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Laser-etched tattoos: don’t try this at home, kids July 4, 2008

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

It's not too often case mods cross over into the world of body mods, but when you think about it, it was kind of only a matter of time before people started using laser-etchers to give themselves immaculately detailed burn "tattoos." It's unclear what kind of lasting effects using an Epilog on your own skin will have, but don't be too stunned if it just peels right off and eventually becomes some weird, blurry scar. In other words, attempt this dumbass feat at your own risk. Oh, and you didn't think we would let this one off without a video, did you? It's after the break -- too bad there's no smell-o-vision to give off the nauseating scent of precision-burnt human flesh.

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Scientists train robots to love punk music

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Filed under: Robots

We've seen plenty of robots that are capable of showing their appreciation for music, but few have as refined a taste as this trio of bots designed by a team of UK artists and scientists, which have been trained to like punk music and nothing else. That was apparently done by employing "adaptive resonance theory," which allows the robots to build up a history of patterns relating to different sounds, and analyze songs on the fly, matching the patterns against other types of music it has already listened to. As you can see in the BBC's video available at the read link below, the bot's were apparently easily able to recognize a band that they hadn't heard before and, if you hurry, you can actually check 'em out first hand, as they'll be doing their thing at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts until July 5th.

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Scientists train robots to love punk music

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Filed under: Robots

We've seen plenty of robots that are capable of showing their appreciation for music, but few have as refined a taste as this trio of bots designed by a team of UK artists and scientists, which have been trained to like punk music and nothing else. That was apparently done by employing "adaptive resonance theory," which allows the robots to build up a history of patterns relating to different sounds, and analyze songs on the fly, matching the patterns against other types of music it has already listened to. As you can see in the BBC's video available at the read link below, the bot's were apparently easily able to recognize a band that they hadn't heard before and, if you hurry, you can actually check 'em out first hand, as they'll be doing their thing at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts until July 5th.

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87% of PlayStation 3 owners watching Blu-ray movies? Survey says yes

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Buried under predictions that 2012 will bring dominance for Blu-ray over DVD and breaking news that the PS3 just may have had a hand in winning the format war the Entertainment Merchant's Association 2008 Annual Report on the Home Entertainment Industry holds survey results showing 87% of PS3 owners reported they watch Blu-ray movies on their console. That's a stark contrast to last year's NPD survey indicating 60% of owners didn't even know it played them. We don't know what's behind the jump, be it better marketing/consumer education, or something wrong with how one the surveys were conducted. You can mull that one over during the fast money round while also peeping results that say 22% of HDTV owners think they're watching HD programming, but in fact are not -- not like we haven't heard that before.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

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Engadget HD goes hands-on with JVC’s Everio HD40 camcorder

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Filed under: Digital Cameras, HDTV

Engadget HD managed to acquire one of JVC's Everio HD40 camcorders -- you know, that HD shooter with 120GB of onboard storage. If you're interested in seeing it get unboxed and manhandled (along with comparison shots with Samsung's delightful SC-HMX20C), click on over and enjoy. For those wanting some serious impressions, keep a check on this space -- we'll be forming some opinions and penning a review here shortly.

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Engadget HD goes hands-on with JVC’s Everio HD40 camcorder

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Filed under: Digital Cameras, HDTV

Engadget HD managed to acquire one of JVC's Everio HD40 camcorders -- you know, that HD shooter with 120GB of onboard storage. If you're interested in seeing it get unboxed and manhandled (along with comparison shots with Samsung's delightful SC-HMX20C), click on over and enjoy. For those wanting some serious impressions, keep a check on this space -- we'll be forming some opinions and penning a review here shortly.

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How would you change Roku’s Netflix Player?

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

Now that you've had a little over a month to cram down popcorn while enjoying your shiny matte new Roku Netflix Player, we're interested to find just how pleased (or displeased) you are with the $99 purchase. Has it lived up to your expectations? Is the quality sufficient for you? How does it look on your HDTV? Is wireless performance up to par, or were you practically forced to run an Ethernet cable all the way downstairs? We already know what the paid professionals said -- we want the cold, hard facts straight from the users themselves. Let us have it comments below.

