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  • T-Mobile G1 review

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    It's hard to believe, but rumors of a "Googlephone" have been floating around since 2006. To put it in perspective, the first Gphone post on Engadget was written by Peter Rojas. Needless to say, it's been a long, slow ride to get to Android, the Open Handset Alliance, and ultimately the T-Mobile G1. If we said expectations were high for the introduction of this device, we'd be understating it. It's not every day that a company with the stature of Google announces it's getting into the phone game, and it's certainly not every day that an honest-to-goodness innovator comes along. That last time the team at Engadget got this stoked for a device, it was a little something called the iPhone -- and you know how that turned out. Will Android and G1 live up to the hype? Is this the first coming of a serious new contender in the mobile space, or has the triple threat of Google, HTC, and T-Mobile not delivered on their promises? We've put both the device and the software through its paces to bring you the definitive review of the T-Mobile G1 and Android, so read on to get your answers.

    As we've really gone to great lengths to dissect the phone and OS, we're splitting the review into two, easy to digest parts. Enjoy!

    Part 1: Hardware
    Part 2: Software and wrap-up
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  • Apple's new MacBook / MacBook Pro get torn down in style

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    Ah, the natural progression of hot new releases. First comes the wow, then comes the hands-on, and now comes the tear down. The masterful gadget surgeons over at ifixit have taken the time to carefully (and let us reiterate, carefully) undo all the hard work done on the assembly line to put these together, and we just know you're anxious to see what's really inside the new machines. Have a look below, and don't forget to pause and appreciate the scenery.

    Read - MacBook tear down
    Read - MacBook Pro tear down
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  • Inspiron Mini 12 pops up on Dell's website: it's a done deal (almost)


    We can't call it official with a straight face, but seriously, what else could you call it? A not-at-all mysterious Inspiron Mini 12 (1210) has emerged on Dell's website in the Product Support pages, hinting (and we're using that as loosely as possible) that a 12-inch netbook could be fast approaching to complement the current Mini 9. We're talking about a User Manual, Setup Guide, Troubleshooting documents -- the whole nine. Packed within the Setup Guide is a nice list of basic specifications, including your choice of an Intel Atom Z520 or Z530 CPU, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 10 / 100 Ethernet, Bluetooth / WiFi, optional WWAN, three USB 2.0 ports, VGA out, audio in / out, and a 12.1-inch display with a 1,280 x 800 resolution. It'll also feature a 1.3-megapixel camera, 3- or 6-cell battery and weigh around 2.73-pounds. Oh, and we get the impression there will at least be an option for Ubuntu. Feel free to dig around in the read link for as long as Round Rock keeps it active, and in case everything collapses prior to the formal launch, we've screened capped a few looks below.

    [Via CMSReport]

    Gallery: Inspiron Mini 12 pops up on Dell's website: it's a done deal (almost)

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  • IMMI tracks ad exposure / effectiveness via cellphone, trips privacy alarms everywhere

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    Hunker down and find that tin foil cap, pronto! Privacy advocates, we've a new target for you to bang on: Integrated Media Measurement. The 4,900-person media research company is looking to take advertising measurement to a whole new level (or new low, as it were) by embedding tracking modules within cellphones. In short, the module picks up audio from ads and records information about the exposure; in the future, if you were to purchase whatever product you heard about (like seeing a movie that was plugged), it would register a hit and deem you a sucker. As of now, the only testers with these freaky phones are individuals who signed up for this stuff, but you better believe major marketing firms (and TV / movie studios in particular) are perking their ears up and begging to know more.

