Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: Best Bluetooth mouse out there?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/ask-engadget-best-bluetooth-mouse-out-there/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/ask-engadget-best-bluetooth-mouse-out-there/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/ask-engadget-best-bluetooth-mouse-out-there/#comments
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Sang-Jung, who is desperately in search of the perfect cordless critter to take some of the strain away from that trackpad.
"I'm heading to university next year, and I've purchased a MacBook. I'm also taking my four year old desktop, just in case I'm left with no computers when the MacBook is being repaired or whatnot. With only two USB ports on a MacBook, I want a Bluetooth mouse. Budget is about $100, and of course, it needs OS X support. Thanks for the help!"
Alright folks, it's time to get serious. Do you own a Bluetooth mouse that you can recommend? Recommend against? Be sure to spill your thoughts in comments below, and feel free to send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com.

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Ask Engadget: Best Bluetooth mouse out there? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askAsk EngadgetAskEngadgetbluetoothbluetooth mouseBluetoothMousefeaturesinput peripheralInputPeripheralmouseThu, 02 Jul 2009 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Crapgadget: 'Gee... thanks?' edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/crapgadget-gee-thanks-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/crapgadget-gee-thanks-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/crapgadget-gee-thanks-edition/#comments
If you need a flash drive or USB hub there are many useful and, more to the point, tasteful options out there. But if you want to saddle a hapless co-worker or relative with a silly, embarrassing, or just plain crapulant gag gift suitable for the current technological moment? Look no further than the following assortment of crapgadgets. Your illustrious Engadget eds have hand-picked a wonderful assortment of devices tailor-made to evoke awkward responses at office birthday parties and the like. So, without further ado...

Read - No Green Thumb Required: USB Fever 4-Port Flower Pot Hub
Read - USB Airplane Hub with built-in fan
Read - Robot USB Drives would make a cute gift
Read - USB Artillery Hub
Read - USB Octopus Hub

View Poll

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Crapgadget: 'Gee... thanks?' edition originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cannoncrapgadgetcrapulantoctopusrobotusbusb driveusb hubUsbDriveUsbHubThu, 02 Jul 2009 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD's RS880 integrated graphics chip could make netbooks usable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/amds-rs880-integrated-graphics-chip-could-make-netbooks-usable/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/amds-rs880-integrated-graphics-chip-could-make-netbooks-usable/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/amds-rs880-integrated-graphics-chip-could-make-netbooks-usable/#commentsTired of hearing that your next favorite netbook / nettop is hamstrung with one of those woefully underpowered GMA950 graphics chipsets? Eager to see what all AMD is going to do about it? If The Inquirer is to be believed, an up and coming integrated chipset should elevate the multimedia prowess of low-end machines, as the RS880 would actually be based around the new Radeon HD 4200 core. In theory, at least, this chip would be around 15 percent faster than similar alternatives out there now, giving future netbooks just enough power to churn through 720p video without st, st, stuttering. Needless to say, the suits are refusing to comment on the matter, but we're definitely holding out hope for this one.

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AMD's RS880 integrated graphics chip could make netbooks usable originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDATIdirectx 11Directx11dx11GPUgraphicsgraphics cardGraphicsCardintegrated graphicsIntegratedGraphicsintelradeonradeon hd 4200RadeonHd4200RS880Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Force feedback controller allows you to "touch" CGI objects]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/force-feedback-controller-allows-you-to-touch-cgi-objects/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/force-feedback-controller-allows-you-to-touch-cgi-objects/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/force-feedback-controller-allows-you-to-touch-cgi-objects/#comments
 We've seen interesting 3D peripherals like the Novint Falcon combine multi-axis movement and force feedback to create immersive experiences in the past, but a new research project called the H.VR Editor takes the idea to the next level, allowing you to "touch" and interact with CGI objects. Objects respond according to a pre-programmed graph of hardness values, and the system is capable of simulating texture and events like button presses. That should make the system a hit with product developers everywhere, but we're waiting to see if the folks at DeviceAnywhere pick this up to build the ultimate cellphone testing lab. Video after the break.

Continue reading Force feedback controller allows you to "touch" CGI objects

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Force feedback controller allows you to "touch" CGI objects originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d control3d controller3dControl3dControllercgicontrollerh vrh vr editorh.vrh.vr editorH.vrEditorHVrHVrEditorprototypingrapid prototypingRapidPrototypingWed, 01 Jul 2009 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Energizer USB clip to charge camcorder / DSLR batteries via USB]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/energizer-usb-clip-to-charge-camcorder-dslr-batteries-via-usb/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/energizer-usb-clip-to-charge-camcorder-dslr-batteries-via-usb/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/energizer-usb-clip-to-charge-camcorder-dslr-batteries-via-usb/#comments
Energizer's Energi To Go catalog just keeps getting sweeter. After introducing a new range of XPAL battery chargers last month, the company is evidently gearing up to reveal what's likely to be its most convenient and altogether useful product yet. The USB clip you see above is designed to make contact with DSLR and camcorder batteries and provide juice via USB; in other words, it's like a portable, highly mobile DSLR battery charger. OhGizmo points out that you may need one of Energizer's USB-equipped battery packs to charge up the 7.4V cells, but at least we're still talking about a non-proprietary charging connector. Per usual, there's no mention of dollars and cents, but hopefully it'll be rolled out for less than a song here soon.

