Safe Gadgets

I guess these have been around for quite a while now since the Spiderman 3 movie has long ended its run at the cinemas, but they’re still cool enough to warrant a mention here.

Two realistic Spiderman masks with an intercom duplex system that allows you to talk and listen to your partner at the same time. Features: flexible microphone arm and adjustable intercom mask strap. Requires 2-9V batteries (not included).

They won’t come cheap though, and since you’ll need at least a couple of these, the £34.99 price tag could be rather prohibitive you.

Source- http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20080331/spiderman-3-movie-intercom-masks/

LG Electronics announced its smartphone line-up for the CTIA 2008 show in Las Vegas. If the touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard boasting smartphone are not sexy enough for you, the new LG models sure will.

LG will show this week at the CTIA 2008 the LG-CU920, LG-VX9100, LG-VX9900, LG-AX830, LG-KF700 and LG-KF510.
Of course LG will also still show their well selling Voyager LG-VX10000 and 'Venus LG-VX8800.

AT&T will release the LG-CU920 (LG Vu) touchscreen phone in May. The phone features a 2MP camera, Bluetooth and MediaFLO.

The LG-VX9100 sports a full QWERTY keyboard and folded open. LG releases the LG-VX9100 end of April in the United States.

The LG Glimmer (LG-AX830) slider/touchscreen phone is already announced by Alltel.

Source- http://www.i4u.com/article15896.html

The Apple brand has the biggest impact on the world's consumers, while Microsoft and the United States nation brand are those considered most in need of a remake, a survey showed on Monday.

The poll by online magazine brandchannel.com asked its readers to identify the brands with the greatest impact on their lives, and say how they affected readers' behaviour and their view of the world.

The nearly 2,000 professionals and students who voted named Apple overwhelming winner. The creator of the iPod and Mac computer triumphed in six categories including most inspiring brand and the one readers cannot live without.

Microsoft, the world's largest software maker was also a winner, but it received the dubious honor of the brand most readers wanted to argue with, and the one they most wanted to revamp. Voted into second place in the category was brand USA.

"Apple has clearly captured the hearts and minds by leading across most categories. Others, such as the USA nation brand, which ranks highly as most in need of a rebrand, requires help according to our readers," said brandchannel editor Jim Thompson.

The poll does not take account of economic brand value, the murky science of assigning a financial value to brand, which regularly puts Coca-Cola Co's (KO.N) Coke in first place.

One of the more surprising results from the survey, was that few of the respondents -- who came from 107 countries -- thought that there was such a thing as a "green" brand.

The result comes despite millions of dollars spent by some of the world's biggest companies to rebrand themselves as "environmentally-friendly."

Discussing Apple, one anonymous reader said there was "never a dull moment" with the company "reinventing itself all along and providing, over and over again, a new perspective on what we thought was carved in stone."

At the other end of the spectrum, Microsoft had "gone from innovative and bold to stodgy and follower," said another unnamed reader.

After Apple, the most inspiring brands were Nike, Coca-Cola, Google and Starbucks, the survey showed.

The same brands, except with Virgin in place of Starbucks, were the brands most readers would "like to sit next to at a dinner party."

The rankings by brandchannel.com were based on answers from almost 2,000 readers from 107 countries. The survey was conducted online from February 24 to March 9.

Source- http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/brand_poll_dc;_ylt=AjW8wzj8sx3JGQ2jOvvbxbYjtBAF

Philippine PC manufacturer Neo and multinational computer processor maker Intel have jointly launched a new 16,999-peso (406-dollar) mini laptop, spokesmen said Saturday.

The Neo Explore is a "ruggedized and shock-proof" laptop with a keyboard that will not be damaged by spillages of liquids, said Neo spokeswoman Mariel Que.

It weighs 0.66 kilograms (1.45 pounds) and is the size of a schoolchild's lunchbox but will have the memory capacity and usual features of a standard basic laptop.

Though the Explore is primarily designed for primary school children here, it can also be used by first-time PC users for word-processing and Internet access, said Intel Philippines country manager Ricky Banaag.

It will be available in stores in major Philippine cities.

Source- http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080329/tc_afp/philippinestechnologycomputer;_ylt=AoLZSpKucyFaZQdSBtwgen8jtBAF

There's hope for those of us suffering from chronic imbalance as a result of staring too long at periodic tables and 20-sided dice. It's an implant developed by neuroscientists at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

The implant looks to off-set balance irregularities in the human vestibular system caused by trauma or disease affecting the gyroscopic function of the inner ear. A microprocessor converts signals received from a motion sensor worn on the head into electrical impulses. These are then sent to an electrode implanted into the inner ear. The first test will begin next week on a rhesus monkey. A move which evokes cries of "unfair" from us -- unlike nerds, monkeys already have excellent balance.

