Author: Serkadis

Filed under: Humor, Software, Odds and ends, Apple

Remember back when Apple made concept videos of their future hardware instead of people making concepts for them? I actually don’t, but that’s just because I’m a young punk — the last major official concept video I remember seeing was the old (and somewhat prescient) “You Will” commercials. But on the eve of what already seems like the year of the tablet, here’s a retro look at a 1987 video made by Apple featuring the “Knowledge Navigator,” a tablet-style computer with web access (sorry, “university network access” — the web didn’t exist yet) and personified software agents to search, field calls, and even run apps and simulations.

Good stuff — I doubt we’ll see video clips of bowtied male secretaries answering calls from the iPhone if the tablet should appear later this month, but here in this future time of 2010, it’s fun to look back and see what we thought we’d be doing now: asking favors from Jill Gilbert, taking Kathy to the airport by 2, and ignoring calls from Mom.

[Via DF]

TUAWFound Footage: Knowledge Navigator concept from 1987 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There’s another Motorola “Calgary” device (also known as the Droid Devour) making the rounds, and this time it’s showing a silver paint job and an obvious Motorola Blur home screen. Word is that the trackpad to the upper right of the keyboard is great, and the keyboard supposedly bests the Droid — not a challenging feat, to be sure. Obviously it’s headed for Verizon, and Boy Genius confirms that WiFi and GPS are onboard, but it’s still a little unclear what the low-end differentiators between it and the Droid might be, outside the three megapixel camera and what appears to be a smaller, lower resolution screen.

Motorola Calgary / Droid Devour spotted in silver, Bluring it up originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hit or Miss?: The Clock is Ticking on These 5 Greentech Deadlines Companies often publicly announce a goal for a certain date — to get media attention, to gain funding or partners, or to try to set a company on a specific path — but then the reality of the landscape sets in. Time’s up […]

Everyone rushed out to their local theaters to watch the hit Hollywood action thriller Armored this week, right? Ahem. Well even if you skipped it in the cineplex, maybe you still managed to watch it on your PlayStation 3. Joystiq reports that back on Wednesday, Sony somehow accidentally posted the movie in its entirety on the PlayStation Store for about five hours before realizing the mistake and taking it down. And what’s more, it was available for free.

Apparently all you had to do was search for “Armored” on the PlayStation Video Store, and the free movie would have popped up in the results. Don’t bother trying it now, though, as Sony has taken the film down (according to Kotaku, it was only up for about five hours). Still, it’s a pretty bizarre goof up — or maybe a deliberate ploy by some rogue programmer who really, really likes the idea of day-and-date distribution?

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While it didn’t exactly light up sales charts the way the Guitar Hero franchise has, DJ Hero either still performed well enough to earn a sequel, or it didn’t and Activision is making one anyway to get some use out of all those DJ deck controllers they made. Actual real-life DJ David Guetta was quoted recently as saying he’s lined up to work on the sequel, which last we heard will probably launch some time near the end of the year.

“I think it’s amazing, this game, and I’m going to work on the No. 2 version,” Guetta said while speaking with Kelowna.com (via Destructoid). While Guetta didn’t work on the original game proper, he did provide additional downloadable content for the title.

Previously, Activision’s Guitar Hero CEO Dan Rosensweig (yes, the franchise is so big it needs its own CEO) commented that “there will be more DJ Hero,” but this appears to be the first confirmation that work on the sequel will begin soon.

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Huinchiri, Peru | Outsider Architecture

Known as keshwa chaca, this is the only remaining example of the Incan handwoven bridges once common in the Incan road system. Made of woven grass, the bridge spans 118 feet, and hangs 220 feet above the canyon’s rushing river. The Incan women braided small thin ropes which were then braided again by the men into large support cables, much like a modern steel suspension bridge. Handwoven bridges lasted as long as 500 years and were held in very high regard by the Inca. The punishment for tampering with such a bridge was death.

Over time, however, the bridges decayed, or were removed, leaving this single testament to Incan engineering. This previously sagging bridge was repaired in 2003, christened with a traditional Incan ceremonial bridge blessing, and it is now in extremely good condition. A perfect location for all of us wishing to indulge in long-harbored Indiana Jones fantasies.

If you have been in search for a full body protector for your Touch Pro 2 or any phone at all, we are here to assist you!  The Bodyguard Full Body Protection is good news for anybody with a low budget, or anybody who wants to keep their phone looking good as new from day one, to the day you decide to sell it.  Here are our takes on the Full Body Protection:

Installation:

Here is a quick summary of the following video.  The installation process is fast and simple, plus the kit includes everything necessary.