[Via OhGizmo]

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Energizer USB clip to charge camcorder / DSLR batteries via USB originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery chargerBatteryChargercamcorderchargechargerchargingDSLREnergizerUSBx palXPalWed, 01 Jul 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom keeps things simple with U2H-TC410B wall socket USB hub]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/elecom-keeps-things-simple-with-u2h-tc410b-wall-socket-usb-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/elecom-keeps-things-simple-with-u2h-tc410b-wall-socket-usb-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/elecom-keeps-things-simple-with-u2h-tc410b-wall-socket-usb-hub/#comments
While there's a place for USB hubs that double as a mousepad and calculator, it's sometimes best to just keep things simple, which is what Elecom has thankfully done with its new U2H-TC410B "wall socket" USB hub. Contrary to what that name might suggest, however, this one doesn't actually plug into a power outlet, but is instead designed to be mounted on a wall or the side of the desk and become a wall socket of sorts itself. Apart from that, it's basically just your standard four-port USB 2.0 hub and, as you can see above, it's available in your choice of black or white. Unfortunately, it's not priced like a run-of-the-mill USB hub, with this one running a somewhat hefty $39.99.

[Via OhGizmo!]

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Elecom keeps things simple with U2H-TC410B wall socket USB hub originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elecomelecom U2H-TC410BElecomU2h-tc410bU2H-TC410Busb hubUsbHubwall socket usb hubWallSocketUsbHubTue, 30 Jun 2009 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii MotionPlus impressions: it works, but so far the games aren't worth the fuss]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/wii-motionplus-impressions-it-works-but-so-far-the-games-aren/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/wii-motionplus-impressions-it-works-but-so-far-the-games-aren/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/wii-motionplus-impressions-it-works-but-so-far-the-games-aren/#comments
At first glance it's a little difficult to understand the necessity of another motion-sensing add-on. What could possibly be inside this particular block of white plastic that's not inside those other countless slabs of white plastic that Nintendo has already slathered on the Wii? Sure, we know in theory that the gyroscopes that MotionPlus provides allows the controller to truly orient itself in 3D space, instead of just sensing acceleration in various directions, and breaks some of that reliance on the sensor bar, but do those theoretical advances result in a true leap in gameplay? We tested it out with EA's new MotionPlus-enabled Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and Grand Slam Tennis -- the first such titles on the market while we wait for Nintendo to get its own Wii Sports Resort in order -- and we'd say the results are pretty inconclusive so far. Check out our full impressions after the break, along with enthralling videos of both games in action.

Major thanks to The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers for letting us test this out at their facilities, and to golf pros Herb and Marj for letting us waste some of their valuable time.

Continue reading Wii MotionPlus impressions: it works, but so far the games aren't worth the fuss

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Wii MotionPlus impressions: it works, but so far the games aren't worth the fuss originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onfeatureshands-onimpressionsmotionplusnintendoreviewwiiwii motionplusWiiMotionplusTue, 30 Jun 2009 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony seeks official PlayStation peripherals -- offers logo, good time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/sony-seeks-official-playstation-peripherals-offers-logo-good/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/sony-seeks-official-playstation-peripherals-offers-logo-good/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/sony-seeks-official-playstation-peripherals-offers-logo-good/#comments Do you dream of big plastic tennis-rackets and steering-wheel snap-ons for Sony's upcoming motion controller? Yeah, then why not build them yourself? Sony Computer Entertainment has launched its Official Licensing Program that gives accessory and peripheral makers in Japan, Asia, North America, and Europe access to all the PS3, PSP, and PS2 tech documents and schematics required to qualify your product for an "Official Licensed Product" logo. Sure, you'll likely have to hand over some cash for the privilege, but imagine the bank that awaits the person who converts the glowing orb atop Sony's motion controller into the very first official PS3 lightsaber.

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Sony seeks official PlayStation peripherals -- offers logo, good time originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriescontrollerlicenselicensinglightsaberlogomotion controllerMotionControllerofficial license programOfficialLicenseProgramperipheralsplaystationps3pspTue, 30 Jun 2009 03:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Paper desktop speakers rock you like a handcrafted hurricane]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/paper-desktop-speakers-rock-you-like-a-handcrafted-hurricane/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/paper-desktop-speakers-rock-you-like-a-handcrafted-hurricane/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/paper-desktop-speakers-rock-you-like-a-handcrafted-hurricane/#comments
Like my grandmother always says, sometimes the best gadgets are the ones you build yourself -- with kits imported from Japan, purchased at places like Fred Flare. Princeton's Paper Speaker kit comes with a pair of 1W stereo speakers, a USB connection, paste, and a paper template for building a retro desktop sound system. Three designs are available -- take your pick from a cabinet record player, a component stereo system, or an old school boom box. Check 'em out below, and then get yours when it becomes available in early July for ¥1,980 (approximately $21).

Gallery: Paper desktop speakers rock you like a handcrafted hurricane



[Via Akihabara]

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Paper desktop speakers rock you like a handcrafted hurricane originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diyhandcraftedpaperpaper speakerpapercraftPaperSpeakerprincetonspeakersusb speakersUsbSpeakersMon, 29 Jun 2009 18:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's recession antidote: win an Ecogear Genus backpack!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-an-ecogear-genus-backpack/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-an-ecogear-genus-backpack/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-an-ecogear-genus-backpack/#comments This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff / companies stop sending things. Today we've got an Ecogear Genus 'Black Rhino' pack on offer, perfect for those of you stuck in summer school or gearing up to backpack through Europe (and never return). Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Check after the break for some photos of the prize!