Source- http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/31/researchers-develop-human-prosthesis-for-balance-unfortunately/

We have just published details about the long-rumored, US bound, Windows XP Eee PC. The Windows XP version will go on sale at Best Buy for $399, and you won't have to wait too long either, as Asus expects the systems to ship on April 9th. The system that will run the Windows XP OS shall be the standard Eee PC 4G, which LaptopMag have been putting through its paces for over a month. The machine makes a solid impression overall, however, the disk space is a bit limited to run Windows XP and additional applications on top. Asus are considering dropping in a 4GB SD card to aid in the disk space shortage, but nothing has been confirmed to that end. Jump for the complete spec of the Windows XP Asus Eee PC.

Colors: Pearl White, Black

LCD Size / Type: 7 Wide

LCD Resolution: 800 x 480 (~WVGA)

LCD Type: TFT

Graphic: Intel UMA

Chipset: Intel Mobile Chipset

Processor: Intel Mobile CPU

Memory: 512MB DDR2

S.S.D Storage (Solid State Disk): 4GB

OS: Windows XP Home Preloaded

Software: MS Works, Windows Live

Audio: High-Definition Audio CODEC

Microphone: 1 Internal Microphone

Speakers: 2 Internal Stereo Speakers

Audio Jack-Out (3.5mm)

Audio Jack-In (3.5mm)

Wireless Included: 802.11 b/g

LAN / Connector: 10/100 Mbps / RJ-45

3 USB 2.0 ports

Memory Card Reader: MMC/SD(SDHC)

VGA Port 1 (D-sub 15 pin)

Integrated Camera

Battery: four-cell 4400mAh

Battery Life: 2.8 hours

AC Adapter Output: 9.5V, 22W

AC Adapter Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal

Unit Weight: 2.0 lbs (with battery)

Unit Dimensions: 8.86 x 6.30 x 0.79 ~ 1.26 inches

Source- http://gizmodo.com/373820/windows-xp-eee-pc-available-at-best-buy-in-april-pricing-stays-sweet

GT provides us with several Mario Kart Wii player demonstrations. Put simply, the game is fun for all ages.

Each track had a completely different flavour. From the gently swaying trees and difficult to dodge cows in the meadow course to the conveyor belts and crane-carried platforms in the Toad's factory course, each track brought back a fond new memory of a Nintendo title from yesteryear but presented them with fresh style.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-mario-kart-wii-japanese-player-demo

After a week full of Red Bulls, Fruit by the Foot and dreams of In-N-Out, the mighty Sony VAIO loaded with Linux stood as the only machine unhacked by the end of the PWN 2 OWN hacking contest at CanSecWest. As you're well aware by now, the MacBook Air on display was seized in two minutes by the presumably well prepared Charlie Miller, and after two full days of work, Shane Macaulay and a few of his 1337 associates managed to crack the Vista rig on Friday.

Reportedly, Shane and his pals weren't expecting to do battle with the extra protected SP1 version of Vista, and while the exact loophole won't be divulged, we are told that it was a cross-platform bug that "took advantage of Java to circumvent Vista's security." In the end, it was reported that some folks on hand had discovered bugs in the Linux OS, but many of them "didn't want to put the work into developing the exploit code that would be required to win the contest."

Source- http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/29/linux-becomes-only-os-to-escape-pwn-2-own-unscathed/

In Prototype, "the player controls the character of amnesiac Alex Mercer in New York City, with freedom similar to that of the Grand Theft Auto series and some Spider-Man games, in which the player can visit most locations and interact with the environment while not engaged in missions."

A key aspect of Prototype is the 'disguise or destroy' concept, which is tied to Alex's enemy-consuming and shapeshifting powers. Alex can also shapeshift into more fantastic forms for attack, defense, or sensory enhancement. All of these together are intended to give players multiple ways to complete their objectives. Movement is simplified to allow more controls dedicated to shapeshifting, with Alex automatically navigating obstacles in a manner inspired by Parkour.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-new-prototype-xbox-360-ps3-screenshots-developer-diary-released

The release of SOCOM Confrontation via the PlayStation Network this fall may have the mass appeal to be a digitally distributed "killer app" for the PlayStation fan base, but Sony has plenty of unique offerings over the next few months, some of which we are already intimately familiar with. Echochrome and Wipeout HD haven't been lacking in exposure, but MTV's Stephen Totilo goes hands-on with two more PSN originals, Elefunk and PixelJunk Monsters Encore to get a handle on what's next for the Store.

The dates MTV provides for the next four PSN showpieces match up pretty well with the leaked release schedule from a few weeks ago.

According to the report, it would appear that Echochrome may very well be bypassing a UMD release, opting for a download from the PC and PlayStation Stores. The hard copy release in Japan didn't exactly light a fire under the PSP community.

