Tech news, analysis, culture, business, security, and more
Japan’s Nippon Airways are set to implement a wireless check-in system to ease the usually lengthy process. The scheme, dubbed SKIP!, shall be trialed next month and will allow passengers to check in using a microchip, containing personal information, they are issued with before flying. Passengers may book their tickets via the Internet using either…
Sneaking into the future and concept area of Harmon Kardon’s booth, we had a quick eyes-on with their DVC600 media center. Running their Unix-based home theater software, the DVC600 can record up to eight simultaneous HD shows. While we don’t have a full spec rundown, we also know it will allow for recording and playback…
This glittery little number caught my eye in the Harman Kardon tent. The US manufacturer has been experimenting with different finishes for its TVs and, at first glance it looks a bit Swarovski Whore, but when you get closer, Ooh! Zowie La-La, it’s a mix of blue beads and jet drops (less offensive than it…
The popular donut-shaped On Stage iPod dock is now in its third incarnation —and this time it will work with your iPhone. Its makers, JBL, have filled in the middle of the ring as well as supplying interchangeable trim, so that your On Stage 3 can match your Nano. Full press release with specs below.…
We groped Samsung’s 720p HMX10 camcorder for a bit before leaving to the bar exploring other booths. It’s far too flimsy for my tastes, but I could say the same about the Xacti and basically every tiny camcorder on the market. Besides, the 8GB of flash memory can be tossed around a bit. In all…
Bird-Electron is as crazy as their name, also proven by this diabolical excuse for a set of portable speakers. The Kodak Speakers are constructed from recycled 35mm plastic film cases. The set does not require any power source other than the energy it draws from the connected MP3 player. The sounds are projected as “omni-directional…
Given the lack of decent games on the PS3, you probably do not need more excuses to keep your distance from the console. This demon embossed protective mask is another such reason, though kick-ass, it is so bed-wettingly petrifying, you will have problems getting within two meters of any next gen bad boy sporting it.…
Brian the Brain, by Hammacher Schlemmer, is better than your average pal because he is animatronic, packed with surprisingly useful features and will not have sex in your bed while you are out, just for laughs. Hit the jump to catch a video of him in action. The robotic brain includes the following features packed…
Gidis is making a splash with their waterproof Mdrive, styled by those cool fellows at INNO Design. The flash drives will be available in 1GB and 2GB flavours, retailing at $41 and $62, respectively. The drives look sexy in their slim line black and red cases, but what situation would ever necessitate a waterproof flash…
NBC refutes Apple’s version of their spat: “We never asked to double the wholesale price for our TV shows. In fact, our negotiations were centered on our request for flexibility in wholesale pricing, including the ability to package shows together…” This is turning into a bad Aaron Sorkin script. [Mac Rumors] https://gizmodo.com/apple-balks-at-5-per-show-demand-gives-nbc-the-boot-f-295641
Tag Tiles is a game in which two players battle to match a color design by pressing different colored blocks onto the correct spaces of a grid. (Sounds boring, looks neat.) Players can also create their own designs to challenge their opponent. We don’t think Philips is ready for mass production, but we love the…
Unlike the television show, the Simpson’s official merchandise line usually sucks big time. This USB hub is no different; the six inches of plastic will spin around and yell, “Woo-hoo!” Everytime you plug in for some juice… every damn time. Fortunately, there is an option to turn off Homer’s spinning/yelling action, for the preservation of…
iRiver are set to launch their first DAP under the Siren brand, which they procured earlier this year. The new model, the DP250, has obviously had strong influences from the iRiver team and sports a solid feature set too. The player will have a paltry 400mW speaker built in, (given the size we will let…
Hitachi’s StarBoard combines your computer with a chalkboard in a seamless fashion. Controlled by an IR pen, the Starboard allows you to edit Excel spreadsheets, easily map diagrams or, as Jesus is doing here, draw Batman. The StarBoard can integrate with any computer and projector, though Hitachi recommends their vertical projection model. Nicest bonus? You…
The Brainzord window-climbing robot with pulsating brain does exactly what it says on the packet; climbs windows and has a brain that pulsates. If only all things in life, like your girlfriend’s mood, were blister packed with an accurate description on the exterior. Other reasons why this glass walking bot is the best damn vertical…
Here’s the LG KU990 Viewty (will I ever get used to that name?) in the flesh at IFA. The camera may pack a 5 Megapixel camera punch but the phone itself leaves a lot to be desired, especially when compared to you know what. It’s got some nice ideas, like the lens rim functioning as…
Here’s an extensive walk-through of LG’s new KU990 Viewty. You can tell that this prototype is far from perfect as even our practiced demonstrator has issues once in a while. In my minute of allowed hands-on, I found that the back wheel doesn’t spin, but snaps back into place after rotating about 30 degrees. It…
I’m not a fan of 3D TVs. Maybe in the future they will be perfect or we all will have holodecks at home, but for now it all seems like a gimmick. However, the Hitachi 7.7 x 4.6-inches we just saw at IFA demonstrates that 3D displays could be perfect for small applications like GPS…
The new one-inch thick TV are not experimental as we first imagined: they will release them in two to three years, with a flagship 131-inch version illuminated by some “secret technology we can’t talk about.” We’ve just seen them in Berlin and they really are skinny. Sharp’s Corporate Communications PR-Manager, Martin Beckmann told us all…
We were surprised at just how well Philips new Aurea (Europe only for now though probably US next year) looks in video. One part beautiful, one part hideous, it’s an innovative product that will be perfect for a specific chunk of the market with the decor to support it (seriously, picture it next to a…