$199 Xbox with Motion Controller on the Way

Xbox 360 Fanboy, citing "a tip from a source close to Microsoft's marketing department," says the price cut to $199 for the Arcade system is meant to position that bundle against the Wii. So it'll get a huge family-friendly marketing push and title support. And in the fall, it gets a motion controller with some motion-controlled mini-games developed by Rare.

Again, according to this rumor (by the time I'm repeating it to you, it's fourth-hand) the controller will be sold separately and will be compatible with all versions of the 360 console. Reading the story, it sounds like you would get the controller plus an even larger list of mini-games if you buy it separately.

The new products are set to drop Holiday 2008, says Xbox 360 Fanboy. We shall see.

Source: Kotaku.com

Blu-ray price drop this September

It is rumoured that Sony plans to drop the price of its standalone Blu-Ray players by US$100 next month.

According to HDGuru, an anonymous source has told Consumer Electronics Daily that Sony will reduce prices of its entry-level BDP-S350 player from US$399 to $299, and the BDP-S550 from $499 to $399, on September 28.

The source also claims that other Blu-Ray manufacturers will follow suit to retain a competitive edge, with the brands owned by electronics giant, Funai, including Philips/Magnavox and Insignia, to drop the price of their players to US$249 in September.

Source: PCWorld.IDG.com.au

Newly unearthed Apple patent raises hopes for fabled iTablet

In April, Apple filed an updated 52-page application for a patent on an extensive multi-touch interface for a full Mac OS X-based system. The illustrations that accompany the application look like the long-heralded but non-existent "iTablet."

The filing includes descriptions of various interfaces, including a full-size onscreen keyboard that can use modifier keys, like shift or control. "Although only two keys are described, it should be noted that two keys is not a limitation and that more than two keys may be actuated simultaneously to produce one or more control signals," reads to the application.

So multiple modifiers can be used, such as shift-opt-ctrl-3, used to capture the screen to the pasteboard. Another interface element is a virtual iPod scroll wheel that can be accessed on demand. Like the iPod's scroll wheel, it can be used as a virtual jog dial and be tied to a number of possible adjustments. Other multi-touch gestures we have seen in the iPhone UI and carried over to the MacBook Air trackpad, such as scrolling, zooming, and rotation, are also described in the patent application.

Perhaps most importantly, however, the application details methods to interact with multiple windows, instead of the single window method used for the iPhone. There are gestures that enable windows to be shuffled around and resized. Also included in the description is a method to interact with interface widgets that may be too small, by temporarily enlarging them for accurate touch control.

The latest patent filing details methods for interacting
with multiple windows using multitouch input

The recent application follows on numerous patent applications from Apple recently, giving further evidence that Apple has some plans to integrate multi-touch interfaces in future Macs. Whether or not this means we will be seeing a Mac tablet from Apple anytime soon, though, is still a mystery. There is a small, but vocal, contingency hoping for such a product. But based on comments from Axiotron CEO Andreas Haas, a former Apple product manager, it likely won't come from Apple until it sees a much larger market opportunity. "The iTablet is not gonna come," Haas told Ars in January. "We are shipping [ModBooks] in the hundreds of thousands, and Apple ships in the millions." Until Apple thinks it can move that many tablets, it still remains a pipe dream.

Source: ArsTechnica.com

21 Cool and Unusual USB Powered Devices

So you might be like most people, spending all day working in your room or cubicle with the same old stuff plugged into your USB ports. Well today we have put together a list of USB powered devices to help you step outside the box.

Shake things up with these 21 cool and unusual USB powered devices.

1. USB Powered Air Conditioned Shirt

This shirt has two fans that circulate air to keep you dry. It has a switch that allows for adjustable fan speed, and can also be powered by four AA batteries in case your USB cable just isn’t long enough.



2. USB Powered Dart Launcher

This USB dart launcher can be aimed and launched with the included control software. Comes with three foam darts and has a range of 15 feet.



