tweetmeme_url = 'http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/playstation-3-slim-listing-pops-up-on-amazon-germany/'; tweetmeme_source = 'engadget'; digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/PlayStation_3_slim_listing_pops_up_on_Amazon_Germany'; Here's something fun to start your weekend with. Amazon's German site now has a listing for "PlayStation 3 Konsole slim" from Sony Computer Entertainment, and really, it doesn't take years of foreign language class to figure out that English translation. It's listed as "platform independent" (har) and has its own Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN), but on the flip side, we're lacking a picture, release date, or any other tangible details. Can't say we've got a feel for the site's track record on random listings, but after all the rumors and possible sightings as of late, it really makes ya wonder.

[Thanks, Mitchell B]

Filed under: Gaming

PlayStation 3 slim listing pops up on Amazon Germany originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

#saleschart { border: 0px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #saleschart td { padding: 7px; border-bottom: 0px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 100%;} #saleschart th.bottomrow { border-right: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart tr.features1 { border-top: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart td.bottomrow2 { border-right: 1px solid #333;} #saleschart th { font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #f3f3f3; border-top: 1px solid #333; }

	iPhone OS 3.0.1 update released, fixes SMS vulnerability Looks like Apple pulled the trigger on patching that nasty iPhone SMS vulnerability a little earlier than we expected. It's not some lightweight, either: you're looking at 280MB of love here, so get downloading, friends.		Take Back the Beep: how to disable voicemail instructions Thanks to some helpful comments we've got instructions for Sprint, AT&T and Verizon for lopping off bits of the message, and, in Verizon's case, speeding up the talking.
	TASER X3 video hands-on: watch out, baddies the appeal of a "non-lethal" deterrent is understandable (and certainly preferable to the alternative variety).	Other news of import CrunchPad coming in November with built-in 3G connectivity, says Straits Times LG's magical sliding fridge drawers: how did we ever live without them?
	Netflix Watch Instantly coming to Windows 7 Media Center No hard release date yet or big surprises here as Vista owners got this access some time ago and Extenders still don't support Silverlight.		Nokia Surge review Some might say that this is the most un-Nokia-like Nokia device produced in quite some time (if not ever), but remember, this one was custom made for US consumers and AT&T's audience
Modern Warfare 2, Halo 3: ODST are both not-quite HD games Paramount flicks to see Blu-ray purchase, DVD rental availability ahead of DVD sale date 3D TV channel coming to UK next year, 3D-ready set and glasses required		Motorola Sholes Android phone for Verizon appears in the flesh China Unicom's iPhone gets regulatory approval, pictured HTC Hero coming October 11th to Sprint? LG's BL40 "Chocolate" phone sashays its way through new ad

The Daily Roundup: here's what you might've missed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

#saleschart { border: 0px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #saleschart td { padding: 7px; border-bottom: 0px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 100%;} #saleschart th.bottomrow { border-right: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart tr.features1 { border-top: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart td.bottomrow2 { border-right: 1px solid #333;} #saleschart th { font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #f3f3f3; border-top: 1px solid #333; }

	iPhone OS 3.0.1 update released, fixes SMS vulnerability Looks like Apple pulled the trigger on patching that nasty iPhone SMS vulnerability a little earlier than we expected. It's not some lightweight, either: you're looking at 280MB of love here, so get downloading, friends.		Take Back the Beep: how to disable voicemail instructions Thanks to some helpful comments we've got instructions for Sprint, AT&T and Verizon for lopping off bits of the message, and, in Verizon's case, speeding up the talking.
	TASER X3 video hands-on: watch out, baddies the appeal of a "non-lethal" deterrent is understandable (and certainly preferable to the alternative variety).	Other news of import CrunchPad coming in November with built-in 3G connectivity, says Straits Times LG's magical sliding fridge drawers: how did we ever live without them?
	Netflix Watch Instantly coming to Windows 7 Media Center No hard release date yet or big surprises here as Vista owners got this access some time ago and Extenders still don't support Silverlight.		Nokia Surge review Some might say that this is the most un-Nokia-like Nokia device produced in quite some time (if not ever), but remember, this one was custom made for US consumers and AT&T's audience
Modern Warfare 2, Halo 3: ODST are both not-quite HD games Paramount flicks to see Blu-ray purchase, DVD rental availability ahead of DVD sale date 3D TV channel coming to UK next year, 3D-ready set and glasses required		Motorola Sholes Android phone for Verizon appears in the flesh China Unicom's iPhone gets regulatory approval, pictured HTC Hero coming October 11th to Sprint? LG's BL40 "Chocolate" phone sashays its way through new ad