Source- http://kotaku.com/373651/the-playstation-networks-next-big-games

When we first saw screens of Sonic Unleashed, it was pretty clear that we were looking at something that was only feasible on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. No offense intended to the GameCube Turbo, but Sonic and the Secret Rings didn't look this good. Chatter about a sensible Wii version has been making the rounds since first screens and video sneaked out, but it would appear that Sega is planning to unleash more Sonic love on every viable platform.

Retailer GameStop is currently listing Sonic Unleashed for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, as well as the Wii and PlayStation 2. All listings are labeled with November 4 ship dates, along with platform appropriate pricing.

Source- http://kotaku.com/373660/sonic-to-be-unleashed-on-wii-and-ps2

The Incredible Hulk by SEGA "features key moments from the film, as well as additional plotlines and characters from the character's rich comic-book universe."

Players smash through New York City, battling gigantic enemies amidst soaring skyscrapers in a massive open world. Players can demolish anything in their path and also use it as a weapon -- pieces of a crumbling building�a passing car�a light standard.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/the-incredible-hulk-ps3-xbox-360-debut-trailer

Apple is expected to launch a high-speed wireless version of iPhone in the second quarter and produce as many as 8 million of the devices in the third quarter, according to Bank of America.

Apple shares closed up $2.76, or 2%, at $143.01 after the prediction in a research report about the third-generation phone from Bank of America analyst Scott Craig. Shares in AT&T Inc (T.N), the exclusive U.S. carrier for iPhone, closed up flat at $37.66 after rising to $38.39 earlier in the day.

"Our latest channel checks point to a significant production build of a 3G iPhone beginning in the month of June after an initial small build in May," he said.

AT&T said last year it expects to be able to sell a 3G version of iPhone in 2008, but it declined comment on specific launch dates on Friday.

Apple representative Jennifer Bowcock declined comment.

Craig said that now he expects production volume to be much higher than his previous estimates. He said Apple planned to build more than 3 million high-speed iPhones in May followed by more than 8 million in the third quarter of the year.

Craig, who had previously estimated 8 million iPhone units for the whole of 2008, said that was starting to look conservative unless some of the plans were pushed back.

Many other analysts have said they expect Apple, which is holding a developer conference in June, to launch an advanced iPhone around that time.

Current Analysis analyst Avi Greengart said it would make sense for Apple to bring out its high-speed iPhone in June around the time it launches an upgrade to iPhone software.

Apple has said it expects to have sold 10 million iPhones by the end of 2008. It said in January that it had sold more than 4 million iPhones since the phone was launched in June.

Source- http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080328/tc_nm/apple_iphone_dc;_ylt=AroudYUJX8nXm6C_yXJwvJkjtBAF

Microsoft Office Labs produced this bit on their future vision of personal healthcare for the MIX08 session last week.

Having said all that, you can still get a pretty good idea of what Microsoft foresees as the future of personal health management with some advances in natural interface interactions.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-microsoft-s-future-vision-of-personal-healthcare

The last time we heard someone proclaim the death of the game console, it was EA's head of international distribution saying that an open gaming platform distributed within cable and satellite set-top boxes would take over within 15 years -- a prediction at which we laughed pretty heartily, given that most cable companies can't even manage to get a functional DVR out the door. So it's fairly surprising to hear the former VP of Xbox Europe make the exact same prediction, and bump up the timeline pretty dramatically: Sandy Duncan, who was with MS for 15 years, recently said that dedicated game devices "will die in the next five to 10 years," and that "most of this stuff will be 'virtualized' as web services by your content provider."

Of course, Duncan's now with YoYo Games, which is a web-based gaming company, so he might be a little biased, but there's truth in his statement that the console gaming market is risky and that launch costs of new hardware are incredibly high. Still, as Duncan should know first-hand, it's an investment that can definitely pay off, and we think consumers are always going to demand choice and quality -- two things that aren't exactly synonymous with cable and satellite hardware.

Source- http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/28/former-xbox-europe-vp-says-consoles-will-be-dead-in-5-10-years/

Inside Line pits the 2008 BMW M3 coupe against the 2008 Audi S5 coupe in this comparison test. Which vehicle comes out on top? Find out in the below video...


In terms of aural pleasure, we give the Audi a few points for its sexier exhaust note. But for sheer power, honors go to the BMW at both low and high rpm. Unlike the M5's V10 on which the M3's engine is based, this V8 shows no such want of torque and feels full-bodied and tractable at any rpm.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/2008-bmw-m3-coupe-vs-2008-audi-s5-coupe-video-

The Bourne Conspiracy, slated for release on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, "gives players the experience of becoming a 30 million dollar elite agent, fusing an experience that delves deep into Jason Bourne's character with gameplay and game presentation inspired by the aggressive filmmaking and frenetic action found in the films."

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/the-bourne-conspiracy-ps3-xbox-360-gameplay-blowout

The iPod may soon found its match in the Onda VX767 PMP. Resembling the iPod Touch externally in more ways than one, the Onda VX767 is loaded with goodies and features that consumers may want to consider before buying their next portable media player.

