The Roadster Shop's shoebox chassis
 The Roadster Shop (home of the awesome all-steel Dearborn Duece '32 Ford roadster) is offering a complete rolling chassis for the Tri-5 ('55-'57) Chevy.. The frame design drops the height of the car by four inches and allows the use of larger tires, both of which should appeal heavily to the Pro Touring crowd. There's a SLA suspension setup and rack-in-pinion in the front, and a choice of a solid rear axle or IRS. Keeping the vehicle off the ground is either a set of coilovers, or an optional airbag setup. The construction certainly looks beefy enough to handle whatever can be fit into the shoebox's rather sizable engine bay.Pricing starts at just under $9500, which is very reasonable considering the cost of entry into the '55-'57 market right now. Read more..!
From the creator of Electroplankton
 Video storage site YouTube hosts a presentation of Toshio Iwai's Tenori-On, a new digital musical instrument co-created by Iwai and Yamaha. The new instrument was inspired by Iwai's Electroplankton game for the Nintendo DS, and the presentation displays some flashy visuals along with some slick sounds. Read more..!
OMG Cup winners announced
 The votes are in and winners have been announced for the OMG Cup (Original Mac Games), run in partnership with iDevGames and Freeverse Software. Thirty-six freely downloadable games were made available for voting and three winners have been selected. William Hogben's Escort Wing won first prize, netting him the OMG Cup (pictured), $300, one game from Freeverse software, and most importantly, a contract to turn his prize winning entry into a finished product published by Freeverse! Second prize went to Matt Diamond's Pawns and third prize to Will Thimbleby's Traktor Beam. Read more..!
Bergdorf Goodman Beauty Offers
 There are some great beauty offers going on at Bergdorf Goodman to tempt you to the cosmetics counter. A $150 purchase of any fragrance or cosmetics gets you a Lulu Guinness roll bag filled with samples from La Prairie, Amore Pacific and Awake. A $185 purchase from Chantecaille gets you a sample size of biodynamic lifting cream and an eye shadow in a pink pouch. A $250 purchase from Sisley Paris rewards you with sample sizes of an express flower gel mask, a botanical eye and lip contour balm, a Sisleya-Elixir telespray, a Sisleya anti-aging cream, a mini-lip liner, a Hydra-Flash body treatment sample packet, and a Phyto-Teint Eclat No3 sample packet in a denim cosmetics bag with brown leather sawtooth trim and golden studs.A $250 purchase at La Prairie earns you a sample sizes of purifying cream cleanser, essence of Skin Caviar, Skin Caviar luxe cream, Skin Caviar Ampoule Treatment, a miniature Cellular Luxe lip color and a sample of Silver Rain fragrance all in a metallic silver bag. For any $150 purchase you get to take home a lipstick and blush. Read more..!
PlayStation 3, conceptual design?
 This was over at the Blu-ray booth -- which can only be assumed, was paid for and set up at least in large part by Sony. Yes, you're reading that placard right, but is it true? Is the Sony PlayStation 3 that we've all now come to know and love (or not) merely a "conceptual design?" Read more..!
New Tetris DS screens show off 10-player battle
 Two new screens have surfaced for the recently-announced Nintendo DS incarnation of Tetris, set for release March 20. The first image reveals the multiplayer portion of the game. The top screen shows 10 different Tetris wells (with yours being the first listed). Each well has an associated name, and player 2 even has his own icon. You can see in detail what each player is doing - even their pieces as they drop, apparently. The bottom screen features an aesthetically-pleasing Mario-themed backdrop and two features to the left of your own well: a Tetris block being "held" and a ghost item to use via the 'X' button. The second image demonstrates the single-player aspect of Tetris DS. Like in the aforementioned image, there is a held block as well as a preview of the next 6 blocks to be used. The top screen, it appears, will be animation related to Super Mario Bros. 3. Read more..!
 The new ZP80 ZonePlayer supports Audible and Rhapsody, but unfortunately still lacks PlaysForSure support. Peep the vid below for a moving picture demo of the new software update for Sonos, and new ZonePlayer media player. Caution direct linkRead more..!
Blox0r: AJAXy Outlooky RSS reader
 Blox0r, advertises itself as "The best online aggregator ever!" It's an AJAXy feed reader that uses a classic Outlook three-pane interface. On the left is a list of feeds you're subscribed to, a la Bloglines, and on the right are two panes, one for headlines and one to show the stories you click on. The default mode takes you to the actual web site so you can read comments and so on, the Preview Summary mode will show summaries of all of the recent stories in a particular feed. It has most of the features you expect from a web-based feed reader and a few more; it's open source, so you can download it, tweak the code, and run your own aggregator service if you want. Read more..!
