By: Chief Gizmateer, Gizmos for Geeks
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

Welcome to the next step in robotics for hobbyists… the PC-BOT is a mobile robotics platform that runs off a PC allowing you to create new functional robots from off the shelf computer parts.

The robot basically is a mobile PC with standard bays and even runs the same operating systems that a PC runs (although the robot is scared of going blind if “upgraded” to Vista). The platform allows your computer to move, talk, see, hear, sense and can physically react and respond to the physical world.

It’s a bit pricey, but if you’re a true hobbyists what’s a couple thousand?

Source: Gizmos for Geeks

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

As Jimmy wrote earlier, Sony reached a settlement earlier this week with California and Texas over the rootkit debacle from last year. Today, a group of 39 other states announced a similar agreement, with a $4.25 million settlement with the record label over the issue.

Like earlier announced agreements with both Texas and California, consumers will be eligible for compensation of up to $175 for those who can provide documented evidence that a Sony rootkit caused damage to their computers. Source: BetaNews

We Say: The same website Jimmy wrote about earlier can be used for file a claim for these other states. Additionally, as part of the settlement, Sony will no longer distribute CDs with either either MediaMax or XCP copy protection on them.

By Jimmy Daniels
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

There have been many posts here about the Sony anti-piracy programs, XCP or MediaMax 5.0, i.e. rootkits, that was installed with some music cd’s distributed by Sony, well, this MAY be one of the last, as they have settled the lawsuits that were filed in Texas and California.

Sony BMG Music Entertainment will pay $1.5 million and kick in thousands more in customer refunds to settle lawsuits brought by California and Texas over music CDs that installed a hidden anti-piracy program on consumers’ computers.

Not only did the program surreptitiously monitor users’ behavior, but the method Sony BMG originally recommended for removing the software also damaged computers.

The settlements, announced Tuesday, cover lawsuits over CDs loaded with one of two types of copy-protection software — known as MediaMax or XCP. Source: Businessweek

We Say: You can file a claim for $25 to $175 in refunds, visit this website, http://www.sonybmgcdtechsettlement.com/ to file a claim.

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

For as long as I can recall, many times (not always) when a commercial comes on during a TV show it is a LOT louder than the show itself. So loud that you have to reduce the volume to be comfortable. Of course, with remote controls that’s not really a big deal, but now with this new device it can be automated.

It’s a simple little box that automatically detects when a program has gone to commercial and lowers the volume accordingly. You take the audio output from your cable or satellite box, plug it into the VR-1 then plug the VR-1’s outputs into your TV. Audiovox provides you with an RCA patch cord to help complete the task.

On the front of the VR-1 is a switch to turn the active circuitry on or off and a light to tell you the included AC adapter is plugged into the wall outlet. That’s all there is to it. Source: MSNBC

We Say: The reviewer sat next to the device so he could turn it off and on, but he couldn’t really discern a difference. Now maybe that’s really good design … or maybe he just didn’t have a commercial come on that was particularly loud. At any rate, we Americans have gotten lazy enough already with remote controls that I think I can forego the extra (admittedly reasonable) expense of approximately $40.

By Martin Regtien
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

Double Trouble … or … Double Joy?

” Staying out of DOUBLE trouble is easy now with the QSTARZ Double 32 Bluetooth GPS Receiver!
The recently announced BT-Q818 gives us double the endurance — 32 hours — and double the normal number of satellites tracked — also 32.
So running into the double trouble of poor reception and running out of battery is now a thing of the past.
For 89 Euros this looks like an excellent choice and we undoubtedly will bring you more details when we get our review unit.

And by the way, PocketPCReviews.net can now reveal the mystery of how the Tiny BT-Q920 GPS brings us the joy of music! We reported earlier on the existence of this receiver with its special feature that works on an FM transmitter. See here for a preview of the actual unit which FedEx dropped off today!

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

As I previously said, speculation over Apple and an iPhone has been rampant. But what I didn’t know, and apparently many didn’t know, is that the iPhone is a trademark which was acquired by Cisco Systems after the 2000 acquisition of telephone equipment supplier InfoGear. And now it’s been applied to a new Linksys product.

The wireless iPhone allows users to make free or low-cost internet phone calls using the Skype service.

It joins a growing market of phones which use wi-fi to make telephone calls instead of traditional mobile networks. Source: BBC News

We Say: Thankfully, since it’s a registered trademark, Apple won’t be able to sue as it did in cases like the ProfitPod.

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

Rumors have been rampant about an iPhone to be announced at MacWorld in 2007. Now there’s a rumor that’s possibly just as exciting. Apparently Google has been talking to Orange, the mobile phone carrier, to create a GooglePhone, which will make it easy to search the web wherever you are.

Executives from Orange flew to Silicon Valley in California for a meeting at Google’s headquarters, or ‘Googleplex’, to hold preliminary discussions about a joint deal. The companies believe that they have an affinity as brands that are perceived as both ‘positive’ and ‘innovative’. Source: Guardian Unlimited

We Say: The story says the phone would be manufactured by HTC, meaning it most likely would have Windows Mobile as an OS. But if the only differentiating factor will be searchability … I’m not sure. The primary function of even a smartphone or PDA phone is as a phone. Most users still underutilize their smartphones. Still, Google is a big name. We’ll have to wait and see when and if this shows up.

By Chief Gadgeteer, Gizmos for Geeks
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews.

Another product that falls into the category of “Why didn’t they come out with this sooner?” This steam iron by Oliso has an ‘auto-lift’ system. If your hand isn’t on the handle, the iron automatically deploys some legs so that the hot iron plate isn’t in contact with the clothes or ironing board. Touch the handle, and the legs retract. Like many other irons today, it also has an automatic shut off, and also features horitzontal steaming for those suits or shirts that need a few wrinkles removed.

We Say: Nifty gadget, and even at a hundred bucks, this could be very well worth it for the safety factor alone.

Source: Gizmos for Geeks.