I told a little story about Heath's iPod. Whenever we went into the trailer we'd say "Whose iPod is this?" Because it would always be some wacked-out music nobody had ever heard of before. And it was Heath's. And that iPod has since become a symbol of Heath and his friends pass it around to each other, download the music and then pass it on.

Eckhart has obviously strayed from the Hollywood line on copyright— downloading music from someone else's iPod is clearly infringement. But a blithe diffidence to piracy isn't the only way Eckhart's form of mourning shows how the mass culture has been infected by Silicon Valley.

A number of cases where bereavement meets technology have arisen over the last few years, such as the father of a American soldier who died in Iraq but couldn't get into his son's email account because Yahoo refused to allow access, or the numerous tributes left for the dead on their social network profile pages.

Ledger was only 28 when he died, on the cusp of the generation often called "Millennials." If he was anything like his peers, he must have defined himself in part by his taste in music. It's only natural that friends would go through his music collection as a way of getting a sense of the man they lost, with a song they enjoyed together providing a poignant point of shared experience.

But for those who already carefully craft their playlists the way my generation once obsessed over mixtapes, it puts a whole other layer of meaning onto your selections. I can see asking myself before synching with iTunes, "Will my friends appreciate the irony of including Journey's Greatest Hits if I get run over by a bus and all that's left of me is this iPod?"

Eckhart's recollection of Ledger suggests we can be known by our silicon — that we don't go to heaven as much as upload our digitized lives to the clouds. It is a view of our mortality that the programmers of Silicon Valley would be entirely comfortable with: Ashes to ashes, bits to bits.

via valleywag 

More manufacturers are outfitting greater numbers of laser printers with technology that leaves microscopic yellow dots on each printed page to identify the printer's serial number — and ultimately, you, says the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, one of the leading watchdogs of electronic privacy.

The technology has been around for years, but the declining price of laser printers and the increasing number of models with this feature is causing renewed concerns.

The dots, invisible to the naked eye, can be seen using a blue LED light and are used by authorities such as the Secret Service to investigate counterfeit bills made with laser printers, says Lorelei Pagano, director of the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group.

Privacy advocates worry that the little-known technology could ensnare political dissidents, whistle-blowers or anyone who prints materials that authorities want to track.

"There's nothing about this technology that limits its application to counterfeit investigations," says Seth Schoen, a computer programmer with the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "Some people who aren't doing anything wrong may have their privacy threatened." Schoen's tests have found the dots produced by 111 color laser printers made by 13 companies including Xerox, Canon, Hewlett-Packard, Epson and Brother.

The dots are produced only on laser devices and not ink-jet printers, which are most commonly used at home. But laser printers, which produce more durable images, are becoming increasingly popular as their price has dropped to as low as $300, says Angele Boyd, a vice president of IDC Research.

Although laser printers made up only 4% of the 33 million printers sold last year in the USA, their sales have been growing by double digits since 2004, Boyd says.

The technology began as laser printers were first produced in the mid-1980s and governments and banks feared an explosion of counterfeiting, Xerox spokesman Bill McKee says. "In many cases, it is a requirement to do business internationally that the printers are equipped with this technology," McKee says.

The dots tell authorities the serial number of a printer that made a document. In some cases, it also tells the time and date it was printed, Pagano says. "The Secret Service is the only U.S. body that has the ability to decode the information," she says.

Printer makers "cooperate with law enforcement" and will tell authorities where a printer was made and sold, McKee says.

The Secret Service uses the dots only to investigate counterfeiting, agency spokesman Ed Donovan says.

via usatoday 

Redmond, Washington—Microsoft is giving consumers more gigabytes for their buck. The company today announced an Xbox 360® console with triple the storage space of the original console, but for the same price of $349 (U.S.) estimated retail price.

