Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Barnes & Noble Working on a Kindle Competitor?]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/09/barnes-and-noble-working-on-a-kindle-competitor/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/09/barnes-and-noble-working-on-a-kindle-competitor/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/09/barnes-and-noble-working-on-a-kindle-competitor/#comments
Everyone else is doing it, so why not Barnes & Noble too? That's the talk following last week's CTIA at least, where mysterious "insiders" were reportedly abuzz about the possibility of a B&N e-book reader that, like the Kindle, would supposedly be tied to a cellular carrier for some Whispernet-like connectivity. According to one of those insiders, Barnes & Noble had apparently first been in talks with Verizon about a partnership, but those seem to have fallen apart for one reason or another, and it now looks like Sprint (Amazon's partner, coincidentally) is the top contender. Some "observers" apparently still aren't ruling out AT&T as a possibility, however, especially in light of its recent expression of interest about getting into the e-book reader game. No word about the actual device itself just yet, but there's no shortage of ready-made options out there (like Plastic Logic's e-reader above) should B&N decide to go that route.

[Thanks, Tim]

Filed under:

Barnes & Noble Working on a Kindle Competitor? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> attb nbarnes and noblebarnes nobleBarnesAndNobleBarnesNobleBNctiactia 2009Ctia2009e-booke-book readerE-bookReadersprintverizonwhispernet switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:54:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Japanese "Child Robot" Is Back and Creepier Than Ever]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/06/japanese-child-robot-is-back-and-creepier-than-ever/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/06/japanese-child-robot-is-back-and-creepier-than-ever/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/06/japanese-child-robot-is-back-and-creepier-than-ever/#comments
All caught up on your sleep? Good. 'Cause our old friend the "Child-robot with Biomimetic Body," or CB2, has now returned to haunt your nightmares. As you might expect, the bot hasn't simply spent its past two years of existence terrifying the staff at Osaka University, it's actually been learning, and it's now apparently able to make use of its 51 air-powered motors to move itself through a room "quite smoothly" -- with a helping hand, of course. What's more, the researchers behind CB2 are now also starting to talk about some of their future projects, including a new "robo species" that they say will have learning abilities "somewhere between those of a human and other primate species such as the chimpanzee." Yeah, we can't wait to see what that looks like either.

Filed under:

Japanese "Child Robot" Is Back and Creepier Than Ever originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> cb2child robotChild-robot with Biomimetic BodyChild-robotWithBiomimeticBodyChildRobotosaka universityOsakaUniversityrobotrobots switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:57:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[DIY Trash Can Understands Your Voice Commands]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/06/diy-trash-can-understands-your-voice-commands/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/06/diy-trash-can-understands-your-voice-commands/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/06/diy-trash-can-understands-your-voice-commands/#comments
Have you ever stared at a garbage can and wished you could command it to come towards you? No? Then you may still be interested in this new speech-controlled trash can built by DIY-er Amnon, which will respond to your beck and call, yet never stray beyond the safe confines of your carefully laid out tape route (sure to compliment any room).

Unfortunately, there isn't a step-by-step guide for building a little trash buddy of your own, but Amnon has provided a shot of the all-important underside (linked below), and a complete parts list, so it shouldn't be too hard for experienced folks to follow along. Head on past the break for the video.

[Via Hack a Day]

Continue reading DIY Trash Can Understands Your Voice Commands

Filed under:

DIY Trash Can Understands Your Voice Commands originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> diygarbage canGarbageCanhomebrewhouseholdtrash canTrashCan switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Researchers Tout Progress in Creating a Brain on a Chip]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/25/researchers-tout-progress-in-creating-a-brain-on-a-chip/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/25/researchers-tout-progress-in-creating-a-brain-on-a-chip/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/25/researchers-tout-progress-in-creating-a-brain-on-a-chip/#comments
Mimicking the human brain has long been near the top of the list of dream projects for many a sci-fi-inspired scientist, and it looks like one team involved in the EU-supported FACETS initiative is now making some real, if still preliminary progress in the field. Apparently, they've built upon some recent mapping and modeling research and created an actual chip (or, more specifically a 20cm wafer), which could eventually contain a network of 200,000 neurons and 50 million synapses. That, the researchers say, will allow for them to take on larger scale neural computing work than has previously been possible, and could even lead to "practical neural computers" in as little as five years, which they say could be particularly helpful for things like internet search -- or, you know, commanding a massive robot army.

[Thanks, Scott]

Researchers Tout Progress in Creating a Brain on a Chip originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> artificial brainArtificialBrainbrainbrain on a chipBrainOnAChipfacetsfuture techFutureTechneuralneural computingNeuralComputing switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Wed, 25 Mar 2009 06:03:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[New Material Could Make Robot Muscles Better, Faster, Stronger]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/23/new-material-could-make-robot-muscles-better-faster-stronger/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/23/new-material-could-make-robot-muscles-better-faster-stronger/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/23/new-material-could-make-robot-muscles-better-faster-stronger/#comments
There's already been countless advances in the always exciting field of robot muscles, but a team of researchers from the University of Texas have now made what appears to be a considerable leap forward, which they say could allow for "performance characteristics that have not previously been obtained."

The key to that is an entirely new material comprised of ribbons of tangled nanotubes, which can expand its width by 220-percent when a voltage is applied and return to its original shape in just milliseconds when the voltage is removed.