    [Image courtesy of Corbis, thanks ugotamesij]
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  • CEIVA's 8-inch CEIVAlife / CEIVAshare digiframes now on sale

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    CEIVA's duo of 8-inch digiframes started shipping out this month, but it appears the whole world was too busy ignoring digital photo frames on the whole to notice and / or care. Originally announced at CES, the CEIVAlife features a surprisingly striking design, a 640 x 480 resolution display, a multicard reader to support nearly every card format you've ever heard of, WiFi / phone / optional Ethernet connectivity and an optional PicturePlan service that "automatically uploads photos and receives photos via camera phones, online or from a PC." The WiFi-ready CEIVAshare (shown after the break) sports a more traditional look and includes an 800 x 600 resolution LCD along with a more digestible $129.99 price tag. As you've likely gleaned, both can be purchased now -- well before the gift giving season arrives.

    [Via Digital Picture Frame Review, thanks Brian]

    Continue reading CEIVA's 8-inch CEIVAlife / CEIVAshare digiframes now on sale

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  • Apricot Computers rolls out PicoBook Pro Cloudbook-variant

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    The Cloudbook isn't nearly the hard-to-find commodity it once was, but Apricot Computers seems to think it still has its share of appeal, and it's now churned out its own variation in the form of its new PicoBook Pro. This one packs the usual 8.9-inch display, and includes a 1.2GHz low-voltage VIA processor, 1GB of RAM, a 60GB hard drive, your choice of Linux or WIndows XP and, perhaps most notably, optional WiMAX support. No word on a release 'round these parts, but folks in the UK will apparently be able to pick one up on November 1st for a starting price of £279 (or roughly $485).
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  • Gateway rolls out new FX, LX series desktop PCs

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    Gateway isn't exactly breaking the mold here, but we're guessing it'll still move quite a few of its new FX and LX series desktop PCs, which each pack some pretty high end specs for more than reasonable prices. Like others in the FX series, the new FX6710 is aimed directly at gamers, and includes a speedy Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 processor, 6GB of RAM, a 750GB hard drive, ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics, Creative X-Fi audio, and other suitably high-end specs, all for a $1,199. The all new LX6200 model, on the other hand, is targeted at more multimedia-minded users, though gamers will probably find quite a bit to like as well, including an AMD Phenom X4 9500 quad-core Processor, ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics, the same 750GB hard drive, and 8GB of RAM standard, all for just $779. According to Gateway, both should be available at all the usual sources right now.

    Read - Gateway FX6710
    Read - Gateway LX6200
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  • Apparent $300 Eee PC turns up in the form of the 701SDX

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    Nothing's quite official just yet, but the folks at Eee PC News have gotten their hands on some pics of a hereto unheard of Eee PC 701SDX model, which they speculate could well be the sub-$300 (we're guessing $299) Eee PC we've been hearing about it. From the looks of it, that seems to be a pretty safe assumption, with the netbook packing a 7-inch display and ditching the webcam to save a few bucks. No word on any specs, unfortunately, but Eee PC News seems to think there's at least a chance it could ditch the Celeron of the original Eee PC 701 in favor of an Atom processor, and pack either a 4GB or 8GB SSD drive, plus Windows XP for an OS. If ASUS's history is any indication, however, we should know for sure soon enough.
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  • Ben Heck apprentice strikes again with DarthCast

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    Look out Ben Heck, you don't want to be overcome by one of your own followers, now do you? Merely months after the clearly talented hailrazer churned out a mighty impressive portable Nintendo 64, the guy has done it again by creating an on-the-go Dreamcast -- using the same style of Lazer Doodle shell, to boot. After acquiring another chassis, a Dreamcast, a Quantam controller, PSOne LCD, power supply and some serious battery power, the DarthCast was created. Reportedly, the thing can go for around three hours before puckering out, and you'll know your time is short when it starts sighing heavily in a muffled tone. Check the vid after the break, and pay your respects in the read link, son.

