Gadgets Future

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 10th 2008 at 9:29AM
Not even 24 hours after catching a whiff of those sick Mushroom-headed Rock Band drum pads comes yet another mod that oozes awesomeness. The Rock Band Stompbox tackles an issue any digital rocker has faced — accidental (and often unwanted) activation of Overdrive / Star Power. Put simply, this engineering fellow ripped his axe apart, ganked a spare effects pedal and put his superb wiring skills to good use. Hit up the read link for a pictorial step-by-step, or jump on past the break for a video demonstration.

[Thanks, Brad]

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Sega has confirmed that Sega Racing Studio has closed down after just three years and one published game.

The studio was set up in 2005 in Birmingham, England. It’s main focus was an update to the Sega Rally series called Sega Rally Revo, which saw releases across Xbox 360, PS3, PC and PSP in 2007 receiving good reviews averaging 74/100 and above.

The confirmation of the closure was made via e-mail to Next-Gen.biz and said:

Regrettably Sega today announced that it is to commence consultation regarding the unfortunate closure of the Sega Racing Studio in Birmingham, UK … The decision is part of a review of Sega’s Western Development Studios to ensure that each studio is a profitable entity in its own right, and unfortunately the Sega Racing Studio’s 5 year plan would not result in a successful return for the Sega business moving forward. Sega would like to stress that there will be no changes within their other internal development studios.

I’m surprised this has happened because the studio did turn out a very good racing game. Admittedly, the arcade handling wasn’t to everyone’s liking, but that’s why we get games like Forza and Gran Turismo as well.

Sega say the 5-year plan didn’t look profitable, but what exactly was that plan? Sega have a number of racing titles to update, some of which are very popular e.g. Daytona. How about a new Scud Race, Vanishing Point or Sega GT? I think my point is that there is a lot of racing history for Sega to draw on and to have a racing studio crumble after one release just seems like a wasted effort to me.

Read more at Next-Gen.biz

We’ve seen our share of Stereo TVs at CES, but most work with video games or “special” movie features that display two images, one of each eye, rendered from a slightly different point of view to reflect the distance between both eyes.

This one is capable of using 3D Stereo broadcast signals directly (which are probably created by filming with two lenses…). The downside is that you have to wear polarized glasses. Usually it strains the eyes to some extent to be watching that stuff…

Computerworld has one of the best OS roundups that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Are you debating about going to Mac? Do your friends tell you that Vista is the greatest thing or that you should just stick with XP? What about Linux?

Computerworld has put together a piece where each OS is defended by an expert for that OS. If it doesn’t sway you to give Vista a second look, or to go to the Apple Store again, or to dust off the desktop and install Linux, then you didn’t read the same piece I did.

I prefer the Mac OS right now, and I run XP via Parallels, but I’m about to boot up another Vista box and see what’s really changed in the new service pack. One of these days I’ll even fire up a Linux box again–it’s been a long time since I’ve played.

Check out the smackdown at computerworld.com.

We’ve written about the iPhone and Windows Mobile-based devices in many of the past newsletters.
Well, move over Apple, Microsoft and Google, there’s a new competitor coming. Before we get to that, let’s recap where things are…

April 4th - April 10th Make the MoveFirst up is a business white paper for users of Linux operating systems which explains in detail how to Make the Move to SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. You’ve heard the buzz about SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10, and maybe even seen a demonstration, but you’re still hesitant to migrate. You know that adopting a new operating system is a big step for administrators and users alike. Fortunately, migrating to SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop is easier than you think, and the benefits you’ve heard about such as lower cost of ownership, stronger security and greater flexibility and control are all real. With careful
planning, your migration can be smooth and highly rewarding.  

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Contents

1

Geek Thoughts

2

This Week on Geek

3

Geek.com Web Picks

4

Don’t Forget About This

1

Geek Thoughts - What’s Under Your Phone’s Hood? We’ve written about the iPhone and Windows Mobile-based devices in many of the past newsletters.
Well, move over Apple, Microsoft and Google, there’s a new competitor coming. Before we get to that, let’s recap where things are:

Windows Mobile 6.1 was officially announced and will be shipping by the end of this year. The iPhone’s new 2.0 version will be here in June, not to mention that there are rumors that the 3G iphone will also be here in that timeframe. Meanwhile, Android is still making inroads with AT&T joining T-Mobile and Sprint in the list of carriers open to carrying Android-based handsets.

