Digital Technology for Digital Living.
March 01, 2008
The Evolution of Dance With Optimus Prime
The Evolution of Dance is the most-viewed YouTube video ever. In the video, Judson Laipply, a motivational speaker, dances to a soundtrack that plays through various popular songs ranging from Elvis Presley to MC Hammer and Michael Jackson. As of February 2008, The Evolution of Dance has over 76 million views on YouTube, and is the most viewed video on the site.
Here’s a parody of The Evolution of Dance performed by Optimus Prime from The Transformers called “The Evolution of Dance With Optimus Prime.” Keep your eyes peeled for the subtle robotic crotch thrusts during YMCA. It might not be appropriate for younger Decepticons.
Gotta love the ending. Optimus Prime doesn’t like the Macarena. He transforms and leaves the stage.
Surprisingly, this clip is not from the popular stop-animation comedy show Robotic Chicken. The guy who made it is named Patrick Boivin. Seth Green should give him a job.
methodshop | Comments (1) | Video, Toys
December 06, 2007
Leg Lamp Replica from A Christmas Story
This half-scale reproduction of the Leg Lamp from the 1983 movie A Christmas Story isn’t completely accurate, but for a mere $40 bucks it’s probably close enough for most Christmas Story fans. And honestly, it’s smaller scale will be more apt to blend in with the average living room. It certainly does with mine, never failing to draw smiling comments when a new guest first sees it.
I wonder how long it would take for HR to give me a call to “talk” if I brought my Leg Lamp to work?
My friend has been saying for years, in jest, how he’d love to have the Leg Lamp to place in the window of his house, for all the neighbors to see. And his wife has sworn that it would never happen… now she is going to kill us for getting him this for Christmas!
If only Amazon.com would mark the outside of the package “Fragile” so you too can become “The Old Man” for a nostalgic moment when the Leg Lamp arrives at your door.
Via: methodshop
methodshop | Comments (0) | Toys
February 06, 2007
Japanese Toy maker Tomy shows off the i-SOBOT robot
Tomy, the Japanese Toy giant has been trying to branch out its product range to aim for a more mature market. They have developed a new robot toy which it is hoped will be as successful as similar products on the market such as the robosapiens.
The i-SOBOT is supposedly the world’s smallest two-legged walking robot with 165mm in height. It can be controlled via a remote and can also obey voice commands.
Tomy are aiming the robot towards gadget loving young men.
The price of the Tomy i-SOBOT will be 31,290 yen ($257) and the small robot will start shipping in Japan from July. Tomy is hoping to sell 50,000 i-SOBOTs in Japan and 250,000 more overseas.
Reference for posting: http://www.i4u.com
AndyD | Comments (0) | Toys
February 02, 2007
Sony Patents Skateboard
Sony has filed a patent application that reveals that the electronics giant hopes to produce a skateboard like product that is motor powered and balance steered.
Sony’s board would have two large wheels, each powered by a separate electric motor with one at either side of a flat platform. Sony’s futuristic skateboard would be steered by riders shifting their weight similar to operating a Segway.
The board’s platform has four pressure sensors with one at each corner. When the rider stands upright in the middle of the board, all four sensors return the same reading and both motors are idle. When the rider leans forward slightly the front sensors start both motors running forward at the same speed; leaning to one side makes one wheel run faster to steer round a corner; leaning back runs the board backwards.
The board can be modified with three or four wheels for more stability.
Reference for posting: http://www.newscientist.com
AndyD | Comments (0) | Toys
January 24, 2007
DIY Nintendo Wii Steering Wheel
You might remember hearing about a wave of wounded people when the Nintendo Wii first came out last November. A combination of physically unfit Wii owners and a weak Wiimote strap was causing people to accidentally do things like punch their dogs or dislocate knees. Well apparently everyone’s wounds have healed and they’re starting to experiment with their new gaming systems.