Available in retail stores in the U.S. and Canada starting in early August, the upgraded Xbox 360 will include a 60GB hard drive for storing the growing wealth of digital entertainment available for the console, including music, movies, television shows, and game content. In addition, Microsoft today dropped the price of its 20GB Xbox 360 console in the U.S. and Canada to just $299 (U.S.) (ERP) while supplies last, a savings of $50.

"We know consumers need more and more space to store the amazing digital content Xbox 360 offers, and we're giving it to them at no extra charge," said Albert Penello, Xbox director of product management at Microsoft. "No one device offers the depth and breadth of entertainment that Xbox 360 can deliver, and now you'll have three times the storage to manage all that great content."

Xbox 360 is just one of three Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment systems Microsoft offers. Microsoft's Xbox 360 Arcade, which comes with a 256MB memory unit and five Xbox LIVE Arcade games, is a value for the whole family for $279 (U.S.) (ERP), and the premium Xbox 360 Elite console is available with a 120GB hard drive for $449 (U.S.) (ERP).

Out of the box, the Xbox 360 console is ready to provide an incredible gaming and entertainment experience:

• Xbox 360 console: The console is equipped with a cool white finish and three powerful core processors capable of producing the best in high definition (HD) entertainment (up to 1080p for gaming), 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, and high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) output.
• 60GB Hard Drive: The 60GB detachable hard drive allows you to save your games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos, and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the premier one-stop digital download center for entertainment.
• Upscaling DVD Player: With an HDMI cable (sold separately), watch your favorite DVDs in near high-definition using the upscaling capabilities of Xbox 360.
• Xbox 360 Wireless Controller: This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller features the Xbox Guide Button for quick, in-game access to friends and music. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of up to 30 hours on two AA batteries.
• Xbox 360 Headset: The headset lets friends and family around the world chat while playing games, watching movies, or sending voice messages on Xbox LIVE.
• Xbox LIVE Silver Membership: For no additional cost, Xbox 360 owners can chat with friends online, collect Achievements to improve their Gamerscores, send and receive voice and text messages, and access Xbox LIVE Marketplace content such as game demos, and purchase or rent HD movies and TV shows, as well as the best in downloadable games from Xbox LIVE Arcade. (Broadband Internet access required.)
• One-month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold: An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership provides a complete online entertainment experience. Those who subscribe to this premium service can engage in competitive online multiplayer matches, tailor their matchmaking via feedback and accomplishments, and chat with an entire group of friends at a time.
• via xbox

The first pics and screenshots we have seen of the BlackBerry Thunder have been awesome, but it's nice to finally have live hands-on photo evidence that the BlackBerry Thunder is REAL and it's working (of course, only time will tell for sure just how well!). More details and another photo of the BlackBerry Thunder's touchscreen after the jump!

Here's a quick recap of the details we brought you last week on the Thunder's touchscreen display:

• Tactile Response - when you press on the Thunder's screen, it pushes in "just" a little bit (the whole screen is sort of like a big button) and you get immediate "real" feedback - you hear an audible clickety sound, and can feel a buzz in your finger where you actually pressed on the display.
• Full QWERTY and SureType entry - hold the phone in landscape mode and you can take advantage of a full-qwerty keypad. Use the phone in portrait mode and you can enter data on a SureType keyboard. You will be able to choose/change your screen/keyboard orientation at anytime. 
• Screen is made of glass and will feature multi-touch - the Thunder is said to be utilizing WebKit for it's browser engine (same as the iPhone), so hopefully that means a solid web browsing experience for the Thunder.

These keyboard skins are from a fairly early build of the Thunder's 4.7 OS (the final release keyboard skins are sure to be sexier), but you can easily tell from the images the user-experience RIM is going after here... they want typing on the Thunder to be EASY. That means a lot of screen real estate dedicated to the keyboard, which makes room for big keys that are easy to locate and tap. RIM is famous for the 'BlackBerry Prayer' position users assume when typing messages on their devices and it looks like that won't change with the introduction of the touchscreen Thunder... you should be able to grip the device with both hands and pound out emails with both thumbs blazing.