Major thanks to Ecogear for providing the gear!

The rules:
  • Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too.
  • You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
  • If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  • Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  • Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive an Ecogear Genus 'Black Rhino' pack. Approximate retail value is $59.99
  • If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
  • Entries can be submitted until Monday, June 29th, 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
  • Full rules can be found here.

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Engadget's recession antidote: win an Ecogear Genus backpack! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backpackblack rhinoBlackRhinoecogearecotechgenusgiveawaypackrecessionrecession antidoteRecessionAntidoteMon, 29 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First functional quantum processor created, lasted slightly longer than your last Xbox 360]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/first-functional-quantum-processor-created-lasted-slightly-long/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/first-functional-quantum-processor-created-lasted-slightly-long/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/first-functional-quantum-processor-created-lasted-slightly-long/#commentsFirst functional quantum processor created, lasted slightly longer than your last Xbox 360
UK researchers said they were getting close earlier this year, but in one brilliant fraction of a second a gaggle of Yalies beat those limeys to the punch, with a team led by Robert Schoelkopf, a professor of Applied Physics at Yale, creating what's being hailed as the first quantum processor to actually perform calculations. It's composed of aluminum atoms grouped together to form two quantum bits, communicating over an unimaginatively named named quantum bus that enables one to change the (wait for it) quantum state of the other. This first qubit shifter was able to maintain state for 1,000 times longer than any previous qubit ever produced -- but since its predecessors could only manage a nanosecond's worth of cognition we're still only talking a microsecond here. In other words: there's still a long way to go before you'll be slotting one of these into your gaming rig.

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First functional quantum processor created, lasted slightly longer than your last Xbox 360 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>qbitquantumquantum busquantum computingquantum gateQuantumBusQuantumComputingQuantumGaterobert schoelkopfRobertSchoelkopfyaleyale universityYaleUniversityMon, 29 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Mouse EX reduces mouse-related noise pollution by 22.5db, no one cares]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/silent-mouse-ex-reduces-mouse-related-noise-pollution-by-22-5db/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/silent-mouse-ex-reduces-mouse-related-noise-pollution-by-22-5db/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/silent-mouse-ex-reduces-mouse-related-noise-pollution-by-22-5db/#comments
Oh, Thanko, fine purveyor of hidden cameras and ill-advised input devices, whenever it gives us a peripheral that looks like, well, a peripheral, it feels like a big step in the right direction. And what do we have here? The Silent Mouse EX is a bit of a misnomer. After all, it isn't totally silent -- rather, the manufacturer claims that it generates 35.5db of noise when in operation. Compared to 58db of sound the "average" mouse makes (or so we've heard), that is... well, it's less. Actually, we have a hard time believing anyone cares about this sort of thing, but if you'd like to prove us wrong, you can hit that read link and put ¥3,180 (approx. $33) where your mouth is. Or better still, just use a trackpad.

[Via Akihabara]

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Silent Mouse EX reduces mouse-related noise pollution by 22.5db, no one cares originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mousequietsilentSilent MouseSilent Mouse EXSilentMouseSilentMouseExstealththankoThu, 25 Jun 2009 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Wireless Microphone ships this fall for $49.99]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/xbox-360-wireless-microphone-ships-this-fall-for-49-99/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/xbox-360-wireless-microphone-ships-this-fall-for-49-99/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/xbox-360-wireless-microphone-ships-this-fall-for-49-99/#comments
Remember that microphone that we peeked just before Lips hit and (subsequently fell off) the scene? Microsoft has just announced that a standalone version will soon be available sans a tether, giving owners of the aforesaid title, Guitar Hero Metallica, Rock Band 2, Disney Sing It: High School Musical 3: Senior Year and The Beatles: Rock Band the ability to carry a tune in a bucket right in the comfort of their living room. Too bad it'll run you $49.99 when it ships in the fall, but who knows, maybe there's some sweet Sennheiser diaphragm in there that we're not aware of.

[Via Joystiq]

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Xbox 360 Wireless Microphone ships this fall for $49.99 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatlescontrollerGuitar Hero MetallicaGuitarHeroMetallicainstrumentlipsmicmicrophonemicrosoftmusicrock bandRockBandwireless microphoneWirelessMicrophonexbox 360Xbox360Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[OCZ rolls out Sabre OLED gaming keyboard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/ocz-rolls-out-sabre-oled-gaming-keyboard/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/ocz-rolls-out-sabre-oled-gaming-keyboard/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/ocz-rolls-out-sabre-oled-gaming-keyboard/#comments
If this OLED-laden keyboard looks a little familiar, it should, 'cause we saw the same one back at Computex when it was known as the United Keys OLED Display Keyboard (itself manufactured by Foxconn). Of course, with the OCZ name comes widespread US availability, although there's unfortunately still no word of a price or release date just yet (the United Keys version runs $260). Otherwise, it looks like this new Sabre model has remain unchanged from its earlier counterpart, with it still packing the same nine user-programmable OLED keys, 128MB of on-board memory, blue LED "sidelighting," limitless macro configurations, some "super tactile, low-noise" key feedback and, unfortunately, a lack of Mac compatibility.

