August 6, 2008

Games

Hack Brings Region Free to the Wii Without a Modchip

Posted by Mark Wilson at 11:45 PM on August 6, 2008

A group of software enthusiasts are showing off a program that loads through the Wii homebrew channel and allows you to run international Wii and Gamecube discs in spite of existing region protection. Seeing as the hack is completely software-based and Nintendo has eliminated the functionality of older Wii region protection workarounds (Freeloader, specifically), the unnamed exploit looks like the next big thing for those of you willing to navigate Japanese menus to play titles a few days/months early. And it should be downloadable soon. [DCEmu via Kotaku]


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Gadgets

Every Taxi in Beijing Bugged With GPS-Tagging Microphone For Instant Surveillance

Posted by John Mahoney at 11:30 PM on August 6, 2008

If you're in Beijing for the Olympics kick starting this weekend, don't be spilling any beans (state secrets or otherwise) in your cab back to the hotel, because you're being listened to. As the WSJ is reporting, on your taxi's dash is a microphone that can be activated remotely, at any time and without the driver's knowledge, for a live listen into any one of Beijing's estimated 70,000 cabs. And then, if the folks on the other end don't like what they hear, they can take things even further.


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Computers

HP Developing Touchsmart Notebook

Posted by Mark Wilson at 11:15 PM on August 6, 2008

We liked the HP Touchsmart IQ506, the touch-controlled all-in-one PC, not just because it worked well (which it did), but because it was trying something different—not merely copying other products on the market. Now HP has revealed to the Wall Street Journal that they are aiming "to get touch-enabled notebook computers on the market within the next 18 months." Unfortunately, doing some quick calendar math in our heads, we realise that 18 months means 2010. And while we know we'll probably live to see the day, life is but "a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more." (HP didn't tell the WSJ that last part.) [WSJ via Electronista]


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Online

Tour Tokyo's Tech Paradise, Now On Google Street View

Posted by John Mahoney at 11:00 PM on August 6, 2008

Google's dutiful camera vans have finished canvassing Tokyo, which means today you can now tour some of the world's most geek-friendly real estate in "electric town" Akihabara without the 14 hour plane flight. The folks at Mars Mag have put together a tour of some of their favourite Linux Maid Cafes, Dream PC builders, arcade palaces and electronics megastores that call Akihabara home.


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Gadgets

Fantabulous Wood Sound Enhancer Specially Crafted for Rich Morons

Posted by Jesus Diaz at 10:45 PM on August 6, 2008

At last, here is the answer for all your high fidelity problems: the Acoustic System Phase Corrector, a group of 11 maple wood blocks that corrects the blurring of phase coherency. You know, that sound problem caused by those pesky pockets of greater energy density happening between the loudspeakers, the floor, and the front wall. Come on. You know the ones. Listen, just spend US$1,975 on this and you will get amazing sound, as their product description says:


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Gadgets

Scrapwood Electric Guitars Expose the Illusion of Rock

Posted by Mark Wilson at 10:36 PM on August 6, 2008


I'm not saying that we'll see Springsteen rocking a one-string, DIY electric guitar any time soon. But I'm pretty sure that he could if he wanted to, because these homemade guitars aren't too shabby--seeing as they were constructed in an afternoon by a group with little to no guitar crafting experience.


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Screens

Seiko Epson Designs Simple 3D Display for Mobile Phones

Posted by Kit Eaton at 10:15 PM on August 6, 2008

Seiko Epson has designed a new glasses-free display that really has the potential to bring 3D-displays to mobile phones and PMPs sooner rather than later. It's a bit similar to the old kid's classic lenticular images (you know: they come with a lined plastic face, and when you twist them you see a changing picture,) and in this case a complex array of convex lenses is combined with a high-res 3-inch LCD display. An object is photographed with up to eight cameras, a compound image is created, and when displayed each lens sends a slightly different view to your eyes. Because your eyes see different views of the object, just like in real life your brain reconstructs a 3D image. Sadly, the effect can't be captured in a single image of the screen, but you won't have long to wait: Seiko plans to commercialise the tech in a few years. [FarEastGizmos]


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Vehicles

Biggest Aeroplane Model in the World Eaten by Biggest Cargo Aircraft

Posted by Jesus Diaz at 10:00 PM on August 6, 2008

This is an Airbus A380--the largest passenger aircraft in the world--eaten alive by an Antonov AN-124--the largest mass-produced cargo aeroplane in the world (which I filmed inside at Dubai's airport). Before you exclaim "Photoshop!", this is a real photo by Dmitry Avdeev. However, it's not a real A380: it's a 1/3 scale model, which makes it the biggest aircraft replica in the world. So big, in fact, that its 26.5m wingspan is a metre wider than a real Concorde. Seeing it completely built in video gives you an idea of its gigantic scale.


