Point Grey puts USB 3.0 into a webcam, along with other telltale signs of over engineering

We kid, we kid. We're sure it was totally necessary to put SuperSpeed USB 3.0 into this new desktop video camera to push uncompressed 1080p, 60 fps video to a computer. According to Point Grey, that unbridled bandwidth allows the camera to offload compression duties to the computer and allows for spiffy applications like face recognition and a general level of uncompressedness. At the heart of this camera is a 3 megapixel Sony IMX036 CMOS sensor, but we'll have to wait until IDF next week to get the lowdown on the rest of this camera's crazy ways -- and sure-to-be-crazy price.

NASA's Desert RATS field tests the Lunar Electric Rover on simulated 14-day mission

NASA just took its fancy Lunar Electric Rover for a spin around the Black Point Lava Flow in Arizona for a bit of simulated moon exploration. The 14 day mission had a couple of crew members holed up inside the vehicle for the duration, proving the suitability of the vehicle for such a lengthy jaunt -- and providing for a good amount of Odd Couple-esque hijinks inside, to be sure. The LER also managed to track down "lost" crew members in a trial to test out the navigation systems of the rover, and docked with a habitation module mounted on the ATHLETE vehicle. Sounds like a real party down there! Video is after the break.

Haier steps out of character, builds ultra-desirable Jian i7 ultra-thin laptop

The last time Haier really wowed us was back in 2007 when the company was peddling its "screen-on-a-stick" laptop tech. Two years later we've got this little beauty to drool on: the Jian i7. The 13.4-inch Core 2 Duo ULV laptop is pretty dang thin, weighs 3 pounds, and retails for a mere 6,000 Yuan (about $879 US). Where do we sign up?

Video: Vstone's tiny Robovie-nano robot drives the lane, jumps, shoots, scores retail availability

There is certainly no shortage of humanoid robots conspiring to attack your savings, but few look to offer the combination of tiny size and amazing dexterity of the Robovie-nano, the little guy from Vstone who is now shipping to would-be Dr. Frankensteins. He's just 230mm tall (about nine inches) and weighs 575g (about a pound and a quarter), but looks to be at least as nimble as larger forebearers and is far cheaper than most, costing just ¥49,350 ($540) to start -- less than a set of those sweet robot hands we spotted last week. For that you won't get the optional "gripper shaft" mitts shown above, or the paintable Lexan bodywork he sports in the video after the break, but nobody ever said a robot needs clothes, right?

T-600 USB Drive

Solid Alliance(JP) has released the T-600 Terminator skull USB Drive(the skull from the movie Terminator 4 – Salvation). T-600 USB Drive is handmade and measures at 27mm(W) x 45mm(D) x 12mm(H). it has 2GB storage and 42g weighs. T-600 Skull USB drive available in Japan Trend Shop, Priced at $150

Moneual 701 Jewelry Computer

Moneual has introduced the most expensive computer in Korea called the 701 Jewelry. Moneual 701 Jewelry is covered in 3,554 Swarovski jewels and house in gold and brass panel. Moneual 701 Jewelry is powered by a Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and it comes with 500GB HDD, 7-inch multimedia touchscreen display, ATI Radeon HD 4000 and its running on Windows Vista. Moneual 701 Jewelry will cost you $30,000.

The Combimouse

Combimouse features a standard QWERTY keyboard and integrated standard mouse.

• Looks weird as – the left is a left hand of QWERTY keyboard, and right side of the Combimouse is designed to like a ‘big’ mouse(the keys I, O, J, K, L as the mouse buttons), when you grip it, it will automatically change to mouse mode.

G3 Waterproof Digital Camera by GE

New G3 Wp waterproof digital camera has released by GE.

Features

• Waterproof to 10 feet
• 12.2 Megapixel sensor
• 4x optical zoom
• Auto Scene Detection
• Pan-Capture Panorama
• ISO 3200

A 2a7-inch LCD with an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts its brightness.

PSP Go unboxing (update: with video!)