What's more, the material is not only "stronger than steel and stiffer than diamond," but it's able to withstand an extreme range of temperatures from -196 °C to 1538 °C, which could allow robots equipped with the muscles to operate with ease in a wide variety of off-world colonies, er, "harsh environments." Head on past the break for a demonstration of the material in its non-robot form. [Image courtesy NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory]

Continue reading New Material Could Make Robot Muscles Better, Faster, Stronger

New Material Could Make Robot Muscles Better, Faster, Stronger originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> musclesnanotechnanotechnologynanotubesreplicantrobotrobot musclesroboticsRobotMusclesrobotsuniversity of texasUniversityOfTexas switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:32:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[World's Most Expensive Vacuum Also Claims Title of World's Gaudiest]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/18/worlds-most-expensive-vacuum-also-claims-title-of-worlds-gaudi/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/18/worlds-most-expensive-vacuum-also-claims-title-of-worlds-gaudi/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/18/worlds-most-expensive-vacuum-also-claims-title-of-worlds-gaudi/#comments
You may think that the world's most expensive vacuum would be a Dyson or some other high-tech cleaning contraption, but that's apparently not the case, at least according to the vacuum authority that is the Guinness Book of World Records. No, the world's most expensive vacuum is apparently this otherwise ordinary Electrolux, which has been adorned with 3,730 Swarovski crystals by Polish designer Lukaz Jemiol and now commands the princely sum of £13,825 (or just under $20,000). That may not help the vacuum's cleaning ability much, but it'll certainly help it hold its own against all the other Swarovski-encrusted products out there, which, last we checked, includes everything imaginable. Better act quick if you're looking to add to the collection though, as this one is strictly one of a kind.

World's Most Expensive Vacuum Also Claims Title of World's Gaudiest originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> crystalelectroluxhouseholdswarovskiswarovski crystalsSwarovskiCrystalsvacuum switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:17:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Prosthetic Finger Features Built-In USB Drive]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/12/usb-finger-drive-concepts/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/12/usb-finger-drive-concepts/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/12/usb-finger-drive-concepts/#comments
Yanko Design is certainly home to many far-fetched, never-to-be-realized gadgets, but this so-called You-SB finger drive isn't one of them. In fact, it's already a bit behind the curve. Apparently, after losing a finger in a motorcycle accident last year, Jerry Jalava took advantage of the situation to get a 2GB USB drive installed in his new prosthetic finger, which he's happy to inform us stores the Billy Linux distribution and the movie 'Freddy Got Fingered.' The drive is even removable to allow for upgrades or different drives for different tasks. Can a pico-projector finger be far behind?

Read - Yanko Design, "You-SB"
Read - Jerry Jalava's Flickr page

[Via Grinding.be]

Prosthetic Finger Features Built-In USB Drive originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> future techFutureTechprostheticusbusb fingerusb gadgetsUsbFingerUsbGadgetsweirdyankoyanko designYankoDesign switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:02:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Calvin Klein Fragrances Get Paired With MP3 Speakers]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/20/calvin-klein-fragrances-get-paired-with-mp3-speakers/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/20/calvin-klein-fragrances-get-paired-with-mp3-speakers/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/20/calvin-klein-fragrances-get-paired-with-mp3-speakers/#comments

Still looking for some more speakers you won't use after getting those Best Buy gift card speakers over the holidays? Then you may want to keep an eye out for one of these new "limited edition" bottles of CK One or CK Be, which each come paired with an "MP3 speaker" that appears to be a speaker first and an MP3 player not at all. No word on any technical specifications, as you might have guessed, though those are details probably best left unsaid. $50 and it's yours starting next month. [Via SlipperyBrick]

Filed under:

Calvin Klein Fragrances Get Paired With MP3 Speakers originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> calvin kleinCalvinKleinckmp3 speakerMp3Speakerspeaker switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:23:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Microsoft Gets Sued Over Windows XP Downgrade Fees]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/17/microsoft-gets-sued-over-windows-xp-downgrade-fees/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/17/microsoft-gets-sued-over-windows-xp-downgrade-fees/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/17/microsoft-gets-sued-over-windows-xp-downgrade-fees/#comments Microsoft may be doing its best to move past Windows XP once and for all, but a Los Angeles woman is alleging that the company is all too happy to bank some extra change on the OS in the meantime, and that it's essentially trying to have it both ways. As a result, she's now suing Microsoft over its XP "downgrade" fees, and requesting that the lawsuit be granted class-action certification so others can get a piece of the action.

Apparently, Emma Alvarado bought a Lenovo PC last June and had to pay an additional $59.25 to downgrade to XP, which she claims is simply a case of Microsoft taking advantage of consumer demand for XP to pad its profits. The suit further alleges that the seemingly endless extensions of the XP deadline were "likely due to the tremendous profits that Microsoft has reaped from its 'downgrade' option." For Microsoft's part, it insists that the company itself "does not have a downgrade program," and that it doesn't get any of the money from the Vista-to-XP downgrade options. [Thanks, Cargojack]

Filed under:

Microsoft Gets Sued Over Windows XP Downgrade Fees originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> lawsuitlawsuitsmicrosoftoswindows xpWindowsXpxp switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:13:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[For $2,000, This Company Will Make a Robot Version of You]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/06/for-2-000-this-company-will-make-a-robot-version-of-you/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/06/for-2-000-this-company-will-make-a-robot-version-of-you/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/06/for-2-000-this-company-will-make-a-robot-version-of-you/#comments
Looking for a surefire conversation piece or guaranteed nightmares for weeks on end? Then you may want to take up Little Island's offer to create a tiny, custom robot version of you, which can apparently even be used as a VoIP phone of sorts to freak out family members when you're away. Unfortunately, the "robot" doesn't appear to actually have many true robot abilities, although it does have a built-in camera to let you check out its surroundings via a connected computer, and it's apparently able to do a few basic tasks like read your RSS feeds or check the weather. The bot is also essentially just a plush PC itself (complete with a 500MHz Geode processor), so there's certainly plenty of opportunity to expand its capabilities for those so inclined. At over $2,000, however, it doesn't exactly come cheap, and you'll have to wait upwards of six weeks after sending in your picture to receive it. [Via The Raw Feed]

