Tech news, analysis, culture, business, security, and more
It seemed like magic back when barcodes could simply identify a grocery store item. And when QR codes hit the scene, pictures pointed us to URLs. Now “barcodes” have reached the next level of complexity. Mobile Multi-Colour Composite (MMCC) is a 2D barcode technology that can transmit text, video clips, ringtones and games to mobile…
Click to viewBefore I became a blogging shut-in, the first thing I would do upon waking up is check the weather on my phone. Pin Up Weather would have made that process considerably more enjoyable. From the app’s descritption: “A beautiful girl will tease you until you get today’s forecast with your sky condition and…
For people who love LAN parties, computer manufacturers have started selling gigantic “gaming laptops” that make moving your rig easier. For those still with a tower to move, however, there’s the Hacksac. The Hacksac is a huge backpack designed to fit a tower, flat-panel monitor, keyboard, mouse and assorted cables. Sure, you’ll still have 30…
I don’t know how well this “Sting” casemod works as an actual PC (if it works at all), but it sure does look purdy—and menacing. If you are so inclined, details on how to build something like this yourself are available in the following links. [Gathering and TBCS]
I’ve seen timers that change color when your eggs are boiled to perfection, but never one that sings to you. Not only that, the BeepEgg’s tunes mock the untimely death of his comrades. The timer beeps once at 113 degrees and a second time when the water begins to boil. After that you will hear…
Attention design nerds: prepare to drool. This ReBraun is an MP3 jukebox that’s based on the “Audio 1 Kompaktanlage” designed by Dieter Rams in 1962, and it’s awesome. Replaing the radio scales are two TFT displays, and the antenna picks up a WiFi signal rather than FM radio. The case is made from aluminum, acrylic,…
If the NES Air Max sneakers weren’t your thing, then maybe you’ll appreciate the Wii Blazers. But if not, Nike will release every Nintendo f’ing console in shoe form until you buy one. https://gizmodo.com/nes-air-max-sneakers-are-dignified-even-if-geriatric-5078198 While the Nintendo Wii innovated with the motion-controlled Wiimote, the Wii Blazer innovates with a clever white color scheme and a…
Lenovo has let slip some official-looking (if not rendered) shots of a Vaio P-like netbook, the Pocket Yoga. Update: Sadly, it’s just a concept. Granted, this is a decidedly male back pocket and not the ass-hugging skinny jeans of Vaio P ad fame. And it still looks like it’s filling that zone halfway between concept…
In case you found drunkenly singing famous songs off-key in front of friends, co-workers and strangers alike to be a positive experience, maybe you could try singing into this new Wii toilet plunger. Karaoke Joysound Wii, a new game by Hudson, comes packaged with the “Not Noisy Kara OK!” peripheral—essentially a USB microphone with one…
The HRP-4C robot was not programmed to please families like Asimo. Nor will she save/destroy humanity like a Terminator. Rather, she’s taking the fashion world by storm as Tokyo’s next top model. UPDATE VIDEO: But can a hulking robot be a model? Even though the HRP-4C packs 42 motors, at just over 5 feet tall…
Vudu expanded upon its Rich Internet Application (RIA) platform today with a little music, as the popular, personalized Pandora Internet radio service is now immediately available to customers. Vudu notes that this is the first music application to be folded into the RIA platform. It joins YouTube, Flickr, Picasa, and 120 web-based video channels that…
Some French designers have created an alarm clock that changes the alarm clock dynamic in an interesting new way. Now, instead of slamming down on the snooze button, you’ll get a handful of OJ. The design is pretty simple. You set the alarm, then you make you breakfast selections, and go to sleep. When you…
Wacom, the tablet and touchscreen company that’s made a name for itself in graphic design circles, is about to enter the discotheque. The entry is called Nextbeat, a music controller that lets prosumer DJs mix and manipulate their beats with a variety of touchscreen controls and a portable “pod” that docks with the main unit.…
Just how long does it take that postcard to get from A to B? The Stopper postcard can tell you, all while adding yet another layer of stress onto the backs of today’s postal workers. Sure, it’s a somewhat interesting little novelty item to us, but to the postman it’s a constant reminder of just…
The tech and media savvy hipsters currently at SXSW could very well be a snapshot of things to come. The conference is chock full of smartphones, but there’s nary a notebook (or netbook) in sight. It’s anecdotal evidence, sure, but these folks are undoubtedly ahead of the curve on technology. And what they’re saying is…
The Nokia 5800 NAM’s rocky launch appears to be coming to an end. The Nokia Blog is reporting that the bug-ridden mobile is officially back on the shelves at Nokia flagship stores. [Nokia Blog] https://gizmodo.com/millions-of-flawed-nokia-5800-xpressmusic-causing-issue-5162297
We already covered how decent-sized OLED TVs are in a holding pattern due to their manufacturers reigning in spending due to the economy, but now experts at DisplaySearch know when it might end: 2011. https://gizmodo.com/reasonably-sized-oled-tvs-stalled-by-our-crappy-economy-5167263 In fact, the DisplaySearch report goes one step beyond simply stating a year, and says that OLED technology will be…
Digg’s Kevin Rose is again peddling his Apple rumors, this time in regards to the upcoming 3.0 preview scheduled for this Tuesday. He was dead on last time around—can he do it again? https://gizmodo.com/iphone-os-3-0-to-be-revealed-march-17-5168843 Now the good stuff. We’ve had two separate tipsters ping us with the rumors today, which Rose talked about last night…
Sorry, straight-edgers. Continuing our theme of “Pot Hacks March,” loyal reader Brian sent in his creation, a pipe made out of an Atari 2600 controller. https://gizmodo.com/dude-puts-a-pipe-in-a-ti-83-calculator-calculator-stil-5169392 Doesn’t look like there’s any water in the pipe, and there’s no way it’s still functional, but any and all McGuyvering of marginally illegal substances must be championed. So,…
It’s a balmy 58 degrees in Boston today, and spring is just around the corner. Time to talk grills. What better place to start than the Imperial Grill, which is held together by pure testosterone? Housed within this stainless steel propane-devouring beast are two separate ovens and two cooking surfaces that erupt with up to…