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Thanko Sells HD Video Camera Sunglasses

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 01:07 AM PDT

Do you want to wear sunglasses while being able to shoot videos in a discreet way at the same time? Tokyo-based crazy gadget maker Thanko seems to think there are people who need their HD Video Camera Sunglasses [JP]. The device’s 5MP CMOS camera lets you take AVIs in 1,280×720 resolution at 30fps – handsfree.

Pictures (JPEGs) can be shot in 4,032×3,024 resolution. The material can be stored on microSD cards (32GB max., the sunglasses feature a slot) and later be transferred to a computer via USB 2.0. Thanko says about 1.4GB are enough to store about 10 minutes of HD video.

The sunglasses are already on sale on Thanko’s Japanese website (price: $74). Ask online store Geek Stuff 4 U if they can get one shipped to you in case you live outside Japan.

Daily Crunch: Mech Edition

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 12:00 AM PDT

Google: Chrome OS Only For Notebooks Right Now

Posted: 31 May 2011 06:35 PM PDT

Although we recently heard tell of a touchscreen-based test platform called Seaboard running Chrome OS, Google isn’t in a hurry to acknowledge that its browser OS is coming to tablets. I can’t blame them, either — with Android numbers increasing and Chrome OS unproven, it’d be foolish to dilute the market with a second tablet ecosystem. So they’re officially limiting it to Chromebooks for now.

Speaking at Computex in Taipei, Google’s Sundar Pichai said:

Chrome OS is a computer model designed with various form factors in mind, but we are entirely focused on the notebook form factor for now. We have no other plans at this time.

The touchscreen testbed seems to contradict that statement, but at a big company like Google they’re definitely thinking and testing months and years ahead of time, so “no other plans” really just means “plans could change.”

Once they roll out Chrome OS in earnest, though, I think we’ll see an understandable divide between it and Android. It’ll take a while and both products continue to evolve, though, so let’s just wait and see.

Suunto Elementum Terra All Black Watch Is All Black

Posted: 31 May 2011 04:57 PM PDT


This is just a new color variation on an existing model from Suunto, but damn is it a looker. The all-black casing and negative display make for a stealthy look, and it retains all the sweet functions of the other, less handsome designs.

The Terra has an altimeter, barometer, 3D compass, and a number of other features useful for mountaineering. Not that I’m going to be mountaineering any time soon, but maybe if I wore this watch, people would think I’m capable of it. Or not.

[via Hypebeast]

This Stun Gun-Equipped Armored Glove Is Worthy Of Judge Dredd

Posted: 31 May 2011 02:57 PM PDT


Although I can picture a battalion of shield-faced riot police wielding these against a terrified populace, the concept really is too “life imitates sci-fi” to pass up. The BodyGuard is an armored gauntlet with a 500,000-volt stunner protruding from the back of the hand, with room for any number of other weapons of self defense.

It was invented by a cameraman (and apparently friend of Kevin Costner) who thought it would just be a practical way to introduce defense tools to one’s arsenal while keeping one’s hands free. It weighs under three pounds and presumably will stop any number of melee weapons from hitting your actual arm. The bulge is actually empty, waiting for other devices to be implemented: GPS, cameras, and so on.

More information at ArmStar, though no price or anything yet. Expect to see it on Blackwater (or Xi, whatever they’re called) type mercenaries and private security groups soon. And on Kevin Costner’s bodyguard.

[via HardOCP]

TDK Shows Off Transparent Bistable OLED Mobile Display

Posted: 31 May 2011 02:37 PM PDT


The transparent display wars are yet to begin, since everyone is still prepping their devices, but that doesn’t stop the big guys like TDK and Samsung from throwing a little PR party every once in a while to let you know they’re still on the task. Today TDK released info on a new display, the UEL476, that’s a bit different from the rest.

Many of the transparent displays we’re seeing are AMOLEDs; this one is a “PMOLED,” utilizing a passive matrix instead of an active one. It’s similar to the way e-ink works, but still requires power to fluoresce, so don’t go expecting month-long battery life on these things. But for color e-readers the tech could result in some serious power savings.