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Portable

Zvue's Custom Elvis Theme PMP Comes with Pre-Loaded Presley Vids

Posted by Kit Eaton at 8:56 PM on August 6, 2008

Screw the Journey-themed PMP, this custom Zvue player has real music aboard: from Mr Presley himself. Ten video clips to be precise, and Elvis's signature and photo engraved on the back shell. Part of Zvue's Premier Artists Series, it's got 1GB (expandable to 5GB with microSD,) a 2.4-inch colour TFT screen, FM tuner, voice recorder and will cost about US$50 when it's out August 12th in Wal-mart. Uh huh huh. [TFTS]


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Entertainment

Calvin and Jobs Kick Steve's Nuts

Posted by Jesus Diaz at 8:51 PM on August 6, 2008

I don't know if comic strip genius Bill Watterson would like this version of his worldwide-beloved Calvin and Hobbes/Jobs--who morphs from philosophical tiger to killer CEO--but we approve. Actually, it made me laugh and wish for new strips. The drawing may not be as good as the original, but Jobs' physique and attitude feels absolutely spot on. Update: another series after the jump.


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Vehicles

Virgin Galactic's White Knight, Branson, Rutan and Spaceman Buzz Captured on Vid

Posted by Kit Eaton at 7:46 PM on August 6, 2008

Virgin Galactic's White Knight aircraft is pretty exciting. And here's a video that BoingBoingTV made of the aircraft's launch event, that has some interesting words on the craft and space travel from Sir Richard Branson, Scaled Composite's Burt Rutan and genuine spaceman and moonwalker, Buzz Aldrin himself. The best line? One that very few people in the world could say: "I wanted to go into space when I saw the moon landing. I've never had that opportunity, so I've had to build my own spacecraft!"—that's Branson. [BBTV]


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Software

US$999.99 iPhone App 'I Am Rich' Probably Only Applies to Developer

Posted by Kit Eaton at 7:07 PM on August 6, 2008

You must've seen at least one book titled something like "This book will teach you how to earn US$1 million." Now, picture an iPhone application that has just two functions: a red jewel icon that "always reminds you (and others when you show it to them) that you were able to afford this," and, after pressing the "(i)", a secret mantra that "may help to you stay rich, healthy and successful." It costs US$999.99. See where I'm going with this? I've got a better mantra that'll help you stay rich and healthy (by avoiding accidental spending-induced heart-attacks.) "Make sure you keep iTunes asking for your permission to buy apps before purchasing, or clicking on this app link may make you very, very sad indeed." [Product page]


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Online

Apple's MobileMe Failure: Management Changes Demystified

Posted by Kit Eaton at 6:39 PM on August 6, 2008

When we brought you news of Steve Jobs' displeasure at the stumbling launch of MobileMe, we wondered what was happening in the management structure of the service. The chaps at Valleywag have worked it out, and it's a classic. The guy now in charge of MobileMe, and all of Apple's online services—Eddy Cue—was actually originally in charge of the iTunes Store: the place where service outages really messed up the iPhone 3G's launch. Remember the iPocalypse? Hmmm. That now makes us wonder what happened to Cue's former boss Sina Tamaddon (on the right in the pic) and Rob Schoeben, who was in charge of MobileMe's launch. Did they too get punishment promotions? [Valleywag]


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Peripherals

Thanko's Code-Padlocked USB Thumbdrive Protector is Brilliantly Flawed

Posted by Kit Eaton at 6:31 PM on August 6, 2008

Here's something to put a smile on your face on a non-descript Wednesday morning: Thanko's new Code-Padlock USB protector. Does it use some funky encryption, or a digital keypad interface? No: it uses a physical code-padlocked lid that stops you from plugging in a thumbdrive if you can't work out the three-digit code. Brilliant, except that a thief will just steal the whole thing and work out the code at their leisure. So it must be aimed at stopping "casual eyes" accessing files you'd rather keep to yourself. Ah... ones with lots of pink pixels—it all becomes clear. You can of course lock up other USB devices, but you'd have to be working in a really mean office environment to need to do that. Yours for about US$9. [Akhabaranews]


