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Luigi finally has enough of Mario

2009-05-29T14:16:38Z

Samsung Acme i8910

2009-02-14T05:55:12Z

Its the handset that the Coyote of Roadrunner fame would be using. after all, he always had a thing for Acme products. which brings us to the Acme i8910 handset. I have no idea why Samsung would want to name this handset as the Acme i8910 ; but whatever the name may suggest , fact is that this seems to have the makings of a great cell phone. Samsung hasnt come up with an official announcement about this beauty yet, and the news has been leakied onto the blogosphere as is so often the case.

]]> Features include GPS, HDMI, WiFi, 3.5mm socket, is DNLA and DivX compatible and offers HD recording. Now go back again and read the DivX compatibility part - its probably the best thing to happen to cell phones since touch screens. And to think that only a few years back, manufacturers such as ⁮Nokia were reluctant to allow users to have MP3 libraries on their phones for fears of piracy lawsuits. We sure have come a long way since then. This handset should be a good case in point for those who thought that Symbian S60 was dead ; this baby runs the latest edition of Symbian (5th edition) and does it stunningly well at that! We will get you more details as well has better pictures once Samsung makes the official announcement. Thanks to Patrick for the tip! Source

Best House of the Century

2009-01-13T15:56:38Z

Toyota Prius 2010 : Breaking the 50 MPG Barrier

2009-01-13T15:37:07Z

The Third Generation Toyota Prius isnt just eyewash, Toyota have surpassed even themselves by coming up with a Prius that takes on the magical figure of 50 miles per gallon. The reduction in fuel consumption isnt by any count due to savings in car size or power. In fact, the Prius 2010 promises to be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.

]]> Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine's efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.

The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90 percent newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models. * The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model. * The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight. * Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter. * A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration. The new Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve their best mileage.

Toyota claims that the new Prius has the most aerodynamic shape of any mass produced vehicle in the history of mankind, and we certainly dont want to argue with them on this point. The designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. Doesnt sound like much, but its the little things that added up make teh big differences. The remote air-conditioning system is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone and that can be remotely operated, so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.

Also helping in reducing the fuel consumption is the use of LEDs in the headlamps as well as tail lamps. An exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more efficiently. An excellent idea is the use of solar power to keep the car cool when it is parked in the sun. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.

Thankfully the rear drum brakes get assigned to history with this variant and it gets all 4 disc brakes. Touch sensors on the steering wheel switches are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. This system, called Touch Tracer, is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel. The ECO indicator on the Multi-Informational Display (MID) provides driver feedback for lower fuel consumption. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included with Toyota's standard Star Safety System.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable. Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces. A backup monitor, which provides a view of rear obstacles when reverse is engaged, is available with an optional voice-activated navigation system. Safety Connect, Toyota's first safety and security service, includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and an SOS call button. Safety Connect will be available a few months after launch. Pricing for the 2010 Prius will be announced shortly before it goes on sale late spring. 2010 PRIUS PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN
1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i
Engine horsepower: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Engine torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Electric motor power output: 80 hp/153 lb-ft torque
Hybrid system net horsepower: 134 hp
Emission rating: SULEV (with AT-PZEV)
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Drive System: Front-wheel-drive
Hybrid battery pack: Nickel-metal hydride
Estimated fuel economy: 50 mpg (combined)*
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 175.6
Overall Width: 68.7
Overall Height: 58.7
Wheelbase: 106.3
Ground clearance: 5.5
Coefficient of Drag: 0.25
Wheels: 15-inch alloy wheels
17-inch alloy wheels (optional)
Tire Size: 15-inch: 195/65R15
17-inch: 215/45R17 (optional)
Seating Capacity: 5
EPA class rating: Midsize

Japanese Mother Cafe

2009-01-13T15:34:39Z

Maid Cafes? Absolutely Passe. Mother Cafes? Now you are talking. Japanese men who love to be mothered can now go to maid cafes where the waitresses are dressed up in maid clothes with maternal behaviour. The women who work here are a bit older then the ones at the maid cafes (they need to be since they are supposed to mother you) and service includes hand-feeding anybody who orders a slice of cake and wants to feel like a kid all over again.

]]> Paying someone to nag? Sounds exactly the kind of thing these crazy Nippons would do! Source

Dyson AirBlade Hand Dryer

2009-01-13T15:34:35Z

Of the little mentioned things at the CES was the hand dryer. Coming from Dyson, titled as the Airblade , its probably the first dryer that didnt leave me looking for a tissue or trying to switch it on after it cut off since my hands were exactly the same as before. This impressive little gizmo uses what they call an air blade .

]]> Dyson

Hello Kitty Sun Glass Holder

2009-01-13T15:31:50Z

Even for a Kitty critic like me, its hard to say that Hello Kitty doesnt look cute trying on my glasses. Or yours for that matter.

]]> 15$ USD. But Japan only.