Will we see this screen on any devices soon? I doubt it. It’s too small for most consumer devices, and AMOLED is more than likely the next generation of small displays. But TDK is a big company and this is just the tip of the iceberg — a photo-ready version of something that has a dozen other variants. We’ll hear about more soon enough.

Zinio Comes To Honeycomb

Posted: 31 May 2011 01:20 PM PDT

The popular virtual magazine marketplace Zinio has arrived on Android 3.0, bringing its stable of titles (including Rolling Stone, Popular Mechanics, and Us Weekly) to the likes of the Xoom and Galaxy Tab 10.1. The Android tablet market may not be anywhere near the size of the iPad’s, but they’re getting in there early and putting their foot in the door.

As a tablet-warming gift, you get two dozen free/sample magazines from their most popular lines if you download the app before June 15. What do you have to lose?

Samsung Starts Production In New OLED Display Factory

Posted: 31 May 2011 01:05 PM PDT

Despite Samsung's ongoing patent tiff with Apple, the South Korea-based manufacturer had good reason to celebrate this Memorial Day weekend, as its long-awaited 5.5-Gen OLED display factory is starting production. Many thought that factory production would be delayed after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March, but Samsung managed to get its new factory up and running two months ahead of schedule.

The new factory will manufacture much larger glass substrate sheets with an initial capacity of 24,000 per month. The factory will build up output throughout 2012, which should make AMOLED screens more cost-competitive. Samsung's new factory can also employ the laser-based LITI production method, which will make high-res AMOLED displays (300ppi) more wallet-friendly per panel.

This is certainly good news to Samsung, whose Galaxy S II smartphone is basically flying off shelves. Hopefully the new factory will be able to keep up with the serious demand for the ultra-popular second-gen Galaxy smartphone, especially since the Galaxy S III is likely already in the works.

[via Phone Arena]

ViewSonic Officially Unwraps ViewPad 7x Android Tablet

Posted: 31 May 2011 12:30 PM PDT

Along with an aluminum roll pad laptop protector, a USB-ported alien doll IM notifier, and of course, Intel's new Ultrabook notebooks, the Computex trade show in Taipei also gave us our first look at ViewSonic's new ViewPad 7x tablet. As with any unannounced device, we've heard a few rumors surrounding the ViewPad specs earlier this month, but now we have a full run-down on ViewSonic's upcoming slate.

The ViewPad 7x runs Android 3.0.1 Honeycomb, powered by a dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, with HSPA+ connectivity. Hopefully, ViewSonic has plans to get an Android 3.1 update to users post-launch, but we've heard nothing official on the matter as of yet. The ViewPad 7x sports a 7-inch LED display with 1024 x 600 pixels of resolution, rear and front-facing cameras, and an HDMI-out port. Unfortunately, no word yet on pricing or availability.

[via BGR]

WHO Assessment Puts Cell Phone Use At “Possibly Carcinogenic”

Posted: 31 May 2011 12:00 PM PDT

The World Health Organization has just released the findings of a major literature review by leading scientists in the fields of cancer and radiation. Their conclusion? We need more data, but it’s looking as if wireless communications are, at the very least, not not carcinogenic.

The only positive data were deemed too “limited” or “inadequate” to permit the group to say there’s a definite link, though they saw fit to give it a 2B rating, “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

Does this change much? Not really — “possibly” isn’t “probably” and it sure ain’t “definitely.” The reason they’ve classified it in this way is because of a lack of evidence. There are studies going on that can show links here and there, and there are correlations, but more long-term, large-scale studies need to be done in order for health officials to be able to say anything with confidence. Unfortunately, such studies are expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to design; over 10 years, so many environmental variables change that isolating one as a carcinogen is extremely difficult.

Think you’re at risk? Don’t hold your phone next to your head all day, or keep it in airplane mode when you’re not using it. But don’t forget you’re surrounded by the things.

The full press release can be downloaded here, though the details will be released separately online and in the July Lancet.