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OCZ rolls out Sabre OLED gaming keyboard originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaming keyboardGamingKeyboardoczocz sabreOczSabreoledoled keyboardOledKeyboardsabreunited keysunited keys oled display keyboardUnitedKeysUnitedKeysOledDisplayKeyboardTue, 23 Jun 2009 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Hori's Tekken 6 Xbox 360 / PS3 joystick ain't a bad way to burn $150]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/hori-s-tekken-6-xbox-360-ps3-joystick-aint-a-bad-way-to-burn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/hori-s-tekken-6-xbox-360-ps3-joystick-aint-a-bad-way-to-burn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/hori-s-tekken-6-xbox-360-ps3-joystick-aint-a-bad-way-to-burn/#comments
Got a knack for fighting titles? Have a particular fondness for Tekken? If so, you definitely shouldn't be playing with a stock controller, and that's exactly why Hori has crafted the beauty you're inevitably peering at above. The stick, which will ship as part of a Tekken 6 Wireless Fight Stick Bundle bundle, will be made available soon for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (shown after the break), and according to our pals over at Joystiq, it'll be on sale at a variety of respected retailers for $150. Said MSRP also includes a collectible art book and a pinch of pride, which totally justifies the somewhat steep asking price. Right? Right.

Continue reading Hori's Tekken 6 Xbox 360 / PS3 joystick ain't a bad way to burn $150

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Hori's Tekken 6 Xbox 360 / PS3 joystick ain't a bad way to burn $150 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BandaicontrollerHORIjoystickNamcoNamco BandaiNamco Bandai gamesNamcoBandaiNamcoBandaiGamesplaystation 3Playstation3ps3tekkentekken 6Tekken6video gamesVideoGamesxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: UK Folding Plug concept could flatten that bulky British adapter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/uk-folding-plug-concept-could-flatten-that-bulky-british-adapter/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/uk-folding-plug-concept-could-flatten-that-bulky-british-adapter/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/uk-folding-plug-concept-could-flatten-that-bulky-british-adapter/#commentsUK Folding Plug concept could flatten that bulky British adapter Of all the AC adapters stuffed into your personal item when globetrotting, the plug used in Merry Old England must surely be the most cumbersome -- its three copper prongs flung to the extremes of a giant block of plastic. That Victorian holdover gets a major re-do with this UK Folding Plug concept. The two horizontal prongs rotate themselves in-line with the top, vertical one, and the body of the adapter then folds in half, resulting in a thickness of about 1cm. Interestingly the plug would still work in either position, with a slimline power strip envisioned to accept three of these slender lovelies at once. It's positively brilliant, but is just a concept at this point, and while we don't have any news to pass along about its likelihood for production, surely some manufacturer will watch the video after the break and start churning these out by the millions.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Continue reading Video: UK Folding Plug concept could flatten that bulky British adapter

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Video: UK Folding Plug concept could flatten that bulky British adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac adapterAcAdapterconceptenglandmock-upmockupplugukuk folding plugUkFoldingPlugunited kingdomUnitedKingdomTue, 23 Jun 2009 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[HP unveils Photosmart Premium with Touchsmart Web: "world's first web-connected printer"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/22/hp-unveils-photosmart-premium-with-touchsmart-web-worlds-firs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/22/hp-unveils-photosmart-premium-with-touchsmart-web-worlds-firs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/22/hp-unveils-photosmart-premium-with-touchsmart-web-worlds-firs/#comments Looking to make the wild and not-entirely-wondrous world of printers exciting for the first time in decades, HP has just unveiled the "world's first web-connected printer." If you're wondering how it plans on accomplishing such an impossible mission, let us just say this: the Photosmart Premium is going the way of the widget. Up on the 4.33-inch front panel is Touchsmart Web, a touchscreen interface with several bundled, online apps to accommodate usual paper-friendly tasks such as printing Google maps, tickets from Fandango, coupons, recipes, Sudoku, etc. There's even a full-on HD Apps Studio just in case downloading new apps on one's printer really becomes the new hotness. The API's being made open for the entire realm of developers, but we have to wonder what kind of interest we'll see here. Pricing is set for $399, and if you're thinking "why not just buy a cheap netbook and plug it into my current model" we hear ya, but we get the impression this is aimed squarely at another crowd. Lots more details are just past the break.

Update: We just had a chance to try the printer / Touchsmart for ourselves. First off, surprise, the screen is capacitive touch, and it works well -- but only one finger at a time. We asked a rep about multitouch and were told that while technically feasible, it's not gonna be supported at this time. The widgets are created with a combination of HTML5 and Java, and much to our surprise, video streaming has been implemented. The Monsters vs. Aliens trailer we saw was decent resolution, but really, it's not a place where we need pristine quality. More screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: HP unveils Photosmart Premium with Touchsmart Web: "world's first web-connected printer"


Gallery: HP unveils Photosmart Premium with Touchsmart Web hands-on

Continue reading HP unveils Photosmart Premium with Touchsmart Web: "world's first web-connected printer"

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HP unveils Photosmart Premium with Touchsmart Web: "world's first web-connected printer" originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeapplicationAppStorehewlett-packardhpphotosmartPhotosmart PremiumPhotosmartPremiumprintersoftwarewidgetwidgetsMon, 22 Jun 2009 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Behold: the illuminated calculator / mouse pad / USB hub]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/19/behold-the-illuminated-calculator-mouse-pad-usb-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/19/behold-the-illuminated-calculator-mouse-pad-usb-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/19/behold-the-illuminated-calculator-mouse-pad-usb-hub/#comments
Sure, you may have seen plenty of calculators / mousepads / USB hubs in your day. But how about a calculator / mousepad / USB hub that lights up? Didn't think so. Head on past the break for a glimpse of that magic, and hit up the link below to get one of your own for just $17.99.