The Daily Roundup: here's what you might've missed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

In an informal interview, a RIM executive strongly hinted that the company's BlackBerry line would be getting a front-facing camera for videoconferencing in early 2010. It's still officially unconfirmed, but totally plausible. Anybody out there dying for some videoconferencing? [TinyComb]

Apple (and AT&T) may have finally pushed too far with this week's rejection of the Google Voice App from the iPhone App Store, for no reason other than it "duplicated functionality" already offered—for a price—by AT&T. According to mocoNews, the FCC has asked Apple and AT&T to provide answers about how apps are approved, why they're denied, and particularly how much say AT&T has over things iPhone-related.

Here are the questions from their letter to AT&T:

1. What role, if any, did AT&T play in Apple's consideration of the Google Voice and related applications? What role, if any, does AT&T play in consideration of iPhone applications generally? What roles are specified in the contractual provisions between Apple and AT&T (or in any non-contractual understanding between the companies) regarding the consideration of particular iPhone applications?

2. Did Apple consult with AT&T in the process of deciding to reject the Google Voice application? If so, please describe any communications between AT&T and Apple or Google on this topic, including the parties involved and a summary of any meetings or discussions.

3. Please explain AT&T's understanding of any differences between the Google Voice iPhone application and any Voice over Internet Protocol applications that are currently used on the AT&T network, either via the iPhone or via handsets other than the iPhone.

4. To AT&T's knowledge, what other applications have been rejected for use on the iPhone? Which of these applications were designed to operate on AT&T's 3G network? What was AT&T's role in considering whether such applications would be approved or rejected?

5. Please detail any conditions included in AT&T's agreements or contracts with Apple for the iPhone related to the certification of applications or any particular application's ability to use AT&T's 3G network.

6. Are there any terms in AT&T's customer agreements that limit customer usage of certain third-party applications? If so, please indicate how consumers are informed of such limitations and whether such limitations are posted on the iTunes website as well. In general, what is AT&T's role in certifying applications on devices that run over AT&T's 3G network? What, if any, applications require AT&T's approval to be added to a device? Are there any differences between AT&T's treatment of the iPhone and other devices used on its 3G network?

7. Please list the services/applications that AT&T provides for the iPhone, and whether there any similar, competing iPhone applications offered by other providers in Apple's App Store.

8. Do any devices that operate on AT&T's network allow use of the Google Voice application? Do any devices that operate on AT&T's network allow use of other applications that have been rejected for the iPhone?

9. Please explain whether, on AT&T's network, consumers' access to and usage of Google Voice is disabled on the iPhone but permitted on other handsets, including Research in Motion's BlackBerry devices.

These are the questions from their letter to Apple:

1. Why did Apple reject the Google Voice application for iPhone and remove related third-party applications from its App Store? In addition to Google Voice, which related third-party applications were removed or have been rejected? Please provide the specific name of each application and the contact information for the developer.

2. Did Apple act alone, or in consultation with AT&T, in deciding to reject the Google Voice application and related applications? If the latter, please describe the communications between Apple and AT&T in connection with the decision to reject Google Voice. Are there any contractual conditions or non-contractual understandings with AT&T that affected Apple's decision in this matter?

3. Does AT&T have any role in the approval of iPhone applications generally (or in certain cases)? If so, under what circumstances, and what role does it play? What roles are specified in the contractual provisions between Apple and AT&T (or any non-contractual understandings) regarding the consideration of particular iPhone applications?

4. Please explain any differences between the Google Voice iPhone application and any Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications that Apple has approved for the iPhone. Are any of the approved VoIP applications allowed to operate on AT&T's 3G network?

5. What other applications have been rejected for use on the iPhone and for what reasons? Is there a list of prohibited applications or of categories of applications that is provided to potential vendors/developers? If so, is this posted on the iTunes website or otherwise disclosed to consumers?

