CrunchGear |  |
- For $3,400: Bandai to sell 1.5m tall Gundam figure
- Fujitsu teases 3D desktop PC with built-in 3D camera
- Daily Crunch: Myth Takes Edition
- Land lines becoming extinct? 25% of Americans think so
- Review: Cadence Wrist Rocket digital sports watch
- DIY: Put your P&S digital camera into something a bit more classy
- German court mandates passwords on all Wi-Fi – or face a fine
- The best Lost rant on the Internet
- Steam offers Portal for free until the 24th: The first hit is free
- Comcast’s new iPad remote app looks pretty solid
- Rumor: Pegatron tapped for CDMA iPhone manufacture
- HTC Countersues Apple, Claims Apple Is Infringing On Five Patents
- HTC launches a hearts and minds campaign with “Quietly Brilliant Story” video
- A Pair Of Social-Media-Powered Ford Fiestas To Tweet Their Way Across The Country
- Zero Punctuation on Nier – no, I hadn’t heard of it either
- CrunchDeals: Evernote Premium for free when you buy a ScanSnap scanner
- Steam for OS X is available right now
- @Gamer, Best Buy’s own gaming mag coming this June
- AMD’s Vision: The chip race is finally over
- Irony: Did Rockstar upload a pirated version of Max Payne 2 to Steam?
| For $3,400: Bandai to sell 1.5m tall Gundam figure Posted: 13 May 2010 04:01 AM PDT
No doubt, Gundam is Japan’s favorite anime. They opened a Gundam Cafe in Akihabara, they erected a 1:1 scale Gundam statue in Tokyo bay, and they keep offering tons of Gundam-powered stuff on a monthly basis. The 1/60 Gundam statue replica (30cm) we showed you last November, for example, wasn’t bad, but today Bandai unveiled something even cooler: a Gundam model that stands an impressive 1.5 meters (5′) and weighs 35kg.
It’s a 1/12 scale version of the RX-78-2 Gundam and based on another 1/12 Gundam model Bandai introduced in 2006 (that older model sold a solid 1,500 units, Bandai says). The new replica will be shipped with a beam rifle, a beam saber, and a shield (as you can see on the pictures).
Bandai will start offering the RX-78-2 Gundam tomorrow, exclusively through the “Premium Bandai” online shop [JP]. The models are build-to-order and will cost $3,400 each. Via MyCom Journal [JP]
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| Fujitsu teases 3D desktop PC with built-in 3D camera Posted: 13 May 2010 02:21 AM PDT
Another day, another 3D-related tech news item from Japan. This time, it’s a 3D-powered desktop PC Fujitsu is currently demoing at a two-day company event (Fujitsu Forum [JP]) in Tokyo. It’s not only able to display 3D images but also has a 3D camera built-in (just above the display). Technical details are scarce at this point, but the camera can shoot both pictures and videos in 3D. Fujitsu says they are focusing on making the all-in-one PC and the camera as easy to use as possible (according to the company, even small children will be able to handle the hardware). Glasses will be a must for viewing the 3D images.
According to Fujitsu, the hardware is completely finished, and the company is now thinking about how and when to begin commercializing the PC. Last month, NEC already announced plans to start shipping their first 3D desktops in Japan later this year. I’ll try to go to the Fujitsu event tomorrow to make a video or two myself. Via PC Watch [JP]
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| Daily Crunch: Myth Takes Edition Posted: 13 May 2010 12:00 AM PDT |
| Land lines becoming extinct? 25% of Americans think so Posted: 12 May 2010 09:40 PM PDT  File this one under "well, duh!". Researchers working for the NCHS "discovered" something that has been covered for years: more and more people are canceling their land lines, and just using cell phones.
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| Review: Cadence Wrist Rocket digital sports watch Posted: 12 May 2010 05:30 PM PDT
It’s the display that’s worth noting on the Wrist Rocket, it’s very easy to read, despite the fact that it’s curved slightly at the top and bottom. I’m particularly impressed with the dot-matrix style LCD, it really makes the Wrist Rocket stand out from the other watches in this market segment. Over all the Cadence Wrist Rocket digital watch is just your standard LCD sports watch, but the large case, unique styling, and the $49.99 price make it a good value. I’m wearing one right now and I’ve really grown to like it. In fact, I like it so much that I want to share one with you! Cadence was kind enough to agree to give one away to our readers, so if you want to win one, just leave a comment at the bottom and you’ll get your chance. Make sure you leave your email address so I can get in touch with you if you do win (we’ll only use it for this). The contest will run until Monday, May 17th at noon eastern time so make sure you enter before then. Update: I forgot to mention, with apologies to our readers not in the US. You must be a US resident to win.