The VX767 is useful device that is packed with features that could match or surpass than those of the Touch. The VX767 features a 4.3-inch 16:9 widescreen display with a 480 × 272 resolution.

It is powered by a 400MHz processor and can play MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, FLAC for audio files, along with RM, RMVB, ASF, FLV, MOV, WMV, AVI, MP4, 3GP, MPG for video files and has support for JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG images. There is an FM radio, TV out port, built in microphone and a microSD card slot with support for up to 32GB cards. The VX767 also has built-in support for Flash.

Unfortunately there was no information about pricing or a release date, however I would not expect this to land in the States anytime soon.

Source- http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/onda-vx767-pmp-an-ipod-touch-clone-with-upgrades/

Facing pressure from hosted productivity suites such as Google Docs and Google Apps, Microsoft is planning a new package of low-end productivity software and hosted services through a secretive project code-named Albany.

Project Albany puts together a combination of Office, Office Live Workspaces, Windows Live OneCare and the Windows Live suite of services in one package that eventually is expected to be available in retail outlets such as Best Buy, sources familiar with the company's plans said Wednesday.

The sources, who asked not to be named, said Microsoft is asking select testers to try out the Project Albany beta, but is requiring them to sign a non-disclosure agreement just to participate in the test. The main focus of the initial beta is to test the unified installer for the package, they said.

Office is Microsoft's enormously successful productivity suite, and it's unclear how much of that product will make it into Albany. Because of its price points and functionality, Office Home and Student 2007, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint, is the most likely candidate for inclusion in the new suite, which is expected to be fairly low-cost. Office Home and Student 2007 retails for US$149.95, about $250 less than Office Standard 2007 -- which in addition to Word, Excel and PowerPoint also includes Outlook and has a list price of $399.95.

Other products that are expected to be a part of Project Albany are hosted services Microsoft has developed over the past few years. Office Live Workspaces is Microsoft's hosted service for storing and sharing documents online, while Windows Live OneCare is a security service that includes firewall and antivirus protection. Windows Live services include hosted e-mail, search, photo-sharing and other services; it is also not certain at this time which of these services will be a part of Albany. However, one source said the Windows Live products included in Albany will be client-side applications such as the desktop version of OneCare, Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Writer, not hosted services.

Through its public relations firm Wednesday, Microsoft confirmed that it sent out beta invitations for a product code-named Albany, but declined to share additional details.

Because of its history of selling packaged software, Microsoft is adopting a software-plus-services approach to providing applications online to compete with Google's free and low-cost hosted services such as Google Docs and Apps, which are beginning to encroach on Microsoft's historical packaged-software territory. Other companies such as IBM also offer free productivity applications, although IBM's Symphony suite is not a hosted service.

Microsoft executives have said that the company eventually will offer a hosted version of Office, even as the various packaged versions of Office continue to be successful in the consumer and business markets. With Albany, the company could be trying to create a hybrid product that wouldn't cannibalize its software business even as it moves Microsoft's services strategy forward.

Source- http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,143873-c,webservices/article.html

This is the prediction from Pocket Lint [via Gizmodo]. Sounds pretty good to us. We would normally be a little gun shy about this sort of prediction, especially since we whiffed our prediction it would be unveiled at MWC2008. However, CTIA just happens to start on April first. And Head-of-The-Division-That-Contains-Windows Mobile Robbie Bach just happens to be giving the keynote. And WMExperts just happens to be planning on heading over to Las Vegas for the show.

So file this one under “Very Likely.”

Speaking of CTIA: expect wall-to-wall coverage. We'll live-blog Bach's keynote, we started up a Twitter feed for WMExperts, and heck, we will even post up direct from the show floor via our trusty Motorola Q9h.

Windows Mobile 6.1, if you'll recall from the many leaks, features a much-improved Today screen experience and (FINALLY) native threaded SMS, among other improvements.

Source- http://www.wmexperts.com/articles/rumors/windows_mobile_61_to_arrive_ap.html

Some folks are just straight up spotlight hogs. As if Modu didn’t recieve enough press about its modular phone, yesterday the handset was announced as the “world’s lightest mobile phone” according to Guinness World Records.

The Modu weighs a mind numbing 1.41 oz and measures just 2.8 x 1.4 by .3 inches. If you don’t recall, the Modu phone can be slipped into a variety of ‘jackets’ essentially creating a new phone - a phone per outfit, a chick’s dream.

Source- http://www.gadgetreview.com/2008/03/worlds-lightest-phone.html

According to a blurry screenshot (as well as a few rounds of independent confirmation), Nintendo's forthcoming Wii Fit will set you back a cool $89.99, and pre-orderers will be asked to hand over ten whole US bucks (up from five) to reserve their copy.

