Look familiar? For a story that broke on Twitter it's only fitting that the first reported picture of the mythical, magical "Google Phone" (AKA, Nexus One) would appear there as well. The tweeted image above appears courtesy of one Cory O'Brien, an account manager at a San Francisco Bay Area marketing agency that does not list Google as a client. That note of caution aside, the image above is an exact match to that leaked HTC Passion / Bravo image from October, only this time lacking the HTC logo on the top-side bezel. Besides the pic, O'Brien tweets that the "Google Phone = iPhone + a little extra screen and a scroll wheel. Great touch screen, and Android." Granted, none of this is confirmed yet, but with Google releasing so many of the devices as part of its "mobile lab" concept, well, we expect to see plenty more sightings in the run up to the rumored January launch.

Update: A quick search for "nexus one" on Google's Picasa photo service reveals several pictures taken with a camera pegged as the HTC Nexus One in the EXIF data. The very first of these geotagged 2592×1944 pixel (that's a 5 megapixel sensor folks, hardly "weirdly large" as described by TechCrunch) images were taken by user Bradley (who just happens to be a Picasa friend to Sergey... hint) in the SF Bay Area on November 27th. A few are clearly lit by an onboard flash as well. In fact, many of the pics appear to be taken from within Google's offices and at Google sponsored events. The quality is not exactly spectacular and that won't likely change in the final product because even Google's bound by the laws of physics when it comes to tiny cellphone sensors.

Update 2: The device seems to have been around earlier with an EXIF identifier of "Phone88." Fortunately, Google's own employees have uploaded pics of the device, by the device, for us to marvel at -- so meta. Check the gallery for the images or a quickie close-up posted after the break.


[Thanks, Alberto and Aaron C.]

Continue reading Google Phone / Nexus One makes first Twitter appearance? (update: new pics!)

Google Phone / Nexus One makes first Twitter appearance? (update: new pics!) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Given the high price of Blu-ray boxed sets, the news from Video Business that some series are going backwards from having Blu-ray editions to DVD only really isn't that surprising. Specifically cited are Rescue Me, Damages and Nip/Tuck, with numbers indicating the average title sells only 5% of its copies in HD. Series that appeal to early adopting Blu-ray owners and HDTV fans like Fringe, Lost and Terminator:SCC naturally do better on Blu-ray, regardless of price, but with the exception of fanatics who will either pay up or wait for a sale, it's not surprising that most people would rather keep an extra $15 - $30 in their pocket and just grab it on standard def.

Some TV series reverse, go from Blu-ray back to DVD-only releases originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, Steorn, how we've missed you. The company rushed onto the scene in the summer of 2007 promising free energy for all, then said "we screwed up" when its demonstration failed to show anything but red faces. Naturally the screw-up wasn't thanks to an ill-advised attempt to break the laws of physics, instead blamed on a bearing failure. Now, coffers filled again after assuredly brisk sales of USB-powered divining rods, the company has rented another demonstration space, this time in Dublin. In the promotional video below Steorn pledges that this week things will "get real" by mocking those who have mocked the company, including our very own reference to power divined from the Fay and other mythical sources. We're going to firmly stand by our disbelief -- but to say that we're jazzed about the prospect of another exciting demonstration would be a huge understatement.

[Thanks, Chris]

Continue reading Steorn invites us to 'get real' with fairy-powered Orbo free energy device, we invite it to do the same (video)

Steorn invites us to 'get real' with fairy-powered Orbo free energy device, we invite it to do the same (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Deals

'Tis the season shop until your brains melt (or skip it all entirely, depending on your interpretation of the term holiday). In that spirit, for the next few weeks we'll be rounding up a dozen daily deals courtesy our friends at DealNews.com. Each afternoon tune in to TUAW for this handy summary. Keep in mind that while our posts will live on, the deals won't. Each is lovingly generated by the deal-bot every day, so get 'em while they're hot. Enjoy!

• iTunes Music Store: [iPhone / iPod Apps] App Store Freebies: GravBall, iWore, Cyclic Dial, JingleToe, TanSafe, more
• InvisibleShield: [iPhone] ZAGG.com coupon: 50% off sitewide, no minimum
• Google: [Store Events] Google Holiday Deals: Up to $20 off $120 at select merchants
• OfficeMax: [Office Furniture] Office Chair Roundup: Sofronio Manager Mid-Back Chair for $130 + free shipping, more
• Walmart: [46" - 47" LCD TVs] Sony BRAVIA 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD HDTV w/ Sony PS3 120GB for $958 + $1 s&h
• JR: [Digital Cameras] Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10MP 2.5x Zoom Digital Camera for $399 + free shipping
• Skinit: [Notebook Accessories] Skinit.com coupon: 50% off sitewide
• Walmart: [Electronics] Westport Small Charging Station for $19 + $1 s&h
• Meritline: [iPod Accessories] Crystal Hard Case for Apple iPod Touch 2nd Generation for 39 cents + free shipping
• Staples: [Office Furniture] Z-Line Gemini L-Desk for $50 + free shipping, padding
• Buy.com: [Headphones] Ultimate Ears Metro.fi 200 Stereo Earphones from $20 + free shipping
• Target: [32" LCD TVs] Sylvania 32" 720p Widescreen LCD HDTV for $270 + $20 s&h

TUAWDozen Daily Deals for December 14, 2009 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Deals

Daily deals are back! Hope you enjoy the latest offerings and deals from around the web. These deals are time-sensitive, so check them out before they disappear. You can check out more deals here.

