Gizmodo Australia » messages

Automatic Translate Feature Launched in Gmail Labs

Gizmodo US Edition — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:26:59 +0000

Good news, worldly Giz readers: Google’s translation technology has been integrated directly into Gmail. By enabling “Message Translation” from the Labs tab under Settings, Gmail will translate emails between 41 languages.

Why Do I Have Negative One Text Messages?

John Mahoney — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Error in the space-time continuum of SMS? Less than no friends? IS SOMEONE TRYING TO TELL ME SOMETHING?

15 Pneumatic Tube Messaging Systems

Sean Fallon — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:20:00 +0000

Before the internet, an actual series of tubes really was the best way to transport messages quickly. OObject has complied an amazing list of these systems—some dating as far back as the 19th century. [OObject]

Santa Mail App Lets You Email Santa From Your iPhone

Nick Broughall — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:23:45 +0000

Hand-writing letters to Santa is so 20th Century. These days, Santa has a Gmail account and an iPhone running the Santa Mail App. If you’ve got the app too, you can send the bearded.gift-giver messages that he will respond to individually. While that may not hold too much appeal for you as an adult, it will give you a certain level of street cred with your kids, especially when they get individualised responses. If you’re worried about your kids privacy, don’t be, because the app doesn’t actually send any info, instead automating the response from inside the app itself. And while it doesn’t have a terribly long lifespan (it’s an automated message from Santa), for $2.49, can you really complain? Plus, it’s probably the first iPhone app developed in Wagga Wagga NSW, which means you should buy it just for that fact alone.

[SantaMail App]

Road Sign Translation Snafu Proves Machines Are Less Lazy Than Humans

Gizmodo US Edition — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:00:00 +0000

What happens when you ask a guy to translate something for you into a language you don’t understand? This. The top part of the sign is in English, but when they emailed someone to translate that English into Welsh, the response actually said “I am not in the office at the moment. Please send any work to be translated.” That’s right, it’s an out of office message, which subsequently made it onto the road sign undetected. We hope those residents are getting used to Welsh truck drivers carrying heavy goods. [BBC - Thanks Christopher!]

Mouse With Cooling Fan, LED Message Scroller is Wonderful, Actually

Kit Eaton — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:36:40 +0000

My first thoughts on seeing this USB mouse with in-built fan-powered palm cooler and rotary LED message scroller: “Holy moly that’s one craptaculous bit of gadgetry!” But then I reconsidered. First, who wouldn’t like a less sweaty palm when mousing for protracted periods? And second, that message scroller (which even has its own remote control) could carry some incredibly useful phrases. “Mum…Don’t Turn on The Monitor. AT ALL”…life-saving stuff like that. Wonderful, and yours in green or red for $US35. [Gadget4All]

Brando’s USB LED Message Board Displays Obscene Messages To Your Workmates

Jason Chen — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Are your coworkers always giving you a hard time about being away from your desk and not knowing where you are? Grab this US$27 LED Message Board from Brando and always have a sign showing where you are. Sure, a Post-it or a mini-whiteboard would accomplish the same thing, but are they USB? Do they light up with red dotted letters? Are they that much more hilarious when the words “Fuck off Phil” scroll across their body? We think not. [Brando]

Rumour: T-Mobile Will Allow Blocking of Text Messages, Maybe Calls

Jason Chen — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:30:00 +0000

There’s no official confirmation yet, but TMONews says that T-Mobile is working on a system to let its users block SMS, MMS, email and IMs from other users one at a time through a call to customer care or a visit to a retail store. It’s unclear whether you can block calls, which would be even better thanks to annoying automated calling systems that somehow call you for days on end but don’t say anything. Is T-Mobile the first provider to activate call and message blocking? Why don’t more providers do this? [TMONews]

LED Message Pen: Cross-Classroom Messaging, 21st Century Style?

Gizmodo US Edition — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:50:33 +0000

Remember the LED message wand? Brando’s now got a miniaturised version that fits in the top of a ballpoint pen, and can display messages up to 20 characters in length. Perfect for covert cross-classroom messaging? As long as the teacher doesn’t spot the flash of a red LED across the room. Available now for US$15. [Brando via Geek Alerts]

Ikea Mobile Syncs Bar Codes, Weekly Deals to Your Phone

Jason Chen — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:45:19 +0000

“Shopping” at Ikea is more of an enjoyable afternoon outing than an quick in-and-out errand, so anything that helps make the experience even more pleasant gets a thumbs-up from us. This Ikea Mobile kiosk was found in Seattle by Unpluggd, and allows you to scan bar codes for products to get sent via SMS to your phone.

By doing so you also opt-in to get access to coupons and specials for the week, as well as “regular updates via text message for deals and discounts.” Cool while you’re in the store, but somewhat annoying if you’re getting pinged by Ikea about Poang chairs every week. [Unpluggd via New Launches via Oh Gizmo]