    Continue reading Ben Heck apprentice strikes again with DarthCast

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  • Tesla exec shuffle: Elon Musk appoints himself CEO, lays off staff

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    The drama never stops at Tesla Motors -- following a morning of feverish rumors, the company has officially announced that it's replacing CEO Ze'ev Drori with board chairman Elon Musk. Tesla says that Drori will remain "active" with the company as a vice chairman of the board, but it looks like it's now more Musk's company than ever before -- and his first order of business is apparently to lay off staff to get the company "cash positive" in the next six to nine months. Other than the closing of the Detroit Tesla office, it's not clear what the layoffs will entail -- Musk say they'll be "modest" -- but hopefully we'll start to see more cars and fewer headlines from the upstart electric car company in the near future.

    Read - CNET report
    Read - Elon Musk blog post
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  • Apple's "spotlight turns to notebooks" event roundup

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    There were few surprises from Apple yesterday -- MacBooks were in the cards, and MacBooks are what we got -- and the jury's still out on whether these new laptops are exactly what the market needs right now, but there's no denying that Apple's pretty proud of its new all-aluminum lineup. We'll have a full review of the laptops shortly, but in case you missed anything, here's a look back at the mayhem.

    The liveblog

    Live from Apple's "spotlight turns to notebooks" event

    First impressions

    New MacBook / MacBook Pro unboxing and first impressions

    Hands-on coverage

    MacBook Pro first hands-on!
    Apple MacBook aluminum and glass super-shiny hands-on
    Apple 24-inch Cinema Display hands-on

    Product announcements

    Apple finally refreshes Cinema Display: 24-inch, LED backlit, $899
    MacBook Air gets NVIDIA graphics, storage bump
    Apple's MacBook gets a fresh face, NVIDIA graphics, original drops to $999
    Apple's all-new MacBook Pro packs new NVIDIA GPUs, glass trackpad

    In-depth / details

    NVIDIA GeForce 9400 M, 9600M GT get official in new MacBooks
    Apple's Steve Jobs calls Blu-ray "a bag of hurt"
    MacBook Pro requires logout to switch graphics modes
    Intel: MacBook Air sheds custom CPU for 45-nm Penryn "S"
    Multi-finger MacBook trackpad gestures demonstrated on video
    New MacBook Pro running HybridSLI?
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  • Panasonic reveals first tru2way HDTVs in Chicago and Denver

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    We already saw Panasonic's 50-inch TH-50PZ80Q plasma doing the tru2way thing at CEDIA 2008, but the official lever has just been pulled in Denver and Chicago. As of today, Comcast's tru2way platform is active in the aforesaid cities, and the very first tru2way-capable HDTVs are arriving to retail. Eager consumers in the Windy or Mile High City who are ready to ditch the set-top-box altogether without sacrificing VOD and such can polish off their wounded credit cards, as both a 42-inch (TH-42PZ80Q; $1,599.95) and 50-inch (TH-50PZ80Q; $2,999.95) VIERA plasma will be on sale by "late October." As for the rest of the US anxious to dip in the cool, cool waters of tru2way? A few undisclosed locales should be going live with the service "in the coming months," though your guess is as good as ours as to what exactly that means.
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  • Sony starts shipping VAIO JS series all-in-one desktop

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    Sony's VAIO JS series, which was introduced at CEDIA alongside two larger siblings, is finally on sale and shipping... if you're after the VGC-JS110J/S, that is. Sony's initial plan was to have the full line out and about by "mid-October," though just the bottom-end $999.99 model is currently ready to ship at Amazon. We'd expect the other variations to follow suit shortly, and if you're still trying to make up your mind if this is the all-in-one for you, why not take a look at a review?

    [Via ComputerMonger]
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  • Samsung & LG HDTV prototypes battle for supremacy

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    Samsung and LG are locked in a tight race for "best HDTV you won't be buying this year or next" this week at the International Meeting on Information Display 2008, trading shots with OLEDs, LCDs and more. Samsung brought along an upgraded version of its true 240Hz 15-inch Blue Phase LCD panel with improved image quality, some fresh carbon nanotube-based color electronic paper, plus slimmed-down versions of its 40- and 50-inch LCDs. Then it got busy with the OLEDs, dropping in a 14-inch HD display, 31-inch 1080p display and 5-inch VGA panel, to which LG could only respond with the above 19-inch OLED powered by amorphous silicon TFT. More stills of the carnage exist beyond the read link, but in the battle of display tech streeting in 2011 at the earliest, we just hope LG is holding back a few surprises for CES.