Snap&Send digital postcard
 Australian University of NSW student Stuart Calvey thinks folks would gladly shell out $25 for what is basically a disposable digicam in a thin, mailable, cardboard housing. His Snap&Send digital postcard concept is making the rounds on the web, which may help the already-accomplished inventor (he won a Packaging Council of Australia award in 2003 for another product) find a backer for his innovative idea. Calvey envisions commercial Snap&Sends as bare-bones two megapixel cameras (sorry folks, you don't even get a "delete" option here) with decent LCDs that can be propped up by the recipient for a slideshow or taken to a photo lab for developing prints. Read more..!
New Star Trek game in the works for PC, 360
 Mad Doc Software is currently working on Star Trek: Legacy, an action/strategy title planned for the PC and Xbox 360 with an expected release date in September. Legacy takes place in all three Trek time periods (Archer, Kirk, Picard) and will include a single player campaign and multiplayer support for eight players. Read more..!
Thomson's RCA M200 256MB/512MB DAP
 Thomson is the latest company to hope you'll value fashion (if you can call a fluorescent green audio device "fashionable") over function with their new OLED-sportin' RCA M200 flash player, in your choice of 512MB and even less generous 256MB flavors. Now granted, both configurations include an SD slot and will retail at $80 and $60, the battery life seems good at 18 hours from a single AAA. Read more..!
Eleksen's new ElekTex Bluetooth fabric keyboard
 Looks like Eleksen's got their new ElekTex rollable fabric keyboard with Bluetooth. So far as we can tell that's pretty much about it -- just your standard issue Bluetooth AAA-cell powered fabric 68-key keyboard. Read more..!
Subaru's under-the-radar STi
 You’ll have to travel outside the U.S. to buy Subaru’s new Impreza WRX STi spec D, no word from Subaru in the States when we’ll be getting its subtle STi here. The ‘D’ stands for “discreet”. It looks a lot like a WRX sporting STi wheels, but it packs the latter’s 300-hp, 2.5L boxer-four beneath that gaping air intake. The spec D is more of a touring man’s STi, with extra sound deading material, a black leather interior and luxury equipment like a SmartNav satellite navigation system to while away the time when you’re shocking Evo owners on the street. The Impreza WRX STi will go on sale in March for £28,495 ($50,478 US). Read more..!
Zelda Twilight Princess trailer
 The remix includes gameplay footage from various game trailers against a new soundtrack. From what we can tell, the compiled video has been seen in some form or another. Regardless, the editors did a fine job and arguably capture the Zelda magic better than Nintendo's official trailer. A chuckle (or frown) awaits in the last segment that dates the trailer to at least sometime prior to the game's August 2005 delay announcement. Though an official date has yet to be revealed, it's speculated that the title will launch sometime in March. Caution direct linkRead more..!
PowerBlock 200: ruggedized cell box for military use
 Mercury Computer Systems has unveiled the PoweBlock 200, a ruggedized 200 gigaflop system to be powered by IBM's cell processors. Accoding to the company, the system will be as powerful as a machine powered by 45 Pentium 4 processors, but will fit into a box the size of a toaster. The system is to be based on the Cell BE processor, which is a multiprocessor system-on-a-chip that includes eight specialized co-processors. No pricing has been announced for the PowerBlock 200. Read more..!
Socket's Cordless Ring Scanner Series 9
 "Tired of picking up and putting down a scanner every time you need to scan a bar code?" reads the copy for Socket's new Cordless Ring Scanner Series 9. The CSR Series 9, which will be available through direct channels next month, is made of ruggadized LiquidMetal and consists of a small Class 2 laser tacked to a finger ring and tethered to a wrist-mounted Bluetooth transmitter. Included keyboard emulation software allows the bar code data to be directed into empty fields of any PC application, and even lets the user remotely enter carriage returns and tabs. Cost $1200. Read more..!
Pantone hopes to make calibration mainstream with $89 huey
 Photographers, graphic designers and other pros have long used color-calibration tools like the ColorVision Spyder to make sure that what they see on their display matches their final output as closely as possible. Now, Pantone hopes to bring the calibration experience to mainstream consumers, with the huey, an $89 device that the company says is targeted at "digital photo enthusiasts, gamers and any computer user wanting absolute color and clarity."Read more..!
Wake up and smell the coffee with Aroma Waker clock
 If soothing scents are enough to get you going, AbioGenesis' Aroma Waker may just do it for you. Looks like just a concept design for now, but we look forward to seeing someone come up with a homebrew version using a coffee pot with a built-in timer. Read more..!
