Command your own fleet of nerds with this replica of the original Star Trek communicator, and guess what? It also happens to double as a VOIP phone, meaning you can use it to actually talk to another human being using Skype, AOL Instant Messenger, iChat, etc...
Bad news, though: unfortunately, the device does not have built-in Wi-Fi, so you must use USB for connectivity...worst. communicator. ever. Good news, though! Whoever designed this replica had the foresight (and the fear of vengeful Trekkies everywhere) to include buttons that play sound effects from the original series and a real mesh flip cover, just like the original!
Since I'm not cool enough to make a relevant joke about the authenticity of this device, I asked a co-worker for his thoughts and he scoffed in my face, telling me he'd rather wait for a badge communicator from TNG (The Next Generation) that works as Bluetooth speakerphone. Transport beam should be available for $20 more.
The Star Trek USB Communicator is available now for $75.
Today we celebrate annual Star Wars Day...well, Wilson and I do. Jeff unloads his typical dump truck of hate on our beloved trilogy and a bunch of other stories, including Google Goats, YouTube birthing, Wiki games, and the new Wolverine movie proving errbody wrong!
To commemorate Star Wars Day, I'd like to introduce you to Sabersegging, thanks to the folks at Vice Magazine for the story. Sorry about messing up the name in our description, I think Cybersegging is something else entirely. Anyway, check out that video and contact your local Jedi Training Center for more details!
Next, we play some inside baseball with Google and reveal their newest HR pursuits: Google Goats. The software giants just hired a bunch of goats to hang out on the lawns at their Mountain View offices and eat/fertilize the grass. PETA, of course, wonders if the goats will receive a proper pension plan and health insurance options, but we have some better ideas...
Lots of pregnancy stories recently! First we talk about a miraculous birth with the help of YouTube. This story is nutso--a couple decided to have a baby in their home, but when the midwife failed to show up, the husband was forced to consult YouTube for basic birthing instructions and found this video that shows you how to deliver a baby in a vehicle. DISCLAIMER: Not for the faint of heart/stomach, even with the bizarre doll they use to roleplay. We also get another super awesome voice mail about another guy that used The 404 to get him through the stress of childbirth. We think that the mother had a little more, but we're happy to be here to welcome the young one on the air! Thanks a million for the amazing voice mail, we love hearing stuff like this.
Finally, all you Trekkies will be happy about our latest Photoshop contest to win a ticket to see the new Star Trek flick with us this Thursday, May 7th @ 7PM. We have two tickets available, so go here, and use one of those pictures to Photoshop us as your favorite Star Trek character! E-mail your submission to the404{at}cnet.com and we'll choose two of our favorites.
Episode 334
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(Credit:
OhGizmo)
It's already two days into July, and shockingly we haven't provided a single public service alert about date-repelling products this month. But this one should make up for the lost time.
The Lightsaber has always held a special place in this category, and a new product is paying homage to this totem once again in the form of a stylus for the Nintendo DS. (Make that styli, actually, because they're being sold in packs of two or three at a time.)
For those not in the know, according to OhGizmo, the trio-pack includes the Luke, Vader, and Obi-Wan sabers. And yes, they do light up, but don't expect them to retract. Remember, that's not real.
(Credit:
NCS)
We'll refrain from the obvious nerd references here, as some people are a bit sensitive about the topic of date repellants. A little too close to home, apparently.
So we'll just pass along this item from Technabob about a "Lightsaber lamp" from Japan. We're not so sure how much light they give off, but they do come in Jedi and Sith models (green and red, respectively).
But be aware that these lamp-sabers measure less than 16 inches, so don't expect to have any impromptu duels.
(Credit:
Play.com)
If the Lucas empire and its legion of trademark attorneys get all hissy about this latest Wii attachment, they have only themselves to blame for not making it first. The "Wii Light Sword" is coming out in time for the long-awaited Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.
Although the game isn't expected until the spring, U.K.-based Play.com has jumped the gun--or the sword, as it were--and will unsheathe its luminescent weapon for shipment soon at about $31, according to Coolest-Gadgets. This saber-like remote accessory gets its intergalactic glow from 22 LEDs but can be dimmed if necessary to conserve energy for marathon battles. And that's probably a good thing, because you'll have a lot of time to play with it on Saturday nights.
(Credit:
IPmart Network)
Some might find it depressing that we, like others, immediately thought of a Lightsaber upon viewing this MP3 player. And they'd be right.
But the "Music Stick" may not owe its cylindrical design entirely to Star Wars, for it's just the latest in a growing line of tubular MP3 devices to have appeared both in concept and reality. This one may be among the most reasonably priced at about $27 to $42 for 1GB and 2GB versions, according to Tech Fresh, including an FM radio, voice recorder, e-book reader, and a small LCD. It even comes with a pen clip, which should fit nicely in your pocket protector for the next Jedi convention.
Concept art for the Xbox 360 version of Force Unleashed
Ever since Nintendo unveiled the Wii and its funky remote, gamers have been dreaming of Wiimote-controlled lightsaber battles. It's been a long time coming, but LucasArts finally revealed its Wii lightsaber game: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.
We've known about Force Unleashed for a few months now; the game has been scheduled to hit virtually every major platform for some time, and its absence on the Wii's upcoming titles list didn't go unnoticed. Now it's finally been announced for the Wii, and a few new details have come out about the game. The Wii version of Force Unleashed will be more focused on lightsaber combat than the other consoles' versions, and include a two-player duel mode so two Wiimote-wielding warriors can get their Jedi combat on.
Geeks flailing about with Wiimotes as if they were lightsabers. I sense a disturbance in the Force, as if a million flat-screen TVs cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.
Since Apple has yet to reveal all the features of its upcoming iPhone, the satirists over at the Onion have taken it upon themselves to fill in the blanks.
Peruse their selections over here, but I did want to call out a few of my favorites to give you a taste.
• When moved from hand to ear, makes
Lightsaber sound effects.
• Has way, way more PRAM than the last thingy.
• Comes with an iPhone hat, so people know you own an iPhone during the brief periods you're not using it.
Apple and AT&T will set the iPhone free next Friday, in case you hadn't heard.
(Credit:
ThinkGeek)
We have to admire the gumption of those who proudly display their nerd quotient with a Lightsaber umbrella, remote, phone or MP3 player. Or any combination thereof.
Alas, age intervenes. But you can maintain your loyalty to The Force discreetly with a keychain "Micro Lightsaber" while boss and spouse alike are none the wiser. Just to mix things up, Gizmodo says, ThinkGeek also offers a range of weapons that span the Star Wars series, from Han's Blaster (original movie) to Anakin's Saber (prequel). And to explore your dark side, the sabers of both Darths are available too.
(Credit:
ThinkGeek)
While Caroline McCarthy may don an eyepatch and set sail on her pirate ship for high-seas adventures, certain landlubbers will undoubtedly prefer to tool about on terra firma with their remote-controlled "R2-D2 Action Figure" in tow--especially on a Saturday night.
In addition to going forward and backward, the miniature bot can rotate and turn its head while making "realistic sounds," according to Gadgetizer. But true Star Wars aficionados will appreciate the remote itself, which is another "Lightsaber" (of course) to add to their ever-growing collection.