Final look:

The final look of the skin is very nice and clear.  I have had the skin on for approximately one month now, and I had forgotten that I had placed it on my phone!  I was supposed to write a review earlier, but when it dries on your device it is practically invisible, meaning you have a good quality scratch-proof phone for a reasonable price.   

If you are looking for something to keep your phone looking good for a good price, I would gladly recommend this kit.

Kit:5/5
Install:4.5/5
Look:5/5
Value:5/5

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Chrysler, Maserati, Ferrari, Fiat, Lancia

We’re not likely to see a new TC by Maserati on display at Chrysler’s North American International Auto Show stand, but a quick glance away from the rebadged Lancia Delta and Fiat 500 we’re all waiting to eyeball will be machinery from Ferrari and Maserati. Last year, Ferrari stayed out of the Detroit Auto Show altogether, but for 2010, Chrysler, Maserati, and Ferrari are all under the Fiat, SpA corporate umbrella. Taking advantage of that, shuffling has gone on to put the group’s exotic wares at the Detroit show, right between Dodge and Jeep.

Positioning such high-end rides in the show’s equivalent of the Bowery might be the best (or only) way for the likes of Dodge and Jeep – which have no new product with which to draw foot traffic – to gain a “contact high” of visibility. Anyone wishing to ogle the Italian exotica (and honestly, who doesn’t?) will have no choice but to navigate through the lesser corporate cousins from Chrysler on the way to and fro. Crafty, Sergio, very crafty.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

Strange Bedfellows: Ferrari and Maserati to share stand space with Chrysler in Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You can run, but you can’t hide (in cyberspace). In one of the strangest stories of 2009, it’s been reported that Blizzard worked with law enforcement to help catch a drug dealer.

Law enforcement officials contacted Blizzard, who found the dealer in their player database, and then provided the IP address the guy was using to the U.S. Marshals. The player was located in Canada, so the marshals then contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The RCMP then arrested the suspect, who was then deported to the U.S. to face drug charges from 2007. Hats off to Blizz for doing the right thing and helping bring a drug dealer to justice. If you want to take a look at the dealer’s character, it’s in the armory.

[Via The Kokomo Perspective]

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“Vibration is Life,” read a print commercial from 1910 advertising a vibrator. This hot new technology became available at the turn of the century when household electricity swept through America. Vibrators were originally developed to replace the tedious task of manual stimulation used by the doctors who were treating women with what they called “hysteria.” The original booty calls, these doctors, were put out of business with the advent of the consumer friendly vibrator in 1900. And one hundred years later, the technology just keeps getting better.

The first vibrator made for medical purposes was released to doctors in 1880, with a consumer friendly version available in 1900, making the electric vibrator the 5th consumer friendly electric product available. The idea was to plug the bulky thing into the wall and let it pulsate for external or and sometimes internal stimulation. A metal device with a little rubber tip, these vibrators didn’t resemble the real thing but rather a dentist’s drill or hand held egg beater. Besides the electric vibrator, there were both hand crank and battery versions available as well. The most interesting was the air powered vibrator that plugged into a lady’s vacuum cleaner. Imagine walking in on that one.

Vibrators became taboo sometime around the 1920s when porn was considered not suitable for polite conversation (it’s not?). Between the 1920s and 1980s, vibrators were marketed as “personal massagers” or “blood circulators,” with their true purpose concealed. Vibrators really began to evolve in the 1970s with the invention of the Hitachi Magic Wand. Much like the original vibrators, this vibrating device was originally marketed for medical purposes as a personal body massager. Probably now one of the most infamous sex toys, this bad boy is a couple’s favorite and was discreet enough to pass as a massager from the Sharper Image back in the day.

In the 1980s when Americans began to become more sexualized, vibrators went from being ambiguous looking items to more realistic looking vibrating dildos. When mainstream stores like the Condom Store in NYC and TV shows like Sex and the City started promoting vibrator use in the 1980s and 1990s, vibrators began to again popularize in the mainstream. Since the 1980s and 1990s when the flood gates really opened, every type of vibrator under the sun has surfaced. Jelly dildos, the Pocket Rocket, discreet vibrating lipsticks, and the now iconic Rabbit Vibrator have become commonplace in the U.S. The Rabbit, a vibrating, undulating, dildo, filled with pearls to stimulate the G-spot and clit, took vibrator technology to the next level by combining clitoral stimulation, internal penetration, and G-spot action in one – setting the bar high for future vibrators.