HP Issues Another Round Of Notebook Battery Recalls

Posted: 31 May 2011 11:30 AM PDT

Remember back last year when HP recalled overheating and exploding batteries? No? Here’s our coverage. Apparently a series somehow escaped the net and now HP is recalling another 162,000 notebook batteries. These batteries were included on laptops sold between July 2007 and May 2008, which according to the CPSC, “can overheat and rupture, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.” Yeah, it’s best to protect your baby making region and ensure your notebook isn’t packing a time bomb. [CPSC via itnews]

U.S., U.K. Recognize Cyberland As A Legitimate Battlefield

Posted: 31 May 2011 10:16 AM PDT

As sad as it is to think about, cyberland gets more and more dangerous each year. Identity theft and random acts of hackery are now everyday concerns to most people, or at least a tiny fear that looms in the back of every head staring at a web page. Both the United States and United Kingdom armed forces are realizing the vulnerability within this particular patch of battlefield, and have finally declared that cyberwar is, in fact, an act of war.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, the Guardian reported that the U.K. has been developing weapons specifically designed for offensive attacks on computing systems, classifying the weapon as "an integral part of the country's armory." Today, the U.S. military followed suit, according to the Wall Street Journal, which reported that the U.S. will respond with brute force to any form of a cyber attack. "If you shut down our power grid, maybe we will put a missile down one of your smokestacks," claimed an unnamed military official in the WSJ's report.

This really comes as no surprise after the stir caused by the Stuxnet virus. Defense contractor Lockheed Martin confirmed that the virus was a cyberattack directed at Iranian nuclear operations, and with governments reigning in military spending, the armed forces stand to benefit directly from any potential new threats, just like this one.

But there will be a bit of a learning curve for both the attackers and governments alike, as cyberwar isn't the same bomb-launching, tank-rolling, Osama-raiding experience we've all been exposed to. For one, the origins of a cyber attack aren't always apparent. Plus, the nature of the world wide web means that any viral attack on a specific target will most likely injure the attacker and its allies, as well.


The Kisai RPM Tokyoflash Watch: Surprisingly Handsome, Made Of Acetate

Posted: 31 May 2011 10:12 AM PDT

Acetate is the high-gloss material used to make glasses and other wearables. Tokyoflash has taken the material to interesting new heights with the Kisai RPM, releasing multiple versions of their “handmade” watch for $159. The links, case, and buttons are all hand finished and assembled and the odd limited edition colors look pretty darn cool.

This watch is powered by a rechargeable batter so you’ll have to plug it in occasionally. Time telling is achieved by noting the large pips that signify hours, the smaller pips that show 5 minute intervals and then the smallest pips that show 1-4. If that’s hard to understand, this watch is probably not for you.

Limited Edition
White
Graphite and Pearl models RPM Acetate RPM watch front view


Is Your Macbook’s Butt Peeling? Get A New Bottom

Posted: 31 May 2011 09:43 AM PDT


If you bought a Macbook between October 2009 and today you may be facing dreaded “peel-butt” where the rubber flakes off of the bottom of the laptop. You can either bring your laptop into the Apple Store for free repair or they can send you a DIY kit. All you really have to do is unscrew a few screws and plop on the new one.

Apple has determined that under certain circumstances the rubber surface on some MacBooks may separate from the bottom case of the system. MacBooks shipped between October 2009 and April 2011 may experience this issue. Apple will replace the bottom case of any affected MacBook, free of charge, that exhibits the issue.

Best of all, they will issue a refund if you paid to have this fixed in the past two years.

via 9to5 via hardmac


Urwerk’s UR-202S Wild Watch In Steel

Posted: 31 May 2011 08:50 AM PDT

The Urwerk UR-202S, aka the Hammerhead, also bears the name “Full Metal Jacket.” The Stanley Kubrick movie reference points to the fact that this Urwerk watch is the first this brand has offered with a metal bracelet. According to Urwerk, bracelets have been part of their plans for a while but for various reasons was never fully realized until now. Components are limited by manufacturing realities which can hinder designs concepts tremendously. Having said that, the UR-202S watch that comes on a bracelet is limited to only 50 pieces.

