Software is a crucial element in hand held computers. How are you going to deal with this?” Olli spoke for awhile, about Symbian…
This may look like an old SNES gamepad, but oh, it isn’t. No, it’s a custom Xbox 360 gamepad. And sure, it lost an analog stick somewhere in its creation process, but it’s still so damned cool. Created by BenHeck.com forum member Hifeno, this slick little operator is perfectly suited for playing fighting games such…
The only way to fully appreciate the beautiful complexity of a watch like the DualTow is to take a look under the hood—and that is just what Christophe Claret is doing with this Innerspace-esque video. The most innovative attribute, is its unique single-pusher planetary-gear chronograph with striking system. A single-push piece activates three identically structured…
“I don’t see the benefits of a tablet over a notebook…A lot of technology falls in the middle.” “Offshoot products trying to fill gaps that maybe don’t need to be filled. Yes, a tablet is a cool concept, but can you put it in your pocket? And would you carry one around if you couldn’t?”…
The Rubik’s Cube is a classic puzzle, one that’s tough to improve upon. This electronic version tries, but it doesn’t look like it succeeds on adding much value to the original. Rather than twisting the sides around, on this version you push buttons and have the lights move. How unnecessary! What this does add is…
I’m still at the D conference. Two out of three years, apparently, I need to get scolded for doing something bad. Sucks. https://gizmodo.com/joannastern-you-know-you-love-it-waltmossberg-5266061
As you probably already know, CircuitCity.com was resurrected from the ashes of its brick and mortar stores—but it appears that they have brought a questionable limited return policy along with them. https://gizmodo.com/its-alive-circuitcity-com-retail-site-is-online-5266459 From their return policy page: Some manufacturers have implemented returns restrictions that prevent CircuitCity.com from being able to accept returns or offer exchanges,…
Sort of odd that Android, made by Google, is behind both the iPhone and Palm Pre in rocking the universal search thing. But Google showed off that, a text-to-speech API for Google Voice Search in any app, and other Android 2.0 Donut goodness at Google I/O today. [Engadget] https://gizmodo.com/palm-pre-walkthrough-in-video-5270403
SplitFish is unveiling its new Dual SFX Frag Pro and Dual SFX Evolution controllers at E3. Both controllers are comprised of separate mouse and controller sections that link together, with the former designed for shooters and the latter designed for racing games. https://gizmodo.com/splitfish-fragfx-ps3-controller-reviewed-verdict-mous-272899 These guys upgrade the older models by cutting the wires. Both pieces…
A couple weeks ago, we were looking for ways to get us off this rock. Today, we found a discounted way how: Space Camp! https://gizmodo.com/space-week-roundup-the-right-stuff-5249872 Computers and Peripherals: • ASUS Eee PC 900A 8.9″ Netbook for $189.99 plus free shipping (normally $209). • Dell Inspiron 13 Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 13.3″ Laptop for $510…
Microsoft pulled a very weird move of announcing the Zune HD yesterday while scheduling the release date two seasons (summer, then fall) away. But there’s a reason: the E3 gaming conference is next week. https://gizmodo.com/zune-hd-is-real-has-multitouch-web-browsing-oled-scre-5270945 Why should that matter? Because Microsoft left a lot of things in the unsaid pile. Here’s a quick recap of…
For this week’s Photoshop Contest, I asked you to alter famous and iconic photos by placing technology where it doesn’t belong. We have some absolutely awesome results, so onward! Check out your top three winners and then a gaggle of hilarious images in our Gallery of Champions. First Place — Born on Bord Second Place…
At D, Flip camcorders are going to have this new software that allows a user to share their videos with the web, through their iPhone app, or to the livingroom via a coming accessory or set top box partners. I’m not writing this up longer because you all already know how to use youtube. The…
The Autonomous Living Unit concept by designer Eduardo McIntosh aims to incorporate all of the functions of a home into a single chair in order to “provide for the basic needs of the 21st century human being.” Apparently, the idea involves installing these into derelict buildings and housing projects where, presumably, the homeless could take…