Author: Rosa Golijan

The AP supposedly had an embargo time of 7:01 PM EST on this photo, but it’s up on their site now and it confirms the previously mentioned TiVo Premiere. [AP via CrunchGear]

Steve Ballmer recently revealed that he has a secret Twitter account which he uses to “blast out the scores of his kid’s high school basketball games.” We did a few quick searches and we think we may have found it.

Based on a few old stories we know that Steve’s son, Sam, attends Lakeside School in Seattle, so we searched for Twitter accounts announcing scores for that school’s basketball games.

There were some accounts which tweeted scores here and there, but there was one which was simply dedicated to one thing and one thing only: LakesideBball.

This particular Twitter account doesn’t appear to be affiliated with the school itself, so it would make sense that an athlete’s proud parent was behind it.

Possibly Steve himself?

While LakesideBball doesn’t follow anyone, it does have a fellow by the name of Sam Ballmer among its followers. I didn’t discover any other Sam Ballmer‘s mentioned on any of Lakeside’s sports teams, and this particular one is rather excited about his school winning a game:

He also mentions playing on a team several times:

So, it’s pretty reasonable to think that this particular Twitter user is Steve Ballmer’s son. (Heck, even Fake Steve Ballmer thinks so and follows him.)

Anyway, between that family connection and the fitting tweets, we’re led to believe that LakesideBball is very likely the secret Twitter account Steve Ballmer says he has. Either way, I’m sorry if anyone feels that this spoils a little mystery, but c’mon! Steve teased us with a secret.

Photo by Dot Photo

Bill Bunten is the mayor Google, Kansas—formerly known as Topeka, Kansas. He signed a proclamation temporarily renaming the city in an effort to convince Google to make Topeka a test site for a gigabit fiber Internet connection.

According to Bunten, he hopes that changing the city’s name for the entire month of March “would set Topeka apart from other cities vying for Google’s attention, which include Grand Rapids, Mich., and Baton Rouge, La.”

Ah well, do whatever it takes, Bunten. It’s not like this is Topeka’s first peculiar name change, anyway. In 1998, the city was renamed “to “ToPikachu” to honor a nationwide kickoff of the Pokemon franchise. [CJ Online]

Oh, this weird box at the center top still baffles people. Is it where you search? Is it where you submit blackmail? What sort of comments go in there? Find out in this week’s edition of Gizmodo’s Tips Box.

Of course tips aren’t the only thing you can submit through that box since it leads you to the wonderful land of tag pages, but let’s focus on the hot-hot-hot tips that came in through it this week, shall we?

We got introduced to something oddly tasty looking called the BatterBlaster by mhsrebelguy06. (Warning; Some sound plays automatically on the linked site.) Speaking of mhsrebelguy06, he also taught us about how women are amazing firewalls.

We also got to see a neat infographic shared by dfp3050 that breaks down spending and religious beliefs.

Our dear otko decided to be funny and give us a $5 tip. (I haven’t received a check yet, buddy!)

CrispyAardvark has found some rather neat Lego models by 15-year-old Sven Junga:

ochee_ found weird contraptions that made me want to hug all the world’s children and promise them that I won’t ever shove them into one of these torture devices disguised as freaky art:

Oh, and this week there were a ton of videos dropped into #tips. Here are a few amusing-yet-far-too-weird ones:

That’s some of the craziness that we’ve sifted through this week, but we encourage you to add to it—both silly things and serious tips.

We’re proud of our comment system and commenter community. In fact, many of our posts come from items submitted to our #tips box. Gizmodo’s Tips Box is a regular feature to show the funny, scary, and freaky things we just couldn’t post, but want to share.

Based on its name, I thought the iLuv Premium iMM178 Vibe Plus is an overpriced sex toy, but it turns out it’s a rather clever iPod/iPhone-compatible alarm clock which shake-shake-shakes you awake. Just hope the headboard doesn’t hit the wall.