    [Via OLED-Display, thanks Erik]
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  • New MacBook Pro running Hybrid SLI? UPDATE: Nope.

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    Alright, something's fishy here. When Apple announced that the new MacBook Pro has two NVIDIA GeForce chips -- the 9400M and the 9600M GT -- the focus was on what that means for battery life. Absent any mention of Hybrid SLI, we assumed that was all, but PC Mag has posted some eyebrow-raising benchmarks comparing the new MacBook Pro to HP's Pavilion HDX16t, which also features a 9600M GT. While the MacBook Pro test model fell behind the Pavilion in most benchmarks due to its slower processor, its Crysis framerate beat that of the Pavilion by 24.1 frames per second -- 41.9 over 17.3. That doesn't make a lot of sense, unless you look at benchmarks of a desktop with NVIDIA's similar GeForce 9300 chipset and a GeForce 8500 GT -- turns out Crysis runs 12.63 frames per second faster (29.19 over 16.56) in Hybrid SLI than it does on the 8500 GT alone. Is the MacBook Pro running in SLI mode when set for performance? We don't have confirmation of that, but we'll put it to the test in our forthcoming review -- until then, feel free to grab a grain of salt while freaking out anyway.

    Update:     Sorry, folks -- NVIDIA's just posted a support doc that says the MBP doesn't support Hybrid SLI in either OS X or Windows -- and when running Windows, it's locked into using the 9600M GT. We're not sure where that Crysis boost is coming from -- GDDR3 vs GDDR2, perhaps -- but we'll dig deeper in our review. Stay tuned.

    Read - PC Mag (MacBook Pro benchmarks)
    Read - Hot Hardware (NVIDIA GeForce 9300 desktop motherboards benchmarks)
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  • Researchers advance remote monitoring systems for the elderly

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    Assistive technologies are old hat, but a team of researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington (among other institutions) is working to provide a more robust, all-inclusive option for elderly individuals who'd prefer to age gracefully within their own domiciles. In theory, sensors could be embedded throughout seniors' homes in order to "detect when the residents have sleepless nights or forget to take their medication." From there, caregivers would be alerted and could react remotely via a web-based communications portal. The UTA lab that's perfecting the idea currently utilizes a single room equipped with cameras, motion detectors and robots, and professors / students keep a close eye on any movement that gets recorded and transferring to computers for processing. If all goes well, a collaboratively built "home of the future" will actually be on display at CES 2009, likely showcasing some of these very advancements.

    [Image courtesy of Michael Mulvey / DMN, thanks Travis]
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  • 4Door's RoadMice bring a little muscle to your mousepad

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    4Door's RoadMice bring a little muscle to your mousepad
    There are ergonomic mice, floaty mice, geometric mice, and of course gaming mice, but, if you're the type of guy or gal who'd rather be fondling a Hurst pistol-grip than any of those sissy things, then 4Door's RoadMice are for you. They're wireless mini modern muscle car mice that replicate the look of autos like the Dodge Charger, Chevy Z06 'Vette, and Ford Mustang, complete with two-button hoods, 800 dpi optical sensors, scroll wheel induction cowls, and even working headlights for safe clicking at night. Each one comes with a USB receiver, six-month unlimited mile warranty, and a vaguely authentic looking title certificate if you register online. Yeah it's all a bit cheeky, and we're thinking that lip-spoiler on the back of the Camaro wouldn't do your palm any favors, but, for $45 in a variety of colors, they're cheaper and more useful than the other bits of automotive memorabilia scattered around your office.

