Psyko Audio Labs 5.1 PC Gaming Headphones Review

In: Accessories|Audio|Communication|Computer|Gadgets|Hardware|Home|PC|Reviews

29 Jul 2010

Psyko Audio Labs 5.1 PC Gaming Headphones Review

The folks over at Tweaktown have reviewed the Psyko Audio Labs 5.1 PC gaming headphones and came away rather impressed.

The Psyko Audio Labs 5.1 channel headset offers some really exciting new ideas about how surround information can be delivered. Developing Psykowave proprietary technology as the flagship feature truly makes this headset something quite unique. Plus, the added design feature of building the speakers into the top of the headband chassis allows for two large subwoofers with a vented ear enclosure, which is another key part of making this system work the way it does.

Adding an external amplifier really allows all of the speakers to reach their full potential and is also quite an attractive unit in its own right. The included mic is also a bonus for those users who seem to swear by them when they play games.

Priced at $299.99, these are definitely not your normal headphones but will keep you from disturbing your loved ones and neighbors while delivering a great surround sound experience.

[ Links: Tweaktown Psyko Audio Labs 5.1 PC Gaming Headphones Review, Psyko Audio Labs ]

Parrot AR.Drone Now Available for Pre-Order at Brookstone

In: Accessories|Gadgets|Hardware|Toys|Video Games|Wireless|iPad|iPhone

29 Jul 2010

Parrot AR.Drone U.S. Invasion begins

Totally controllable via the Apple iPhone, Apple iPad or Apple iPod Touch via wi-fi, the Parrot AR.Drone is the world’s first quadro-copter (read: it has engines with blades) and it’s shipping in September. Also, X Games fans will have the chance to see the Parrot AR.Drone live this weekend at the games in Los Angeles and select L.A. Brookstone locations.

The AR.Drone combines real and virtual worlds to offer an unparalleled gaming experience. A front camera broadcasts and streams what the AR.Drone is seeing onto the iPod touch, iPhone or iPad screen and provides the opportunity for augmented reality games.

“The Parrot AR.Drone offers an entirely new flight and gaming experience,” said Brookstone CEO Ron Boire. “It’s the first flying vehicle you can control with your iPod, iPhone or iPad. Brookstone is proud to be the first store in the U.S. where customers can purchase the AR.Drone. We’re going to make a lot of pilots very happy throughout the fall and holiday season.”

The Parrot AR.Drone is a one-of-a-kind quadricopter, extremely easy to fly in both indoor and outdoor settings. The AR.Drone generates its own Wi-Fi network at which you simply connect an iPod touch or iPhone. The AR.FreeFlight application is a free app in the App Store and allows for the AR.Drone to be piloted via the iPod touch/iPhone/iPad. Once in-flight, the accelerometer of the iPod touch/iPhone/iPad detects all of the movements and the AR.Drone will mirror all movements made by the iPod touch/iPhone/iPad while the pilot’s left thumb is on the control button.

Armed with a camera that streams back to the Apple iPhone app, three axes accelerometer, two gyrometers (one axe & two axes), one ultrasound sensor and one vertical camera to automatically stabilize once it takes off where even a novice can get up to speed easily.

Priced at $299, this can be pre-ordered at Brookstone with an anticipated delivery date starting until September 3rd and will be an Brookstone exclusive until October 31st. The AR.Drone combines the worlds of video gaming and radio-controlled models, enabling consumers to recreate a large number of single and multi-player video games in the real world. One game, AR.FlyingAce will be available for download in the App Store. And

The AR.Drone-Pilot Academy at AR.Drone’s website provides multiple videos and instructions that prepare aspiring AR.Drone pilots for flight.

[ Links: Brookstone, AR.Drone ]

FCC: Broadband Mission Not Accomplished

In: Communication|Computer|Editorial|Internet|Networks

29 Jul 2010

Now basing their determinations on real data and not just lobbyist Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, the FCC earlier this month released a study highlighting U.S. broadband coverage gaps. While highlighting that ISPs have done some amazing work at getting broadband deployed to many areas, there’s still roughly 14-24 million Americans without broadband, and their hopes over ever getting broadband is “bleak.”

