NFL FanVision

The new NFL FanVision allows in stadium fans to watch replays and the game from different angles. The device also displays real time stats and buzzes every time a team is in the red zone. It can also check your fantasy team scores and stats.

The device cost $199, so for those with season tickets this is a must, but for everyone else, it might be a little expensive a for a device that can only be used at a football stadium.

Source: [Engadget] [YouTube - FanVision]

Blackberry News: The Blackberry PlayBook

At Research in Motions Development Event, RIM announced their new tablet and iPad competitor, Playbook. This full 1080p out device is scheduled to be released in early 2011. The new device is thinner than an iPad, has both a back facing and a front facing HD camera, offers flash, java, html 5 with a dual core processor and 1 GB of ram.

RIM has recently been in the news as Blackberry Bans were being discussed in Saudia Arabia and Dubai since the RIM network is encrypted.

Rim Stock - Over the Past Month [Google Finance]

When looking at the RIM stock over the past month, two things are clear. In the month of September 2010 the Rim stock reached a 1 year low. But as news of the devices launch has surfaced, the RIM stock  has been improving after its Playbook release.

Specs From Gizmodo:
— 7" LCD, 1024 x 600, WSVGA, capacitive touch screen with full multi-touch and gesture support
— BlackBerry Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing
— 1 GHz dual-core processor
— 1 GB RAM

— Dual HD cameras (3 MP front facing, 5 MP rear facing), supports 1080p HD video recording
— Video playback: 1080p HD Video, H.264, MPEG, DivX, WMV
— Audio playback: MP3, AAC, WMA
— HDMI video output
— Wi-Fi - 802.11 a/b/g/n
— Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
— Connectors: microHDMI, microUSB, charging contacts
— Open, flexible application platform with support for WebKit/HTML-5, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR, Adobe Reader, POSIX, OpenGL,Java
— Ultra thin and portable:
— Measures 5.1"x7.6"x0.4" (130mm x 193mm x 10mm)
— Weighs less than a pound (approximately 0.9 lb or 400g)
— Additional features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook will be shared on or before the date this product is launched in retail outlets.
— RIM intends to also offer 3G and 4G models in the future.

The Blackberry Playbook also an open product, as the Blackberry Tablet OS is completely Open Source, allowing companies like Netflix and other major app companies to create software for the tablet.

Sources: [Business Insider] [Gizmodo] [Blackberry - North America] [Google - Finance]

Netflix on the Rise Again

The Blockbuster Bankruptcy 

+

Netflix Launch in Canada

+

30% of Young Netflix Users are Forgoing Cable TV

=

A Soaring Netflix Stock and the Future of Paid Cable TV in Jeopardy


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iPad Today: Accessories, Mounts, News, and More

The Crestron iPanel

The Crestron app for iPad and the outside casing [seen in the photo to the right] allows you to completely control everything in your house all from your iPad. Manage your tv, vcr, dvd player, bluray player, lights window shades, and pretty much everything else in your home all from this app. [Read More]

Aidacase

The Aidacase allows you to turn your iPad into a touchscreen macbook. Use the Aidacase keyboard to respond to emails on the go. A major complaint about the iPad is that typing on it while holding it can be difficult, especially while standing. This case attempts to making it easier to use the iPad as a desktop computer rather than a tablet pc. [Read More]

iPad Wall Mounts

• $3 iPad Wall Mount [Kitchen/Cookbook Wall Mount]

• The Bathroom iPad Wall Mount [Toilet Reading]
• iPad Fridge Magnet Mount [FridgePad]

iPad in the News [Taking Over]

• Best Buy CEO says iPad is cannibalizing the laptop industry
• Netbook Sales are Crashing Due to iPad Sales
• Apple Now Sells Refurbished iPads for $50 off

Apple Entertainment Center Must

For those of you choosing a mac mini over any type of set top movie box, this accessory is a entertainment system must. It is perfect for coffee table computer setups and allows you to use Plex with ease.


Source: [Gizmodo]

iPad Today: Microsoft, VLC, and Shopping

Microsoft should Develop Office Apps for the iPad

Apple's iWork's iPad Apps are some of the best-selling iPad apps, and with Apple approaching 5 million iPad's shipped, it makes sense that Microsoft should invest in creating a Microsoft Office for iPad. "Specifically, Microsoft should develop Office apps for the iPad, Android, Chrome OS, Blackberry tablet, and any other computeing platform that is likely to become popular over the next 5-10 years." [Silcon Alley Insider]



VLC Player on the iPad?

