Mpaa-los-profesores-deberian-grabar-las-peliculas-de-sus-clases

La esquizofrenia de la MPAA no podía llegar más lejos. El departamento del gobierno de Estados Unidos encargado de administrar los copyrights se encuentra valorando en estos momentos una serie de excepciones en la draconiana DMCA que haría posible legalizar la copia de películas bajo determinadas circunstancias. Una de estas sugerencias consistiría en permitir a profesores y alumnos ripear películas legalmente con ánimo didáctico, pero como era de esperar, la asociación que aglutina a los estudios cinematográficos de Estados Unidos no tiene la menor intención de dejar que eso suceda.
¿Su alternativa? Coger un trípode, una videocámara, y ponerte a grabar tu Blu-ray o DVD directamente de la pantalla de un televisor. Sí, sí, como esas copias marranas de 500 MB que se pueden encontrar en las redes P2P. Recuerda pues: copiar un DVD, malo; grabar una película con tu videocámara, bueno.
Si alguna vez pensaste que la industria cinematográfica no podía estar más desconectada de la realidad, claramente estabas equivocado. De todas formas puedes comprobarlo tú mismo con el vídeo que tienes tras el salto, pensado para instruir a los profesores de EEUU en los modos y usos de la copia legal.

Almohada-con-forma-de-portatil-para-la-gente-que-no-sabe-dejar-l

Porque los adictos al trabajo también necesitan un lugar familiar en el que poder dormir cuando están de vacaciones forzosas o de baja por estrés. Ahora, intenta convencer al gato de que es tuya.

Manana-despega-la-ultima-mision-de-actualizacion-del-telescopio

Mañana, a las dos de la tarde y un minuto en Florida, Estados Unidos, la Nasa dará despegue al transbordador Atlantis en una misión para reparar y actualizar el telescopio espacial Hubble. El viaje espacial es especialmente importante porque será la última actualización del fiel telescopio, antes de su jubilación alrededor del año 2014.
Aseguran que es una misión muy complicada, porque repararán instrumentos científicos que no fueron diseñados para ser arreglados en el espacio, o como dice el astronauta John Grunsfeld, será como una "neurocirugía en órbita". Además de remplazar baterías, giroscopios y aislantes, instalarán una nueva cámara que permitirá capturar imágenes no disponibles anteriormente, y un espectrógrafo para analizar moléculas químicas.

Wing-wiped-from-t-mobiles-website

It doesn't take a rocket scientist (a phone scientist, maybe, but not a rocket scientist) to figure out that HTC's venerable Wing is on the way toward that Great Carrier in the Sky this year as T-Mobile prepares to make room for the Rhodium / Touch Pro2, and the rather sudden disappearance of the Wing from T-Mobile's site definitely lends credence to that. You can still pick up a Shadow or a Dash if you're hard up for WinMo -- though we wouldn't recommend the latter, seeing how the Dash 3G is right around the corner -- because as far as we can tell, we're still not expecting the Touch Pro2 until July. Stay tough, folks.
[Via TmoToday]

Oqo-model-2s-suffering-from-failing-main-boards

Times are pretty tough for OQO fans -- the struggling company appears to be on the brink of collapse, the Model 2+ is unlikely to be produced, and now we're hearing that main board failures on Model 2s that have shipped are distressingly common. That's at least the word according to the OQOtalk forum, whose members are currently gathering data on the situation -- and the early trends sadly reveal that the 1.6GHz model is extremely prone to failure. Of course, it's not exactly the most scientific poll in the world, but you wouldn't expect such harsh results from users on a fansite unless something was up. Given OQO's current travails, we don't know if this will ever get resolved, but let's hope so.
[Via Gadget Mix]

Boeing-developing-phantom-ray-fighter-sized-combat-uav

Boeing's Airborne Laser project might be on shaky ground as the Pentagon reassess its budget, but that isn't stopping the company from pushing the flying-death market forward -- its latest project is the fighter jet-sized Phantom Ray UAV. The unmanned combat plane is being built using tech from the X-45 experimental UAV (pictured above) developed for the DARPA-funded Joint-Unmanned Combat Air System, and it should be taking the first of 10 scheduled test flights relatively soon -- the first is penciled in for December 2010, just a few months before Skynet becomes self-aware and destroys humanity as we know it.
[Via Giz Mag]

Roomba-mod-allows-it-to-pick-things-up-hand-them-to-you

Sure, we've seen some wild Roomba mods, but overall it's pretty much a low-to-the-ground affair -- unless you get the cats involved, of course. That's apparently changing, though -- check out this robotic grasping system, which can pick up foreign objects and deliver them to you at about waist height. The system was 95 percent effective in picking up objects of all sizes and shapes during trials, and it was apparently quite simple to build and code. Nice for a Roomba, sure, but we'd rather be partying with SOBEaR. Video after the break.
[Thanks, Travis]