Startups propose broadband sharing to improve speed
 Two startups are working on systems that will allow consumers to share their DSL or cable connections and pool their bandwidth to improve throughput. San Diego's Mushroom Networks and Seattle's WinBoost have separately created devices that can aggregate multiple connections; WinBoost uses a wireless antenna that needs to be mounted externally, while Mushroom has built a device it calls an aggregator, which can combine both wired and wireless broadband connections to improve throughput (as illustrated above). While both companies are quick to point out that they want to work with service providers, most telcos and cable companies have strict rules about sharing bandwidth, and are unlikely to give these setups their blessing (unless, of course, they can get a cut of whatever the companies charge consumers). But, hey, if you're real quiet about it, maybe you could pull it off. Read more..!
Play Half-Life on your iPod... sorta
 If you've managed to get the iPod (Linux) compatible version of Doom running, then here's a little extra treat for you. A forum member of iPodLinux.org has compiled a list of iPod Doom compatible ".WAD" files. These files basically amount to a user-created total conversion that's playable under the iPod Doom engine. The compilation links to files on a GP32x site, so if you happen to own a GP2X you'll also be able to tag along. The ".WAD" files shown include Doom-like versions of Half-Life, Goldeneye and Heretic. If you're hesitant about hacking your iPod just so you can play Doom on the bus, check out this video of the game in action on an iPod nano. Read more..!
 The Delta Alfa Romeo pen is created from a block of bright Alfa red resin. The pen which is available as a fountain pen or a rollerball is accented with sterling silver details. The pen features the Alfa logo and the central barrel ring replicates the car's grill and the cap crown's mimic the design of the spoked wheels. The trim ring is created in the likeness of the original tire tread and the platinum plated clip features a ruby. The fountain pen features an 18kt gold nib and there are only 1750 of each type available. The fountain pen costs $499 and the rollerball is $236. Read more..!
Prevent unauthorized use of programs with Program Protector
 Program Protector lets you password protect any Windows application with a fairly tight protection scheme. The program cannot be bypassed by renaming executable files, or even by deleting Program Protector. You can also view an activity log to see of junior has tried to access a protected application. Trial version is free, and a license will set you back $29.95. Read more..!
Samsung GX-1S DSLR for reals
 Samsung's rumored GX-1S DSLR has at last made its debut, and -- as expected -- it's a relabeled version of Pentax's *ist DS2. The specs include a 6.1 megapixel imager, ISO levels up to 3200, 2.8 fps burst mode, 2.5-inch LCD and an 18-55 Schneider D-XENON lens (of course, it's compatible with other Pentax lenses). No word on pricing yet, though the *ist DS2 goes for about $650, so we suspect a similar price in markets. Read more..!
Whiting & Davis Bella Bag
 This is the first Whiting & Davis I have seen with a picture on it. This framed purse is called the Bella and depicts a bathing beauty in a floral garden. The bag also has a crystal-embellished chain and an inside pocket. The bag measures 6"W x 8"H x 1/2"D and the chain has a 21" drop. It sells for $118. Read more..!
WoW will work on Intel Macs
 Blizzard had a small booth at Macworld showing off their Intel-compatible Mac port of World of Warcraft, and it was fast! Ars Technica writes, "One wonders why Steve Jobs didn't blow the crowd away with the saturated colors and excessive frame rates of WoW on an iMac. It loaded fast, and when the first character popped up in town, the frame rate never dropped below 60, and this was pretty much going full tilt in the settings."Read more..!
Self-contained anonymizing OS
 Wired News is running an article about Anonym.OS, a project of kaos.theory security research that aims to bring an easy, anonymizing Internet experience to the masses. Anonym.OS is an OpenBSD live CD and when you put it into any PC, you're "presented with a text based wizard-style list of questions to answer, one at a time, with defaults that will work for most users. Within a few moments, a fairly naive user can be up and running and connected to an open Wi-Fi point, if one is available." Built from the inside out with privacy in mind, Anonym.OS appears to be Windows XP SP1 to anyone snooping and uses the Tor routing network to anonymize Internet use. Read more..!
Need to protect the fort while you're away? Give Crime Catcher a test drive
 Want to make sure the cops catch any thieves that may want to steal your stuff? Well, you may want to give Crime Catcher a try. Crime Catcher is a motion detection driven webcam capture tool. You can hook the software up to monitor upto four webcams, and have your computer fire off an email when motion is detected. To deter would-be thieves, you can also setup the application to play sounds off of your computer's sound system. The basic application will set you back $25, while a full featured, four camera version runs $49. Read more..!