The idea is that you shove that mouse-looking thing under your pillow and wait for your alarm to go off. When it does, everything will get a bit shaky while a speaker blares whatever sound or music you’ve selected. In theory, this should wake up even the deepest sleeper, but I’m more entertained about the thought that it could move beds enough to make your neighbors believe that you’re having the most precisely timed sex ever. Every single morning.

iLuv Announces the Premium iMM178 Vibe Plus, A Dual Alarm Clock with Speaker Integrated Bed Shaker for iPhone & iPod Users

iLuv releases premium new Apple iPhone-certified version of bedside alarm clock that will shake the deepest of sleepers awake

PORT WASHINGTON, NY – (March 1, 2010) – iLuv Creative Technology, the leader in innovative solutions dedicated to developing unique accessories for Apple’s iPhone and iPod announces the iMM178 Vibe Plus, the next generation model from their Shake & Awake alarm clock dock series originally launched last year with the iMM153 . This Apple iPhone-certified new improved version features a sleek and slim black body design with a bed shaker that includes a speaker and volume control. iPhone and iPod users now have ten ways to wake up to their favorite music and this dock provides a 7 day – 5 day – 2 day alarm option for waking at a set time everyday, weekdays only or weekends. The Vibe Plus will be available now for the suggested retail of $89.99 at www.i-luv.com and other retailers.

This Apple iPhone-certified alarm clock with a premium bed shaker for iPhone and iPod includes a multitude of features and functions.

Key Features:
• Bed shaker vibrates a bed or a pillow to wake up the heaviest of sleepers and includes a 3-level volume control
• Built-in speakers featuring jAura acoustic speaker technology allow you to hear your music with depth and clarity
• Dual Alarm function for 7-5-2 everyday, weekday or weekends wake options • Time-sync function that synchronizes time for your iPhone & iPod • Large easy to read digital display with 10 level LCD dimmer control • 2 Way volume control – from the main unit or from the shaker
• Integrated universal dock for your iPod plays and charges your iPhone and iPod
Digital Dual Alarm Clock Capabilities:
• Dual alarm clock function allows a couple to wake to separate alarms • 10-Way to wake up including to iPod, FM radio, buzzer, bed shaker, iPod + bed
shaker, FM radio + bed shaker, buzzer + bed shaker
Radio Functions:
• FM stereo • PLL digital tuning technology improves the radio signal clarity
• Programmable presets for 10 radio stations

*Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPod Touch 2nd generation, iPod Touch, iPod Nano 1st – 5th generation, iPod Classic, iPod with video, iPod 4th generation, iPod mini

[iLuv]

You can now feed your social media obsession even further by downloading a Facebook app onto your Zune HD. Heads up though, seems that you may need to update your Zune software first. [CrunchGear]

A virtually unknown company called RTC23 claims that—with Marvel Entertainment’s blessings—they’ve created “the ultimate comic fan’s TV,” complete with character-themed splash screens and clever little cosmetic touches. We could barely believe it, but Marvel confirmed that they approved.

RTC23 is offering 22, 32, 42 and 55-inch LCD and 40 and 46-inch LED HDTV versions of these comic character TVs and they all look great in that extra dorky way:

Prices range from $339 to $1989 and you can order now, but be careful. While Marvel Entertainment has responded to us to confirm that they did indeed officially license these televisions, we really don’t know much about RTC23 or the quality of their products—just that they look pretty fun. [RTC23 via Action Figure Insider via Nerd Approved]

A million fart app developers must’ve just started sobbing in hysterical fear as Apple decided to reject an app because it “contains minimal user functionality and will not be appropriate for the App Store.”

The app in question, DuckPhone, was developed by Nick Bonatsakis of Atlantia Software and had one simple purpose: To make your phone quack like a duck. For whatever reason, Apple didn’t think that was useful enough to an average user and wrote Nick this love letter:

“Dear Atlantia Software LLC,

We’ve reviewed your application DuckPhone and we have determined that this application contains minimal user functionality and will not be appropriate for the App Store.

If you would like to share it with friends and family, we recommend you review the Ad Hoc method on the Distribution tab of the iPhone Developer Portal for details on distributing this application among a small group of people of your choosing or if you believe that you can add additional user functionality to DuckPhone we encourage you to do so and resubmit it for review.

Sincerely,

iPhone App Review Team”

My guess is that whoever was stuck reviewing DuckPhone really hates Jersey Shore, but the bigger issue remains: Apple’s now got yet another completely arbitrary reason to reject an app. [Crunch Gear]

OCEntertainment wanted to know why we don’t have a Comment of the Week. I don’t really have an answer to that, but how about a collection of this week’s best #whitenoise comment threads instead?

If you don’t like the gallery view, you can click here.