Since the invention of the Rabbit, vibrator technology has taken off. Vibrators made by companies like the Swedish design firm Lelo, are investments focused on design, functionality, ease of use, and material. Companies like OhMiBod take regular looking vibrators to the next level by offering vibes that sync with your iPod and pulsate to the beat. Remote controlled body worn vibrators have also become commonplace, great for couples looking for that extra oomph in the bedroom or while out to dinner. And vibrators aren’t just for women anymore, instead, male versions are surfacing such as the Fleshlight Vibro. The main trend in vibrator technology is to create a device that more closely mimics a real sexual experience, to go beyond a standard phallic shaped vibrator focused on clit or internal stimulation. Companies try to titillate and excite by mimicking the surprise and variation of real life sex. For example, the Sqweel was a completely new design in vibrators that mimicked oral sex with ten spinning tongues. Even cooler, is the Sasi vibrator that moves like an actual tongue with different variations and speeds. If you dislike a certain motion, you can press a button to skip it and the Sasi will be less likely to use that move in your next session. This smart learning toy remembers what you like and dislike to provide you with a super satisfying and varied oral sex like stimulation from a toy who’s jaw doesn’t get tired. We can only imagine what the future of vibrators might be: possibly a Facebook and Twitter connect? Hey, it could happen.

Guest columnist Lydia Leavitt writes about sex and, oddly enough, social media. For more information on the latest intimate technology, check out 69adget.com.

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Filed under: Hardware, Multimedia, iTunes, iPhone, iPod classic, Music

Just as 2009 was ending, Ford announced that they’ll be offering a new option in their cars for 2010: the ability to “tag” any songs you happen to hear on the radio for later purchase in iTunes. It’ll be an option, so it won’t come standard in the new Taurus you buy, but if you opt for the HD Radio, the stereo will have a “tag” button that will capture the information of whatever you’re hearing, sync it to your connected iPod and then bring it up for purchase in iTunes the next time you’re at your computer. It sounds like a win-win for everybody: Ford gets to sell HD Radios, radio stations get more listener involvement, and Apple and the music companies get your sales (presuming you complete the purchase).

It’d be nice to have the song automatically sent to iTunes (or even transmitted via Bluetooth to your iPhone — maybe even via an official app — next time it happens to be near the car), but one step at a time, I guess. Don’t forget that you don’t even need this option to mark any music you happen to hear: if you have an iPhone, you can use Shazam’s iPhone app to listen in, tell you whatever the song is, and save it for purchase later if you want. It’s a free download in iTunes, lots cheaper than a brand new car.

TUAWFord to offer iTunes tagging in their cars originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to the first ReadWriteWeb Event Guide of 2010. There’s a new seminar in London later this month that we’ve added to this week’s list. As always, you can download the entire event calendar in iCal format or import it into your Google Calendar. You can also import individual events using the link beside each entry. We publish it every weekend, as good a time as any to review your conference plans. This events guide is a weekly feature here on ReadWriteWeb.

Know of an event taking place that should appear here? Let us know in the comments below or contact us.

Sponsor

11 January 2010: Nashville, Tennessee

Social Fresh Nashville

This is the social media conference that comes to you. Social Fresh is a one-day, case-study-rich conference targeted for marketers. Social Fresh Nashville will have 30-plus speakers, including Jason Falls of Social Media Explorer, Gavin Baker of Ruby Tuesday and John Andrews of Collective Bias (formerly of Walmart).

ReadWriteWeb readers get a 15% discount with the code “RWW15″.

14 January 2010: Palo Alto, California

The Founder Showcase

The Founder Showcase, by TheFunded.com, is an open startup pitch and networking event that highlights the newest cutting-edge businesses and helps innovators gain traction among the Silicon Valley elite. On Thursday, January 14th, 10 of the most promising early-stage companies, as selected by over 13,000 registered Founders and CEOs on TheFunded.com, will present to an audience of over 300 investors, founders, and members of the press. A panel of experts will critique the pitches, and an open ballot of those in attendance will determine the Founder Showcase Winner.

ReadWriteWeb readers receive a 10% discount when registering, just use discount code “RWW”.

20 January 2010: London

New Digital Revenue Streams Seminar

Madgex and Abacus e-Media are hosting a free seminar that will offer advice and case studies from media organisations that have successfully created a direct impact on profit margins. The event is supported by the Association of Online Publishers (AOP) and Haymarket-owned Brand Republic, and will feature speakers, including David Archer, CEO of Scottish Television.

The breakfast seminar takes place at the Council Chambers, Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London from 8.30-11 a.m. (registration and breakfast from 8.15 a.m.). To register, book here or email [email protected].

