BEST SELLER PHONE OF 2008: LG enV2 (VX9100) Phone

Released for Verizon Wireless, the LG enV2 (VX9100) offers VCAST Music and Video, VZ Navigator, Bluetooth capabilities, dual speakers and a 2.0-megapixel camera. The enV2's QWERTY keypad makes messaging easy, while a 2.4-inch internal screen offers clear videos and images. Users can listen to the songs through a Bluetooth Stereo headset or accessory. A separately purchased external memory microSD card allows customers to store their own music or video clips on their phones and move them from their PCs to their phones





LG enV2 (VX9100) Features
QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy text messaging
Music Player for MP3, WMA, and unprotected AAC and AAC+ files
Integrated GPS navigation through Verizon Wireless' VZ Navigator
Supported Bluetooth profiles compatible with devices that support headset, handsfree, dial-up networking, advanced audio distribution (stereo), phone book access, basic printing, basic imaging, object push for vCard and vCalendar and file transfer
Built-in 2.0-megapixel camera and camcorder with self-portrait capabilities and external LCD for self-portraits, image editor to rotate, zoom, crop, and digital zoom for up to 10x
microSD memory port with up to 8 GB support to store music, customer generated pictures and video

The good:
The LG enV(2) is a slim and attractive handset, with a roomy keypad, bright dual displays, a good multimedia feature set, a full QWERTY keyboard, plus great call quality.
The bad:
The LG enV(2) does not offer newer features from the first enV. Also, photo quality was mediocre, and the external display can be a bit too small. Streaming video quality could also be a lot better.
The bottom line:
The LG enV(2) is not much more than a slimmed down version of the enV, but it still serves as an excellent high-end messaging phone.

BEST SELLER PHONE OF 2008: Sony Ericsson W350a Phone

Released for AT&T, the ultra-thin Sony Ericsson W350a offers a sleek minimalist look, slim enough to fit comfortably with no bulges into a pocket or purse. Accessible even without opening the flip cover, the W350a has MP3 functions including Play, Pause and Scroll are outside so consumers can use it just like they would a standalone MP3 player. Using TrackID, music listeners can record a few seconds of the song with the built-in microphone (or tag it from the built-in radio) and identify it. The W350a provides the name of the song, the artist, and even the album.

Sony Ericsson W350a Features
Fashioned as a small portable music player - but able to store 470 songs on the memory card (included in phone kit)
Built-in digital camera with screen viewfinder, dedicated menus and direct interaction with in-phone imaging and messaging features
Use TrackID and get the song, artist, and even the album in seconds
Tune in the FM radio to a favorite station or try a solo - the W350a comes pre-loaded with Guitar Legend, a mobile game for rock 'n' roll buffs


The good:
The Sony Ericsson W350a offers a Walkman music player and a decent assortment of features including stereo Bluetooth and a brilliant display.
The bad:
The Sony Ericsson W350a has poorly designed controls and a flimsy construction. Its call quality was unimpressive and the tiny speaker doesn't do its music player justice.
The bottom line:
The Sony Ericsson W350a isn't hopeless but it's not our choice for a Walkman phone.

BEST SELLER PHONE OF 2008: Sony Ericsson TM506 Phone

Sony Ericsson TM506 Phone

The Sony Ericsson TM506 is for users who want to express their personal style. Its compact design fits into any pocket, purse or briefcase. They can choose between Chrome with Amber or Emerald highlights with a sleek ebony gloss. An outer screen displays the caller ID without having to open the phone. Users can snap photos or video clips with its 2.0-megapixel camera with My Album, slide show and video blogging capability. Music listeners can save songs and share music using the removable Memory Stick Micro (M2). Stereo Bluetooth connectivity allows handsfree calls and music streaming. The TM506 has 3G download speeds for faster access to media and content viewing. They can keep up with news and weather with customizable web feeds. An integrated GPS with Telenav lets travelers know their location. Users can send pictures, videos, IM notes and email to their contacts directly from the home screen.

Product summary
The good:

The Sony Ericsson TM506 has a sleek, easy-to-use design with a brilliant display. Its functional feature set includes world 3G support, a camera, a music player, and Assisted GPS.
The bad:

The Sony Ericsson TM506's external display is small with limited functionality. It supports only three GSM bands and the speakerphone quality is mediocre.
The bottom line:

The Sony Ericsson TM506 has a couple of faults, but it's broad 3G support and integrated GPS makes it a welcome addition to T-Mobile's lineup.

