I don’t know about you, but it’s so cold out there that I’m going everywhere with my Zissou beanie on. I wouldn’t change it for anything, except an Indiana Jones fedora hat or any of these hand-knitted R2-D2 beanies. Perfect for snowboarding padawans (like Brian Lam) or X-Wing sled rides. [Carissa Knits and Excessively Diverted via Star Wars Blog]
According to the Wall Street Journal, Google is considering either a partnership or a full-on buyout of Space Data Corp—a company that provides balloon-based wireless networks. If you think that seems a little strange, consider this: the balloons can help bring wireless service to individuals in rural areas and they can be launched on the cheap—about US$50 to launch the balloon, US$1500 for the receiver, and a US$100 finder’s fee for recovery after the balloon returns to earth.
Novint’s Falcon 3D Haptic Joystick has been around for awhile now, but it has just received an upgrade in the form of a black version and an optional pistol grip accessory for FPS gaming. At US$19.99, the grip is a little more expensive than the US$4 price tag they hinted at last May, but if you are already paying US$199 for the black Falcon, what is another US$15? [Novint via i4u]
We have all heard about the endless problems OLPC is having with its shipments. However, an email sent to one of our own stated that the production schedule is “still on track” and that the laptop he ordered is expected to be delivered “by the middle or the end of March.” This comes despite the fact that the laptop was purchased at the last possible minute. Did anyone else who ordered an XO receive a similar email recently, or is your order still in limbo?
Cobra Electronics is expected to unveil the world’s first Bluetooth CB radio at this years Mid-America Trucking Show. Naturally, this device will allow truckers to sync their mobile phone conversations to their CB radio, making for more effective communication. Plus, a noise cancelling microphone will allow calls to be heard easily—even over a noisy engine. The 29 LTD BT will be available this summer for US$189.95. [Blast Magazine]
If you were looking for even more proof that the 80GB PS3 is on its way out, the fact that it is no longer available on the SonyStyle website makes it about as official as you can get outside of a press release. Perhaps that means we are one step closer to that rumoured 120GB version we have been hearing so much about. [SonyStyle Thanks Edward!]
Am I the only person that still can’t get used to Peter Garrett as a politician? Everytime I see him speak I picture him dancing in the Beds are burning video clip, and wonder how anyone could ever take him seriously.
Still, he’s announced a pretty encouraging energy star rating for all home appliances, including plasma TVs and computers. All new products will have to adhere to the 10-star energy efficiency rating system, prominently displaying just how energy efficient the product is.
The rating system is likely to start next year with whitegoods like fridges and dishwashers once the design has been worked out and approved, and rolled over into other consumer electronics like TVs and PCs by April next year.
It’s a good move – plasmas in particular are notoriously power hungry and can double a monthly electricity bill. Having aa uniform star rating on all new flat panel TVs will not only help you save money on electricity, but will also force manufacturers to put even more effort into making their products more energy efficient.
[SMH]
Franklin’s new Pocket Spelling Bee was unveiled at the NYC Toy Fair this week and despite its more than passing resemblance to the Sony Mylo, it appears to be a solid educational toy. The device allows kids to compete against one another or the computer in a spelling showdown for supremacy.
It appears that Thanko has upgraded their Silent Keyboard making it possible to use it with two PCs at once. A toggle switch over the arrow keys allows users to switch between computers, and its relatively low noise output (45dB compared to 60dB for a regular keyboard) make it an interesting choice for power users—especially ones that just blew their wad on a second PC. The Silent Keyboard 2.0 will only set you back US$51. [GeekStuff4U via Crave]
Details are sketchy at the moment, but the Hi-Can high fidelity canopy features beautifully designed equipment that allows you to surf the web, watch movies, play games, and listen to music all from the comfort of your bed. There is even a slick looking control panel on the headboard that allows you to control other gadgets in the room. At this point, the Hi-Can looks as though it is only a concept from designer Edoardo Carlino—but the video after the break ends with the words “coming soon.” One can only hope.