One ambitious Wii owner even decided to make his own steering wheel and upload a picture of it to GoNintendo.com. The official Wii steering wheel is included with most racing games like GT Pro Series and Monster 4X4: World Circuit; but why pay extra for a game bundled with a wheel when you can just make your own?
While this particular DIY wheel leaves a lot to be desired (especially when it comes to style points), I’ll give this lumpy homemade masterpiece an A+ for effort.
Be Social: digg story | methodshop
methodshop | Comments (0) | Toys
December 20, 2006
SpeckTone Retro iPod Speakers
Retro junkies rejoice. Speck Products just announced a top-loading iPod stereo speaker system called the SpeckTone Retro. Sure, there are hundreds of iPod speaker systems on the market. What makes this system unique is the design.
The designers of the SpeckTone Retro have succeeded in making a product that looks modern and retro at the same time. The way they’ve paired clean modern styled lines with the nostalgic elegance of the 1950’s is very impressive. The end result is an iPod speaker system that doesn’t replicate or compete with the modern, sleek look of the iPod itself. These speakers almost feel like they could be in Lucy & Ricky’s living room.
The SpeckTone Retro sells for under $150 and has the following features:
- 28 watt output
- 4 inch subwoofer
- two 3 inch drivers
- 1/8″ mini plug auxiliary input
- Sleek & Stylish Retro design
- Analog Circuitry for rich, deep tone
- High-gloss lacquered wood cabinet
- Includes 2 free iPod skins (video & nano)
- Backlit ‘green glow’ volume knob
- compatible with the following iPods: 4G, 5G, nano and mini
The SpeckTone Retro comes in 3 high-gloss lacquered color finishes, black, white and green, and is available from Amazon.com.
Thanks to the guys at iPastudio for turning us on to this.
methodshop | Comments (0) | General, Music, Toys
December 18, 2006
i-Playaz Interactive Hip-Hop Toy
Who is the best-known hip-hop artist in the fictional land of Chub City? Chub C of course. At least that’s what it says on the box. Just don’t tell Hype. He’s the white version of Chub C (a la Eminem). What the hell am I talking about? That’s a good question.
Both Chub C (black) and Hype (white) are interactive toy characters called i-Playaz from a company called Jada Toys. i-Playaz connect to any music source including your iPod, CD player, computer or even an old school Sony Walkman. Just plug in an i-Playaz character and play some music. The i-Playaz characters will then dance to the beat and even play your music through a built-in speaker in their heads. There’s also an audio output if you want to connect better speakers to your i-Playaz character.
When I first got Hype in the mail, I was already on my way out and brought the box along with me to a bar down the street. I figured I’d just test him out for this review when I got home. But while I was waiting for some friends to show up, the people at the bar kept asking me what was in the box. I was curious to see what my i-Playaz could do anyway so I took Hype out of his box and set him up on the bar. With his sideways hat and flashy bling, it’s no wonder that everyone at the bar started calling him K-Fed, after Britney Spears wannabe hip-hop ex-husband. If you know someone who is trying to pull off the K-Fed white hip-hop thing, Hype will bring you and your friends hours of entertainment.
Full Review: i-Playaz Interactive Hip-Hop Toy
methodshop | Comments (0) | Music, Toys
December 11, 2006
Solar Powered Birdfeeder
Know someone who needs to spend a little more time outside and away from their computer? Maybe a techie gift for the outdoors might do the trick. The Arbordale Solar Birdfeeder is just your average run-of-the-mill birdfeeder by day. But at night, this birdfeeder provides a soft, warm amber glow to its surroundings.
Thanks to several solar panels that capture energy during daylight hours, three amber LED lights illuminate your outdoor space while not adding a single cent to your power bill.
Constructed of durable aluminum with clear glass panels, the feeder holds a generous 3-1/2 pounds of seed. A removable top ensures easy filling and the Arbordale Solar Birdfeeder hangs easily on the nearest tree branch or shepherd’s hook from a steel chain.