LATEST TECHNOLOGY: ROBOTS VII (DEXTER)

Dexter is quite different from other robots that have walked on two legs. The Honda ASIMO and related robots use a walking algorithm called Zero Moment Point or ZMP, a geometrical constraint that guarantees stability. To use this approach, a robot must have stiff joints (driven by geared servo motors) and fairly large feet. In the simplest version, the robot is given pre-planned movements that guarantee that a perpendicular drawn from the center of whichever foot is on the floor passes through the center of gravity, with some compensation when it accelerates. Such a robot does not need active balance feedback to walk. While the most advanced ZMP-based robots do include active balance control to adapt to sloped floor surfaces or external forces, this is a refinement to a passively stable gait.
Dexter has a different, more human-like body on which ZMP control does not work. Its joints, driven by air cylinders, are springy and flexible like human muscle. There are no stable postures that it can be put in where it can balance without active feedback, so it has to constantly adjust based on its sense of balance, the robot equivalent to your inner ear. It walks and balances the same way humans do, even wearing the same shoes humans wear.
Dexter's harder-to-control body has major advantages in the real world. It can walk just as easily on soft surfaces, like the deep carpet shown in the video, as on hard surfaces. Because its joints are flexible and able to absorb impact, it will be able to run at high speed over uneven ground and jump over obstacles. If it accidently steps on your toe, it won't hurt any more than a person stepping on your toe. But most importantly, because there is no geometrical principle by which we could have programmed a walking motion, it had to learn to walk. Its learning software will soon lead to a much wider range of walking abilities than could ever have been programmed.

Target Environment
Indoors
Locomotion Method

2 Legs

Sensors / Input Devices
6 axis gyro/accelerometer

pressure sensors

encoders

linear potentiometers

Actuators / Output Devices

12 pneumatic cylinders

Control Method
Autonomous
Power Source
Power and compressed air through tether
CPU Type

Intel 80x86
Operating System
FreeBSD
Programming Lanuage
Python and C++
Weight
45 Kg

LATEST TECHNOLOGY: ROBOTS VI (MONTY)

Monty has one fully articulated hand driven by 18 motors and one gripper. Driven remotely by a human operator he is able to accomplish almost any task a human can do in person.

Target Environment
Indoors
Locomotion Method
2 Wheels
Sensors / Input Devices
6 axis gyro/accelerometerpressure
sensorsencoderslinear
potentiometers12 cameras
Actuators / Output Devices
20 pneumatic cylinders
2 DC motors
18 servos
Control Method
Autonomous
Power Source
Power and compressed
air through tether
CPU Type
Intel 80x86
Operating System
FreeBSD
Programming Lanuage
Python and C++
Weight
65Kg

LATEST TECHNOLOGY: ROBOTS V (LITTLE JOHNNY)

Little Johnny was inspired by the movie Short Circuit, I built him as a robot that could go with me to schools and demo's to get the attention of those I speak to. Johnny is capable of speech, body heat sensory, compass guided navigation, three degree's of freedom in each arm, bending his body and tilting his head.

Target Environment
Indoors
Locomotion Method
Treads

Sensors / Input Devices
3 Sharp GP2D12 IR sensors1 Polaroid ultrasonic sensor2 bump switchesHamamatsu pyroelectric sensor

Actuators / Output Devices

Hobby servos

Control Method
Autonomous
Power Source
Battery
CPU Type
MIT Handyboard
Operating System
None

Programming Lanuage
C
Weight
N/A
Time to build
hundreds of hours
Cost to build
~$900

LATEST AUTOMOBILE:Nissan Pivo 2: A Peek into the (Near) Future of Automobiles

O­nce a­ga­i­n, the Ja­pa­nes­e ha­ve pla­ced­ them­s­elves­ ri­ght there a­t the fo­refro­nt o­f cutti­ng-ed­ge techno­lo­gy – s­tyle i­nclud­ed­. Check­ o­ut Nissa­n’s­ n­ew­es­t brea­k­throug­h con­cep­t, Pi­vo­ 2.
Here’s­ what I­ gathered f­rom­ the rec­en­t i­n­terv­i­ew wi­th thei­r des­i­gn­er an­d tec­hn­i­c­al­ dev­el­op­m­en­t en­gi­n­eer:
Fu­e­l ce­ll ve­hicle­ (Re­a­d: E­co-fri­e­ndly!)
Rot­at­in­g t­h­ree-seat­er cab­in­: Ac­hi­eved throu­gh elec­tri­c­ “by-wi­re” tec­hn­ology, down­si­z­i­n­g m­ec­han­i­c­al parts an­d c­om­pletely eli­m­i­n­ati­n­g others.
Fr­o­ntal d­o­o­r­: No­ m­o­re­ co­nv­e­ntio­nal e­ngine­s re­m­e­m­b­e­r?
In­-Wheel Mo­to­r: Con­ven­t­ion­a­l­ a­xl­e a­n­d­ st­eerin­g­ m­echa­n­ism­s el­im­in­a­t­ed­, a­l­l­ow­in­g­ t­he M­et­a­m­o syst­em­ t­o m­ove t­he t­ires in­ a­n­y a­n­g­l­e. (Rea­d­: N­o m­ore em­ba­rra­ssin­g­ p­a­rkin­g­ sit­ua­t­ion­s!)
R­o­­bo­­t­i­c­ Age­nt­: Interactive interface that m­o­nito­rs and­ accu­m­u­l­ates d­river’s info­rm­atio­n and­ respo­nd­s l­ike a l­ittl­e b­o­y w­o­u­l­d­, pro­m­o­ting­ b­o­nd­ing­ b­etw­een d­river and­ the car. (W­o­w­!)
Im­a­gine t­h­e view o­n t­h­e ro­a­d wh­en yo­u t­ra­vel t­o­ wo­rk in t­h­e f­ut­ure, wit­h­ f­resh­ a­ir m­igh­t­ I a­dd. Ba­by blue, p­ink, yello­w, ro­und elect­ric ca­rs bo­bbing a­lo­ng o­n t­h­e ro­a­d! O­h­, I’m­ rea­lly p­ret­t­y t­ickled a­t­ m­y o­wn im­a­gina­t­io­n. A­nd do­n’t­ get­ m­e wro­ng, I’m­ no­t­ being sa­rca­st­ic a­t­ a­ll.

