I’m sure many of you out there played around with water and dirt in your younger years, creating some truly nice masterpieces. But no matter what you added to your masterpiece, it was still water, dirt, and some other stuff.
The dirt in Japan must be of higher quality as scientists have claimed to have succeeded in making “Elastic Water”. The ingredients — water, organic materials, and clay. There’s got to be a lot more going on behind the scenes as just with those few ingredients, I don’t see how they did it…
- February 24, 2010 8:27 am
Of the few faults I have with the iPhone, the back casing really isn’t one of them. It’s designed well and does it’s job. What more could you ask for? For some, the move to plastic casings after the first gen iPhone was done largely to (1) reduce cost and (2) increase reception to the more cellular loving characteristics of plastic over metals. Understandably, some want the added reception of plastic and the sleek, sturdy look of metal. Solution: Titanium alloy.
You see, Titanium alloy is a much more RF transparent metal than say aluminum (which Martin also tried, though to disappointing results). Obviously, Titanium alloy is also bit too cost prohibitive for a large scale, mass market object such as the iPhone. But for a single user with access to decent CAD software and the required machinery to construct said case, the outcome is only limited by the level of the individual’s creativity.
The creator of the Titanium alloy iPhone case above, Martin, says that besides being sturdier and enjoying the same amount of reception as with the old plastic casing, it looks helluva cool. We don’t disagree with you one bit Martin.
As for plans to expand production — consider this a DIY project. Time to get crafty.
Engadget > ModMyi
- February 16, 2010 2:22 pm
Much to the delight of Stars Geeks and dismay of parents and significant others, Star Wars toys just got a little cooler today. The RC Millennium Falcon is an honest to goodness hovering piece of plastic.The RC Falcon, built by popular toy manufacturer, Hasbro, will feature a rather authentic look similar to the real Millennium Falcon, save for the massive hole cut out of the center of the device in order to fit the two large rotating plastic blades of fury.
I can already see myself spending days flying this thing around my house and trying to land on the cat before it run’s away. For the more imaginative: The scenario that keeps getting played over and over in my head is the one where ‘ol Mr Solo is landing the Falcon near an Ewok colony and McDroid drive flythru when a wondering Ewok get’s sucked up into the dual blades of death. Oh wait…
Become your very own George Lucas this fall for $50.
Geekologie > StarWars Blog
- February 9, 2010 12:36 am
What would you say if I gave you a USB hub that was made out of cheap plastic, a crystal eagle, and featured gimmicky blue LED’s? You’d probably laugh and hopefully take the joke in good stride. There is of course the ever persistent danger that you’d take that econo-hub and chuck it right back at my face. Seeing as how it costs next to nothing, the loss after it fell to the ground and shattered would be relatively painless. The fake crystal shards in my face however, would not be. On the bright side, it has 4-usb ports…
If such a tale sounds uber exciting, you can relive it for yourself for the low low price of $5.99.
[Nerd Approved]
- December 16, 2009 9:07 pm
To AT&T users who have been holding out for their day to claim Android and use the The Nation’s Most Reliable Network, The Nation’s Fastest Network, “Death Star” — a gsm network that happens to reside inside of the U.S — the Moto Backflip/Enzo is a slap in the face.
AT&T had to get into the Android game at some point. They’d be stupid not to. While many AT&T hopeful were no doubt looking forward to some sweet high end uber Android device, I’m sorry to say that they won’t find it here. Granted, something is better than nothing of course. Or is it?
The phone as we now know it is the Motorola Backflip/Enzo and features that oddly aligned keyboard that when closed allows the keyboard to rest on the outside of the phone — Why? (shout out to Android Central, haha) — and also comes pre-loaded chock full of AT&T specific apps, lables, and branded buttons. Oh joy.
The specs are pretty similar to the Moto CLIQ on T-Mobile and position the phone squarely as a mid-range device more geared towards tweeners ad the “younger at heart”.
- 3.1 inch display 320 x 480 (HVGA)
- 528 MHz Qualcomm MSM7201A
- GSM 850/900/1800/1900 W-CDMA 850/900/1700/1900/2100
- WiFi / Bluetooth 2.0 / GPS
- OS Android 1.5 with Motoblur
- 5 megapixel camera with LED flash
- Reverse flip keyboard & Rear directional touchpad
*Reamin positive, remain positive, remain positive.*
Being a complete gadget nerd I realize I want every new phone to blow me away and leave me speechless. I also realize that simply isn’t how life and the market woks. WIth that said, I’m still left disappointed completely disgusted with the Backflip/Enzo. AT&T people have been waiting for over a year and what do they have to show for it — a phone that uses the going on 2-year old 528MHz Qualcomm processor, outdated Android 1.5, AT&T garb through and through, and a goofy design that leaves the keyboard exposed even when closed.
Keyboard
First we’ll backtrack a tad and visit that keyboard. Why did they design it the way they did? I get the trackball on the back. It’s actually not a bad idea. It gives back precious space on the keyboard for what needs to be there — keys. The trackball then has free reign on the backside giving a rare yet seemingly highly functional design. The flipped keyboard however is weird. If the keys aren’t resilient, broken/missing keys are going to be a big issue. The keys however are nice and big — a plus!
Android 1.5?
What the hell is it with carriers spending so much time tweaking and fixing old software and pushing it out with a prettied face as if it’s something new and exciting. MotoBLUR’s design is cool and unique. I get that. But Android 1.5? Really!? I’d really like to know who makes these decisions and how they get the positions they do. The appearance of Android 1.5 isn’t the end however. Oh no, it’s gets better worse.
