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iFixit tears apart the iPhone 4 in graphic detail

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:45 AM PDT

iFixit is legendary for taking things apart. They are famous for going to great lengths to get the latest in technology, and then tear it apart. The iPhone 4 is no exception, as their person took a 16 hour plane ride as well as packed a tent prepared to sit and wait for the phone. Ironically, FedEx delivered the phones two days earlier then expected, and they didn’t have to send anyone to Japan.

Of course, this isn’t the first teardown of the iPhone, but it is the first legal tear down of the device. While we could recap everything that iFixit said about taking the iPhone apart, but it’s easier to just send you here and let you read in great detail the elegant design and shielding used inside the device.

Video: System for data transmission via visible light

Posted: 23 Jun 2010 01:21 AM PDT

Transmitting data via light is hardly anything new, but what about sending and receiving information via visible light? Tokyo-based start-up Outstanding Technology is currently working on a system that uses visible LED light for the transmission of data and audio signals.

And because LED lighting may replace both incandescent and fluorescent lighting one day, the company expects “lighting infrastructure to become communication infrastructure” in the near future.

Outstanding Technology’s system makes it possible to set up a PC that accesses the web via LEDs and light receivers alone (see the video embedded below for a demo), for example. The company says in tests, it succeeded in voice transmission over a distance of 13km. Apparently, data transmission speed can reach up to 160Mbps.

Another selling point of the system is that it works with indirect, reflected or scattered light (picked up from a wall, for example) as well. Outstanding Technology is currently trying to monetize its system while trying to make it work underwater, too.

Here’s the video, in which CEO Murayama provides more insight:

Microsoft taking a loss on Kinect?

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 10:00 PM PDT

Inside sources close to the matter have said that the build costs of Kinect are near $150. When you add up all the time to write the software and the costs of the hardware, it gets expensive. This has many people at Microsoft concerned.

Usually Microsoft takes a loss on their consoles in hopes of making money on the software and add ons. With Kinect, there is no exception, says a “A highly-positioned, trusted source“. Microsoft is betting that Kinect will have more people running to the stores to buy bundles including a new Xbox.

What are you thinking of doing?

[via 1up]

Best Buy’s Insignia Brand to Offer Audyssey

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 09:19 PM PDT

Best Buy’s bargain brand, Insignia, is offering a new 5.1 home theater system with Audyssey technology, yes, Audyssey. We love Audyssey.

“Consumers have told us they want the latest in home theater audio technology that is easy to install, simple to control and affordable,” said Fernando Silva, vice president of Best Buy Exclusive Brands. “Our Insignia Home Theater System is a complete home audio solution offering rich surround sound that will transform any family room into a theater-like experience.”

Features

  • 5.1 surround with 110-Watts per channel
  • 5 speakers
  • 120-Watt subwoofer
  • 3 HDMI 1.4 imputs, 1 HDMI output (support for the new blu-ray audio and 3D video formats)
  • Pre-Programmed Universal remote

Finally, Audyssey.

Audyssey audio technology, which will automatically enhance quieter sections of movies or television shows while leveling out the sounds of loud commercials for a more enjoyable listening experience. The system also includes a speaker setup microphone and Audyssey Auto Setup, which allows for easy home installation.

Jimmy Kimmel Live crippled by power outage, saved by laptop webcam (watch it tonight)

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 07:10 PM PDT


So it’s an hour before the curtain rises (I mean, if there was a curtain) and the power goes out at the Jimmy Kimmel Live taping and broadcast center. The show is still lit and the studio audience is good to go… but they can’t tape it.

Pop quiz, hot shot: how do you record a whole show with no equipment? Answer: pull out your MacBook.

Yes indeed, the sprightly mind of Mr. Kimmel went straight to the built-in webcam on his laptop, which he promptly had brought out to his desk. And then he recorded the whole thing. At 640×480, on his laptop.

All I have to say is it’s a good thing the lighting was still working, because those iSights aren’t so good in the dark. It’s on tonight! Go watch it!

