- Geek.com: Gadgets
Amazon’s Kindle out of stock
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:28:33 +0000
If you were looking to pick up a Kindle to finish up your summer reading you may be disappointed. Amazon is currently showing that the Kindle is temporarily out of stock. The site is still taking orders for the ereader which will result in an email with an estimated delivery date when available. The Kindle supply shortage [...]
DefCon Ninja badge includes hacker game
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:58:14 +0000
If you attend a conference then a badge is usually worn to show you are allowed to be there. These can take the form of stickers, a clip on bit of card, or a piece of paper in a plastic case. At DefCon this year one badge is going to be its own little system [...]
Foxconn manages to poison 250 workers in India
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:12:08 +0000
While Foxconn may have increased wages to address suicide attempts, it hasn’t stopped employees suffering injuries. This latest example of factory-floor workers being hurt was accidental, however. 250 Foxconn employees working in a small Indian factory had to be hospitalised on Monday after being sprayed with pesticide. Symptoms included nausea and feeling giddy making them unable [...]
A closer look at Apple’s multitouch Magic Trackpad (video)
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:02:59 +0000
Drowned in a series of hardware updates yesterday was the Magic Trackpad, a brand new Apple product that lets owners of Mac desktops enjoy the same multitouch experience like on MacBooks, albeit on a larger scale. The Magic Trackpad is basically a blown up notebook trackpad. It’s aluminum-clad, features the same – but 80 percent larger [...]
SanDisk launch paper clip-sized Cruzer Blade USB drive
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:00:03 +0000
If you’re in the market for a new USB flash drive, and want something small enough to clip on a key-chain, then SanDisk might have the perfect solution. It’s called the Cruzer Blade USB, and SanDisk claim it’s the smallest USB flash drive in North America. This drive is tiny. It’s roughly the same size as [...]
KMart starts selling a $150 7″ Android tablet
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:32:36 +0000
$499 for an iPad? KMart shoppers can laugh all the way to the bank as a $150 Android tablet is now available. Depending on your needs, the 9.7″ screen of the iPad may be the best choice, but if you can cope with a 7″ display then KMart could save you a cool $350 on the [...]
Acer’s three latest LCD monitors boast ludicrous dynamic contrast ratios
Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:30:20 +0000
When it comes to displays, dynamic contrast ratio is the new megapixels: basically, a ridiculous, overblown metric that doesn’t really give any real indication to a consumer about how good the resulting image they’ll get will be. We posted a good explanation here on why you shouldn’t trust dynamic contrast ratios, if you’re interested. [...]
Taylor projection scale lets you see your weight even if you can’t see past your belly
Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:59:21 +0000
Here at Geek, we know our demographic: smart, sophisticated tech enthusiasts with lithely muscular bodies just as comfortable hacking into their smartphone’s firmware as they are bench-pressing a small automobile above the glistening trunks of their necks and the turgid, straining slabs of their shoulders. If only Geek’s editorial bullpen was in such good shape. [...]
Intel designs the cash register of the future
Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:37:17 +0000
Intel’s been doing some pretty neat experimentation lately about what their chips can do outside of the confines of a PC chassis. Last week, we learned that their diminutive, power-sipping mobile Atom chipset would be used to propel a freakin’ rocketcar at 1000MPH. What’s next? Well, how about this massive Star Trek like console, powered by [...]
India create a $30 tablet PC for students
Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:54:12 +0000
While organizations like the OLPC tried to hit the $100 mark for a netbook PC, India has gone a step further and created a $30 tablet PC. The device, called Sakshat, was unveiled by India’s Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal. It is expected to become available in India next year targeting students. To begin with [...]
- Engadget
Panasonic to spend $9.4b on buying out Sanyo and PEW shares, posts robust quarterly profits
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:44:00 EDT
Clearly dissatisfied with what it sees in the mirror, Panasonic has today announced its decision to bulk up. A new share issue expected to raise ¥500 billion ($5.7 billion) will be enacted soon as part of raising the cash to complete the buyout of Sanyo Electric and Panasonic Electric Works. Don't ask us why a company named Panasonic has to buy another company with Panasonic in its name, but them's the facts. The total outlay is expected to come in at around $9.4 billion and is justified by Panasonic as fundamental to its future strategy of expanding into environmentally friendly tech and developing a three-pronged operating paradigm by 2012. The Osaka-based company is also reporting a ¥43.7b ($498 million) profit for the last quarter -- a major upswing from a ¥53b loss in the same period last year -- though that's information the market seems to have ignored. Panasonic shares have plunged down 7.7% in the immediate aftermath of the acquisitions being announced, while Sanyo's have shot up. Click past the break for the novella-sized press release explaining the details of the deal.