Sony's just handed us a shiny new, UMD-less PSP Go (or "PSPgo," depending on who you ask) to run our greasy fingers all over, and while we can't give you our impressions until later this month, we can let you live vicariously through us and our unboxing photos. Enjoy!

Update: Now with video, after the break.

Gallery: PSP go unboxing

Pentax debuts 12 megapixel duo: Optio M85 and E85 point-and-shoots

We'll admit -- compared to the ketchup-colored K-x, these two just seem lackluster. And, perhaps they are. But there's still some merit to Pentax introducing a new pair of point-and-shoots, with both the M85 and E85 sporting 12 megapixel CCD sensors and relatively slim bodies. The former can also shoot 720p video and features a 3-inch touchscreen, shake reduction and face detection, while the lower end E85 gets saddled with a 2.7-inch LCD, a VGA movie mode and an awkward feeling of incompetence. Both should be available in Euroland next month for €179 ($263) and €129 ($186), respectively.

Vuzix Wrap 310 video eyewear actually isn't the ugliest thing of all time

Could it be? Could it really be? Has Vuzix actually deployed a video eyewear solution that isn't completely unsightly in every imaginable way? Our eyes may be deceiving us, but we're going with "yes, amazingly" for the time being. Unlike the company's iWear line -- which looks pretty much exactly like the specs worn by Geordi La Forge -- the unpriced Wrap 310 resembles a set of sunglasses. Now, these aren't apt to be mistaken for Aviators or those patented Kayne joints, but at least you'd look halfway civilized if caught in public with these on your face. Packing a pair of video displays and promising a virtual 55-inch image, these get juiced by just two AA cells and can play nice with pretty much any video source, iPod and iPhone included. There's also an expansion port that'll give it VGA / component outputs in the near future, and if you subscribe to science fiction, it could also be used to read minds in around a score.

Dell curiously announces ST2210 and ST2310 LCD monitors

Oh, Dell. Oftentimes we wonder if you guys even want consumers to know that you've got new kit for them to ogle. Shortly after we discovered that the ST2410 LCD monitor was both a) real and b) on sale, we're now having to turn to YouTube in order to catch wind that two smaller models have also been announced to accompany it. The ST2210 is a 21.5-inch panel with a 1080p resolution, 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (we know, we know...), 250 nits of brightness, a five millisecond response time and HDMI / VGA / DVI inputs. The 23-inch ST2310 is essentially a larger version of the 2210, with screen size being the only real differentiating factor. We should note, however, that unlike many Dell LCDs of the past, these two go Apple-style and ditch the ability to adjust height up or down; you can angle the LCD forward and back, but that's it. Both are available now for $259 and $229 in order of mention, and yes, that does mean that you can get more for less.

[Thanks, John]

Read - ST2210
Read - ST2310

JVC brings $1,000 HD Everio GZ-HM400 camcorder to America

JVC introduced its HD Everio GZ-HM400 in Japan way back in late July, but at long last, the time has come for the Yanks in attendance to grab one as their own. Shipping now (as in, right now) here on US soil, the Full HD camcorder packs a 10.3 megapixel sensor, 32GB of internal storage, an SD / SDHC expansion slot and the ability to capture stills at 9 megapixels. Over on the video side, users will have access to a trio of slow-motion recording modes (600fps, 300fps and 120fps), though we can't express in mere words how disheartened we are to hear that this thing utilizes the thoroughly worthless AVCHD format. If you aren't bothered in the least by that, you can pick yours up now for a nickel shy of a grand.

Gallery: JVC brings $1,000 HD Everio GZ-HM400 to America

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Video: Tachyon XC helmet cam, and its Siamese 3D sibling, now shipping to headgear worldwide

The world is an ever more extreme place -- and ever more safety conscious too. That means more helmets per capita and thusly more helmet cams. The Tachyon XC is the latest, shipping in not one but two flavors. First up is the standalone model for $180, which packs a couple of batteries and an SDHC card into a lightweight, durable, fully waterproof case. Rather more interesting is the $380 XC 3D, a pair of the cams joined at the hip that record simultaneously and ship with software to join the fruits of their sensors into one mind blowing segment. 3D footage can be displayed in a variety of formats, including the red/blue standard style that rocked the '60s or cross-eyed mode, like those magical posters that look like fields of dots but explode into shapely images of naked ladies when you focus right. Sure, gluing two separate cameras together is perhaps a bit of a crude way to enter the third dimension, and strictly VGA recording is decidedly disappointing, but check out the video results below in cross-eyed mode before you write this off as an over-priced novelty.