[Via Engadget Chinese]

Continue reading Behold: the illuminated calculator / mouse pad / USB hub

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Behold: the illuminated calculator / mouse pad / USB hub originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomecalculatorilluminatedmouse pad calculatormouse pad usb hubmousepadMousePadCalculatorMousePadUsbHubusb hubUsbHubFri, 19 Jun 2009 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's Endeavor HX1 Bluetooth headset packs 'true' bone conduction technology, modicum of style]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/18/motorolas-endeavor-hx1-bluetooth-headset-packs-true-bone-cond/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/18/motorolas-endeavor-hx1-bluetooth-headset-packs-true-bone-cond/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/18/motorolas-endeavor-hx1-bluetooth-headset-packs-true-bone-cond/#comments
Motorola isn't shying away from a fight here with its Endeavor HX1 Bluetooth headset -- and if there's anything the Bluetooth headset industry needs, it's some manner of controversy. The company is calling its new HX1 the "only Bluetooth headset to use true bone conduction technology," with a user activated "Stealth Mode" that switches the set from regular mic to an in-ear sensor which picks vibrations right off the bone for talking in particularly noisy environments. Jawbone, on the other hand, picks up vibrations from the outside of the face, but primarily as an "Activity Sensor," though the latest version nabs some audio from those vibrations -- both manufacturers naturally claim a military heritage to their technology. It'll take some actual testing to see who wins out, but it sounds like some good tech from Moto all the same. We do know one thing, however: no amount of in-ear stylings can ever ease your transition into general society. No word on price of a US release date for the HX1, it hits Asia in July.

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Motorola's Endeavor HX1 Bluetooth headset packs 'true' bone conduction technology, modicum of style originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech may have thrown caution to the wind with the designs for its recent V220 RF-based laptop mice, but it looks to have brought things back to basics for its new M555b Bluetooth mouse, which packs most of the featured you'd expect in a clean and simple package. That includes five programmable buttons, a 1,000 dpi resolution, an "ultra-fast" scroll wheel, space for a pair of AA batteries, and a sleep mode to help those last a bit longer. Sold? Then plan on spending $59.99 when this one lands later this month.

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Logitech debuts M555b Bluetooth mouse originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looking for something a little more in your HTPC keyboard than just a multitouch trackpad? Then how about a built-in 3D mouse that'll have you waving the keyboard around at some potential peril to your couch-mates? That's just one feature of Cideko's new Air Keyboard, which also packs a pair of gamepad-style shoulder buttons in place of more standard mouse buttons, all the usual; dedicated media control buttons, and a promised range of 50 meters -- not to mention a purported battery life of 50 hours. Still no word on a price or release date just yet, unfortunately but it looks like a fully-functional version was on display at Computex earlier this month, so we're guessing that shouldn't be too far off now.

[Via technabob]

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Cideko Air Keyboard doubles as 3D mouse / remote control originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d mouse3dMouseair keyboardAirKeyboardcidekocideko air keyboardCidekoAirKeyboardhtpc keyboardHtpcKeyboardwireless keyboardWirelessKeyboardWed, 17 Jun 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Buffalo BSH4A02 USB hub loves switches, hates vampires]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/buffalo-bsh4a02-usb-hub-loves-switches-hates-vampires/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/buffalo-bsh4a02-usb-hub-loves-switches-hates-vampires/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/buffalo-bsh4a02-usb-hub-loves-switches-hates-vampires/#commentsBuffalo BSH4A02 USB hub loves switches, hates vampires
Vampires don't just inhabit the night and your AC power strips. They come in USB flavors, too, and so far only Buffalo seems to be doing anything about them and their wasteful ways, introducing the charmingly-named BSH4A02 four-port USB hub. It sports one switch per plug, making it easy for you to put a stake in your smartphone's battery maintenance cycle, comes in three colors, hits Japan this October for ¥3,885 (about $40), and includes an AC adapter to power itself -- making us wonder if this thing doesn't have a bit of the undead in it as well. Perhaps Buffalo will call it "Blade" and give it some cool sunglasses before a US release.

[Via GadgetReview]

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Buffalo BSH4A02 USB hub loves switches, hates vampires originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You know, we thought this Vaio mouse that Sony Japan just introduced looked a little familiar -- that's because it's almost a metallic doppelgänger of the company's mouse / VoIP phone combo first spotted way back in the heady days of 2006. The VGP-BMS10 Bluetooth mouse features an aluminum case and a sliding cover (which does double duty as an on/off switch) meant to protect the buttons and jog wheel. And no, you can't place any phone calls with it.

[Via Akihabara News]

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Sony Japan's aluminum VGP-BMS10 Bluetooth laser mouse originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth mouseBluetoothMousemousesonysony vaiosony vaio VGP-BMS10SonyVaioSonyVaioVgp-bms10vaio VGP-BMS10VaioVgp-bms10VGP-BMS10Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Hillcrest Labs Loop combines Wiimote, mouse, and Ouroboros]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/15/hillcrest-labs-loop-combines-wiimote-mouse-and-ouroboros/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/15/hillcrest-labs-loop-combines-wiimote-mouse-and-ouroboros/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/15/hillcrest-labs-loop-combines-wiimote-mouse-and-ouroboros/#commentsHillcrest Labs Loop combines Wiimote, mouse, and Ouroboros
Hillcrest Labs has taken a few moments away from its bitter patent dispute with Nintendo to finally release its $99 Loop controller, a Freespace mouse intended primarily for use by those with some sort of HTPC setup. It's the latest in bangle-inspired design, sporting four buttons and a scroll wheel, compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, and lacking any sort of chunky sensor bars or the like, detecting hand movements to glide the cursor across the screen. We hear it also makes a great accessory for geek-chic parties.

