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Nascar Fans To Get World’s Largest TV

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 06:46 PM PDT

That’s right, Panasonic has teamed up with the Charlotte Motor speedway. The new TV will weigh in at 165,000 pounds, and cover an area of 16,000 square feet. Now for the bad news, the TV will only be running 720p. Although when it’s that big of a TV I doubt anyone will notice..

[via Geeky Gadgets]

Covenant Energy Sword Now $44, Almost Sold Out

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 04:30 PM PDT

Looking for a Covenant Energy sword to hang on the wall of your man cave? Well, better hurry. The formerly $99 stainless steel stabby thing has been reduced to $44, and as a result there’s only three left in their inventory at Amazon.com. It even includes a wooden wall plaque to hang it from.

[via Destructoid]

Teaching Robots To Use Bows And Arrows – What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 04:00 PM PDT


Big day for the robots today! First we give them custody of our elders during their most vulnerable moment (shampooing), and now we’re teaching them rudimentary combat skills.

After being instructed how to hold the bow and release the arrow, the robot learns by itself to aim and shoot arrows at the target. It learns to hit the center of the target in only 8 trials.

Does that sound like good news to anyone?

Of course you might say “Devin, we already have sniper-rifle equipped murdercopters. Why do we need to fear a robot with a bow and arrow?” To which I would respond, you traitor to the human race, that you need to watch Predator and First Blood to see just how effective a bow-and-knife wielding brush-stalking hunterbot could be.

As a final note, why do we insist on putting the creepiest faces on robots? Why not something more, I don’t know, robotic?

Netflix Adds Every SNL Season Ever To Watch Instantly

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 03:32 PM PDT

Well here’s a nice feather in their cap! They’ve worked out a deal with NBC Universal whereby Netflix will not only have access to every Saturday Night Live season from the last 35 years, but will have day-after watching for every episode that airs through 2012, after which the contract will be be rendered moot by the end of the world.

Go watch already! What are you waiting for — more cowbell?

Scrabble Becomes The First Premium App For The Kindle

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 03:31 PM PDT

We knew they were coming. We knew the Kindle would soon turn into a multi-purpose device thanks to the KDK. Well, here’s the first premium app — Scrabble from EA. It lacks any wireless multiplayer functions, but it does allow you to compete against either the all-knowing Kindle or a buddy. It can be yours for only $5.

But be careful. Buying games for your Kindle is a slippery slope. Right now it’s just innocent Scrabble. Who knows what app will invade your Kindle next and take precious time away from your reading. Battleship? Trivial Pursuit? Stratego? You’ve been warned.

Review: Logitech Z623 2.1 Speakers

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 02:49 PM PDT


Short version: A great speaker system for your desktop — as long as you don’t need surround sound. Perfect for apartment living.

Features:

  • 200-watt 2.1 setup
  • THX-certified
  • Integrated headphone jack and 3.5mm input on satellite
  • Volume and bass controls
  • MSRP: $149.99

Pros:

  • Sturdy, attractive speakers
  • Plenty of power, perfectly decent clarity
  • On-speaker controls and 3.5mm input are handy

Cons:

  • Naturally a bit bass-heavy
  • Could have used microphone input on satellite
  • Sound is more directional than room-filling
  • Subwoofer is kind of huge

Full review:

I used the Logitech Z2300 speakers, the Z623′s predecessors, for years and loved them. So I was naturally excited when they came out with this new set. I haven’t been disappointed so far.

The Z623s aren’t a particularly original product; there are a number of speakers at this approximate price and power, and to be perfectly honest, they’re likely to all be pretty decent. After $150-200, I feel you start getting diminishing returns on 2.1 systems, so you get your maximum value at about this price. Hence, much competition. Altec Lansing, Bose, Creative, and Klipsch all have something to offer, so shop around a bit before you decide.