We’re proud of our comment system and commenter community. A great display of the sheer insanity and brilliance of the gals and boys who make it so wonderful is our open forum, #whitenoise. From Whitenoise is a regular feature to show the best of the best and the weirdest of the weird.

It’s the weekend, so Jux and some pals are getting an early start on #drunkmodo. In their defense though, they’re being responsible and keeping track of their BACs.

Oh, Nathan Obbards! Always ready with a new game thread or a Batman-themed photoshop challenge.

jeevesofRKdia wants you to stick a caption on his strange creation.

So far my favorites are WolfCobra13‘s

I’m the Twitter whale’s depressed cousin!

and otko‘s

I’m blue da ba dee ba da bi

Ok, maybe I’m fibbing about being all that fond of Otko’s line—I really hated that song—but I’m just happy he’s rejoined us in #whitenoise.

Modest Mouse is giving everyone—including himself—in #whitenoise a pat on the back:

You guys are especially hilarious today, bringing your A-game and whatnot. Good work, you’ve entertained me… now get back to it.

MagicalTrev is getting serious and needs some advice:

Ok, I could use some advice, or at least some educated opinions. I’ll settle for what I can get here, though.

Jabs aside, I have relied on a PDA in some sort or another for the last 10 years. I do not want to spend a monthly fee for the privilege of using a smartphone when I’m not interested in the data features. I need something to keep track of appointments, can store simple notes quickly, and I wouldn’t mind if it stored an address book or could play music. Displaying pictures would also be a strong plus, as would syncing with either outlook or google calendar. If I could get these features in a phone without needing to sign up for a data package, that would be ideal as I’m tired of carrying around multiple devices. Thoughts or suggestions?

Picture by Jiri Brozovsky

SmokeyRivers missed most of it, but there was a grand war. The troops of #whitenoisers went off into battle against Lifehacker and Kotaku. Thankfully, General Bill Can’t Fart helped keep things organized:

OK, troops. In about 1 hour, we will begin war against Kotaku. This battle will be more challanging. There’s a good chance the enemy could retaliate and attack our base. There will be lives lost.

So, battle plans. We’ll be attacking Kotaku’s #speakup at 11am EST. Let’s gather all our contest ideas and games and post them there. If you don’t understand what’s going on, take a look at what’s left of Lifehacker’s #openthread ([lifehacker.com]) and the #greatgizwar tag.

Remember guys, we’re going over there to have fun. Some of the editors have reminded us to not let things get too out of control. So don’t get too crazy, obnoxious, stupid, etc. We’re not trolls, we’re #whitenoisers. Our goal is to spread our ways to the other Gawker blogs.

REMEMBER! Wear the #greatgizwar hashtag in all of our comments there, this needs to be organized.

Ok, Ok. I’ll be honest. I do have a favorite comment thread right now. It was started by a fellow named BobotheTeddy and is a tribute to most of the Gizmodo editors (though I think that Brownski still wants to know what makes me so darn special that I get to hold the great banhammer).

Wednesday is supposed to be #wednesdaybookclub in #whitenoise, and Fractal the Meek and jeevesofRKdia made sure to get some discussions started.

Picture by Ian Wilson

I’m not sure what Kotaku commenter deanbmmv was thinking when he posted this picture in #whitenoise, but it certainly kicked off one heck of a thread.

This week’s Fake Rumor Thursday and the fantastic Damage, Splash brought us this silliness:

7. This rumor is sponsored by Windows 7.

7. Further spurred by the current Thread Raids, rumor has it other Giz commenting team is forming plans for counter attack. For instance, lifehacker will either use automated comment attack or use outside third party to handle that, as using actual manpower would really cramp their productivity. io9 is rumored to use cyborgs from outer space, while Japolik will employ bunches of degenerate car lovers.

All sign points to the LEGION invading Gizmodo. Thanks guys, like we really need that.

7. Apple’s Mighty/Magic/Hyper Mega Mouse will be replaced by the super sleek G-Spot Mouse. Lines forming as we speak, developing.

7. Kingston, outraged by reports of not so nice memory cards entering their supply chain, purchased several Chinese factories in Shenzen, and introduced new lines, such as Samdisk, SanSunk, and Rexar. Developing.

7. Sony will completely abandon Memory Stick and adopt XD as their primary memory format. Then the XD will be immediately supplemented by XD-HS-PRO-XG-PS3++ and XD-DUO-PRO-PS4+++.