The images also provide further confirmation that the Thunder's operating system will still rely heavily on the BlackBerry menu button for key functions and advanced options vs putting all options on the main screen as the iPhone does. I'd assume hitting the menu key while on the Compose Message screens shown in these images should provide the standard BlackBerry menu options such as Send, Copy/Paste, Save Draft, Check Spelling, Attach file, etc.

After using an iPhone 3G for a couple of days, I'll say this: while it's pretty, it's not very efficient at getting stuff done (ahem) lighting-quick. A touchscreen BlackBerry like this may just one-up the iPhone in that department because it's based on the speedy and efficient BlackBerry OS while also getting the benefits of a gigantic touchscreen for browsing, reading and viewing media.

What do you think, does RIM have another winner on their hands?

No sooner does Variety all-but-confirm that Microsoft's somewhat mysterious Lips karaoke project will be shown at E3 then Gamekyo gets their hands on some apparent promotional shots of the game's wireless microphones (above) and box art. No screenshots of the gameplay yet, but the photo dump does include two pictures of people standing around with microphones near their mouths (you know, in case you were wondering what karaoke looked like).

Actually, these singing shots do show one interesting feature: the "lights on the shaft of the microphone that pulse to the rhythm of your voice," that were hinted at in last month's leaked Intellivoice Intellisponse survey. According to the pictures, this feature takes the form of two rings of light near the base and tip of the microphone, bathing the singers' hands in an ethereal blue or red glow. We'll let you know if the feature comes off as trippy or tacky when we inevitably get some hands-on time with the game next week...

via joystiq 

Our man on the street, Wayne Schulz (he’s everywhere) just reported that the lines are beginning to form in front of the Apple Store in New York.

Wayne reports, “According to police the people began lining up this morning. Number one in line is a man and woman with a baby who’ve told the police and security guards that their goal is to set a record for time in line and possibly the first baby to wait with them (or some such nonsense).”

UPDATE:

“At about noon on July 4th while on a trip into New York City I noticed the first line forming for the 3G iPhone at the flagship Apple 5th Avenue Store in New York City. About 10 people in line with the first two being a man and woman with a young child. I talked to the security guards and New York police who will allow everyone to stay and indicated that as of yet there are no plans to put out barricades. It appears that most (if not all) of the people in line are part of some group who may be either attempting to set a record for waiting in line or gain some publicity for themselves. It’s too early to tell if this is a hoax/publicity stunt or whether these folks will stay in line through sun and rain for the next seven days”.

via geardiary 

"The reaction has been so strong," he says. "So many developers responded."

With 500 programs launching internationally today, "This is the biggest launch of my career," says Jobs.

The App Store is a way for owners of the iPhone and Touch (like the iPhone without the phone) to add games and other software and Web shortcuts to the devices. Heavyweight participants include Facebook, MySpace, AOL, eBay, Major League Baseball, Sega and Bank of America.

The App Store (AAPL) is timed to spur sales of the new iPhone, which goes on sale at 8 a.m. Friday with a lower price ($199 from $399) and faster network. The App Store is available as a free download for owners of the old iPhone and $9.99 for Touch owners.

Consumers initially will buy the new iPhone for its price and speed, but later on applications will make the sale, says Tim Bajarin, an independent analyst at Creative Strategies.

"When IBM introduced the PC, it was good, but it didn't take off until people started discovering the software," he says. The breadth of the applications "dramatically differentiates the iPhone" from competing smartphones such as the Treo and BlackBerry, he adds.

"The games are what you'd find on a computer, not on a phone," he says. "You'll end up with PC-class applications that fit in your pocket."

Having an application on the device — instead of going to a website to use it — makes it a quicker, more robust experience, says Chris DeWolfe, CEO of social network MySpace. His app instantly updates you on friends' activities. You can post directly to MySpace photos taken with the iPhone's camera.

