Electronics Gadget Review , Digital camera reviews, Electronic Price comparison

MAGNETICALLY FLOATING LOUNGER CHAIR

January 24th, 2008


I wrote about a 'floating bed' back in July '06. It went for a cool $200,000 for a 1/5 scale model. The full scale went for over $1 million. Hoverit Lounger is essentially the same thing, but in an acrylic like lounge chair that you'd fine pool side at the hippest Hollywood hotel pool. It uses opposing magnets and costs a reasonable $11,500. Hoverit plans to release a fully cushioned version in March. The pics don't really show full flotation but it's good enough.

More pics here.

NETFLIX TO GET APPLE FRIENDLY IN '08

January 25th, 2008

I was almost jumping for joy when I read that Netflix will begin to offer over 6,000 movies streaming (via your computer) if you pay $8.99 or more for their DVD rental service. The jumping never happened, though. Why? I use a Macbook and the harsh reality of NonApple friendly Netflix streaming sunk in. Finally Netflix posted this explanation (I would've posted the link but looks like you can only access it if you have an account):

Apple does not license their DRM solution to third parties, which has made this more difficult, but we are working with the studios and content owners to gain approval for other solutions. As soon as a studio-approved DRM for the Mac is available to us, whether from Apple or another source, we will move quickly to provide a movie viewer that enables you to watch movies from Netflix instantly on your Mac.

In the meantime, you can use your account to watch instantly on any compatible PC, and Intel-based Macintosh computers can watch movies instantly using Boot Camp, Parallels, or Fusion to run Windows.

The good news is that MacRumors is reporting that Netflix plans to resolve this issue sometime in '08. No actual hard date set yet. Too bad I deleted my copy of XP.

IPHONE FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.1.3 F'ED MY IPHONE UP

January 25th, 2008

Last week (I think it was last week - it's all a blur now) I updated my iPhone firmware to 1.1.3. Although it didn't commit any irreperable harm or damage to my phone unlike some, it sure did screw things up until I did a clean install - I actually made the Apple Genius bar do it so I could get a new one if that didn't resolve my issues. Fortunately, and I may be speaking too soon, is has resolved my iPhone's querky behavior.

Problems I experienced after 1.1.3 was installed (picture for melodrama affect only):

* 50% drop in battery life
* Couldn't consistently make outgoing calls
* Folks couldn't reach me and would get 'dead air' or my voicemail instantaneously
* The iPhone's screen would randomly light up when sitting idly with no one touching it
* Occasionally, when recieving calls or text messages, it would flicker on and off but emit no locking noise
* Wouldn't find the stored and password saved WiFi SSID

"GRAND THEFT AUTO 4 RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED

January 25th, 2008


I know, I know, this isn't gadget/tech news officially, but I know all you GTA fanboys own a fair share of 'eletronic indulgence'. The title will be available on both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

More info here.

Release date of GTA IV: April 29, 2008

WATCH TERRESTRIAL TV ON YOUR IPHONE

January 25th, 2008


Tubestick Hybrid, by Equinux, enables you to receive and record terrestrial HDTV and NTSC television programing on your Apple computer. Even cooler you can view the recorded material on your iPhone or iPod touch (part of the TubeToGo feature which costs extra). Believe me I'm skeptical about the iPod Touch and iPhone capability. Included in the package is an antenna to receive the signals and Equinux's proprietary software. Plug the antenna into your computer and launch the software and you're in business. I should note that the antenna's USB plug is designed such that it won't intrude on the Macbook's other inputs. Using the software you can record, watch and view upcoming shows. Through their web based application you can also set your computer to record shows. If you're so inclined, you can also chat with other watching the same shows. In order to watch shows on your iPod Touch or iPhone you'll need to publish your recordings to an FTP or .Mac account and access them through the web based application (aka TubeToGo) - be interesting to see how the quality is. Available at Amazon and other major retailers come February for $129.95 with a one month trial of TubeToGo.

Additional info here and here.