Of course the very idea that U.S. broadband wasn’t a shining beacon of absolute perfection “upset” ISP policy, PR folk and lobbyists, who very quickly attacked the FCC for simply acknowledging what every major study concludes without fail: the U.S. is a mediocre player in terms of broadband deployment, speed and price. Today FCC boss Julius Genachowski defended the FCC’s findings in a Seattle speech (warning: pdf link):

The different reactions to this report were telling. Some saw that high-speed broadband was available to a very large percentage of Americans, and said everything is fine. Nothing more to do. Mission accomplished. I disagree. When up to 24 million Americans don’t have access to a communications technology that is essential to participation in our 21st century economy and democracy, I say that is unacceptable.

Again however, the primary reason the U.S. remains mediocre in broadband price, speed and availability is a lack of competition. And again, the FCC isn’t going to tackle competition because it would upset some of this nation’s biggest campaign contributors. Trying to “reform” the infinitely-broken USF and doling out grants isn’t necessarily a bad thing but none of the FCC’s current proposals really get to the real problem: the fact that most people live in a monopoly or duopoly broadband market, and as a result pay too much money for frequently sub-par connectivity.

Link to the original article…

USC Researchers Show Us a More Productive Use of Graphene Solar Panels

In: Editorial|Education|Gadgets|Green|Guest Writer|Science|Solar

29 Jul 2010

A University of Southern California team has produced flexible transparent carbon atom films that may have great potential for a brand new variety of solar cells.

A University of Southern California team has produced flexible transparent carbon atom films that may have great potential for a brand new variety of solar cells. Inside a paper recently published in the journal ACS Nano, researchers stated that organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells have been proposed as a method to obtain low price energy due to their ease of manufacture, light-weight, and compatibility with flexible substrates.

This work shows that graphene, an extremely conductive and highly transparent type of carbon made up of atoms-thick sheets of carbon atoms, has high possibility to fill this role. While graphene’s existence has been known for many years, it has only been studied extensively since 2004 due to the impracticality of manufacturing it in high quality and in quantity.

The University of Southern California team has produced graphene/polymer sheets ranging in sizes nearly 150 square centimeters that in turn may be used to create dense arrays of flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. These organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices convert solar radiation to electricity, although not as efficiently as silicon cells. Read the rest of this entry »

Amazon Debuts New Generation Kindle

In: Communication|Education|Gadgets|Graphics|Hardware|Internet

29 Jul 2010

Amazon Debuts New Generation Kindle

Sporting a lower price, a better high-contrast e-Ink screen and a much slimmer design, the new generation of the Amazon Kindle comes in built-in wi-fi and double the storage. Other features include a much better battery and the same 6″ screen size but much smaller bezels around the screen.

Kindle is our #1 bestselling item for two years running. It’s also the most-wished-for, most-gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon. Now it’s even better.

  • All-New, High-Contrast E-Ink Screen – 50% better contrast than any other e-reader
  • Read in Bright Sunlight – No glare
  • New and Improved Fonts – New crisper, darker fonts
  • New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6″ size reading area
  • 17% Lighter – Only 8.5 ounces, weighs less than a paperback
  • Battery Life of Up to One Month – A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off
  • Double the Storage – Up to 3,500 Books
  • Built-In Wi-Fi – Shop and download books in less than 60 seconds
  • 20% Faster Page Turns – Seamless reading
  • Enhanced PDF Reader – With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights
  • New WebKit-Based Browser – Browse the web over Wi-Fi (experimental)

Currently up for pre-order at $139 via Amazon.com

[ Links: Amazon Kindle Pre-Order ]

Study: iPhone Users Actually Secretly Love AT&T

In: Cellphone|Communication|Editorial|Internet|Networks|Site Feeds|iPhone

28 Jul 2010

According to a new study from the Yankee Group, 73% of Apple iPhone users are very satisfied with AT&T’s service, a number well above the industry average satisfaction score (69) and AT&T’s score for all phones (68). So what explains this satisfaction given two years of complaints and AT&T’s customer satisfaction scores traditionally falling at the tail end of the spectrum? Researchers guess that users are so in love with the phone as an all-purpose device, they transfer some of this adoration over to AT&T via a “halo effect”:

“Consumers transfer the high gloss of their Apple iPhone experience to AT&T,” says Carl Howe, Yankee Group analyst and author of the study. “The iPhone creates a halo effect that rubs off.” In other words, iPhone customers’ praise for their network may be a result of the famous “reality distortion field” that surrounds Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) CEO Steve Jobs and his company’s products. But AT&T says its network really isn’t as bad as many people think. It’s a perception problem, not a service problem, in the company’s eyes.