Panasonic to spend $9.4b on buying out Sanyo and PEW shares, posts robust quarterly profits originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink
Reuters | 
MarketWatch | Email this | CommentsNintendo issues a 3DS release date date
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:59:00 EDT
Find the headline confusing? Well, the explanation won't help to assuage the muddle much. A Nintendo spokesman told Bloomberg Japan that Ninty plans to announce the Nintendo 3DS price and release date on September 29th. Thus far, we've only seen speculation about pricing (between $249 and $299) and release dates (between October and March, 2011). So yeah, we still don't know when or for how much but at least we know when we'll find out when and for how much. Make sense?Nintendo issues a 3DS release date date originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalinkgi | Boomberg Japan [translated] | Email this | CommentsPS3 and Bravia sales boost quarterly Sony profits above expectations
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:42:00 EDT
Earlier this summer, Sony closed another fiscal year of being in the red, but it's starting the 2010/11 ledger with its quill dipped firmly in the black inkwell. For the quarter ending June 30, the Japanese megacorp clocked up ¥25.7 billion ($293 million) in pure, unadulterated profit off the back of a ¥67 billion operating income. When you compare that to the performance this time last year, a ¥37 billion loss, you have to agree that the Stringer purse-tightening program seems to have delivered the desired effect. The primary drivers for the current resurgence are pinpointed as the PlayStation 3 and Bravia lines (frankly, we consider the two utterly inseparable), and Sony's feeling so buoyant about it all that it's revising its projection for the coming year's revenues upwards today. The good news is tempered, however, by the threat of a rising Yen, which has already claimed Nintendo's profits as its first victim.
PS3 and Bravia sales boost quarterly Sony profits above expectations originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
PermalinkReuters | Sony | Email this | CommentsA steampunk USB drive that could clean H. G. Wells' house
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:12:00 EDT
Site ChipChick nailed it when noting the similarity between this 8GB steampunk USB drive and Rosie the Robot of Jetsons yore. The drive's creator, however, says it was inspired by a "narrow bridge" sign seen on a old country road. Really? Just look at that barrel-shaped cap staring down at you from atop a frilly gear collar; hands on hips in a tempestuous pose that makes us feel like we've somehow wronged her. Regardless, for $300 she'll make a fine addition to your alternate-history abode.
A steampunk USB drive that could clean H. G. Wells' house originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
PermalinkChipChick | Etsy | Email this | CommentsNintendo posts Q1 loss on strong Yen and lower DS prices
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:43:00 EDT
Although foreshadowed, it's hard to believe that the once mighty Ninty, a company with unshakable profits even during last year's global economic downturn, just recorded a Q1 net loss of ¥25.22 billion ($288 million) compared to a net profit of ¥42.32 billion during the same 3-month period a year earlier. Revenues dropped from ¥253.50 billion to ¥188.65 billion. Lower DS portable gaming machine prices coupled with a strong Yen (86.5 percent of its sales were outside of Japan) helped pull Nintendo into the red. Regardless, Nintendo continues to forecast a full year net profit of ¥200 billion on revenue of ¥1.4 trillion. We'll see.
Nintendo posts Q1 loss on strong Yen and lower DS prices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalinkgi | Wall Street Journal | Email this | CommentsSky 3D channel comes home October 1 with Ryder Cup, EPL, movies and more
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:02:00 EDT
The Sky 3D channel has so far been officially available only in 1,500 or so UK pubs, but now its residential launch for all Sky+HD customers is slated for October 1. The 2010 Ryder Cup will serve as a launch event with three days of live coverage from Celtic Manor as the US and European teams do battle; the first ever in 3D, but the third such event it's covered in high definition. Golf fans won't be the only ones catered to, Premier League football will be returning once the season starts and today's announcement coincided with a SkyArts 3D filming arranged by the English National Ballet. Hollywood's major studios have already agreed to provide 3D movies including Bolt, Monsters vs. Aliens, Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince and more, while Sky has commissioned its own original 3D flick, Flying Monsters presented by Sir David Attenborough. Not quite ready for the 3D revolution? Feel free to put that on the backburner -- at least until the 2012 London Olympics -- as the network is also adding content from HBO, a large slate of new comedies, Anytime+ VOD, and a Sky Mobile TV iPad app. With an HD channel count of 43 and plans to reach 50 by year-end, there should be a little something there for everyone to enjoy.