3. The USB Doorbell

You can choose what songs play when someone pushes the doorbell button with this USB Doorbell. It plays music in both MP3 and WMA format.



4. USB Podcast Studio

This USB studio kit includes a professional quality recording mic with a 19mm internal shock mounted diaphragm. Also includes digital audio workstation software and a slick aluminum case.



5. USB Powered Aquarium

Contains life-like animated fish that can be fed and played with via an interactive menu. Also has a blue LED nightlight and flowing water current.



6. USB Drum Kit

Just plug this drum kit into your USB port and start drumming away. The sound output plays over your computers speakers.



7. USB Rechargeable AA Batteries

Instead of paying for extra batteries or for a hefty recharging station, save yourself some money and buy some USB rechargeable batteries. Just pop the top, plug them in, and there you go.



8. USB Frag Pedals

These pedals add extra functionality to your computer interactivity. Just plug them in and you instantly have additional inputs. Right and left-click with your feet, or add a foot brake to a racing game.



9. USB Digital Microscope

This microscope allows you to view objects up to 200x. With the included plug and play software, you can also record your viewings in still frame images or in full video.



10. Oldschool USB Record Player

This USB record player has a slew of adjustable settings including pitch control and anti-skating, and also allows you to record your vinyl records in MP3 format… in high speed!



11. USB Golf Simulator

If you like to golf but don’t have to time to head out to the course, this simulator is for you. The launchpad plugs into your USB port and syncs up with the included copy of EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour.



12. USB Humidifier

This humidifier generates cool, moisturizing steam using ultrasonic waves in order to make breathing much more comfortable. Also includes an aroma oil add-on to add your favorite fragrance to the air.



13. USB Mini Fridge

This super mini fridge has enough room for a single beverage for those nights when you just can’t pull yourself away from the computer.



14. USB Cup Warmer, Vacuum Cleaner and Flexible Mini Lamp

This multi-gift set features a mini-vaccuum, a cup warmer, and a desk lamp for when you need to respectively clean up your desktop, keep your coffee hot, and see in the dark.



15. Wireless USB PC Remote

Perfect for when you need to give a presentation on your computer, this remote allows you to control it from a distance and direct the viewer’s attention with the built-in laser pointer.



16. USB Pencil Sharpener

A must have for any office worker or sketch artist. This USB pencil sharpener also includes an internal blue LED.



17. USB Powered Flexible Fan

This easily operable mini-fan comes with a positionable 30cm flexible metal wire. Easy to use on those super hot days.



18. USB Powered Foot Warming Slippers

Do your feet get cold? Are normal slippers not enough? Planning on being near a computer? Then use these USB powered slippers to keep your feet warm. As long as you stay within cable range of your PC, you’re good to go.



19. USB Powered Toothbrush

Most electric toothbrushes these days come with a bulky recharging station that you have to plug into the wall. That’s not a problem anymore, as these USB toothbrushes plug directly into your USB port.



20. USB Cooler Cushion

If you sit in a leather chair for several hours a day like the average office worker, then you know how hot and sweaty it can get, especially in the hot season. Well this cooler cushion solves that problem by keeping your seat nice and cool.



21. Fly Fusion Pentop Computer

This revolutionary USB tool is a handheld pen-like computer capable of many different kinds of functions. Ideal as a learning instrument, the tool can recognize gestures and reacts to various writings, which it can scan and digitize.



Source: TheHottestGadgets.com

Useful Google Talk Bots That You Must Add as Friends

You can do lot of interesting stuff with Google Talk like get alert notifications, save bookmarks to delicious, manage web calendars, set reminders, write blogs, and so much more.

Such features can be easily integrated into Google Talk through ‘bots’ which, in simple English, are like virtual friends who are online 24×7 and will always respond with a smile to your questions or requests.