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How would you change Roku’s Netflix Player?

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

Now that you've had a little over a month to cram down popcorn while enjoying your shiny matte new Roku Netflix Player, we're interested to find just how pleased (or displeased) you are with the $99 purchase. Has it lived up to your expectations? Is the quality sufficient for you? How does it look on your HDTV? Is wireless performance up to par, or were you practically forced to run an Ethernet cable all the way downstairs? We already know what the paid professionals said -- we want the cold, hard facts straight from the users themselves. Let us have it comments below.

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Fujitsu Siemens’ Lasso external graphics card get spotted, should hit retail soon

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Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

An external graphics card that's actually nearing release? Be still our hearts! Fujitsu Siemens' recently leaked external unit, which will be based on ATI XGP technology, is actually really, really close to hitting retail -- according to a piece over at Fudzilla, anyway. Slated to be titled Lasso, the RV670-based device should be more than enough to handle basic tasks, but unfortunately, benchmarks were off limits. On the upside, digital photography was not, so head on down to the read link for a few more snaps.

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Most dial-up users don’t want to upgrade their connections

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Filed under: Networking

So here's a bit of brilliant statistics work for you: The Pew Internet & American Life research project has determined after endless polling and number crunching that 62 percent of American dial-up users have no interest in upgrading their connections to something a bit more peppy. In fact, only 14 percent of them would upgrade if they could. They cite high prices, barrier to entry, and -- ooh, is Survivor on? We look at it this way: if you're not already on broadband with the multitude of options, and you can get broadband (i.e. you're not stranded out in the wilderness) in one way shape or form, you probably just don't really care, and we can make fun of you because you're not reading this post anyway.

[Via Switched]

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iPhone 3G lines start at the Apple Cube… one week early

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/iPhone_3G_line_camping_begins_now'; So we heard some really over-eager folks have decided to get a jump on the iPhone 3G line -- a really, really big jump. Obviously, we had to head down and see if it was true... and it is. Right now, about ten people have started a line outside of Apple's flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York. Word is that the family at the head of the queue are attempting to break some kind of record which involves their baby -- which kind of sounds a little intense if you ask us. On the other hand, you didn't hear Greg Packer complaining, right? We're going to wrangle some of these cats for an interview and video, so stay tuned! For right now, check some more pics after the break.

[Via GearDiary]

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iPhone 3G lines start at the Apple Cube… one week early

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

So we heard some really over-eager folks have decided to get a jump on the iPhone 3G line -- a really, really big jump. Obviously, we had to head down and see if it was true... and it is. Right now, about ten people have started a line outside of Apple's flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York. Word is that the family at the head of the queue are attempting to break some kind of record which involves their baby -- which kind of sounds a little intense if you ask us. On the other hand, you didn't hear Greg Packer complaining, right? We're going to wrangle some of these cats for an interview and video, so stay tuned! For right now, check some more pics after the break.

[Via GearDiary]

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Non-planar devices promise downloadable hardware, interactive soda cans

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Scientists have been up to some wacky (and amazing) stuff in the world of flexible computers and organic user interfaces. Putting our standard concept of computers aside, researches at the Human Media Laboratory at Queen's University in Canada are developing what are called "non-planar" devices: computers that can change shape while using three-dimensional and touch-driven interfaces. The "tank top" user interface is a smart fabric based around two-handed, multi-finger touch sensing. Paired with flexible displays and computers that can change shape to achieve different computing outcomes, you have what they call the computer of the future: computers that can download (and turn into) new hardware, foldable paper computers, and interactive / disposable product designs, because, you know, the advertisers won't be able to wait to get their hands on the first interactive soda can.

