Gadgety News

C ‘n’ C Costume National have a rather odd idea of what walking boots should look like.

These shiny high heels actually come with a stair counter screwed onto the ankle - Step aerobics in these killers??

I can only see a health concious dominatrix, street girls who might charge by the step or trad goths that perhaps dabble in a little EBM being interested in these.

They’ll be out in September if you happen to be one of the above.

Fashion and Runway

If, like me, you occassionally have cause to miss your UK tele programmes when you’re out and about and the catch-up services don’t actually service your needs sufficiently. Well, you are now able watch all your favourie programmes from BBC 1 and 2, ITV 1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 via the Zattoo online media player.

The service already offered a host of satellite channels but now is claiming to be the first of its kind to offer all five of the UK’s terrestrial channels and the best bit is that it’s FREE! 

Content will be streamed live to Zattoo subscribers and joins financial news from Bloomberg, children’s programming from Cbeebies and special interest channels such as AutoMoto TV and The Poker Channel.

All you need to do is download the free Zattoo media player to your computer (Mac, PC and Linux systems) from zattoo.com and then set up your preferences through the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and Channel Manager functions - easy as that :0)

Social networking behamoth MySpace has had its myspace.co.uk domain seized by an appeals panel, and the ownership passed back to an ISP based in Stockport.

Total Web Solutions registered the co.uk domain 11 years ago and 2 years before MySpace launched, but Nominet ruled in February that it had to be handed over to MySpace which I for one found unfair.

“We refused to be bullied by one of the largest media organisations in the world,” says the Total Web Solutions’ MD Paul Fallon.

“This has been a very stressful case for a legitimate medium sized ISP to have to take on - but we had to defend our reputation and to stand up for what was right.”

Rightly not satisfied with the process, Total Web Solutions and its legal representatives are now questioning whether the Domain Resolution Service should be operated from within Nominet.

Skype has announced that version 3.8 for Windows is ready to be downoaded for free and they claim that this version of their VOIP sounds better than ever before.

The main improvements are in the “audio engine” which should mean significantly reduced background noise, less delay, fewer call drops, and fewer cut-outs especially when both sides are using 3.8.

The new version also lets you change your headset, headphones or microphone without messing around with sound settings.

Another change is that the user’s profile image on incoming authorisation requests are now hidden by default - this is because some people have been using “offensive” images - so you now you’ll have to click through to see the hidden avatar.

This release also includes a number of video-related bug fixes and “other tweaks.”

Casio have released pics and specs of their new line of Baby-G watches that feature a rather neat zooming display.

The BG-2000/2001 series come in white, yellow and orange with shiny wrist bands and have complimentary coloured LCDs and 5 user styles to chose from.

The auto-zoom function enlarges the digits when you tilt your wrist to read the time.

Naturally to be in the G range they’re shock-resistant, water resistant to 100m, with world time and five independent alarms and have auto EL backlighting (LED for the yellow version).

No prices as yet.

Almost a year ago a couple of clever Canadian teen-scientists built an odd electric bike which was like the cool brother of the Segway and based on the frame design of a Yamaha R6 sports bike.

Ben Gulak and Jason Morrow have been very busy Canuks since then.

Motorcycle Mojo now reports that the third incarnation of the Uno has recently made its debut at the 2008 National Motorcycle Show in Toronto and it was sporting some custom-made wheels, a new body, and a few changes under the hood as well.

The most important update involved a trip to a robotics and gyro expert in California who helped fine tune the two gyros that the Uno uses for turning and forward and backward motion (told you it was important!).

There’s still no word as to when or if the vehicle might actually enter production but it keeps getting better - and more terrifying.

In the world of geek-chic, solar-powered dresses are so ‘06 daaaaahling!

The ladies in the know are all about piezoelectric material, just check out the rather natty Piezing.

Designed by Amanda Parkes, this piece of couture is set to steal the show at the 2ndSkin expo in San Francisco.

The outfit features electricity-generating fabrics around the joints of the elbows and hips. This means that as the wearer walks, bends or shakes their thang, the mechanical stress conjures up energy which is stored as voltage in a built-in battery where it can presumably be used later for charging the handheld gadget of your choice.

