Gadgetstronics

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 28th 2008 at 4:13PM
Never mind those ginormous dam-based hydroelectric generators — we’ve got a much smaller version that you can actually use in your backyard. The Pico Hydroelectric Generator was installed within a 5-gallon bucket by Sam Redfield in order to convert the energy from “existing gravity fed irrigation, fresh water, or waste water systems” into usable electricity that can juice up your cellphone, DAP, portable fan / water-bottle combo, etc. Regrettably, there’s not a whole heap of details beyond that, but you can check out another angle in the read link below.

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Filed under: Misc. gadgets

It looks like the rumors have come true, Virgin Mobile has officially announced plans to acquire Helio. The deal is still pending approval, however it is expected to close during Q3 2008.

The deal is not going to be a cash deal though, instead Virgin Mobile is taking Helio from the current owners, which are SK Telecom and Earthlink for $39 million in Virgin Mobile USA stock.

Its also sounding pretty good for current Helio customers, as they have already posted a nice FAQ to answer most questions. It also looks like there are not going to be any quick changes.

It seems to be that current Helio customers will not see any service interruption, and new customers are still able to sign up for Helio service. They do however expect the Helio brand to be integrated with Virgin Mobile in the future. It was also noted that this will not be a reason for current Helio customers to get out of the contract, they are and will remain in effect and any applicable termination fee’s would still apply.

Continue reading to check out the FAQ:

HELIO and Virgin Mobile USA are teaming up to combine our strengths and deliver a better mobile experience. On June 27th Virgin Mobile USA announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire HELIO.

HELIO gains access to Virgin Mobile USA’s extensive distribution network and broad customer base, while Virgin Mobile USA gains access to HELIO’s exclusive, high-end devices and premium services. Both companies look forward to coming together to bring exciting prepaid and postpaid opportunities to their customers.

Q: What does this mean for current HELIO members? Can I still use my HELIO device, while keeping my HELIO service plan and number?

A: Current service plans will continue without interruption – it will be business as usual. HELIO members are at the center of this transaction and we’ll continue to bring them the innovative mobile services they’ve come to expect.

Q: Can new members still sign up for HELIO service?

A: Absolutely. HELIO will continue to offer exclusive, high-end devices and our innovative All-In plans.

Q: Will the HELIO brand be retained, or will everything migrate to Virgin Mobile USA?

A: Over time, we expect that all aspects of the customer experience will be integrated under the Virgin Mobile USA brand. Integration of the direct sales channel will begin immediately, and we expect that existing HELIO products and services will soon be offered through the Virgin Mobile USA website at http://www.virginmobileusa.com.

Q: So what’s next?

A: We’re excited by the possibilities our new, combined team offers. We have some big ideas, but as you can imagine, a little bit of housekeeping is in order before we share them. Stay tuned!

Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?

A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).

Via [BGR]

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It looks like the rumors have come true, Virgin Mobile has officially announced plans to acquire Helio. The deal is still pending approval, however it is expected to close during Q3 2008.

The deal is not going to be a cash deal though, instead Virgin Mobile is taking Helio from the current owners, which are SK Telecom and Earthlink for $39 million in Virgin Mobile USA stock.

Its also sounding pretty good for current Helio customers, as they have already posted a nice FAQ to answer most questions. It also looks like there are not going to be any quick changes.

It seems to be that current Helio customers will not see any service interruption, and new customers are still able to sign up for Helio service. They do however expect the Helio brand to be integrated with Virgin Mobile in the future. It was also noted that this will not be a reason for current Helio customers to get out of the contract, they are and will remain in effect and any applicable termination fee’s would still apply.

Continue reading to check out the FAQ:

HELIO and Virgin Mobile USA are teaming up to combine our strengths and deliver a better mobile experience. On June 27th Virgin Mobile USA announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire HELIO.

HELIO gains access to Virgin Mobile USA’s extensive distribution network and broad customer base, while Virgin Mobile USA gains access to HELIO’s exclusive, high-end devices and premium services. Both companies look forward to coming together to bring exciting prepaid and postpaid opportunities to their customers.

Q: What does this mean for current HELIO members? Can I still use my HELIO device, while keeping my HELIO service plan and number?

A: Current service plans will continue without interruption – it will be business as usual. HELIO members are at the center of this transaction and we’ll continue to bring them the innovative mobile services they’ve come to expect.

Q: Can new members still sign up for HELIO service?

A: Absolutely. HELIO will continue to offer exclusive, high-end devices and our innovative All-In plans.