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New solar sail aims to not repeat recent history

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Attempts to launch a solar sail into space haven't exactly been met with success in the past, but NASA now looks set to try to notch one up in the win column, with the agency reportedly on track for a launch of its own as soon as July 29th. As the name suggests, its new NanoSail-D is smaller than previous sails, with it consisting of four 3-meter wide sails made of a plastic film coated with aluminum. Also, like similar missions, this one is primarily a proof of concept one, which NASA hopes will demonstrate the feasibility of deploying sails in orbit, including the possibility of using them to bring satellites back down to Earth when they've outlived their usefulness to keep space a bit tidier. As NewScientist points out, however, NASA already has some of the odds stacked against it, with its launch craft, the Falcon 1, having failed on its two launch attempts so far.

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Nokia N81 8GB Review - LetsGoMobile

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LetsGoMobile reviews the Nokia N81 8GB and writes, "We can say that we are dealing with a true multimedia device when we talk about the Nokia N81 8GB. Some things however still need improvement. The weight is too high; the N81 8GB is even heavier than its big brother, the N95. The camera inside the N81 is unfortunately only a 2 Megapixel digital camera. HSDPA is lacking which makes mobile internet kind of slow. You can hardly tell one numeric key from the other, which makes writing a text message very difficult with the N81 8GB. And that is why the type of consumer the Nokia N81 8GB aims at might not choose this device so easily. Read the full Nokia mobile phone review and take a look at the Las Vegas sample photos."

Read more about the Nokia N81.

Samsung M110 Review - Register Hardware

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Register Hardware reviews the Samsung M110 and writes, "The most prized features seemingly being the ability to withstand a long drop, easy usage with chip-greasy fingers, reasonable cost and monumental battery life. Apparently the rather basic camera and screen would be quite sufficient for taking pics of one's "bird" to then show to one's mates...We applaud Samsung for it's ruthless, no-compromise back-to-basics thinking with the M110. It's as tough as old boots, has a battery that lasts longer than an English winter and can be had for less than £50 pay-as-you-go. It may lack that last degree of Armageddon proofing that JCB has given its Toughphone, but at a quarter of the price and with twice the battery life you can't complain."

Read more about the Samsung M110.

Samsung Ace Review - The Washingtonpost

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The Washingtonpost reviews the Samsing Ace and writes, "The 1.3-megapixel camera captured decent snapshots, but the shutter speed was a little slow (as with most camera phones). The Internet connectivity is zippy, and the oversize Web search bar is a nice touch when you're dealing with the small font size. Among the other included features are stereo Bluetooth, a memory card slot, and Windows Media Player 10 Mobile with support for Windows Media music sync."

Read more about the Samsung Ace.

LG KF600 Review - IT Voir

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IT Voir reviews the LG KF600 and writes, "The 3mega pixel camera provides you with many settings but is not good if pixel count or resolution is calculated. It can not be rewarded as the great camera phone performance wise...The very disappointing factor of this phone is that it is 2.5G compatible when the people are looking forward to 3G. The battery back up is also not very impressive. It provides 2.5 hours talk time and 200 hours of stand by. The other disappointing features are presence of uncomfortable keypad, haptic feedback is not efficient and touch screen is also disappointing."

Read more about the LG KF600.

Group Sense’s Palm OS line-up give way to lone, Linux-based phone

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Filed under: Cellphones

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Group Sense’s Palm OS line-up give way to lone, Linux-based phone

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Filed under: Cellphones

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Sanyo rolls out 1Seg-packing “Gorilla” NV-SD585DT GPS unit

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Samsung i900 Omnia vs. HTC Touch Diamond… fight!

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Filed under: Cellphones

At this point, neither the HTC Touch Diamond nor the Samsung i900 Omnia need any introduction, but we're happy to announce that these two have stepped into the squared circle and faced off in an epic nine-page battle. Reviewers manhandled both phones for an extended time and broke down the UI, hardware, features and overall usability, so if that sounds like something you'd be interested in, cover your face and head on down to the read link. We're warning you though, it gets ugly.

[Thanks, Chavdar]

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Samsung i900 Omnia vs. HTC Touch Diamond… fight!

