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Does A Programmable Wireless Xbox 360 Controller Count As Cheating?

Datel’s completely unauthorized TurboFire2 wireless Xbox 360 controller not only directly connects to the Xbox 360 without a dongle, you can connect it to your PC to apply “custom controller enhancements.” Microsoft should sue! Oh wait.

Microsoft filed a lawsuit against British peripheral manufacturer Datel back in April of this year, claiming the company “illegally copied” technology from the official Xbox 360 controller. Since the TurboFire2 here is an unofficial product that syncs to the Xbox 360 wirelessly without using a dongle, it’s easy to see why.

But that doesn’t stop Datel from introducing new features to a controller that’s already traversing shadowy territory.

Using a USB cable, players can connect the controller to any PC and use Datel’s Customizer application to download custom controller profiles. With it players can, say, remap Halo: Reach’s controls to mimic Call of Duty: Black Ops, which seems innocent enough.

They can also adjust the rate of the turbo fire, set up a special Sniper Mode, or limit the recoil they normally get while firing a weapon. Players can even set up macros for special moves. The video on the Datel website shows Super Street Fighter IV as an example.

It’s no more cheating than tweaking your PC controls, but Xbox Live is normally a more controlled environment. If another player came at me with his service pistol firing like a machine gun, I would probably lose it.

The TurboFire2 is available at the Code Junkies website for $ 44.99, so not only is it more flexible, it’s also a little cheaper than Microsoft’s standard controller.

Pick one up at your own risk. With the recent PlayStation 3 firmware update blocking out unofficial third-party controllers, I don’t see why Microsoft couldn’t do the same.

Windows Phone 7 Launches on October 11th 2010

There has been quite a bit of confusion over when exactly Microsoft [MSFT] will actually officially launch their new mobile operating system, Windows Phone 7.

It seems that they will be holding a special event next Monday, the 11th of October in New York, when they will finally launch Windows Phone 7.

And whilst the official launch date may be the 11th of October, it looks like they will start selling Windows Phone 7 smartphones from the 8th of November 2010.

The event will be a worldwide launch, and at the US event in New York, T-Mobile will be showing off some Windows Phone 7 devices.

Microsoft via Geek

The Green Supercars For Tomorrow Are On Display At The Paris Auto Show

Supercars are as important as space programs. They are a hotbed of technology development and these incredibly expensive platforms allow designers and engineers alike to run wild. Sometimes even when the vehicles are sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, they do not directly make the companies money. But yet supercars are built over and over again because they are just that important.

The vehicle industry is at a turning point right now. Suddenly stuffing a lightweight high-output engine into a F1 body tweaked for the road isn’t enough. Well, it is right now in 2010, but that design won’t cut it three, four, and especially five years from now when the vehicle finally moves from development to retail. Nope, the Paris Auto Show is showing the world is going green and that includes the next generation of supercars.

The term green is used loosely here. It doesn’t mean these 200+ MPH cars will suddenly see 50mpg numbers. No, some will still suck down fuel faster than a Ford F350, while others will use no gasoline. Both types however will employ foward-thinking technology that will eventually trickle down to your next Corilla or Malibu. This is why supercars are so important.

Humanity is not going to ride one specific type of green vehicle off to the sunset. No, there is more than enough room for multiple green powertrains. Pure EV vehicles make a lot sense for city folk while extended range hybrids like the Volt or Fisker Karma work better for those needing to drive longer distances. Advance diesel systems even have a place as both the fuel and engines become more efficient and output less emissions. Traditional hybrids will likely overtake pure gasoline vehicles by the end of the decade as battery packs and electric motors drop in cost.

However, each of the aforementioned green powertrain options still have a long way to go before they reach any sort of maturity. It’s up to the supercars and their race car brethern to work out the kinks.

The Porsche 959 is a tech world cult classic. This is the car that Bill Gates and Paul Allen both imported to the states in the ’80s despite the US Department of Transportation deeming them illegal to drive. Gates’ sat in a US Customs warehouse for 13 years until the “Show and Display” category was authorized. But these tech giants wanted this car because it was the best in the world. It was the best in the world because Porsche threw out the mold and went wild.