Filed under:

For $2,000, This Company Will Make a Robot Version of You originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> creepycustomcustom robotCustomRobothorrorlittle islandLittleIslandrobotrobotsweird switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[College Students Contact Space Station With Self-Built Radio System]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/04/college-students-contact-space-station-with-self-built-radio-sys/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/04/college-students-contact-space-station-with-self-built-radio-sys/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/04/college-students-contact-space-station-with-self-built-radio-sys/#comments While putting a call in to the International Space Station and chatting up an astronaut for a full ten minutes would likely be more than enough to satisfy most science classes, a group of students from Humber College in Toronto decided to go one big step further and do so with a radio system that they designed and built themselves. According to the school, that makes it the first time that's ever been done by students at the college level, which provided some well-deserved bragging rights for the students and their instructor, who said that they're "playing way, way above their league."

Be sure to hit up the link below for a video of the big moment and, of course, the complete NASA control room-esque geek out.

Filed under:

College Students Contact Space Station With Self-Built Radio System originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> collegehumber collegeHumberCollegeinternational space stationInternationalSpaceStationissradiosciencespacespace stationSpaceStation switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:18:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[2eleven Introduces Foosball Table of the Future]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/23/2eleven-introduces-foosball-table-of-the-future/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/23/2eleven-introduces-foosball-table-of-the-future/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/23/2eleven-introduces-foosball-table-of-the-future/#comments
It's not quite as elaborate as some foosball tables we've seen, but this new rig from 2eleven will no doubt attract its fair share of attention nonetheless and, unlike some of those other units, it's actually pre-built. While there doesn't seem to be a complete breakdown of all its intricacies, the table does come equipped with some LED score displays, a pair of LCD displays apparently intended to display advertisements, an automatic ball lift mechanism and, yes, cup holders. Of course, those accommodations for ads would seem to suggest that this one isn't exactly intended for home use, but we're guessing at least a few folks out there will find a way around that. [Via Be Sportier]

Filed under:

2eleven Introduces Foosball Table of the Future originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> 2elevenfoosballfoosball tableFoosballTablefungamessports switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Hi-Tech Mirror Lets You Check the Weather and Your Hair]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/17/valli-arredobagno-hi_mirror-lets-you-check-the-weather-and-your/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/17/valli-arredobagno-hi_mirror-lets-you-check-the-weather-and-your/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/17/valli-arredobagno-hi_mirror-lets-you-check-the-weather-and-your/#comments
It's not quite as elaborate as some mirror / display combinations, but Valli Arredobagno's new Hi_Mirror looks like it'll at least get the job done, and with a good deal more style than some other setups we've seen. Unfortunately, the Italian design firm isn't all that forthcoming with technical specifications just yet, but it appears that the mirror contains a touchscreen-based device of some sort, which will let you check the weather, watch some TV, and enjoy a few other multimedia features while you check your hair or makeup. There's no word on a price either, but it does appear that the mirror is more than just a concept, with the firm's Web site promising that it and some other luxury housewares are coming "soon."

[Thanks, sk]

Filed under: ,

Hi-Tech Mirror Lets You Check the Weather and Your Hair originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> hi_mirrormirrorValli ArredobagnoValliArredobagno switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:12:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Apple Announces iWork.com Beta]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/06/apple-announces-iwork-com-beta/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/06/apple-announces-iwork-com-beta/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/06/apple-announces-iwork-com-beta/#comments
Well, it looks like Apple is competing with Google in more ways than one, with the company today announcing a beta version of the Google Docs-like iWork.com. The web-based app will apparently be tightly integrated with the OS-bound iWork app, and let you easily share documents with contacts who can add notes and make edits, again, much like Google Docs, albeit in an environment that closely resembles the standard iWork apps. What's more, while the beta will be free to those interested in trying it out, the final product will eventually be a pay service, though there's no word on a price just yet.

Filed under:

Apple Announces iWork.com Beta originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> appleiworkiwork.commacworldmacworld 2009Macworld2009 switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:48:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[This Robot Makes Pancakes]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/12/03/this-robot-makes-pancakes/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/03/this-robot-makes-pancakes/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/03/this-robot-makes-pancakes/#comments

Yaskawa Electric's Motoman SDA10 robot has been out and about for a little while now (along with its not-so-distant relatives), but it's apparently not just getting by on its good looks alone, and it recently took advantage of Osaka's International Next-Generation Robot Fair to show off its newly developed cooking skills. While there unfortunately doesn't seem to be any video available, the word is it was able to take an order from a customer using its voice recognition capabilities and whip up some okonomiyaki (a pancake, of sorts) from scratch, with it even going so far as to serve it to the customer and top it off with some condiments. As if one human-replacing activity wasn't enough, the bot also recently made an appearance on a Japanese TV show where it assembled a camera and, thankfully, there is a video of that -- check it out after the break.

Continue reading This Robot Makes Pancakes

Filed under: ,

This Robot Makes Pancakes originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> cookingfuture techFutureTechhouseholdkitchenmotomanmotoman sda10MotomanSda10pancakerobotrobotsvideo switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:02:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Tuttuki Bako 'Poking Box' Lets You Torment Low-Res Creatures]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/23/tuttuki-bako-poking-box-lets-you-torment-low-res-creatures/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/23/tuttuki-bako-poking-box-lets-you-torment-low-res-creatures/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/23/tuttuki-bako-poking-box-lets-you-torment-low-res-creatures/#comments
While we don't expect it to be the type of interface that'll replace touch screens anytime soon, Bandai is certainly forging some interesting new ground with its so-called Tuttuki Bako device, or "poking box," which actually lets you stick your finger right into the device to control the on-screen finger. That's apparently done with the aid of some motion sensors which, as you can see in the video after the break, seem to work at least reasonably well. In addition to boasting various "games" like poking a panda, poking a face, or poking a stick figure, the device also doubles a desk clock, and it's available your choice of red, black or lime green. As you might have guessed, however, it's not available 'round these parts just yet, though you can apparently pick one up in Japan now for the rough local equivalent of $30.