AT&T *vomit* branding
One of the great things about Android is the way it gives end users, carriers included, the ability to fully customize the OS till the ends of the earth. A blessing it is, a curse it has become. In the case of the AT&T Backflip/Enzo, AT&T hasn’t left any stone unturned, any button un-AT&T-ified, or any element of the phone free of AT&T’s crap branding. The AT&T key on the keyboard reeks of econo-phone stench. It’s just like those stupid WAP web buttons that Verizon in particular is getting so much flack for at the moment — nickel-and-diming users to death. If you have any dealings or memories of past encounters with dumb/feature phones on AT&T (or any other carrier), you’re all too familiar with those carrier branded apps. You know the ones that offer an extremely limited (read: poor, poor selection) of apps and services at greatly inflated prices and all because they (the carrier) feel they’re doing you a service.
**NOT a Google exerience — Yahoo Experience sucker punches after hiding popping out of the closet
Another blunder…wait for it…wait for it…a complete lack of any Google apps except for Google Maps. **Side Note: This isn’t the first “non-Google” phone. But seeing as how MotoBLUR on the CLIQ is so tightly integrated with Google apps, the complete 180 is striking.
Along the same lines, the stratification that everyone is starting to get worried about just got a big shot of relevance with this phone. A brand spankin’ new phone launching with old everything and the enemies search engine. I swear to god AT&T ruins everything they touch.
Yahoo Search love fest
Christ, I’ve lost all hope in this piece of garbage. An OS heavily pushed, touched, cared for, and ultimately run by Google features Yahoo Search as the crowning search provider. ‘Nough said.
I’ll probably get flamed, skewered, and raked over the hot coals for poo pooing AT&T’s Android virgin. So be it. I’m calling this waste of everyone’s time for what it is. Between insults and obscenities, just think about how you’re going to feel when twenty things are trying to update in the background (since MotoBLUR is all about the social scene) on that two-year old processor. Lest we not forget how the MotoCLIQ was looked upon unfavorably because of the unrefined OS. The ultimate uber social idea is great and all. But the hardware on the CLIQ — the exact same as this phone here — had a hard time juggling so many tasks.
In the end, I come away feeling sad. Sad beyond words for the countless AT&T users whom are weeping oceans from their faces asking themselves “Why?”. Why did they wait for so long only to be let down so harshly? Can AT&T not step away from their own little world where they’re the super greatest and realize that they are not a software company nor GUI designer? Because of that, they need to learn to keep their hands off of the phone itself. It worked wonderfully on the iPhone — not a hint of AT&T crap branding except for the network indicator. Though Apple has a much larger bargaining power than Motorola. On that note, I’d also be interested to know exactly how much influence Motorola had and how much power AT&T stripped away.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Backflip/Enzo will gain a loyal following much like the socially connected CLIQ on T-Mobile. But as far as gaining anything close to the Droid-like cult following and mass hysteria — well, there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell. Not one. The Moto Backflip/Enzo is a knock against Android, AT&T, and Motorola.
So AT&T users, are you now left looking ahead to the next Android device that will hopefully come sometime in 2010? Currently you’re only hope is looking at being either the Nexus One since it comes with your 3G bands and all or some completely unknown device. Ya, your options downright suck right now.
Phandroid Android Central
- October 15, 2009 10:05 am
After hanging all of your grenade ornaments, why not venture outside into the white fluffy stuff and embrace all that which winter and coldness is about. First, you’ll need to choose your sled. From the classic wooden toboggans to newer composite speed sleds, it doesn’t really matter what you choose as you’re going to be at the bottom of a hill regardless. When you were a kid, did you ever try to go down on your back end only to quickly realize that (1) it hurt and (2) your ass isn’t exactly very slippery on ice/snow? A trash bag or some other flimsy plastic material would allow you to go sledless though those are fragile and don’t last long at all. Too bad we didn’t have “Snow Shorts”.
Yet again, the phrase “I wish they had these when I was a kid” seems to fit in all too appropriately. The concept is extremely simple and yes, I’m kicking myself for not monetizing this idea first. A simple plastic plate with some padding affixed to the ass end of snow pants and now someone, somewhere is many dollars richer. Adults need not worry about those embarrassing moments that may arise when you get caught trying to fit into your kids’ Snow Shorts as they come in adult sizes too. As long as your waist is 42″ or smaller, your golden. Whew! Safe here.
Now for the part none of us like — the price. They’re actually pretty reasonable at $35.00 meaning you may as well order a couple. I’m definitely getting a pair as my head is already chock full scenarios in which these pants would be amazing. You down?
Gadget Lab > Coolest Gadgets
Here in the states, everyone is looking at Halloween quickly approaching. A few weeks later, the big ‘ol turkey strolls by with Christmas soon after. While Valentines day is still several months and holidays away, why wait to get your special someone the perfect gift? If you happen to be one of the lucky men out there with a geeky female significant other, the USB Heart Hub may be the perfect gift. The specs are pretty standard by now: USB 2.0, Windows support all the way back to Win2000, and features bus power meaning no external power cord. Sorry Mac users, you’re out of the game on this one.
What better way to share your geeky, romantic bond than with a pink, plastic heart? Heck, at $6.99 you can be romantic and thrifty.
- September 24, 2009 2:03 pm
Hate me if you want. Call me too cynical. But one thing is for certain, Tom Tom’s iPhone car mount is over priced by about 80% of what it should actually cost. In case you were curious. The mount is currently available for pre-order on Apple’s UK store for £100 ($160.67 USD)! £100 for a collection of plastic screwed together to hold a phone in your window. Ya I’ll pass. How stupid and gullible does Apple/TomTom think we are? I’m sure plenty will pony up the dough however. Is anyone else the least bit riled up by this gross inflation?
The cherry on top is the fact that the TomTom iPhone app IS NOT included with the purchase as many are reporting. Ouch.
Into Mobile