Q: Will the HELIO brand be retained, or will everything migrate to Virgin Mobile USA?

A: Over time, we expect that all aspects of the customer experience will be integrated under the Virgin Mobile USA brand. Integration of the direct sales channel will begin immediately, and we expect that existing HELIO products and services will soon be offered through the Virgin Mobile USA website at http://www.virginmobileusa.com.

Q: So what’s next?

A: We’re excited by the possibilities our new, combined team offers. We have some big ideas, but as you can imagine, a little bit of housekeeping is in order before we share them. Stay tuned!

Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?

A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).

Via [BGR]

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I sit in my 15 year old Suburu, glancing at my fellow drivers with envy. Look at all of them with their fancy rear view mirrors and their LED turn signals. Psh, like I would want something like that anyway. Don’t look at me that way! No need for smugness! I already know you have a nicer car, no need to rub it in that you’re better looking and most likely better in bed too.

But there’s a few tricks up my sleeve which might just make me feel a little better about my crap-mobile, even if it’s not nearly as chic as the real thing. The TurnSmart Mirror System adds a set of wide rear view mirrors onto your current mirrors. These mirrors also happen to feature solar panels which power a set of super bright LED’s which sync with your turn signal. Solar panels! How about that, Mr. Smug Driver?!

Sure, my car might not be up to par with your 2008 Escalade. Hell, it probably isn’t even up to par with a 1998 VW Beetle. But that doesn’t mean I have any less right to keep myself safe from you and your hulking automobile. Bigger cars just mean you have a bigger blind spot. So, I win.

If you’re like me and begrudgingly holding onto your vintage car, just because the few minor engine and exhaust problems aren’t enough to force you to yield the cash for a new ride, then you should pick up one of these too. No more smug looks. No more being left behind in the safety mix. $150 and you’re set for a few more days of driving power, at least.

Product Page via The Red Ferret Journal

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I sit in my 15 year old Suburu, glancing at my fellow drivers with envy. Look at all of them with their fancy rear view mirrors and their LED turn signals. Psh, like I would want something like that anyway. Don’t look at me that way! No need for smugness! I already know you have a nicer car, no need to rub it in that you’re better looking and most likely better in bed too.

But there’s a few tricks up my sleeve which might just make me feel a little better about my crap-mobile, even if it’s not nearly as chic as the real thing. The TurnSmart Mirror System adds a set of wide rear view mirrors onto your current mirrors. These mirrors also happen to feature solar panels which power a set of super bright LED’s which sync with your turn signal. Solar panels! How about that, Mr. Smug Driver?!

Sure, my car might not be up to par with your 2008 Escalade. Hell, it probably isn’t even up to par with a 1998 VW Beetle. But that doesn’t mean I have any less right to keep myself safe from you and your hulking automobile. Bigger cars just mean you have a bigger blind spot. So, I win.

If you’re like me and begrudgingly holding onto your vintage car, just because the few minor engine and exhaust problems aren’t enough to force you to yield the cash for a new ride, then you should pick up one of these too. No more smug looks. No more being left behind in the safety mix. $150 and you’re set for a few more days of driving power, at least.

Product Page via The Red Ferret Journal

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Brother has introduced its newest inkjet multifunction printer, the MFC-6490W. Although it may seem just your usual high-end all-around printer, for Brother this printer is the first in their product line which can print, copy, scan, and fax on an 11-inch by 17-inch sized paper, which is the same size a fully spread tabloid newspaper.

Features of the MFC-6490W include USB ports for connecting USB flash drives that allow for direct printing, PictBridge compatible ports, external multimedia cards, built-in auto-document feeder, dual paper input trays, four ink cartridges, a 3.3-inch color LCD which also serves as a control center for the printer. For its color printing speed, the MFC-6490W gives out up to 35/28 ppm (Mono: 450×300dpi, Color: 600×150 dpi).

This printer will be available sometime next month and it will retail for $299.

Via [Crave]

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First it was Starcraft 2 and now it’s Diablo III? It’s like my junior high years all over again. Now if only the most responsibility I had was still handing in homework. They’ve finally done it. After eight long years since the release of the hugely popular Diablo 2, Blizzard announced Diablo 3 at their annual Worldwide Invitational in Paris today.

No, it’s not going to be a traditional MMO like many were claiming it would be. Rather, it is relying on the same old hack and slash dungeon style of the first two games in the series. To the untrained eye, the new outing looks graphically similar to Diablo 2, much how Starcraft 2 resembles the gameplay of the original. But fear not fellow demon slayers. Don’t let the traditional Diablo UI turn you off.