Instead of acknowledging the problem and explaining again how they’re working on shortcomings (which they certainly are), AT&T has to insult peoples’ intelligence by suggesting the problems have been hallucinatory in nature. Being unprepared for wireless traffic surges AT&T consistently sees coming isn’t a “perception” problem, and it can’t be fixed by more PR.

One thing that’s also happening in terms of AT&T’s satisfaction rates in the Yankee study is the firm didn’t bother to study users by region. Many of the angry AT&T iPhone users tend to be in San Francisco and New York, where congestion wreaks havoc on AT&T’s network. Unlike say in Cleveland, where users have a completely different experience on the AT&T network (like the ability to make phone calls on major highways).

Link to the original article…

Good Music Released on July 27th

In: Audio|Breaking|Good Music|Music|Rambling

28 Jul 2010

It’s been a while since I’ve featured some music that was worthy of a purchase. And this Tuesday, July 27th, I’m hitting you with two music releases that are destined to end up in your collection – both with roots in Detroit.

Zo! SunStorm

First up is “SunStorm” from the Detroit born, Washington DC based producer/multiple instrumentalist that’s fresh off of producing a killer track from Little Brother’s last album “Two Step Blues featuring Darien Brockington” and “Zo and Tigallo Love the 80′s” (if you find this, buy it on the spot) as well as work on Foreign Exchange’s Grammy-nominated “Leave It All Behind”. The dude has been busy.

Indie soul siren and American Idol vocalist Sy Smith serves up a slice of 70′s soul on the breezy “Greatest Weapon Of All Time,” and Lady Alma, a Philly veteran and stalwart of the UK house scene, takes it to the dance floor on the frenetic “Free Your Mind.” The album’s lead single, “This Could Be The Night,” features Darien Brockington, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Roberson, and Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother over a thumping two-step groove specifically intended for the ‘steppers’ of Zo’s native Detroit. Another highlight is the Phonte-assisted “Flight Of The Blackbyrd,” Zo’s heartfelt homage to the 70′s jazz/funk fusion of The Mizell Bros. and George Duke.

Grown up music and definitely worthy a listen or three.

Slum Village Villa Manifesto

And the second recommendation comes from Slum Village “Villa Manifesto“, originally a trio of Detroit based MC’s and producer J Dilla which has evolved in many forms, taken on members, lost members due to deaths (R.I.P. J Dilla and Baatin) but kept going on strong. Featuring tracks produced by Khrysis and the late J Dilla and featuring the late Baatin, this will invariably be our last look at Slum Village as a whole.

Slum Village’s 6th studio album serves as both a reunion and a memorial album. “I wanted to pull the whole squad together,” explains T3. “The reason why we call it Villa Manifesto is that it was a statement we want to give our people because we had been away for so long. What we’re doing, what’s going on, how we’re feeling and where we’re at today.”

Proceeds from album sales will benefit the late J Dilla’s Mother (Ma’ Dukes) and help support Baatin’s family.

If you have more music recommendations, send them along.

UPDATE: T3 of Slum Village has confirmed that this is indeed the last Slum Village CD that will come out. Buy it via iTunes or Amazon or your local music store.

[ Links: Zo! Sunstorm, Slum Village Villa Manifesto ]

Apple Announces Apple Magic Trackpad

In: Accessories|Apple|Breaking|Computer|Gadgets|Hardware

27 Jul 2010

Apple Announces Apple Magic Trackpad

Apple released what looks like an upgraded version of the Wacom Bamboo Touch on the surface, the Apple Magic Trackpad is a combination of the Apple Magic Mouse and their Apple trackpad that allows for multi-touch on their Apple laptops.

It uses the same Multi-Touch technology you love on the MacBook Pro. And it supports a full set of gestures, giving you a whole new way to control and interact with what’s on your screen. Swiping through pages online feels just like flipping through pages in a book or magazine. And inertial scrolling makes moving up and down a page more natural than ever. Magic Trackpad connects to your Mac via Bluetooth wireless technology. Use it in place of a mouse or in conjunction with one.

Priced at $69 dollars, it matches the Apple Bluetooth wireless keyboard in height, looks and angle. Only problem I have with the Apple Magic Trackpad is Apple’s marketing push that they’re the first to market with a multi-touch trackpad. That is not 100% true at all.