7. Jay Leno will introduce a new sidekick: Conan O’Brien. Andy Richter will be their personal slave for the rest of the term.

It seems that jmcm‘s friend was really bored while decorating his or her room, but it still looks neat.

Conspiracies! Zmx15 wants to play a game:

This one is called Conspiracy. You just keep relating things to other things and end up with a whole huge conspiracy theory.

ExamplePersonA: January is a Month
ExamplePersonB: January Starts with J
ExamplePersonC: Jesus also starts with J
ExamplePersonQ: Jesus works for Gizmodo

Jason Chen also works for Gizmodo.
Jason just got a bunny.
Bunnies are evil…

Adafruit’s Monochron kit lets you build custom clocks. You can use and abuse its animated display for whatever evil setups you can imagine, but my favorite is the retro arcade game based animation in this video.

Wonder what happens if that clock ever gets better at playing the game though. Will time freeze? [Adafruit]

V-MODA has made some rather nice in-ear headphones with a pretty reasonable $99 price tag. They’re shiny, slender, durable, and capable of controlling your iPod, iPhone, or MacBook with those three little buttons. Oh. and they come in four colors.

V-MODA PRESENTS REMIX REMOTE HEADPHONES: SOPHISTICATED SOUND AND DESIGN OPTIMIZED FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE, ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Series Offers Music Enthusiasts Unparalleled Audio, Style and Reinforced Durability

HOLLYWOOD (Feb. 22, 2010) – V-MODA, the music lifestyle brand and manufacturer of award-winning headphones, today announced Remix Remote, the latest fashion-forward in-ear headphone featuring unrivaled audio performance partnered with an integrated three-button remote. Created by V-MODA’s meticulous acoustics and engineering team, Remix Remote is a completely redesigned version of the company’s original in-ear headphones, created to enhance the listening experience and dynamics of today’s music while capitalizing on the capabilities of the iPhone, iPod and Mac notebooks.

Designed for ultimate durability, unparalleled audio clarity and absolute affordability, Remix Remote is a testament to V-MODA’s passionate dedication to the development of sound and precise construction for even the most discerning listener. From the remastered driver to the redesigned soft silicone fittings developed to enhance ergonomic and audio performance, consumers will enjoy a unique and distinct listening experience with the perfect balance of punchy bass and high-definition audio clarity. The remote and high fidelity microphone allows hands-free access for users to answer calls and control their music library. The all-metal construction, Kevlar®-reinforced cables and commitment to quality is backed by a two-year premium warranty and V-MODA’s “No Questions Asked” 50 percent off lifetime headphone replacement guarantee.

“Great in-ear headphones are a result of a fanatical passion for the skill, art and love of music. We’ve spent years researching and fine-tuning our headphones alongside world-renowned musicians and DJs, and Remix Remote is our best product yet in terms of pure sound, rock solid durability improvements, ergonomics, and value,” said Val Kolton, V-MODA CEO and founder, independent DJ and producer. “In our modern lifestyle we listen to our music on headphones more than at home, in the car or at clubs. It is my goal to recreate the sound and sensations of an epic sound system anywhere and anytime, fused with the fashionable design V-MODA is known for.”

The V-MODA Remix Remote features:

UNPARALLELED CONTROL AND SOUND
A discreet, in-line three-button remote allows the user to control the music playback, volume, VoiceOver or Voice Control functions with ease. A newly tuned 9mm V-MASQUE neodymium dynamic driver creates the absolute in clarity and the perfect balance in sound, while the BEAT-PORT air flow system delivers a high-definition soundstage, invoking the sense of a live music experience. V-MODA’s revered BLISS (Bass Level Isolating Soft Silicone) noise-isolating technology further reduces outside noise and enables deep punchy bass for the ultimate audio experience.

ERGONOMIC STYLE AND DESIGN
Featuring a minimalist and ergonomic design, Remix Remote’s solid yet lightweight all-metal construction makes a powerful statement. Its durable features are developed for fashion-conscious, on-the-go lifestyles. The earbuds feature newly designed medical-grade soft silicone fittings with a new shape offering a more comfortable and secure fit while also further enhancing V-MODA’s signature soundscape with improved clarity. The detachable sport earhooks feature patent-pending Active Flex technology, allowing the headphones to adjust independently to each ear regardless of the earhook’s position.