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Filed under: Cellphones

At this point, neither the HTC Touch Diamond nor the Samsung i900 Omnia need any introduction, but we're happy to announce that these two have stepped into the squared circle and faced off in an epic nine-page battle. Reviewers manhandled both phones for an extended time and broke down the UI, hardware, features and overall usability, so if that sounds like something you'd be interested in, cover your face and head on down to the read link. We're warning you though, it gets ugly.

[Thanks, Chavdar]

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HTC’s NEON400: a CDMA Touch Dual?

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

In HTC parlance, the "Neon" codename denotes a device of the Touch Dual form factor -- original Touch styling plus a slider keyboard, a drill we all know by now. This particular form factor seems to be a pretty popular one, too, considering the sheer number of variants HTC's turned out; at this point, we have one for Europe, one for North America, and one for Japan, and a new FCC filing suggests that there's still at least one more trick in that pony. The so-called NEON400 doesn't give much away from the ID label document that we see here, but test reports indicate that it's sporting CDMA 850 / 1900 -- just right for launching on Sprint, Verizon, Alltel -- you get the idea -- and obviously, we'll see EV-DO in there as well. Against the Touch Diamond, the Dual is starting to look just a little dated, but it gets that all-important keypad that the Diamond lacks -- so even networks that end up launching the Diamond can realistically make room for this one in the lineup when it's announced. By someone other than the FCC, that is.

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HTC’s NEON400: a CDMA Touch Dual?

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

In HTC parlance, the "Neon" codename denotes a device of the Touch Dual form factor -- original Touch styling plus a slider keyboard, a drill we all know by now. This particular form factor seems to be a pretty popular one, too, considering the sheer number of variants HTC's turned out; at this point, we have one for Europe, one for North America, and one for Japan, and a new FCC filing suggests that there's still at least one more trick in that pony. The so-called NEON400 doesn't give much away from the ID label document that we see here, but test reports indicate that it's sporting CDMA 850 / 1900 -- just right for launching on Sprint, Verizon, Alltel -- you get the idea -- and obviously, we'll see EV-DO in there as well. Against the Touch Diamond, the Dual is starting to look just a little dated, but it gets that all-important keypad that the Diamond lacks -- so even networks that end up launching the Diamond can realistically make room for this one in the lineup when it's announced. By someone other than the FCC, that is.

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Modder shoves NES into an NES cartridge, makes us feel sort of uneasy

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Filed under: Gaming

Looking to put those dust-collecting tools of yours to use here on Independence Day? Then we've excellent news, you introvert you. Rather than grilling up some red meat (or chicken, or tofu, whatever) and handling highly volatile explosives, we have no doubt that modder "darkeru" is spending his day playing with his brand new toy: a Nintendo Entertainment System... crammed within an NES cartridge. We'll be honest, this one does feel a little incestuous for some odd reason, but we greatly appreciate the ingenuity. Hit up the read link for more pics.

[Via MAKE]

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Modder shoves NES into an NES cartridge, makes us feel sort of uneasy

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Filed under: Gaming

Looking to put those dust-collecting tools of yours to use here on Independence Day? Then we've excellent news, you introvert you. Rather than grilling up some red meat (or chicken, or tofu, whatever) and handling highly volatile explosives, we have no doubt that modder "darkeru" is spending his day playing with his brand new toy: a Nintendo Entertainment System... crammed within an NES cartridge. We'll be honest, this one does feel a little incestuous for some odd reason, but we greatly appreciate the ingenuity. Hit up the read link for more pics.

[Via MAKE]

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Acer Aspire One available in Europe

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Filed under: Laptops

According to sources, Acer's tiny Aspire One laptop is now available in three iterations, the A110L, A150L, and A150X. The A110L sports an Atom N270 CPU, Intel's 946GSE chipset, 512MB or 1GB of RAM, 8GB of NAND flash storage, an 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 display, 802.11b/g, and three USB ports. The other two models come equipped with the same specs, save for a 120GB hard drive in place of the flash storage, and are offered with Linpus Linux, or Windows XP. Retailers in Germany already claim to have the A110L in stock now, selling for €329 (or about $518).