[via Gizmodo]

“My Phone Is Off For You” – how to show you care in this modern age

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 07:00 PM PDT


It’s not often that I get to leave my phone at home. More often than not, it’s an accident. However, when I do it on purpose, it’s a deliberate act of self-denial — I know, I’m so selfless! Seriously, though. I do fully disconnect myself when I know something or somebody requires my full attention, but how, oh how can I broadcast that fact to the world so they can adore me for it? …Aha!

My Phone Is Off For You is a project (described as nothing less than a revolution) that aims to make people more aware of this modern lapse in etiquette. I’m not sure how these little stickers and stamps are to be applied to the offender — perhaps the forehead? It seems like one of those projects where the statement is worth making but the actual products aren’t worth buying. I see that with a lot of concept items: great unless applied to real life.

I do like the little logo, though. I wouldn’t mind sticking those on a few telephone poles around my area. Stop checking your phone during dinner, fool!

[via NotCot]

Lightly used 1970 Shaguar, $60K reserve (yeah, bidder, yeahhh)

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 06:30 PM PDT


How to prove you are the biggest Austin Powers fan in the world: bid on this 1970 Jaguar E-Type used in Austin Powers 2. The crazy part? It’s only got 4000 miles on it! That’s practically factory new! And it’s original everything, except of course for the patriotic trim. Only two hours left, though — better get on it. Hasn’t hit reserve yet, incredibly. Hope you’ve got sixty grand laying around for impulse purchases.

…Uh-uh! Don’t even try to deny it. You know you’re dying to give this thing a spin.

Linux: the people’s product

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 06:00 PM PDT

The Linux Foundation ran a t-shirt design contest back in March to kick off the grand opening of the new Linux.com store. More than 100 designs were submitted, and of these six were selected as finalists. Almost eight thousand votes were tallied, and the community-selected winner, with 57% of the votes, is Mr. Said Hassan from the Gaza Strip, who designed “The People’s Product.” Shirts with this winning design are being produced now, and will be available for purchase at the Linux.com store soon-ish.

Hassan says:

"This design represents that the Linux system is the collective work of people and it was done so that others can enjoy a reliable, suitable operating system away from a monopoly. So, it's like a celebration of our efforts: Linux is our product."

Hassan gets a free trip to LinuxCon, taking place in Boston, MA in August. Way to go, Mr. Hassan!

Be sure to take a look at all of the contest finalists to get a feel for what the community came up with.

Here’s the full press release, for your edification:

Linux Foundation Announces Linux.com Store T-shirt Design Winner

Nearly 8,000 votes determine community's favorite Linux-themed design, to be displayed on T-shirts at LinuxCon and in Linux.com Store

SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, 2010 – The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux, today announced the winning design in its Linux.com Store T-shirt Design Contest, "The People's Product." The design won by a large margin with 57 percent (4,501) of all votes cast, with the other five finalists sharing 43 percent of the vote among them.

The winning design was created by Mr. Said Hassan who says it "represents the collective work of the people. It's a celebration of our efforts: Linux is our product." Mr. Hassan rallied bloggers and local television stations around his design, garnering a number of articles and television interviews about his submission. He is a marketing consultant at SADAF Information Technology in Gaza in Palestine.

As the designer, Mr. Hassan is receiving travel expenses and a free pass to LinuxCon in Boston (http://events.linuxfoundation.org/events/linuxcon) this August where "The People's Product" design will be displayed on Linux.com Store merchandise and available for purchase. The design is expected to be available on T-shirts in the Linux.com Store this summer.

The contest was launched with the opening of the Linux.com Store, which is an online marketplace where people can purchase items from an exclusive line of original T-shirts, hats, mugs and other items that reflect "geek culture.” Six finalists were chosen from more than 100 design entries. Nearly 8,000 votes were cast during the month of May as designers competed for the grand prize and encouraged their personal networks to get out the vote.

"'The People's Product' design is an important addition to the Linux.com Store merchandise selection and will help generate revenue for activities that advance the Linux operating system," said Amanda McPherson at The Linux Foundation. "We also hope that the Linux.com Store T-shirt Design Contest will bring attention to Mr. Hassan and others like him who support and contribute to Linux in a variety of important ways."

