I spent my morning with the other journos in New York, where T-Mobile and Google together unveiled the T-Mobile G1. The G1 is a smartphone manufactured by HTC and it runs Google’s open-source Android OS. Speakers at today’s event included Andy Rubin from Google, Peter Chou from HTC, Chris Schlaffer from T-Mobile among others. But enough talk; you want to know the details. Hit the jump for tons of pictures, information on the G1 and a special surprise from Sergey and Larry from Google…
(more…)

We’ll be at the launch of the T-Mobile G1 (aka HTC Dream) this morning in New York City. Expect to see Google, T-Mobile and HTC all talk about the new phone and how it’s going to change the face of the mobile industry. You can watch the press conference live by hitting the link below. Later today, we’ll have a video review of the phone up and a gallery of shots as well hopefully.

Link

In a world of good-guy smugglers and noble Jedi, one Sith must instill fear any way he can. That’s why Darth Vader built this hot air balloon. Not just because the town fare is approaching and Vader wanted to make sure he’ll be soaring high next to the Yogi bear and Batman inflatables but because Vader wishes to scare away would-be padawan learners with his hot air balloon visage.  Be careful: one collision with a Star Destroyer and it’s all over.

Link

Slick marketing is an evil and effective way to get things done your way. Take for instance the Pixos Super Studio I found on Random Good Stuff. At first, it looks like a cool kids toy that uses water and beads to paint “pixelated” pictures that can turn into toys. The product description states:

Just add water, and watch in amazement as the PixOs beads magically fuse together to create a work of art. When you’re done with your creation, finish it off by using the studio’s built-in dryer. Studio comes with 500 PixOs, two design trays, five double-sided templates, two instruction booklets, spray bottle, super studio unit with built-in storage, dryer and pen dispenser. Refills sold separately.

Then I noticed it looked oddly familiar. Where had I seen this before? Oh yes, that’s right. The previously recalled Aqua Dots! Remember? The little beads that you draw with were coated with date rape drug GHB, enabling kids to slowly die and teenagers to slowly trip out. Don’t believe me? Hit the jump for the proof.
(more…)

I wasn’t expecting much from Apple today but these new iPod Nanos really take the company to the next level. Beautiful design, thin as fuck, colorful as a rainbow and cheaper. Let’s review:

Accelerometer
The accelerometer comes to iPod nano. Give it a shake to shuffle your music. Turn it sideways to view Cover Flow. And play games designed with your moves in mind.

Genius
The new Genius feature turns iPod nano into your own highly intelligent, personal DJ. It creates playlists by finding songs in your library that go great together.

New Look
For those about to rock, we give you nine amazing colors. But that’s only part of the story. Feel the curved, all-aluminum and glass design and you won’t want to put iPod nano down.

Pricing
The 8GB version will be $149 with the 16GB coming in at $199.

There you have it folks. I think the only decision we have left is which color to choose.

Link

So I missed Jobs’ entire speech/event because I was at class receiving my education. Here’s what happened:

• Steve Jobs comes out, cracks jokes, spits out stats
• Jobs jokes about his death, iTunes, songs, etc.
• HD on iTunes, $1.99, $2.99 - NBC back on iTunes
• Speaking of iTunes, iTunes 8 announced. Talks about Genius. Available today
• iPod talk - 90% of US cars offer iPod integration
• 120GB iPod Classic - $249, New Nano released in a boatload of colors, Genius function available on iPods, iPhone accelerometer allows for rotating of iPod Nano for CoverFlow functionality, improved battery life
• Nano: Entry price of $149 for 8GB, $199 for 16GB
• New $79 headphones with woofers and tweeters, volume control, functionality, FM receiver, etc.
• Nike+ for iPhone announced, iPod Touch version of Spore available
• New iPod Touch; thin design w/ stainless steel, gets cheaper, more games and apps - 8GB, $229, 16GB for $299, and a 32GB for $399. All three are available today. Nanos due out this weekend.
• iPhone 2.1 software update
• Jack Johnson plays some tunes for the crowd, event ends

So there you have it. Lots of fun new Apple stuff. Check back for more detailed posts on today’s news. Photo courtesy of Engadget.

Link

We’ve been slowly bringing you news on Dell’s mini laptop that’s been all over the ‘net. There just wasn’t that much to talk about - until now. Dell is flipping the netbook market on its head with the Inspiron Mini 9, a $399 laptop with a 1024×600 LED-backlit screen. SSD storage will be standard with 4, 8 and 16GB options. Battery life is around three hours and you even get Windows XP. Want Linux? Shed $50 off the price tag for Ubuntu.

(more…)

Just got a tip from an insider at T-Mobile (or is it Google?) that tells me the HTC Dream will feature a keyboard and trackball almost identical to the Sidekick. Does this mean we could see a Sidekick competitor on T-Mobile? It’d be an odd move but the Android-based Dream will most likely be for the geeked out power user.

That’s about it for now. More information as it comes…

We’ve all misplaced our car keys at one point or another. The problem lies around two o’ clock in the morning when you’re shit-faced drunk, have no money for a cab and your keys fall into a sewage drain.

No worries. Wired has the solution. It explains in detail all that is required to get your car up and running without the need of your car keys. Hopefully, you can prove you’re the owner of the vehicle you’re driving after getting caught by police thanks to some wicked anti-theft devices. Other than that, all that is required is some wire strippers and a flat head screwdriver. Grand theft auto has never been easier!

Link

The company that could turn your iPod or laptop any color is back and offering the iPhone 3G in exciting new colors. No longer are you limited to a black or white iPhone 3G purchase. Now you can plunk down $150 extra and get a wacky neon green paint job. It’s similar to T-Mobile’s skinning service except not affordable in the slightest.

You can get combine colors if you want to mix it up and represent your favorite sports team if that tickles your fancy. Unfortunately, the price is just too high for us to recommend it. Each additional option will cost you more and more. You might be better off trying to DIY this one.

Link (via)