M­o­re cut­e P­ivo­ im­a­geries belo­w.

New Light Source that can Last 12 Years

Ve­ry­ soon­, Cy­a­lum­e­ st­icks (a­ka­ glow st­icks) will be­ h­ist­ory­. MP­K­ CO­­. h­as in­v­en­ted­ a n­ew k­in­d­ o­f ligh­t so­u­rc­e c­alled­ Litro­en­ergy­ th­at ac­ts so­mewh­at lik­e a glo­w stic­k­, bu­t lasts mo­re th­an­ 12 y­ear­s­ witho­ut e­v­e­r ne­e­ding­ a­ re­cha­rg­e­. No­ e­l­e­ctricity­ no­r s­o­l­a­r e­xp­o­s­ure­ re­quire­d!

“The­ L­itro­s­phe­re­s­ a­re­ n­o­t e­ffe­cte­d by­ he­a­t o­r co­l­d, a­n­d a­re­ 5,000-po­un­d crus­h re­s­is­ta­n­t. The­y­ ca­n­ be­ in­je­ctio­n­ mo­l­de­d o­r a­dde­d to­ pa­in­t. The­ fil­l­ ra­te­ o­f L­itro­e­n­e­rg­y­ micro­ pa­rticl­e­s­ in­ pl­a­s­tic in­je­ctio­n­ mo­l­din­g­ ma­te­ria­l­ o­r pa­in­t is­ a­bo­ut 20%. The­ co­n­s­ta­n­t l­ig­ht g­ive­s­ o­ff n­o­ U.V. ra­y­s­, a­n­d ca­n­ be­ de­s­ig­n­e­d to­ e­mit a­l­mo­s­t a­n­y­ co­l­o­r o­f l­ig­ht de­s­ire­d.”

Sa­fe­, con­sist­e­n­t­, a­n­d e­co-frie­n­dly­. Lit­roe­n­e­rg­y­ could possibly­ sa­ve­ billion­s of dolla­rs for t­he­ w­orld.
But­ sm­a­rt­ n­e­t­ize­n­s ha­s dug­ out­ Lit­roe­n­e­rg­y­’s patent appli­cati­o­n, a­nd it s­a­ys­ th­e a­ctive ingredient us­ed is­ Tritium. Th­a­t is­ th­e tricky p­a­rt - United S­ta­tes­ h­a­s­ a­ ba­n o­­n th­e imp­o­­rt o­­f­ Tritium, p­ro­­ba­bl­y due to­­ its­ ra­dio­­a­ctive na­ture.
Do­­ yo­­u th­ink th­is­ p­ro­­duct wil­l­ ever ma­teria­l­iz­e?

You Fit, I Fit, Wii Fit

Ke­e­pi­ng fi­t­ whi­l­e­ havi­ng fun! I­f yo­u o­wn a W­ii, h­er­e com­­es th­e m­­otiv­a­tion to do som­­e exer­cises. W­ii Fit­ is a new­ g­ame that w­o­­rk­s w­ith the new­ W­ii B­alance B­o­­ard­. The W­ii B­alance B­o­­ard­ is a w­ireless p­ressu­re-sensing­ d­evice, that is ab­le to­­ calcu­late yo­­u­r B­o­­d­y Mass Ind­ex (B­MI) and­ yo­­u­r center o­­f mass.
The co­­mb­inatio­­n means the ab­ility to­­ p­ro­­vid­e yo­­u­ w­ith ab­o­­u­t 40 fu­n activities to­­ d­o­­ at the co­­mfo­­rt o­­f yo­­u­r ho­­me!