[Via Today and Tomorrow, thanks Lennart]

Continue reading Tuttuki Bako 'Poking Box' Lets You Torment Low-Res Creatures

Filed under:

Tuttuki Bako 'Poking Box' Lets You Torment Low-Res Creatures originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> bandaijapanpoking boxPokingBoxtuttuki bakoTuttukiBako switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:17:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz Shows Off Internet-Connected myCOMMAND System]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/20/mercedes-benz-shows-off-internet-connected-mycommand-system/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/20/mercedes-benz-shows-off-internet-connected-mycommand-system/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/20/mercedes-benz-shows-off-internet-connected-mycommand-system/#comments
Mercedes-Benz has already toyed around a bit with some Internet-connected in-car systems, but it looks to really be going all out with its new myCOMMAND system, which it's now showing off at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Among other things, it would constantly pull various traffic information off the Internet and take it into account for route selection, as well as give you access to Internet radio stations, let you make VoIP phone calls, and even give you a browser that'll let you " surf the internet in the accustomed way."

Mercedes is also promising that the entire system will be completely intuitive, with most of the primary functions controlled with a single rotary pushbutton, and two secondary buttons provided for things like menu operation. Of course, it's all still very much a demo at this point, and Mercedes itself says it'll be least a "few more years" before it actually winds up in a production vehicle.

[Thanks, Jason]

Filed under:

Mercedes-Benz Shows Off Internet-Connected myCOMMAND System originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> in-carin-car internetin-car systemIn-carInternetIn-carSystemmercedesmercedes-benzmycommmandweb switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:49:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Piaggio MP3 Hybrid Scooter Saves Gas and Plays Music]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/12/piaggio-mp3-hybrid-scooter-saves-gas-and-plays-music/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/12/piaggio-mp3-hybrid-scooter-saves-gas-and-plays-music/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/12/piaggio-mp3-hybrid-scooter-saves-gas-and-plays-music/#comments
The NYPD may have ditched a few of their Piaggio scooters in favor of some all-electric Vectrix models a little while back, but it looks like the Italian company may be about to get back in their favor, as it has just unveilved its new MP3 Hybrid plug-in scooter that promises to get an impressive 141MPG. Apparently, the three-wheeled scooter can operate in either a full-electric mode, or one of three hybrid modes, which brings the 125 cc gasoline engine into the picture to let you do zero to sixty about five seconds. As with some other PHEVs, the scooter also makes use of regenerative breaking to help recharge the batteries, which can apparently be fully topped off in as little as three hours when plugged in at home. No word on a price just yet, but Piaggo says it "could" be on the market as soon as next year.

Filed under: ,

Piaggio MP3 Hybrid Scooter Saves Gas and Plays Music originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> mp3 hybridMp3Hybridphevpiaggiopiaggio mp3 hybridPiaggioMp3Hybridplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridscooter switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:23:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[AT&T CEO Says iPhone 'Tethering' Option Coming Soon]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/07/atandt-ceo-says-iphone-tethering-option-to-be-available-soon/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/07/atandt-ceo-says-iphone-tethering-option-to-be-available-soon/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/07/atandt-ceo-says-iphone-tethering-option-to-be-available-soon/#comments There's not exactly a lot of details to go on here (or any, really), but AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega yesterday confirmed during an interview at the Web 2.0 Summit that an AT&T-approved iPhone tethering option, which will allow you to connect the Apple handset to your computer and use it as a 3G modem, will indeed be available "soon." That lack of detail includes any word on pricing or, of course, an actual release date, though MacRumors is reporting separately that it's hearing the tethering capability will be built into the 2.2 firmware, which seems like at least a reasonable guess.

[Via MacRumors]

Filed under: ,

AT&T CEO Says iPhone 'Tethering' Option Coming Soon originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> attbreaking newsBreakingNewsde la vegaDeLaVegaiphoneiphone tetheringIphoneTetheringralph de la vegaRalphDeLaVegatethering switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:11:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Spaceship 'Force Field' Could Protect Astronauts on Trip to Mars]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/05/spaceship-force-field-could-protect-astronauts-on-trip-to-mars/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/05/spaceship-force-field-could-protect-astronauts-on-trip-to-mars/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/05/spaceship-force-field-could-protect-astronauts-on-trip-to-mars/#comments
While there's certainly no shortage of folks working on sending robots to Mars, there's also thankfully a few researchers focusing on making the trip a bit more bearable (and survivable) for us humans, and a group from a consortium of different institutions now say they've made some real progress on that front. Their idea is to use a portable "mini-magnetosphere," which would protect a spacecraft from harmful solar storms and cosmic rays in much the same way the Earth's magnetosphere naturally protects the planet.

That is actually an idea that has been around for decades, and was shown last year to be at least theoretically possible, but it has only now been taken beyond the realm of computer simulations. That was apparently possible thanks to the use of an unspecified "apparatus originally built to work on fusion," which allowed researchers to recreate "a tiny piece of the Solar Wind" and confirm that a small "hole" in the wind would indeed be all that would d be necessary to keep astronauts safe.

Of course, the leap from the lab to an actual spacecraft is another matter entirely, but the researchers seem to think that there's quite a bit of promise in the idea.