Continue reading Sky 3D channel comes home October 1 with Ryder Cup, EPL, movies and more
Sky 3D channel comes home October 1 with Ryder Cup, EPL, movies and more originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |Sky, (2), (3), (4), (5) | Email this | CommentsHTC will ship all Android phones in China with Froyo on board, fuels fire for immediate update closer to home
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:09:00 EDT
A wordy headline, to be sure, but a pleasing one nonetheless. We came across HTC's Chinese web portal listing the Desire as coming with Android 2.2 (with Sense!) and simply had to ping the official source for confirmation. It turns out the info up there is no mistake: all HTC Android handsets shipping to China -- which includes the Wildfire and Tianyi -- will do so with Froyo preloaded, cutting down on your upgrade angst at least until the Gingerbread man comes a'knocking. HTC has also reiterated that a 2.2 update for its phones already on the market will be delivered "very soon," so if all goes well, we should be looking at a Froyo-dominated August in the land of High Tech Computers.
[Thanks, Christian]HTC will ship all Android phones in China with Froyo on board, fuels fire for immediate update closer to home originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |HTC China | Email this | CommentsNokia N8 up for official €469 pre-order in Italy, available in September
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:47:00 EDT
Nokia's Symbian^3 flagship -- the 3.5-inch N8 with 12 megapixel camera -- just went up for pre-order on Espoo's Italian storefront showing an end of September availabilty. Now before you get up in arms about the €469 price tag (about $610), remember, the €370 estimated retail price announced was pre tax and pre carrier subsidy. That's just how Europe does things, deal with it. We're not seeing the preorder available elsewhere but we'll update you if that situation changes.
[Thanks, Faisal]Nokia N8 up for official €469 pre-order in Italy, available in September originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |Nokia | Email this | CommentsBeagleBoard finds new purpose in DIY wearable computer
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:02:00 EDT
We've already seen the small and flexible BeagleBoard used for a couple of different DIY projects, but few quite as impressive as this wearable computer built by Martin Magnusson. In addition to complementing any outfit, this rig runs Angstrom Linux, uses a modified pair of Myvu Crystal video glasses (and some stylish shades) for a display, and simply relies on a Bluetooth keyboard for input and a tethered iPhone for internet connectivity. Of course, if the shoulder strap isn't your thing, Martin has also demonstrated that the rig can discreetly fit in a standard CD case -- check it out after the break, and hit up the source link below for a look at the complete build process.
Continue reading BeagleBoard finds new purpose in DIY wearable computer
BeagleBoard finds new purpose in DIY wearable computer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
PermalinkSlashGear | Becoming Cyborg | Email this | CommentsGrace Digital's Tuner Wireless Radio & Media Player adds internet radio to existing stereos
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:54:00 EDT
So, we've two main issues here. One, who in their right mind would pay $219.99 for a device that still requires a dedicated stereo in order to play back the internet radio streams that Grace Digital's Tuner Wireless Radio & Media Player delivers? And secondly, who would want to put up with Grace Digital's thoroughly lackluster UI? If you can't grok the grumbling, the aforementioned company now has a slender new component it'd love to stick on your shelf, with the device shown above able to stream WiFi radio content from 30,000 stations, Pandora, iheartradio, Sirius, Live365, MP3tunes and a smattering of other sources. It can be wired up via Ethernet or used over 802.11g, with composite, Toslink and coaxial digital audio outputs around back. There's a 4-line backlit LCD for displaying not nearly enough metadata at once, and there's even a remote thrown in for those looking to build out their collection. It's available now if you're feeling the itch, though we'd suggest you get that checked out before blindly indulging.