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Hillcrest Labs Loop combines Wiimote, mouse, and Ouroboros originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've already seen a bit of guitar in DJ Hero, but apparently it might not just be a one way street: Neversoft (developer of the Guitar Hero franchise for Activision) hinted to Eurogamer at E3 that they're interested in bringing the DJ Hero turntable to future versions of Guitar Hero. They also aren't ruling out the possibility of bringing drums to DJ Hero -- which seems to us an even more exciting prospect -- and we're sure in a few years time you'll be able to direct wire Activision to your bank account and fill you living room to the brim with more-or-less interoperable pretend instruments.

[Via Joystiq]

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Neversoft interested in bringing turntables to Guitar Hero, making large amounts of money originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj heroDjHeroguitar heroGuitarHeroneversoftturntableturntable controllerTurntableControllerSat, 13 Jun 2009 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Linux gets first driver for USB 3.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/11/linux-gets-first-driver-for-usb-3-0/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/11/linux-gets-first-driver-for-usb-3-0/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/11/linux-gets-first-driver-for-usb-3-0/#commentsThe NEC USB 3.0 controller is due to hit the streets this month, and already Sarah Sharp (the, um, "Geekess") has been able to crank out a Linux driver for the device. Sharp states that she is "working with Keve Gabbert (the OSV person in my group at Intel) to make sure that Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Red Hat" pick up the driver, meaning that Linux users will likely be the first to have their Super Speed dreams become a reality. Are you a hardware manufacturer with some hot USB 3.0 controller prototype that wants to out this guy through its paces? Hit that read link to get started.

[Via Ozel Web Tasarim]

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Linux gets first driver for USB 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driverIntellinuxSarah SharpSarahSharpsuperspeed usbSuperspeedUsbusb 3usb 3.0Usb3Usb3.0Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:54:00 EST<![CDATA[iHome shows its input peripheral side with LifeWorks tie-up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/11/ihome-shows-its-input-peripheral-side-with-lifeworks-tie-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/11/ihome-shows-its-input-peripheral-side-with-lifeworks-tie-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/11/ihome-shows-its-input-peripheral-side-with-lifeworks-tie-up/#comments
Clearly not content with just pumping out one iPod alarm clock after another, iHome has decided to broaden its horizons a bit by creating a new LifeWorks line of input peripherals and computer accessories. Slated to launch in earnest sometime this summer, the new line contains just a few standout inclusions. The iPhone-friendly iConnect Keyboard (pictured above) and HTPC-centric Media Keyboard both look like formidable options for those needing a new set of keys, and there are also a gaggle of mice, webcams and headsets to choose from if those items are more your style. Unfortunately, true innovation is still few and far betwixt, but at least your USB ports will appreciate the effort.

[Via CNET]

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iHome shows its input peripheral side with LifeWorks tie-up originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iconnecticonnect keyboardIconnectKeyboardihomeinput peripheralInputPeripheraliphone accessoryIphoneAccessoryiStandkeyboardLifeWorksmousesdisdi technologiesSdiTechnologiesThu, 11 Jun 2009 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: MakerBot's build-it-yourself 3D printer in action, replicator in the works]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/10/video-makerbots-build-it-yourself-3d-printer-in-action-replic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/10/video-makerbots-build-it-yourself-3d-printer-in-action-replic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/10/video-makerbots-build-it-yourself-3d-printer-in-action-replic/#comments
We just bumped into the MakerBot industries folks and got a quick look at the CupCake CNC rapid prototyping machine (3D printer, for us luddites). The thing extrudes Lego-type plastic into fairly detailed shapes, and MakerBot sells it as a kit for $750, or fully assembled for $2,500. What's most exciting is that the MakerBot folks are now working on a 3D scanner kit, which once combined with the CupCake CNC will make a full-on homegrown replicator. Diamond Age, here we come! A quick demo of the CupCake is after the break.

Continue reading Video: MakerBot's build-it-yourself 3D printer in action, replicator in the works

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Video: MakerBot's build-it-yourself 3D printer in action, replicator in the works originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's not all that easy to make a keyboard that stands out these days, but the folks at Econo-Keys have managed to do just that with their new EK-76-TP model, even if they may not have gotten the whole "usefulness" thing down pat. As you can see above, this one's claim to fame is a trackpad on the underside of the keyboard, which the company says can be "conveniently" used if you flip over the keyboard, or "used from underneath while typing." The keyboard also looks like it'll hold up well to life on the road, with it conforming to IP67 standards for dirt, dust and water resistance, and able to hold up to hospital-grade cleaning agents. Just don't expect it to come cheap, as Econo-Keys is asking $146 for this little wonder.

[Via OhGizmo!]

