by Techno Witch on August 18, 2008
By Andrew Liszewski
Business has probably been a bit slow for the nuclear fallout and bomb shelter industries ever since the Cold War ended, but in recent years I’m sure things have picked up thanks to a resurgence in paranoia. And that paranoia might also explain why someone would be willing to trust their family’s lives to a $1,500 fallout shelter that’s made from 10-gauge cold-rolled steel. It’s just large enough to accommodate an average-sized American family (46 inches in diameter and 12-feet long) with enough water to survive for a couple of days. Now I know you’re probably skeptical about the whole idea, so let this encouraging piece of PR from the company’s website reassure you.
This shelter would afford fairly good nuclear protection for a cost of about $150 per person. The shelter stay would be very unpleasant, but the occupants would probably survive. It is not at all comparable to a proper civil defense shelter, but it could save the lives of many Americans in a nuclear emergency.
Is someone really going to settle for ‘fairly good nuclear protection’? It’s like they’re comparing radioactive fallout to a chilly breeze, and as long as you block most of it, you should be relatively comfortable. It reminds me of that $15 bullet-proof vest I bought from a guy in a trench coat who assured me it provided fairly good protection from bullets. “You know, one or two might slip through, but it’s a good deal.” Anyways, if movies have taught me anything, the safest place to be if you happen to find yourself at ground zero of a nuclear blast is inside a circa-1950’s refrigerator. If it worked for Dr. Jones, I’m sure it would work for me.
[ Mini Blast & Fallout Shelter ] VIA [ The Red Ferret Journal ]
by Techno Witch on August 18, 2008
Over on one of the largest Palm Treo community forums they have posted a huge collection of photos on the Palm Treo Pro, which was formerly known as the Palm Treo 850w. Unfortunately the Treo presentation has been removed, but the word is spreading across the internet.
The Palm Treo Pro will have a much slimmer body, run on Windows Mobile Professional 6.1, is GSM tri-band with 3G, powered by a 400MHz CPU with a 320 x 320 resolution touch-screen.
Spec wise you can expect EDGE/HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth, aGPS, 2 megapixel camera, 256MB ROM and 128MB RAM, 1500mAh battery, microUSB, and 3.5mm headset jack.
The Palm Treo Pro?s QWERTY keyboard appears to be a development on the Palm Centro rather than the bowed type keyboard like the Treo 800w. Unfortunately not much else detail wise has been leaked so far, but the images give us a closer look.
Also, as yet word on availability along with pricing is unavailable.
by Techno Witch on August 18, 2008
By Andrew Liszewski
If it wasn’t for an alarm clock, my typical week would probably only consist of 3 or 4 days where I was actually awake. And while I’m quite happy with my current model, I have to admit the button layout is a bit complex to reliably navigate in my half-awake/half-asleep state each morning.
I assume that designer Tobias Jacobsen had similar experiences with alarm clocks, which inspired him to create this Snooze Alarm Clock Radio which streamlines the interface, and puts more emphasis on the snooze button. It features a conductive antenna for the radio, but you also have the option of waking up to the traditional electronic alarm sound if you’re so inclined. It uses two built-in speakers for maximum effect, and includes a sleep timer as well as the aforementioned snooze function. The only downside is that it’s available from the MoMA Store for a ridiculous $95. At that price I’ll happily mash away at my current alarm clock in the morning until the beeping stops.
[ Jacobsen Snooze Alarm Clock Radio ] VIA [ Digital Drops ]
by Techno Witch on August 18, 2008
Many users of the Apple iPhone 3G have been waiting long for an Apple iPhone 3G solution which will enable then to unlock their iPhone 3G handset, and there is rumour that one Vietnamese mobile phone store says they have accomplished this.
Details on this supposed Apple iPhone 3G hack are somewhat scarce to say the least, but apparently they unlocked the iPhone 3G using a local Vietnamese SIM and managed to place a call.
Apparently they accomplished this by physically altering the iPhone 3G?s circuit-boards. The site also claims to show Google Maps being accessed over WiFi.
However, a tipster says the actual process is not a SIM unlock; at with the original Apple iPhone, the newer iPhone 3G is not invulnerable to unlocks, but the Dev Team continue to work to gain an unlock without the need for the owner to crack open the iPhone 3G casing.
by Techno Witch on August 18, 2008
The Motorola Q9h has seen Windows Mobile 6.1 foe a few weeks now, however those that have been patiently waiting for Motorola to issue a proper update are about to get lucky as Motorola has officially loosed their Windows Mobile 6.1 update onto the mobile arena.