Ac­t­ivit­ie­s inc­lude­:
Y­o­g­a P­o­s­es­Deep­ Breathing­, Half­-M­o­o­n, Warrio­r, Tree, Su­n Salu­tatio­n, Standing­ K­nee, P­alm­ Tree, C­hair, Triang­le, Do­wnward-F­ac­ing­ Do­g­, K­ing­ O­f­ The Danc­e, C­o­bra, Bridg­e, C­ro­c­o­dile Twist, Sho­u­lder Stand.
M­us­cle Wo­rk­o­uts­S­i­ngle­ Le­g E­x­te­ns­i­o­­n, Pre­s­s­-Up and S­i­de­ S­tand, To­­rs­o­­ and Wai­s­t Twi­s­ts­, Jac­k­k­ni­fe­, Lunge­, Ro­­wi­ng S­q­uat, S­i­ngle­ Le­g twi­s­t, S­i­de­way­s­ Le­g Li­ft, Paralle­l S­tre­tc­h, Tri­c­e­p E­x­te­ns­i­o­­n, Arm and Le­g Li­ft, S­i­ngle­ Arm S­tand, Pre­s­s­-Up C­halle­nge­, Jac­k­k­ni­fe­ C­halle­nge­, S­tre­tc­h C­halle­nge­.
A­erobi­c ex­erci­seJoggi­n­g, St­ep aer­obi­c­s, Hula Hoop, R­hy­t­hm­ boxi­n­g.
Balanc­e gam­­es­Ski ju­m­ping, Ski and­ sno­wb­o­ar­d­ sl­al­o­m­s, H­ead­ing fo­o­tb­al­l­s, Tab­l­e til­t, Tigh­tr­o­pe tensio­n, B­al­ance B­u­b­b­l­e, Pengu­in sl­id­e, Z­az­en.
Wi­i­ Fi­t was­ re­le­as­e­d i­n Japan on De­ce­m­­b­e­r 1, 2007, i­n E­urope­ on Apri­l 25, 2008, and M­­ay­ 8, 2008 i­n Aus­trali­a. The­ gam­­e­ i­s­ s­che­dule­d for re­le­as­e­ on M­­ay­ 19, 2008 i­n North Am­­e­ri­ca.

LATEST GADGETS: KEYBOARD

A­bo­­ut ti­me f­o­­r a­no­­ther Hel­l­o­­ Ki­tty ga­dget. Thi­s­ ti­me, i­t’s­ a­ Sanrio Hello Kitty Keyboard­ that atte­m­­pts­ to bli­nd y­ou w­i­th i­ts­ blazi­ng pi­nk and c­olor­e­d ke­y­s­.
The­ ke­y­boar­d fe­atur­e­s­ hot ke­y­s­ for­ c­onne­c­ti­ng to the­ w­e­b, r­e­c­e­i­vi­ng e­m­­ai­ls­, play­i­ng/s­toppi­ng/c­hangi­ng m­­us­i­c­, and c­hangi­ng volum­­e­. Pr­e­tty­ ne­at I­ w­ould s­ay­, i­f y­ou don’t hate­ the­ c­at I­ do.

LATEST GADGETS: LAPTOP IV - EGO LAPTOPS

Bentley Motors launches $19,800 'Ego' laptop

Get out your checkbook? or maybe take out a second mortgage.

Running Microsoft Vista software, the laptop has a 64-bit processor and a 160GB hard drive. And Bentley being nothing if not stylish, the notebook is encircled with a white gold frame engraved with the limited edition number.
Looking more like an expensive handbag than a laptop when it's closed, the outside of the machine is trimmed with "Bentley leather" and styled with Bentley cross-over hand stitching.
The Ego laptop, of course, can be ordered to look like your Bentley automobile. According to the company, the color options of the lacquered inside matches the car's most popular exterior paint colors.
Bentley also notes that the laptop has an ergonomic, integrated handle designed to "remove the need for an unattractive bag or case."
"It perhaps isn't the value leader in the notebook market -- maybe $1,500 worth of technology, plus another $1,000 for the case, coupled with meager support, all for only $19,000," said Dan Olds, principal analyst with the Gabriel Consulting Group. "All this thing brings to the table is a cool handle, a durable outer case, and some assignable keys. This thing is ostentatious enough to give Paris Hilton pause? Their brand name of "Ego" really sums everything up perfectly."
Bentley Motors teamed up with Ego Lifestyle on the ultra high-end laptop project. Ego Lifestyle designs and sells high-end consumer electronics.
The Bentley laptop comes as organizations like One Laptop Per Child work to bring $100 laptops to the worldwide masses. Amazon.com Inc. has agreed to sell the OLPC organization's low-cost XO notebook computer in November.

Google Phone Launched!

T-Mobile, along with HTC and Google, has launched the first phone based on Android. And it seems to have muscles to beat the iPhone.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008: Before Android could have become an urban legend, T-Mobile has announced the international launch of the world�s first Android-powered mobile phone. The phone was dubbed to be the only contender which could pose any real threat to Apple's mighty iPhone. As long as the Android was behind the curtains, it was imagination which was leading it to become an iPhone killer, but now out in open it is subject to close observation:

What G1 doesn't have

1 No 3.5 mm socket for your headphone to listen to music, you are stuck with HTC's USB headphones. The iPhone is a powerful music player with 3.5mm jack.2. No video recording out of the box, same is the case with the iPhone.3. No syncing feature with your desktop. You will have to connect to the internet to use contact, calender etc. services. They are available from Google, and for free.

What it does have which the iPhone doesn't

However, when it comes to online applications, G1 leaves the iPhone miles behind and that's what Google intended, go mobile, stay online. Google has offered almost all of its services for G1, and unlike iPhone, these are for free -- Google Maps Street View, Gmail, YouTube and others. Another advantage over the iPhone is presence of a physical QWERTY keyboard which makes it lot easier for those who like to write a lot and compared to 2-megapixel camera of the iPhone, G1 has a 3-megapixel camera with photo-sharing capabilities.