6. What are the standards for considering and approving iPhone applications? What is the approval process for such applications (timing, reasons for rejection, appeal process, etc.)? What is the percentage of applications that are rejected? What are the major reasons for rejecting an application?

They also sent a letter to Google asking questions about the incident (you can read it at the source article linked below), but really we're just curious to see the responses from Apple and AT&T—how do you spin "because the only way we can make money off of our subscribers is if we keep out disruptive innovation that offers great value"? Also, maybe the FCC can finally solve the mystery of how Apple approves or rejects apps, since nobody else can.

"AT&T & Apple Being Investigated By FCC On Google Voice App; FCC Letters" [mocoNews]

Anyone that's ever tried to move their Ikea furniture knows it sucks, because particle board pieces full of nails and screws aren't meant to handle that. However, this Ratchet Furniture set only uses tension straps to hold everything in place.

Dezeen says the Ratchet Furniture project was designed by Harry Hansson, as part of a graduate project for the Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. Hansson himself cited the frequent relocation of young adults as an inspiration behind his design.

By running straps through critical points in the furniture and cinching it down, the furniture requires no screws, nails, glue or any other part, making assembly and disassembly a breeze. And in the case of the bookshelf, the ratchet adds a grimy industrial feel to the furniture, which I happen to love. [Dezeen]

GALLERY




END

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new, more precise way of placing microelectrodes on the surface of the brain to enable patients to turn thoughts into action. Led by Bradley Greger, a professor of bioengineering, the "Brain Carpet" as it's called, represents a "modest advance" in techniques already in use. The Brain Carpet makes use of smaller microelectrodes, and also employs many more than are usually used. The method involves sawing off the skull of the patient, then placing 32 electrodes about 2mm apart on the surface of the brain. Though they've conducted tests on just a handful of patients -- all epileptics -- the technique, they believe could also be used to help people control their prosthetic limbs much more effectively. The electrodes allow detection of the electric signals in the brain which control arm and hand movements. In the tests, patients have successfully controlled a cursor on a computer screen following the operation, and they see applications for brain-machine interface devices in the future. There's no word on when the Brain Carpet will move from the research to reality phase, but the group's findings have just recently appeared in the journal Neurosurgical Focus.

Filed under: Science

Brain Carpet microelectrodes could help translate thoughts into actions more effectively originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new, more precise way of placing microelectrodes on the surface of the brain to enable patients to turn thoughts into action. Led by Bradley Greger, a professor of bioengineering, the "Brain Carpet" as it's called, represents a "modest advance" in techniques already in use. The Brain Carpet makes use of smaller microelectrodes, and also employs many more than are usually used. The method involves sawing off the skull of the patient, then placing 32 electrodes about 2mm apart on the surface of the brain. Though they've conducted tests on just a handful of patients -- all epileptics -- the technique, they believe could also be used to help people control their prosthetic limbs much more effectively. The electrodes allow detection of the electric signals in the brain which control arm and hand movements. In the tests, patients have successfully controlled a cursor on a computer screen following the operation, and they see applications for brain-machine interface devices in the future. There's no word on when the Brain Carpet will move from the research to reality phase, but the group's findings have just recently appeared in the journal Neurosurgical Focus.

Filed under: Science

Brain Carpet microelectrodes could help translate thoughts into actions more effectively originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Earlier today, the House approved an additional $2 billion for the Cash for Clunkers program. Don't celebrate yet, though. Consumer Reports Cars warns that it's best to wait a while before trying to trade in your inefficient car to make sure that the program stays in place, and that you really will get your rebate. (Photo: G Travels)

Set to be bundled with the Easy Piano instructive game for the Nintendo DS is this Piano/Keyboard controller, which lets you go from punishing ears on a full-size piano, to punishing ears on your handheld.

The game itself seems about as fun as reading theoretical physics when you're drunk, but the controller seems like it would work nicely with more than a few games on the DS—namely the Korg DS-10 simulator, or future versions of Rock Band-type games—IF it had proper support and wasn't Europe-only (for now). Even better, someone could always hack it, conjure up some home brew magic, and use it for some live, chiptune wizardry. Mmmmmmmm...chiptuuuune. [Joystiq via Ubergizmo]