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Furniture

Sony's Bravia Theatre RHT-G500 3.1-Channel Hi-Fi is a TV Stand Too

Posted by Kit Eaton at 6:08 PM on August 6, 2008

Stand your precious new HDTV on a simple, old-fashioned plank of wood? No, that's way too low-tech... or at least you might think so after seeing Sony's RHT-G500. It's an "invisible home cinema" TV stand. "A TV stand with a product code?" you might ask. Yes. And an integrated 3.1-channel audio system with S-Force PRO Front Surround technology, HDMI inputs with pass-through, a special PMP connector, and both Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity. And you can stand TVs on it: it's designed for 32-inch to 40-inch sets. No word on pricing or availability. [Sony Europe via I4U]


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Toys

Pleo Coming To Australia Mid-September

Australian Post Posted by Nick Broughall at 2:41 PM on August 6, 2008

If you're after a pet without the need to feed it or clean up its little presents, then we have some good news for you: Pleo, the robotic dinosaur that can take on dogs, RC monster trucks and Battlebots, is making its way down to Australia, according to tipster (extraordinaire) Adam.

They're due to land mid-September, will be distributed exclusively through Ingram Micro and it looks like they'll cost $449. That may sound a little steep, but the little fella has outlasted the Aibo*, and it's a dinosaur.

We'll post more news as it comes to hand. In the meantime, take a trip down Pleo memory lane here.

[Pleo on Giz - Thanks Adam!]

* - I know it didn't technically outlast Aibo.

Gadgets

Apple Recieves Six New Patents: New MacBook, Dock Designs Coming?

Posted by Matt Hickey at 1:00 PM on August 6, 2008

Apple today received not one but six patents for a variety of items, including an iPhone/iPod Touch stand, an amplification system, a form of speech synthesis, and something it calls a "computing device" that looks a lot like a MacBook to us. Also, a new earbud/lanyard design, and a new backlighting scheme. Keep in mind, some of these patents might be for things Apple already sells, it's a common practice and is responsible for the "patent pending" phrase on some products. Others, though, like the stand, haven't been seen by eyes outside Apple, and it makes us curious if we ever will. [MacNN]


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Online

Internet Filter Says F^&k Off Whakatane

Australian Post Posted by Nick Broughall at 12:53 PM on August 6, 2008

Whakatane in NZ2.jpg

Here's a perfect example of why Internet filters just don't work. Our New Zealand cousins across the ditch living in a place called Whakatane were given a rude shock when they discovered - thanks to an interested tourist - that their town's name was being blocked by an American internet filter.

The reason? In Maori, 'Wh' is pronounced like an 'F'. So that you understand the problem, say it out loud: Fakatane. Say it again: Fakatane. Do you see the problem? It sounds like 'Fuck-a-tarny'.

So because of some phonetics, an internet filter blocked an entire New Zealand town. Sure, it has now been sorted out, but this is still a great example (and yes, we're talking to you, Conroy) of why internet filters just don't work - 9 times out of 10, they filter out perfectly acceptable stuff.

[via News.com.au]

Online

Engin To Get Naked (DSL)

Australian Post Posted by Nick Broughall at 12:10 PM on August 6, 2008

naked-dsl.jpg

VoIP is good and stuff, but nine times out of ten it isn't worth the effort (or the cost). Which is probably why Engin has been struggling in recent times.

To try and remedy this situation, Engin are planning on entering the Naked DSL market. Other naked DSL offerings include free VoIP services with their networks, so the move isn't exactly surprising.

The plan is to launch the broadband services in October, according to their website, although there isn't a lot of information on where the service will be available.

The mre companies offering the ability to get online and make cheap phone calls without line rental, the better in my opinion. Hopefully the pricing offered from Engin will be nice and competitive when it launches in a couple of months.