This birdfeeder is a fun way to add a touch of tech to your outdoor space and give the birds something to ponder during their next free meal.
methodshop | Comments Off | General, Toys
December 07, 2006
Nintendo Wii Nunchuck Controller
Is a weak arm or physical stamina keeping you from taking your Nintendo Wii gaming experience to the next level? Perhaps you should look into getting the Nintendo Wii Nunchuk Controller. This accessory adds even more innovation to the next generation of gaming and does it all with less physical movement.
Contoured to perfectly fit a players hand, the Nunchuck controller builds on the simplicity of the Nintendo Wii Remote controller. The Nunchuck contains the same motion-sensing technology enabled in the Wii Remote but also includes an analog stick to help assist in character movement. This analog stick can be a godsend if you feel like physical motion is keeping you from your optimum gaming performance (see video called Crazy Girl on Wii).
Many games will allow you to control your character’s movement with the Nunchuck in your left hand, while your right hand is free to execute the action movements with the Wii Remote. For example, the Nunchuck comes in extremely handy for games like Wii Boxing. You can use the Nunchuck to hit with your off or weaker hand, while you use the Wii remote to punch and jab with your primary hand. Hardcore gamers may even want to use two Nunchuck controllers to gain a competitive edge.
Rather use the Nunchuck in your right hand? No problem. Because the Wii Remote and Nunchuck controllers are only relatively dependent on each other, players are free to hold them in whichever hand is most comfortable. The ambidextrous nature of the Wii controllers grants accessibility seldom seen in previous game controllers.
Also, the Nunchuck controller doesn’t need its own power - it plugs into the Wii Remote controller when it’s in use. So there’s no worry about charging up or expensive batteries.
Adding a Nunchuck to your Nintendo Wii system will definitely help you open the doors to the next level of gaming. Just be careful you don’t accidentally smack your wife or punch your dog while using your Wii controllers like these guys.
methodshop | Comments Off | Console, Toys
November 26, 2006
A Pain in the Wii
You will probably either sympathize or laugh at this latest story coming from the console gaming community. According to last Saturday’s Wall Street Journal (subscription required), gamers are finding that the new Nintendo Wii can be a real pain in the neck… back, shoulder, elbow, wrist, etc.
In case you are unfamiliar with the Nintendo Wii, the controller it comes with is a wireless, motion-sensitive wand-like device. Gamers wave the controller around in the air and depending on which type of game you are playing, the controller can be anything from a sword, gun, tennis racket, or even a steering wheel. However, since the console debuted in mid-November, Nintendo Wii owners are complaining of aching backs, sore shoulders, and even something now called “Wii elbow.”
Here are a couple quotes from the WSJ article from Nintendo Wii owners:
Blaine Stuart of Rochester, New York, mistakenly whacked his fiancee, Shelly Haefele, while playing tennis and also accidentally hit his dog while bowling despite the message Nintendo flashes up on the screen before each game which says: “Make sure there are no people or objects around you that you might bump into while playing.”
Ryan Mercer, a customs broker in Indianapolis, lifts weights several times a week. But that hasn’t helped much with the Wii. After playing the boxing game for an hour and a half, his arms, shoulders and torso were aching. “I was soaking wet with sweat, head to toe — I had to go take a shower,” he says. And the next morning? “I had trouble putting my shirt on,” says the 21-year-old avid gamer.
So what do the doctors think about all this? Lana Kang, an orthopedic hand surgeon, had this piece of advice, “It’s just like athletic play…. Stretch out and be sure to take care of any injuries afterwards.”
With the rate of obese children skyrocketing worldwide, you’d think people would be congratulating Nintendo for combining gaming and exercise, not complaining. Oh well. Grab another Big Mac and wait for the next generation of gaming consoles to come out. Maybe they’ll feature ‘mind control ‘ so you don’t even have to lift a finger to play.
methodshop | Comments Off | General, Wireless, Console, Toys
November 06, 2006
Install Homebrew PSP Games
Think Sony PSP games are overpriced? Us too. Here’s a tutorial on how to download free homebrew games off the Internet and install them on your PSP.