The goodies of G1 includes data. Since all of you info will also be synced to your Google account so in case if you lose or damage your phone, your entire database -- contacts, etc. will be stored in your Google account so you can retrieve it any time. A full HTML Web browser allows users to see any Web page the way it was designed to be seen, and then easily zoom in to expand any section by simply tapping on the screen. The G1 features a rich HTML e-mail client, which seamlessly syncs your e-mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e-mail services. With built-in support for T-Mobile�s 3G and EDGE network as well as Wi-Fi, the G1 can connect to the best available high-speed data connection for surfing the Web and downloading information quickly and effortlessly.

Bringing the true PC experience to phone, the G1 multitasks, so you can read a Web page while also downloading your e-mail in the background. It combines Instant Messaging support for Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger in the U.S. With access to high-speed Web browsing and a 3-megapixel camera with photo-sharing capabilities, the G1 is ideal for balancing a busy lifestyle, whether sharing pictures, checking the latest sports scores or accessing social networking sites.

With Google Maps, G1 users can instantly view maps and satellite imagery, as well as find local business and get driving directions, all from the phone�s easy-to-use touch interface. The T-Mobile G1 also includes Google Maps Street View, allowing customers to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go. Without taking a step, customers can tour a far-away place as if they were there � standing on the street corner. Even better, the Google Maps feature syncs with the built-in compass on the phone � an industry first � to allow users to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by simply moving the phone with their hand.

Customers can use the T-Mobile G1's 3G and Wi-Fi connection to attach and share pictures over email and MMS or download music from their favourite web sites, and soon, upload and post pictures to their personal blog. Built-in support for YouTube allows customers to enjoy YouTube's originally-created content, easily navigate through YouTube's familiar video browsing categories or search for specific videos.

Android Market Vs App Store

The T-Mobile G1 is the first phone to offer access to Android Market, which hosts unique applications and mash ups of existing and new services from developers around the world. With just a couple of short clicks, customers can find and download a wide range of innovative software applications � from games to social networking and on-the-go shopping � to personalise their phone and enhance their mobile lifestyle. When the phone launches next month, dozens of unique, first-of-a-kind Android applications will be available for download on Android Market, including ShopSavvy, an application designed to help people do comparative shopping.

Users scan the UPC code of a product with their phone�s camera while they are shopping, and can instantly compare prices from online merchants and nearby local stores. Ecorio is a new application developed to help people keep track of their daily travels and view what their carbon footprint looks like. With access to tips and tricks, Ecorio allows users to record the steps they take throughout their day to help offset their impact on the environment. And BreadCrumbz is an interesting application that enables people to create a step-by-step visual map using photos. Customers can create their own routes, share them with friends or with the world.

This is the first product based on Android, its just the begining we hope more will follow. "iPhone, are you watching? Android is coming to get you!"

LATEST TECHNOLOGY:SYNOPSYS

Synopsys Rolls Out Galaxy Custom Designer

Enters mixed-signal implementation market

Saturday, September 27, 2008: Synopsys, Inc. has rolled out its Galaxy Custom Designer solution -- which it claims is the industry’s first modern-era mixed-signal implementation solution. Architected for productivity, Galaxy Custom Designer leverages Synopsys™ Galaxy Design Platform to provide a unified solution for custom and digital designs, thereby enhancing designer efficiency.

Galaxy Custom Designer delivers a familiar user interface while integrating a common use model for simulation, analysis, parasitic extraction and physical verification. It is the first-ever implementation solution built natively on the OpenAccess database for legacy designs as well as a new componentised infrastructure offering openness and interoperability with process design kits (PDKs) from leading foundries.

Our customers have long requested a modern alternative to the custom design solutions currently on the market,” said Aart de Geus, chairman and CEO, Synopsys. “By starting with a state-of-the-art, open architecture and tightly coupling it to the Galaxy Design Platform as well as our analogue/mixed-signal verification and IP solutions, Synopsys aims to do for custom design what we have done for digital implementation.

In addition to facilitating innovation with the open architecture, Galaxy Custom Designer enhances productivity by bridging the gap between the worlds of digital and custom design. Galaxy Custom Designer enables complete data transparency with Synopsys™ IC Compiler physical implementation solution, allowing the exchange of vital information during floorplanning, placement, routing and final chip editing to reduce time-consuming design iterations.

Built from the ground up, Galaxy Custom Designer was architected for productivity. Key modules include a schematic editor featuring on-canvas editing and dynamic net highlighting. The simulation environment provides a common use model allowing access to Synopsys simulators, including HSPICE, HSIM XA, NanoSim XA and WaveView Analyzer. The layout editor features a real-time preview of P-Cell parameter changes. In addition, the results from Hercules DRC/LVS and Star-RCXT parasitic extraction are available within Galaxy Custom Designer.Galaxy Custom Designer is available now.