Now comes the fun part. Sprint and Samsung have come out of nowhere with what is being dubbed an iPhone killer: the Samsung Instinct. No word on price yet, but this bad boy has a beautiful touch screen, haptics (it vibrates a bit when you touch it), visual voice mail (just like the iPhone), GPS, runs on 3G, and more.

Since most people have mobile phones and don’t know nor care what’s running them, the Instinct could really be a game changer. If it “just works” and is priced right, Samsung and Sprint will have a winner on their hands, especially since it’s going to work on Sprint’s 3G network, whereas the
iPhone uses AT&T’s EDGE.

Check out the Instinct for yourself .

Also, if you have a Windows Mobile-based touch screen device, we did a quick
comparison of the apps out there that will help you “iPhone-ify” your Windows mobile device, so don’t think that you need an iPhone to enjoy finger-friendly navigation.

June is definitely going to be an interesting month for mobile phone lovers.

What phone are you using and why? Share your opinion in our forums.   VistaNext is a competitive guide explaining When and Why to Choose SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop Over Windows Vista. Cost is not always the most important consideration, but if you are purchasing hundreds or thousands of desktops, it becomes a vital part of the equation. The total cost of desktops stretches far beyond the initial licensing fee. This white paper helps you to decrease your total cost of ownership.  

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2

This
Week on Geek - April 4th - April 10th
News
Adobe teams up to offer ad-supported TV showsIBM goes private in Second Life

MySpace Music to take on iTunes

Interview: Why Nick White left Microsoft

IBM makes a splash with data center heat

Facebook enables chat — for some

Blogging may be bad for your health

Pizza.com sells for $2.6 million

To enable music sharing is legal, to download it isn’t?

CERN set to release crazy-fast Internet

Want to be a Geek intern?

Son of Napster, SNOCAP, purchased by imeem

Google defends against EU call for 6 month data retention limit

Verizon to bundle a person with FIOS?

SanDisk survey warns of personal flash drive use

Adobe Media Player 1.0 launches

Cheap labor helps spammers beat CAPTCHA tests
Chips
XP can’t be saved - going away June 30thIntel’s Anti-Theft Technology to combat laptop theft

Everex’s designs mini PC for MySpace users

HP officially unveils the 2133 Mini-Note

Announced ten percent workforce reduction at AMD

Dell to follow HP into cheap sub-notebook market

Thoughts on HP’s Mini-Note laptop for kids

OS roundup at Computerworld
Mobile
AT&T open to Android handsetsNokia launches N-Gage service early

102 percent revenue increase for RIM in 4th quarter

Feature: iPhone-ify your Windows Mobile device

Lenovo gets out of mobile handset business

Verizon Wireless announces plans for new spectrum

Samsung Instinct wins CTIA awards

Motorola and Icahn settle

What’s that smell coming from my mobile phone?

EU opens door to mobile phone use on airlines

Details surface on Nokia’s iPhone killer, the Tube

Nokia recycles your mobile phone for free
Games
The Greenhouse indie games distribution site launchedCity of Heroes gets in-game adverts

Disney Interactive Studios buys developer Gamestar

EA to use Unreal Engine for 5 more games

Sega closes UK Racing Studio
Apple
iPhone PwnediTunes becomes top music retailer in US

Feature: Five Alternatives to the MacBook Pro

Maximize your Leopard experience with the Mac OS X Hints Superguide

iPhone 2 chipset details discovered

An unlikely iPhone fix
Gadgets
Think Steelcase, Forget the RestPersonal Soundtrack Shirt goes from April Fools gag to reality

Project E wireless business cards by Postmachina

Parasolar charges your gadgets while providing Sun protection

Review: Everglide DKTBoard Gaming Keyboard

Guard your territory with the EMT Paintball Sentry Turret

Kensington Ci740 keyboard doesn’t suck

U.S. Army to use handheld lie detectors

Exmocare BT2 can let employers and caregivers monitor your well being

3

Geek.com Web Picks Submit your favorite sites, articles, software picks, diversions,etc.,
to Joel@geek.com (mail subject: Good Sites). Here is one of my faves:Command-line in your browser

While most people use friendly GUIs like those found in Leopard and Vista,
there are plenty of hardcore geeks that still live in the command line.
For all of those geeks we present today’s Geek
Web Pick.   Support LinkAnd finally there is a look at support from Novell for OpenOffice.org in It’s Time to Make Your Move. Have you seen the costs associated with Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007? Send the children out of the room and take a look. Now take a look at OpenOffice.org from Novell. It’s much more cost effective and includes the office tools your employees need to stay productive. And with full support available from Novell, there’s no better time to switch to OpenOffice.org and free yourself from high costs and complicated licensing.  