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Econo-Keys EK-76-TP portable keyboard packs a touchpad on the flipside originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>econo-keysecono-keys ek-76-tpEcono-keysEk-76-tpek-76-tpkeyboardportable keyboardPortableKeyboardtouchpadtrackpadWed, 10 Jun 2009 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's recession antidote: win a NZXT Panzerbox PC case!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/10/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-a-nzxt-panzerbox-pc-case/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/10/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-a-nzxt-panzerbox-pc-case/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/10/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-a-nzxt-panzerbox-pc-case/#comments
This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff / companies stop sending things. Today we've got an NZXT Panzerbox gaming chassis on offer, ready to consume whatever gaming components you've got laying around in search of a home. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Check after the break for some photos of the prize!

Huge thanks to NZXT for providing the gear!

The rules:
  • Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too.
  • You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
  • If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  • Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  • Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) NZXT Panzerbox gaming PC chassis. Approximate retail value is $119.99.
  • If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
  • Entries can be submitted until Wednesday, June 10th, 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
  • Full rules can be found here.

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Engadget's recession antidote: win a NZXT Panzerbox PC case! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Brando offers up wireless HTPC keyboard with multitouch trackpad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/brando-offers-up-wireless-htpc-keyboard-with-multitouch-trackpad/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/brando-offers-up-wireless-htpc-keyboard-with-multitouch-trackpad/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/brando-offers-up-wireless-htpc-keyboard-with-multitouch-trackpad/#comments
Brando may be best known for some of its slightly off the wall products, but it also carries plenty of less fanciful gadgets, like this HTPC-minded keyboard with a still relatively uncommon built-in multitouch trackpad. As you can sorta see above, that also doubles as the numeric keypad, and you can switch between the two functions at the press of a button, but not a swipe, apparently. Otherwise, you'll get a 2.4GHz RF USB transmitter that can be tucked into the keyboard itself if you don't feel like actually using it, along with 18 presumably customizable hotkeys, and support for Windows XP and Vista, but not Macs. $69 and it's yours.

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Brando offers up wireless HTPC keyboard with multitouch trackpad originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Like a page torn right out of the government's top secret files on Nikola Tesla, a Nokia research team is working on a wireless energy harvesting mechanism, which sucks up all that cancer-giving RF floating through the air and turns it into electrical current. Their goal is about to capture about 50 milliwatts of power for "ambient charging" -- which would at least be enough to top off the battery while the phone is off. Unfortunately, right now their current prototypes are only pulling down 3 to 5 milliwatts, and many in the industry are convinced it can't be done (don't worry, Nokia, that's just The Man, keeping you down). To be honest, we're not totally sure were comfortable with the thought that there's enough RF floating around to make this even theoretically possible, but as we slowly come to grips with our own mortality, we imagine we'd gladly pay an extra $70 or so for the privilege of never having to charge our phone again. Nokia itself isn't over promising: they plan on supplementing this juice with solar power, and thinks it'll be three or four years until it makes its way into a handset -- probably around the time your existing iPhone contract dries up.

[Thanks, CanisMinor]

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Nokia hopes to one-up Touchstone, harness wireless power for "ambient" phone charging originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambient chargingAmbientChargingnokiarfteslawireless energywireless energy harvestingwireless powerWirelessEnergyWirelessEnergyHarvestingWirelessPowerTue, 09 Jun 2009 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Logitech V220 notebook mice now features colors, patterns, psychedelia]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/logitech-v220-notebook-mice-now-features-colors-patterns-psych/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/logitech-v220-notebook-mice-now-features-colors-patterns-psych/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/logitech-v220-notebook-mice-now-features-colors-patterns-psych/#comments
Hey old man, with your "sensible shoes" and your "401(K)" and your "Mr. Acker Bilk," we don't need your boring old Logitech mouse. Your scene is so yesterday, man! We just got an eyeful of the new V220 notebook mice and we gotta say -- these bad boys are outtasight! They feature the same RF-based USB wireless dongle action of its boring gray brethren, but now the three-button peripheral comes in several psychedelic hues, including blue, pink, purple and red. If that weren't enough, three new patterns are also available -- sure to blow the minds of any squares who might accidentally wander in to your hip pad. Ships today for $30, and we got one more pic for you after the break. Now, where did we put that Moby Grape album?

[Via Electronista]

Continue reading Logitech V220 notebook mice now features colors, patterns, psychedelia

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Logitech V220 notebook mice now features colors, patterns, psychedelia originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laptoplaptop mouseLaptopMouselogitechlogitech v220LogitechV220mousenotebooknotebook mouseNotebookMousev220Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:46:00 EST<![CDATA[ExpressCard 2.0 standard finally finalized, faster than ever]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/expresscard-2-0-standard-finally-finalized-faster-than-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/expresscard-2-0-standard-finally-finalized-faster-than-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/expresscard-2-0-standard-finally-finalized-faster-than-ever/#comments
A final spec has been promised for over a year now, but the PCMCIA folks have just now finally settled on the long-awaited ExpressCard 2.0 standard which, among other things, incorporates the new SuperSpeed USB spec to allow for faster transfer rates. In real world use, that should translate to transfer rates up to 5Gbps, or roughly 10 times faster than the previous ExpressCard 1.2 standard. Otherwise, you can naturally expect full backwards compatibility with existing ExpressCards and, as PCMCIA hopes, even more products using the format in the future now that it has all that extra bandwidth, although it seems Apple didn't get that memo.