Applidium, the creator of VLC, has created an iPad app that allows you to play any video format on the iPad. It's chances of being allowed on the app store are low as vlc would increase the number of pirated movies watched on iPads, compromising both the itunes movie store and the Apple-Netflix app deal. [Crunch Gear]

Digital Shopping

Magento Commerce has already launched their shopping iPhone app and will soon be releasing their iPad app. The company raised $22 million in March for its "open-source mobile e-commerce apps." Charging clients $800 set-up fee and then $700 annual fee to be on the e-catalog, the company already has such clients as The North Face, the Miami Dolphins, and Flowe(Red). [TechCrunch]

Your Home Outlets Do More Than You Think

HomePlug - is a company that specializes in connecting every piece of media equipment in your house and integrating them together via your existing electrical outlets. WHHHAATTTT???

This means that there is no need for usb cables, hdmi cables, firewire, or any other connecting cord, as everything is connected through your home's outlets. This means that by simply plugging your computer into a power socket in your wall you can immediately have internet access, access files on from different rooms, so on and so forth.

I think everyone can appreciate how amazing a working product like that is. I have a few questions though. As a New Yorker who lives in an apartment building, what if my electrical system is not as contained as a person who owns there whole house. What I mean by this is if I use the HomePlug internet outlet adapter, will i be giving my next door neighbors free internet as well, and possibly access to all my files?

Safety Plug

This plug design concept, originally by Luofang Jun wraps wraps rubber around the electrical plug to protect you from a possible shock. This design would currently not be legal in the US as there are laws forbidding anything from touching the metal legs of electrical cords. Still an amazing concept though.

Sources: [PC World] [HomePlug] [Crunch Gear]

Warpia: Wirelessly Stream your Comp on your TV

The Warpia allows you to wirelessly steam your computer/laptop on to a large HD TV for the low cost of $170. So far the product is only available for PC, but should be coming out for Mac in the near future.



Sources: [New York Times] Publish Post

Recycling 4.0 - Dumpster Swimming Pools

Marco Sea turns old dumpsters into swimming pools on Park Ave. [NYC]

"... the New York City Mayor’s Office and the Department of Transportation invited them to participate in NYC’s Third Annual 2010 Summer Streets event. Hundreds of New Yorkers dumpster dove (literally) in Macro Sea logo-emblazoned pools and hung out at the surrounding “lo-fi country club.” Lined up along Park Avenue and decked out with all the trimmings you would expect a real pool to have (safety railings, depth indicator signage, and even lifeguards, you could hardly recognize these big, red former trash receptacles..."

 

Sources: [Inhabitat] [H2O Visions]

Beer News: $44 Bottle of PBR

This may not be considered tech news, but I sure found it interesting. I cannot imagine PBR bring considered worth over $40 a bottle. This would be like Miller High Life coming out with a $50 bottle of champagne.

In China, Pabst Blue Ribbon 1844 is considered a "world-famous spirit." In America, PBR is the choice cheap beer for bars as well as college students.


Source: [Business Insider]

How To Build a BBQ from an Altoids Sour Can [instructables.com]

For Full Instructions: Click Here

 

 

 

Sources: [Instructables.com] [Boing Boing]

Plex + LG Team Up

Plex, my favorite mac multi-media entertainment program, is teaming up with LG according to the latest from tech insiders. Does this mean that Plex is currently beating it's competition [Boxee, Hulu Desktop, Understudy]? I would say so, and when Plex is the main software for watching digital media on flatscreen's, remember OE Technology told you about it first.

LG and Plex announced their Biz Dev plan at this years IFA conference, as Plex software will be running on new LG tv's.




Sources: [Crunch Gear] [Tech Crunch] [Engadget]

Google TV vs. Apple's New iTV

Four years ago I asked the best web and graphics designer I know to help create a box that only had three external plugs [a power outlet, an ethernet cord, and VGA/DVI out port]. This box, once plugged in, would allow people to access the many movies stored on the Wesleyan University movie hub, as well as some of my personal collection. At the time, while only a freshman in college, I had nor the capital or resources to invest in such a project. Nor were there any legal digital movie files or streaming files that I could use that would not break copyright protection laws.

With the success of Netflix, Google offering pay-per-view movies via YouTube this fall, and the failure of Apple TV have all made the net top box game very interesting. Now most new flatscreen TV's come with ethernet ports for instant access to photos, YouTube, Netflix, Facebook, and many other online items, these TV's do not allow you to play your personal movies [itunes movies, wma, m4a, avi, or mkv].


Google TV

Google TV seems to be a more advanced version of TiVo with close web integration allowing you to record tv programs, watch our favorite tv shows off broadcasting company websites, as well as eventually the option to order clothing, books, and every other item in your favorite tv show right from your screen.

The box also includes integration with MLB.com, NBA.com, and other major sports networks giving you full sports package access and up to date scores.


Apple  -  iTV

Most of the interface and software features of iTV have remained hidden from the public, though iTV is expected to launch this September, 2010. The product will not support 1080p movies, will have a price tag of around $99, and it will not have an internal hard drive.