Garmin-delays-nuvifone-g60-yet-again-q3-launch-now-planned

Hey, remember the Nuvifone? Sure you do -- it's Garmin's entry into the wide world of smartphones. You know, the company's Linux-based, proprietary OS phone that's heavy on GPS integration? Well according to a recent report, plans to launch the device in the first half of 2009 have stalled, with the company stating that it will be pushing the window back towards something closer to Q3. President and COO Cliff Pemble expounded on the difficulties of building a smartphone from scratch during a conference call with analysts, noting "Smartphones are complicated and bringing one to market that's built totally from the ground up on a custom Linux platform is not an easy task." If you'll recall, the original announcement of the Nuvifone was way back in January of 2008, with a planned release in Q3 of that year -- placing this new launch a full 12 months out from the intended street date. We're all for competitors in this market, but it seems like maybe the folks at Garmin jumped the gun with all these dates they've been dropping on us -- missed launches don't exactly promote confidence.
[Via PMP Today]

Marantz-ki-pearl-sacd-player-and-integrated-amp-audiophile-te

One reason we keep a place in our hearts for high-end audio is that there is still room for a single designer's vision, and this is no more apparent than in components with designer initials etched right into the faceplate. Right in line with NAD's stereo components wearing Bjorn Erik Edvardsen's initials, Marantz has issued the KI (Ken Ishiwata) Pearl stereo SACD player (model SA-KI) and matching integrated amplifier (model PM-KI). As with any signature gear, top-notch build is expected, and the Marantz KI Pearls don't disappoint; toroidal transformers, copper plated chassis and hand-picked components make the grade. Of course, you also expect high prices, and the KI Pearl pieces also deliver on that front -- the limited run of 500 pieces (each) of the SACD player and integrated amp will go for £2,499 ($3,769) each, and no US availability or pricing has been released yet. Painful, yes, but you might take some small comfort in knowing this is exactly the kind of gear that will appreciate in value. Audio geeks can go past the break for more glamor shots.

Nokias-ovi-store-said-to-be-launching-with-20-000-items-unkn

The launch of the Ovi Store is just around the bend and, according to reports, Nokia is looking to blow this things out a little better than Google, which launched its Android Market with a paltry 50 selections. Nokia is said to have over 20,000 "items" ready for download when things go live, a number that compares quite favorably to the 40,000 apps Apple currently offers through its App Store. However, what remains to be seen is exactly what an "item" is defined as. We're sure that count includes custom apps and WidSets, and there's talk about N-Gage games finding inclusion as well. However, video and music downloads seem to be counted as well, and we'd guess ringtones too. So, how many actual applications will it have at launch? That remains to be seen.

Bell-buys-out-remainder-of-virgin-mobile-canada

Virgin Mobile's sundry networks around the globe are a curious hodgepodge of locally-owned and Virgin-led ventures; in the States, for example, a bunch of random companies have skin in the game, including Sprint and SK Telecom. Up in Canada, the MVNO began life as a 50 / 50 joint venture between Bell and Virgin -- and Bell has now agreed to snap up Virgin's stake in the firm for CAD $142 million, which works out to about $121 million. To make sure the brand stays around for a good, long time to come, Bell has also announced that it has secured an "exclusive, long-term" licensing deal with Virgin to use the Virgin Mobile marque. It sounds like Bell has every intention of continuing to operate Virgin Mobile as a separate entity, though it'll combine some retail efforts and work to streamline operations by jointly acquiring handsets and the like. Considering that Bell's about to flip the switch on its HSPA network, it seems like this could end up working out swimmingly for Virgin subscribers up there.
[Via MobileSyrup]

Nokia-xpressmusic-5900-leaks-out

Sure, this could just be a really nice KIRF, but we've got a hunch these pics of an upcoming Nokia XpressMusic 5900 are the real deal -- it's just too understated to be shanzhai. Compared to the 5800, the updated handsets are said to feature a slightly larger 3.5-inch display, a five megapixel camera, and more or less the same build of S60 5th edition, all in a slightly thinner case. That's all we know for now, but we're told we'll find out more soon -- keep it locked.

Samsungs-a177-is-a-prepaid-texter-for-atandt

As you may have gathered from the ultra-low model number, the Samsung a177's coming in as a bargain-basement GoPhone device -- but seeing how carriers are trying to attack every single market segment with messaging capabilities, they've still managed to pack in a full QWERTY keyboard. Conveniently, the device's FCC filing just came off confidentiality, so we have access to all the goods; we know that it'll be EDGE-only, have a camera (likely VGA if we had to guess), and a patterned back, because let's be honest -- a phone is never too cheap to be stylish. We imagine we'll see this one in stores very shortly.

