Videos on how to create and upkeep solar power:
Solar power is everywhere, just waiting to be utilized. But how do we use it? How do we take full advantage? Read on, for some tips on using solar power while camping.
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The iPod Mini is an outdated model, so it’s only fitting that Jozaeh’s MP3 player is encased in the wood of a stately old Australian red cedar tree. Camphor Laurel comprises the click wheel, and brass plates and screws hold everything together. Says the creator: “I was given a new iPod Mini for Christmas and I just couldn’t leave my trusty old mini to sit unused somewhere.” Sounds like it was his first stab at a wooden iPod mod, and we say he did an admirable job. Sadly, it’s only a matter of time before the battery kicks the bucket and this wooden iPod becomes a true antique. [Flickr via BB Gadgets]
Yesterday’s announcement from Apple might’ve damped Palm’s parade, but at least the Pre and exclusive carrier Sprint had a wild weekend. Sprint Nextel says it broke its single day and single weekend sales records thanks to the new smartphone, though it’s not offering specific figures. Analysts guess that between 50,000 and 100,000 Pres were sold. If that’s the case, it’s easy to see why Sprint is staying silent on the numbers: Apple sold one million iPhone 3G phones in its debut weekend. If Palm is really supposed to rival the iPhone, it will probably want to avoid direct sales comparisons. Supply shortages will make it even harder for the Pre to catch up, but a sell-out’s a sell-out, right? [via CNet]
You just knew something iPhone-related was going to happen at Apple’s World Wide Developer’s Conference today. The reality doesn’t quite match the rumors we saw last month, but there’s a surprisingly high ratio of information that was on the mark. With an extra “S” for “speed,” the iPhone 3GS runs up to two times faster than its predecessor and holds either 16 GB or 32 GB compared to the 8 GB iPhone 3G. Battery life has grown, but not by 50 percent, and there is indeed a built-in compass and a glowing Apple logo on the back. Best of all, the new iPhone shoots and edits video and has improved camera features such as touchscreen autofocus and autoexposure. Voice commands are now possible as well. What didn’t pan out? The OLED screen and the FM transmitter. Maybe next time. For now, the 16 GB and 32 GB models will cost $199 and $299 respectively when they go on sale June 19. Also, the old iPhone 3G gets a price cut to $99 today. [Apple]
Though many are waiting with bated breath for the newest iPhone release, an article by Gadget Lab indicates that it’s unlikely the new operating system will be ready for release at next week’s World Wide Developers Conference. It appears that the completion of the 3.0 system hinges on a new in-app commerce feature that would allow for sale of things like songs and gaming accessories within iPhone applications. This feature is not quite ready for prime time. No new OS, no new iPhone. The article estimates that it will take three or four more weeks for Apple to get the OS tested and completed, so hopefully we’ll see it sometime in early July. An announcement of availability is expected at WWDC. [via Gadget Lab]
After dropping two bills on that sleek, shiny plasma television, your first instinct probably isn’t to see what kind of mindless drivel you’ve missed out on all afternoon on YouTube. However, once you tire of summer repeats, “celebrity” reality shows and four and half hour baseball games tied at one run, you may be looking for a reprieve. And thanks to an upgrade from Google, you’ll be able to watch a version of YouTube that was specifically designed for your television. YouTubeXL is a reconfigured version of the explosive video site that will seamlessly transport YouTube into your living room on your TV or gaming console. The new format has taken away some familiar features, such as user comments, to offer a more appealing, organized interface and has made all the controls larger so that they’re easier to operate with a flick of the remote. [via Channel Web]
Windows 7 Ship Date – I think we’ve all been waiting for Windows 7 since that first fateful moment we clicked Enter after typing in the password on a new Vista set-up. The whole “Mojave” diversion was like bleach in the wounds. Thankfully, we won’t have to wait much longer. Microsoft has announced that Windows 7 will be shipping to customers on Oct. 22. I’ll be anticipating it like prom-night virginity loss. Indications are that all versions of the new OS will run on PCs, notebooks and netbooks. The release candidate has received relatively positive reviews, but I guess we won’t really know for sure until we power it up. For those that can’t make the full leap, Microsoft will also be issuing Windows Upgrade Option for current users. Like said prom night, there’s a real mix of hair-tingling excitement and petrifying, palm-drenching fear. And similarly, it will all be over soon, for better or worse. [via PC World]
After curling up in the fetal position and taking a thorough ass-kicking from Wii for a while, Microsoft has opened its eyes to make sure it was clear, pulled itself up, hobbled battered and bruised back to the proverbial drawing board, and taken solace in the old maxim that starts off by admitting defeat then advocates mimicking the competition. In other words, they’ve announced a new package of body motion-based hardware at E3.
Bing Search Engine by Microsoft – Ahead of schedule appears to be the theme of this beautiful, bright 1st of June. Microsoft’s anticipated new search engine Bing was originally scheduled to launch on Wednesday, but is already available today. Though it will take more than a couple of hours to decipher just how much of a “Google killer” it is, it does offer some new features that set it apart. When searching travel destinations, for instance, you’ll be provided with real time pricing and availability to make booking fast and seamless. Similarly, online shoppers and those looking for health-related and local information are provided with more customized tools.
