Have an iPhone? Send Yourself a Fake Call

We've all been there before. Maybe you're on a blind date and it's not going well. Maybe you bump into an old acquaintance on the street and get dragged into a conversation. You want to get out of it, but you're too nice to just blow them off. With Magic Tap's new iPhone application, you can now schedule your phone to ring with a fake phone call. The application allows you to customize the caller name or number, when you want to receive the call and even whether your phone should ring or vibrate. Best of all, it doesn't actually initiate a call, so there are no airtime charges. Just pay the mere 99 cents in the Apple App Store and you'll never get stuck in a boring situation again.

Microsoft SecondLight Project Gives Surface Another Dimension

Microsoft's Surface used the concept of the tabletop as a giant multi-touch interface. Though we haven't seen the Surface break into anything but limited promotional uses, the development of the original device has continued. Microsoft researchers based in Cambridge, UK showed off the SecondLight prototype at the Professional Developer Conference this week. SecondLight uses some clever technology to give you (essentially) two display sources at the same time, one being the familiar projection onto the tabletop surface itself. The second display is projected through the surface onto say, a piece of tracing paper placed above it. What is more impressive is that this second display could also be used for multi-touch input. Confused? Then check out the video.

Move Over Segway, Meet the SBU

Ever want to ride a unicycle? Well, if you have $1500 to spare, doing so has just gotten a little easier. Next month, Focus Design will release its self-balancing unicycle, or SBU. Like the Segway, you control the SBU by leaning forward or backward, but instead of standing, you're sitting. Unlike a typical unicycle, no pedaling is required; the pedals are simply foot rests. At a mere 25 pound, the SBU is able to reach speeds of 8.5 mph and can go up to 12 miles on a single charge.

Samsung Announces 8MP Touchscreen Camera Phone

Samsung's recently announced M8800 Pixon is the first touchscreen cellphone with a whopping 8-megapixel camera. In addition, the Pixon includes many other features typically reserved for dedicated cameras, like face detection and image stabilization, and is also capable of recording a rather impressive 720x480 video. The pictures and videos can be stored on microSD cards or uploaded directly to ShoZu's photo and video upload service. In addition to the camera features, the Pixon also includes many other features found in recent Samsung phones, including an accelerometer, FM radio and GPS. As of now, the phone is scheduled to drop in Russia in mid-November, but should be headed elsewhere eventually.

New Law Enforcement Device Can Download Your Phone's Data

The Cellular Seizure Invistigation Stick, CSI Stick for short. Thats what Cnet shows us; a new device developed by Paraben designed to attach to your cellphone and download all of its contents, even deleted messages.  So far it only works on select Samsung and Motorola models, but LG, RIM, Nokia and others are coming soon. Most wouldn't worry much if this technology remained in the hands of the police, but this slick little number is also available to the general public - for a hefty $200USD. Teenagers cower and parents rejoice as this makes a perfect way for the concerned parent to monitor the ever growing text sensation, weather they'll be able to understand it is another story. One question on the minds of many: what if my phone is password protected? Keep up to date at the Paraben website.

The Saddest Robot Ever Made?

If you were expecting a robot that could emote "sad"...I'm sorry, that's not what this is. No, this isn't a robot that can cry either (we already have those creepy baby dolls for that). No, instead, this is just sad in the "sorry-excuse-for-a-robot" kind of way. If you've ever asked yourself what would happen if a Segway just couldn't stay upright, well you're in luck...watch the video here for a balancing robot that...well...doesn't really balance all too well. And in closing, I must apologize to all other robots for referring to this disaster as a robot.

Let KITT Guide You

If you grew up in the 1980's you probably watched Knight Rider...and you probably wanted your very own K.I.T.T.; the talking car that all other talking cars aspire to. Though lacking a lot of the neat features of the famed car (sorry, armor isn't included), you can now have the voice of K.I.T.T. inform you how to get to your destination via the new Knight Rider GPS system by Mio. You can even have the device greet you as Michael (if you truly have some sick fantasy, unless your name is Michael, and then more power to you), or choose from over 300 names...all for a very reasonable asking price of $269.99. The device is scheduled for a September 24th release, but RadioShack is accepting pre-orders now.

Electric/Hybrid Vehicles too quiet for visually impaired

Lotus, the creator of the masterfully crafted Elise and Exige, is coming out with a new sound system that apparently makes the Prius sound like a Lamborghini. This new technology is designed to help bicyclists and the visually impaired so they can hear oncoming vehicles. Electric and hybrid cars such as the Prius run extremely quiet when the combustion motor is off and this may pose a problem for children as well as other pedestrians. A 300-watt speaker, throttle position sensor, amplifier and synthesis controller are included in the package which is claimed to make virtually no noise to those inside the car.