LATEST GAMES: COMPUTER GAMES

Political Machine 2008: YOU can be a president too

Now you too can run for president with Political Machine 2008 - Windows based strategy game from Stardock. You can pick a real or imaginary candidate or even design your candidate from scratch, run campaign and make key decisions that determines whether you become president or not.
The Political Machine is a strategy game that takes the real world mechanics of political campaigning and uses it to create an award-winning strategy game. Raise money, hire spin-doctors, win the endorsements of important groups, go on TV interviews, take out ads, fight off smear merchants and much more in your quest to win the 270 electoral votes you need to get into the white house.
Your opponents can be controlled either by human players over the Internet or by a diabolical computer AI designed by Stardock’s renowned artificial intelligence team. With multiple maps and scenarios to choose from, a candidate editor and much more, The Poliltical Machine is not just a timely bit of fun during the campaign season but a strategy game that will stand the test of time.In between your gaming exploits, hang out here on PoliticalMachine.com, discussing the issues of the day on a non-partisan site where people of all political persuasions can advocate their positions.

LATEST WACKY GADGETS: DEADLY WEAPON

Deadly Weapon: Knife Gun

Here is another Knife Knife-Gun an addition to the list of deadly weapons. I can’t really imagine oneself getting stabbed. How about a Combo of getting stabbed and getting shot?!. This Knife Gun does that job.
The Knife-Gun’s handle has a revolver like barrel that can hold five .22-caliber bullet and fire the shot when the handle is squeezed. If you see anyone with this weapon, you better stay as their friend.

HERE'S A VIDEO CLIP OF THE DEADLY WEAPON:

LATEST TECHNOLOGY: ROBOTS IV

Pleo XBee wireless & facial recognition hacks

Pleo for sure is a cute robot. But it can also help you learn about robotics. Some folks at Otto-Friedrich-University in Bamberg, Germany, calling themselves GRIP (Group for Interdisciplinary Psychology) have posted two tutorials designed to wirelessly connect Pleo to a remote computer and give him the ability to recognise faces.

The team has added a small XBee module to the robot which connects to the internal serial port allowing them to monitor Pleo’s internal state and sent transmit the signal back to them. They also have replaced the robot’s default low resolution camera with a camera of their own that will help them to perform a real time pattern recognition.

(VIDEO) LATEST TECHNOLOGY: ROBOTS III (RAT BRAIN)

Movies and fictions are coming to reality I guess. Scientists at the University of Reading in the UK have created a robot with rat brain cells. An array of electrodes are connected to the neurons that can send signal to the brain. When the robot senses an obstacle, the electrodes will send signal to the neurons so that the robot can take a detour. Watch the video after the break.


HERE IS THE VIDEO OF THE ROBOT WITH RAT'S BRAIN:

LATEST WACKY GADGETS: BATMAN GADGETS

After the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight, the Batman fever is catching everyone from kids to big boys. “Everybody likes Batman. He’s a superhero we can relate to. Unlike Superman or, say, the Incredible Hulk, Batman isn’t an alien or mutant. He’s just a regular guy who makes himself “super” using mobile gadgets.
Batman offers a “what if” fantasy of gadget extremism. What if you were a billionaire and had control over a world-class military R&D lab that produced devices just for you?
Batman is in the crime-fighting racket. And he’s better than other crime fighters because he’s got better devices, computers, cars and weapons — and has trained himself how to use them.
But most of us don’t fight crime. We’re IT professionals and lawyers and technology columnists. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be like Batman and transform ourselves into superheroes in our own professions by buying and mastering extreme devices.
Batman gadgets tend to be very rugged, bleeding edge and numerous. Batman would never hold back and buy sensible, practical gadgets. He goes all out and gets the most powerful, advanced and rugged gadgets possible. You can, too.” Check out the batman style gadgets that you can use on your day to day life.

BAT-WATCH

BAT-GLASSES

BAT-PHONE

Bat-Ultra Mobile

BAT-PC

LATEST WACKY GADGETS:MOBILE PHONE II

Teddy Bear Phone is really a Wacky Japanese Gadget
Japanese must be having a weird taste when it comes to gadgets. If you don’t agree with me, Have a look at this Teddy bear phone. Now you agree with me? This wacky phone was introduced by the Mobile service provider Willcom as “Kuma Phone”(Bear Phone) at the 2008 Good Design Expo in 2008 in Tokyo.

This is actually a original phone inside the bear. To make phone calls using speed dial, you need to press one of the four paws and attend the call or to hangup the phone you need to press the tail. What the… If it’s a real teddy, By pressing him everywhere like this, you will surely piss him off.

The worst of all, This Teddy Bear phone costs $500. Can you believe that?

LATEST GADGETS: LAPTOP III

ASUS U3S A1W - Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2 GHz - 13.3" TFT

This by the way is my baby right now, I just brought this over yahoo shopping. It is so light and works perfectly. The only thing is that it has limited memory though I use external drive so it's not much of a problem with me. Overall the laptop is the best for me so far.

Description
The latest technology now comes in a sleek package with lightweight slimness. Enjoy revolutionary entertainment on the go - Intel Technology in U3S enables breakthrough mobile performance, new high-definition capabilities and improved battery life.

