Crave

Sidekick 2009 or Sidekick Blade

(Credit: Hiptop3.com)

We really don't know too much else about this, but Hiptop3.com have apparently spotted the latest Sidekick 2009, otherwise known as the Sidekick Blade, out in the wild. It looks pretty similar to the previous Sidekicks, but promises to be much thinner and lighter (Which, if you know Sidekicks at all, is a very welcome change), and it will apparently run Danger OS 5.0. It is also the first Sidekick since Microsoft bought over Danger. Like we said, there's very little else we know about the phone, but if the pictures are leaked already, it won't surprise us if it comes out early this year.

The future is now.

(Credit: Kotaku.com)

With Sony releasing version 2.40 of the PlayStation 3 firmware today, it's no surprise that talk about a new Xbox 360 dashboard update has surfaced.

Aside from the normal list of technical updates, this rumored dashboard update will supposedly incorporate an entire new graphical user interface as well. Right now, reports point toward a sort of 3D experience, deviating from the current "blade" system. There's also talk that this alternative GUI will take advantage of some sort of motion-control device yet-to-be-announced by Microsoft.

Kotaku describes the new interface as a nod to the control scheme in the film Minority Report--and now it seems that they were really on to something. They're reporting that the company responsible for the new dashboard design involves the man who actually helped create the motion-controlled effects in the 2002 film. Small world.

We'll get you the latest details on the rumored new Xbox 360 interface as they come. While you're waiting for that, why not tell us what you'd like to see in it?

(Credit: Crave UK)

With festival season just around the corner here in the U.K.--don't forget your wellies, kids--it's time to look at battery-operated speakers. One of our favorites for times when size is of critical importance is Gear4's StreetParty Size 0--its thin form factor and easy battery operation makes it ideal for campers and festival goers.

But Altec Lansing--a company that once made speakers for Woodstock--has an attractive Bluetooth alternative to a typical iPod dock. At about 90 pounds (about $178) the inMotion SoundBlade is a more costly option, but it'll work with Bluetooth-enabled music phones or MP3 players with Bluetooth, such as the Samsung YP-P2 or Sony NWZ-A820. The advantage here is that anyone in your tent circle will be able to beam their choice of album to the system from the safety of their smelly canvas home. It'll also function as a speakerphone, featuring both speakers and a microphone for truly hands-free operation.

The SoundBlade runs on a built-in battery and once paired, there's no need to mess around with wires when the THC hits your brain and messing with cables is less attractive than the comatose wreck of a groupie you convinced to come back to your tent for some muddy bow-chicka-wow-wow.

Batteries should keep it pumping for around 24 hours. If you're taken, the SoundBlade is on sale now, as are tickets to festivals (Download here we come!).

(Source: Crave UK)

(Credit: Chip Chick)

You can't really blame the makers of this "Blade Runner" MP3 player if they go all-out on the marketing front despite its mediocre features. Given the cult status of its namesake movie classic, just about anything bearing that title might well send droves of fans reaching for their wallets.

But we agree with Chip Chick that it looks as if it were made from leftover Razr cases, which doesn't help its 2GB of storage, 1.8-inch display, and other decidedly unimpressive specs. And we're curious to know if any copyright issues will be raised, because we'll go out on a limb and guess that this isn't a studio-sanctioned product. With or without the unicorn.

(Credit: Mademoto)

Imagine an unmanned version of a rickshaw designed to pull along a roller-blader who didn't want to roller-blade. That pretty much describes the "Electric Cruiser" by Mademoto.

This weird contraption is powered by an electric motor that can reach a top speed of just under 19 miles per hour, which is easily fast enough to cause major injury. But that assumes one will be actually pulled in a straight line, rather than using it as a partner for a pairs skating demonstration as it appears in this picture seen on 7Gadgets.

A recent AAA survey names some of the most common -- and potentially dangerous -- auto ailments. Fortunately, all of these maladies can be prevented with a little care and attention. Here are the top culprits:

5. Worn-out windshield wiper blades. Old, torn, or cracked wiper blades can greatly reduce visibility when driving in bad weather. Experts recommend changing blades at least once a year, or when streaking begins.