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4

Don’t Forget About This Want to be a Geek Intern?Geek.com is looking for a few driven individuals for our newly-launched summer internship program. If you are interested in technology and you want to write about it someplace aside from your Facebook wall, then this could be your chance.

The hours will be long, and the work thankless, but you’ll have access to some cool gear and as many press releases as you can handle. If you are in the NYC area, then there will be a few events as well. We need people who have an excellent understanding of current technology, strong writing skills, and at least a basic understanding of HTML and image editing.

If interested send us an email to joel at Geek dawt com with “Intern” somewhere in the title. Send along a resume, a link to your blog (if you have one), and a sample post that is up to 300 words. Candidates can be based wherever, but NYC would be ideal. As always, thanks for reading!Joel Evans

Joel@Geek.com

Chief Geek

Geek.com

Geek.com never sends unsolicited email. You received this email because our records indicate that you are a current subscriber on our site. Click here to unsubscribe.

Philips GoGear SA28 is the first mp3 player that features its own Fullsound technology. The SA28 was first introduced during the CES2008, and now, it is available at China mainland. The 2GB SA28 is sale for RMB399 (approx US$57) with built-in FM tuner.

Fullsound is a digital audio algorithm patented by Philips that refines audio output by performing 10 million operations per second to analyze and re-compute the music signal before it is sent to the speaker. This means that FullSound brings out the best of any audio system and delivers more life to the music.

More images after the jump

Philips GoGear SA28 (dissected)

Sigmatel STMP3710

Sigmatel STFM1000
[ via iMP3, Philips ]

Philips, SA28, Fullsound, MP3 Players, Sigmatel

Dynamic people on the go should also have the chance to enjoy their shiny stuff.

While the love for gadgets only continue to grow over time, people start to ask for what was considere impossible a mere 50 years ago, one of which is waterproof electronics. Sure, there are already gadgets which are water-proof, but for those who can’t just afford to throw their older stuff away, the overboard waterproof case protects electronics 100 percent. It features transparent front and rear so you can have access to your gadget’s controls. And, since it has air-injected pockets, it’ll float to the surface just in case you accidentally let it go while diving to the bottom of a body of water that’s up to 19 feet in depth. The overboard waterproof case comes with a water-proof headset and is priced at 14.95.

I argue that they really could have named the product something better than “Floral titi,” but the gadget itself looks quite good.

Unfortunately, it’s only been released in the Korean market by GDIS. The Floral titi is a clip-type mp3 player coming in 1GB and 2GB varieties. The colours available are more varied than a rainbow’s: lavender, ice blue, aqua, mint, strawberry, carrot, sweet pink, mocha, and vanilla. The Floral titi weighs a mere 10 grams so it’s basically negligible when you pin it in your clothes–the only problem is that it might be TOO negligible, it becomes easy to lose. The Floral titi has can store enough power per charge for eight hours of playtime and sells in Korea for ₤21 and ₤29 for the 1GB and 2GB versions respectively.

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by Darren Murph, posted Apr 9th 2008 at 5:06PMWouldn’t you know it? No, really — didn’t you completely understand that Nintendo wouldn’t be releasing something as magnificent as a stark white GameCube controller in the States? Okay, so maybe NoA hasn’t made that official, but we’re betting the unit you see there on the right will be a (highly coveted) Japanese exclusive. Apparently the Big N is re-issuing a Wii-white GameCube controller in its homeland this month with an extended (3-meter) cord, and while we can’t glean any pricing information from the crumb of information out there right now, go ahead and start stacking those pennies for use on your favorite importer.

[Via Joystiq]

Update: Apparently it’ll cost around $20. Thanks, Chebwa!

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When I caught my entire family popping the bubble wraps covering my CDs, I knew I had to do something or else it’d cost me a pretty penny.

This electronic bubble wrap keychain can supply everyone who’s addicted to popping bubble wraps with unlimited bubbles to pop. The eight rubber buttons have the tactile feel of bubble wrap and pressing them, of course, would sound the familiar “pop.” The 100th pressing of a button won’t be a pop though, but something completely different like a dog’s bark–just for laughs. This portable electronic bubble wrap keychain is sold for ₤5 in ThinkGeek.

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