ROCK SOLID DURABILITY
After years of diligent engineering, Remix Remote is stronger than many headphones sold within the same price range. Each component was dissected and analyzed to create a high-quality headphone that could withstand the extended use by V-MODA’s dedicated listeners. With the added function and dual functionality of today’s headphones as headsets, it is paramount that the cable and plug are as precisely engineered as the ear buds. Special attention was given to a custom cable construction comprised of a strong Kevlar core to relieve tension and a uniquely braided copper material that is specially designed to flex during use. The durable, PVC-free and tactically pleasing cable is designed to reduce microphonics. The gold-plated plug and stainless steel core feature a 45-degree extended strain relief to withstand stress.

COMPATIBILITY
Remix Remote provides an easy-to-use integrated three-button remote control that works with iPhone 3GS, the second generation iPod touch, fourth and fifth generation iPod nano, third generation iPod shuffle, the 120GB and 160GB iPod classic, MacBook (unibody) and MacBook Pro (unibody).

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Starting today, the Remix Remote will be available through Apple’s retail stores as well as at Shop.v-moda.com for a retail price of $99.99. In early March, Remix Remote headphones will be available through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com) and later in the year at additional retail channels. To see more information and videos on how V-MODA is dedicated to quality and durability, visit v-moda.com/quality.

ABOUT V-MODA
V-MODA is the music lifestyle brand distinguished by its fashion-forward design, superior sound, and unparalleled quality. Since the debut of its world-renowned product collection, V-MODA has created a world that defines an authentic music culture.

V-MODA is the result of fusing professional DJ and CEO Val Kolton’s passion for high fidelity and progressive design. Together with the world’s most influential DJs and musicians, V-MODA is defining the remix revolution.

My keyboard is silent, but deadly, without any of those old-school klick-klack-klickedy-klack-klack sounds. But for Just over $20, I can at least make it look retro and dream of being a serious typewriter user. [Rockett St George via Toxiferous Designs]

Louie Sulcer won Apple’s 10 Billion Songs Sold contest. He just didn’t believe that he won or that the guy calling to congratulate him was Steve Jobs himself. Guess he thinks Cupertino is full of prank callers.

The contest was simple: You buy the 10 billionth song and you win a $10,000 iTunes Gift Card. Louie happened to purchase a copy of Johnny Cash’s “Guess Things Happen That Way” at just the right moment and next thing you know, he was getting a call from Steve Jobs. Except Louie didn’t believe it was actually Steve:

He called me and said, ‘This is Steve Jobs from Apple.’ I said, ‘Yeah right,’ ” Sulcer tells Rolling Stone. “I have a son that loves to play tricks and he does that every now and then – calls me and imitates somebody.” After three or four times of asking “Come on now, who is this,” Sulcer realized that his caller ID read simply “Apple,” and only then did he believe that he was the winner of the contest and a $10,000 iTunes card.

Congratulations Louie, both on winning the contest and on making a good song choice. Just watch out for spoofed caller IDs. [Rolling Stone]

Oh hello! The FCC has just approved a phone with the model number PB99300. It’s HTC-made, CDMA-using and just happens to remind us of the Nexus One‘s PB99100 model number. Odds are that this handset is the Nexus One bound for Verizon, but we’ll have to wait for an official confirmation and a release date. [FCC via Unwired View via BGR]

I like edible gadgets and I definitely like to eat them. That’s why I’m tempted to track down a Japanese bakery called Green Gables and get half a dozen of these tasty-looking iPhone cookies. [Nobon via Cult of Mac]

You might’ve recently walked the aisles of one of Blockbuster’s 3,525 locations while looking for a good make out movie. Five hundred of those locations are closing. [MSN via Digg]

Some think that this—the PlanetSolar—is the sort of boat Kevin Costner should have had in Waterworld, but all I’m really contemplating is hopping on board for her first journey around the world in 2011.

The PlanetSolar took 13 months to build and is nearly 102 feet long, almost 50 feet wide and stands 24-1/2 feet high. This doesn’t make her the biggest boat period, but it definitely does leave her with the title of the world’s largest solar-powered boat.

PlanetSolar will be formally and officially launched in April of this year, but her maiden world tour will wait until 2011. I just wish I could tag along. [PlanetSolar via Seattle PI via io9]