The Porsche 911 platform was treading water in the early ’80s. The rear-mounted engine configuration used in the 911 was seemingly dying, but Porsche wanted to give it one more go. The company used the wild Group B rally circuit as an excuse and set out to develop the best on- and off-road car possible. The all-wheel drive 959 with adjustable ride height and a totally new sequentially turbocharged 2.85L flat-six engine emerged. In accordence to rally rules, a passenger version had to be made as well and so the 959 went on sale for $ 225,000.

Crazy expensive? Yes, but technical achievements of the 959 can still be seen in today’s 911 models. It was a necessary venture and perhaps saved the 911 from losing its spot atop the supercar podium.

Jaguar just introduced what is nearly a perfect electric throwback to the iconic XJ220 at the Paris Auto. Google Image Search “Jaguar supercar” and that’s what you get. While the XJ220 was the dream car of the ’90s, the just-unveiled C-X75 will likely be posterized by your kids. It’s the twin-turbine electric supercar of the future.

The C-X75 is just a concept right now, but most of the configuration is already doable by today’s standards. There are four 195HP electric motors at each of the wheels, powered by an extended range system similar to the one inside the Chevy Volt. Jaguar claims the vehicle can go 68 miles on battery power alone, although that’s likely when you’re treating the accelerator like there’s an egg under it. But unlike the Volt where an I4 gasoline engine is used to recharge the Li-on battery pack, the C-X75 employs micro-gas turbines developed together with Bladon Jets. That’s the concept part.

But Jaguar is far from alone in their Paris Auto Show announcement. Lotus unveiled the Elite Gentlemen’s car that uses a KERS-inspired hybrid boost system along with announcing a hybrid version of the Elan supercar is in the works that also uses the same system.

It’s everywhere. Green powertrains are now longer a novelty, they’re a requirement.

Then there’s the Porsche 911 GT3 electric hybrid currently making the racing circuit rounds. This car uses a 480HP flat-six gasoline engine for the rear wheels and twin 60 kW motors for the front. A flywheel captures energy during braking and then delivers it either on-demand via a button or during flat-out runs. It’s apparently a thrill to drive and you’ll be able to catch the car at on October 2nd as it competes in Atlanta for the Petit Le Mans (PLM).

There was an old saying back when NASCARs were closer to production cars, “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.” That statement may very well become relivent again, but in a slightly different context. Rather than selling, say, a Porsche 911 just because it won some random race, the vehicle will sell because it has a proven green powertrain.

Technology trickles down. Scoff at the seemingly-unattainable supercar all you want, but they serve a necessary part in vehicle development. This even applies to cars like the Volt. Sure, it’s pricey now, but GM developed a whole new powertrain system and eventually it will become more affordable.

Cydle M7 Android Tablet

A new Android tablet has just started shipping named the Cydle M7. Its an Android tablet equipped with a 7 inch screen with 800 x 480 resolution.

Its powered by a ARM 11 800Mhz processor and has 8GB NAND flash memory that can be increased to 16GB and 256Mb of DDR2.

The Cydle M7 Tablet supports both Wifi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth has a 4000mA battery. Its most eye-catching feature is the unique detachable stand, this versatile stand was specially constructed with the user’s convenience in mind.

The Cydle My Tablet is expected to start shipping in November 2010 in the United States, Europe and Korea simultaneously.

Via Chip Chick

Han Solo In Carbonite Lego Minifig (Star Wars 2)

Here is something fun for all the Lego and Star Wars fans out there, the Han Solo in Carbonite Lego minifig, probably one of the coolest ones we have seen to date.

If you want one of thes fun Han Solo In Carbonite Lego Minifig’s they are available for $ 25 each or $ 80 as part od the Lego Star Wars Slave set from Amazon .

GWS via UberReview, Nerd Approved, Le Journal Du Geek

Windows 7 Family Upgrade Pack Returns For a Limited Time Only

A few months prior to the launch of Windows 7 Microsoft tried to entice early adopters with a killer deal on a three pack of Home Premium licenses, and as far as we can tell it was a huge success. Windows 7 was the most quickly adopted operating system in the company’s history, but like all good things it came it came to an unfortunate and abrupt end in early December 2009.

