TerreStar Working on Satellite-Cell Hybrid Phone

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Stranded on a desert island? A satellite phone is just the ticket, but for all those other times, you probably want a traditional cell phone. TerreStar plans to combine the best of both worlds with a hybrid satellite-cell phone (not unlike the satellite phone pictured above), possibly due out later this year. The target market is government agents and emergency workers who need service even when there is none, but this kind of phone could be useful for adventurers who don’t want to be cut off completely from the world. The biggest question of all — pricing — isn’t known yet, so it remains to be seen whether TerreStar can avoid the fate of past ventures, such as Iridium and Odyssey.

Energizer XPal is Energy In Your Pocket

We’re in an age where AA and AAA batteries just aren’t that important anymore. With iPods and cell phones, it’s all about USB, and Energizer had the brains to recognize that. The XPal uses lithium polymer batteries to provide some extra juice, and then plugs into a wall to recharge itself. But wait, there’s more: The XPal can accommodate several jacks besides USB, and if your device doesn’t fit, Energizer will send a a tip extension for free, and will continue to send up to two tips per year for as long as you need them. Additionally, you can purchase a clip charger that juices up camera batteries simply by attaching to them. The full range of XPals are available for $20 to $200.

Tiny SoundWare XS 5.1 Speakers Set by Boston

Big sound out of small speakers is pretty hard to find, but not if you’re considering the new SoundWare XS 5.1 Surround Speaker System by Boston Acoustics. A tiny system that has been designed to be shelf, wall or corner mounted, it comes with five satellite speakers spec’d down to 150Hz (each with a 2.5-inch woofer and a 0.5-inch dome tweeter), and an 8-inch 100W subwoofer. A budget-midrange solution, the new SoundWare XS 5.1 Speakers Set will set you back some $500 and promises to complement any interior décor in white and black.

A Gold-Plated Wii for Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth puts her pants on just like the rest of us, one leg at a time, except once her pants are on, she gets a gold-plated Wii. Yes, the Queen Mum’s got a fever, and the only prescription is tacked-on motion controls and the illusion of exercise. This is actually a publicity stunt by THQ for its upcoming Big Family Games, with the story that the Royal Family is “arguably the most important family in the country,” so the company had to commission this special console. Nevermind the fact that she already has one. I guess this will allow Prince William to spend more time with Madworld, or maybe the extra attention will help put an end to later game release dates in England (and the rest of Europe, by proxy). Either that, or the golden Wii will collect dust just like everyone else’s.

Swedish Space Mower Trims With Technology

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

When the first child born to moon colonists finally becomes a teenager, he (or she, but who are we kidding) will likely lap dad’s lunar lawn with something that looks like the Panthera Leo. Swedish equipment maker Husqvarna debuted its spacey new mower this week, a Zamboni-looking gas/electric hybrid that can be recharged by any household outlet. The zero-turn mower has five electric motors, powered by lithium-phosphate batteries that are said to provide a two-hours charge, a paddle-controlled blade adjustment built into the steering wheel and a high-tech LCD that displays speed and obstacle proximity. [via engadget]