tech e blog

11/06/2009

Verizon DROID Sales Helped by Google, Sesame Street

Google may be synonymous with search ads, but this is the first time ever that the company has promoted a phone on its frontpage, despite the G1 being the first official Android phone. Simply click "learn more", and you'll reach splash page with a short description of the phone.

But despite that extra click, it's still incredibly rare to see any sort of ad on the otherwise clean homepage.
[via Gizmodo]

11/06/2009

Unreleased Dell Adamo XPS Prototypes

Before a company approves of a production model, there are several prototypes created for testing purposes, and here's a rare glimpse at some of the Dell Adamo XPS models. To start, we have the touchscreen trackpad prototype above, "which was apparently rejected because Dell couldn't justify the cost of the panel based how much people would actually use it." Click here for first picture in gallery.

Another, possibly even more ambitious concept is one that would have completely replaced the traditional keyboard with a series of capacitive-touch buttons.
[via Engadget - PCworld]

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11/06/2009

Microsoft's Next-Gen Interface Boasts Motion Sensing, Eye Tracking

Microsoft has developed a next-gen interface, currently being shown on a college tour, that boasts motion sensing and eye tracking technologies. It "comes complete with a transparent glass display that evokes either Minority Report or Iron Man, depending on your movie preference." Videos after the break.

Mundie circles objects without touching the screen and vocally orders the computer to organize and zoom during the demo.
[via Popsci]

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11/06/2009

Netflix PS3 Instant Streaming Demonstration

Though PS3 owners need a special Netflix Instant Streaming Disc to use the service, the entire process "looks exceptionally sleek", as you'll see in this video demonstration. Continue reading to watch.

Those Netflix instant streaming discs that started floating out to anxious PS3 owners yesterday are obviously splashing down, with YouTube user otimus posting up a stellar walkthrough showing everything in action.
[via Engadget]

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11/06/2009

DROID Launch Might be Spoiled by $99 iPhone 3G S

Insider sources claim that "Apple is in the final stages of prepping a bargain-basement priced iPhone, which would undercut the Droid, and bring the Droid launch party to a screeching halt." In other words, you might be seeing a $99 iPhone 3G S (8GB) as early as next month.

Meanwhile, many bloggers have whipped themselves into a frenzy over a second Droid smartphone, which is being manufactured by the Taiwan company HTC.
[via CSMonitor]

11/06/2009

Bird Causes Large Hadron Collider to Shut Down

You'd think that the "world's most powerful particle accelerator" would be able to withstand any type of bird-related mishap. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Basically, a bird dropped a baguette on an outdoor section of the LHC, eventually causing it to overheat.

The LHC was not operational at the time of the incident, but the spike produced so much heat that had the beam been on, automatic failsafes would have shut down the machine.
[via Popsci]

11/06/2009

Jet-Powered Skateboard Turned Luge Can Hit 119MPH

Created by Bob of JetLuge.net, this custom-built contraption started out as a skateboard, but several mods and a jet engine later, it now hits speeds in excess of 110mph. Continue reading for the video.

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11/06/2009

Tauntaun Sleeping Bag Video

Perfect for the home or office, the Tauntaun Sleeping Bag from ThinkGeek has now got its very own promo video, complete with a Star Wars scene reenactment. Just to recap, it "looks just like a Tauntaun, with saddle, printed internal intestines, and a plush lightsaber zipper pull." Available now, priced at $99. Continue reading to watch.

Now when your kids tell you their favorite Star Wars movie is "Attack of the Clones" you can nestle the wee-ones snug in simulated Tauntaun fur while regaling them with the amazing tale of "Empire Strikes Back".
[via ThinkGeek - OhGizmo]

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11/06/2009

Dell Adamo XPS Officially Unveiled, Gets Previewed

After countless teasers, Dell has officially unveiled the $1,799 Adamo XPS. Measuring just 0.4-inches thick, this laptop features a 1.4-GHz ULV processor, 13.4-inch display, 128GB SSD, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, Windows 7, and a battery rating of 2.5-hours on a full charge. Video after the break.

There's no mechanical button release to open 'er up; instead, you rub your fingers over a heat sensor that releases the keyboard and the notebook slowly unfolds itself. The base configuration weighs in at 3 pounds.
[via Popsci]

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11/06/2009

eBay Watch: First Production Saleen S7

Currently at $101,100 on eBay, this Saleen S7 was the first one to roll off the production line. The seller "took delivery of the car June 6, 2002 at the Saleen facility in Irvine, CA with a champagne reception attended by numerous members of the automotive press." Auction page. Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

The car has been displayed at many auto shows including SEMA, Detroit, Milwaukee, Mexico City, and for the Canadian introduction of the S7 at Montreal.
[via eBay]

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