Here are some of the most useful ‘bots’ that transform Google Talk into a more useful program:

1. imfeeds@gmail.com - Add this IM Feeds bot as your Google Talk buddy and you’ll be able to read any blog or website that syndicates content via RSS feeds.

To subscribe to a website in GTalk, simply send a new IM message that says "sub abc.com" where abc.com is the address of the website / blog you want to read inside Google Talk.

2. friendfeed@imified.com - This secret bot lets you post to FriendFeed from Google Talk. You may submit either hyperlinks or text messages.

3. imified@imified.com - This imified bot turns Google Talk into a real powerhouse.

You can post bookmarks to delicious, send messages to Twitter, submit blog entries to WordPress, Tumblr or Blogger, manage events in Google Calendar, shorten long URLs, run whois and so on.

4. inezhabot@gmail.com - Like IM Feeds, iNezha bot helps you read feeds inside Google Talk but this is slightly more versatile. For instance, you can simply say "digg" and it will show a list of all feeds that match that search term so you don’t have to type (or copy-paste) feed addresses.

5. Translation - This is a free service from Google that helps you translate words from a foreign language into your native language. Just add the relevant bot (e.g. hi2en@bot.talk.google.com for Hindi to English or en2hi@bot.talk.google.com for English to Hindi) as your buddy, send him a message and it will get translated instantly.

6. Set Task Reminders - If you need to remember something important, Google Talk can send you reminders for that event.

Just add timer to your Twitter friend’s list and then add twitter@twitter.com to your buddy list in Gtalk. Now if you want to get a reminder after 50 minutes, send a direct message to twitter like "d timer 50 pick kids from school" and a reminder will automatically pop up in your Google Talk after 50 minutes.

7. Transliteration - If you want to chat in your mother tongue (like Hindi or Tamil) but feel more comfortable using the English keyboard, Google Transliteration bot will come in handy.

For instance, add en2hi.translit@bot.talk.google.com to you friend’s list in GTalk and all messages you type in English will get transliterated in the language of your choice. Available only for a few Indian languages.

Source: Labnol.org

Joytech HDMI Trilink Switcher

It’s a problem that nearly all of us have run into – a lack of inputs on our TVs. I’m sure every one of us has experience from days gone by, of leaning over the back of a hulking CRT TV and trying to unplug and re-plug A/V connectors without looking. The experience is often more time consuming and frustrating than you'd think, and worse still, might even damage your equipment.

Just because we now have flat panels and HDMI inputs doesn’t mean that this problem has gone away. With their pin-based connectors, HDMI cables, like the SCART ones that Europeans were used to before, aren’t very easy to disconnect and reconnect without looking at the input on the back of the TV.

Up until now, HDMI switch-boxes, to cure this problem, haven’t been easily affordable. Joytech’s “HDMI TriLink Switcher” is a revolutionary product for this reason. Available for only £35, it promises compatibility with the Playstation 3, HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other HDMI video devices, and allows 1080p video to be switched without problems. Naturally, I put it through our usual hardware grilling to see if it lived up to the promise at its low price point.

First Looks and Build Quality

From looking at the packaging, you wouldn’t really know that Joytech’s switch-box was a cheap device. The packaging is pretty ritzy, with a little window cut to show the device under the hard transparent plastic that’s holding the various parts. After finally busting my way into the rock-hard plastic container, I discovered:

• The TriLink Switcher
• A remote control with preloaded battery
• Power Supply
• USB Cable (explanation in a minute)
• Infra-red Extender
• Manuals / Catalogue

In case you’re wondering why the package contains a USB cable, it’s because the TriLink switcher pays attention to its design roots as a games console accessory and allows you to draw power directly from one of the Playstation 3 console’s USB sockets, saving you a precious power socket and meaning that you can pack the power supply away in its box. This is an incredibly smart design decision. The number of Home Theatre components that include USB sockets is growing: Home Theatre PCs will obviously have them as standard, and all of Toshiba’s HD DVD players include them as well, despite currently having no dedicated peripherals to make use of them. The fact that this device can be powered by any nearby USB device is innovative thinking that you wouldn’t expect to find in a £35 switch-box.