So, once this comes in a suit my dancing will be truly shocking……………

…………and as such will match my puns!

Via textually.

Image - James Patten

Most of us, well me anyhow, will have collected all manner of USB sticks, wristbands, Star Wars characters, etc and here’s another one.

This mass storage device is pretty neat and is small enough to double up as a useful charm for your mobile - if that kinda thing works for you.

It can also be used as a boot device - as long as your motherboard supports USB-ZIP or USB-HDD as the first boot device through the BIOS.

The 2GB version will come in black, green or purple, while the 4GB model comes in blue, orange and red.

Treat yourself to a 2GB and 4GB Jt Baby USB flash drive from Brando for $22 (£11ish) and $37, (£19ish) respectively.

This is but a rumour………………but I thought I’d share this as it was a pretty good excuse to get a saucy pic of Carmen Electra on this very wholesome gadget site…..

The rumour in question is that Carmen Electra is thinking about bringing a version of her home pole-dancing work-out kit to the Wii Fit board.

Peekaboo is currently seeking someone to help license its Wii concept, though as the Nintendo system is very much marketed as uber family friendly…………..you wouldn’t expect an average family of four eating chicken wings at ‘Tassles Gentlemans Club’ now would you?

The other, perhaps more routed in reality, question is that to pole-dance you’ll need a pole - what kind of thing would Nintendo ship with the software and how big would it have to be?

Anyhow, enough with reality - let’s just think of the possibilities………………..

More news about the greatly anticipated 3G iPhone and word on the street is that it could be “Radically Different”.

This might be no more than Apple seeking MORE attention but the grapevine is all about different versions of the device to suit the preference of peeps.

Depending whether you’re after a music and video device, those that want a “communication” device (ie a phone!) or a laptop substitute - these are covered by the regular iTouch flavour, an iPhone with a slidey QWERTY keypad or a clamshell version with a larger screen.

Do you reckon this could be over-egging the (Apple) pudding or are you all for the choice?

Craving a bit deeper, more meaningful interaction action with your touchscreen gadget, like maybe stretching or squeezing it? Do you already think this touch-screen haptic feedback is getting a little old-hat by itself?

Well, it seems that Microsoft thinks so.

Their researchers have come up with a prototype of force-sensing cleverness that’ll let you apply different kinds of force to a device, like twisting or bending, to do stuff like flip through document pages or swing through applications.

They’ve modded a Samsung UMPC and slapped on four sensors that detect how you’re trying to manipulate it, so it doesn’t have to actually be flexible. The researchers think the tech will complement—not replace mind you—touchscreens, making devices more active and engaging, not to mention smaller, since space-wasting buttons will be unnecessary - AWwwwwwwwwwwwww………..poor buttons!!

But lets face it - the Japanese love their retro gaming controllers so they will keep the button-love alive I’m sure!!

BBC

Microsoft is readying a Joy Division edition of its Zune MP3 player to coincide with the release of a DVD about those fabulous Mancs.

The Zune will feature an adaptation of the cover art from the band’s 1979 album debut, Unknown Pleasures, which artist Peter Saville created using a graph of one hundred pulses from pulsar CP 1919, dontcha know ;0,

Personally I think that all of these players should carry a ‘FAC’ number……………….

 I for one am waiting for any more Insights and pictures of this new Candidate of cool mp3/band get togethers.

Until then I shall be lost in the Wilderness or I’ll be in the centre of the city in the night, waiting for you.

Yeah - I’m a fan.

Sorry.

I’ll stop this now.

Fed up with having to leave your beloved Wii behind when you go out?

Dry your eyes because ChinaVision have the remedy - no longer will you have to look over your shoulder as you close the door and see your console give you the puppy-dog eyes.

This LCD monitor can attach to the back of the Wii easily, and the screen has a ball and socket hinge that can be turned appropriately for whatever use. When the monitor is not in use, the screen can be folded down against the Wii, just like a laptop.