Source- http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/24/wii-fit-to-cost-89-99-at-gamestop/

Microsoft is synonymous with the ubiquitous Windows operating system. But its Microsoft Office productivity suite pulls in more revenue than any version of Windows. Competition from Web-hosted productivity applications like Google Docs and Zoho Office has changed the rules of the application-suite game, however, threatening Microsoft's desktop application revenues and forcing it to address the growing popularity of Web-hosted applications with new features and products.

The obvious move would be to offer free, ad-supported, feature-limited online versions of Office's flagship applications designed to compete head-on with Google's and Zoho's word-processing, spreadsheet, and presentation programs. Microsoft's free Office Live Workspace, however, takes a different tack by providing private and public shared online file areas, or workspaces, that are tightly linked to Office's desktop applications via a downloadable plug-in.

Though it lacks advanced workflow, communications, and project management features, Office Live Workspace has more in common with collaborative Web services like Basecamp and Central Desktop than it does with Google's or Zoho's online suites. Currently ad-free, Microsoft says the site may eventually include advertising.

Office Live Workspace anticipates the kinds of jobs you're likely to collaborate on, providing prefab workspace templates geared to specific business, school, and home tasks such as organizing a group meeting, launching a product, writing a term paper, throwing a party, or managing a little-league team. Individual templates contain document templates designed for the task, such as a project proposal outline in Word or a presentation in PowerPoint.

Office Live Workspace supports Excel files, too, though none of the templates available when we reviewed the site were Excel files. On the other hand, the service doesn't support Microsoft's Access database format, which is too bad--Access users looking to delegate data entry and to simplify reporting tasks might benefit greatly from an online database-sharing arrangement.

You can view documents in the three supported Office file types online, but to edit the files, you must download and open them in your local copy of Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or in a compatible suite such as OpenOffice.org, and then reupload them when you're done editing.

Emulating a handy feature pioneered by Zoho Office, the service also lets you open, edit, and save files directly from your Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 applications to your online folders, using a downloadable toolbar plug-in. Besides working in the supported Office file types, you can create, view, and edit several other types of files--Events, Contacts, Task Lists, and Notes--via the Web interface, and sync these with the corresponding information types stored in your local copy of Microsoft Outlook. The site lets you create one other file type--a spreadsheet-like list--and export it to Excel format if you wish. You can upload other file types, too. The site simply displays an error message if you try to view or edit unsupported file formats.

If you work with only a few collaborators, Office Live Workspace provides just the right combination of file-sharing controls and ease of use. As the workspace administrator, you create a new shared workspace and then invite other users by e-mail to join it, either as viewers (who can see but not modify files) or as editors (who can see, create, and modify files). You can share workspaces with invited users, make them public, or keep them private. Files are easy to move from one workspace to another. Though you can't share individual workspace files, you can share individual files that are stored in the default 'Documents' folder.

Office Live Workspace displays a log of file creation, editing, and deletion activity, and the administrator can retrieve an earlier version of a file if an editing snafu occurs. If you add the SharedView utility, a small download that's still in beta, you can share your screen and its applications with other workspace users--a feature that several other collaboration services offer as well. Only one user at a time can control and edit a document via SharedView, however. If you need tighter controls over file access, or other workflow tools like e-mail reminders of project milestones and due dates, choose a more powerful collaboration service.

You'll also want to look elsewhere if your projects involve lots of large files. While other online storage services--including Google, Zoho, and Microsoft's own Windows Live Spaces--offer gigabytes of free storage, Office Live Workspace gives you just 500MB, with individual file size limited to 25MB. But if you and a few of your coworkers or family members want to collaborate in a lightweight fashion using Microsoft Office apps, Microsoft's unique response to Web-hosted applications could be a free and easy no-brainer.

Source- http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/143519/hands_on_microsoft_office_live_workspace.html

PS3 Firmware 2.2 has just been made available for download. The update adds the Blu-Ray 2.0 standard, otherwise known as BD-Live, and will enable downloadable movie content, such as games, wallpapers and ringtones.

Source- http://gizmodo.com/371694/ps3-firmware-22-now-available

The DVD swapping service Peerflix is closing, according to an e-mail sent to users this evening. The service enabled its members to request DVDs from other members. It let users print prepaid fold-it-yourself mailing containers on 8x11-inch paper, and charged a fee for each swap.

Source- http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9902546-7.html?tag=nefd.top

XP may not EOL until this June, but that doesn't mean it's not in need of the same kind of tender lovin' update packs as OSes of every variety occasionally receive. And according to CRN, the long awaited XP SP3 could be due out as early as tomorrow, or possibly later this week.

Update: We hate to be the bearers of bad news but we've already heard that things might not be so optimistic for such an early release. Sources tell us that there still might be some show-stopping issues with SP3 that could prevent it from staying stable (and thus seeing immediate rollout).