[Via PhysOrg, image courtesy of NASA]

Spaceship 'Force Field' Could Protect Astronauts on Trip to Mars originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> magnetospheremarsspacespace travelspacecraftspaceshipSpaceTravel switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Pure*Gold PC Is Just What You Think It Is]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/31/pure-gold-pc-is-just-what-you-think-it-is/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/31/pure-gold-pc-is-just-what-you-think-it-is/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/31/pure-gold-pc-is-just-what-you-think-it-is/#comments
It's been a little while since we've seen a full-size gold-plated PC, but it looks like the advent of small form factor PCs is keeping this little bit of excess alive even in these economic hard times, and the folks at Plush Department have even managed to find it in themselves to provide a matching amplifier for its new Pure*Gold PC.

From the looks of it, they've also managed to cram some reasonably high-end specs into the PC, including an unspecified Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT graphics with 512MB of RAM, and a generous eight USB ports and two FireWire ports.

No word on a price, naturally, but, whatever exorbitant amount it is, you can just tell yourself that it's not just a PC, it's an investment. [Via musicradar.com]

Filed under:

Pure*Gold PC Is Just What You Think It Is originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> goldgold-platedluxuryplush departmentPlushDepartmentpure goldPureGoldpuregold pcPuregoldPc switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:02:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Jean-Michel Jarre Designed iPod Speakers Hit France]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/jean-michel-jarre-designed-ipod-speakers-hit-france/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/jean-michel-jarre-designed-ipod-speakers-hit-france/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/jean-michel-jarre-designed-ipod-speakers-hit-france/#comments
There's certainly no shortage of eye-catching iPod docks / speaker systems to choose from, but this new so-called AeroSystem is the only one to get Jean-Michel Jarre's stamp of approval, and that's enough to get at least a few folks to take notice (though we'll personally stick with our Joy Division Zune). In addition to being a conversation starter, the speaker unit also look to be capable enough audio-wise, with it packing two 20W RMS speakers and a 45W RMS subwoofer into its retro-inspired enclosure, plus a USB port and a 3.5mm jack to complement the requisite iPod dock connector. As far as these things go, it's also not too ridiculously expensive, with it running €450 (or close to $580), though you'll likely spend a bit more than that if you hope to get one of these out of France.

[Via Gadget Lab]

Filed under: , ,

Jean-Michel Jarre Designed iPod Speakers Hit France originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> aerosystemipod dockipod speaker systemipod speakersIpodDockIpodSpeakersIpodSpeakerSystemjarrejean-michel jarreJean-michelJarre switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:37:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Husqvarna's Solar-Powered Automower Coming to the US]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/husqvarnas-solar-powered-automower-coming-to-the-us/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/husqvarnas-solar-powered-automower-coming-to-the-us/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/husqvarnas-solar-powered-automower-coming-to-the-us/#comments =
Husqvarna's plain old battery-powered Automowers have been available in the US for some time now, but it looks like the company's solar-powered hybrid model is now finally making the trip across the pond as well. From the looks of it, the model is the same one we caught sight of back in March, with the 22-pound mower promising to handle lawns up to half an acre in size and not emit a single emission whilst it does its business.

As with the regular models, it'll also return to its base to speed up the charging process when it gets low on juice. Unfortunately, there's no word on a price or release date just yet, though we wouldn't expect it to sell for too much less (if any) than the £2,000 (or just over $3,000) it sold for in the UK. Husqvarna will apparently have more to say about that at the Green Industry and Equipment Expo that's now getting underway in Louisville, Kentucky.

[Via The Raw Feed]

Filed under:

Husqvarna's Solar-Powered Automower Coming to the US originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> automowerhusqvarnalawnmowersolar powersolar poweredsolar powered lawnmowerSolarPowerSolarPoweredSolarPoweredLawnmowerupcoming switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:11:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Circuit City Considering Shutting 150 Stores to Avoid Bankruptcy]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/21/circuit-city-considering-shutting-150-stores-to-avoid-bankruptcy/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/21/circuit-city-considering-shutting-150-stores-to-avoid-bankruptcy/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/21/circuit-city-considering-shutting-150-stores-to-avoid-bankruptcy/#comments It's made it through some tough times in the past (the other DIVX, anyone?), but it looks like Circuit City is now really up against the wall, and it's apparently considering some rather drastic measures to avoid becoming the largest retailer to enter bankruptcy protection in recent years.

According to The Wall Street Journal, "people familiar with the company" say that Circuit City is contemplating closing at least 150 stores and making the associated high number of job cuts in order to get itself in a better position to shore up some much needed financing, which it has been unable to secure so far.

To put things in a bit of perspective, before it packed up and went home, Blockbuster offered to buy Circuit City in February of this year for $6 to $8 a share. The company's share value as of this writing? 40 cents.

[Via MarketWatch]

Filed under:

Circuit City Considering Shutting 150 Stores to Avoid Bankruptcy originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> bankruptcybreaking newsBreakingNewscircuit cityCircuitCitycircut cityCircutCityeconomic crisisEconomicCrisiselectronics retailerElectronicsRetailerretailretailershopping switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Ecobee Debuts Wi-Fi-Connected Smart Thermostat]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/16/ecobee-debuts-wi-fi-connected-smart-thermostat/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/16/ecobee-debuts-wi-fi-connected-smart-thermostat/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/16/ecobee-debuts-wi-fi-connected-smart-thermostat/#comments
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. As with some other similar thermostats, this one relies on Wi-Fi 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.