OLPC Knockoff uses NES Knockoff

Yet another ambitious program started by students of MIT (also the birthplace of One Laptop per Child (OLPC) program), uses a Famicom aka Nintendo Entertainment System clone that is so similar that it can accept NES game cartridges. Its name is the Victor-70 and it is claimed to be available for twelve dollars when it is released in India. Apparently, supplying third-world countries with decade-old technology for its youth is a good idea. Regardless,its design is very similar to the QX9770 in that it has a 1.78 MHz 8-bit processor along with 2K of memory for video. Internet and “other features” are planning to be included to turn this game console into a “TV Computer”. Currently, it is available at the Tigerdirect’s of India for twenty-four dollars but the price is expected to drop.

Remote DVR System Approved

In 2006, Cablevision Systems announced plans for a DVR system with remote storage, thus eliminating the need for customers to physically have a DVR box in their home. A lower court ruled in favor of a group of Hollywood studios that Cablevision would be making copies of programs instead of customers, thus violating copyright laws. Cablevision appealed the decision and today the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan overturned the decision. Craig Moffett, a senior cable analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, says that he expects the Hollywood studios to appeal the decision and for the case to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Nevertheless, he stated that the ruling is a huge victory for consumers and cable service companies alike, effectively making DVR functionality available to almost half of U.S. households, compared to 25% currently. I've only had my DVR for about six months now, but I'm already addicted. I'm really curious to see if this materializes, and if so, what kind of restrictions will be in place, if any. I can only record two shows at once...with cablevision doing the recording, that may mean customers can record an unlimited amount of shows at one time, which may not sound necessary, but is still nonetheless cool.

Toyota Enters Brave New World of Personal Transportation

At first glance, the Winglet seems like an appetizer at Buffalo Wild Wings. However, it is actually the name of Toyota’s new venture into the market of personal transportation. The true name of the Winglet is "personal transport assistance robot" and in appearance and function, it is similar to the revolutionary Segway. This “Winglet” comes in three sizes, much like the refreshing drinks at McDonalds, small, medium and large. Also similar to the drinks at McDonalds, the Winglet comes in several distinct flavors. From what is described as "hands-free sporty" (the small) to a practical method of transportation for those who can’t live without the sweet caress of the autumn wind in their faces (medium and large), the Winglet caters to wide niche of consumer. Toyota states that the Winglet will have a range of five to ten miles depending on model and will be released in 2010.

Waterproof Your Cell Phone or Laptop Without an External Case

Have you ever accidentally dropped your cell phone in a puddle, or maybe a toilet? What about spilling a drink on your laptop? If you've done either of these, you'll appreciate this new product from the Northeast Maritime Institute. Golden Shellback coating makes your electronic gadgets resistant to liquids without the need for any external casing. Furthermore, the coating is nearly undetectable and doesn't affect the functionality of the device in any way. If you head over to the official Golden Shellback website and scroll down a little, you'll be treated to a video of the coating in action, and it's pretty damn impressive. This could have come in handy when I accidentally jumped into a pool a couple of years ago with my cell phone in my pocket. That was a sad day, indeed.

Apple's Bumpy iPhone Debut Continues

Apple has finally gotten a taste of what Microsoft has gone through for over a decade. Nobody said it was easy at the top, just ask Microsoft. Microsoft has had its share of problems over the years with its Windows operating system, but most non-jaded computer experts will tell you that a lot of those problems stem from its popularity. It's just common sense; the more users you have, the more likely there will be problems. And, in the case of operating systems, the more users you have the more apt that someone will target your system with viruses and malware. With the iPhone, Apple has now received a taste of what popularity can actually do to a company. Not only has demand exceeded supply, but the in-store activation for the new iPhones is also frustratingly long. In addition, 70 bugs have needed repair so far in Apple's new MobilMe software. I also personally think Apple made a bonehead move, releasing the newest firmware upgrade to the old iPhones on the same day the new 3G iPhone launched. Many people tried to update at the same time, knocking down Apple's servers and leaving several customers without phone service for several hours.

Several Nintendo Controllers may be Banned

Nintendo may soon have to halt sales of its Wii Classic Controller, GameCube WaveBird, and the standard GameCube controller. A suit was brought against Nintendo by Anascape for violating its patent for a "six degrees of freedom interface device." Sony has been licensing the technology since 2004 and Microsoft settled out of court. Nintendo, however, decided to go to trial, and the judge ruled that Nintendo was indeed in violation of the patent and not only owes $21 million, but may also have to halt sales of the three aforementioned controllers. Nintendo has appealed the ruling, so for now, they can continue to sell the controllers. However, if you've been considering purchasing one, you may want to do so sooner rather than later.