But enough pre-trashing of these things. The Z623s are a great set of speakers for those of us who watch and listen to most of our media on our desktops. Of course, with a 2.1 system, you miss out on surround sound, but with so many excellent surround-sound headsets available, it’s not so easy to justify a full surround system. Obviously these aren’t right for the home-theater set, who will certainly want a 5.1 or above system. No, these are all about the desktop.

The speakers have 200 watts total: 130 in the sub and 35 each in the satellites. It’s definitely enough to wake your next door neighbor if you get that urge. There are three separate inputs: one 3.5mm and one RCA on the subwoofer, and a spare 3.5mm on the satellite speaker. The satellite also has a headphone jack, power button, and of course volume and bass knobs.

The setup is definitely a step up from the Z2300s design-wise. Although I think the “puck” setup can be nice if done right, the on-satellite controls make for less cable clutter, and the Z2300′s puck felt like a piece of junk anyway. These speakers have a much more solid feel, though some may have preferred a screen in front of the grill and prominent THX branding. The matte black finish and exposed grills are nice in their own way, though, and the satellites have a substantial but pleasing shape. The subwoofer is kind of a beast: 12″ wide, 11″ tall, and 9″ deep doesn’t sound so big — until you try putting it under your desk.

And how do they sound? Well, like a powerful desktop system. These aren’t aimed at audiophiles, they’re aimed at providing powerful stereo sound. Consequently, the subwoofer is relatively overemphasized with the dial in its default position. The sound is much better balanced once you turn the bass down and bump the mid-lows to ease the frequency transition between the satellites and the subwoofer. Once that’s done, you have a relatively balanced sound, and although I still felt like the bass was occasionally coming from a different direction than the treble and mids, proper placement means it’s not very noticeable and if you’re not looking for it, the effect disappears.

The rest of the sound is clear, but no more than you’d expect from a pair of $150 2.1s. The highs are certainly there, but I feel they get drowned out somewhat. Again, proper EQing is essential when your speakers have a natural tendency towards the low end.

I feel the Z623s have a relatively small sweet spot, being somewhat directional rather than room-filling. You lose a fair amount of definition outside perhaps a 30-degree cone, which is to be expected. Unlike truly directional speakers, though, you won’t need to sit at a certain angle to enjoy your songs. Stereo separation and location is excellent; these are great for gaming.

The extra input on the satellite is very welcome, especially for parties, when people want to play stuff off their phone or what have you. Just make sure to have a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable handy. The headphone jack is of course nice, but having the option to plug in a microphone as well, as is often necessary with non-USB gaming headsets, would have been killer.

I occasionally got a crackle when quickly turning the volume knob, but I never heard any pops or distortion during regular listening.

Conclusion

The Z623s are definitely worth your money, at least if you don’t need surround sound. They’re powerful, can be made to produce great sound with a little tweaking, and are convenient for a desktop setup. Recommended.

Product page: Logitech Z623 2.1 Speaker System

Video: Medal of Honor Objective Raid trailer

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 12:36 PM PDT

I don’t care if Medal of Honor is a MW2 clone. I’m still going to give it an entire weekend when it comes out.

Would You Trust This 16-Fingered Panasonic Robot To Wash Your Hair?

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 12:34 PM PDT

I don’t think I need to point out the intrinsic dangers of having a robot that could crush your head like an egg lathering you up and “massaging” your scalp. You may as well stick your head in a tame (but resentful) lion’s mouth and ask it to tongue-bathe you. I guess this shampooinator is meant for old folks. Right, so they can hold them hostage when the Robocalypse comes?

This robot, among others, will be shown next week at the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition in Tokyo. Right, rehabilitation.

So Now Windows Phone 7 Doesn’t Support Tethering At All?

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 12:16 PM PDT

So we heard only a week ago that Windows Phone 7 would support USB tethering and carriers would be (somehow) prohibited from charging extra for the feature. Then a few days ago we heard that it was up to the carriers to included it, though we presumed if they did, it still had to come gratis.

