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EliteGroup E ink e-reader, now with WiMax!

Posted: 03 Jun 2010 05:42 AM PDT

This video shows off EliteGroup’s new e-reader with large E ink display, a Marvell CPU, and 3G, Wi-Fi, and WiMax. It looks like a freaking monster – probably a full 8 1/2 x 11 screen.

These things are proofs of concept for manufacturers who then sell things like them to OEM customers. I doubt we’ll ever see this exact model on the shelves.

via e-reader-info

First Chrome OS netbook coming this fall

Posted: 03 Jun 2010 04:56 AM PDT


Google’s planning on launching Chrome OS this fall. We found that out yesterday. We also speculated that it’s likely that there will be hardware partners in place with Google Chrome OS tablets or netbooks ready to go as well. It seems that’s probably what’s going to happen.

A Google VP apparently spilled the beans at Computex although he didn’t mention anything about who will be making this netbook that supposed to come out this fall. Chances are it will be Acer, but we really don’t know at this point. More as we get it.

This mini keyboard from Brando is all business and that’s awesome

Posted: 03 Jun 2010 04:44 AM PDT


Brando knows how to make cheap electronics and computer equipment and this mini palm-size Bluetooth keyboard is no different. It’s just so simple and therefore elegant. Because it uses Bluetooth to connect, it will work with most PCs, Macs, the PS3, and, yup, the iPad. There’s even a rechargeable battery built-in. Not too bad for $40.


Daily Crunch: Gadget Hooligans Edition

Posted: 03 Jun 2010 12:00 AM PDT

Xbox 360 to add Hulu?

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 09:05 PM PDT

hulu for xbox
From DVR to On-Demand, more and more TV viewers are choosing when they get to watch their favorite programs. The greater question has been how you'll be able to get all the other content to your screen — stuff like Netflix and Hulu. If you have an Xbox, the latter problem may be a thing of the past.

Gear Live reportedly got their hands on some information about Microsoft's upcoming announcements at E3. Citing a reliable source that "has never been wrong before", GL states that Hulu is in fact coming to the Xbox platform. No word about pricing – if any, but undoubtedly – or even how they will charge. I hope that the entire catalog gets released, unlike Netflix's limited release.

We'll know more in two weeks when E3 begins, and more precisely during Microsoft's Media Briefing on June 14th at 10am pacific time.

Tech-Orations: Where style is key

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 08:55 PM PDT

Yes, I know. You spend all day at work on a computer. Then you come home and get back on it. So go ahead, show your love for tech and rest your eyes on a Tech-Oration key clock.

Comes in two colors with two designs, the pear green CTRL key and the white Enter key. Both are $20 each at modcloth.

The Famicom claw game: yet another reason to go to Japan

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 08:00 PM PDT

Need yet another reason to go to Akihabara? Check out the Famicom claw machine. For a mere ¥100 (about $1.10) you can take your chance and try and win a cartridge. Of course, you could probably pick up a cartridge around the corner from the machine for about the same price, but where’s the fun in that.

[via GameFuse]

Ceramic seed grenade calls chia pet a wuss

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 07:30 PM PDT

My wife loves to grow flowers. It’s difficult here in Nevada, and I’m usually a little less than supportive of her projects (I get really tired of trays of plants strewn throughout the house in the early spring). Here however, is a seed distribution device I can get behind.

Anybody can take seeds out of packet and strew them across the soil; it take a real man to spread your flower seeds via a hand grenade. The Flower Grenade is a project from UK artist Tony Nguyen, and is currently only available from the site Suck UK, but I love the concept. Lob a few of these out into that abandoned lot down the block, and then sit back and enjoy the colors as your urban guerrilla warfare grows up. The only issue I have with the concept is that the ceramic doesn’t break down (resulting in sharp ceramic shards left behind), and let’s be honest, getting caught importing a case of grenades into the US is sure to raise some questions with Homeland Security. The Flower Grenade is available in a three pack from the Suck UK website, and will set you back a hefty $18 plus shipping. Happy planting!

[via Make]

Here are some classy wood iPad, iPhone stands

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 06:01 PM PDT

What we have here are solid pieces of wood handcrafted into iDevice docks. Nice, eh? There’s nothing that fancy to them, and they start at a reasonable $32. There’s even an audio line-out built in. But it’s going to take the right person to buy one of these. Brass hardware and stained wood only goes with a certain type of decor.