After unboxing, I connected the Tri-link Switcher up to a Playstation 3, an upscaling DVD player, and a PC (using a DVI to HDMI cable). I chose these devices to really put the Switcher through its paces, because each of them outputs a different type of video signal. The PS3 was outputting 1080p resolution with a 60hz scan rate, with Digital Component (Y/Cb/Cr) colour. The Upscaling DVD player was outputting 720p video at 50hz, also with Digital Component colour. Finally, the PC was outputting 1920x1080p at 60hz, but with RGB colour.

Each one of the devices operated without any problems whatsoever. Switching between the different inputs occasionally presented a static pattern on screen for a split second, which is a result of the HDCP Copy Protection system. This sort of behaviour is to be expected from switching between inputs and is nothing to worry about. I experienced no HDCP errors as a result of including the Switcher in the connection chain.

Remote Control

Joytech’s remote control is a miniature device powered by a slim CR2032 watch-type battery. The remote simply has three buttons on it, allowing you to choose Input 1, 2, or 3. It’s by no means ergonomically pleasing, but once again taking the price and functionality of this unit, it would be difficult to hold this against them.

The Switcher contains its own Infrared Sensor, so simply pointing the remote very close to the unit will allow you to switch inputs. You can also press the button mounted on the top of the Switcher for the same effect. However, the Switcher also comes packaged with an Infrared Extender, which is simply an Infrared sensor attached to a generous amount of cable, which plugs into the Switcher. The end of the Extender has a removable adhesive pad, which means that you can easily mount it on the bottom of your TV and plug it into the Switcher, and hide it away from view. I did this, and was able to switch inputs from the other side of the room.

The only criticism

My only main complaint regarding the Switcher is the fact that its size negatively influences its form factor. It’s small and lightweight, and all four of its sides are covered in holes of some sort, meaning that you'll quite likely have things plugged into at least 3 sides of it, making it hard to place in your home theatre setup. This means that it’s the sort of device you’ll want to plug in and hide away, but even this is partly a moot point as Joytech have included the Infra-red extender, allowing you to do just that.

Conclusion

It’s interesting that this revolutionary-priced AV product has come from a company that makes video game peripherals. I think that says a lot about how much the gaming and home theatre worlds are converging. All in all, Joytech’s device lived up to all of its promises and surprised me with the inclusion of an IR Sensor and unique (optional) USB power method. And, as it does its job properly with no problems, there’s no way that we could fail to recommend it to absolutely anyone who finds themselves needing more HDMI connectivity. Highly recommended.

One more question I've been asked: no, the Trilink Switcher doesn't come packaged with an HDMI cable - you'll need to bring your own. Once again, at this price - who can complain?

Source: DVDTimes.co.uk

Sony officially announces PSP-3000

Sony has taken the opportunity of the Leipzig Games Convention to reveal the brand-spanking new PSP-3000, arriving Oct 15 in Europe for €199 (around $250), according to our main man Jem Alexander who's currently on site at the press conference.

Though it will look the same as the PSP-2000 (that's what the pic above is of, actually), you can expect an improved screen that's better outside with no glare and a built-in mic. This jibes with rumors we've heard previously, and but we don't know if the new "PS Button" is part of the package. We'll keep you posted.

[Update: We've got an actual pic now, as you can see, the PS Button is in there]

Source: Joystiq.com

500GB Blowout: How to SUPERCHARGE Your PS3!

Exclusive: There's only one way to unlock 500GB of storage on your PlayStation 3 -- using the new Samsung Spinpoint M6. Here's how to install it in five easy steps.

Here we go: official proof that the PS3 can handle a 500GB drive!