Zune HD gaming and app downloads confirmed: Twitter, Facebook, and 3D games on the way (updated)

The promotional video and leaked shots already made it clear but now it's official: the Zune HD will be a gaming and application platform. In addition to a few casual games, calculator and MSN Weather apps pre-loaded onto the Zune HD, the official Microsoft press release touting the launch contains this little nugget of gaming gold:

"Later this year, Zune plans to release free applications such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune, in addition to fun 3-D games such as "Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition," "Vans Sk8: Pool Service" and "Audiosurf(TM) Tilt." Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software."

Hear that Nintendo, Sony, and Apple? There's a new handheld gaming platform in town. All that remains to be seen is how it will integrate with the Xbox 360.

Update: A bit more is revealed in a Seattle Times Q&A with Brian Seitz, Microsoft's Zune marketing manager. At the moment, the strategy is to keep all the apps and games free and developed in-house or in close collaboration with third parties -- no third-party SDK for devs to freely crank out apps just yet. Seitz is clear that games will be the primary focus of the "sometimes-connected" Zune HD and the Windows Marketplace is Microsoft's priority for handheld app development:

"So what we didn't want to do was build two parallel app store experiences that didn't work together. Right now our product roadmaps didn't line up perfectly for us to snap to what they're doing or vice versa... Down the road if there's a way we can work with Windows Mobile or another group inside the company that's building an app store and take advantage of that, that's something we'll look into."

Man, Windows Mobile 7 and the rumored OneApp app store can't get here soon enough.

Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 bundle has a 250GB HDD, $400 price tag

While the Forza 3 set is still an unconfirmed listing, there's no denying the Xbox 360 has just upped its storage capacity options with a 250GB HDD bundle clad in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 emblems. Asking price is $399.99 and that includes the game and two black wireless controllers. Our friends at Joystiq have conjured up some images of the packaging as well as some shakycam footage of the debut from a LA press event, seen after the break.

Update: It's now available for pre-order care of Amazon. Oddly enough it lists only Composite A/V cables for input -- what gives Microsoft, no love for Component?

Did Dell quietly kill the XPS 730 gaming rig?

We're not claiming that the suits in Round Rock really have a 187 on their hands just yet, but the evidence is mounting. For quite some time, Dell's XPS 730 gaming PC was the outfit's flagship unit, throwing down insane benchmarks and garnering boatloads of cash from those willing to pay the premium for cutting-edge hardware. Now, however, it seems that the lesser XPS 720 is the only classmate remaining, with all links to the 730 leading to soul-crushing "We're Sorry..." pages. To make matters worse, Dell CSRs have apparently been telling inquisitive consumers that they have phased out the 730 and are pushing folks to select an Alienware machine instead. So, do any of you folks know of some backdoor way to keep ordering this here beast, or should we really break out the new Brand New CD and paint our eyelids black in memoriam?

[Thanks, Garry]

Update: Seems it's still around in some corners of the globe (we're lookin' at you, Canada), so maybe it's just the whiny Americans getting the shaft. Typical.

Panasonic commandeers 'Avatar' Powersuit for IFA display of force

Panasonic's IFA press event is just underway, and you know what that means: a whole bunch of TVs. 3D TVs, to be exact, and Panasonic has teamed with James Cameron's flagship 3D feature Avatar to push those wares. Best sign of this blossoming friendship? A few tons of movie prop guarding the Panasonic booth entrance. Hide your pristine wildlife and mystical native forms of understanding, people!