The official ROM update that brings Windows Mobile 6.1 to AT&T?s Q9h is now ready and waiting and you will require the standard compliment of update tools to get going.
As with most ROM updates of this type it will wipe your device so make sure you backup beforehand.
So there you have it, any Motorola Q9h owners still living in the pre-Windows Mobile 6.1 era really need to grab hold of this official ROM update and come bouncing into the 6.1 world.
To download the official Windows Mobile 6.1 ROM for the Motorola Q9h mobile phone simply head on over to Motorola?s website.
by Techno Witch on August 18, 2008
In its 2008 Wireless Customer Care Performance Study – Volume 2, J.D. Power and Associates have recognized Verizon Wireless for providing the industry?s highest ranking customer care.
The J.D. Power and Associates study was based on 11,000 wireless subscribers who contacted customer car via phone, online or in stores within the last year, and provides a detailed report on a semi annual basis on wireless provider customer care performance.
Based on their studies responses the highest ranked in overall customer care performance came out as Verizon Wireless.
Executive vice president and chief operating officer, Jack Plating, said: ?We are pleased that this latest study agrees with our belief that Verizon Wireless offers the best customer experience in wireless. We know that our customers expect an outstanding experience when they call us, walk into one of our stores or deal with us online. We will continue to work to deliver the best customer service in the industry and to not only meet our customers? expectations, but to exceed them.?
Source ? slashphone
by Techno Witch on August 18, 2008
Twelve months after the new act on using a mobile phone whilst driving came into force, a report from headset manufacturer Plantronics and YouGov reveals that British drivers are still using their mobile phones while on the road.
This new report found that in excess of 40 percent of those who use a mobile phone in the vehicle were doing so illegally and without using a hands-free device. As such the Ministry of Justice has announced a further crackdown to change these statistics.
s from today there are new measures put in place for the offence known as Causing Death by Careless Driving, as reported by Sky News, these new measures bring tougher penalties who kill due to being “avoidably distracted”.
Such avoidable distractions include being on a mobile phone, drinking and eating, and texting, reading a map, applying makeup, and adjusting a GPS or car stereo. The Ministry of Justice even go as far as to list the likes of the Apple iPhone, and Research In Motion?s BlackBerry as possible driving distractions.
Take a look at the video below and become informed of the new penalties, after that if you don?t have a hands-free kit, do get one.
by Techno Witch on August 18, 2008
At one time the internet was hampered by wired connections, thus the shift to wireless was inevitable, and now it is beginning to shift further with the world of wireless mobile phones, so much so that in no time at all your mobile phone will be able to do virtually everything your computer can do.
Taking mobile internet that one step further is a first of its kind mobile application from www.mobisitegalore.com who have launched an app for mobile phones that can be used to construct mobile websites with the help of GPRS.
The private limited Chennai based Software Company Akim Technologies provides a user friendly app to build and host your website on a mobile phone which results in the user being able to construct their own custom website optimised for use on mobile phones.
Mr S Prashanth, CEO of Akmin Technologies said: ?We offer the technology free of cost to the customers. Unlike the web version, the screen in the mobile version will be customized and user-friendly to enable even lay persons have their own websites. No technical knowledge is required and no downloads needed. Mobile users can build, publish, manage and share mobile websites.?
Akmin Technologies claims to be the first in the world to provide this type of application.
by Techno Witch on August 18, 2008
By Jonathan Kimak
Maybe it’s because I’m a big Simpsons fan that I keep on seeing their influence on technology whether it’s there or not. In this case I see this next story as a precursor to a halloween episode where Homer has his brain transplanted into the body of a robot, with sexy results.
Researchers at the University of Reading in the UK have created a robot that contains cultured rat brain cells. An array of electrodes are hooked up to the neurons and can give signals to the “brain.” When the robot nears an obstacle such as a wall, the electrodes send a signal to the neurons. The neurons then control the wheels and change direction to avoid the obstacle when they receive the signal.
Video of the robot in action, along with more detailed commentary on its workings after the jump.
[ Press Release ] VIA [ Medgadget ]
by Techno Witch on August 17, 2008
By Jonathan Kimak
Now you can summon Batman with a relatively easy to make USB powered Batman spotlight. Instructables contributor KaptinScarlet has come up with this set of instructions that is a good project for people of any skill level.
The items you require include bottle caps, tin foil, a USB laptop light, some clear plastic, cardboard, soldering iron and hot glue gun.
It should take about 2 hours to complete. From the finished photos the Batlight looks like it could be a rather neat addition to your desk.
[ Instructables ] VIA [ Everything USB ]