• iTunes Music Store: [iPhone / iPod Apps] Asian Painting for iPhone / iPod touch downloads for free
• Dell Small Business: [Laser Printers] Dell 1230c Color Laser Printer for $99 + free shipping
• MegaMacs: [Design & Multimedia Software] Apple iLife '09 for $39 + $6 s&h
• Meritline: [iPhone] Black Woodgrain Silicone Case for Apple iPhone 3G / 3GS for 49 cents + free shipping
• Seehere: [Photo Services] SeeHere custom 11-oz. photo mug for $6 + free shipping via overnight
• Chitek: [iPhone] ChiTek Slim Fit Case for Apple iPhone 3G or 3GS from $7 + free shipping
• Buy.com: [Surge Protectors] Philips Power Sentry 5-Outlet PowerSquid Surge Protector for $10 + free shipping
• Musician's Friend: [Microphones] MXL 993 Stereo Condenser Microphone 2-Pack for $130 + free shipping
• Verizon Broadband: [Computer Services] Verizon.com: $150 cash back, free DVR, $10 off/month with FiOS bundles
• Adorama: [Bluetooth Headsets] Samsung WEP450 Bluetooth Headset for $0 after rebate + free shipping
• HandHeldItems: [iPod Accessories] HandHeldItems.com: Up to 80% off Apple iPod touch cases + 20% off coupon
• Pennywise : [Rechargeable Batteries] Rayovac AAA I-C3 15-Minute Rechargeable Battery 12-Pack for $11 + 1 cent shipping

These deals are courtesy dealnews.com and are subject to change.

TUAWDaily Dozen Deals for December 11, 2009 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio/Video, Computers, Editor's Picks, Slideshows, Featured Stories

This silhouette wins the award for coolest thing we've seen all day -- and it's not just because the tiny dancer above is in the buff. This is a little test that will tell you whether the left or right hemisphere of your brain is more dominant.

Instead of concentrating on her chest, concentrate on the woman's movement. If you see her spinning clockwise, that means you're using the right side, or more creative side of your brain. If she appears to be moving counter-clockwise, then that means the left side, or more logical side of your think muscle is superior.

At the Switched office, some of us see her going clockwise, others see her spinning counter-clockwise. At least one of us claims to see both, while another one of us opened this animation in Adobe ImageReady in order to isolate the frames to see if there's any direction-changing funny business going on. There isn't.

Take the test for yourself. Then, if you have time for a 50-question survey, compare these instant results to a more thorough diagnosis.

From Gizmo Watch

But wait! We have more optical illusions for you!

The Trippiest Optical Illusions on the Net! originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Style Maven, Gadget Head, Traveler, Music Hound, Video Junkie, Man / Woman Who Has Everything, $100 and Under, Holiday Gift Guide, Featured Stories

HYPE CHECK: BURTON SLEEPER HOODIE
.

What it is: Burton's Sleeper Hoodie is designed for the busy air traveler, but should be a big hit with everyone from bands who spend weeks at a time tour buses, to those of us who like to catch a nap on the bus on our way to work. Inside the neck rests an inflatable neck pillow; blow it up, and you've got immediate, built-in head support. (Much better than resting your head on the corner between the seat and the window, much less the person next to you.) It's also got hidden compartments for your MP3 player (lower left), passport (inner left), and even your earplugs (it comes with a pair). It even has thumb holes in the sleeve cuffs for those with cold hands, and zippers under the armpits (with mesh in between) for when you get all hot and bothered (like during the spaghetti scene of 'Lady and the Tramp'). There's more: a light shield pulls down to block out the glare of the sun-like reading lights your neighbor refuses to turn off (if not fully block out those fluorescents lining the cabin wall), and a headphone port for wiring your music inside the shirt. It feels like something to add to your essential travel arsenal -- and since it looks and feels like a regular hoodie when disengaged, you can even where it when you get wherever it is you're going. As long as it's not Tahiti.

Why it's different: Most sweatshirts don't do anything other than zip up. This one does about everything except cook you breakfast.

What it costs: $100

What we like: For those that travel long distances, this thing is a lifesaver. It's incredibly versatile and feature-packed, and this sort of combination of technology and fashion is long overdue. The ability to adjust your temperature actually works in practice -- finally avoid sweaty armpits during boarding, and the thumb holes really do keep your palms warm, no matter how high they decide to crank the AC. The whole thing just feels very well thought-out and designed.


What we don't like: Rather than the wrap-around style neck pillow that they sell in airports, the inflatable pillow in the neck is more of a log-shaped affair. It still works - even without anything to lean against, you can just rest your head on either of your shoulders - but the full wrap-around action would have been even better. Also, while the design is great if you're into big graphics (we love the line-art airplane), it's perhaps not the most subtle thing in the world - this thing might not fly with the over-50 business set (pun intended).

Does it live up to the hype? Yes. We love it. It's an incredibly useful piece of gear for those of us that take long trips (or perhaps lots of short ones, requiring sporadic naps), and feels like it will last many, many hours of airtime. It's a heavy-duty sweatshirt, and for $100, you can't really argue with the comfort and peace of mind it give you - even when sandwiched between two fatsos (loudly eating sandwiches) on your flight from LA to London.





Related Links:

Switched Reviews the Gibson Robotic Guitar
Is the Amazon Kindle Really the iPod of Books
Best Headphones for the Gym

Gift Pick: Burton Sleeper Hoodie Holds Gadgets and More originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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