Tech Gadgets Reviews

This Biometric USB flash drive follows the current trend of increased security in USB flash drives, relying on an integrated biometric sensor to secure data within. Should you feel too uncomfortable with using your thumbprint for verification purposes, there is always the option to revert to the good ol’ password system. There is no cap to worry about losing here, as it features a swivel design when not in use. No word on pricing or availability though.

I guess Star Wars is a universal franchise, with folk in Tokyo Decadance (a monthly dance event in Tokyo) dressed up in a Predator and Optimus Prime combo outfit, calling himself Preda-Prime. He also wielded a couple of lightsabers around the dance floor in tandem to the music played. Talk about being wacky! What are some of the other combinations you can think of?

by Donald Melanson, posted Apr 16th 2008 at 1:56PM

It’s not everyday that researchers make some progress towards terahertz computing, but a team from the University of Utah led by Ajay Nahata appear to have done just that, with them announcing that they’ve “taken a first step to making circuits that can harness or guide terahertz radiation.” That, they say, could allow for the development of “superfast circuits, computers and communications,” and “in a minimum of 10 years,” no less. The key to this latest development, it seems, is the use of some sheets of stainless steel foil perforated with tiny holes, which can be arranged in different patterns to effectively form “wires” to carry the terahertz radiation. In their tests, the researchers were able to do so at a level of 300Ghz (or 0.3 terahertz), although they admit that they still have a long way to go, saying that “all we’ve done is made the wires” for terahertz circuits, and adding that there still needs to be devices like switches, transistors and modulators developed at terahertz frequencies in order for anything practical to become possible.

[Via TG Daily]

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Filed under: Desktops

If you were blown away by the color-screen version of the handheld Tetris game, then you’ll love this Meiji chocolate bar puzzle from Strapya World. You’re clearly quite easy to please, so I can tell you won’t mind that the inedible puzzle isn’t electronic and that rather than clearing lines, the object of this “game” is to fit all of the chocolate-looking pieces into the included clear container.

It’s the anti-Tetris really because you’ve got similar-looking pieces that must be positioned manually (instead of flipping them frantically into place as they fall from the sky at accelerating speeds) and the more open space you have, the less “done” the game is (as opposed to trying not to let the rows of blocks build up too high). Additionally, if you’ve managed to figure out all 2,339 ways to solve the puzzle, you get to”level up” by buying another chocolate bar: white chocolate = easy, milk chocolate = beginner, black (dark?) chocolate = advanced.

Grab yours from Strapaya World for about $7.

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 16th 2008 at 11:28AM

We know, most of you even remotely interested in the F-200 either already own one (and you’re playing it right now, aren’t you? Don’t lie.) or are waiting intently for the Pandora. Nevertheless, the cats over at Ars Technica managed to wrap their paws around the GP2X F-200 and give it the full review treatment — needless to say, impressions were (fairly) positive. Immediately recognized as a “hybrid of Sony’s PSP and the Nintendo DS,” the gaming handheld possessed a bright, clear LCD, somewhat “tinny” speakers and the ability to chew through batteries without shame. Still, aside from a few minor niggles, the critics found it to be “well worth the $170 price tag for the emulation capabilities alone.” Hit up the read link for the entire review, but don’t even bother if you’re looking for excuses to hold off.

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Microsoft has finally come out of the closet, admitting that a recent Windows Vista security update has caused havoc with selected USB devices. Unfortunately and true-to-form Microsoft style, the cock-up has yet to see a fix in any form. Windows Defender’s update last week have left certain users extremely unhappy as their USB mice and keyboards seem to go on a strike and refuse to function after the update is installed. Have you been affected so far? If so, kindly leave a comment below and what you did to get your USB device up and running once again.

Tilmann Schlootz picked up a Michelin Challenge Design Award 2008 at this year’s Detroit Auto Show thanks to the Audi Snook design. I must say, it takes a fair few looks before you warm up to the idea (and thinking, “is it even possible?”). The multi-directional engine comprises of a sphere-wheel that enables the driver to navigate and steer the auto-stabilized cain in every direction. This look more like a license to be reckless in the near future should the Audi Snook ever materialize, and the older segment of the population will surely find getting used to a new vehicle to be extremely challenging. Do we have to retake our driver’s license in this case?

Tilmann Schlootz phas received a Michelin Challenge Design Award 2008 at Detroit Auto Show 2008 for the Audi Snook design. This multi-directional engine features “a sphere-wheel and enables the driver to navigate and steer the auto-stabilized cain in every direction.”
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Guess you’ll still need to stick to Verizon Wireless if you want to hold the LG Voyager in your hands, as this smartphone won’t be making its way to Sprint and AT&T anytime soon according to LG representatives. These same representatives have no idea how this rumor started in the first place as well. Well, better to know it now than later, right? We’re sorry if we got your hopes up a couple days’ back.
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Sony has announced their new Bravia XMB series ranges for 2008 and in the new Sony Bravia XBR7 range looks like a sure winner. The Sony XBR7 series will only be avaliable in two sizes, as the well sized 40-inch KDL-40XBR7 or as the very large / huge 70-inch KDL-70XBR7.

All of Sony’s latest XMB HDTVs are packed with all the latest features and high end specifications you would expect from a high end Sony. The Sony XBR7’s both have a full HD (1080p) resolution for the highest HD format along with 120Hz Motion Flow technology for smooth flowing images which retail all their detail in high motion scenes.

If you’re looking for a very large widescreen LCD HDTV with impressive features I think the Sony KDL-70XBR7 is a sure winner. Along with it’s smaller XBR7 brother, the 40-inch Sony KDL-40XBR7; they both feature Sony’s new powerful Bravia Engine 2 image processing for color enhancement, noise reduction and many image enhancing techniques for the very best image quality.

Other features of the Sony Bravia XBR7 include a 10-bit LCD panel and processing with Live Color Creation and Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit for amazing and unbeatable colors with excellent contrast and black levels. 24p (24 frames per second) input is also supported on it’s very healthy selection of 4 x HDMI 1.3 inputs. There are also component, PC VGA, DLNA compliant Ethernet jack inputs, along with Bravia Sync and DMe capabilities.

Both of the Sony XBR7 HDTVs have a piano black gloss finish with stylish floating glass accents, with speaker grilles which can be customized with various colors.

Sony Bravia XBR7

• KDL-40XBR7 (KDL40XBR7) | 40-inch, October 08.
• KDL-70XBR7 (KDL70XBR7) | 70-inch, October 08.