Source- http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/23/microsoft-releasing-xp-sp3-this-week/

Microsoft has partnered with Rockstar to produce a limited edition (500 units) Grand Theft Auto 4 Xbox 360 Elite package, complete with briefcase crammed full of accessories. Unfortunately, these units were only shipped to select press outlets.

The guys at Xbox took an Elite system and, using automotive-quality paint, touched up the sides of the 360 with the GTA IV box art and a serial number. Not a bad way to welcome the first title in the franchise that didn't drop as a Sony exclusive.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/pictures-microsoft-s-limited-edition-grand-theft-auto-4-xbox-360-elite

Hey, All you cool people, check this out- Slim Sony PSP gadget model. The model is really slim as the Sony PSP....

We are curious to know, what do you think, who is more slim & slutty, whether SONY PSP OR it's model.

http://community.i4u.com/Picture/Slim+Sony+PSP+Gadget+Model/041FBFFFF000EF5A40007000474FB

Market research firm Gartner on Wednesday changed its stance against using the iPhone in an enterprise situation, due to the iPhone's upcoming software upgrade, which will see broader support for security and enterprise email.

Gartner was among the firms that expressed concerns about the iPhone's use in the enterprise when it was first released. Marketed mainly as a consumer device, the iPhone's cool factor drew admirers from all walks of life, which led many company's to be concerned about it's use.

"In its initial release, the iPhone was, with few exceptions, an Internet tablet with browser-based applications as its main offering, however, the release of firmware 2.0 changes that, enabling enterprises to develop local code and create applications that do not depend on network capabilities," said Ken Dulaney, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner. "The iPhone will thus match up initially in several segments against its main smartphone competitors -- BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Symbian Series 60."

What's in "iPhone 2.0?"
iPhone software 2.0 will see many enterprise-level improvements, including "push-based" e-mail, calendar info and contact management; additional support for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) including Cisco IPsec; and two-factor authentication, certificates and identities. Apple also sees "enterprise-class" Wi-Fi with WPA2/802.1x support and tools to enforce security policies as critical. IT managers will also be able to deploy iPhones, set them up automatically, and, perhaps most importantly, wipe the devices when necessary.

"By licensing Exchange ActiveSync and exposing its basic security policies, enterprises can provide sufficient security for iPhone during Exchange personal information manager (PIM) and e-mail use," said Dulaney. "This will open up a huge market for the iPhone, which previously had been stymied by a lack of basic business security and application functionality. However, Apple must widen distribution and of course deliver what they have promised."

Source- http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/143599/analysts_now_recommend_iphone_for_business_use.html

Here are the 5 household items that will help you "Get Off" easy in daily routine. Check out one by one:-

Electric Toothbrush The first time I ever turned on my electric toothbrush I had an almost Pavlovian response to that familiar buzzing sound, and my vagina began to drool, but I'd never bothered to try it out... until the other day. I removed the bristle head, and placed the vibrating metal stem onto my outer lips (I was too scared to put it right on my clit, since it looked like it could be a little sharp). The problem with this is that without the head on the toothbrush, the stem is way too thin to really do anything substantial. Of course, some sex toy shops sell attachments designed specifically for such an occasion, but not all of us have the foresight to do something like that. Necessity is the mother of invention, so I grabbed some toilet paper and rapped it around the stem to form sufficient padding, and that did the trick. Sure it didn't hold a candle to my Magic Wand, but it lit me up anyway.

Cell Phone Okay, so I've actually tried using my phone on vibrate to get off many a (drunken) time before, but it was always an exercise in futility. However, for those of you who have an iPhone, you may have heard about iBrate, an application you can download that can actually turn your iPhone into a vibrator. It's still sort of a lame substitute, since the vibe is a little to soft and steady for my liking (i can haz pulsing, pleeeze?), but at least it can get you to a certain level of excitement and then your hands and arms can come in and finish you off.






Neutrogena Wave When I first saw the commercial for the Neutrogena Wave -- a "power cleanser" for your face -- I was like, "That's a straight-up vibrator." Unfortunately, I didn't have one of these bad boys while on vacation, but I obtained one since, and have been testing it out today, and dude, it's a straight-up vibrator. It's just as good as any silver bullet vibe, but it's quieter. Also, on the box, it says "penetrates deeper." Heh heh.



Bath Tub Faucet Everyone is always going on about detatchable shower heads, and they're great and all, but they're the sort of luxury item for people who frequent Brookstone or Restoration Hardware. I'm all about the bathtub faucet, because it has a powerful gush of water, and the crappier your apartment, the more unsteady (thus exciting!), the flow can be. I actually picked this up at a really young age because I heard it being talked about on Married With Children.





Washing Machine It's a little clichéd, but honestly, an unbalanced washing machine on the spin cycle is just about the best ride you can take on a hunk of metal that doesn't have wheels. If you really want it to be fun, throw some sneakers in there, or place a large load of heavy towels or maybe some pillows in, but only on one side.