Is that measly 40GB hard drive keeping you from downloading all your favorite movies and games from the PlayStation Store? Here are five easy to follow steps to supercharge your PS3 to a whopping 500 gigs for all your downloading pleasures. Watch the video walkthrough to see how it's done.

Step #1:

Purchase the Samsung M6 500GB hard drive (widely available online for around $230). Important note: The M6 is the only 500GB internal hard drive that will fit into the PS3. Use the PS3's Backup function to transfer saves and other content to a USB drive.

Step #2:

Unplug the PS3 and ground yourself. Open the PS3's hard drive access port, located on the side of the unit, with your fingernail.

Step #3:

Carefully unscrew the blue screw using the correct screwdriver bit (Philips Precise) using gentle pressure, taking care not to strip the screw. Pull out the metal hinge, and slide the hard drive tray out.

Step #4:

Unscrew the four screws that attach the hard drive to the metal tray, and remove the old hard drive (place old drive in anti-static bag).

Step #5:

Attach the new Samsung 500GB hard drive to the tray, replacing the four screws from the previous step. Slide the hard drive tray back into the PS3 port, and snap the metal hinge back into place, then replace the blue screw. Close the access port, power up your PS3, and replace the date stored on your USB drive. Voila -- you're done! Enjoy your massive storage space.

Source: GamePro.com

Top 5 Gadgets That Could Get You Arrested

OK, we'll admit it. Some of us are drawn to dangerous gear like bears to a picnic basket. There's just something devilishly appealing about mixing a few of our favorite things (tech toys) with one of our least (a ride in the back of a squad car).

Although we'd never condone breaking the law with these five gadgets, we can't deny our morbid fascination with them. Just remember: If misused, these gizmos could get you slapped with a set of handcuffs along with a criminal record.

1. The WASP Knife

A vicious double-whammy of sharpened steel and freezing gas menaces watermelons everywhere.

Image: Courtesy of WASP Knife

Designed to quickly dispatch marauding undersea predators, this 5.25-inch hunting/tactical blade conceals a catastrophic one-two punch. After you shank say, a Great White Shark, a flick of a button injects the beast with an 800-psi blast of compressed air. This basketball-sized sphere of freezing gas decimates the interior of whatever it's injected into; whatever's left simply floats to the surface. It works great on watermelons, too.

Why It'd Get You Arrested:

Stabbing random objects on dry land (and then making them explode) is the fast track to a vandalism charge. Turning the WASP Knife on an innocent creature for non-defense purposes, though? Depending on the state, you're looking at aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon, animal cruelty or even the rarely used "mayhem" charge.

2. Sonar II Burner

The Sonar II can burn through garbage bags and retinas with equal aplomb.

Image: Courtesy of Wicked Lasers

Look, everyone wants a lightsaber. But we can't have them because: A) midi-chlorians don't exist and, B) law enforcement agencies are already less-than-enthused over high-power handheld lasers. Consider for a moment, Wicked Lasers' Sonar II Burner. Essentially a more powerful version of the lasers found in Blu-ray players, this six-inch tool doesn't have to compensate for anything; it can light matches, burn holes through paper and melt plastic.

Why It'd Get You Arrested:

Where to begin? At 60mW, the Sonar II is totally capable of starting fires (arson), burning retinas (assault) and disorienting airline pilots (Gitmo).

3. EMT Paintball Sentry Turret

Fires 30 rounds per second. Fully automated. Illegal in virtually all forms of competitive paintball.

Image: Courtesy of Evolution Model Technology

May the Flying Spaghetti Monster's noodley appendage help the poor schmoe who ends up in the cross hairs of the Sentry Turret. This remote-controlled, tripod-mounted paintball cannon unleashes oil-based vengeance at 30 rounds per second on full-auto. And all you paint-balling pros take note: The EMT is not some glorified sloppy-shot Brass Eagle. Integrated-vibration dampeners plus rotation/tilt mechanisms make rounds fired from this gadget highly accurate.