Now, Microsoft has said to Engadget in no uncertain terms that there is no tethering at all on Windows Phone 7. None at all?!

Continue reading…

The FCC Tears Apart the Boxee Box, Reveals A Whole Lot Of Nothing

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 11:29 AM PDT


Well, there she be, boys and girls. It’s the inside of the Boxee Box. Not much to see here besides the slightly chopped heatshink to make room for the trademark slanty design. Click through to the FCC if you need to kill a few more minutes. [FCC via Engadget]

Mad Catz: Only A Small Percentage Of Our Stuff Was Broken With PS3 3.50 Firmware Update

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 11:15 AM PDT

Surely you’ve heard of the latest PS3 kerfuffle? The firmware update that gave the system the ability to play 3D Blu-ray discs has also, it seems, broken certain third-party accessories. Sony says this has happened because, you know, unlicensed hardware can be dangerous to your PS3, so disabling certain bits of kit was a necessary action. (That, and to help cut down on the chance of people jailbreaking the system!) One of the companies caught in the crossfire is Mad Catz, and they have something to say.

Says Mad Catz, in an official statement:

Over the last 24 hours, various media outlets have reported on issues gamers are experiencing after downloading and installing the new '3.50' Firmware for their PlayStation 3 video game systems.

Mad Catz would like to take this opportunity to put gamers' minds at ease. With the exception of a small quantity of controllers sold before 2008, we believe that all Mad Catz products will continue to function as they did prior to the 3.50 Firmware update including high profile products such as our range of Street Fighter IV™ FightSticks and Wireless FightPads; our range of controllers and accessories for Call of Duty®; our Cyborg F.L.Y. 9 Wireless FlightStick; our wired and wireless control pads; and our range of Rock Band™ accessories.

Any consumer who owns a Mad Catz product and is experiencing an issue, including an issue with the PlayStation 3 Firmware update should contact Mad Catz customer services. Providing the product is within warranty, Mad Catz will be happy to offer a suitable replacement.

So what happens to those products that are outside of warranty? I mean, if this lockout mainly affects a "small quantity of controllers sold before 2008," well, how many of those are still covered by warranty.

Plenty of headaches all around.

Fun!

Medal Of Honor Goes Open Beta To Prove EA’s Patriotism. For Real.

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 10:30 AM PDT

EA will host a three-day Medal of Honor open beta (PC version only, I’m afraid) beginning on October 4. Why? Oh, you know why.

Says EA Games President Frank Gibeau:

The Open Beta of the Medal of Honor multiplayer mode will allow players to sample the authenticity and adrenaline-fueled action that the full game will offer on October 12. We also hope that by offering the Multiplayer Open Beta, we can clear up any misunderstanding about the patriotism and respect that are the foundation of this game [emphasis added]. The Medal of Honor franchise has always shown extraordinary reverence for American and Allied soldiers – this game is no exception.

Patriotism, folks. Perhaps EA should ship free American flag pins with each copy of the game?

It looks to be the very same beta that came out several months ago.

DVR Alert: Stargate Universe Moved To Tuesday Nights, Season 2 Starts Next Week

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 10:00 AM PDT


This might not be news to you, but I missed the announcement that Stargate Universe is now on Tuesday nights instead of the long-time spot on Friday. Season 2 starts back up this coming Tuesday at 9:00. Embedded above is the Season 2 trailer. I’m still not sold on the new look and feel, but I haven’t missed a Stargate episode yet and that’s not likely going to change anytime soon.

Bookmaker.com: HTC Will Release Tablet PC This Year

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 09:34 AM PDT

If we’re to believe bookmaker.com (and why wouldn’t we?), then HTC is most likely to release a tablet PC this year.

Five companies are listed in the latest numbers: HTC, LG, Sharp, Nokia, and Motorola. (No mention of HP and/or RIM, two companies that most people would expect to see a tablet PC from, if not this year, then certainly next year.) As mentioned, HTC is the odds-on favorite, sitting at +100.