Read the rest here…

Comments Are A Little Borked Today

Posted: 31 May 2011 08:26 AM PDT

It seems comments are a little borked today as the Disqus plug-in failed during our last update and problems just started showing up today. I’ve reimported all of the comments for the past few days so here’s hoping it fixes itself.

Update: things seem to be working more smoothly now. If you see anything weird, though, let us know.

ACOUZTIC by XCEON IZ FLSHLGHT WIZ MP3 PLYR, CZTZS $139

Posted: 31 May 2011 08:20 AM PDT

It’s hard out there for a Alien Abduction Believer. You’re busy wandering near the desert with a .22 and some binocs and you keep missing your favorite talk shows while keeping our nation safe from the teeming hordes/slavering alien brood mothers at the border. What to do? Why not pay $139 for a flashlight/MP3 player combo so you can get your news fix will keeping an eye out for aliens. Seriously. Alex Jones would totally recommend this if he knew about it. I bet its even better than his patented Commando Unit Food Grower which is actually a chia pet in a dome.

Why buy just one? Buy two! Or three! Heck! Buy a gross! I’m sure they could swing a bulk discount your way. Anything to get this product into the hands of fools who deserve to have their money parted from them.

I mean seriously. WTF?

Product Page


The Nintendo DS Lite Is Now Just $99

Posted: 31 May 2011 07:38 AM PDT


The aging Nintendo DS Lite just got a breath of sweet life. If you don’t already own the fantastic handheld, perhaps its new, lower $99 price will bring you aboard the party bus. Nintendo just announced the price drop from $129, which in my mind, does nothing but create a bit more competition for the $249 3DS. Maybe this move is a precursor to Nintendo dropping the 3DS’ price next week at E3.


Garmin Releases New And Improved eTrek Handheld GPS Units

Posted: 31 May 2011 07:30 AM PDT


The Garmin eTrek series has long been the go-to outdoor GPS unit. They’re affordable, capable, and, as I’ve learned, capable of surviving numerous drops from a tree stand. Garmin just outed the latest editions that bring a far amount of new features to the line.

The eTrek 10, 20 and 30 all pack the ability to display geocaching GPX files and properly display the key information like terrarin, hints, and discriptions. The slightly more pricey eTrek 20 and 30 models sport a 2.2-inch 65k color display while the eTrek 30 contains a 3-axis tilt-conpensated electronic compass, which displays heading information without being perfectly level.

Garmin expects to release these new models sometime in the fall for $119, $199, and $299, respectively.

My Book, Black Hat, Is In ePub Format And Is Free To Download

Posted: 31 May 2011 07:16 AM PDT

I wrote a book in 2004 about hackers, spammers, and other nerds and I thought I’d like to share it with the world. It’s currently available on Amazon and B&N and is $9.99 for the print edition and an inexplicable $9.49 in the Kindle edition. It is apparently not available for the Nook.

The book is 7 years old and is nearly out of print. It is about spammers, hackers, and viruses and I wrote it for a general audience like my dad who may or may not be all that technically savvy. It’s not a How-To as much as an exploration of the personalities in hacking.

According to Bookscan I sold 0 copies in the past few months and rather than allow it to molder, I’ve decided to give it away, with some caveats.

MANDATORY STEP: Let me know you downloaded it. Email me at john @ bigwidelogic.com or tweet me at @johnbiggs

OPTIONAL STEPS:
1. Read it. It was pretty good, I was just starting out as a writer, and I thought some of it was fun/funny.
2. Buy it if you liked it. Or at least buy a copy for someone who you think will like it. Heck, even buy a paper copy.
3. Pass it around and tell others about it.

You guys are smart enough to know that nothing is free. It took me a two years to write this and it took Apress many resources to publish it. Now, however, it’s run its natural life and I’d like to perform this experiment to see how many copies will circulate in order to assess the feasibility of releasing books like this in the future. The publishing industry is changing before our very eyes and I’m worried many of us will be left behind if we don’t change with it.

Anyways, enjoy. Let me know if you want more formats.

Mirror EPub
EPub Version
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