Filed under:

Ecobee Debuts Wi-Fi-Connected Smart Thermostat originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> ecobeehome automationHomeAutomationsmart thermostatSmartThermostatthermostatzigbee switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:50:00 EST Switched <![CDATA['Smart' Rear-View Mirror Equipped With GPS]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/12/smart-rear-view-mirror-equipped-with-gps/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/12/smart-rear-view-mirror-equipped-with-gps/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/12/smart-rear-view-mirror-equipped-with-gps/#comments
Azentek apparently managed to get a few of its SmartMirror rearview mirror replacements out the door back in August, but that brief spat of availability promptly gave way to back orders and waiting lists, and no doubt a few disappointed customers. According to the company, however, it's now not only ramping up production of the GPS-packing mirrors, but promising that they'll be available at "major retailers" by the end of the year as well. In case you missed it the first time around, the $800 device crams a 4-inch GPS unit up alongside an apparently standard-sized rearview mirror, and it surprisingly doesn't skimp on too many features, with it boasting handsfree Bluetooth calling, a built-in speaker, text-to-speech functionality, and an SD card slot for expansion (a 2GB card is included). For some true redundancy, you can also use the mirror as a monitor for a rearview camera. [Via TWICE]

Filed under:

'Smart' Rear-View Mirror Equipped With GPS originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> azenteksm-450smart mirrorsmartmirror switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:12:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[$60,000 Diamond-Encrusted iPod Earbud Covers]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/11/60-000-diamond-encrusted-ipod-earbud-covers/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/11/60-000-diamond-encrusted-ipod-earbud-covers/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/11/60-000-diamond-encrusted-ipod-earbud-covers/#comments
Yes, you read that right, covers. As in, $60,000 of diamonds that clip onto a standard issue pair of iPod earphones. If the economic hard times are really hitting you hard, you can also opt for a $4,500 set encrusted with black or white diamonds, or even a set covered with the ever-popular multi-colored Swarovski crystals -- a veritable bargain at just $110. [Via musicradar.com]

Filed under:

$60,000 Diamond-Encrusted iPod Earbud Covers originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> deosearphone coversEarphoneCoversearphonesipod earphonesIpodEarphonestop switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:43:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Wowwee's 'Mr. Personality' Robot Changes Identities on a Dime]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/10/wowwees-mr-personality-robot-is-now-ready-to-charm-you-out-of/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/10/wowwees-mr-personality-robot-is-now-ready-to-charm-you-out-of/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/10/wowwees-mr-personality-robot-is-now-ready-to-charm-you-out-of/#comments
WowWee's Mr. Personality bot made its debut way back at CES in January but, like some other WowWee products announced at the show, it's only just now made its way into availability. As you can see above, the bot's a close relative of WowWee's Tri-Bot, with it boasting the notable addition of an LCD screen for a face, which promises to "display his personality with animated and synchronized facial features." The bot also includes an SD card slot than can be used to add additional personalities, plus 64MB of internal memory, a remote control, all the usual sensors and, of course, plenty of fortune and joke-telling features that promise endless hours of fun / annoyance. Just be prepared to shell out for that robot companionship, as Mr. Personality's company will cost you a hefty $300. [From: esend.com Via Robo Community]

Filed under:

Wowwee's 'Mr. Personality' Robot Changes Identities on a Dime originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> mr personalitymr. personalityMr.PersonalityMrPersonalityrobotwowwee switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Drug-Loaded Microbubbles May Improve Cancer Treatment Recovery]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/07/drug-loaded-microbubbles-may-improve-cancer-treatment-recovery/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/07/drug-loaded-microbubbles-may-improve-cancer-treatment-recovery/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/07/drug-loaded-microbubbles-may-improve-cancer-treatment-recovery/#comments
It may not be quite as attention-grabbing as lasers or nano explosives, but Philips Research seems to think that it's so-called microbubbles could have a big impact on cancer treatment nonetheless, and they're apparently already showing some promise. According to the company, the red-blood-cell-sized bubbles would be used to carry drugs through the patients bloodstream and tracked using ultrasound imaging. Then, once they've reached their target, a focused ultrasound pulse would rupture the bubbles and release their drug payload. That, Philips says, would not only increase the effectiveness of the drugs, but reduce the side effects normally associated with them and, ultimately, lead to a quicker recovery. From the looks of it, however, things are still at the pre-clinical stage, and there's no indication of any future plans just yet.

Filed under:

Drug-Loaded Microbubbles May Improve Cancer Treatment Recovery originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> cancercancer treatmentCancerTreatmenthealthmicrobubblesphilipsphilips researchPhilipsResearch switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:31:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Ford MyKey Lets Parents Control Their Kids' Driving Habits]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/06/ford-mykey-lets-parents-control-their-kids-driving-habits/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/06/ford-mykey-lets-parents-control-their-kids-driving-habits/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/06/ford-mykey-lets-parents-control-their-kids-driving-habits/#comments There's not exactly a shortage of options out there for parents that want to keep watch on their kids' driving, but Ford looks to be taking things a bit further than most with its new MyKey system, and it's making it standard issue, no less. Set to debut in the 2010 Focus Coupe and plenty of other Ford vehicles shortly thereafter, the key-based system will let parents limit their car's top driving speed to 80 miles per hour, cut off the stereo's volume at just 44% of its max output, and set a persistent chime to go off if the seatbelts aren't being used (the stereo also gets muted until everyone buckles up). As if that wasn't enough, it'll also provide a low-fuel warning at 75 miles to empty, start issuing a surely annoying reminder as the driver inches up past the 45 mph mark, and make it impossible to disable some of the Focus' usual safety measures like Park Aid and Cross Traffic Alert. Also not able to be disabled: your kid's resentment.

Filed under:

Ford MyKey Lets Parents Control Their Kids' Driving Habits originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsfordford focusford focus coupeFordFocusCoupemykey switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:41:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[GPS Sends Another Driver Onto Train Tracks of Doom]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/30/gps-sends-another-driver-onto-train-tracks-of-doom/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/30/gps-sends-another-driver-onto-train-tracks-of-doom/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/30/gps-sends-another-driver-onto-train-tracks-of-doom/#comments

We've seen some pretty extreme cases of excessive faith in GPS, but this may well be the first instance of the ill-advised practice nearly exactly repeating itself. As you may recall, earlier this year a Bedford Hills, New York man trusted his GPS so much that he apparently thought it was perfectly reasonable to follow the directions directly onto a set of train tracks. That didn't exactly work out so well, for his car or the oncoming train.