In this tutorial we will be installing a homebrew game called SmashGpsp. If you are unfamiliar with this game, SmashGpsp is a lose PSP recreation of the popular Nintendo 64 game Super Smash Brothers by a very talented programmer named mATkEUpON.
Tutorial: Install Homebrew Games on Your Sony PSP
This guide doesn’t detail eboot loaders, which you’ll need for some of the more complicated homebrew programs out there. This tutorial is a good first step if you want to get your feet wet in the world of PSP homebrew.
methodshop | Comments (0) | General, Toys, Software
October 09, 2006
Atari Pong Wall
I was on TechEBlog the other day and found this great YouTube clip from Nextfest 2006. It’s an interactive installation of an Atari touch-sensitive “Pong Wall” game. No video displays or game controllers needed. You just touch the wall and use your hand to position your paddle. The Pong Wall detects hand movement by using embedded sensors on the wall. And the game interface/score is projected on the wall with LEDs.
It’s fun to watch this technology in action but unfortunately the two guys playing in this clip aren’t very serious competitors. Actually, they look a little tired. So don’t expect to see riveting game of Pong. Just marvel at the geek fun of it all and not the sleepy players.
If you’re really itching to play Pong again, Atari released a retro game system called the Atari Flashback 2 ($30). It features the same wood grain paneling and look of the Atari 2600. Games include Asteroids, Breakout, Centipede, Lunar Lander, Millipede, Missile Command, Combat and…. Pong.
methodshop | Comments (0) | General, Video, Console, Toys, Software
October 03, 2006
Pogo Stick Extreme
Looking for the next extreme sport? How about Extreme Pogo Sticking!? All you need is a pogo stick on steroids like the Flybar 1200.
This isn’t your average pogo stick (pro skateboarder Andy Macdonald helped develop it). The Flybar 1200 has a complex spring system consisting of 12 independent rubber thrusters capable of producing 1,200 pounds of power. In case you are wondering, that’s enough to get a 170-pound rider over 5 feet of elevation.
The Flybar 1200 also has extra-wide foot pads, with skateboard grip tape for stability and control. You’ll need that extra stability if you decide to do some backflips. Yep. I said backflips.
Check out this video of a pogo stick daredevil named Fred doing some tricks around his suburban neighborhood. His triple backflip is astonishing. The guy has some serious balls. He’s wearing a helmet, but one bad wipeout and he’d probably paralyze himself. So dangerous… but fun to watch.
If you like Fred’s backflips, then you’ll like this next video of Team Xpogo doing a series of Skateboarding / Freestyling hybrid tricks.
Get a Flybar 1200 and enjoy the view!
digg story | flybar pogo stick | methodshop
methodshop | Comments (0) | General, Toys
September 26, 2006
Mercedes with Backseat iMac
Perhaps there should be a German version of the popular MTV show Pimp My Ride. German car customizer Mattes Interieurtechnik built a Mercedes CLS with an integrated backseat iMac. Mattes even carefully covered the outer edge of the iMac in leather to help it blend in with the cream colored interior.
Where are the cables? Mattes didn’t want any wires to clutter up his masterpiece, so he made sure to get a wireless mouse and Bluetooth keyboard. I wonder if he integrated the iMac into the speaker system so his passengers can be backseat DJs.
You can check out some more pictures here.
methodshop | Comments (0) | General, Digital Radio, Music, Wireless, Motorised, Toys
September 21, 2006
Broken iPod Reborn as iPod Dock
Got a broken iPod? If you can’t fix it yourself or don’t have the money to get it repaired by iPodMods, then you can always rip it apart and make an iPod dock like Andrew Monks. This photo montage on flickr shows how he teared apart his existing iPod dock and jammed it through the screen of his broken 3G iPod.