Hello Kitty Vibrating Cushion

2009-01-13T15:27:56Z

Its kittys way of getting you better when you are stuck with a sore back. It powers itself from 2 AA batteries. The accompanying images show the variety of manners in which it may be used.

]]> 25$ USD for the massager, I doubt if its value lies in its functionality. Its more likely to just look good then feel good. Get it from Sanrio Japan (Japan only).

GPS Wristwatch Num8 for Kids

2009-01-13T15:24:46Z

Its something that the Japanese have been doing for some time now. Pushing in GPS devices into gadgets that kids carry and use. Why there was even a school bag with a GPs device embedded in it. Child safety concerns are shared by parents around the world and not just in Japan.

]]> Source

Dishwasher Safe Keyboard (Worlds First)

2009-01-13T15:22:37Z

We have all heard about the tests that led Scientists to discover that the average keyboard harbors more bacteria then the average commode. For those who didnt, I bet reading this just made you put your sandwich back and realise that you do need to wash your hands.

]]> mess , but it was still a hassle to remember to clean them ; not that it could be done easily either. A dishwasher safe keyboard allows you to throw in the keypad (preferably without the greasy pans alongside) and let the washer do the work. The new keyboard comes from Seal Shield (surprise surprise, its not a Japanese invention, for once!) and they have unveiled not just submersible / washable keyboards but mice and remote controls too. All the electrical components are encapsulated in a special silicon and plastic housing unit inside the keyboard, it is completely impenetrable to water. So sure is the company about its claim that they even allow you to use the keyboard underwater if you so want. The devices, which cost between $39.99 (£26.40) and $99.99, have been proven to withstand 2,000 washes and one million key strokes. The new products will be avaliable in March of 2009. Pricing is still not yet known. More information can be found at the SealShield.com site. Source

Waboba : The Ball that bounces on Water

2009-01-13T15:20:35Z

No kidding! As a boy, I loved to watch my uncle make pebbles bounce on the lake 7 times before it finally sunk. I practised a lot, but the best I got to was 4-5 bounces. I guess it takes some sort of talent to do that. But with the Waboba even a complete nincompoop should be able to bounce the ball on water. Available from ThumbsupUK. ]]>

Windows 7 : The best thing since Sliced Bread

2009-01-13T15:19:06Z

Since thats what everyone keeps saying irrespective of the critics claim that its just a better packaged version of Vista, this cartoon says it all.

]]> Source

INQ1 : The Facebook Phone

2009-01-13T15:17:57Z

Attempting to hitch on to the Facebook mania is the INQ 1. I must admit I am impressed with their idea of making a handset that caters specifically to Facebook users. Heaven knows there are more than enough to keep several companies in business if the concept picks up.

]]> Dialaphone even dug deep enough to find out that the INQ1 has built-in support for Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo web-based email accounts, plus it can even integrate with business networks Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino too. My only qualms are the lack of Wifi and GPS , while I can live without GPS , having WiFi would have been great. But I guess having a good plan should solve that problem. The INQ1 gets 50 megs of space on board with a 1 GB micro SD card (included). Besides , its fun to see the profile of the person who is calling instead of their picture as is the norm. The Facebook phone from INQ is unique enough to hold its own amongst the competition. The new INQ1 Facebook phone has been initially released as a Pay As You Go mobile phone but is expected to be offered as a pay monthly contract phone in the very near future, for those that struggle to pass the network credit checks the pay as you go option is perfect as there are no checks involved. INQ 1 on Pay As You Go: Source

Nokia 5800: XpressMusic

2009-01-13T15:15:45Z

Personally, I aint a big fan of listening to music. Sure its a great thing to do while stuck in traffic, but thats about it. So I never did understand all the hullabaloo about the iPod or the music features of the iPhone. Apparently it mattered a lot, to a lot of people. And Nokia felt sufficiently threatened to launch a whole new range of cell phones which concentrated on music. Thats not to say that I never dug music based cell phones. I went in for the Nokia 5500 for its music features despite its bulkiness.

]]> Dialaphone, this 3G handset also has 3.6Mbps HSDPA support, plus GPRS, EDGE and Wi-Fi to support it. Source

Sony Ericsson C510 :Cyber Shot with Smile Shutter Tech

2009-01-13T15:14:37Z

Smile Shutter is just a fancy way of saying smile detection, but then given that this is SonyEricssons most affordable Cyber-shot phone to date, I aint complainin. As with other cyber shot phones, the C510 emphasises on the camera. A 3.2 megapixel lens puts in the hard work on this baby and with some excellent features such as auto focus and face detection, its almost as if you are holding a professional camera in your hands rather then a camera phone.

]]> DialaPhone expects the handset to go on sale in February 2009. They also remind us about the popularity of the cyber shot brand name. Sony Ericsson has managed to tally up an impressive 32 million handsets under this name so far. The C510 is certainly going to play a big role in ratcheting up the total a lot more. Source