Now, as The Journal News reports, another man followed his GPS onto the very same set of tracks last night and, while he did get out in time to make a surely embarrasing 911 call, that apparently wasn't enough to prevent a commuter train from slamming into the car a few minutes later, causing an hour and a half delay but, thankfully, no injuries. Maybe it's time for some signs?

Filed under:

GPS Sends Another Driver Onto Train Tracks of Doom originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> car crashCarCrashfaith in gpsFaithInGpsgpsgps crashGpsCrashtrain accidentTrainAccident switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:43:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Schwinn Reveals Toshiba-Powered Tailwind Electric Bike]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/26/schwinn-debuts-toshiba-powered-tailwind-electric-bike/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/26/schwinn-debuts-toshiba-powered-tailwind-electric-bike/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/26/schwinn-debuts-toshiba-powered-tailwind-electric-bike/#comments
Schwinn has been pretty big on electric bicycles for some time now, but it seems to be particularly excited about its new Tailwind bike, which it says "sets a new standard for the electric bike industry." That boasting is apparently due in large part to the bike's use of Toshiba's newfangled Super Charge ion Battery (or SCiB), which has a promised 30-minute recharge time, or about an eighth of that of competing bikes.

The rest of the bike's specs also look to be up to Schwinn's usual high standards, and include a Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal geared rear hub, a brushless motor with 180 watts of continuous power or 250 watts at peak power, a rear roller brake system, double wall alloy rims, and Continental Town Ride tires, to name but a few premium features. Just don't expect any of that to come cheap, as the bike is set to retail for $3,199 when it hits shops early next year.

Filed under: ,

Schwinn Reveals Toshiba-Powered Tailwind Electric Bike originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> bikebikeselectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikeschwinnschwinn tailwindSchwinnTailwindscibsuper charge ion batterySuperChargeIonBatterytailwindtoshiba switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:38:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[PA Judge Makes It Harder for the Government to Track You Via Cell Phone]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/15/judge-rules-probable-cause-of-criminal-activity-needed-to-get-ce/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/15/judge-rules-probable-cause-of-criminal-activity-needed-to-get-ce/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/15/judge-rules-probable-cause-of-criminal-activity-needed-to-get-ce/#comments
A federal district court judge in western Pennsylvania made what could possibly wind up being a precedent setting ruling last week, with him stating that the government must obtain a warrant based on probable cause of criminal activity before asking a carrier to provide cellphone location data. The ruling specifically addressed historical cellphone tower location data, which the government had argued was no different than routine transactional records (like past credit card transactions), and therefore should not require probable cause.

While both the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are praising the ruling, it looks as though it's not quite settled just yet, with a Justice department spokesperson saying that the government is still "considering options" on an appeal.

[Via Mobile Burn]

Filed under:

PA Judge Makes It Harder for the Government to Track You Via Cell Phone originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> cell locationCellLocationcellphone locationcellphone location dataCellphoneLocationCellphoneLocationData switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Altec Lansing Rolls Out New Look, Speakers Aplenty]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/12/altec-lansing-rolls-out-new-look-speakers-aplenty/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/12/altec-lansing-rolls-out-new-look-speakers-aplenty/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/12/altec-lansing-rolls-out-new-look-speakers-aplenty/#comments
Altec Lansing sure came out fighting today, with it not only debuting a brand new logo, but a bundle of new speakers and iPod docks that sport the new branding. The most stand-out, by far, are the Expressionist Bass speakers pictured above, which are a full ten inches high and include built-in 4-inch subwoofers and two 1.5-inch drivers apiece. Look for them to set you back $130 when they're released next month in both black and white versions.

On the slightly less intimidating front, Altec Lansing has the $40 Orbit MP3 iM237 single-speaker unit, which runs on three AAA batteries, and a pair of new inMotion iPod speaker systems: the inMotion Moondance GLOW and the inMotion MAX, the former of which even includes a special "snooze remote." Look for those to run you $200 and $180, respectively -- pics after the break. [From: Crave]

Continue reading Altec Lansing Rolls Out New Look, Speakers Aplenty

Filed under: ,

Altec Lansing Rolls Out New Look, Speakers Aplenty originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> altec lansingAltecLansingexpressionist bassExpressionistBassim 402im-402Im402imt 702imt-702Imt702inmotioninmotion maxinmotion moondane glowInmotionMaxInmotionMoondaneGloworbitorbit mp3 im237OrbitMp3Im237speakers switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:18:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Nintoaster Mod Makes NES Games Tastier Than Ever]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/10/nintoaster-mod-makes-nes-games-tastier-than-ever/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/10/nintoaster-mod-makes-nes-games-tastier-than-ever/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/10/nintoaster-mod-makes-nes-games-tastier-than-ever/#comments
This toaster may only have one setting, but that setting is Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and that's good enough for us. Created by the same console modder behind the monstrous Super Genintari, this project is certainly a good deal less ambitious than that endeavor, but it hits all the right marks nonetheless, including a functional front lever that acts as a power switch, and some red LEDs that light up your cart but probably won't do much for your toast. Be sure to hit up the link below for plenty more pics and a look at the complete build process.