T-mobile-to-release-multiple-android-devices-this-year/

It's no secret that T-Mobile has some grand Android-based plans after the million-selling success of the G1, and although we've heard sketchy reports of future devices to come, it sounds like things are starting to firm up: CTO Cole Brodman told GigaOm yesterday that the carrier is planning to launch "multiple" Android devices from "three partners" later this year. One of those is pretty obviously the HTC Magic / Sapphire / myTouch, but that's just the tip of the potential iceberg here -- we've got a feeling that the Samsung I7500 "Houdini" will be involved, the G1 v2 is certainly interesting, there's that mysterious Huawei set we saw at MWC, and hell, we've even got reports of netbooks, tablets, and home phones in the mix. That's a lot of directions Timmy-O can go, any predictions?

Sony-alpha-230-330-and-380-dslrs-leak-out-a-little-early

We've been hearing vague murmurs of revised Sony Alpha DSLRs all week, but now we've got some actual proof: these shots of the new Alpha 230, 330, and 380 went up briefly on Sony's Russian website earlier today. The biggest improvements seem to be smaller cases, a revised interface, and HDMI out, but there's also a new "handbook" to help new users get started and a Bravia control mode that allows the camera to be controlled by your TVs remote while it's displaying pictures. A nice enough upgrade, but unless these are somehow super cheap we'd say the omission of a video mode is going keep most people focused on the Nikon D5000 and Canon T1i. Bigger screenshot with the full feature list at the read link.
[Via Photo Rumors]

Harman-kardon-intros-its-first-blu-ray-player-the-bdp-10

Harmon Kardon has decided to jump into the Blu-ray pushing business with its first player, the BDP 10. This slick number's got all the features you've come to know and love in Blu-ray -- BD-Live and Bonus View capabilities for online content, advanced audio codec support, 1080 / 24p playback, plus USB ports for DiVX and JPEG display. It'll also boast HDMI 1.3a, Ethernet, coaxial and optical audio outputs plus good old two-channel analog audio outputs. The BDP 10 has only been formally announced for Europe so far, though it's expected elsewhere (including the US) in the coming months. The player has a price tag of about €700 (around $940). Hit the read link for full spec sheet -- but fair warning: it's a PDF.
[Via Electronista]

Roombas-journey-shown-to-be-endless-beautiful

We've always suspected our Roomba was actually performing a complex dance loaded with hidden meaning and bewitching charm instead of just bouncing around, and now we've got proof -- check out this long-exposure shot of a Roomba's path over 30 minutes. You can see the initial spiral path in the center, but after that it's a free-for-all that somehow manages to cover the entire room. Now if someone would just make a high-speed video set to the Benny Hill music, we'd be all set.
[Via DoobyBrain]

Survey-finds-nintendo-to-be-the-most-reputable-game-company

It's fresh from celebrating the Game Boy's twentieth birthday and solid sales of the DSi, but it looks like Nintendo already has some more good news to boast about, with the Reputation Institutes's annual survey finding that it is by far the most reputable game company around, and the sixth most reputable company overall. That ranking is made all the more impressive by the fact that Nintendo apparently wasn't even in the top 200 in last year's list, and by the fact that it's the only strictly gaming company on the list at all, although Microsoft and Sony come in at 30 and 126, respectively. Hit up the read link below to check out the complete rankings.
[Via Joystiq]

Sony-ericsson-president-playstation-phone-could-happen

Well, this is certainly one rumor that just won't die -- nor is it likely to, not as long as the company has its hands in both manufacturing handsets and game consoles. According to an article in the Financial Times, Sony Ericsson president Hideki "Handsome Dick" Komiyama discusses his struggle to reposition the company as one the world's top three phone makers. Among bright ideas and desperate measures mulled over, the man in charge lets slip that no plan is too crazy or far-fetched to consider. Even a PlayStation-branded phone? "Could happen," he is quoted as saying. And there you have it! Begin warrantless speculation: now.
[Via Unwired View]

Nasas-new-virtual-tours-of-the-space-station-and-new-mars-rover

NASA's grabbed Microsoft's fancy Photosynth software once again to build virtual tours of the International Space Station and a full-scale model of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover. The interface lets you dive through endless, 3D-oriented photographs of the station's modules, both inside and out, and gives a really good impression of the size and complexity of the lab-on-wheels NASA is prepping for a 2011 mission to Mars. It's not like being there, but it's a good way to kill a lazy Saturday morning.
[Via PhysOrg]

How-would-you-change-apples-nehalem-based-mac-pro

Apple's freshest Mac Pro, which was the first machine of any kind to ship with Intel's newest Nehalem-based Xeon processors, has been on the block for a few months now. By our estimation, that's plenty of time for the pros (and "prosumers," if you will) to get a good feel of their new workstation. Design wise, not a lot has changed in the machine, but we're anxious to know how you feel about the more subtle changes as well as the internal overhauling. Apple's charging a small fortune for this bad boy, so we fully expect you to be critical here. What's it missing? What should've been included? Are you still bitter that WiFi is a $50 option on a multi-thousand dollar machine? Sound off below!

