NASA Creating an MMO

post from Ubergizmo on 27 January 2008 11:48:59 PM. © Ubergizmo

Here's an interesting bit of news - the folks at NASA are going to embark on a new frontier that involves sending humans in to space - cyberspace, to be more exact. Here's a snippet of somebody involved in the MMO project that will be developed by NASA.

The purpose of this RFI is to solicit information from organizations with proven immersive synthetic environments expertise who are interested in potentially forming a MMO platform development partnership with NASA. We are currently targeting releasing a Request for Proposal in March 2008.

Will a successful launch of a NASA MMO result in plummeting subscription rates for World of Warcraft?

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2008/01/nasa_creating_an_mmo.html

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Rock Band Instruments To Go Solo

post from Ubergizmo on 27 January 2008 11:47:48 PM. © Ubergizmo

Rock Band Instruments To Go Solo

We all know that getting a band together is an exciting project, but Harmonix's Rock Band aims to take the solo route by eventually offering the game's instruments on an a la carte basis. Publisher MTV Games has confirmed that from February 12, 2008 onwards, gamers will be able to pick up individual drum kits and guitars for $79.99 and $59.99 a pop respectively in the US. There is no word on a Rock Band microphone, though you can currently use any USB microphone with the game. Looks like with this move happening a couple of days before Valentine's, lovers who love rocking it out with each other can hold drum-vs-drum contests in the game's versus mode.

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Nikon D80 Gets Firmware Update

post from Ubergizmo on 27 January 2008 11:46:36 PM. © Ubergizmo

Nikon D80 Gets Firmware Update

Nikon's D80 DSLR camera has just received a brand new firmware update (1.10), so go on and get your Windows or Mac download already. Some of the changes include :-

The product will be "Certified for Windows Vista"
Support for the new USB Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) has been added. The PTP option in the setup menu will be modified to MTP/PTP. The icon will also be modified
The effects of noise reduction processing performed at shutter speeds of 1 - 8s with shutter speed set to "bulb", when ON is selected for Long Exp. NR in the shooting menu, have been approved
Download the firmware update for Windows or Mac

Photo courtesy of Digital Photography Review.

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BMW Engines Accepts Biofuel

post from Ubergizmo on 27 January 2008 11:44:22 PM. © Ubergizmo

BMW Engines Accepts Biofuel

If but a little, though that is still a start. It seems that all BMW engines are capable of taking in a tiny percentage of biofuel mixed with regular fuel without requiring any modifications. BMW did issue a press release that all BMW diesels can run with blends of up to 7% of biodiesel (B7) without further changes. With regards to ethanol, BMWs are can function with up to 10% blends, only if the engine was built post-1998. Engines prior to that time period can run with blends up to 5%. Currently, BMW is putting on hold the development of its E85 engines until the second-generation biofuels have arrived. Any step towards reducing the reliance on oil is always a good move if you ask me.

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White Box Design Concept

post from Ubergizmo on 27 January 2008 11:40:54 PM. © Ubergizmo

White Box Design Concept

High-end furniture maker Skloib from Austria has come up with the White Box design concept that is truly refreshing - fancy a taste of programmable furniture? This home automation concept consists of a single cube that provides true universal control for audio, light fixtures, appliances as well as presentation areas. Each turn of the cube will change the interior decoration to a corresponding design. Since the White Box comes with half a dozen sides, that means you get up to six individually programmed settings for a variety of experiences. Somewhat like a more futuristic version of The Rock's pad controller in the movie "The Game Plan".

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Auto Pet Bowl: Keep Pets Bowls Covered

post from Gizmos for Geeks on 27 January 2008 11:00:44 PM. © Gizmos for Geeks

Are you looking to give your pets something new and useful? Some people celebrate their pet’s birthday. And if you’re one of them, the Auto Pet Bowl is one of the best gifts you can give. This gadget is an electronic bowl designed to keep your pet’s food and water free from debris and contamination. [...]

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http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/GizmosForGeeks/~3/224658474/

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Wii Fit Coming to US in Q2

post from Gizmos for Geeks on 27 January 2008 10:53:10 PM. © Gizmos for Geeks

The “Wii Fit” is Nintendo’s next great controller and has been a huge success in both Europe and Japan since its release in Q4 2007 will be coming to the US in Q2 2008. The Nintendo Wii-based exercise game and tool has been included on nearly 150 games announced by Nintendo last week including “Mario [...]

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http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/GizmosForGeeks/~3/224325893/

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Amazon MP3 Store goes International

post from Ubergizmo on 27 January 2008 08:48:07 PM. © Ubergizmo

Amazon MP3 Store goes International

Online retailer Amazon.com now holds the distinction of being the only retailer to offer DRM-free MP3s from all four major music labels - that, and in addition to thousands of other independent labels worldwide. These offerings are now no longer limited to the US only, but internationally so the rest of the world can get on with their lives without being tied down to some sort of pesky DRM music on their respective audio players.

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Audio Cube Ottoman

Now this is one set of iPod speakers that takes the cake when it comes to extravagance - the Audio Cube Ottoman. Not only is it compatible with your iPod, it also accepts an MP3 player or other compatibile CD players, whereby your favorite tunes will rock out from the Ottoman itself. With a ton of colors to choose from (Pink Polka Dots, French Pink, Cardinal Red, and Black), chances are no matter what kind of interior decoration you have done with your home, there will still be a style that can find a place in your humble abode. The Audio Cube Ottoman retails for $189.99, with options to throw in more dough for a larger Audio Chair and Audio Bench.

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Asus Nova P2

Asus has a new tiny PC available for folks who want more space in their homes for other more important things, like a full gaming console set up (the Holy Trinity of an Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and PS3) and a nice, large flat-screen TV. The Asus Nova P2 could fill that niche pretty nicely, since it is extremely tiny in size, somewhat encroaching on the Mac Mini's territory without sacrificing on style. Specifications include :-

1.8GHz processor
1GB RAM
120GB hard drive
DVD writer
4 x USB ports
DVI port

Depending on your preference, you can leave it standing vertically or horizontally - pretty much everything does that these days anyways. Is the £450 asking price a wee bit too much to ask?

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