All revenue generated from the Linux.com Store goes directly towards Linux Foundation activities, events and strategic initiatives. The Linux Foundation uses funds from a variety of revenue streams to support the work of Linux creator Linus Torvalds and to sustain important services such as technical events; travel grants for open source community members; a vendor-neutral forum for projects such as MeeGo; and free training resources direct from the kernel community; among others.

Related Links
* See all six of the finalists' designs here: http://www.linux.com/tshirt-design-contest

* More details on the contest: http://www.linux.com/news/featured-blogs/185-jennifer-cloer/301840-linuxcom-t-shirt-design-contest-finalists-announced-

* Please visit the Linux.com Store at: http://store.linux.com/.

* Learn more about LinuxCon here: http://events.linuxfoundation.org/events/linuxcon.

About the Linux Foundation
The Linux Foundation is a nonprofit consortium dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux. Founded in 2007, the Linux Foundation sponsors the work of Linux creator Linus Torvalds and is supported by leading Linux and open source companies and developers from around the world. The Linux Foundation promotes, protects and standardizes Linux by hosting important workgroups, events and online resources such as Linux.com. For more information, please visit www.linuxfoundation.org or follow the organization on Twitter at www.twitter.com/linuxfoundation.


Here’s the Dell Streak’s US retail packaging (maybe)

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 05:01 PM PDT


The Dell Streak is set to be released here in the states sometime soon — we hear the end of July. The 5-inch tablet/phone/EVO-eater will no doubt launch to a ton of criticism about it’s large stature and whatnot. Love it or hate it, this is what the retail packaging will likely look like. Think Jabra headset packaging, but with a very large touchscreen instead of a bluetooth headset suspended in a clear acrylic casing.

iPhone 4: Already Sold Out at Walmart..in Saline, Michigan

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 04:51 PM PDT


Looking for a new iPhone near Saline, MI? Too bad. Walmart already sold the one unit they received. When I inquired about the new device, the man on the phone stated, “We received one unit already, but we sold it to see how fast it would sell out. We aren’t sure when we are getting more.”

I’m assuming they WON’T, now. Breaking Apple’s rules of engagement can lead to the retailer loosing their launch day privileges. Plus, no one wants an iPhone 4 - OF COURSE IT’S GOING TO SELL OUT!

Anyone else run into similar stories? Post your findings below.

Toshiba’s dream: a chicken in every pot and WiFi in every SD card

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 04:30 PM PDT


If you have an Eye-Fi card, you’re probably aware of the convenience factor there. Cords are a pain, and everything else we have is wireless — why not our storage media? Of course, Eye-Fi addressed this long ago, but they’re still kind of a boutique brand despite their success. Toshiba wants to take what they started and make it the standard.

I have no problem with this, but I would say that there is also an increasing amount of wireless present in devices themselves. You’ve got wireless sync here, automatic uploads to YouTube and Flickr there, and all kinds of things in between. Is there really room for a card with a separate WiFi setup? Sure. For some reason or another, features are always left off certain models. In the interest of getting the price below a critical point or the size inside a critical measurement, optional things like wireless are often left out, and will continue to be for the present.

The spec Toshiba is collaborating on with Trek 2000 is far from finished (it’s just started, really) but the idea of SD-to-SD communication is exciting. A common interface between the most popular storage media will make for some interesting devices and applications. I can even picture a little device with only one purpose: to facilitate the sharing of data between two SD cards. I kind of look forward to it.

[via Electronista]

TRON controllers will be available for purchase

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 04:00 PM PDT

Rejoice User! Devin won’t be keeling over from auto-erotic asphyxiation after all. The TRON controllers that he saw at E3 and threatened to hold his breath over? Well, they are going to be for sale. To be honest, I haven’t considered replacing my stock Xbox 360 controllers until this point, but now I’m afraid I have no choice.

The controllers will be available this coming fall for the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii for around $50 each. PC gamers will be able to pick up a TRON-themed keyboard and mouse from Razer (no shock there or word on pricing), and Monster is making some headphones ($350) and an iPod dock ($50). There’s even going to be a TRON-related iPhone app, believe it or not. Sounds like Disney is leaving no CPU unturned where the marketing is concerned. And while I hate to admit it, I’m buying into it all.