Source- http://jezebel.com/369366/5-household-items-that-will-help-you-get-off-easy

The Financial Times has a piece claiming that Apple has been in deep talks with music companies about an all you can eat music download service. The piece speaks with authority, citing that while Nokia pays the labels $80 per handset for such a service, split according to marketshare, Apple has only offered $20. Hence the delay.

The article also cites an anonymous executive who claims consumers would pay $100 extra for a device with lifetime music downloads, or $8 per month. Comparatively, Zune's pass is $15 a month. Apple's doing well with current music store sales, in second place behind Wal-mart. So one has to wonder what their motivation would be for such a setup. Total domination?

Source- http://gizmodo.com/369467/financial-times-itunes-all+you+can+eat-music-downloads-coming

Apple released a 3.1 version of its Safari Web browser on Tuesday with several improvements. Apple said the new version loads Web pages 1.9 times faster than Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7 and 1.7 times faster than the open-source Firefox 2 browser. It also said Safari 3.1 runs JavaScript up to six times faster than any other browser, and it is the first to support new Web standards.

Apple said the speed benchmarks were based on VeriTest's iBench Version 5.0 with default settings, running on an iMac 2.4-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with Windows XP and 1GB of memory.

For Mac and Windows
The browser is available as a free download at www.apple.com/safari, and works on both Mac OS X and Windows operating systems. For Mac, the browser requires either the Tiger 10.4.11 version of Mac OS X, or Leopard, with at least 256MB of memory on any Intel-based Mac or any Mac with a PowerPC G5, G4 or G3 processor. For Windows XP or Vista, at least 256MB of memory is required and at least a 500-MHz Intel Pentium processor.

Apple Senior Vice President Philip Schiller said Safari 3.1 is "blazingly fast, easy to use" and features an "elegant user interface." Best of all, he added, the newest Safari supports audio, video and animation standards needed for the next generation of Web 2.0 experiences.

In particular, Apple noted that Safari 3.1 is the first browser to support new video and audio tags in HTML 5, as well as the first to support CSS animations. It also supports CSS Web fonts that offer new design choices.

Support for MacBook Air
The interface includes drag-and-drop bookmarks, easy-to-organize tabs, and an integrated Find that shows the number of matches in a page. A built-in RSS reader enables the user to scan and view news and information from feeds. Other features include double-clicking on the tab bar to open a new tab, URL metadata that accompanies images when they are dragged or saved from the browser, and support for trackpad gestures of back, forward and multiply on MacBook Air computers.

The new Safari also supports offline storage for Web applications in SQL databases, support for SVG and CSS images, and support for SVG advanced text. The Windows version improves on back and forward controls, supports signed Java applets, shows the Caps Lock icon in password fields, and adds support for international domain names. In addition, a contextual menu in the Windows version permits opening a link in a window or tab and there is improved pop-up blocking for plug-ins.

For the developer, Apple noted that there is now an option in Safari preferences to turn on the new Develop menu, which has Web development options. There is also access to a Web inspector with CSS editing, an improved snippet editor, and support for a custom user agent string.

Source- http://news.yahoo.com/s/nf/20080318/bs_nf/58863;_ylt=AurBddrxpUpG_v.8vTxN_PgjtBAF

May be you might not notice but YouTube has recently updated its embedded video players and added a few minor features. Below are the new supported features-

This is Ben Heck's one-handed Wii controller and one-handed wireless Xbox 360 controller.

Looking a lot easier to hold, it requires the use of your leg to control the right analog stick (and idea that sounds weirder than it probably actually feels).


Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/pictures-one-handed-xbox-360-controller-version-2

Google Inc, the world's leading search engine, said on Monday it was concerned about the free flow of information on the Internet if Microsoft Corp were to succeed in acquiring Yahoo Inc.

Last month, Microsoft proposed buying Yahoo in a deal originally worth $44.6 billion, but Yahoo's board has rejected the offer, saying it was too low.

"We would be concerned by any kind of acquisition of Yahoo by Microsoft," Chief Executive Eric Schmidt told reporters.

"We would hope that anything they did would be consistent with the openness of the Internet, but I doubt it would be."

Schmidt pointed to Microsoft's past history and "the things that it has done that have been so difficult for everyone," but he did not elaborate.

Last year, a European court upheld a landmark 2004 decision that Microsoft abused the near-monopoly power of its Windows operating system to damage competitors, along with a 497 million euro ($695 million) fine.

"We are concerned that there are things Microsoft could do that would be bad for the Internet," said Schmidt.

Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer pledged earlier this month that his company would gain market share against Google in online advertising and Web searching, even if led to his "last breath" at the company.

In a Reuters poll of financial analysts, the overwhelming majority said they believed Microsoft would eventually succeed in buying Yahoo, but many said they felt it may not be the best use of its ample cash reserves.