    [Via Autoblog]
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  • Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC gets reviewed

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    TiVo on the PC just sounds good, doesn't it? Unfortunately, the in-house testing proved otherwise... at least with the $99 per year price tag tacked on for no good reason. Head on over to Engadget HD for the full spill, and don't be afraid to wear your TiVo pride on your sleeve.
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  • Ecobee debuts energy-saving, WiFi-connected Smart Thermostat

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    Sure, you can outfit your whole home with ZigBee-connected home automation devices, but if you're not quite ready to take that plunge in the future, you may want to consider something like Ecobee's new Smart Thermostat, which will give you a taste of home automation and help you save a few bucks in the process. Like some other similar thermostats, this one relies on WiFi to connect to your home network, which should ease installation considerably, and it even includes some optional ZigBee expansion slots in case you do want to integrate it into a more complete home automation setup. At $385 though, the device isn't exactly cheap, but the company says it'll pay for itself in energy cost savings within the first 12 to 18 months. You'll be able to put that claim to the test yourself when the device starts shipping early next year.
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  • GE concocts battery-free RFID sensing platform, possibilities abound

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    Remember when RFID was the next big thing? When the world couldn't wait to have their luggage easily tracked at every airport? And when supply chain managers were all set to kick back and let these little tags do all the dirty work? Outside of a few exceptions, the wireless tags haven't really lived up to the hype thus far, but GE Global Research is doing its darnedest to change that by eliminating a few of the biggest drawbacks. Reportedly, the outfit has developed a battery-free RFID sensing platform -- one that can provide a highly selective response to multiple chemicals under variable conditions -- which could enable a "wide range of low-cost wireless sensing products in industries like healthcare, security, food packaging, etc." Put simply, the tags get their power from the sensor reader, which activates the tag's antenna and the RFID chip to collect meaningful data. There's no word on when these will leave the lab, but the sooner the better, we say.

    [Via Gizmag]
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  • Video: Virginia Tech's IMPASS robot has spokes, but no rims

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    Video: Virginia Tech's IMPASS robot has spokes, but no rims
    It's been a few years since we saw an early, fledgling render of IMPASS, the Intelligent Mobility Platform with Actuated Spoke System under development at Virginia Tech's Robotics & Mechanisms Lab. Now look at it, all grown up and featured front and center in an episode of our favorite show for geeking out: Engineering TV. The bot, with its rimless wheels, is shown dynamically adjusting the length of each spoke as appropriate to scamper up over obstacles or cross divots unperturbed. Two motors provide movement while three more inside the wheels themselves use treads to shift the spokes in and out based on inputs from laser and IR range finders, ensuring this ride's height is always precisely calculated. We know who to call before the next Engadget lowrider throw down.

    Continue reading Video: Virginia Tech's IMPASS robot has spokes, but no rims

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  • PS3 + SSD = faster load times, shattered budgets

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    PS3 + SSD = faster load times, shattered budgets
    Sitting idle while your new PS3 game installs is painful, but since it's all in the interest of reducing subsequent load times it's worth the wait, right? Not for the impatient sods at ExtremeTech, who tried to speed things up further by swapping out their original 60GB PS3's HDD with Intel's hot new 80GB X25-M SSD. The result? Sadly, those multi-minute installs from disc were largely unaffected, since the limitation here is Blu-ray drive speed and not disk speed. However, installs of downloaded demos were upwards of 30-40 percent faster, as were post-installation load times in most games. That's an impressive boost, but at a cost of about $600 for the SSD itself you'll be spending about 50 percent more than an entire PS3 of the 80GB spinning disk variety. In other words, this one's not for the frugal modders, but it is so choice if you have the means.
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  • Iomega ships Bluetooth-equipped 1TB / 2TB StorCenter ix2 NAS

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    If you've been passing off NAS devices for years due to the typically prohibitive price tags, you might want to have a gander at Iomega's latest. The StorCenter ix2 brings 1TB (500GB x 2) of network storage for just $299.99, and the 2TB edition is also available for around $170 more. In short, the box -- which isn't much to look at, admittedly -- promises to provide backup for all of your critical files regardless of which networked computer they're on. Additionally, users with top secret snaps on their Bluetooth-enabled cellphone will appreciate the optional BT compatibility, not to mention the gigabit Ethernet jack and twin USB sockets. Oh, and it also doubles as an iTunes server and supports both UPnP and DLNA protocols, meaning that this fellow should do a decent job of serving up media on the side.