26 January 2010: San Francisco, California

Catalyst Conference

Vator.tv, a leading platform for entrepreneurs and innovators to broadcast themselves, and provider of news and information through VatorNews, and Girls in Tech, a social network enterprise focused on education and empowerment of influential women in technology, are seeking five women-led startups across any stage to present at the Catalyst Conference on January 26, 2010 at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. To be one of the five, join the Catalyst competition today and win the chance to present.

27 – 28 January 2010: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Enterprise Social 2.0: Rip or ROI?

This senior executive event will bring together decision makers from the Top Fortune companies to discuss innovative strategies on how to maximise business performance through social media engagement. The event will include keynote speeches, best-practice presentations as well as interactive discussion sessions.

The summit will provide excellent opportunities for you to hear international experts discuss best practices on how to drive business performance using Web 2.0 and social media. Key issues to be discussed include:

• How to integrate social media programs successfully into business strategies?
• Building business momentum, visibility and market growth through social media
• Measuring success and influence using metrics and analytics: what are the tools and techniques
• Integrating viral marketing and social media into traditional marketing mix
• Developing and activating audiences using social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, blogs

1 – 5, February 2010: New York City, Berlin, London, San Francisco, Toronto, São Paulo

Social Media Week

The second annual Social Media Week conference will explore the profound impact that social media has on culture, business communications and society at large.

The conference is designed as a series of localized events, which city partners are responsible for organizing. Programs will span a variety of formats, ranging from talks and panel discussions, to interactive workshops, seminars and networking events. Registration will open in January 2010 and the majority of events will be free thanks to the global sponsors and event partners.

You can find more information at http://socialmediaweekny.com.

4 February 2010: San Francisco, California

Vator Splash

Vator.tv, a leading platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to broadcast themselves, is holding its inaugural Vator Splash event on February 4, 2010 at the Cafe du Nord in San Francisco. Catch onstage presenters: Zynga CEO Mark Pincus, Smule CEO Jeff Smith, August Capital VC Howard Hartenbaum and Google Ventures VC Bill Maris. Ten promising startups will also get to present onstage. Enter the Vator Splash competition if you want to present.

ReadWriteWeb readers get a 25% discount on their tickets using the code VatorReadWriteWeb.

8 February 2010: Tampa, Florida

Social Fresh Tampa

This is the social media conference that comes to you. Social Fresh is a one-day, case-study-rich conference targeted for marketers. Social Fresh Tampa will have 30+ speakers, including Chris Barger of GM, Maggie Fox of Social Media Group and John Andrews of Collective Bias (formerly of Walmart).

ReadWriteWeb readers get a 15% discount with the code “RWW15″.

10 February 2010: New York City

Online Community Unconference East

The Online Community Unconference East is a gathering of online community professionals – managers, developers, business people, tool providers, investors – to discuss experience and strategies in the development and growth of online communities. As we have found with our past events, the best source of information on all of these challenges is other knowledgeable practitioners. The event runs from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Digital Sandbox.

11 February 2010: New York City

NYC Venture Capital and Angel Showcase

FundingPost is hosting a VC showcase where 20-plus VC funds and angel groups will be exhibiting their firms during a great cocktail party setting. Each fund will have their own table setup for the sole purpose of meeting great new companies.

Additionally, there will be an optional pitching workshop from 2:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The cost to participate in the workshop will be $400. This workshop includes the $125 ticket to the event, and a 1/4 page listing in the Venture Guide Magazine. This event is sponsored by Credit Suisse, and takes place at One Madison Avenue, from 6-9:15 p.m.

18 February 2010: Silicon Valley, California

Future of Funding

Active limited partners, top rated venture capitalists, and successful entrepreneurs are invited to Silicon Valley on February 18, 2010 to discuss the Future of Funding. The venture capital bubble has burst, and change is coming. Now is the time to have a constructive dialog about the future with all of the stakeholders at the table.

Don’t miss the opportunity to partake in this exclusive event hosted by TheFunded. Please visit www.futureoffunding.com to see speaker and event details.

ReadWriteWeb readers use the code “RWW” and get 10% off.

15 – 16 March 2010: London, England

2nd Annual Social Networking World Forum — London

The 2nd Annual Social Networking World Forum takes place at the Olympia Conference Centre in London. The two-day event features four dedicated conference streams:

1. Social Networking World Forum
2. Enterprise social media
3. Social TV World Forum
4. Mobile Social Networking Forum

The event features key speakers from global brands, organizations, social networking publishers and developers, pioneering social media leaders, top agencies, content producers, and more.

• Full workshop program within exhibition area
• Evening networking reception
• Pre-show online meeting planner for delegates
• Free pass for exhibition only

11 May 2010: San Francisco, California

FinovateSpring

FinovateSpring 2010 will again showcase the most cutting-edge financial and banking technology innovations to Silicon Valley and the world. With Finovate’s signature mix of short, fast-paced onstage demos (no slides are allowed) from handpicked companies and intimate networking time with their executives, this conference packs a ton of unique value into a single day.