Main Specifications

Manufacturer Part # U3S-A1W

Brand ASUS COMPUTER INTL

Product Description ASUS U3S A1W - Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2 GHz - 13.3" TFT

Dimensions (WxDxH) 12.5 in x 9.6 in x 1.3 in

Weight 3.9 lbs

Platform Technology Intel Centrino Duo

System Type Notebook

Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna, GPS, Bluetooth antenna

Embedded Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

Security Chip , fingerprint reader

Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 / 2.2 GHz ( Dual-Core )

Cache Memory 4 MB - L2 cache

RAM 1.5 GB (installed) / 2.5 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 667 MHz ( 1 x 1 GB + 512 MB (soldered) )

Card Reader 8 in 1

Hard Drive 160 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm

Display 13.3" TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )

Graphics Controller NVIDIA GeForce 8400M G - 128 MB

Audio Output Sound card

Telecom Fax / modem - MDC - 56 Kbps

Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft), Bluetooth 2.0

Wireless NIC Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN

Notebook Camera Integrated - 1.3 Megapixel

Input Device Keyboard, touchpad

Power AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )

Battery Lithium ion

Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Business

Manufacturer Warranty 2 years warranty

LATEST GADGETS: LAPTOP II Touchscreen

PC Sahara TufTab with LCD touch screen

If you own a laptop you probably are familiar with the worries you have to put up with when traveling with your computer. If don’t have a desk job you and your computer is not safe strapped to your office desk then you are aware of the special precautions for your laptop when, for instance it is raining, you are traveling on a dusty road, living in a humid climate or are on a bumpy ride. Well, that means the guys from Tablet Kiosk were thinking of you when they designed the heavy-duty portable PC Sahara TufTab.Equipped with an Intel Celeron 1.0GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM, the Sahara TufTab is not only all muscles but has brains too. It is able to connect through Bluetooth, it is highly secured by fingerprint scanning and its 12.1” LCD touch screen has a feature that’s lacking most laptops, you can see the writing even under bright sun-light.It weighs no more then 1.7 kg. You can carry it around using a hand strap. It has Windows Microsoft XP preinstalled but also has an extra option of installing SUSE Linux. The prices begin with 2.099$.

LATEST WACKY GADGETS: DIGITAL CAMERA

Digital Locket by Kodak with LCD screen

Remember the old picture lockets that your mother or grandmother wore? Well, if you look in the picture you may think that’s exactly what you’re seeing, but oh, you are so sadly mistaking. What you are really looking at is Kodak’s latest development, digital camera in shape of an antique locket designed by non other then Lindsey Picket.After designing a cell phone for Samsung Global Sponsorship in 2005, it seems like Picket as switched sides and designed this fabulous device for Kodak..Actually, the 1881 as they called the camera works on the same principle as grandma’s locket worked: saving and preserving the pictures you love. The difference is that now you see them on an LCD screen at an amazing accuracy. But that’s such a “tiny” difference, isn’t it?You can take a photo, either while the locket is closed or, watch it as you take it, to make sure the positioning is correct, on the LCD screenSo now you can get both a camera and a piece of jewelry in one package. Well, I’m not complaining but still, I wonder what they’ll think of next.

LATEST WACKY GADGETS:MOBILE PHONE

The Intruder - Cell Phone Design
The latest cell phone designed by Dennis Hopkins, “The Intruder” has a concept which some people can relate to a UFO, actually influences from that field is mentioned on his website to. But without the outer space resembling this cell phones design is pretty much targeted at women.Its diameter is of only 2.5 inches and when closed it is just one third of an inch thick. When opened it measures 5 inches in length and the display holds 220 x 176 pixels. And last but not least, when someone calls you a ring of light appears from the sides of the phone.The website of Dennis Hopkins doesn’t let you in to all the technology used so for now we just have to say good luck to women that now have at their disposal a phone looking like a powder compact.

LATEST WACKY GADGETS:MP3

SANSA SHAKER

Don’t you just hate it when you don’t hit the right button on your MP3 player and instead of just changing the song you end up shutting it down? Or do you remember those 90’2 CD players that you had to keep perfectly still so your song wouldn’t sound like a crazy DJ’s remix?Well the Sandisk guys took these two annoying things and blended them into something great. And so the Sansa Shaker was created. This gadget is devised so that it changes tracks when you shake it. Awesome, no?The device works on one triple A battery and it is equipped also with a SD expansion slot. It has a built in speaker and it comes with two headphone jacks as well. Sadly, it only comes in the colors of pink and baby blue, but you can comfort yourself with the price of only 39.99$. And now, in the end, I’d like to leave you thinking about the torment of a man jogging and listening to the Sansa Shaker.

LATEST WACKY GADGETS: iPOD VIBRATOR

iPod Vibrator : OhMyBod

This is an appeal to all girls out there. Pleasure has met music in more ways then you can think of. The OhMyBod guys have designed the new iPod vibrator. The device vibrates in the rhythm of the song you listen to so you actually well feel the beat.It is multi speed so that you don’t have to worry if you ran out of music. It is equipped with a universal headphone connector and a 3 feet long cord. It comes with a velvet pouch to keep it in when you’re not using it and you get an invitation to share your favorite tunes on Club Vibe on the iTunes iMix section.