Still… looks neat. I’ll have to give it a whirl in a bit since I’m the resident Wacom tablet user/lover. It does require the latest Mac OS X 10.6.4, with no mention of Microsoft Windows yet.

[ Links: Apple Magic Trackpad ]

Telcos – FCC Action Means Job Losses, Stifled Investments… Yeah, Right.

In: Breaking|Cellphone|Communication|Editorial|Hardware|Networks

27 Jul 2010

As the battle heats up over the FCC’s push to partially reclassify broadband ISPs under Title II of the Communications Act, carriers (and their army of lobbying groups have been trotting out some familiar arguments. Namely, that if the FCC takes any action (no matter how wimpy), the result will be stifled investment and lost jobs. Art Brodsky at Public Knowledge takes a look at claims that Title II reclassification will result in lost jobs and stifled investment, and notes that both AT&T and Verizon are doing a good job on that front all by themselves with no real change in the regulatory environment:

Let’s talk jobs. Between March 31, 2009 and June 30 this year, Verizon cut 26,455 jobs. During the same period of time, AT&T cut 22,350 jobs. That’s 48,805 jobs cut by two companies during a period in which the regulatory regime did not change.

Let’s talk investment. In 2008, AT&T spent $19.6 billion for capital expenditures in networks and other spending (capex in the parlance). In 2009, it was $16.6 billion a 15.7% decline during a period in which the regulatory regime did not change. Verizon spent $17.2 billion for capex in 2008. In 2009, it was $17 billion an 11.6% sic, should be 1.6% decline during a period in which the regulatory regime did not change.

Of course the “stifled investment” meme is the oldest telecom lobbyist talking point in the playbook, and no matter how many times it’s debunked (even by the companies own CFOs) it never goes away. Back in reality, network investment is far-more-frequently dictated by competition, which neither Verizon or AT&T see in many of their markets. Meanwhile in Verizon’s case, their job reductions have far more to do with the death of the landline and Verizon’s conscious decision to hang up on rural Americans than anything the FCC may or may not do.

Link to the original article…

Cool Off with Shot Glasses Made of Ice

In: Accessories|Beverages|DIY|Festive|Food|Home|Reviews|Unusual

27 Jul 2010

Cool Off with Shot Glasses Made of Ice

Sometimes I get gifts or items that despite their novelty, I might never find a use for them. Useful Things sent along a package that included the silicone mold for some shot glasses that once filled up with water and frozen would allow you to imbibe and cool off at the same time.

After a few experiments, I finally figured out that I’d have to slightly thump the silicon mold to get rid of any air bubbles and toss it in the freezer to get nice and hard. Novel? Yes. Worth a purchase? After a week of 100 degree weather each and every day; hell yes.

Despite being made out of ice, the shot glasses do last for quite a while even in the aforesaid heat. You can easily pour two to three shots if you’re just a casual sipper or pound quite a few shots if you so wish and never worry about the shot glass dribbling out the contents. The ice shots can equally take on adult beverages or juice without any incident.

The Ice Shot Glass Mold sells for $9.95 at Useful Things and worth every penny.

[ Links: Useful Things, Ice Shots ]

Chevrolet Volt Pricing Announced: Starts at $41,000

In: Auto|Breaking|Gadgets|Green|Save Money|Travel

27 Jul 2010

Chevrolet Volt Pricing Announced: Starts at $41,000

Chevrolet finally announced the pricing for the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt. And guess what, it’s nowhere near half as bad as some folks were guessing. The pricing details are:

  • Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starts at $41,000 ($33,500 net of full federal income tax credit, which ranges from $0 to $7,500); Lease payment on a 36-month lease at MSRP as low as $350 per month with $2,500 due at lease signing including security deposit
  • OnStar provides unprecedented connectivity through Volt mobile app; five years of OnStar (Directions and Connections) service standard
  • Volt’s eight-year/100,000-mile battery pack warranty provides added peace of mind
  • Volt can be your primary car; approximately 340 miles of total range provides freedom to drive wherever, whenever

Starting today, participating Chevrolet dealers in launch markets will begin taking customer orders for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the industry’s first electric vehicle with extended-range capability. List this under my DOWANT category.

[ Links: Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Volt Pricing ]

Verizon: No Plan For Wireless Tiered Pricing… Yet

In: Communication|Internet|Networks|Rumors|Site Feeds|Wireless

27 Jul 2010

An insider recently told Engadget that the company would be ditching unlimited wireless data pricing to shift to a billing model more like AT&T’s as soon as next week. While that wouldn’t be surprising given Verizon’s repeated hints at their interest in such a model, Verizon has also repeatedly said such a change would likely come with the launch of LTE service.