4. Low or dirty oil. Low oil levels can cause overheating and severe engine damage, since there is not enough fluid to lubricate all of the engine's moving parts. Dirty oil contains debris and deposits, which increases engine wear. Check oil levels at least once a month and perform regular oil changes according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Many newer cars come equipped with sensors that alert drivers when the oil needs topping off or changing, but it's not a bad idea to check manually, too, when possible.

3. Worn tires. Road tires should have a minimum of 3/32" tread depth. A good way to check: Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head turned upside down. If all of Lincoln's head is visible, it's time to get new tires. If only one or two tires need replacing, make sure the replacement tires match the size, model, and tread pattern of the existing tires on the car.

2. Clogged air filter. Decreased airflow through the filter will rob a car of horsepower and decrease gas mileage. Check the car's owner's manual to find the appropriate replacement interval. On many cars, changing the air filter is a pretty simple, do-it-yourself job.

1. Incorrect tire pressure Proper tire pressure ensures road safety, preserves tire tread life, and helps to maximize fuel economy. Tires lose air naturally over time, but they can also lose large quantities of air suddenly when hitting a pothole or a curb. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking the air pressure on each tire at least once a month. To ensure accuracy, measure when the tires are cold.

Other problems mentioned in the survey include low transmission fluid and engine coolant levels, worn or corroded battery cables, clamps, and terminals, and low windshield washer fluid levels. Survey results are based on inspections conducted on 6,082 vehicles by 25 different AAA clubs nationwide.

Glad to see another Nintendo 64 title has made it to the virtual console, although I'm anticipating some disappointment with the selection.

• Yoshi's Story (1998, Nintendo 64, 1,000 Wii points)--After Baby Bowser casts a spell on Yoshi Island leaving it in the form of a storybook, six Yoshis must band together and dethrone the evil Baby Browser and restore happiness to Yoshi Island.
  
  
• Super Thunder Blade (1988, Genesis, 800 Wii points)--A Sega Genesis launch title, Super Thunder Blade is a helicopter combat game where you must fire upon all kinds of submarines, tanks, and more through four levels of play.
  
  
• World Class Baseball (1991, Turbografx 16, 600 Wii points)--World Class Baseball was the only baseball game on the system worth playing. The main campaign, Pennant Mode, allows you to progress through 12 teams all competing for the World Title.

Blade Runner Ultimate, unboxed.

(Credit: Amazon)

Sorry if the is old news to some, but I just got back from vacation and noticed that details are out on the hotly anticipated new version of Blade Runner that's due to arrive December 18. Blade Runner was one of the first movies released on DVD, and while it sold well, the video transfer sucked. Well, for the 25th anniversary of the film, Warner Brothers and director Ridley Scott finally got around to restoring and remastering the thing--and a lot of folks are pretty stoked, especially now that the film will be available on both Blu-ray and HD DVD.

The "standard" Blu-ray and HD DVD versions of the Five-Disc Complete Collector's Edition will run you $27.95 ($24.95 for the DVD) at Amazon, but real aficionados might just have to step up to the Ultimate Collector's Edition, which you can pick up for $54.95.

According to Amazon, the Ultimate edition "will be presented in a unique five-disc digi-package with handle, which is a stylish version of Rick Deckard's own briefcase. In addition, each briefcase will be individually numbered and in limited supply. Included is a lenticular motion film clip from the original feature, miniature origami unicorn figurine, miniature replica spinner car, and collector's photographs, as well as a signed personal letter from Sir Ridley Scott."

Anybody think it's worth paying double for the cheap imitation briefcase, a unicorn, a little car, and that really personal letter from Sir Ridley?

(Credit: Ideawicket Innovations)

We never thought we'd see an item worthy of as much ridicule as the solar hat fan, but this one comes close. Well, maybe not. But it's still eminently mockable.

The "Shade Blade" (classic name) is a prototype that Gizmodo says is billed as the "ultimate pair of sunglasses," presumably because of its theoretical ability to provide solar power for a variety of electronic devices. But frankly, the only thing "ultimate" we can imagine is how effectively it would function as a date repellant.