[Via Fudzilla]

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ASUS’ Eee 904 gets official. Officially boring.

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ASUS has apparently gotten totally, righteously official on its Eee 904, according to reports. Word on the street is that the new iteration of its overflowing line of micro-laptops will be headed to shelves very soon, though it won't exactly pack a groundbreaking set of features. As we previously reported, the system will feature an 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 display -- but now full specs include a 900MHz Celeron M CPU, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, and an install of Windows XP on board. Keep in mind the keyboard on this model mirrors the one used on the larger Eee 1000, though little else is different about this model versus the Eee 901 (which incidentally gets a price cut to £299, or about $595). The 904 will retail for £269 ($535), and will be available mid-July.

[Via TechRadar]

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MSI Wind gets reviewed

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Filed under: Laptops

Hey USers -- we know where all those "delayed" Winds are. Just take a look across the pond. bit-tech managed to wrap their paws around a retail unit of MSI's Eee PC fighter, and while early reviews sang a lovely song, this one was just a bit flatter. All in all, reviewers found the machine to be useful and totally practical, but it was glaringly obvious that they were none too pleased about MSI jacking up the price of its own machine while the completely identical (save for branding) Advent 4211 was selling for less. If you're listening to these guys / gals, you'll gloss right over the Wind and nab yourself a rebadge, but whichever edition you end up getting, it's sure to be "great" in the grand scheme of things. Check the read link for the full spill.

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MSI Wind gets reviewed

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Filed under: Laptops

Hey USers -- we know where all those "delayed" Winds are. Just take a look across the pond. bit-tech managed to wrap their paws around a retail unit of MSI's Eee PC fighter, and while early reviews sang a lovely song, this one was just a bit flatter. All in all, reviewers found the machine to be useful and totally practical, but it was glaringly obvious that they were none too pleased about MSI jacking up the price of its own machine while the completely identical (save for branding) Advent 4211 was selling for less. If you're listening to these guys / gals, you'll gloss right over the Wind and nab yourself a rebadge, but whichever edition you end up getting, it's sure to be "great" in the grand scheme of things. Check the read link for the full spill.

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R/C Mini cars move beyond mini

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wireless

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Tokyoflash’s Galaxy: a watch only a nerd could love

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Filed under: Wearables

It's true. Any decent mother would wonder what on Earth her child was thinking rocking that thing you see above, and even though all those wonderful ladies of the world would be entirely entitled to that curiosity, we can understand the obsession. On its surface, this timepiece and its cryptic display is unquestionably ugly -- even the "stainless steel" band reeks of cereal box quality. But there's just something about those flashy lights that stirs the soul of nerds everywhere, making it seem quite the bargain at $132.85. It's okay, we won't tell mommy.

[Via BoingBoing]

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Sharp brings TV to the powerless

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Filed under: Displays

Forget schools, forget lighting, forget easy access to drinking water... it's that sweet TV goodness that people living off the grid really need. Well, that and laptops. You're looking at Sharp's 26-inch LCD prototype which uses just 1/4th the power (or 1/3rd measured annually) of a conventional CRT with the same screen size. That's low enough to be suitably powered by a Sharp, triple-junction thin-film solar cell module whose surface area is roughly equivalent to that of the LCD screen. Sharp hopes to market the two items as a pair in a bid to "contribute to the environment." Good thing too, 'cause nothing fills a billion empty bellies like an eye-full of boob-candy.

[Via Impress]

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Condi Rice’s custom DS lite: proof that G8 globalization is important

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

It really does pay to be a foreign minister representing the 8 richest countries in the world. This Japanese-lacquered DS lite is just one of the items presented to the G8 ministers participating in last week's talks in Kyoto. The other items included a scented perfume ball and manga-styled stickers for each of the participant to attach to their diplomatic tricycles.

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