Official Ghostbusters Proton Pack Backpack

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 05:30 PM PDT

Back to school season doesn't start for a few more months, but 80stees.com has gone ahead and released images of its new backpack. It's the official Ghostbusters Proton Pack; with removable "Neutrona Wand" used to aid in the weakening of ghosts ‘n stuff – or to store your pens and colored pencils.

For only $40 we want one bad, but so far this particle accelerator is listed as coming soon. Can't wait to start capturing the spirits.

Day 2: Dolby and HP’s great laptop giveaway

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 05:04 PM PDT

We had huge response yesterday and I'm pleased to report that it was a rousing success. Today, however, I'm going to allow CrunchGear readers a shot at the prize and, instead of being inundated by good-time Sallies and Salvadores, we'll just post the offer here. Read on, incidently, for yesterday's winner.

The details, again: HP and Dolby would like to give you one of three HP Pavilion dv6t Select Edition laptops complete with Blu-Ray player and Dolby Advanced Audio. Here are the details:

To celebrate HP's recent launch of its new Pavilion laptops all of which include Dolby Advanced Audio for providing stunning audio, Dolby is giving away three Ultimate Dolby PC Entertainment Packages for enjoying surround sound entertainment. Included in each package:
· HP Pavilion dv6t Select Edition with Dolby Advanced Audio and Blu-ray playback
· The Hangover and Star Trek on Blu-ray featuring Dolby TrueHD loseless audio
· Magix Movie Edit Pro Plus with Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator – the ultimate tool for creating the perfect movies and videos
Dolby Advanced Audio gives new Pavilion users a personal surround sound experience with any set of headphones and will enhance their music, movies and games with a suite of technologies designed to provide the best listening experience from their PC.

What do you do to win? It’s so simple even a child to could do it.

First, however, congratulate Steven Magelowitz, our first winner.

Now, on to how to win.

Answer this question of the day: What is the first movie you'll watch on the Pavilion to experience virtual surround sound from Dolby?

Answer in comments and leave your real email address (Facebook logins don't really work). Enter once and only once from one IP address. We will pick one winner at random tomorrow at 5pm Eastern. We have three total to give away so don't give up. The contest is limited to the US and Canada, sadly.

Got hot hands? You need a keyboard with a built-in fan

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 05:00 PM PDT


I possess many faults, but to my great relief, sweaty palms are not among them. Maybe during a marathon Harvest Moon session, but that’s all. I just get so excited! Anyway, if you’re among the proud, the few, the sweaty-palmed, this keyboard may be for you. Its little fan will keep your digits dry all day long… and all night strong.

http://us.aving.net/news/view.php?articleId=158320&mn_name

It could also be useful if you just live somewhere hot. The keyboard itself doesn’t look like any great shakes — kind of like a downmarket Sidewinder X4 — but that fan could be a lifesaver if things start getting slippery. It’s called the Challenger, from Thermaltake (who else?) and no one’s sure if it will be available here in the US, or for how much.

HOWEVER

if you live in a cold area, you might want to get this red-hot (not actually heated) Aivia keyboard from Gigabyte. It’s actually really, really cool looking, though whether that shape is practical, I don’t know. I’m using a 7G right now, which is about as traditional as it gets.

I think they were trying to evoke Ferrari, right down to the little badge. Works for me.

A DIY pen holder for your Moleskin (or other overpriced) notebook

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 04:30 PM PDT


Are your hipster jeans just too tight to hold a pen for your trendy Moleskin notebook? Devin knows your pain. Well then, here’s a quick DIY sewing project that will place a pen holder on the outside of your trusty notepad. [Gnat Gnat via Lifehacker]

Woah, the Asus Eee Tablet e-reader looks kind of awesome in action

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 04:00 PM PDT


I’m working on a few reviews of e-readers right now, but what I’m seeing here from Asus pretty much blows them all away. I’d seen pictures, but seeing the camera and writing in motion is a whole other world. The weird part is it’s not actually an e-ink display, it’s a monochrome LCD sans backlight. What the hell, right? Whatever works, I guess, although it brings the battery life down to a (still respectable) 10 hours.

The crazy thing? It’s supposed to be only $200. That makes it a huge bargain if what we’re seeing here really works. Only caveat is… it looks a little thick.

I’ll withhold judgment until I actually have one in my hands. I think I’ll email Asus right now.

[via HotHardware]

Two 14.1″ touchscreens joined at the hip – meet the Kno. It’s big.