It’s a very clever way to make something useful out of a busted iPod. The folks at Engadget think this might be the “start of a very wonderful, very cannibalistic trend in consumer electronics.” It’s always nice to breathe new life into an old gadget that you blew a couple hundred bucks on right?
Links of Interest: Ipod Australia Buy Ipod online in Australia
methodshop | Comments (0) | General, Music, Toys
September 18, 2006
MacBook Cat Toy
YouTube user Matt Coats has found the perfect toy for his pet cat named Robot… the only problem is it costs about $1000 and it’s his MacBook laptop.
Not only is the MacBook very warm and the perfect place to take a little catnap, but it can also provide hours of entertainmnet thanks to Apple’s media center application called Front Row.
Matt setup a camera and put his MacBook on the floor. You can check out the video here on YouTube.
Let’s hope Matt got Robot declawed or invested in some scratch proof screen protectors.
youtube | digg story | methodshop
methodshop | Comments (0) | General, Portable, Toys, Software
September 10, 2006
Klipsch iGroove
Klipsch’s snazzy new iPod speaker, the Klipsch iGroove, has a couple of tricks yet to appear on other brands’ compact power speaker systems. First off, it comes with a pair of two-way speakers (woofer and tweeter), whereas most iPod-inspired alternatives rely on a single, small woofer per channel. Within the Klipsch iGroove’s compact dimensions, Klipsch engineers installed a stereo pair of 2.5-inch woofers and 1-inch horn-loaded tweeters that focus the treble sound up toward the listening position. A set of volume up/down buttons and an on/off switch are the unit’s only controls. The Klipsch iGroove is available in both matte-silver finish and high-gloss black, called the Klipsch iGroove HG.
The Klipsch iGroove comes with a handy mini-remote that adjusts the volume and your iPod’s play/pause functions, as well as changes tracks on your playlists. Like the Bose SoundDock, the Klipsch iGroove can accept any iPod with a dock connector. Full-size iPods, including the video-enabled fifth-generation iPod, fit snugly, thanks to an adjustable backrest. An adapter is included for older iPod Mini models, and Klipsch has begun bundling adapters for the iPod Nano as well. If you bought the early versions of the Klipsch iGroove that lack the Nano adapter, just call Klipsch’s customer support, who’ll ship one to you for free. Don’t own an iPod?
No problem–other similar-size MP3 players can use the included J-Cup cradle and loop the provided cable into the headphone jack. In fact, you can plug anything with a headphone or line-out jack into the Klipsch iGroove, even if it doesn’t fit the cradle. The speaker runs off the included AC power supply and charges docked iPods as well.
We started our evaluations in earnest with some Simon and Garfunkel’s tunes, and the Klipsch iGroove sounded pleasantly natural. Their soaring vocals, the guitars, and the band on the Bridge over Troubled Water album sounded great. The Klipsch iGroove is just 15 inches wide, so stereo separation isn’t its strong suit. In small bedrooms or kitchens, the Klipsch iGroove will play reasonably loud, but it’s not exactly a party animal. That said, considering its modest dimensions, the Klipsch iGroove generates surprisingly satisfying bass without exaggerated boominess or thickening.
We noted that some tunes elicited a mild buzzing sound between our iPod and the Klipsch iGroove. Most of the time, we were unaware of the noise–it happened on only a limited range of bass notes. After adjusting the Klipsch iGroove’s backrest, the buzz disappeared, and the bass noticeably improved. In other words, make sure the iPod has a solid connection with the Klipsch iGroove’s dock.
We liked the Klipsch iGroove, but it’s nowhere as impressive as the company’s three-piece iPod speaker system, the Klipsch iFi Speaker System for iPod . That set features a hunky 8-inch, 200-watt, powered subwoofer and a set of Klipsch’s superb two-way, RSX-3 satellite speakers. It takes up a lot more space than the Klipsch iGroove, but it’s far and away the best iPod speaker on the market.
