See those two USB plugs on this hub gizmo from Brando? They’re what makes this thing a little bit neat, even if its looks aren’t anything special. Most USB hubs need to draw energy from a power brick if you’re going to load them up with much more than a memory stick and charge up a gadget. But this one plugs into two USB ports on your PC for more juice, so you can connect up to three different devices and charge or sync your phone or camera at the same time via the mini-USB connector. It’s available now for US$12. [Brando]
According to some intel gathered by our brothers from another alien mother at Kotaku, rumour has it that Nintendo is ramping up Wii production to 2.4 million units/month (compared to the 1.8 million units/month currently produced). It’s a number that should allow Nintendo to sell more of their popular console while balancing the big Re-shhhhhh that’s going on in America at the moment. We’ll continue this conversation when, uhhh, things are going even better. [kotaku]
newVideoPlayer("orgyroom_giz.flv", 494, 296,""); Here’s one of Boeing Dreamliner’s most closely guarded secrets: the Orgy Room. Boeing likes to call it “the Crew Quarters” but, come on, what images does this cozy compartment, hidden in the top of the composite fuselage bring to mind? Here’s a hint: it has six tightly packed beds for flight attendants, who use them to “have siestas” when the flights are too long. What. Ever. [Fortune]
Asus just gave a new look and hardware upgrade to its
Sure, it’s only a model of a dual-saw-wielding giant robot, but we can’t help but to admire one man’s vision of an autonomous future of fighting forest fires. The Forest Fire “Clear Cut” Robot (model) has 600 parts and took its creator 6 months to complete. What it represents is a tool prepared to slice and dice trees as necessary to stop the spread of flames in fictional, wilderness settings. Because remember, only you (and gigantic, badass robots with blades bigger than your body) can prevent forest fires. But it’s mostly on the robots at this point, honestly. Here’s a bonus pic:
Remember that sleek black mobile phone from LG we wrote about earlier this month? More details are emerging, most notably that it shoots DivX video at 120 frames per second, and sports face-recognition technology on that 5-megapixel camera, as well as having haptic feedback, mobile Google apps and Bluetooth. Oh, and one for Conan O’Brien—its name is *whispers* Secret. Full press release after the jump.
According to Steve yesterday, that $44.6 billion offer to buy Yahoo is “a lot of money,” which comes as no surprise to anyone. But he followed it up by saying Microsoft is “prepared to move forward alone without Yahoo.” Is he threatening to walk away? One suggestion to explain this is that employees inside Microsoft are uncomfortable: online services staff are wary about job futures, and others are worried the take-over will divert manager’s attention off the key Microsoft business itself. What do you think guys? Is this it for the deal? Or is it just another tactic in the game? [WSJ]
Eighteen years ago today, the Hubble Telescope was launched into space by the Space Shuttle Discovery. To celebrate its coming of age, NASA has released 59 high-definition breathtaking pictures of galaxies colliding across the universe. Above is ESO 99-4, a weird-shaped galaxy (probably the result of another collision) situated in the Triangulum Australe, around 400-million light years away from earth. [Wired]
This spoon, which looks like a prop from CSI, has built-in scales so you can scoop and check the amount all in one. Made of ABS plastic and stainless steel, it has an LCD screen, and an accuracy of 0.14 grams. It also measures in metric or imperial and can keep track of added weights. Just make sure you use it for cooking ingredients, and not for measuring stuff that might get you a visit from CSI for real. Available for about US$37. [ProIdee via OhGizmo, GeekAlerts]
Doctor Who fans can now get their hands on the Master’s laser screwdriver. Darth Vader to the Time Lord’s Luke (father-son relationship aside), the Master’s laser screwdriver is more powerful than Doctor Who’s—well, that’s what you’d think, wouldn’t you? Although you can get a simultaneous blast from all three laser barrels, not to mention the Pew Pew Pew, it’s not multi-talented like the Doctor’s version. Can you write a list for the weekly shop with this version? No you can’t. Those eight-and-a-half inches of pleasure (when extended) will set you back US$18.99. [ThinkGeek]