Anyone who waited too long was stuck paying nearly the same amount for a single copy, but if you missed the first offer we have good news for you, it’s back! Starting today you can order the Windows 7 Family pack which includes three copies of Home Premium for a mere $ 149.99. Anyone interested can pick up a copy at the Microsoft Online Store, or from what we can tell just about every common retailer that normally carries the SKU.

If you haven’t jumped over to Windows 7 yet, there has never been a better time to hop on the bandwagon. Still not convinced? I’m guessing that’s because you haven’t checked out our comprehensive review & benchmark comparison. Maybe you’re worried about the obstacles you might face while upgrading? We have a Guide for that too.

The family pack deal is just for US citizens at the moment but dozens of other countries will see the offer go live on October 22nd. Want to see if your homeland made the cut?

Countries where Family Pack will be available are:

United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, China, Russia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Slovakia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Australia, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Romania, and Ukraine.

Buy Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Pack

KP3 Touchpad Dynamic Effect Sampler

Have you perused the amazing pocket-size Kaossilator Touchpad Synthesizer and the equally stunning Mini-Kaoss Touchpad Effects Processor but wanted something with a little more musical meat? Well check out the KP3 Touchpad Dynamic Effect Sampler. The KP3 combines features from both the Kaossilator and the Mini-Kaoss Pad in a desktop based format with stunningly cool LED lights underneath the touchpad based control system that follow your finger. What’s more you get the ability to sample sounds, use MIDI, and store the whole mess on an SD Card.

Korg’s KAOSS technology has been embraced by DJs, musicians and producers alike. No other interface is as intuitive, immediate or just plain fun to use. By simply touching, tapping or sliding your finger over the touchpad, the all-new KP3 allows you to control multiple effects parameters and manipulate samples in real time. On stage or in the studio, these gestures and moves can become powerful and expressive performance elements. More than a processor, the KP3 is a complete instrument allowing you to manage, recall, and play back samples; sample on the fly; and add dynamic processing to any audio signal or to the samples themselves. A new pad lighting system places 64 individual LEDs in an eight by eight grid under the pad, providing visual cues as to the current program, held position, etc. – it can even scroll a custom message across the pad!

Beerby: Find Beers Near You (GPS)

Ah, beer. You’re my solace and my comfort in these trying times and I love you. But how do I find you, especially the odd and unique members of your extended family? Thankfully, there now exists BeerBy.

BeerBy is a beer tracker. You select your location, either through Foursquare integration or via a GPS map, and then tell it what beer you drank there. You get points for drinking beer and you and your friends can figure out where to find certain beers when people check in at different places.

You’re obviously dealing with crowdsourced info here (I said I drank a Bells Oberon at a Bob Evans near here, which is untrue). However, if you’re in a city with a high adoption rate it might be an interesting way to find great beers on tap.

Beerby (rhymes with “nearby”) allows beer drinkers to log and comment on the beers they drink. If you have ever wanted to keep track of the good, bad and otherwise notable beers you drink at a bar, now you can do so easily with this iPhone app. Over 30,000 beers are included in our database to get you started and help you discover new beers.

The app is free and works on iOS and in the Android market.

HTC Mondrian Windows Phone 7 Smartphone

German smartphone site BestBoyz have managed to get their hand on some leaked product shots of the new HTC Mondrian Windows Phone 7 smartphone.

According to their anonymous source, the HTC Mondrian is headed to an unnamed German carrier, unfortunately we dont have very many details about the handset.
As soon as we get some more information on the HTC Mondrian, including specifications and release dates we will let you guys know.

via Slashgear

Conran Audio iPod Speaker Dock

Conran Audio has just launched their first product, the Conran Speaker Dock, which was designed by Studio Conran. The Conran Speaker Dock features two 75mm loudspeakers and two 300m tweeters.

It is compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch, and also compatible with other MP3 players, thanks to the built in Bluetooth (A2DP) + apt-X.
As you can see from the photos, it features a dock for you to slide your iPhone or iPod Touch into, this can be rotated in both landscape and portrait modes, so you can use it for watching movies as well as listening to your favourite tunes.

The Conran Speaker Dock is available now for £250 about $ 395 from Conran Audio.