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| DIY: Put your P&S digital camera into something a bit more classy Posted: 12 May 2010 04:00 PM PDT This is an interesting DIY project, and it makes sense aesthetically. Take the insides of your point and shoot camera, and put them inside of a classic film camera. A worthwhile project for sure, but rather difficult. Be aware, it’s kind of difficult to call this a DIY, as the video is not in english. Luckily we have Google Translate, and the author also made a web page. [via Hack A Day]
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| German court mandates passwords on all Wi-Fi – or face a fine Posted: 12 May 2010 03:30 PM PDT
The fine wouldn’t be large (€100/~$125) but the fact that it’s there at all is kind of backwards. Free and open internet access is a controversial subject, mainly because of the increasing number of crimes possible online, and the easy means of anonymizing access. There are privacy concerns here, and legitimate security and copyright ones as well — far more than a criminal court (deciding a single claim by one musician against one user) has power to decide over. The ruling has been made, but I doubt it will stand for long. A more nuanced law will have to address this — one establishing a reasonable level of protection for your network, or levels of “complicity” should more or less serious crimes be enacted through your connection. In the meantime, our German readers would do well to set a password on their home network, just to be safe. I doubt a task force will be going around knocking on your doors, like they did in Mumbai, but you can never be too careful. [via TechDirt]
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| The best Lost rant on the Internet Posted: 12 May 2010 02:30 PM PDT
**Major spoilers ahead** His best point,
Oh but there’s more — five points in all. Give it a read.
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| Steam offers Portal for free until the 24th: The first hit is free Posted: 12 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Good news for Mac and PC gamers, Steam is making Portal free! Admittedly it’s for a limited time, but it’ll give you the chance to try one of the most popular titles that Valve has ever come out with. And this deal is not a lie. How do you get it, you ask? Sure you did, I heard you. Just go here and push on the giant red button. It’s as easy as that. Then it won’t matter if you are a PC user or a Mac user, you’ll get to discover the joy that is GlaDOS.
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| Comcast’s new iPad remote app looks pretty solid Posted: 12 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT
The familiar format of channels organized vertically and bubbles signifying shows is a format that goes back decades, and what it lacks in flair it definitely makes up in practicality. I like that the channels have their logos, too — that’s a nice touch and helps familiarize users with the brand. I don’t have an iPad yet (I’m waiting for the iPad HD that will be announced this holiday season in time for Christmas pre-orders), nor do I have a TV or cable, but if I did, I’d be using the hell out of this app.
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| Rumor: Pegatron tapped for CDMA iPhone manufacture Posted: 12 May 2010 01:53 PM PDT
Again, this is complete conjecture and Digitimes is often use to seed and power pump and dump scams, so we need to take things with a grain of salt. Generally, however, there is a grave confluence of “rumors” pointing to a potential Verizon iPhone but, as Sascha Segan, noted Verizon iPhone bear, tweeted yesterday, “Tomorrow you could be hit by a bus. And you’d have a lame phone. BC you were waiting for that Verizon IPhone.” The rumor has more to do with Pegatron’s entering the “Butterfly Era” if increased shipments but there are some vague points made about the CDMA iPhone contract. More as we get it. [Thanks, Winston!]