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 03:30 PM PDT


Honestly? Two 14-inch displays? Tips the scales at 5 1/2 pounds? I honestly can say the Kno is the least appealing tablet-style device I’ve seen. I’m sorry, but the entire point of this form factor is portability and ease of use. How can you use it at all, when you’re too busy trying not to fall over from the weight? It’s supposed to replace your textbooks — I think it’s more likely to replace your desk.

Let’s do an experiment. Forgot you saw the picture above. Now watch this video:

Imagine if that video were about a device with two, say, seven-inch screens. I’d buy that! It looks great! But no, the actual device, which they are careful not to show with any size context, is like two full-size laptops stuck together at the hinge. It’s like a Courier from World 4!

Seriously! What the hell!

[via Engadget]

Delightful rumor: Verizon Wireless testing the iPad on its network

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 03:00 PM PDT

Oh my heavens. Someone close to someone else says that Verizon Wireless is testing the iPad on its network. Does that mean we could be looking at an iPad that works with Verizon Wireless? And would that mean an iPhone is far behind?

So the story is that one of Boy Genius’ many high-placed sources (he actually has a bunch, to be fair) has spotted Veriozon Wireless folks testing out CDMA versions of the iPad. That rumor, I think, sounds more interesting than it probably is. The Wi-Fi-only version of the iPad doesn’t care what wireless provider you have. And the 3G version? Considering how many Apps restrict capability if they’re connected to 3G, you need to ask yourself: is the extra $150 even worth it? Your call.

But it does lead to the question: well, if Verizon Wireless is working on an iPad, then what are the odds that they’re working on an iPhone?

I fully expect the Internet to explode if and when Verizon Wireless says it will have the iPhone. That, and AT&T stock will plummet.

Flickr’d

DXG’s 3D pocket camcorder to come out in August, be expensive

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 02:45 PM PDT


Remember that 3D camcorder DXG promised a couple months back? It wasn’t snake oil! Or at least, the promise wasn’t. The product almost certainly is. But at least we know it’s coming out. August 2010, baby. Quick! Buy a 3D TV to view this content on!

Actually, you could just watch it on the 5D7’s 3.2-inch parallax barrier screen. No glasses required. It’s going to be weird watching 3D content on a tiny thing like that, I’m sure, but you’ll get used to it. It’s the future, or so the industry thinks.

The quote that worries me: “To be honest, it is difficult to offer a low price because of high development costs.” Oh my. That doesn’t sound good. Don’t expect any really high-def images, either: with a single five-megapixel sensor doing the work of two, you’ll probably be limited to standard def; 720×480 would be my guess. Ah well.

Sony releases Piiq headphones for skaters, kids who want to be skaters

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 02:15 PM PDT

Sony just released the Piiq line of headphones ranging from $99 to $14. They claim they are full of “skater fashion” and “high-concept urban awareness,” which means Sony’s designers in Tokyo watched some MIA and Lady Gaga videos.

The line, available at Piiq.com are actually pretty fun looking although I’m not sure about audio quality. I heart sherbet-colored plastic doesn’t isolate sound very well.

Lenovo U1 hybrid laptop-tablet to live on as Android device

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 01:40 PM PDT


The blogosphere cried out in anguish that day, when Lenovo’s compelling (and slightly bizarre) U1 combination tablet and laptop was unceremoniously canceled, and the Skylight OS ditched for Android. The press release implied, but did not say outright, that the U1 was being sent to the great concept bin in the sky. I asked for clarification, and a Lenovo spokesperson told me:

the U1 is being reworked as an Android-based product, not being totally ditched.

Huzzah! That’s all we know for now. We’ll keep you informed.

Nintendo dropping prices of DSi and XL come June 19 (plus: new colors!)

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 01:10 PM PDT


Thinking of buying a DSi or DSi XL? If you can hold off for two weeks, you may be able to save yourself a couple bucks. If I’m not mistaken (I don’t speak Japanese, but it’s pretty clear), June 19th will bring a price drop for Nintendo’s popular handhelds, along with a few new colors for the XL.


The new prices will be ¥18,000 for the XL (down from ¥20,000) and ¥15,000 for the DSi (down from ¥18,900), which will probably bring the prices down about $20 each here in the states and by corresponding values around the world. I’d guess this has something to do with the 3DS announcement. We’ll know more once E3 comes around, of course.
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