Source: CNET
read more | digg story | treblemaker
methodshop | Comments (0) | General, Music, Portable, Toys
July 30, 2006
Custom Laptop Bags for Under $50
Laptop owners tend to take their precious computers everywhere. So a padded sleeve or bag that protects your laptop from bumps and scratches is always a good idea. The hard part is finding good design that you like. All to often laptop bags are made out of boring solid vinyl materials that fail to capture your personality.
The stitchin’ bitches over at M. Avery Designs have a couple custom products that can help protect your laptop and sense of style while not hurting your wallet.
The Beverly Laptop Sleeve
If you are just looking for a laptop sleeve, then the Beverly Sleeve is for you. For only $39, you get a custom made padded laptop sleeve with a tough velcro closure. You even get to pick the fabric, dimensions and closure orientation (vertical or horizontal) at no extra cost. With the right fabric, even the guys will like this one.
The Lindsay Laptop Tote
Need more than just a sleeve? The Lindsay Laptop Tote is a fully padded computer bag that will keep your precious computer clean and well protected. The Lindsay zips closed snugly around your computer and has two black sturdy nylon straps for a handle. For $45 you can customize your fabric and dimensions at no extra cost.
Both bags come in under the $50 mark and are a very small price to pay for a custom piece of stylish laptop protection.
For more info check out M. Avery Designs at: http://www.maverydesigns.com
Other Websites: DELL 1X917 PA-12 AC Adapter , Notebook repair: Batteries and adapters for Dell, Dell Notebook Components
methodshop | Comments (0) | General, Portable, Toys
July 27, 2006
How To Make a Mentos Coke Rocket
Want to make your own carbonated gas rocket? You’ve probably already seen someone make a Mentos Coke Geyser. Just drop a few Mentos into a bottle of Diet Coke and you’ll see a violent 16 foot fountain of Coke explode out of the bottle. Although that may sound somewhat exciting, the geyser is the boring “science teacher” version of this experiment. If you really want to unleash the carbon dioxide power in a 2-liter bottle of Diet Coke, try making a Mentos Coke Rocket. Here’s how:
- Buy a 2 litter bottle of Diet Coke and a roll of Mentos. You can use any soda but room temperature Diet Coke for some reason is the best performer.
- Find a big open area to launch your Mentos Coke Rocket. Don’t do it indoors. Trust me.
- Slide the paper cover off the Mentos (leave the foil wrapper on) and slip the roll into the bottle.
- Quickly cap the bottle and shake it.
- Gently unscrew the cap, just a little, until you start to hear fizzing.
- Throw it down and cover your face!
digg story | revver | methodshop
methodshop | Comments (24) | General, Video, Toys
July 18, 2006
Mac Mini RAM Upgrade Tutorial
Want to upgrade the RAM in your Mac Mini? You can definitely save a few bucks by buying a stripped down Mac Mini and upgrading the RAM yourself. But before you can install that extra RAM, you’ll need to take a walk down to your local hardware store and grab a couple putty knifes. Thanks to the Mac Mini, the putty knife is now becoming part of the standard set of essential computer hardware tools.
Traditionally, Apple computers have easily come apart with a few screws and levers. In fact, some Apple machines, like the PowerMac G5, almost come apart entirely without tools. However, brute force, patience and a putty knife are required to crack open the Mac Mini.
Many people speculate that Apple made opening the Mac Mini difficult on purpose. Apple would prefer that you let an authorized Apple service provider handle all hardware upgrades and part replacements with their consumer level products.
So grab a putty knife and don’t be alarmed if your Mac Mini starts to snap, crackle and pop like a bowl of Rice Crispies. This is the sound of the plastic clips and metal rim coming loose.
Tutorial: Mac Mini RAM Upgrade Tutorial
read more | digg story | methodshop
methodshop | Comments (0) | General, Console, Toys