T-mobile-provides-support-good-vibes-to-its-iphone-using-client

Despite not being its official US carrier, T-Mobile still seems to wanna maintain an amicable relationship with all those who came over with an iPhone in tow. According to a report by The Consumerist, a recent update to the carrier's voicemail system caused some of the smartphones, including Apple's touchscreens, became unusable, with a volley of blank text messages dated from the future arriving instead. Those who contacted customer service were called later to acknowledge the issue and offered an one month service credit. Said the rep, "T-Mobile, though they do not offer the iPhone, and that they are committed to supporting users on their network who have them" -- not too surprising a stance, but a kind gesture for sure. The problem has since been fixed, and everyone lived happily ever after.
[Via iLounge]

Sobear-the-robot-panda-bartender-thinks-youve-had-one-too-many

Robot bartenders are nothing new, but rarely does one shut down drunks as adorably as SOBEaR here. Built as a "robot friend for anyone who does not know their own limits, or has problems controlling themselves," the cuddly little bot dispenses drinks based on the user's blood-alcohol level -- you breathe into his face, and he pours the right ratio of cranberry to fun vodka into your glass. Of course, that implies that there's a pre-programmed max BAC in the code somewhere, so we're guessing some hardcore party panda mods are soon to come. Video after the break.

Missouri-school-of-journalisms-iphone-requirement-a-clever-in

Here's an interesting new mandate for all of Missouri School of Jounalism's incoming freshman: equip themselves with iPhones and iPod touches. Actually, let's go ahead and clarify what "mandate" means here, as associate dean Brian Brooks has stated that no one will a be punished for not buying / owning one. While noting the audio recording and playback capabilities were motivation for this decision, he explains the reason it's classified as a requirement is because it lets students include it in their financial need estimate -- wholly beneficial when you're figuring out scholarships and loans. It doens't look like there'll be any direct discounts from U of M, however, unlike some other schools with similar initiatives. It's a clever loophole, to be sure, but we'd wager there's more than a few undergraduates who are none too pleased at the Apple favoritism, and to be honest, we love nothing more right now than imagining a large group of S60 and Zune supporters gathering in a field for frisbee, picnic, and lots of protesting.
[Via Macworld]

Dexim-mhub-mixes-up-an-ipod-dock-with-a-usb-hub

We're actually sort of surprised that we haven't seen many more iPod dock / USB hub / card reader hybrids, but the Dexim MHub here is the only one we can recall seeing apart from the Griffin Simplifi. At a steep $70, it's certainly not the cheapest way to add three USB ports and an SD card reader, but it certainly does look nice. Should be on sale now.
[Via Gear Diary]

Verizons-hp-mini-1000-due-to-launch-may-17th

Sure, the hot buzz right now is centered on Verizon and Apple teaming up to release a unicorn-built iPhone tablet that runs on marshmallows and cuddles, but Boy Genius Report says that Big Red's actually-real partnership with HP is about to bear fruit -- the long-rumored subsidized Mini 1000 is apparently due to launch on May 17th. The specific model will be the Mini 1151NR, and if that leaked product-comparison sheet we saw earlier holds water, we're looking at a pretty standard Atom / XP configuration with a 3G modem built in. Pricing hasn't been locked down, but according to BGR, it'll be just as ridiculous as every other subsidized netbook: $299 after rebate with a mandatory two-year data contract. That's more or less $200 off standard MSRP, a discount we're sure you'll pay back twice over the course of the contract. Seriously, we'd much rather fiddle with a USB stick that we can use on multiple machines than spend around a grand on data fees just for a netbook -- what about you?

Dell-mini-10-6-cell-battery-gets-pictured

Dell finally started offering the Mini 10 with a six-cell battery just a couple weeks ago, and it looks like the first batch of orders has started to arrive. As expected, it's a big honking six-cell battery hanging off the edge of an otherwise sleek netbook, but it should provide hours of Atom-powered XP fun. Sadly, current Mini 10 owners can't pick one up separately yet, but we're guessing that'll change soon enough.

Msi-x320-ultralight-escapes-its-box

We've already spent some time ogling over the MSI X-Slim X320 in person, but the ultrathin laptop is starting to ship out in Europe, and these are the first unboxing photos we've come across. Sadly it looks like retail units will be festooned with an array of nasty stickers across the palm rest, but overall it looks like MSI's pulled off a nice little riff on the MacBook Air theme. Full set of pics at the read link.

Lisa - Hallelujah

Download:
Code:
http://rapidshare.com/files/231162423/LH.XF.rar