The Death of UMD, and a PSP Hard Drive?

Those two things may be sooner than you think. According to Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO Jack Tretton, the company has considered adding a hard drive to the PlayStation Portable and he also stated the possible demise of the UMD format. Both comments were spurred by the thriving PlayStation Network, which just recently added downloadable movies and television shows. A hard drive seems like a logical step moving forward, but one has to wonder what that'd do to the PSP's size, weight and most importantly, battery usage. Sony made the PSP slimmer, lighter and more power efficient last year, so this could wind up reversing all that.

Robotic Art Highlights Pittsburgh's 250th Anniversary

As Pittsburgh celebrates its 250th anniversary, its also celebrating robotics, in what's being dubbed Robot 250. Illah Nourbakhsh, an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute, says he wanted to show that robots aren't just for "industrial automation or tinkering engineers." Instead, the robots that will be on display during the two-week event are artistic expressions; 11 "BigBot" robots in all. One such "BigBot" is a roller coaster above the entrance to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh controlled by a solar panel and containing cars filled with plants rather than humans. You can see a picture of the roller coaster here, along with a few of the other "BigBots."

Bluetooth Handgun Handset - Build at your own risk

File this under the do-not-bring-to-airport category...though you probably shouldn't bring this out in public, period. No, this relatively simple Bluetooth handset modification is something best left for your closest friends, maybe after a few beers. Yes, it's not exactly a practical mod, but you have to give props to its creators for sheer cleverness.

Is the iPhone 3G Really Worth It?

As reported here yesterday, the initial reviews for the iPhone 3G have been favorable. Does that really come as a surprise though, considering the only people that got their hands on Apple's new toy were handpicked by Apple CEO Steve Jobs? Well not everyone is jumping on the iPhone bandwagon. Dan Costa of PC Magazine lists six reasons why the iPhone 3G may not be the phone for you.

Nuvation Unveils Air Hockey-Playing Robot

Are you a lonely computer geek with no friends to play air hockey with? Don't fret! Nuvation, an engineering services company, designed a robotic arm that can play air hockey. According to the company, the robot beats human opponents 90% of the time. The video of it in action is interesting, but in my opinion, the human opponent sucks. I, on the other hand, am an air hockey god, and so I'm not as impressed, as I'd surely destroy it. Nevertheless, it's still pretty cool.

New Sony Camcorder Automatically Photographs Smiles

Next month, Sony plans on launching a new digital camcorder that can not only record high-definition video, but also simultaneously and automatically snap photos when someone smiles. Users of digital camcorders typically have to switch between video recording mode and still picture mode. This is the first camcorder that won't require you to do so, and you can even set priority levels on children or adults. I've been very impressed with the facial recognition of my digital camera (a Canon SX100), so I'm very interested to see how well this "smile recognition" works.

Touch-Screen Bar Table Unveiled in Las Vegas

It was over a year ago that we first announced Microsoft's Surface Technology. There has been a few stories since involving the technology, including its first public use. On Wednesday, Microsoft and Harrah's introduced the newest use of Surface in Harrah's Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The six tables allow patrons to mix their own drinks, watch YouTube videos, play games, and even "flirt" with other patrons.  Looks like some OCCers may have to stop by Rio during the next CES for our very own hands-on demo.

Carpet Keyboard

File this one under the "what will they think of next?" category. Apparently, Maurin Donneaud felt that typing with his hands has become boring. Thus, he decided to build a giant carpet keyboard that allows him to type with his feet.  It's definitely an interesting device, but one has to ask whether it's really worth the effort, because God knows it's got to get tiring real quick.  You can view a slew of pictures at his Flickr site.

The First Solar Powered Speedboat

Nowadays there seems to be solar powered everything, from lights to cars to homes and even blimps. But until now, there had never been a solar powered speedboat. Dutch company Czeers has unveiled what they're calling the "world's first" solar powered speedboat, which it's naming the MK1. Operating in relative silence, the MK1 can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (or around 35 miles per hour).  In addition, it features a touchscreen-based control system.  No word yet on a price, or when it will be available, but in the meantime, you can watch a video of it in action.