Come see the cutting edge of banking and financial technology and network with hundreds of the leading financial executives, venture capitalists, press, industry analysts, bloggers and fintech entrepreneurs. Early bird registration rates are available.

5 October 2010: New York City

FinovateFall

FinovateFall will return to Manhattan on Tuesday, October 5 to showcase dozens of the biggest and most innovative new ideas in financial and banking technology from established leaders and hot young companies. The Fall event is the original and largest Finovate and features a single day packed with our special blend of short, fast-paced onstage demos (no slides are allowed) and intimate networking time with top executives from the innovative demoing companies.

FinovateFall is a unique chance to see the future of finance and banking before your competition and find the edge you need in today’s market. Early bird registration rates are available.

Download this entire events calendar in iCal format.

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The HTC HD2 has a great screen, and also a great viewing angle.  In fact, in a bit of informal testing, the text on the screen became illegible due to the obliqueness of the angle rather than any distortion of the on-screen image.

If you rather not have your seat neighbour in the plane watch your movie or read your spreadsheet, DCMugen has the solution for you, in the form of a privacy screen for the HD2 which dramatically reduces the viewing angle of the screen.

DCMugen notes the screen brings:

• Privacy Effect: Protect yourself from prying eyes, viewing sensitive information on your device.
• Intelligent Design: DCMUGEN screen protectors will help block out the elements, protect your device from scratches, scrapes and abrasions that are harmful to your LCD screen on your device.
• Silicone adhesive coating: No residue is left on your LCD display when you remove it.
• Anti-Scratch & Durable: DCMUGEN screen protector can be used for a long time without affecting its smoothness and transparency because of the 4H stiffness of the PET material.
• UV protection: DCMUGEN screen protector reduces the strain of your eyes by blocking 99% of the UV emitted from your LCD display.
• Ideal Custom Pre Cut: This is a custom cut screen protector, designed to cover 100% of the LCD portion of your phone.
• 3 Layer Structures: PET Material Layer, Composite Silicon Layer, Electrostatic Layer
• Washable and Reusable: Easy on and Easy off
  Thickness: Enjoy double the thickness equalling to double the protection
• Horizontal Viewing Area: Enjoy viewing your device in horizontal privacy (does not work vertically but will be viewable)
  Easy to Install: Easy on and Easy off. We provide you with how-to guides made by us and valuable instructional material catered to you.
• Available Different colours

The protector of course has some disadvantages:

• Reduced LCD Transparent Visibility: With some users, they will find it is harder on the eyes and will take away from the vibrant colors of your LCD screen.
• Viewing Lines: The privacy screen protector uses micro shutter lines to create the privacy illusion from the side viewing angles. These lines can be apparent and may disturb your view pleasure.
• Reduced Touch Screen Responsiveness: There may be reduced touch screen sensitivity due to the thicker material in which the privacy screen protector is made of. This is very apparent in the video above.

If your privacy is more important than screen responsiveness you can read more about the accessory at DCMugen here.  The filter sells for $5.99 via their ebay store.

China, Asia | Natural History

The Foraminifera Sculpture Park in Guangzhou Province officially opened in December 2009. Marine geologist Bilal Haq, of the National Science Foundation, got the idea for the sculpture park a decade ago after seeing palm-sized models of foraminifera in the lab of marine biologist Zheng Shouyi at the Institute of Oceanology in Qingdao, China. Zheng persuaded local authorities to pursue the idea.

Foraminifera are an ancient form of life, dating back to the Cambrian Period, 540-480 Million years ago. Meaning “Hole Bearers” the Foraminifera are small, single celled, shelled marine organisms. Despite being single celled, some of the designs of the shells of Foraminifera became very complex with multiple chambers and grew relativly large for single celled creatures, growing to some 19cm. These creatures once ruled the world, filling the seas, and developed into an astonishing variety of lifeforms — some 275,000 species are recognized — in what is known as the “Cambrian explosion.”

It was this diversity of form that inspired marine geologist Bilal Haq, and marine biologist Zheng Shouyi to help get the Chinese sculpture park built. Today there are 114 sculptures in the park all carved out of marble, granite, and sandstone and all inspired by and representing the varied forms of the Foraminifera. Forams from across the world, from 5 oceans and countries including Russia, America, Cuba, France, Italy, New Zealand, and CHina itself. Six new forams were recently discovered in Sanxiang. No doubt it is only a matter of time before they are incorporated into the park.