Why It'd Get You Arrested:

With the amount of paint the Sentry is capable of unloading, you'd definitely be facing accusations of assault, disturbing the peace and any other charges your welt-covered victims care to press.

4. Fiber Laser Marking System

It may not look menacing, but this portable laser can sear images into rock, glass and metal.

Image: Courtesy of Laser Photonics

If you're going to deface public property, you might as well get an assist from technology. Laser Photonic's unintentional contribution to this practice is the "Handheld Fiber Laser Marking System." This portable, high-power laser was originally designed for etching graphics into industrial surfaces like metal, glass and stone. Sure, it lacks the DIY charm of spray paint. But it makes up for this by running off a car battery, and being able to etch almost any graphic you can load on a multimedia card.

Why It'd Get You Arrested:

Tagging public property with such creativity and zeal is likely to bump up the charge. A number of states reserve the right to boost vandalism charges to the felonious level if the damage exceeds $400, is especially malicious or is performed by a repeat offender.

5. Lil' Buttie LB110

Don’t let the name fool you; this gadget is not your friend … if you get caught illegally tapping a phone line with it.

Image: Courtesy of Test-Um

You don't have to work for the NSA to listen to other people's phone calls. A nifty lineman's handset like the Lil' Buttie LB110 is enough to do the trick. This cheap, easy-to-find gadget is the cornerstone of tapping a phone line. All it really takes is hooking the handset's alligator clamps to a set of exposed telephone wires and syncing up the handset. Once you're on the line, you can snoop on conversations, record them or even dial out at your leisure.

Why It'd Get You Arrested:

Despite what you may think, owning a "butt set" isn't illegal. Don't be fooled though -- unless you're using it for running diagnostics on your own phone line, someone's bound to drop the hammer. Getting caught using (or even installing) an unauthorized line is the express lane to a felonious wiretapping charge, and/or a lifetime of government scrutiny. Trust us on this one.

Source: Wired.com

250 GB Challenge & 5 Tools To Monitor Your Bandwidth Consumption

With Comcast announcing a 250 GB cap on its broadband service and Time Warner trialling a tiered service with limits that range from 5 GB to 40 GB, we’ve decided to challenge people to break those caps. Obviously we can’t verify if someone actually downloads everything they claim to, but we’re looking for real examples of how a heavy bandwidth user could breach either the 40 GB or 250 GB limit. Leave your attempts in the comments.

Unless you have a large family that consists of early adopters (and teenagers), or you want to step up your seeding for BitTorrent files, most people should try for the more easily attainable Time Warner caps. And since you’re going to need some software to measure your current consumption, below is a list of free and cheap programs. Now grab your Roku box, hook up the kids with Hulu and see about buying some HD video conferencing software. Do it now, because soon this stuff won’t be free.

• Rackeys: For $9.95 you can download this broadband usage software for Windows machines.
• Net Meter: This software from Hootech can be tried for 30 days for free; after that it costs $19.95. Measures usage, broadband speeds and allows you to save the data. Only for Windows machines.
• Broadband Check: Free software from the UK, but your stats will be uploaded to the site.
• iStatMenus: Free broadband usage tool for Macs.
• Surplus Meter: Free broadband usage meter for Macs and PCs

Source: GigaOm.com

HTC Dream / Googlephone First Pic

Sure, we've seen some blurry videos and managed a few stolen glimpses when Andy Rubin demonstrated this beast, but now we've gotten our hands on a slew of pictures showing off a very real T-Mobile-branded Dream in all its Android-running glory.

Not only does this confirm the design spied in those FCC docs as well as show off that nearly-done version of Android, but it seems to confirm the fact that this will be headed to T-Mobile, and sooner rather than later judging from the looks of the above device. Needless to say, our inner-geeks are completely geeking out right now. Hit the gallery below for a handful of other views of the phone.

Source: Engadget.com