[via MIS Australie]

Gadgets

Wired Previews Hackable Defcon 16 Badge

Posted by Matt Hickey at 12:00 PM on August 6, 2008

Wired got a sneak peek at one of the more fun aspects of this coming weekend's Defcon, the hackable badge. Last year's badge was hacked in just ten minutes, but it didn't have an SD card slot at USB support. The new card has fewer features than last year's but is more powerful. And it comes with a longer battery life, good news. But not everything is known, and that's kind of the point to these fun trinkets. [Wired]


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Portable

Mio Launching Flavoured Milk? New Moov Satnav Range

Australian Post Posted by Nick Broughall at 11:12 AM on August 6, 2008

Moov370_side.jpg

Mio has come out all guns blazing with the release of three new satnavsfor the Australian market. They all look exactly like the Moov 380 we saw from the US back in June, although none of these local models have a built-in SIM card slot to let you make calls from the device.

All the new models are using Navteq maps, which (I believe) is a first for a dedicated device in Australia (I'm sure you'll let me know if I'm wrong). There's also a cool tech called instant GPS fix, which recalibrates the expected position of the satellites in the sky every three days to get your position quicker. Plus, each of the new models has a 2 year warranty.

The entry level Moov 300, which will have an RRP of $349, has a large, 4.3-inch widescreen display. They've rejigged the interface as well, so you get large icons (like TomTom and Garmin devices). There's text to speech (so it reads out street names for you), which is a nice addition to an entry level unit.

But it's the mid and high-range units that make the new Moov range interesting.

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Design

Ridiculous Keyboard Napkin Crumb-Proofs Your Laptop

Posted by Sean Fallon at 11:00 AM on August 6, 2008

Chunky geeks that enjoy eating Cheetos while working on the computer would never have to worry about cheese covered fingertips again if they had keyboard napkin protection. And hey, you are working hard with all of that lifting, chewing and typing, which is why you can easily remove the napkin to wipe the sweat from your brow after the snacks are gone. Unfortunately, the keyboard napkin is only a concept at this point, so messy laptop users that sweat when they eat are SOL for now.

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Vehicles

DIY Batman Tumbler Is Nearly Perfect, Built With One Man's Bare Hands

Posted by John Mahoney at 10:20 AM on August 6, 2008


Bob Dullam is a man possessed--by a lot of things, surely, but mainly by the drive to build this absolutely amazing working replica of Batman's current-gen Batmobile, the Tumbler. Our buddies over at Jalopnik have spotted it, and It's got it all--the afterburner, the huge honking double-barrel wheels, the stealth-toothiness on all of the edges--immaculate. Dullam threw it all together with nothing more than commonly available photos and the movies themselves, all custom welded, in his own garage by himself. And if you're assuming he's got a pretty impressive Batsuit to go with it, you're right.

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Design

Woon Box: A Toilet, Shower and Kitchen All-in-One

Posted by Sean Fallon at 10:00 AM on August 6, 2008

I can't say that I would be thrilled about the idea of cooking in the same space that I shower and go to the bathroom, but the idea behind the Woon Box is sound. Basically, the Dutch designers at KAW envision the Woon Box as something like an elaborate port-a-potty. It features a shower, toilet and kitchen inside a relatively compact box that can be transported to areas in need of temporary facilities. I can also see something like this being popular with people who need to conserve space in small dwellings. It is an interesting idea, but that woman in the gallery is definitely not helping to sell the concept. [KAW via The Design Blog]

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Online

Apple's MobileMe Launch Problems Might Be Just the Beginning

Posted by Matt Buchanan at 9:40 AM on August 6, 2008

The MobileMe launch was a massive flusteruck--even Steve said so. Our long national nightmare is over though, right? Well, Om is reporting that their whole net infrastructure is a few years behind where it should be, and if it's as bad as he's heard, "then there is no way Apple can get over its current spate of problems."


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Regulars

Question of the Day: What's Your Ringtone?

Posted by Matt Buchanan at 9:00 AM on August 6, 2008

The noise your phone emits when someone's trying to get a hold of you is a deeply personal thing. Our intern Dan likes to be shamed into answering his phone as quickly as possible—when his phone shrieked "EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!" at the office, everyone laughed and he ran into the corner to take his call, post-haste. I prefer the vibes, for discretion, though I've got a sweet Tokyo Police Club ringtone as a noisy backup since I hate every phone's stock ringers. So, how does your phone get your attention?


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Peripherals

1500mAh Solar Powered Charging Case For the iPhone 3G

Posted by Sean Fallon at 8:40 AM on August 6, 2008

Yes, yes...we have heard plenty of complaints about iPhone 3G battery life, and there are already several solutions like battery packs and rechargeable hip holsters hitting the market. However, the new case from Mobile Fun has one advantage over all of these other devices--it can be charged by the sun.


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