Source- http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080317/wr_nm/google_microsoft_dc;_ylt=ApEYRYDQGWbImPkvmiEV.4sjtBAF

In Apple's latest commercial, called the "The Winger", they show how the "iPhone makes remote blogging easier and faster." Check out the cool iPhone "The Winger" Ad video.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-apple-launches-the-winger-iphone-ad

Toshiba just updated their 12.1-inch Dynabook SS RX1 in Japan with a new 128GB SSD option. Build RX1/TAE bundles 128GB of solid state disk with internal, KDDI EV-DO data module, 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo U7600 processor, 2GB of memory, Intel 945GMS Express graphics, a 1,280 x 800 pixel panel resolution, and choice of 6.2 hour or 12.5 hour batteries.

How much? Try something like more than $4,000 when it pops for Japanese retail next month.
Source- http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/17/toshibas-dynabook-ss-rx1-worlds-first-laptop-with-128gb-ssd/

Microsoft Corp. met with Yahoo Inc. to discuss the software maker's unsolicited takeover bid earlier this week, a breakthrough that could be the first step toward a friendly deal between the two rivals.

The meeting occurred Monday near Yahoo's Sunnyvale headquarters, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke Friday on the condition of not being identified because the preliminary talks haven't been formally disclosed.

No investments bankers attended Monday's meeting, nor was there any discussion about whether Microsoft is willing to raise its offer, initially valued at $44.6 billion, or $31 per share. Yahoo's board already has rejected that bid, arguing the company's Internet franchise is worth more.

Although it's unclear whether Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer and his Yahoo counterpart, Jerry Yang, attended Monday's meeting, senior management from both companies were on hand.

The gathering, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, gave Microsoft its first chance to sell Yahoo on the rationale for the proposed marriage since the software maker unveiled its plans six weeks ago.

Since then, Yang has been exploring different ways to ward off Microsoft. The alternatives have included possible alliances with Internet search and advertising leader Google Inc., News Corp.'s MySpace.com and Time Warner Inc.'s AOL.

Microsoft has held firm with its bid and warned it's prepared to pursue a hostile takeover if Yahoo continues to resist.

Most industry analysts believe neither side wants to engage in an acrimonious battle and expect Microsoft to resolve the impasse with a slightly higher bid.

Investors aren't so sure the stakes will be raised. Yahoo shares fell 79 cents to $26.71 Friday while Microsoft shares shed 66 cents to $27.96. At that price, Microsoft's offer — made partly in Microsoft stock — is worth about $40 billion.

The saga could still take several weeks to play out and may not be resolved until Yahoo releases its first-quarter earnings April 22. With Yahoo mired in a two-year slump, the first-quarter results could sway Microsoft's next move.

The waiting game works in Google's favor by distracting two of its biggest rivals while it strives to extend its dominance of the Internet's lucrative search and advertising market. Google added another layer of muscle this week by completing its $3.1 billion acquisition of online ad service, DoubleClick Inc.

Microsoft believes a combination with Yahoo will pose a more serious threat to Google.

By finally meeting with Microsoft executives, Yahoo could be laying the groundwork for more serious negotiations. Or Yahoo's board could just be touching base with Microsoft to show shareholders that it heard out its suitor before working out an alternative deal.

Yahoo's other options have been considered a long shot by most analysts and now there are signs that at least two of its potential partners aren't interested in getting together.

Rupert Murdoch, the chief executive of News Corp., downplayed his interest in a Yahoo deal at a conference this week. And AOL's plan to buy online social network Bebo for $850 million in a deal announced Thursday may make a combination of AOL with Yahoo more complicated.

Google has offered to work with Yahoo, but analysts say antitrust regulations will make it difficult, if not impossible, for those two companies to become business partners.

Yahoo still doesn't appear to be any rush to resolve the saga, based on how it's handling a key deadline for nominating candidates to supplant its current board. Microsoft has threatened an attempt to oust Yahoo's 10 directors if it can't broker an amicable takeover.

Last week, Yahoo postponed the deadline from Friday to 10 days after the date Yahoo announces its annual meeting.

Yahoo has no plans to disclose the meeting date before April and may not do so until its first-quarter earnings come out, according to a person close to the company. The person wasn't authorized to be identified publicly.

Source- http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080315/ap_on_hi_te/microsoft_yahoo;_ylt=AtmJ77l8srfgjtB6dDGwtmkjtBAF

It's a Lucky Palm Breast Massager, straight from Japan, powered by AA batteries. As someone who studied a bit of Buddhism, I can say that Siddhartha would probably approve (he was real letch). When he was around, no lady's middle road was safe.

Source- http://gizmodo.com/368064/buddha-lucky-palm-breast-massager

Slated for release on May 2nd is SEGA's Iron Man on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms.

Produced in part by Marvel's dedicated game production division, this game is based on the Marvel comic and upcoming movie.


Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-sega-releases-iron-man-xbox-360-ps3-debut-trailer