[via Gizmodo]

Borders’ Kobo e-reader now comes with $20 gift certificate; iPhone, iPad App now available

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 03:00 PM PDT

The wonderful thing about all these e-readers is that so long as you buy one that has honest-to-goodness E-Ink (Kindle, nook, Kobo, etc.) you’re basically using the same device. The most important part of an e-reader is the screen, so when all the big guys use the exact same technology, well, you should be just fine. Then it comes down to store quality: does Amazon have the books you want to read or does Barnes & Noble or Borders? That’s the most “research” you’ll have to conduct. Moving on… in light of the nascent price war between Amazon and Barnes & Noble, Borders would like you to know that its Kobo e-reader now includes a $20 gift card and double Borders Bucks for whenever you drop cash in the store.

You should know that Devin, who already gave the Kobo his blessing, says this is basically Borders giving a $20 rebate without actually cutting anything off the price. (The Kobo goes for $149 and its little cousin, the Libre, goes for $119.)

Perhaps just an important: an iPhone App. Yup, you can now fill your iPhone and iPad with Borders-bought e-books. The App is free, and it’s available here.

And just an addendum to Devin’s note from yesterday: all of these e-readers are pretty great if you’re a heavy reader. Maybe the monochrome screen offputs people who need the latest bleeding edge technology for technology’s sake, but the screens are really quite good for reading your standard novel or biography or whatever. People who feel a connection with actual, paper books may be shy, but if you’re merely interested in reading words off a page/screen then they’re all pretty decent.

You don’t need a color screen to read Heart of Darkness for the hundredth time, now do you? Let e-readers be e-readers and let other, catch-all devices impress the people who are mesmerized by shininess.

Wow: Original Pac-Man sketches shown by creator – like pencil on graph paper sketches

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 02:06 PM PDT


This is a true artifact of gaming history. The notebook of Toru Iwatani, creator of Pac-Man, complete with sketched-out pixel art, prototype mazes, and ghost movements. My god! Remember when you could sketch out an entire game on a page of graph paper? More here.

[via 1up and Kotaku]

Mixtape watch keeps track of time, reminds you of that one road trip and that sweet mix you made that everybody totally liked and you played it like 30 times

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 01:30 PM PDT


If you’re a nostalgic person, and you enjoy novelty watches, I can only imagine the levels of joy you’re feeling right now. This Mixtape watch from EOS features not only the classic cassette tape look, but the classic mixtape motion. The tape dials actually spin, which I suppose reduces battery life — but so what?!

You can tell the time by looking at the tiny, tiny dial on the right, there. Yeah, this device really isn’t about telling time. It’s about being amazing. You have to want it. Do you want it? Go get it! $135, my friend. Comes in a couple flavors.

[via Gizmodo]

Video: Meet Myon, Germany’s latest humanoid robot

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 01:03 PM PDT

Germany has churned out the one or the other humanoid in recent months, but Myon might actually be the coolest deutsche robot out there. The little guy stands 125cm tall and weighs 15kg. He was designed by Cologne-based design studio frackenpohl poulheim [GER] and developed at Berlin’s Humboldt University as part of the European ALEAR (Artificial Language Evolution on Autonomous Robots) research project.

Myon boasts a wide array of features: 48 joints, six independent (modular) body parts, 35 torsional springs for biological movements, and a whopping 192 sensors. His skin is made of a transparent top layer of Bayer makrolon and a layer of glass fiber-stabilized polycarbonate, protecting Myon in case he topples over.

The special skin and the modular design make it possible for Myon to keep working even if one of his body parts is damaged for whatever reason. His makers say Myon is designed in a way that people see him as the robotic version of an eight year-old boy.

