Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation, Transportation 
Now this is cool. Luke Geissbuhler and his kids built more or less a spaceship designed to ride up via weather balloon into space, then fall back to Earth. The expiration included a digital camera to document the whole thing and an iPhone to be used for locate the craft after it returned to Earth. I wish my Dad was this cool. The video, pasted below, tells the story and the to their credit, they catch all but the last two minutes as it seems the cold temperatures finally affect the camera’s batteries after it is almost home, 100 minutes into the flight. The result of their 8-months of research and testing: HD video of actual space footage. Fantastic. Encased in insulating Styrofoam and packed with handwarmers, the iPhone handled location duties. Communicating with cell towers and GPS satellites. The unit was finally located after it fell back to Earth, a mere 30 miles away from the launch site. It was stuck in a tree found by the LED beacon they were clever enough to think of. Homemade Spacecraft from Luke Geissbuhler on Vimeo. My research came up empty for another iPhone in space. If you find something, post in the comments. Source: [Laughing Squid] Image credit: metro.co.uk Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Smartphones  It looks like we’re still in the phase of trying to get iPhone 4 cases to market before everyone decides on the one they want to keep. The newest entries that we’ve seen come from TRTL BOT, which just announced two new eco-friendly iPhone 4 cases.
The first case is the Minimalist 4. The case is designed to protect the sides and back of the phone only. On the back of the case is a pocket that can hold up to three credit cards or ID cards. Looks to be a great idea for those who want to cut down on how much they carry. Just an iPhone 4, a license and a credit card or two. Of course, you’ll have to be careful where you put the phone lest you end up losing your cards as well as your phone, but that should be fairly obvious. The next case is the TRTL Stand 4, which perfectly describes what’s different about the case. The Stand 4 adds a kickstand to the back of the iPhone 4, allowing you to stand it up in either portrait or landscape mode. Portrait would be great for FaceTime, though landscape would make the phone great for watching media like the EVO 4G. Like the Minimalist 4, the Stand 4 only covers the sides and the back, with a hole cut out for the volume buttons and silence switch. Really, that should be all you need anyway. Read [Minimalist 4] and [Stand 4] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Content, Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle 
With the success of 3D movies in theaters, according to Hollywood Reporter sources, it seems George Lucas has taken note of it and sees the “new” craze a way to earn a little bit more green from the movies. The first release is set to hit theaters in 2012. But there is worse news. I am often asked, what’s the right way to introduce Star Wars newbies? Should they start at “A New Hope” or dig in at “Phantom Menace”? My answer differs from Mr. Lucas’ apparently as the first 3D release will be Phantom Menace. Ugh. I think the news would have been less stinging if they’d going with “A New Hope” but… After “Phantom Menace” or PM if you hang around fan websites, Lucus intends to release one after the other on a yearly schedule. That means in 2017, we’ll be done hating this choice by Lucas or looking back at this post and commenting on how misdirected it was. Can 3D bring anything new the trilogy and the prequels or will this just go down as a bad idea, like the Ewoks: Battle for Endor? Let us know in the comments. Read: [Hollywood Reporter] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile 
According to Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® surveys, Americans want the market to determine what goes in their phones, not government. The studies shows increasing wariness about governments behavior regarding their interest in whats in our phones. What prompted the study? Broadcasters are pushing congress to add mandatory FM radios to phones. In what could be my favorite quote of the year, Gary Shapiro, CEA CEO had this to say, “Broadcasters should man up, stop whining to Congress and start competing.”