ESPN Coming Soon to a Remote Control Near You

If ESPN's numerous TV channels and online content aren't enough to satisfy the sports fan in you, check out "The Ultimate Remote" - an internet surfing, message sending, universal remote with a 2.2" LCD screen. The ESPN-branded device packs 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, allowing users to check the web for real and fantasy sports scores and news, texting capability to other Ultimate Remotes, e-mail, and cell phones, and localized TV listings for broadcast, cable, and satellite TV. Also, The Ultimate Remote requires no PC-based setup, is rechargeable via any USB port, and takes advantage of a Windows-based software environment - but at the recommended retail price of $300, showing your commitment to your favorite sports network certainly isn't a budget-minded proposition.

Swashbot - Mini Robots With Personality

Robots may be getting more sophisticated all the time, yet they still don't have anything on your average pet cat. One difficult thing to ahieve in robotics is the sense that what has been created could be anything more than a bunch of servos and circuit boards. Even super expensive robots like Honda's ASIMO look a bit sterile, even though they mimic human movements pretty well. The Swashbot somehow manages to have a certain appeal to it, despite being constructed from R/C helicopter parts. Maybe that is due to its awkward style of movement, or possibiliy because it might remind you of late eighties movie "*batteries not included". You can check out some movies of the three versions of the Swashbot in action over at Crabfu (creator of the little beasties).

Gaming News Binge

We've got a solid bunch of pretty cool developments on the gaming front today, including a really awesome-looking DirectX 10 S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Clear Sky trailer, Chicago Transit Authority vs. GTA IV ridiculousness, Guitar Hero 4 pinching ideas from Rock Band, and a whole lot more.

PC Gaming
Volumetric Smoke and Dynamic Water Effects in this DX 10 S.T.A.L.K.E.R. – Clear Sky Trailer @ Shacknews
Bethesda Announces “No Fallout 3 Demo” (PC, 360, PS3) @ N4G

Consoles
Metal Gear Online Beta Release Pushed Back (PS3) @ GameSpot
Guitar Hero 4 Evolving into Rock Band via More Instruments and Vocals (All Platforms) @ Shacknews
Wii to Get PS3, 360-Type Graphics from Quantum 3 Engine? @ Kombo

AT+T Partners With Microsoft to Bring Surface to Stores

Microsoft and AT+T have announced a partnership that will give mobile device customers the chance to shop using Microsoft's Surface computer.  Surface allows users to interact with the computer by using touch, gestures, and device placement on its 30-inch screen.  This unique shopping experience will let customers compare the details of two mobile devices, simply by placing them on the Surface's surface.  The computer will recognize the devices automatically, and will display an interactive coverage map - allowing the user to scale their desired coverage from the national to the local level.  If Surface is well received, AT+T plans for expanded distribution among its 2200 U.S. retail stores - and has future plans for allowing customers to "drag 'n' drop" ringtones, wallpapers, video, etc. from Surface directly to their phones.  Cool stuff.

Free Utility Slipstreams SP1 Into Vista Install

A Croatian college student has produced a cool little app. that allows users to slipstream SP1 into a new Vista installation.  vLite was first created as a way to lessen Windows Vista's footprint upon installation, allowing users to shrink the OS down so far that it takes up only 1.4GB hard drive space after setup.  The newest version of vLite, the 1.1.6 Beta, allows for the use of a "Service Pack Slipstream" - which updates the files from an original Vista install disc with SP1, then creates an .iso that can be burned to a DVD that would then be used to install the most up-to-date Vista possible.  vLite also allows users a number of ways to customize their Vista installation, including - adding or removing components of the OS, which language packs are installed, and which drivers are installed.  For more info on this neat program, you can visit vLite's website and poke around a little.

iPhone To Use Windows Mobile OS

Earlier today, Apple announced its intent to use Windows Mobile as the OS on the much-hacked iPhone.  An Apple insider said that the change was needed because of the difficulties experienced getting a 3G phone to work with OSX.  The same insider also noted that Windows Mobile is a much more reliable platform, and far more secure than OSX.  The Fruit-based tech. firm is said to be unhappy about the change, but feels that a "world ruled by Windows" is inevitable.  April Fools!!

Newest iPhone Firmware Hacked

It took less than 24 hours for the iPhone Dev Team to hack the iPhone's new 1.2.0 firmware, which fully unlocks the phone - allowing the iPhone owner to use any wireless carrier he/she pleases.  The hack also allows the owner to install any application on the phone, including the new "Contacts" app, which was previously available only on the iPod Touch.  The Dev Team claims that it will be extremely hard for Apple to patch this new hack.  Combining this news with the recent MacBook Air hack at CanSecWest, Apple's security team must be reeling.   At this point, it may be in Apple's best interest to just officially unlock the iPhone...