Grace Digital's Tuner Wireless Radio & Media Player adds internet radio to existing stereos originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |Grace Digital Audio | Email this | Comments
- Gizmodo
LG's Optimus Z Rears its Square Head, as Android Tablet is Referred to Again [Android]
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:51:00 EDT
That mysterious Optimus Z phone from the other week has been formally introduced by LG, but for now it's only getting a release in the land of kimchi and soju—Korea. A global release is expected later, however. More »
PURE Brings Back Marshall Amp For Digital Radio RAWK Times [Radios]
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:20:53 EDT
A few years ago, PURE had a real hit on their hands with the limited edition Marshall radio. Made in partnership with Marshall, this new EVOKE-1S goes all the way up to 11—digitally. More »
Nintendo Will Reveal 3DS Launch Date On September 29th [Nintendo]
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:17:00 EDT
Nintendo works in strange ways. They first announced in March that they'd be announcing the 3DS (which we saw in June), and today they announced they'll announce the release date on September 29th. Got it? Phew. [Bloomberg via Kotaku] More »
Android Plays King Kong Against Steve Jobs' Helicopters [Android]
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:40:00 EDT
I was deluged with submissions after yesterday's Android-pissing-on-Apple t-shirt. This is by far the best—but is it pro-Apple, or pro-Google? If we're going to put Android in King Kong's place, I'm leaning towards this being pro-Android apparel. More »
Office for Mac 2011 Makes Video Teaser Appearance [Microsoft]
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:00:53 EDT
Some of those Office for Mac 2011 features first shown off in February have appeared in a teaser video on YouTube. Word, PowerPoint, Excel and even Outlook (yes! Real Outlook!) all make appearances, as does the redesigned MSN Messenger. More »
Fluid Faucets Uses Penguins, Rainbows and Violins as Sinkspiration [Faucets]
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:20:41 EDT
We're no stranger to well-designed faucets here, but usually they're in homage to a Henry Moore sculpture or B&O design. Fluid Faucets is inspired by a completely different kettle of objects—as shown below in their comparison photos. More »
Power Strip Adds a Customizable Shortcut and Widget Dock to Android [Downloads]
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:40:00 EDT
Android only: While Android has a few multitasking tricks built-in, Power Strip re-assigns your Home button to bring up a dock containing app shortcuts, folders, and even widgets that you can launch at any point, without returning to the home screen. More »
Europe's First 3D Channel, Sky 3D, Will Go Live October 1st [3dTv]
This May Be the Best Xbox 360 Modification to Date—Or a Honest Scam In Plain Sight [Xbox]
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:52:00 EDT
I wonder if this "Modded Xbox 360 with red LED lights" is actually a fully working Xbox—with modified LEDs permanently displaying the Red Ring of Death—or just a dead Xbox. Either way, this eBay auction is a winner. More »
The Most Powerful Wind Turbine Looks Like the Weirdest Too [Engineering]
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:20:00 EDT
In the future, we will look at these 885-foot-wide structures in the middle of the ocean and we won't even blink. But, right now, I'm having a hard time imagining them spinning en masse at 20 revolutions per minute. More »
- Ubergizmo
Japan says Apple iPod nano is a possible fire hazard
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:40:20 -0800
Japan's industry ministry has just ordered Apple to report on selected steps it will take concerning cases of its iPod nano portable media player overheating, bringing along the risk of having it catch fire in the process. So far, overheating cases concerning the 2005 iPod nano while charging has caused at least 27 incidents, where out of those half a dozen fires were recorded which required firefighters to be called - this was made known via an official from the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry. Apart from that, four different people suffered burns when they touched the device which overheated during charging. It seems that the ministry issued Apple Japan to take market measures numerous times, but nothing has been done to date. Do you think iPod nanos in other countries also suffer from the same fate? If that is the case, things aren’t too rosy for Apple considering it has the Death Grip issue to contend with that might cost the company at least $175 million to fix.
Permalink: Japan says Apple iPod nano is a possible fire hazard from Ubergizmo | Hot: iPhone 4 Review, iPad Review
RIM Promotes Its BlackBerry Offerings Using Cardboard Cutouts
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:04:43 -0800
It's not surprising to see companies releasing promotional videos to promote their products or services, but a rather cute YouTube video was released by RIM recently, promoting the benefits of using its solutions, but using paper cut-outs with sticks and magnets. Considering the video is about technology, it's quite cute to see that they've reverted to using paper cutouts. Check out the video after the jump.
Permalink: RIM Promotes Its BlackBerry Offerings Using Cardboard Cutouts from Ubergizmo | Hot: iPhone 4 Review, iPad Review
Head-mounted Mobile Video Communication System
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:50:05 -0800
A head-mounted Mobile Video Communication System has been demonstrated by the smart folks over at the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo. This system sports acceleration and position sensors built into the head-mounted display, allowing the remote camera to move in relation to your head's movements. Such technology would be pretty useful when it comes to videoconferencing, as it could promote effective communication by allowing users to make eye contact. Of course, the issue is, if everybody is wearing this, you wouldn't be able to see each others' eyes. Check out a video of this in action after the jump.
Permalink: Head-mounted Mobile Video Communication System from Ubergizmo | Hot: iPhone 4 Review, iPad Review
Indesit Company Introduces Its Smart Washer
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:39:03 -0800
Indesit Company and Freescale have collaborated to come up with a Smart Washer that uses a Freescale ZigBee node, allowing it to adjust its cycle starting time according to the variable energy cost, accessing information from the local power utility via a ZigBee enabled Internet connection to the Smart Grid. With all our home appliances becoming smarter and smarter, we're looking forward to the day where we don't have to do anything to keep our house and clothes clean anymore.