From there, Nokia is next most likely at +150, followed by the remaining three, all at +300.

The actual odds can be seen under the Entertainment section of the sportsbook.

It’s funny to see Nokia so high on the list, given that its, well, lack of enthusiasm over the use of Android as a tablet operating system.

T-Mobile Constructs Solar-Powered Cell Site In Pennsylvania

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 09:00 AM PDT

T-Mobile, fresh off some sort of short code carrier controversy, has been experimenting with solar-powered cell towers. The company has installed the tower (well, full cell site) in eastern Pennsylvania. It's probably done so for two reasons: one, yeah, it could help the company save a bit of money in the longterm, and two, nothing like some good PR.


Target To Start Selling The iPad On October 3rd, Discounts Available

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 08:55 AM PDT


Target will soon be able to fulfill all your iPad needs. October 3rd is the date that the Apple iPad should hit Target stores throughout the US. Best of all, Target credit card holders can get the iPad for a bit cheaper.

Target’s retail plan includes all six models of the iPad along with a full range of accessories and add-ons. The retailer will honor the suggested manufacturer price starting at $499 for the 16GB WiFi version.

However, starting on October 17, a 5% discount is available if the device is purchased with a Target credit card. Target hopes the extra discount will entice consumers to purchase the iPad from the discount department store rather than traditional electronic retailers or Apple themselves. It’s good enough for me.

Nissan Halts Leaf Pre-Orders At The 20,000 Mark

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 08:12 AM PDT


Hope you got your Leaf already ordered because otherwise you’re out of luck, hippie. Nissan just stopped taking orders for its electric sedan now that there are 20,000 orders. That was the plan all along, however, Nissan didn’t expect to hit this mark until December, which clearly states there’s a demand for a polished electric vehicle. Hear that, Chevy? Your Cruze EV better hit American dealers.

NISSAN REACHES 20,000-RESERVATION MILESTONE FOR NISSAN LEAF; FIRST PHASE OF CUSTOMER RESERVATIONS COMPLETED

– Drive Electric Tour Kicks Off in October –

Consumer interest for the Nissan LEAF continues to grow, as Nissan North America Inc. today marks its 20,000th reservation for the 100-percent electric car.

Nissan had anticipated reaching its stated target of 20,000 reservations at the time of the first U.S. Nissan LEAF delivery, in December. This achievement comes three months ahead of schedule and just days before Nissan kicks off the "Drive Electric Tour." The 23-city tour will give reservation holders and those interested in driving a Nissan LEAF a chance to experience all-electric driving firsthand.

Achieving 20,000 reservations marks the successful completion of the first phase of the Nissan LEAF rollout, which began more than five months ago, and no further reservations will be taken until next year. Nissan now is focusing on providing the best level of customer service and premium ownership experience to those who already have enrolled. A subsequent phase of reservations will begin next year, after current reservations and orders have been processed.

Consumers who already have made reservations will continue to have the opportunity to purchase or lease an all-electric Nissan LEAF. Nissan is following its planned order-release timing for existing reservationists. Orders have been prioritized based on market timing and when consumers submitted their original reservations online and paid their refundable $99 reservation fee.

Those who are interested in the Nissan LEAF but have yet to make reservations are invited to sign up for information and updates on www.nissanusa.com. They will be contacted in advance of the next phase of vehicle reservations.

"As of today, 20,000 consumers have spoken, and they are choosing the Nissan LEAF and a zero-emission future," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. "We, along with our dealers, now look forward to focusing on providing an absolute top-level purchase experience to our first customers, and to help ensure that the transition to gas-free driving is a seamless one. We invite all who are interested in experiencing the Nissan LEAF to join us at the upcoming Drive Electric Tour, which is coming to 23 cities beginning this fall."

Consumers and other interested drivers will have the first opportunity to test-drive a Nissan LEAF in select markets starting Oct. 1 through the "Drive Electric Tour." The tour will provide information about the car, its technology, and its features, along with the first public test-drives.