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| HTC Countersues Apple, Claims Apple Is Infringing On Five Patents Posted: 12 May 2010 01:40 PM PDT  HTC has just announced that it is suing Apple for violating five of its patents, and is asking the US International Trade Commission to "halt the importation and sale of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod in the United States". The move comes in response to a suit Apple filed against HTC in March that listed over 20 patents HTC is allegedly violating with its Android devices. From HTC's press release: Seattle – May 12, 2010 – HTC Corporation today took legal action against Apple Inc., filing a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) to halt the importation and sale of the iPhone, iPad and iPod in the United States. |
| HTC launches a hearts and minds campaign with “Quietly Brilliant Story” video Posted: 12 May 2010 01:30 PM PDT
This Quietly Brilliant Story video might have been just another corporate pep video, but the focus on early touch and handheld devices, and features later shared with the iPhone, shows this video for the attack ad it is. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Now certainly isn’t the time to get into the delicate legal matters and dueling suits that will be providing post fodder for the next year or so; I’m really more of a “wait and see” type. But it’s clear what HTC’s position will be in public: “Look, we’ve been doing this stuff the whole time. If Apple wants to quibble about technicalities, that’s fine, but doesn’t that kind of seem to you like they’re trying to stifle innovation?” The ad is well-done, though, and the take-away point is almost purely visual when they put their old touch-based handhelds on a timeline. People will immediately think, where’s the iPhone come in? And that one can’t really pick a moment when HTC’s phones started being iPhone-like is telling. By playing the victim (which they may in fact be), the underdog, the long-suffering, humble “we just want to make cool stuff” guys, they may actually undermine Apple’s popularity advantage somewhat. Will anybody see it, though? I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing timelines or condensed versions of this ad popping up the way HTC’s “Quietly Brilliant” billboards and bus displays are. Ah well, if not, it was a nice trip down random access memory lane.
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| A Pair Of Social-Media-Powered Ford Fiestas To Tweet Their Way Across The Country Posted: 12 May 2010 12:02 PM PDT
Ford turned to U of M a year ago and started what the auto maker called American Journey 2.0. The goal, it seems, was to reach out to the knowledge base at the university and discover what sort of social networking apps could be developed with the vehicle as the platform. The results are impressive and it’s going to be exciting to see them in action as two 2011 Fiestas make their way to California, showcasing custom-made apps along the way.
Virtual Road Rally could lend its hand to tourism as well. In theory it can lead drivers to small towns or out-of-the way attractions. The Ford engineers’ Fiesta will also be tweeting and blogging along with using “Auto”matic Blog. It’s apparently connected to the cars vital systems and can automatically word a tweet based on all sorts driving conditions. Ford engineer T.J. Giuli:
These Ford geeks thought of everything. One of the cars will even use an app called Local Search. The name pretty much says it all, but it goes on step further with automatic Foursquare check-ins – seriously. Even the group of Michigan students lent a hand, coding their own app for this trip. Caravan Track automatically tracks the road conditions and other vehicles traveling together are experiencing. Perfect for this sort of drive where one car might be farther up the road and can send valuable road information to the trailing car. This app beat out five other options developed by other U of M students during a 12-week course developed by Ford and the university. The winning team are piloting the other Fiesta.
Check out our latest snapshot: http://americanjourney2.com/picupload/20100512-141846-Interior.jpg
Needless to say, these cars are socially connected and there are few different ways you can follow the journey. The official website has a real-time gas mileage chart along with display AJ’s mood (“joyful” as of this writing). And you can follow along on Twitter (@AJtheFiesta), where the car will automatically tweet a lot of the info along with occasional pictures from the car’s interior and front-facing cams. The trip will take about a week and includes a few stops at universities along the route. They will no doubt be showing off their hard work along the way. You might want to check it out too. Your next car might have this tech built-in. Big brother what?
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| Zero Punctuation on Nier – no, I hadn’t heard of it either Posted: 12 May 2010 11:57 AM PDT
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| CrunchDeals: Evernote Premium for free when you buy a ScanSnap scanner Posted: 12 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT
Full details on the Evernote blog post: Get a ScanSnap scanner and Fujitsu will buy you an Evernote Premium account. Update: I goofed the title. It’s “ScanSnap” scanners, not SnapScan. Crazy.