There is even a reverse/up/down picture control enabling you to mount it on the roof of your car. You can also plug in other devices such as a DVD or other media players with the extra AV outputs, as well as USB peripherals.

As for power, the Wii LCD screen is powered by the normal Wii power cable, or included cigarette lighter adapter.

You can get one for $101.45 each, or get your buddies involved and get 3 for about $97.39 each.

I reported that there was word that a new DS was to be unveiled by Nintendo at E3.

Unfortunately Nintendo Japan has shut down the rumor by saying

“We cannot comment…but at the very least there won’t be anything like what Mr. Hamamura suggested…”

Boooo!!!!

IGN via Go Nintendo via Kotaku

You’ve got the Ferrari but it still gets overtaken by cycle-couriers in the heart of London.

You need a way, preferably designed by Pininfarina, to get you into the city without the inconvenience of joining all the human cattle on the ground.

If you wander over to Aero Toy Store they have just the thing that you’re looking for; namely the super-deluxe 2008 Pininfarina edition Agusta AW139 Executive helicopter.

At the heart of the chopper’s luxurious design is a nine-passenger VIP cabin, featuring Two Zone Climate Control, a deluxe entertainment system with Airshow type mapping display, two 15″ monitors, CD/DVD/satellite radio/satellite/I-pod capability operated by a menu driven touch screen controller, eight speakers and a woofer sound system.

It should be available right now so it could be yours in the time it takes for that bank to transfer your money from Switzerland.

Pricing on the Agusta AW139 is on a ”you have to ask, you can’t afford” basis.

Aero Toystore

According to Mobile magazine O2 is about to cut the cost of an iPhone in the UK to £169.

The £100 price cut is apparently due to be announced tomorrow (that’s Wednesday 16th folks) and follows T-Mobile’s recent decision to reduce the price of the 8GB handset to 99 euros (dependent on tariff) in Germany.

Now, there’s a shortage of iPhones and this price drop - could it be that Apple is planning to introduce the 3G iPhone sooner rather than later?

The days are going to get warmer, no.  Really! 

So obviously you’re going to wear the appropriate clothing to keep cool - but what about that lovely laptop of yours?

It will be slaving away to do your bidding and generating heat - I for one don’t want to witness my pride and joy melting before my eyes as I play ‘Team Fortress’ or get half way through recording a new grind-core track.

A lot of the fans on the market are a tad dull but these a very different.

Each Futura fan and stand is custom made from one of eight colour choices, and is printed with UV cured ink to keep it looking as good as new.

They even promise the possibility of custom printing somewhere down the line.

It all folds away so that it will be as portable as your laptop - well, probably more so if your lappy is anything like mine ;0,

$49.95 from LaptopDesk  via Shiny Shiny

I’ve just been told that Onitsuka Tiger has launched what it claims to be the UK’s first trainer vending machine.

The machine can vend 24 pairs of the Japanese brand’s trainers in six sizes and has been placed in Carnaby Street right here in London - OT apparently plans to roll out the concept across the UK.

According to the company, it took its inspiration from Japanese vending machines, which famously carry goods that us Westerners would never expect to see sold in that way.

Onitsuka Tiger

You know how it is; you need to download stuff from a memory card and check your lippy and you’ve only got one pair of hands aintcha?

Here is the answer to all your dreams!!

This will read a wide range of cards, except for Compact Flash, is just 2.5 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches small, has a built-in USB plug and you can always stash spare cards inside.

They even do it in grey and blue……praps black for the goths might be a good idea….

Yours for $15.

Gadget4All

Word on the street is that July will see the unveiling of the DS Extreme at the E3 gaming expo in the States.  It’s rumoured that they’re not going to bother with the GBA port - this means that it won’t be backwards compatible with GameBoy Advance games but allows for a slimmer design and lower price.

So, is this likely?

Well, it has been 2 years since DS Lite was launched and another 2 since the DS hit the streets so it is pretty much on the cards methinks.

Oh, and the rumour comes from a credible source: Hirokazu Hamamura. He’s the head honcho of Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu’s parent company Enterbrain.

No word from Nintendo tho.