LATEST GADGETS: DVD RECORDER

Pocket DVD recorder
This nifty gadget has all the bells and whistles of your desktop pc and even more. You can record video, audio store pictures on it and view them later, listen to radio or mp3`s you have stored on it. The DVD recorder has a Lithium battery that lets you keep recording videos up to a whooping 3 hours, you can view the videos on the fly on the LCD TFT 2.5 inch built in screen or your pc. The device also is equipped with a 128 SD memory card witch you can replace with a maximum of 1 gb SD memory card. Because of the size of it you can conceal it in a cigarettes pack or your hand without people noticing it making it perfect for spying on your friends. On this device was implemented the “quick swap feature” so you can have even more fun for longer periods. The device costs 279 us dollars and can be purchased online from startechoutlet.

LATEST GADGETS: LAPTOP

Lil’ Computer by Fujitsu
For businessmen who spent more time traveling then sleeping, Fujitsu came up with a new model. In their continuous research for improving convertible tablet PCs they came up with new ultra light models that even though they have lost few functions they are perfectly portable.The difference between the models is firstly the processors they use as one works with a P70WN and a Solo U1400while the other operates with a P50WN and a Celeron M443.They both have between 60 to 80 GB hard drive space, you can feast your eyes on an 8.9 inch touch screen display with a resolution of 1280 x 768. And can you believe this whole package weighs only 1 KG? Well for the time being we don’t have a precise price to give you but hey, if there’s any consolation, look how pretty it is!

LATEST GADGETS: MICROSCOPE

Digital Microscope
I imagine thinking about what lays between the keys of your keyboard send shivers down your spine. I mean, just imagine, whole nations of bacteria working on devouring the dead skin cells that you left behind. Was that descriptive enough? Yeah, probably that image was the one the guys from ThinkGeek had in mind when they developed the USB Digital Microscope. So from now on you can observe the little world you have created inside your keyboard specifically and everywhere around you in general.You just have to connect the USB Digital Microscope to any USB slot in your computer. After that install the software available for the device and all the things you target its lens toward will appear enlarged on the screen of the computer. While doing that the gadget is able to take photos or record movies of the targeted objects. The lens is able to enlarge the objects with up to 200x. You can also move the device so that you can get closer to things or enlarge those that are further away from you.Those of you who have a hobby out of things like forensics, inspection or jewelry quality this is the perfect gadget. While you magnify, the targeted object is lit up with four LEDs. The photos that the microscope can take have a resolution of 1024 x 768. You can buy the device for only 180$.

LATEST TECHNOLOGY: ROBOTS II

House Sitting Robot Takes Snaps of Invader

House security technology just went up a level thanks to the new house-sitting robot produced in Japan. Although it doesn’t water the flowers or feed the cat while you’re gone like the name might imply, the house-sitting robot has a highly important purpose, and that is protecting the robbery of your house. Although it doesn’t actually prevent robbers from entering your house its mechanism has a high importance in catching the intruders as the system works by taking snap shots of whoever enters your house without your approval.Another useful feature is that if you own a cell phone equipped with 3G the robot will call you as soon as it’s sensor is set off so you can witness the incident or make sure that it isn’t your dog making all the trouble before you call the police.

LATEST TECHNOLOGY: ROBOTS

Spyke spybot

This awesome robot can beep and whistle just like his cousin R2-D2, but unlike his cousin he can be controlled through WI-FI over the Internet and can send visual feedback to your laptop, PC or phone.With Spyke you can check your home when on vacation or business trips, you could check up on your kids while you are at work, or just scare neighbours. Spyke can sense movement and automatically start recording video making him extremely useful in case of a robbery. He may not stop the intruder but at least you will have a nice video with the burglar.Even if the intruder sees the robot and steals it too (I would if I were a burglar) or destroys the gadget, the video is already somewhere on the Internet or maybe in policeme’s in-boxes already.You can also use him to spy on your neighbors but I seriously don’t recommend it… Spyke can be easily spotted and he might just whistle in a moment of joy and whoops there goes he’s cover.Spyke will be released on April 9th and he will cost about 300 Us Dollars.

World`s slimmest mp3 player

World`s slimmest mp3 player

The slimmest mp3 player in the world is made by Walletex and it’s the size of a credit card, it has no display and is made of unbreakable plastic. And if that doesn’t impress you the device is also water proof and can hold up to a whooping 4 gigabytes of mp3s.If downloading files or charging the Wallet mp3 player doesn’t seem enough for this patent pending double sided USB connector, the ability to act as a headphone jack will definitely put this latest gadget on the tech magazines’ front pages.I would definitely keep an eye out for this wonderful mp3 player in the future, because frankly it has too key the features I want in a mp3 player huge hard drive in a slim casing. And the water proof could come in handy seeing I’m such a big klutz.The wallet size mp3 player is going to hit the streets in June of 2007 and for promotional purpose it can be in scripted with custom graphics.