Nintoaster Mod Makes NES Games Tastier Than Ever originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> console modConsoleModmodnesnes modNesModnintendonintoaster switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:22:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Chevy Volt Rolls Out Into the Open at Long Last]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/09/chevy-volt-rolls-out-into-the-open-at-long-last/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/09/chevy-volt-rolls-out-into-the-open-at-long-last/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/09/chevy-volt-rolls-out-into-the-open-at-long-last/#comments
It's official public debut may still only be coming next week, but it looks like GM has finally decided to give up on the carefully-chosen teaser shots and let the hotly-anticipated Volt out in the open for all the Internet to see. No doubt to the dismay of some, the would-be next Prius sure looks a good deal different than the far more angular prototype we've all come to know over the past little while, although we can't say we're exactly surprised given GM's mass-market hopes for the car. Still, it is quite the milestone for the auto industry, and hopefully only the start of things to come. Be sure to hit up Autoblog for a gallery full of more pics of your favorite GM execs -- and the Volt, too.

Filed under: ,

Chevy Volt Rolls Out Into the Open at Long Last originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> chevygmhybridplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridvolt switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:32:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Blu-ray 'Has Five Years Left,' Says Samsung Exec]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/04/blu-ray-has-five-years-left-says-samsung-exec/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/04/blu-ray-has-five-years-left-says-samsung-exec/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/04/blu-ray-has-five-years-left-says-samsung-exec/#comments
While we can't say if it represents a general sentiment at Samsung or not, the company's UK director of consumer electronics, Andy Griffiths, sure went out on a bit of a limb in a recent interview with Pocket-lint, with him saying that Blu-ray has, to paraphrase David Bowie, only "five years left," and that he "certainly wouldn't give it ten." He did say, however, that he thought 2008 would be Blu-ray's year, adding that "it's going to be huge", and that Samsung is "heavily back-ordered at the moment."

As for Samsung's future after Blu-ray's supposed demise, Griffiths seems to think that OLED will be the next big thing, and he's pegging 2010 as a possible date for it to become mainstream and replace LCD. He didn't offer a prediction as to when it will die out though.

[Thanks, Big W]

Filed under: ,

Blu-ray 'Has Five Years Left,' Says Samsung Exec originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> andy griffithsAndyGriffithsblu-raybreaking newsBreakingNewspredictionsamsung switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:43:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[World's First Made-for-iPod Refrigerator Unveiled]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/02/worlds-first-made-for-ipod-refrigerator-unveiled/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/02/worlds-first-made-for-ipod-refrigerator-unveiled/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/02/worlds-first-made-for-ipod-refrigerator-unveiled/#comments
It may not be ensconced in Swarovski crystals like some of its other fridges, but Gorenje seems to think it has a winner on its hands with its new Made for iPod fridge, which it says will conquer contemporary kitchens just as "iPod has conquered the world." Apparently designed specifically for what Gorenje describes as the "the cult iPod touch," the fridge of course boasts the usual iPod dock, as well as pair of built-in speakers of unspecified kitchen-shaking ability.

Gorenje also takes things one step further with its iGorenje Web portal, which is, you guessed it, optimized for the iPhone or iPod touch. It'll not only give you the usual recipes and other information, but also control over other household appliances that are connected via Wi-Fi, although Gorenje is quick to point out that's still only in a test version. No word on a price or release date just, but given Gorenje's penchant for pricey appliances, you can be sure it won't come cheap. [From: Gorenje Group]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under:

World's First Made-for-iPod Refrigerator Unveiled originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> appleappliancesfridgegorenjehouseholdmade for ipodMadeForIpodrefridgeratorwifi switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:54:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Peak's Starpex Wooden Guitar Controller Gets the Hands-On Treatment]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/01/peaks-starpex-wooden-guitar-controller-gets-the-hands-on-treatm/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/01/peaks-starpex-wooden-guitar-controller-gets-the-hands-on-treatm/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/01/peaks-starpex-wooden-guitar-controller-gets-the-hands-on-treatm/#comments
While there's likely nothing that will convince most folks of the merits of a full-size, $180 wooden guitar controller, those still on the fence about this particular piece of excess may be interested to know that the good people of PS3 Fanboy recently got their hands on one, and they've now offered up some initial impressions.

As you might expect, they found it to definitely be a hefty device, but far from an unwieldy one, with the buttons as familiar as even and the strum bar in particular a significant improvement over other 'Guitar Hero' and 'Rock Band' guitars. Peak also doesn't look to have cut any corners when it comes to the little details, with even the strap made of a thick fabric that makes it more comfortable to wear. [From: PS3 Fanboy]

Filed under:

Peak's Starpex Wooden Guitar Controller Gets the Hands-On Treatment originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> guitar controllguitar heroGuitarControllGuitarHeropeakpeak productsPeakProductsrock bandRockBandstarpex switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:06:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Researchers Create Cell Phone-Charging Solar Necktie]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/08/18/researchers-create-solar-tie-that-charges-carries-cellphone/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/18/researchers-create-solar-tie-that-charges-carries-cellphone/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/18/researchers-create-solar-tie-that-charges-carries-cellphone/#comments
There's certainly no shortage of folks working to incorporate solar cells into clothing and accessories, but a team of researchers from Iowa State University now look to have devised a way to make the wearable technology slightly more discreet, with them using digital textile printing to print fabric that matches the pattern of the solar cells.

The solar cells themselves are then attached using a "liquid stitch" method, although that apparently presented its own set of problems, as the application of the cells made it difficult to tie a knot. As the researchers helpfully point out in thier paper, however, a clip-on tie would solve that problem. Combine that with the special pouch for carrying your cellphone, and you've got a combo that can't be beat. [From: North Carolina State University via textually.org]

Filed under: ,

Researchers Create Cell Phone-Charging Solar Necktie originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> clothingiowa stateiowa state universityIowaStateIowaStateUniversitysolarsolar cellsolar panelsolar powersolar tieSolarCellSolarPanelSolarPowerSolarTie switchedtips@gmail.com (Donald Melanson) Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:03:00 EST Switched