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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]
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 
We liked the HP 
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" 
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:
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. [
This is an 
Screw the 
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.
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." [
When we brought you news of 
Here's something to put a smile on your face on a non-descript Wednesday morning: 
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. [
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 
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. [
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. [
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.
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 
The MobileMe launch was a 
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?
Yes, yes...we have heard plenty of complaints about