    Gallery: Iomega ships Bluetooth-equipped 1TB / 2TB StorCenter ix2 NAS

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  • Toshiba Satellite NB100 netbook gets spotted, critiqued

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    Late last month, we found that Toshiba's Satellite NB100 netbook was making a beeline to the UK, and while a press shot is well, fine and good, there's just nothing like a little hands-on action to get you salivating. The crew over at TrustedReviews made it over to Zurich for Tosh's first ever Mobility Conference, and the star of the show wasn't one of those new Portégé machines or the Tecra R10; rather, it was the 2.29-pound NB100. Of note, the unit shown was a pre-production rig that shouldn't change much before it's loosed on the public, and contrary to earlier reports, it will boast three USB sockets to bring it in line with most of its closest competitors. Unfortunately, early impressions were that the keyboard was lacking, and the glare-filled display wasn't exactly smiled upon. Check the read link for additional shots and a few more blurbs.

    [Thanks, Patrice]
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  • Sony pushes out firmware 5.0 for PSP

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    "Soon-ish" has turned to "now-ish." PSP owners eager to get their minds into the PlayStation Network (and thus, the PS Store) right on their handheld can now do so... right after they suck down the freshly released firmware 5.0, of course. Aside from the obvious changes, the PlayStation format software can now be output in full-screen size on a connected device, the sleep timer feature can now be used under [Music], the system automatically reverts to USB mode when a USB cable is connected and the [Original] theme has been redesigned. Get it while the gettin's good.
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  • IPEVO's TR-10 speakerphone makes nice with iChat

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    Seems like there's a VoIP device for every temperament -- you can go supa classy, or you can try to be as bland as possible, but most of them are intended for Skype. Not IPEVO's TR-10, though; it's designed for iChat, and it does VoIP with support for four-way conferencing as both a speakerphone and a handset. If geeky rebel radio is your thing, it records podcasts in tandem with GarageBand, too -- all IPEVO asks is that you fork over $79.90 before you start living the iLife with Bruce Willis.
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  • WowWee FlyTech slams into Disney, out pops hovering Tinker Bell

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    It's true -- we're suckers for anything that simultaneously satisfies our lust for robotics and brings back childhood memories of passing the day with Disney films. To that end, we couldn't resist the opportunity to swoon over WowWee's latest stroke of brilliance, the $39.99 FlyTech Tinker Bell. Entirely more rad than that soulless Bladestar, this here fairy promises to posses that same spirited sassiness as the Disney character, and the flower wand remote control really caps things off. She can buzz around and delight guests for 4-minutes on an 18-minute charge, and her "crash-resistant materials prevent her from getting into mischief." Oh wait, it's appropriate for Earthlings ages 6 years and up? Huzzah!
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  • Sharp's SH-01A 8 megapixel flip packs a 28-mm wide angle lens and Dolby Pro Logic II

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    Sure, the US has fancy-pants capacitive touchscreen phones out the wazoo, but Japan's superphones still dominate when boiled down to a base, spec-for-spec comparison. Take this new Sharp SH-01A clamshell for example, just revealed by the FCC. It sports a 28mm wide-angle lens with 8 megapixel CCD sensor and, according to rumor, Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound for your microSD stored media. Remember, FCC testing doesn't mean it'll be sold between the left and right coasts -- this flip is likely just being certified for US roaming whenever it's finally announced for NTT DoCoMo in Japan.
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  • Motorola Krave ZN4 review roundup