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| Steam for OS X is available right now Posted: 12 May 2010 10:44 AM PDT
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| @Gamer, Best Buy’s own gaming mag coming this June Posted: 12 May 2010 09:30 AM PDT
Look at Best Buy Mobile. It’s like a wireless store within an store perhaps Best Buy is setting up its gaming department to follow some of the same cues. Right now Best Buy’s gaming department is basically just a few aisles of wire racks holding games. It could be so much more and maybe @Gamer is just the beginning. Long time game journalist Andy Eddy is said to be heading up the venture. He was the executive editor of VideoGames & Computer Entertainment in the late 80s and 90s and since wrote for GameSpy and served as Senior Editorial Manager of Community Sites at IGN. So yeah, the man knows his video games. We’re actually quite curious how the rag will turn out. Andy told The Game Beat that the first issue of @Gamer will hit Best Buy stores the last week of June. [via Destructoid]
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| AMD’s Vision: The chip race is finally over Posted: 12 May 2010 08:45 AM PDT
Remember back in the day when you could go into a store and compare two clock speeds and come out with the right machine for you? Everything else was immaterial. Hard drives could be upgraded, memory could be added, but clock speed was the number you lived or died by. 1.8GHz was better than 1.5GHz every day of the week, right? Those days are over. Moore’s Law, the idea that “the number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit doubles every two years” is nearly over, which is why multiple cores are now appearing in consumer PCs. When you have multiple cores, clock speed doesn’t make any sense. A 2.5GHz quad-core machine, to the average Joe or Jane, seems to mean that the PC has four cores running at 2.5GHz each. That means it’s 10GHz, right? Right?
Then, when you click on “Show me Vision Premium Laptops,” you are led to a list of PCs and laptops that are quite disparate in their power and specs. The assumption is that if a laptop falls under a Vision tranche, you’re good. The only number that now matters is price. If you pay more, you get a bit more. And if you want to dig into the specs, you can, but the only things that are going to change the price are the storage and memory components. The processor and, presumably, the graphics solution, will stay the same. I, for one, welcome our Vision overlords. The question “What laptop should I buy?” can be answered with a wave of ones hand: go over there, pick a pretty one. That’s essentially what we’re dealing with these days, anyway, the commoditization of computing hardware. If the netbook revolution has taught us anything it’s that consumers don’t want power, they want the package. Let the geeks cling to their graphics cards and overclocking while the rest of the world wanders into Best Buy, drops a credit card, and wanders out happy. I know I sound a bit facetious, but I’m not. This is 2010. Computing, in a way, is flat. When the iPad and its ilk are on the same level playing field as an Alienware monster laptop, you really can’t look at speeds and feeds anymore. The question now is “Does this do video?” or “Does this play games?” and you’d say, “Well, it has a 2GHz processor and discrete graphics and 4GB of RAM, so yes.” Now you say “Does it run Windows 7? Then it can probably run a few good games.” There are thousands of games, after all, and most of them run fine with a bit of coaxing. Do you want the ultimate in performance? Build it yourself or go for Vision Black. The choice is yours and it’s gotten much easier. My hope is that Intel begins adopting this nomenclature for their processors as well. By segmenting the product line into a few understandable blocks, you reduce complexity and, in the end, assist the consumer more than anyone will ever know.
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| Irony: Did Rockstar upload a pirated version of Max Payne 2 to Steam? Posted: 12 May 2010 08:30 AM PDT
Well this is interesting. A person far cleverer than any of us here decided, on a whim, to look at the main executable of the Steam version of Max Payne 2 in a text editor. Because that’s what you do, you know? Anyhow, a funny little thing appears: the ASCII logo of famed (now defunct) release group Myth. In other words, it sure does look like Rockstar uploaded a cracked (PIRATED OMG OMG OMG) version of the game to Steam’s servers! You can’t make this stuff up. Why would Rockstar do this? (Well, “Rockstar,” it could have just been some low-level coder acting on his own, not like a direct order from the project manager or something.) Presumably just to save the few minutes it would have taken to recompile the game to run without a CD check. I mean, it sure would be easier to simply supply the cracked .exe file than do the work yourself, right? That’s certainly appears to be the case here. The question now is, will the FBI, and all the king’s horses and all the king’s men, break down Rockstar’s door, arresting everyone in the building for committing the heinous crime of software piracy? Doubtful. As the world turns…
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The Cadence Wrist Rocket is a digital sports watch, with a bit of a twist on the standard square design. It’s everything you expect in a sports watch; it’s water resistant, has a stopwatch, countdown timer, an alarm, and a resin body and strap. It’s quite a large watch, but that’s not really a bad thing because that makes the display easy to read.
The 
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