Blizzard promises an experience which is built on “a new graphics engine that can display characters and hordes of monsters in lush, fully 3D environments. Powerful special-effects systems and Havok-powered physics allow the player to lay waste to the Hells’ minions in spectacular ways.”

Diablo 3 takes place 20 years after Diablo 2, so players of the original two games will get to immerse themselves in the lore of the new environment. Just from checking out the cinematic and gameplay previews makes me eager for this next release. There goes the next 5 years of my life.

Official Diablo 3 Page
Diablo 3 FAQ

via Joystiq

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Shoppers who head towards the Georgia Wal-Mart will be pleased to know that there is the EyeSite kiosk available, making it a snap for folks to get their eyes checked while they’re busy shopping for their weekly groceries or simply taking a stroll through. The EyeSite kiosk is the brainchild of Atlanta entrepreneur Bart Foster, and his start-up company, SoloHealth, is currently working hard at testing the self-service vision screening device in several markets. Foster hopes to raise the awareness among people concerning the importance of visiting their eye care professionals for regular eye exams. After all, studies have shown that those who used the kiosk were in the end, recommended to pay a visit to an eye care provider in the immediate future so that their vision will not deteriorate any further.

SoloHealth plans to launch its kiosks in high traffic retail locations, such as Wal-Mart stores. After all, Foster has mentioned that “We know that Wal-Mart is committed to providing affordable, accessible solutions to America’s healthcare challenges, and joining with them gives SoloHealth an opportunity to offer Wal-Mart customers a convenient first step on the road to better awareness and eye health.” I guess teaming up with Wal-Mart is a potent combination for just about any vendor. Just bear in mind that this kiosk is not meant to be a short cut, offering a replacement for an actual eye exam. The printout of the results will show eye health and product information, while referring the user to a nearby participating eye care professional. This sounds like a win-win situation to me, both for the consumer and the eye care professional.

Do keep a lookout for the EyeSite kiosk the next time you pay a visit to Wal-Mart. It would be interesting to see how a nationwide roll out will impact our visual health in the long run. I’d start with playing less video games…

Press Release

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Motorola wants to rock your world with a new cell phone, the Motorola ROKR E8. This handset will be released a few days earlier than the highly anticipated 3G iphone, that is, on July 7th. This cell phone isn’t just a communications device, as it helps you get your entertainment chops in as well, being a rather formidable mp3 player in its own right. In addition, it will be the first Motorola device that boasts the company’s breakthrough ModeShift technology which was pretty hyped up at this year’s CES in Las Vegas.

Here’s a list of its features :-

• ModeShift technology transforms the device from phone to music player with the touch of a button
• Innovative haptics technology provides tactile response when a virtual key is pressed
• FastScroll navigation wheel allows for scrolling through thousands of songs with the slide of a thumb
• Patented CrystalTalk technology delivers outstanding call clarity even in noisy environments
• Windows Media Player 11 compatibility enables easy transfer of tunes from the PC to the device
• Includes pre-loaded music tracks and album art from Interpol, The Starting Line and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

According to Jean Pierre Le Cannellier, senior director of North America marketing, Motorola Mobile Devices, “With ROKR E8, U.S. music lovers no longer have to settle when it comes to using their mobile phone as a music player and vice versa,” said. “ROKR E8 is an exciting blend of innovative design and technology that harmonizes music and phone features into a single mobile device.”

With the ROKR E8, it will also mark the first time Motorola’s new FastScroll navigation wheel makes an appearance, being a variable-speed touch control that lets consumers easily scroll through all of the content stored on the device. All it takes is a gentle slide of the thumb, where the wheel will quickly scroll through your music (music mode), contacts (phone mode), calendar (phone mode), or multimedia (imaging mode) content. With a 2″ QVGA display, all the relevant information is easily viewed.

Press Release

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by Joshua Fruhlinger, posted Jun 28th 2008 at 11:42AM
If anyone is going to make a decent waterproof mp3 player this time around, it would have to be someone like the tight bathing suit-producing Speedo brand. The Speedo Aquabeat — made by Iriver — contains 1GB of storage, plays for nine hours on one charge, come in three colors, and weighs just 35 grams. So what’s so Speedo about them? These players (and earphones) are good for up to 3 meters below the surface and they float — so you can just leave the things floating about while you go mix another margarita. Retail price is $145, available now from your local Speedo dealer or high school coach — just listen for the whistle.

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Filed under: Portable Audio