Saturday, March 1, 2008
Peripherals
MSI Motherboard Fan Powered Without Electricity
1:00PM Sean Fallon | Fans of green technology will undoubtedly be glad to hear that MSI has developed a working concept design that utilises Stirling Engine Theory to power a motherboard fan. Instead of conventional electricity, the fan will harvest heat emanating from the processor to function. More »
Phones
Mobile Phone Makers Have No Idea Why We Hate Their Phones
12:30PM Matt Buchanan | Mobile Phone makers like LG, Moto and Nokia are apparently labouring harder than ever over what we think about their phones (mostly not happy thoughts!). But guess what? Even with this newfound “concern” they still don’t get it. Here’s a couple of their ridiculous, out-of-touch ideas about how make us happy from a panel at MWC: One panelist suggested that phone makers tap into consumers’ “neural networks”, while another said they should understand their subliminal needs. WTF? More »
Gadgets
Eco Park Time Travel Mart: “Whenever You Are, We’re Already Then”
12:00PM Sean Fallon | David Eggers can now add time travel entrepreneur to his long list of literary and social accomplishments thanks to the Eco Park Time Travel Mart he recently opened in LA. Some of the humourous products available for purchase include: mammoth chunks, barbarian repellent, packets of shade and anti-robot fluid. More info after the break. More »
Gadgets
RelaxStyle Lamp: Like Tripping at the Bottom of the Sea
11:30AM Sean Fallon | Need to unwind? The RelaxStyle Room Palette Effect lamp can transport you to a tranquil undersea world at the push of a button. The lamp projects light onto walls or ceilings that resemble undulating waves—giving users the feeling of being submerged in shallow water, looking up into the sunlight. You can even set a timer that will automatically shut the light show down after 120 minutes. That way you can blissfully set adrift into sleep and peacefully pee your pants in the middle of the night. Available for US$69. [Japan Trend Shop via Crave via DVICE] More »
Online
Amazon Unbox HD Rentals Coming Soon?
11:30AM Matt Buchanan | Amazon’s Unbox service might finally get some HD action. This screencap is from a survey sent out to their customer panel—notice the US$4.99 pricepoint to rent an HD movie is the same as iTunes. Where’s the “cheaper, plz” option? They also asked whether there’s interest in subscriptions—like to “hit movies,” or say, indie flicks. What say ye? [Thanks Michael!] More »
Gadgets
ONELink Wireless, Networked, Talking Smoke Alarms Tell You When to Get the Hell Out
11:00AM Sean Fallon | If you are ever confronted with a fire or carbon monoxide situation in your home, it goes without saying that you would want an alarm that will give you the best chance to escape. That having been said, the ONELink system from First Alert does just about everything outside of physically carrying you out of the building. Because they can be wirelessly networked (up to 16 units), when one of the devices goes off, they will all go off, giving you more time to take action no matter where you are in a building. More »
Computers
Rumour: Apple Wants Sony Blu-ray Drives for MacBook Pros
10:30AM Matt Buchanan | AppleInsider says Apple is “actively” poking Sony (as opposed to other BR manufacturers) for slot-loading Blu-ray drives for MacBook Pros—Apple supposedly even wanted to offer BR SuperDrives with the new Penryn-powered machines, but “quality issues” meant Sony could only deliver combo drives. Apple said shno thanks for now. More »
Games
Bento Box Nintendo DS Is Delicious, Sold Out Like the Real Thing
9:30AM Matt Buchanan | The thing I actually miss most about living in Japan is the food (except their horribly disgusting take on Italian, the only really bad eats there). I think it’s one of the few places that they they even try to make the lunches super-cute (check out mini-Bashcraft’s Pokemon bento @ Kotaku). But just like the actual non-tasty plastic version you play games on, the sign on this bento box Nintendo DS made out of rice says it’s sold out. Sad. [Alafista via DVICE] More »
Gadgets
10 Ways to Bring the Sin City Experience Home
9:01AM Sean Fallon | With the Sony 2008 Line Show behind us, we can’t help but feel a little sad to be leaving Vegas once again (and by “Vegas” we mean “hookers”). Unfortunately, most of you can’t experience the joys of America’s playground as frequently as we do—but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. The following 10 gadgets can help bring the Sin City experience to your crib. More »
Gadgets