"You do more of the work on the device than over the Net, so the load time should be quicker," he says.

Another new application is from Pandora, which lets you create customized Internet radio stations. Pandora is already available on other phones from AT&T (T) and Sprint, (S) for a monthly fee. On the iPhone, it is free. That makes it "a credible alternative to broadcast (radio)," in part because iPhones can be plugged into car stereos, founder Tim Westergren says.

The new offerings aren't only from the big guys. Xavier Carrillo Costa, CEO of Digital Legends, a Barcelona game company, had never worked with Macs before but wanted to develop games for the phone. "You forget that it's a phone," says Costa, whose action game Kroll will launch in September for $9.99. "It has all the power of a computer."

Jobs says 25% of the apps will be free, and 90% of the ones for sale will be $9.99 or less. Apple gets 30% of the revenue.

via usatoday 

Do more with your storage robot

The Drobo Developer Community (DDC) provides the resources and how-to necessary to create compelling DroboApps—applications for use with both Drobo and DroboShare.

What can I create?

With our SDK you can any number of applications and utilities!

• Create applications for DroboShare. Examples include:
  • UPnP/DLNA (available now!)
  • iTunes Music Server
  • Rsync
  • FTP
  • Web
  • AFP
  • Squeeze Center support
  • Eye-Fi support

• Create applications for Drobo. Examples include:
  • A Linux version of Drobo Dashboard (available now!)
  • A utility to modify the usage of LEDs on Drobo
  • A utility that allows Windows to show Drobo as its actual size (available now!)

How does the process work?

• Create an account on DroboSpace if you don’t already have one and join the Developer’s Group.
• Download the SDK.
• Start developing your DroboApp
• Leverage the developer forums and ask away. Our engineers are monitoring the forums for your questions.
• Upload your DroboApp to Data Robotics for review. While we are not formally certifying DroboApps, we do want to verify their functionality. When we officially launch DroboApps, we’ll post your creations to our website for everyone (including non-developers of course) to download.

EXPERIENCE MUSIC LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF A.M.P. AUTOMATED MUSIC PERSONALITY FROM TIGER ELECTRONICS

Tiger Electronics, a division of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) has teamed up with Japanese distributor SEGA Toys to introduce the future of music mobility with A.M.P. Automated Music Personality, a mobile robotic music companion that revolutionizes how and where you listen to music. Gadget enthusiasts will get a first-hand look as A.M.P. Automated Music Personality makes his worldwide debut at the Tokyo Toy Show, the world’s premiere destination for the latest hi-tech toys, gadgets and cutting-edge electronics. SEGA will be hosting the robotic music companion at its Tokyo Toy Show booth from June 19-22 at Tokyo Big Sight.

A dynamic companion, A.M.P. Automated Music Personality will blast your music through his state-of-the-art stereo sound system - with attitude. Simply plug in any MP3 player and let A.M.P. Automated Music Personality show off some of his best dance moves. Perfect for the modern lifestyle, A.M.P. Automated Music Personality stands at 29 inches tall and features a sleek black and yellow modern exterior with stylized chrome detailing. Music has never looked this good! With five different modes and over 62 sound effects, numerous electrifying dance moves and 49 expressive LED light animations; A.M.P. Automated Music Personality connects you with your music in a unique new way.

"Hasbro is redefining the mobile stereo entertainment system with the introduction of A.M.P Automated Music Personality," says Duncan Billing, global development officer, Hasbro, Inc. "By using D.B.T.-Dynamic Balancing Technology, A.M.P. Automated Music Personality is able to balance in a manner that seems to defy gravity. With this impressive technology combined with a unique personality and incredible mobility; the way you listen and interact with your music will never be the same."

"Hasbro and SEGA have a long history of working together in both product development and distribution, and SEGA TOYS is delighted to premiere this cool new media bot to the tech-savvy Japanese consumer," said Isao Kokubun, C.E.O. of SEGA Toys.