The video embedded below isn’t that convincing (yet) though:

Via Plastic Pals via Design Boom via Robot Shop

Updated Apple policy: partners may “collect, use, and share” precise location information

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 12:30 PM PDT


Don’t worry, this isn’t that post. You know, the one where it turns out Apple is Big Brother, in league with the NSA and Interpol. I expect that shortly, though. No, this is just an update to let you know that unless you opt out, you’re likely making your exact location available to anyone in Apple’s rolodex. Here’s the relevant portion of the privacy policy, recently updated:

To provide location-based services on Apple products, Apple and our partners and licensees may collect, use, and share precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of your Apple computer or device. This location data is collected anonymously in a form that does not personally identify you and is used by Apple and our partners and licensees to provide and improve location-based products and services. For example, we may share geographic location with application providers when you opt in to their location services.

See, not too evil. Besides, they touched on this at WWDC. But now that the policy is in effect (coinciding with the release of iOS 4), you should be sure to remember which applications want and need your location. You can change global settings in the new Location Services panel in General Settings, and each app should have its own setting as well. It’s not clear whether permission grants Apple &co. access to only your published GPS information (i.e. geotagged photos or tweets) or passive information like current location or frequently visited areas.

It’s likely that any GPS information you make public (published or passive) will be collected and shared or sold, so keep that in mind.

Be aware, though. If you turn off location tracking globally, you won’t be able to receive EXCLUSIVE OFFERS!!!

Sonos announces iPad app

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 11:53 AM PDT

I’ve always had a soft spot in my necrotic heart for Sonos. In the face if iPods, Zunes, mobile phones, and everything else, they’ve kept pumping out great, compact products for folks with big houses. They’ve never pretended to be too high-class for the rest of us yet you basically use their products to create soundscapes, just like Disney World, Vegas, and the haunted house I made in my basement as a kid.

Sonos just announced their iPad app – probably available in August – that allows you to control your Sonos system on the iPad’s bright screen. The app allows you to browse your iTunes and Sonos collection, pick radio streams, and even set different rooms with different playlists. When I tested the Sonos kit I used to like to make my bathroom, for instance, the Drum’n'Bass room to ease evacuation.

There are other solutions out there but Sonos has remained a consistent fave.

Product Page

“Like”: Japanese venture begins accepting orders for new electric car

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 11:42 AM PDT

Japan’s newest electric car isn’t made by one of the nation’s many major automakers, but sometimes it needs a venture to accelerate potentially positive developments in rather conservative industries. Boutique automaker Mitsuoka Motor has now begun accepting orders [JP, PDF] for “Like” [JP], a 5-seat electric car that’s based on Mitsubishi Motors’s i-MiEV (the Like was unveiled earlier this year).

The 580-people company (established in 1978) says one of the main selling points of the car is that it features a rear seat that can be used by three people instead of two. Another difference to i-MiEV is the length of the vehicle: at a total length of 3,570mm, it’s 175mm longer than the Mitsubishi (it’s 1,610mm high and 1,475mm wide). Mitsuoka also threw in a new front design and metal-plated bumpers, which the i-MiEV doesn’t offer.

The Like will be available in Japan in five colors: white, silver, black, purple, and red. Mitsuoka plans to start shipping the first cars in August with an effective price of $34,700 (after subtracting the subsidy granted by the Japanese government). The company hasn’t said anything yet about international distribution plans, but it hopes to sell the Like to at least 400 people in Japan by March next year.

The parade of StarCraft II accessories begins with customized SteelSeries Zboard keyboard

Posted: 22 Jun 2010 11:30 AM PDT

T-minus one month and counting till the release of StarCraft II, and we’re starting to see officially branded peripherals hit the store shelves. Here’s one such peripheral: the SteelSeries StarCraft II Limited Edition Zboard. As the name suggests, it’s based on the company’s Z Board, except, you know, StarCraft-ified.

What does that mean?

The custom keyset for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty offers players dedicated short-cut keys, complete key remapping for full keyset customization and beautiful game graphics that will enable quick mastery of the game, increase the users’ actions per minute (APM) and deliver unparalleled levels of engagement.

That’s a lot of fluff, yeah, if not for the fact that the Z Board is generally well-received online. So, add a couple of dedicated buttons and whatnot, and you should win over even the most ardent fan.

Will South Korea be open for business when the game comes out, or will the entire country take a sick day?


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