Tour stops include:

Oct. 1-3: Santa Monica, Calif. Jan. 7-9, 2011: Houston
Oct. 8-10: Anaheim, Calif. Jan. 14-16: Dallas
Oct. 15-17: San Diego Jan. 21-23: Jacksonville, Fla.
Oct. 22-24: Los Angeles Jan. 28-30: Miami
Oct. 29-31: San Jose, Calif. Feb. 4-6: Orlando, Fla.
Nov. 5-7: Hillsboro, Ore. Feb. 11-13: Tampa, Fla.
Nov. 12-14: Seattle Feb. 18-20: Atlanta
Nov. 20-28: San Francisco Feb. 25-27: Knoxville
Dec. 3-5: Tempe, Ariz. March 4-6: Charlotte, N.C.
Dec. 10-12: Tucson, Ariz. March 11-13: Raleigh, N.C.
Dec. 17-19: Austin, Texas March 18-20: Washington, D.C.
March 25-27: Nashville
Interested drivers can learn more about the tour, including specific locations, and register to drive the Nissan LEAF at www.drivenissanleaf.com. Sales of the Nissan LEAF begin in December in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Tennessee. In January 2011, sales begin in Texas and Hawaii. The Nissan LEAF will be available nationwide by the end of 2011.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.NissanUSA.com.


Fancy A Final Fantasy XIV-Branded Controller?

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 07:45 AM PDT

Picked up your copy of Final Fantasy XIV yet? (You’ll recall that the collector’s edition was released on the 22nd, with the standard edition hitting stores on the 30th.) Any interest in this, thing, a Final Fantasy XIV-branded controller?

It looks more or less like a DualShock, which could be a bit of a problem when you’re juggling the 8 million keyboard presses to play an MMO effectively.

It’s from Sunflex Europe, a peripheral company that’s been around the block more than a few times.

And if a licensed controller isn’t your thing, then perhaps you’d be interested in a plush Moogle?

Mac OS X Now Running On An HTC Shift Near You

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 07:15 AM PDT

Remember the HTC Shift? Sort of an early-days tablet. (Tablets are dated in terms of whether they came before or after the almighty iPad.) The hardware wasn’t too bad, but, yeah, it didn’t make a huge mark on the world. But, they’ve now got Mac OS X on there, so if you have one and would like a quick little project!

Mac OS X on the Shift is working pretty much at 100 percent, save for Wi-Fi and the built-in fingerprint scanner. Oh well.

It’s only 10.5.6 for now, as Apple removed a bunch of critical drivers (well, critical if you’re looking to get the Shift to run OS X) with the move to Snow Leopard.

The full directions are on the XDA Devlopers forum.

Apple TV Delayed By Weeks, Cable Company Execs Heard Rejoicing

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 07:13 AM PDT

Apple announced the refreshed Apple TV just a few weeks back and immediately starting taking pre-orders. However, something is now amuck. The Apple TV product page always listed September as the ship date, but now it says 2-3 week, which puts it in October. Apple also just started issuing refunds for expedited shipping. This comes days before it was expected to ship, too.

What’s that? Getting a little deja-vu? Very good, sir. Apple did the same thing days before the iPad shipped.

The update Apple TV is 1/3 smaller than the previous model and is part of Apple’s cloud strategy. The lower $99 price is possible as Apple removed the internal storage along with utilizing Apple’s A4 CPU . The streaming device also has access to Netflix, YouTube, and an owner’s media through Apple’s Airplay protocol.

The email via AppleInsider,

“Our records indicate that when you placed your order you paid for upgraded shipping,” Apple wrote in the emails. “Due to a delay, we may have not been able to meet our delivery commitment.”

That’s about all Apple has to say on the subject. The Apple TV product page lists the ship date as 2-3 weeks, but of course that can change. Sorry, Apple fans, but I feel obligated to point out that the new Roku models are now shipping. Just saying.
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