This device will feature TV based apps that have close integration with iPhones and iPads. So I am assuming if you download the Slingbox app you would be able to watch tv on your iTV. The loss of 1080p and and lack of TiVo like integration makes this item seem like another Apple TV failure, but we will see in the middle of this month.

If you like Apple's interface I would recommend buying a new MacMini [$699+] and downloading the free program called Plex. This will allow you to download most of the NBA.com and MLB.com programs Google TV offers, while allowing you to play any movie file you want with your mac remote [including 1080p mkv files]. The price is 7 times greater, but the iTV seems at first glance like a waste of money. We'll see in a few months.


Source: [Silicon Alley Insider] [Engadget]

British Scientists Create Unbreakable Pint Glasses to Save Lives

The Nalgene for Alcoholics

One of the most pressing issues in Britain seems to be drunken hooligans breaking pint glasses as there are "87,000 alcohol-related glass attacks each year," costing the "National Health Service 2.7 billion pounds ($4.3 billion) per year." The shatter-proof pint glasses will hopefully save lives and save the British money.

There are, "two types of shatterproof technologies are in the works: one has a thin bio-resin coating on the inside that strengthens it, and the other bonds two thin layers of glass together in the same way as car windshields. Both are difficult to break and keep the shards together if they do fracture, rendering them useless as weapons."

"The government is touting the prototypes as the first significant improvement in bar glassware in decades. The plan is to introduce the new glasses for use on a voluntary basis in pubs if tests show they are durable, cost-effective and safe."

Sources: [Crunch Gear] [Yahoo! News]

Looking for the Perfect Gift? Look no Further

Productivity in the Shower [Aqua Notes]:

I know I get my best idea's in the shower, being able to write them down has created a whole new level of productivity for me.
Source: Gizmodo

Six Pack Carrying Case:

Perfect for the home beer brewer or the beer delivery man.
Source: Gizmodo

Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System

Turn your child into a rap phenomenon before birth.
Source: Gizmodo

Travel Flame Thrower:

Who calls exterminators anymore? Though this gizmo looks easy to make, can I please stress that you do not try.
Source: Gizmodo

TV on your iPhone

TOP Ways to Watch TV on your iPhone


1. Sling iPhone Application

The major problem with the Sling iPhone app is that you need to also purchase a Sling box and have it hooked up to a cable box that no one else is using. If this is something that you would not mind, then the Sling iPhone application is perfect for you.

2. Mophie TV Pack

The FLO TV Mophie iPhone, application and encasing allows you to watch HD basic TV from your iPhone while on the go. The encasing makes the iPhone 2mm thicker and much heavier, but still lets you watch broadcast TV.


Source: Engadget, Sling Media, and FLO TV

Ski Season: Video Snow Goggles

Record the Wipeouts you Wished your Freinds had Witnessed

Like something our of  James Bond movie, the Liquid Image Snow Goggles record in 720p resolution and have the ability to take 5 megapixel snap shots. The goggles cost $150 but unfortunately will not be available until July, making the perfect for a holiday gift next year.

Source: Engadget

Movies Everywhere: Aircell in Flight Movie Network

Aircell is currently a provider of wireless internet access a many major airlines. But coming later this year, Aircell will be offering streamed movies and TV shows for your computer that can be purchased and watched during flight.

Business Moves:
With Netflix on PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii later this year, this is the perfect opportunity for the movie company to step in offer in-flight movies and tv-shows. A move like this would make Netflix the absolute monopoly in online media access world wide.


Source: PC World and Engadget

The Future of Batteries

The introduction of the PowerMat that charges devices without plugging in any cords has advanced the future possibilities in charging electronic devices. Below are some of the developed battery and energy technologies currently being worked on.

130 Twirls

The Twirl battery concept, designed by Song Teaho and Hyejin Lee, allows for 130 twirls of the phone battery for another two minutes of talk time. Using the same technology as crank batteries, this type of technology would be perfect for a lot of other applications outside of cell phones or cameras.


Charge your Phone or Camera from your Wireless Internet connection

Being able to plug your phone into the Airnergy WiFi Harvesting Charger would allow you to charge your phone or camera without pluging the device into the wall.

After precharging the Airnergy with "WiFi power," the device was able to power a Blackberry from 30% power to 100% power in 90 minutes, illustrating a clear future in wireless power applications

Source: Engadget, Gizmodo, and Yahoo! News

Connect Everything to Everything: HSTi Wireless Media Stick

This usb media sick allows you to connect anything with a usb port to another usb port device, such as controlling a digital picture frame from your computer, or accessing your movies on you computer from your Xbox 360 or PS3. The media stick also includes smooth 720p media streaming and is available Jan. 15th for $119.99.

Once the software is installed on your computer, you can plug the usb stick into anything on the same Wifi router, allowing you instant access to everything in your house.