To hear Verizon CFO John Killian tell it, Verizon’s not making any data plan price changes anytime soon. Said Killian on Verizon’s recent conference call:

Our business is continuing to perform extremely well. You have not seen us rush out to make any kind of a change. We will continue to monitor the situation, of course, and look at opportunities that will say what is the best equation for us to drive long-term shareholder value, and we will be very focused on that. I cannot say enough, though, about the opportunity we see ahead given where we are today with smart phone penetration.

Killian then goes on to talk about 4G and note that tiered pricing will, as they’ve consistently said, likely arrive with LTE:

We have indicated in the past, as we move to an LTE world and LTE pricing, we will probably look very hard at tiered pricing, and that continues to be our thinking right now. So more to come on that. By the way, I should say that all of our efforts, all of our plans on getting LTE launched in the fourth quarter are on schedule.

The original Engadget rumor pegged July 29 as the date for the change, so we don’t have long to wait. Verizon LTE isn’t expected to launch anywhere until November 15.

Link to the original article…

All You Need to Know About StarCraft II in Just One Sentence

In: Breaking|Computer|Online|Software|Video Games|World Events

26 Jul 2010

All You Need to Know About Starcraft II in Just One Sentence

It comes out tomorrow, July 27th… BUY IT!!

Ok, fanboy love aside, the original StarCraft is a killer game. It sold 12 million copies in the 12 years since its original release. It brought real time strategy to folks that normally wouldn’t have liked real-time strategy (myself included) and the long-awaited sequel comes out July 27th.

Some other parts that you might not know is that this StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty cost over $100 million dollars in development to produce. That’s right… it’s more expensive than Polyphony’s Gran Turismo which (to date) has cost over $60 million so far to develop.

Perhaps you can celebrate owning StarCraft II alongside National Scotch Day.

[ Links: StarCraft II ]

AT&T Fixes Upstream 3G Problem

In: Cellphone|Communication|Networks|Site Feeds|Software|Wireless

26 Jul 2010

Earlier this month, AT&T users in many markets suddenly found themselves with crippled upstream speeds with some users unable to even exceed 50 kbps. AT&T quickly responded to the complaints, noting that they’d found a software defect in Alcatel-Lucent equipment (which isn’t in all markets). While an AT&T statement at the time claimed AT&T was “providing normal 3G uplink speeds and consistent performance,” that wasn’t really the case; users spent most of this month dealing with these crippled speeds.

But based on a tests this morning in the NY/NJ area, it looks like AT&T’s finally deploying a software patch. No comment yet from AT&T if they have a timeline for all impacted markets.

Link to the original article…

Looking for a Reason to Celebrate? July 27th is National Scotch Day

In: Beverages|Festive|Liquor|Spirits

26 Jul 2010

Looking for a Reason to Celebrate? July 27th is National Scotch Day

Looking a legit reason to celebrate tomorrow? July 27th is National Scotch Day. That’s right… you now have a proper excuse reason to imbibe all day tomorrow. Normally, I’d just say go out, buy some scotch and drink it neat in a glass and call it a day. But let’s add some excitement to the mix for once.

Grab a bottle of The Macallan 10 Year Single Malt from their Fine Oak range and follow up with a couple of soothing drinks that will make National Scotch Day more relaxing:

Seething Jealousy

  • 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth
  • 1/2 ounce The Macallan Fine Oak 10 Years Old Single Malt
  • 1/2 ounce Cherry Brandy
  • 1/2 ounce Orange Juice

Pour the vermouth, scotch, cherry brandy and orange juice into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.

Rob Roy

  • 2 1/2 ounces The Macallan Fine Oak 10 Years Old Single Malt
  • 3/4 ounce Martini & Rossi sweet vermouth
  • dash Angostura Bitters
  • lemon zest garnish

Pour all ingredients over ice in a mixing glass and stir as you would a Martini. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with lemon zest and a Maraschino cherry.

The Macallan Fine Oak 10 Year Old Scotch costs around $35 or so per 750ml bottle. Definitely worth every drop and remember to drink responsibly.

[ Links: The Macallan Fine Oak 10 Years Old Single Malt ]

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