Asus AiGuru SV1T Skype Videophone Gets a Touchscreen

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At the price of a netbook ($300), the first-gen Asus videophone was more for those wanting to video Skype without a PC (think Grandparents). But the navigation was fiddly, so they've now made the 7-inch (800x480) display touch-capable.

Asus has also made the interface more icon-based/finger-ready, and improved support for conference calls. We don't know the specs yet, but I'd like to see the first generation's VGA camera and 802.11g upgraded. And if Asus wants to have a shot with this thing, they better look to slash the price by half, too.

Vu1 Corporation sees bright future for ESL light bulbs

Rivalries. Controversy. Government intervention. The life of a light bulb isn't easy these days, and it looks like things are about to get even more complicated. While CFLs and LEDs may now be fighting it out to replace traditional incandescent light bulbs, Seattle-based Vu1 Corporation says it has developed a new type of bulb that's better than either of 'em, and could hit the market by mid-2010. Making use of ESL technology (or electron stimulated luminescence), the new bulbs seem to be the cure-all many folks have been looking for, with them promising to provide a more natural light than CFLs or LEDs, turn on as quickly as an incandescent bulb, and eliminate some of the pesky problems associated with CFLs (like their use of mercury). According to the company, they'll also be about as efficient as CFLs, although they will cost about $20 a pop to begin with, which Vu1 says is comparable to a dimmable CFL reflector bulb. Some bold claims to be sure -- claims made even bolder by the must-see "documentary" after the break.

LG introduces XPION X30 Ion-based nettop

Apparently not content to let ASUS have all the fun, LG's just announced the XPION X30, its first Ion-based nettop. This little fella features an Atom N230 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 250GB HDD, and ships with Windows Vista (for the time being, at least). Aside from sporting six (count 'em!) USB ports, it weighs in at a mere 2.4 lbs, draws just 40 watts of power, and can be VESA mounted to the back of your LCD. But never mind all that -- as long is it allows us to stream American Ninja from Netflix with minimal fuss we're happy. Debuts tomorrow in Korea.

Gallery: LG XPION X30

Pentax K-x hands-on

We just got a quick look at Pentax's value priced, 720p-shootin' DSLR, the K-x. Unfortunately, the models we saw were pretty early prototypes, so we didn't get to really see how the camera performs. Overall the build quality seems solid, but nothing incredible -- though quite good for the $650 pricepoint. We were sad to hear that those crazy color options will be Japan only: the US is only getting red, white, blue and black. But how about that red! We can honestly say it's one of the wilder shades we've seen on a consumer electronics product, and our camera seemed have a trouble comprehending the particular shade of red. We look forward to all the curious looks we'll get when we have a final build of the product to play with in the wild.

Gallery: Pentax K-x hands-on

Nokia N86 8MP finally available stateside

It's still showing as a preorder on Nokia USA's own site, but Amazon and the brick-and-mortar flagship stores in Chicago and New York are finally stocking the N86 8MP -- a little bit of a stretch for the "coming weeks" claim made at the North American version's launch announcement back in July. The beefy dual slider features a 2.6-inch QVGA OLED display, US 3G up to 3.6Mbps on the downlink, and WiFi -- but clearly the big draw is its 8 megapixel cam with Carl Zeiss optics around back accompanied by a dual LED flash. We would've liked this last month, but the good news is that it's launching for less than the $558 originally mentioned: Amazon's got it written up at $469, while the flagship stores are apparently hawking 'em for $30 more.

Mission-style PC casemod easily slides into your La-Z-Boy collection

Jeffrey Stephenson is to case mods what Benjamin Heckendorn is to console mods. There, we said it. After watching the former pump out wood-grained mod after wood-grained mod, Sir Jeff has issued yet another -- wait for it -- wood-grained mod. The black walnut mission-style side table is actually a full-blown PC in disguise, with a standard ATX mid-tower within that's equipped with an Intel Core i7 CPU, NVIDIA graphics and dual stage temperature-controlled exhaust fans. He notes that it'll be available next Spring for those with fine tastes, though we're sure he'd customize it to fit your living room suite for the right price.