The survey conducted by CEA tested Americans reactions to manditory FM radios in cell phones. The result was 70% opposed the measure. Further, a full 80% the government mandating anything in our phones. Broadcasters are using a dispute over royalties from radio stations. The move to get a foothold in all cell phones was proposed as a compromise. The broadcasters believe they are right, pointing to the idea that “broadcasters provide a tremendous lifeline service” by keeping people informed during emergencies such as hurricanes or terrorist attacks, says National Association of Broadcasters spokesman Dennis Wharton. It’s an interesting point, cell phones could make helpful information dissemination devices in the event of a disaster that cripples our wireless networks. Sharpiro points out that many such phones with FM radios are already on the market. The bottom line is this: do we want government insisting what goes into our beloved phones? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Read: [CEA] Image credit: entertainment.howstuffworks.com Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile Best Buy has just recently announced a new promotion, one that will run through the month of October and be enticing you with free phones. The deal has been dubbed “Free Phone Fridays” and just like the name implies, Best Buy will be offering free (on-contract) phones each Friday during the month of October. According to the deal, “Free Phone Fridays” is set to kick off this Friday, October 1st with the Samsung Fascinate (Verizon), BlackBerry Curve (Sprint), HTC Aria (AT&T) and the Samsung Gravity 3 (T-Mobile). And as you may have guessed given this weeks lineup, the “Free Phone Fridays” offer will have four handsets each week, one from each of the four carriers and they will all require new two-year agreements. Read [Business Wire] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers As of late, the talk of HP based tablets seems to have shifted from Windows 7 to webOS, however it looks like the Windows 7 models are not entirely out. CNET has recently been provided with a series of images showing off what is said to be the HP Slate 500. According to the details given, the HP Slate 500 will be running Windows 7 and feature goodies such as a HDMI out, USB, front and rear cameras and the now familiar jagged looking back plate. In addition to the tablet itself, the images also show off the docking station and leather case. Bottom line, the HP Slate 500 is tipped for release sometime in October, as in next month. With that, hit the read link below to check out a few more images… Read [CNET] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers Dell teased us with some details of new Android tablets the other day and it looks like they will be coming a little sooner rather than later. The details are coming by way of a recent Wall Street Journal article and call for “a whole slew” of tablets to arrive over the course of the next year. Or more specifically, a 7-inch tablet is expected to be released in the next few weeks and a 10-inch tablet will arrive sometime in the next 6-12 months. And as if that was not good enough news for those waiting for an Android tablet, Dell also has plans to release a 3-inch and 4-inch model sometime in the next year. With that, the 7-inch model has been confirmed as Android, as for the rest, they may (or may not) be Android, though it sounds like that is where Dell is heading. Read [WSJ] Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers It looks like Best Buy is itching to become one of the first to offer the recently announced BlackBerry Playbook tablet once it comes available. "When it comes to market, we're going to be very happy to offer it to our customers," Mr. Dunn said at an event to discuss Best Buy's holiday plans.
Of course, this seems to make perfect sense considering the PlayBook (at least for initial launch) will not have 3G (or 4G) connectivity. In other words, given the lack of mobile broadband from a wireless operator RIM is going to need to find another way to sell these tablets. After all, the carriers have always been the best way to get a BlackBerry smartphone but that will not be the case with this tablet. With that, it will also make a nice addition for Best Buy considering they have the Apple iPad and Dell Streak tablets. Maybe they will also be offering the Samsung Galaxy Tab, which could make them the go-to place to check out all of the hot tablet devices under one roof. Read [WSJ] Via [CrunchGear] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Gadgets / Other, Transportation Marty McFly was a pretty cool cat. His sweet red vest paired with those fresh Nike kicks were the talk of the town all throughout the 80s. Oh, I almost forgot about his car that could travel through time. I’m sure that little thing had something to do with Mr. McFly’s overall coolness factor, wouldn’t you agree? Well, the future is now and a company by the name of Terrafugia has officially created a multi-dimensional vehicle that can both fly and drive you around town. Ladies and gentlemen, this is synergy at its finest (and its not just something from a Michael Bay film either). Terrafugia, which is derived from the Latin for “escape the earth,” was founded in 2006 by award-winning MIT-trained aeronautical engineers and MBA’s. This vehicle give drivers (or pilots?) the option to take flight and get to work on time or get stuck in early morning traffic just like every other yuppie shouting profanities behind big yellow buses. Terrafugia is already being sponsored by Garmin, Bose and several other companies I’ve never hear of. The company is also beginning to test and certify the next generation prototype. The first customer delivery of a Transition Roadable Aircraft will be sometime next year. Start saving up now folks. These babies can be pre-ordered right now for as little as $10,000. That sure as heck beats out that jet pack for 90k that made some headlines earlier this year. Just imagine pulling up to that guy with the Porsche at your building and landing next to his ride in a flying car. The words “in your face” come to mind. Read [Terrafugia] Full Story » | Written by Tarun Kunwar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile Loving the look of that limited edition R2-D2 Droid 2 and not able to part with your iPhone 4? Well, worry not because you can now add some R2-D2 flair to you iPhone with a vinyl decal for a lot less than it would cost to break your AT&T contract and switch over to Verizon and get a new phone. And hey, at least if you ever get tired of the look, the sticker can be removed which is something that those picking up a Droid 2 will not be able to do. Hit the read link below to make the purchase and show off your Star Wars geekiness. Read [Etsy] Via [IntoMobile] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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