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Japanese entertainment rag BARKS is floating the idea that the Wii puts out a sound frequency that “calls out” to and attracts the dirty little creepy-crawlers—gokiburi, one of my favourite Japanese words, even though I hate roaches. It’s probably bunk and (BARK admits it might be), but have any of you noticed your pad’s become a roach motel despite maintaining the same standard of (un)cleanliness? The 360′s bomb shelter-flattening fan would probably negate the effects if you’re looking for a quick fix. Also!
You know we’re getting close to MacWorld when the Apple noise shifts from steady hum to full-frenzied thrashing. Spooks report spotting an anorexic “dark grey” or “gun metal” 13-inch aluminium notebook prancing around campus, which could be a new MacBook model Apple’s supposedly buying LED backlights for, a destined-to-die prototype or pure bunk. Personally, I think a darker aluminium would be nice pull-away from the now-cliched brushed metal aesthetic. Cheer or blast the new notebook look we know practically nothing about in the comments. [Apple Insider]
Wanna save hundreds thousands MILLIONS of dollars on car batteries? At absolutely no cost to you? Who wouldn’t, what with our ridiculous petrol prices, rising interest rates and the soaring cost of living in general? Find out how!
Disclaimer: Gizmodo AU does not encourage or condone the actions of the film-maker, or the subsequent actions taken by people as a result of viewing the film. [Gagfilms via Metacafe]Thanks, Dane!
Next time you open up that “past due” notice you can still feel like a bad arse with this Zeus lightning bolt letter opener. All junk mail and coupon flyers will tremble before you and your awesome power —not to mention mailmen, neighbours, kids, and small dogs (if things get out of hand). Available in solid or silver plated brass. Pricing upon request. [Product Page via Torc via Neatorama]
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Four engineering students from Georgia Tech have built an Autonomous Foosball Table, quite possibly the key to my never-ending quest to replace the humans in my life with robots. The funny thing is, this thing isn’t just a gimmick; it may soon become a decent foosball opponent. The table system cost about $500 to build, and combines a webcam, an 800MHz Pentium PC and servo-controlled paddles to move, twist, and kick. Here’s how it works:
This handmade, sterling silver ring from Analogue Aesthetics features a built-in microphone and a standard 3.5mm plug. Surely you can imagine the sort of fun that can be had with a device like this—plus, if a verbal jousting match with a heckler turned ugly, you have the satisfaction of knowing that a punch to the face with this baby on would be devastating. Available for $US105. [Product Page via Boing Boing Gadgets]
How do you manage to run up a $US85,000 mobile phone bill you ask? Apparently, 22-year-old Calgary native Piotr Staniaszek was under the impression that his $10 “unlimited browser plan” on Bell Mobility gave him carte blanche to use his mobile phone as a PC modem. Unfortunately, when a $60,000 bill arrived in his mailbox for the month of November he learned the hard way that this was not the case. The charges were later upped to $85,000 “because the company was charging him on a per-kilobyte basis.”
Using a Phidget RFID Kit, a Kwikset Powerbolt 1000, relays, a PC board, wire, and some basic software, a couple of guys managed to piece together a unique new wireless door locking system. RFID locks are nothing new, but this lock can be controlled via an RFID key fob, laptop or even a cellphone. As you will see, the concept demonstrated has potential but it still needs some more tinkering to be truly practical.
Another entry in the swelling mound of reports that the XO Laptop isn’t so noob-friendly after all—people needing help getting ‘em going doesn’t spell “sweet” on the ease-of-use front. This guy saw them on 60 Minutes, thought it’d be cool for his wife and kids, but he can’t get the internets working on it and is contemplating sending the second laptop to needy children too.There are other verdicts, though. Has anyone here done the G1G1 deal? What’s your take on the interface? [OLPC News]
I like me some tesla coils, so it’s no wonder that I’m a fan of a power drill modded into a tesla coil. Sure, it’s not playing the Mario Bros theme or playing out a scene from Red Alert, but it’s still cool in my book. Who cares that a perfectly good drill was made that much less useful? It’s cool. [TechEBlog via Geekologie]
