Researchers have been studying Geicos for years trying to mimic the stickiness of their feet but it seems that a commercial application is coming.
UC Berkeley and Clark College have announced that their teams have created a tape that works like a Geico’s feet: it sticks with horizontal pressure but releases vertically (that’s how the Geico can lift its feet), making it ideal to…hang frames, for example. It’s cool but when can we have gadgets like geico-gloves and geico-shoes?
JVC has released its SP-A440 sound system that comes in the form of two cube speakers, each containing a couple of 1.3″ drivers on different faces. This configuration is meant to offer broader sound coverage as well as a “surround sound” experience in Theater Mode according to JVC. Music Mode will see the additional driver kick in for a bit more ‘oomph’ to your favorite tracks. All I can say it, if you want true blue surround sound, try your best not to cut corners and just pick up an actual surround sound audio system. Trust me, your ears will thank you for it - just make sure you have adequate space in your room for such a setup. Otherwise, something like JVC’s $45 SP-A440 ought to be more than enough. These babies will hit Japan very soon - no word on whether the rest of the world will get it though.
Posted Feb 4th 2008 11:45AM by Paul Miller
Filed under: Gaming
Hold onto your lunch, we’re looking at quite the turnaround in fortunes for the PS3 if EA’s sales predictions for 2008 hold true. With a hot new SKU on the shelves, an unlikely Halo killer, strong market share in Europe and that profitability milestone crossed, the PS3 is looking at its best shot at greatness since it landed. At least EA and Sony seem to think so. Sony has been naturally bullish about its latest “10 year life cycle” console, but now EA is jumping on board, predicting the box will sell between 9.5 million and 11.5 million units this year, compared to 6 million to 8 million for Microsoft’s Xbox 360. Most of that margin is expected to be found in Europe, to the tune of 5 million or so over the 360. Of course, there’s one more factor here: EA predicts between 12 million and 14 million in Wii sales — better luck next time, guys.
[Via Joystiq]
Microsoft has announced the release to manufacturing for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) with a general availability to begin in March. Once available the update will begin with Microsoft Volume Licensing customers first. Current home Vista users should expect the update to be available during mid-March through Windows Update and have it become an automatic update in April 2008. According to Microsoft, Windows Vista SP1 will address key issues that customers have identified, as well as improve performance, reliability and compatibility.
Read [Windows Vista Team Blog]
Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! - Subscribe to our feed →
Posted Feb 4th 2008 2:41PM by Darren Murph
Filed under: Storage
We know how you Transformers aficionados roll — you’ll spend your very last dollar just to ensure your collection stays complete. That being said, we’d probably recommend skipping right over this Autobot 1GB USB flash drive, unless you dig (likely) non-licensed gear cluttering up your pristine heap, that is. If you’re still letting your heart cloud your mind, riddle us this: what legitimate piece of Transformers kit requires you to purchase 12?
[Via Coolest-Gadgets]
It seems that scientists are now working on Transformers-like robots that are able to shapeshift at the flick of a switch, mimicking ant-like behaviour. You won’t find behemoths from the movie making an appearance anytime soon, as these are miniature robots that use electromagnetic forces to cling together and assume different shapes. A final, commercialized product would definitely be more than interesting to look at. It is said that summer of 2008 will see a prototype roll out from the research lab. Could this be the death knell of LEGO?
Toshiba is going to release a GPS mobile phone called 820T in Japan, targeting on kids which supports a location tracking service. The phone will come with 2.4-inch QVGA display and 3.24-megapixel camera. You can choose from three colors – flower pink, snow white and jet blue. It is expected to be released in earlier February.
[Source]
Posted Feb 4th 2008 8:34AM by Thomas Ricker
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops
We’ve been hearing rumors all morning that Microsoft would release Vista SP1 this week. Now, according to Reuters, Microsoft has just sent Vista SP1 to manufacturing. In the same presentation to investors, Steve Ballmer said that Microsoft has released Windows Server 2008 to manufacturing as well. However, the server software won’t formally launch until February 27th. Now we’re just waiting for the SP1 download link and/or Windows Update package. Twiddle, twiddle… ah hell, we’ll just update you when we get it — this could take a few days.
Update: Hands off the F5 key kids, Microsoft says SP1 won’t be available to customers until March, starting with Microsoft Volume Licensing customers. Server 2008 will be available for purchase on March 1st.
With the Franklin MWD-1490 Dictionary / Translator you can do so much. It features: Offers instant access to essential information on grammar rules and usage and reinforces grammar knowledge with quizzes. Has over 300,000 words and 500,000 synonyms in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian with the updated Merriam-Webster Electronic Dictionary & Thesaurus with Comprehensive Reference Set. Includes spell check, Merriam-Webster® geographical dictionary, Confusables® function, SAT word list which improves your reading and writing skills amd more. Additional features include: Crossword Puzzle Solver to determine missing puzzle letters, organizer includes local/world clock, personal databank, calculator, currency/metric converters, adjustable contrast display, on-screen Help, auto shut-off.
Montblanc unveil a 180K Euros fountain pen. Montblanc Limited Edition Boheme Papillon is crafted in the solid white, yellow or rose gold and is studded with 840 flawless diamonds totaling 4.35 carats and 591 sapphires of 3.87 carats. Not bad… not bad.
The price is scary for me and I wonder if I still know how to use a fountain pen. Best, show me a 180K Euros keyboard. We are in 2008 not in last century!
Link