Logicool to release FFXII-themed PS2 controller in Japan
 The list of Final Fantasy XII paraphernalia continues to grow. On March 16th, the day of the game's Japanese launch (and the day that a limited edition FFXII-themed PS2 launches), Logicool is set to release a wireless PlayStation 2 controller capitalizing on Square Enix's ever-popular RPG franchise. The controller will be Shiny White with a silver FFXII emblem (pictured) on the unit, and will work up to 9 meters away from the console, running on two AA batteries for 50-100 hours. It's unfortunate that the color schemes for the controller and console tie-ins seem to contrast (at least by description; we are still trying to find an image of the controller), but a well-made (we hope) wireless PS2 controller is nothing to laugh at. Come this March, there are going to be quite a few penniless Final Fantasy fanatics. Read more..!
Mixed Martial Arts UFC Street Fighter II mashup
 What do you get when you mix an Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts bout between a couple of burly Russian guys with a Street Fighter II theme? Comedic violence. Read more..!
Take your iPod to the office with the BlackCoat Work
 How many of those iPod jackets can you actually wear in a professional setting? Fortunately, the team at Koyono -- famous for their gear-stashing BlackCoat T shirt -- are at it again, and have come up with just the thing for the office: the BlackCoat Work. Due out in March, the $179 jacket will have specialized pockets for your iPod and other gear, along with a discreet set of controls next to the inside chest pocket. Read more..!
Iocell VaccineDrive flash drive with antivirus software
 locell's VirusDrive is a USB flash drive with built-in auto-updating antivirus software in a hidden partition. Of course, if you're willing to roll your own, you can go Iocell one better and make a bootable flash drive that you can use as an all-around recovery and emergency tool. Read more..!
Competitive ranking systems go head-to-head
 If you're interested in competitive gaming and skill rankings such as the ELO system (used by chess players and also by Yahoo! Games) and Microsoft's TrueSkill, this article is well worth a read. It delves into the intricacies of ELO and looks at other ranking systems designed to combat its flaws, such as the eGenesis Ranking System developed for A Tale in the Desert. It also covers tournament ranking systems, such as the well-known double elimination system used in many professional gaming tournaments. As the prize funds and public awareness of these tournaments increase, it's essential to ensure a fair competition for everyone, so don't be too surprised to see mathematicians with clipboards observing the next gaming tourney you go to. Read more..!
OS X 10.4.3 dual-booted on a Thinkpad
 This latest video is of 10.4.3 running on a Thinkpad -- and it's running damned fast if you ask us. The video drivers still aren't up to snuff and neither is the wireless, but when the official x86 10.4.4 build hits next month there's gonna be a huge surge of development and adaptation. Caution direct linkRead more..!
Willcom's new WX310J biz phone with fingerprint scanner
 Japanese Radio has a new phone for Japanese mobile provider Willcom, the WX310J, which includes a fingerprint scanner for use with your PC or for securing your handset. There is a miniSD card slot, but no camera to feed it, and few other details on the handset, other than the business centric e-mail capabilities and a 0.65-inch thickness to the body. It should be available now in Japan, for about $220 USD. Read more..!
 A new release of BugMeNot has come out, been awhile since a new update. The latest has some menu improvements, including a new BugMeNot Accounts menu that lets you choose among five different accounts to log in with. BugMeNot is a firefox extension that will save you time that would otherwise be wasted registering on, and divulging your e-mail address to, most popular members-only web sites. It uses a database of usernames and passwords submitted by generous users at bugmenot.com to log you in. All you have to do is right-click on the username or password field and click on "BugMeNot." Read more..!
 The Gotica pen from Caran d'Ache recently made its China debut. The pen which celebrates Gothic art and architecture is made of rhodium-coated solid silver with six faces decorated with Gothic windows, fleurs-de-lis and rosettes. The Gotica Jewel pen is set with 892 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 7.10 carats and the rosettes have 72 emeralds (3.96 carats) and 72 rubies (9.90 carats) while 210 yellow sapphires (28.35 carats) embellish the fleurs-de-lis. The pen is selling for 3.28 million yuan ($406,453) in China and there are already interested purchasers. Read more..!
2008 Mitsubishi Evo X Spy Shots
 The Car Connection has shots of an Evo X running the ring wearing the modified duds of an Evo IX. The bodylines have clearly been widened in order to house much bigger and wider wheels than the current Evo’s footwear. TCC notes the next Evo, which should carry on the design language first spoken by the Concept-X, will share its platform with the Dodge Caliber, Mitsu Outlander and next PT Cruiser. We’re guessing that’s about all it will share with those vehicles, too. Read more..!
|
-Lytir1