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ExpressCard 2.0 standard finally finalized, faster than ever originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>express card 2.0expresscardexpresscard 2.0 specexpresscard 2.0 standardExpressCard2.0Expresscard2.0SpecExpresscard2.0StandardpcmciaTue, 09 Jun 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Balance Board Power Up Charging Stand from Mad Catz just dares you to revert to AAs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/wii-balance-board-power-up-charging-stand-from-mad-catz-just-dar/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/wii-balance-board-power-up-charging-stand-from-mad-catz-just-dar/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/wii-balance-board-power-up-charging-stand-from-mad-catz-just-dar/#comments
There's just something so defiant about this "Power Up" charging stand from Mad Catz -- it seems specifically designed to take up as much cubic footage as possible, and even the name is domineering. The stand is bizarrely formed in the likeness of a miniature Wii Balance Board, with a replacement battery pack included in the kit with contact charging points to take out all the exertion of flipping the B-Board and swapping out batteries. A foot pedal release mechanism pops the Balance Board out of the stand, and there are a couple of free-spirited USB ports on the thing for charging up whatever other awkwardly-shaped gadgetry you might have around the house.

[Via Unplggd]

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Wii Balance Board Power Up Charging Stand from Mad Catz just dares you to revert to AAs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unfortunately for mankind, we can't say we've kept a running tally of dimensions for portable hard drives. Thus, it's hard for us to actually prove or refute A-DATA's claims that its NH92 is indeed the slimmest portable HDD this world has ever seen. Still, with a case that's just 12 millimeters thick and 5.36 ounces, we'd wager that this one won't be weighing you down. The all-aluminum chassis contains a single 2.5-inch drive ranging from 250GB to 500GB in size, comes in the delightful array of colors you see pictured above and sports heretofore undisclosed prices.

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A-DATA's NH92 is "world's slimmest" portable HDD originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We appreciate Apple's efforts to make the iPod shuffle into something that no one's ever done before, but seriously, the no-buttons approach is sort of, um, annoying. Thankfully, the good guys and gals over at Scosche are totally in agreement, and thus, they've taken the time to develop the remarkable tapSTICK. Put simply, this 3rd-gen iPod shuffle case protects one's player from the elements while adding hard buttons that simulate the commands on Apple's own VoiceOver-friendly earbuds. The result? An MP3 player that's not partial to lackluster white 'buds, not to mention one that you can actually control with relative ease. Too bad it'll cost you $29.99, but we suppose that's the going rate these days to extinguish frustration. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Scosche tapSTICK adds hard buttons, purpose to new iPod shuffle

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Scosche tapSTICK adds hard buttons, purpose to new iPod shuffle originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ipodipod accessoryipod shuffleIpodAccessoryIpodShufflemade for ipodMadeForIpodScoschetapstickvoiceoverSat, 06 Jun 2009 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Computex offers Chinese gadget kitsch aplenty]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/06/computex-offers-chinese-gadget-kitsch-aplenty/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/06/computex-offers-chinese-gadget-kitsch-aplenty/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/06/computex-offers-chinese-gadget-kitsch-aplenty/#comments
Computex may finally be winding down, but with most of the big product announcements now out of the way, that only means there's a better chance for some of the hidden treasures of the show to shine, like this collection of Chinese-styled gadgets discovered by our pals at Engadget Chinese. That includes a stylish "Nah" box made of real china that actually contains a 1.5TB hard drive, a bamboo sheet that supposedly acts as a laptop cooling pad, a pair of vase-shaped speakers, various mice decorated with Chinese opera masks and, of course, no shortage of eye-catching USB drives. All of which are better demonstrated in pictures than words, so we recommend hitting up the gallery below.

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Computex offers Chinese gadget kitsch aplenty originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hey, Microsoft -- you're pretty proud of that Arc Mouse, yeah? If so, you should probably alert your legal team to the image shown above, as it seems one BOL-LINK has decided it best to just copy the arching input peripheral you helped pioneer and showcase it to onlookers in Taiwan. Then again, these guys did use a slightly different color scheme...

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Keepin' it real fake, Computex edition: Arc Mouse gets aped originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It doesn't come as a surprise that Sony and Microsoft are hard at work at motion controls for their respective consoles: Nintendo is eating their lunch. The Wii's incredible appeal with the average consumer -- due primarily to the accessibility and charm of its Wiimote motion controls -- has also created an annoying divide in the industry (real or perceived) between consumers who use embarrassing gestures to control meaningless mini-games, and those who memorize incredibly complex control schemes to control deeper and more "mature" experiences. There's been a small amount of crossover, of course, but since Sony and Microsoft have lacked most of the gestures option, a majority of it has taken place on the Wii -- the inclusion of an accelerometer in Sony's Sixaxis controller has had little impact on gameplay, and Sony's EyeToy 2 has had even less impact on the average gamer.

Of course, that's all about to change next year, with the emergence of the Microsoft's Project Natal and Sony's PlayStation motion controller. Typical thinking would suggest that Sony and Microsoft will be attempting to capture a slice of the casual gaming market that the Wii has so well dominated, while also expanding on the Wii's capabilities at serving the hardcore gamer -- some capabilities which Nintendo itself is attempting to add to the Wii with the even more imminent MotionPlus add-on. So, does anyone here have what it takes to serve up the next generation of gaming controls to everybody, or do cost considerations and the current state of the console wars dictate an ongoing rift in the market? Let's weigh our options...

Continue reading Motion control wars: Xbox 360 and PS3 are playing catch-up with Wii next year, who will do it right?

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Motion control wars: Xbox 360 and PS3 are playing catch-up with Wii next year, who will do it right? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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