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    We had a feeling we'd get a mixed bag of reviews as soon as we first saw the Motorola Krave ZN4 -- it's one of those love it or hate it type things, you know? In some cases, reviewers chose to focus on the positives, noting that it was cute, unique, a good music player and a phone that would last and last without a recharge. Another batch of critics couldn't hold back the whip, pointing out that it lacked WiFi, packed a lackluster browser, included yawn-worthy software and offered a keyboard that was "straight-up awkward." As expected, overall ratings hovered between just below average to just above average, and it seems this phone will be exactly what you make it out to be. Moto fans will likely have plenty to cheer about, but those without a dog in the fight may want to give the writeups below a more thorough glance before dropping $149.99 and agreeing to a super-sized 2-year commitment.

    Read - PC Magazine
    Read - PhoneScoop
    Read - Laptop Mag
    Read - DigitalTrends
    Read - CNET
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  • Over half of 2009 vehicles in America will offer iPod support

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    And we're not talking about that 3.5mm-to-3.5mm trick, either. No sirree, we're referring to bona fide iPod integration, and 2009 marks the first year where over half of all US-bound automobiles are expected to offer optional support for Apple's prolific PMP. When looking at 2008 model year vehicles, just 39% offered tight iPod integration, but according to Phil Magney, vice president of automotive research for iSuppli, the "automotive industry is at the point where in-vehicle technologies -- or the lack of them -- are influencing sales." Furthermore, Bluetooth is expected to be in 82% of 2009 US vehicles (optional or standard), and just so we're clear, we're talking all cars, not just the luxury brands. Unfortunately, no data was provided for expected compatibility with the DJ Ditty.

    [Via Wired, image courtesy of JPMagazine]
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  • Wiimote strapped on guitar for wild effects, whammy bar gets totally jealous

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    What can't be done with a Wiimote? No, seriously. You can use the thing to control your vacuum, homegrown video games and your very own robotic sentry. Oh, and now you can use it to make yourself a better guitarist. YouTube member rockin1208 has hosted up a video of him executing all sorts of nasty pitch bends and whatnot thanks to a Wiimote strapped onto his Strat. Put as simply as possible, he pipes the Wiimote data to Max / Msp, which then sends MIDI data to a Digitech Whammy pedal. We know, you have no idea what we just said, so we'll just encourage you to don your gnarliest cans and hop on past the break for an aural explanation.

    [Via Hack-A-Day]

    Continue reading Wiimote strapped on guitar for wild effects, whammy bar gets totally jealous

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  • Vodafone demonstration video shows you how to use the BlackBerry Storm

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    Not that you really needed any additional instructions on how to operate the BlackBerry Storm, but just in case you're a little slow on the uptake (or just want to be ultra-prepared come launch day), you'll certainly want to direct your attention to the video after the break. Yeah, it's a Vodafone Storm, so those looking for the typical Verizon garb will be a tad disoriented at first, but we're sure it'll be of assistance in the long run. Run along and study, kids -- release day is, um, soon... ish.

    Continue reading Vodafone demonstration video shows you how to use the BlackBerry Storm

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  • Microsoft survey hints at Instant On OS concept

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    Hmm, what have we here? A recent Microsoft survey sent out to select users has us wondering what on Earth the mega-corp is planning to do next, and judging by the looks of things, it has everything to do with Instant On. We've seen a number of these lightning-fast boot applications, with the most recent being ASUS' Splashtop OS and the iteration loaded onto Dell's freshest Latitudes. The survey makes mention that the "Instant On experience is different from 'Full Windows' because it limits what activities you can do and what applications you have access to." The survey also asks about which applications would be most important to have quick access to, and it very plainly states that in this "scenario," your PC would "be usable in eight seconds." So, is Instant On coming to Windows? Who knows -- but it's clear someone at Redmond is giving it some thought.

    [Thanks, Anonymous]

    Gallery: Microsoft survey hints at Instant On OS concept

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