Permalink: Indesit Company Introduces Its Smart Washer from Ubergizmo | Hot: iPhone 4 Review, iPad Review
Microsoft Unveils Its Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000v2
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:36:56 -0800
The folks over at Microsoft probably aren't going to be too happy with the date that they chose to announce its latest Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000v2, since Apple had just announced its Magic Trackpad. While we do understand that normal mice and the Magic Trackpad are going to coexist for a long time more, you'd expect Apple's new offering to get more attention at this point in time. The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000v2 sports rubber grips on its side to make it comfortable, and is usable by both left and right hands, while the USB nano receiver is small enough that you can leave it plugged into your notebook without having to worry too much about it. Battery life is rated at a good 10 months, with a power status indicator also present to notify you when it's running out of juice. Finally, this mouse sports three buttons, a scroll wheel, and 1000dpi for better precision. It's priced at £19.99 ($31), though it doesn't look like it'll be making it stateside.
Permalink: Microsoft Unveils Its Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000v2 from Ubergizmo | Hot: iPhone 4 Review, iPad Review
HTC To Launch All China-bound Phones With Android 2.2 FroYo
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:16:55 -0800
HTC must really be getting serious about improving its position over in China, as word is out that HTC will be shipping all its Android phones in China with Android 2.2, and that includes the HTC Wildfire, Desire, and the Tianyi. This is in line with previous rumblings that the Android 2.2 update for HTC devices is ready for prime time and will be delivered very soon. Now hopefully HTC will be bringing more of that Android 2.2 love stateside.
Permalink: HTC To Launch All China-bound Phones With Android 2.2 FroYo from Ubergizmo | Hot: iPhone 4 Review, iPad Review
DIY Lego Headphones
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:15:03 -0800
Don't think your headphones are retro enough to make you stand out from the crowd? If you don't mind putting in a little bit of work, you can always follow some simple instructions to get a rather cool looking headphone that looks like it's made from Lego bricks. It shouldn't be too daunting a task, and if for some reason you chicken out of this, you can still opt for the Lego brick earphones from Elecom.
Permalink: DIY Lego Headphones from Ubergizmo | Hot: iPhone 4 Review, iPad Review
Patriot Launches Its 60GB, 120GB, And 240GB Inferno Series SSD
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:13:14 -0800
Patriot Memory has just announced the availability of three new capacities of its Inferno series of SSDs, which are the 60GB, 120GB, and 240GB drives, improving on the previous 100GB and 200GB models in the same family. These drives are designed around the SandForce SF-1200 SSD processor, and offers read and write speeds of 285MB/s and 275MB/s respectively. They also come bundled with a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch adapter plate for easy installation into your desktop computer, and is covered by a 3-year warranty. The SandForce DuraClass technology used claims to offer enhanced endurance and reliability by an average of 20x over traditional SSD controllers.
Permalink: Patriot Launches Its 60GB, 120GB, And 240GB Inferno Series SSD from Ubergizmo | Hot: iPhone 4 Review, iPad Review
Iriver Framee-Smart Digital Photo Frame For Japan
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:49:03 -0800
Iriver has just introduced its new sleek and elegant looking framee-Smart digital photo frame over in Japan. The framee-Smart sports a 7-inch 480 x 234 pixel display, and surprisingly only supports JPEG pictures, so that means no BMP, GIF, or TIFF format files. This classy looking photo frame will be available in either black or white, and will be going for 8,000 Yen ($91).
Permalink: Iriver Framee-Smart Digital Photo Frame For Japan from Ubergizmo | Hot: iPhone 4 Review, iPad Review
Apple To Investigate iOS 4 Issues On iPhone 3G
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:42:04 -0800
While iOS 4 offers many improved features, particularly to iPhone 3GS owners, but it seems that iPhone 3G owners who opted to update to the latest firmware are also experiencing some problems, most notably with performance and battery life. According to user feedback in the forums, iPhone 3G owners have complained about slow keyboard response times, frozen unlock screens, and bad battery life. Fortunately Apple has confirmed that it's now looking into the complaints, and we do hope that the issue for iPhone 3G owners will be addressed soon.
Permalink: Apple To Investigate iOS 4 Issues On iPhone 3G from Ubergizmo | Hot: iPhone 4 Review, iPad Review
- Gadgets tagged flickr pictures
- eBay Gadgets tagged auctions
- Gadgets tagged videos
Bookmark and Share this page