Now you can kick that old stereo to the curb! Remote control operated and easy to use, just plug in any MP3 player into A.M.P. Automated Music Personality and secure your MP3 player in the case located securely on his back. You'll feel the beat as A.M.P. Automated Music Personality delivers powerful stereo sound through a 5" mid-range speaker and two high output tweeters. A.M.P. Automated Music Personality's Dynamic Balancing Technology enables him to dance and roll balanced on two wheels. You can also add more boom to any song with the dedicated bass boost button. Take control and be the DJ as A.M.P. Automated Music Personality becomes a virtual mixing deck. His distinctive touch pads serve as a way to layer different sound effects and scratches over your tunes. Use the left touch pad to add music effects and the right touch pad to control the audio.

Controlling A.M.P. Automated Music Personality is easy. Make him dance, watch him roll- it's up to you! Using the remote, you can easily manage all of his movements and cycle through his five different modes: Dance, Track, Drive, Park and Follow.

To get the party started, switch this robot into Dance mode and he'll show you how to get down. Whether its techno, hip hop or a rockin’ guitar jam from your MP3 player, A.M.P. Automated Music Personality will dance to the music utilizing his internal beat detection software. Watch as A.M.P. Automated Music Personality moves in sync to the rhythm of the song you are playing. A.M.P. Automated Music Personality will be sure to grab your attention as he expresses his personality through 49 LED lights and futuristic sound effects.

In Track mode, A.M.P. Automated Music Personality will always keep the music facing you so you'll never miss a beat. A.M.P. will orient himself towards you as you hold the remote control, keeping the music pointed in your direction.

To control A.M.P. Automated Music Personality with the remote, shift him into Drive mode. Here you can manually control any and all of A.M.P. Automated Music Personality's movements with the remote.

If you are just hanging out, place A.M.P. Automated Music Personality in Park mode and his glossy black kickstand will deploy automatically which will enable him to remain stationary. Sit back and listen to your music through A.M.P. Automated Music Personality's impressive speaker system.

A.M.P. Automated Music Personality gives new meaning to the term "music server." Whether you are playing video games or having friends over, A.M.P. Automated Music Personality will bring the music to you in Follow mode. A.M.P. Automated Music Personality utilizes IR technology to seek out, locate and move towards the user's hand held remote. With specialized tire tread and built-in obstacle detection sensors, you can maneuver A.M.P. Automated Music Personality around most stairs, walls and other obstructions in his path. Bring A.M.P. Automated Music Personality to a quick stop in Follow mode by touching his head sensor and he will come to a complete stop.

A.M.P. Automated Music Personality also has built in features including an easy carry handle with a switch that will disengage the motor in the wheel and auto deploy his kickstand. When A.M.P. Automated Music Personality enters low battery mode, his specially designed kickstand will drop and he will alert you that his battery is running low while continuing to keep the music blasting. Solid and well-built, he has impact points on his back, front and both "hands."

Battery-operated, A.M.P. Automated Music Personality comes fully equipped with an AC power adapter, 6" headphone adapter plug and a carrying case for your MP3 player (not included). A.M.P. Automated Music Personality and his controller require six D batteries and three AAA batteries (not included) for approximately ten hours of continuous entertainment.

Technical Specifications:

• 12-watt stereo sound
• Bass boost touch sensor
• 2 tweeters & mid-range speaker
• 15 minutes of built-in music
• Audio input jack
• 4 control motors
• 2 obstacle-detection sensors
• Infrared tracking system
• 49 LED lights
• 14 touch sensors
• Piezoelectric gyroscope

A.M.P. Automated Music Personality will be available nationwide at select consumer electronics online retailers starting this October for an approximate retail price of $500. Visit www.ampbot.com for more information.

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world. © 2008 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved...

via hasbro