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Next week, in Rio, an international meeting will get underway concerning the Internet and its current status. The itinerary for the discussion includes spam, free speech and Internet access costs. However, it seems that American dominance in the governing of the Internet is more likely to be the unofficial topic for debate.
We had no reason to offer any further proof that Japan is the unquestionable winner when it comes to wacky inventions, but the Melody Road convinces us our judgment is completely accurate. The Melody Road will allow a car passing above it to play a simple tune, which is made audible by ridges on the road's surface. The pitch of the note created is increased by increasing the frequency of the ridges, and the opposite is also true. Jump for more details, and a completely baffling video.
Anyone who's watched the latest series of iPhone ads knows that the people simply appear on screen and speak with no prompting. But just what were all these fine folks really being asked, anyway? We've taken the liberty to fill in the gaps, so hit the jump for the exclusive, re-cut and uncensored versions of Apple's newest iPhone spots—and see what happens when Apple stops being polite, and starts getting real.
Tired of hearing about Toshiba HD DVD players and displays? Well, you can sit on it. Rather, sit on this: Toshiba's set to release a new energy-efficient bidet-style heated toilet in Japan. That's right, a toilet.
At its core, the Crosley Keepsake is a pretty straightforward USB turntable, playing at speeds of 33/45/78 RPM and connecting to your computer via USB. But the fact that it's in a suitcase-esque shell is a bit different from the norm and would liven up any fortress of gadgets. It's currently selling online for $149.95. [Crosley Radio via Red Ferret]
We told you about NBC Direct earlier, but essentially the service promised to allow users to download NBC shows absolutely free, direct from the source. Well, the service has unexpectedly gone live, and early reports are indicating it was not worth the wait.
When I bought a Canon Powershot a couple years back, I wondered why people didn't suddenly strike poses when I passed them in the street. I went through several theories: maybe it's because I had more facial hair than Bigfoot; maybe they weren't feeling well; maybe I should point the camera at them instead of plants and buildings.
Thanks to this new Sony ad, though, I know the real problem - they wanted to be captured by a Cybershot. Time to go get one - I've always wanted to watch a janitor pretend to ram his head through a wall for my amusement.
The guys over at Zune Scene are reporting that Microsoft intends to allow customisation to all Zune 80 devices purchased via Zune.net. Apparently, the buyer will be able to make several choices concerning color, custom text (a maximum of five lines) and even opt for an etched logo from a bank of 25 preset images. These options are rumoured to become present through an, as of yet, undisclosed section of the website, which shall be labelled "Zune Originals." Microsoft are reportedly going to be offering this all free of charge, and we dare say we would be mighty impressed with the gesture. The big M wanted this to be a nice little surprise for the early adopters, so play nice and act shocked if they announce it. Catch what Zune Scene's source had to say after the jump.
Normally, Xbox 360 faceplates fail to get my attention. But in the case of these furry faceplates and controller covers, they're so strange that I almost think they're cool. They come in either cow print or leopard print, so your Xbox can look like a Gateway computer box or a tacky, middle-aged housewife (sans excessive perfume). At the very least, it makes your 360 a conversation piece. The cow print faceplate sells for $18 (controller cover for 16), while the leopard print faceplate sells for $19 (controller cover for $17). [Total Console via Hawty McBloggy via Technabob]
It's about time for the mechanics inside digital cameras to get a technological overhaul, and a start-up named Artificial Muscle is aiming to do just that with some new actuators.
The actuators are built around a material that alters its firmness when voltage is applied - otherwise known as, well, artificial muscle. At 8.5 and 9.5mm in size, they're small enough to replace a variety of less efficient devices inside cameras, including those used in autofocus, shutter release, and even image stabilization.
Having had Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, Microsoft Cola and Wal-Mart's own brand cola in our blood streams, all at mutually exclusive time points in our lives, we considered ourselves cola connoisseurs. How wrong we were. We were fools, for coladom has a new king and its name is Slim Shady Ubuntu cola!
Zunerama community member, ed, claims to have already purchased a new Zune flash player, days before the expected official release. Apparently, the player was acquired from an Office Depot in St. Louis. (Again, if any of you could somehow manage to get one to us before the launch, we'll cough up for them). Ed has not had much fun time with his new player, as the device will not function without an impending firmware release! Check out the blurry gallery below:
