GeekNUZ

Awesome Japanese Skit

I think this video has been making the rounds on the net lately.  It's a comedic stage performance from a Japanese television show.  See for yourself.

Ojo Video Phone

I'm not sure why I've never blogged about my Ojo Video Phone seeing that I use it everyday.  But, it's better late than never.  I bought a total of three Ojos last Christmas - One for myself in California, one for family in Iowa, and the last for family in Taiwan.  Even after reading great online reviews about it and seeing it in operation (with a pre-recorded video demonstration) at my local Fry's Electronics I was still a bit doubtful as to the promised video quality when I brought it home.  But to my surprise, the video and audio quality was as promised and I've never once considered returning it.  The only difficulty I had was with the initial set up.  The machine has only a power adapter and an ethernet jack to plug in, which was the easy part.  However, the machine had difficulty connecting with the Ojo servers due to my modem settings, which a Ojo representative resolved in a few minutes.  Once connected to the internet, operation is so simple that even my grandmother could use it!  Simply dial the number for the Ojo you want to call and hit the TALK button and within a few seconds you're live and video conferencing.  The video is smooth with a respectable 30 fps and well-synchronized with the audio.  In terms of cost, the initial price for the unit is $299 or $399 depending on the model.  As well, there's a monthly fee of $10 per Ojo unit, which allows for unlimited use of your Ojo to call any Ojo unit you want, anywhere in the world.  Most importantly, the Ojo only operates via broadband connection only, so if you already pay for high-speed internet then there's no additional fees beyond that.  I've been trying to convince my friends to think about getting an Ojo, but at $300 a pop it's no pocket change.  But, it's well worth the cost in my opinion.  Talking to someone face-to-face is so much more fun.  Let me know if you are considering buying a unit, especially if you have questions about it!  Official site here:  Ojophone.com

Apple iPhone In The Wild!

Update:  Ah, the internet is a cruel place, so I was told.  First of all, thanks to everyone for commenting about this story.  To those who don't believe in the credibility of my story, that's fair.  To each their own.  The iPhone is coming out in a month and there have been multiple sightings around here of Apple reps with their iPhones, so I really don't understand what all the hoopla is about. I'm just excited that June is almost here.  Also, thanks to Engadget for posting this on their great site.

    So I was at a local restaurant with my friend Philip here in silicon valley when I noticed that the man behind me in line was holding an iPhone!!!  I had to lean over and sneak a peek, of course, and saw that he was navigating a page with lots of text.  I think it was a website.  He then clicked over to some sort of list - was it bookmarks or an options menu?  I couldn't tell.  Even from two feet away, however, the screen appeared crystal clear with the tiny font.  The phone itself looked like I remembered seeing it at MacWorld a few months ago-same size, shape, and it wasn't protected with any sort of case.  (The screen cannot have any sort of covering on it for the touch sensitivity to function, according to the rep I spoke to at Macworld).  He was quite unabashed about the fact that he had it.  When he sat down at the table in front of me he had it out most of the time while he was dining and was taking pictures of the person he was with and was talking about the functions of the phone.  I approached him and asked if he was an Apple Employee who works on the phone, to which he replied "yes."  So I went on and gave him my schpeel spiel (thanks Jeremy) about why they should allow third party software on the iPhone, to which he replied with a blank, and mostly disinterested, look.  He said "yea, as far as I know they're not allowing that yet."  Anyhow, he was nice enough and I hope he takes the comment to someone who cares.  Check out the candid pics I took (with my SE K750).  Even though it's got a 2mp camera the lighting wasn't optimal in the restaurant so they're a bit grainy, but still worth it!  iPhone in the wild!

TV-Be-Gone!

    So I've just discovered my new favorite prank gadget today!  My friend Angie's husband found the "TV-B-Gone" universal television off switch somewhere in his travels, and it is oodles of fun.  First of all it's a keychain so you can take it with you everywhere.  Just aim it at ANY tv for a few seconds and voila! TV-B-Gone!  (You can also use it to turn on any tv)  I can't wait to try it the next time I'm at the airport.  Hmmm...I hope it doesn't turn off anything else.  Maybe I'll just prank my coworkers first.  You can find it here at TVBGONE.com.

The Pessimist's Mug

    Oh boy do I know someone who would love this mug.  My cynical friend, Ian, is going to be getting one in the mail veeeeeery soon.  Via Engadget Via Despair.com.

9 Volt Candle

    I just got an email from designer Richard Lawson about his soon-to-be available 9 Volt Lights.  The idea is simple - turn any generic 9 volt battery into an elegant light source.  Simply attach the cuboid to a battery and it emits a soft geeky-chic glow.  They are expected to be released in mid-July!

Drink Your Car's Exhaust

    It's finally here!  Multiple sources have confirmed that Honda's first mass-produced hydrogen powered vehicle will be hitting North American and Japanese showrooms sometime in 2008!  Many companies have already showed hydrogen powered cars, and this is actually a 3rd generation one for Honda.  They currently have about 20 hydrogen powered cars on US roads-most being leased by companies and two by individuals for everyday use.  The 2008 FCX will be a larger, family-sized sedan that's expected to run 250 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, and can go up to 100 mph.  The amazing part of it all is that the only exhaust put out by the car is water.  I wonder if they can put a spigot in the dash so I can serve tea on my drives?  Anyhow, in anticipation of my very first hydrogen car, I already got an appropriate license plate - check it out!  For more of the story click to The Register.  Here's a great, comprehensive article: AutoWeek.

Invisible Ink

    My friend in NYC tipped me off about this cool invisible ink she saw at the NYC Public Library Shop.  Even though it looks pink, it's invisible when applied onto paper.  However, when held up to a light bulb (or any other gentle form of heat) the ink turns visibly blue!  It disappears once again when cooled.  It's water-based and only $16 per bottle.  Find it here at the NYC Library Shop Homepage.

Lawnbot!

    Remember the Roomba?  Well now there's a version for your lawn...sorta.  The Lawnbot is an electric gizmo that mows your lawn all by itself.  It even returns to its docking/charging station once it's finished.  Also, it cuts and mulches the grass at the same time and uses it as instant fertilizer.  Even more, it's apparently so quiet you can do a morning mow without disturbing the neighbors.  Sounds too good to be true?  (no pun intended)  Well, with the low-end model coming in at $1800 they better not be kidding.  Check it out here at Lawnbot.com

World's Fastest Stripper

Brilliant!  I love kooky Japanese shows.