Apple’s Ping gains a million users in first two days

We’re still trying to figure out exactly what Apple’s new Ping social network is good for, but apparently quite a few people are curious about it: it’s already racked up a million users in its first two days. That’s just a third of the people who’ve downloaded iTunes 10, so we’re sure the numbers are will grow even faster as more people snag iTunes and the network effect starts to kick in — and things will get really crazy if Apple and Facebook ever work out their little tiff . Just remember: it’s a social network..

Logitech Revue and Google TV get very early blurrycam impressions

Well, what do we have here? Looks like a Logitech beta user was kind enough to (potentially break his NDA and) show off his early grab: the Google TV-infused Revue

App Review: Angry Birds (Android)

What does it take to make an addictive game? Not much — just throw in some super simple controls, cute graphics, and basic physics.

Vodafone’s Microsoft Surface: like Go Fish for phones

Microsoft worked with Vodafone late last year to deploy Surfaces to a few dozen stores in several European countries (much as AT&T has done in the US), and one of those units happens to be set up at the carrier’s IFA booth this week. The basic idea here is that each available model appears as a card that can be twirled, resized, and flung around the screen

Galaxy Tab with WiMAX coming to Sprint this November?

The CDMA-equipped Samsung Galaxy Tab has so far been nothing more than a sticker in a random snapshot and some whispers about Verizon , but Boy Genius Report is saying that the Tab’s also bound for Sprint ’s network this November, on both its 3G and 4G (i.e. WiMAX ) network — à la the Galaxy S / Epic 4G

Xbox 360’s transforming D-pad controller gets handled on video

Boy, we’ve gone from rumor to hands-on experience in just a couple of days with this thing. Microsoft’s November 9 -bound Xbox 360 controller refresh couldn’t escape the clutches of Joystiq , who have put together a neat photo gallery and video overview. That chrometastic new D-pad is clearly the headliner here, and the early feedback is that it works well — it takes a bit of effort to transform from a flat button to the elevated four-way navigator you see above, but that’s apparently a good thing as it means you’ll never flip modes by accident in the middle of a hot and heavy gaming session

Stealth’s rugged USB keyboard is extremely tough, extremely pricey

There are no hard and fast rules in the gadget game, but there is one bit of wisdom we generally stand by: everything benefits by being ruggedized . Sure, we know this speaks to a deep-seated need to smash things, drown things, run ‘em over in a truck or shoot them — and we’re not making any excuses

Guitar Sidekick brings your phone to your guitar, while your guitar gently weeps

You may not want to be seen rocking one of these at your next gig, but if you’ve been trying to juggle your phone and guitar while using some of the endless number of apps out there, you might just want to consider this so-called Guitar Sidekick from Castiv. As you can see, there’s not a whole lot to it — just a bracket that attaches to the neck of your guitar, and an adjustable mechanism that will accommodate just about any smartphone (or even a PSP). No word on an iPad version just yet, but you can grab this one right now for $30.

Kodak PlayTouch preview

While Sony’s new Bloggie Touch provides the template for how simple and easy a touchscreen camcorder could really be, Kodak’s similarly well built and attractive PlayTouch provides a stark contrast, with a modicum of simplicity on the surface, but a megaton of functionality to uncover. The PlayTouch isn’t as pick-up-and go as the Bloggie, but the basic touchscreen controls can be quickly mastered. What sets the PlayTouch apart are the in-depth features like an external microphone jack (complete with gain control), video effects (like black & white and sepia modes), and the particularly ambitious video editor

Philips Dimenco glasses-less 3D TV of the future, hopefully our future

The problem with the future is that it’s always 3 to 5 years away. Nevertheless, what you’re looking at is what Philips and Dimenco, a small company of ex-Philips engineers, say will be coming to the consumer television market as early as 2013 — earlier if you’re in the professional advertising business or just want to view your family photos on a small 3D photo frame. Just remember that Philips has been showing off variations of the glasses-free technology behind this prototype lenticular lens television for years , so we’re not getting our hopes up.

Next Page »

WorldTechMag Latest

• Apple’s Ping gains a million users in first two days
• Logitech Revue and Google TV get very early blurrycam impressions
• LG Optimus One and Optimus Chic eyes-on
• Cambridge scientists develop lower-than-low power WORM memory
• SD Card Association: flash card speeds to triple by 2012
• Klipsch issues first on-ear headphones, Image S5i Rugged and bargain Image S3 earbuds
• App Review: Angry Birds (Android)
• Vodafone’s Microsoft Surface: like Go Fish for phones
• LG’s 180-inch plasma that wasn’t
• Panasonic cranks out new 31 and 19 Series Toughbooks for Japan
• Galaxy Tab with WiMAX coming to Sprint this November?
• Droid R2-D2 gets docked — not in a X-Wing
• Engadget’s back to school guide: Printers
• New official MeeGo screenshots show promise, influence
• Xbox 360’s transforming D-pad controller gets handled on video
• Rydeen hopes to cash in on tablet fever with Android-based, Armada-powered PND
• New Jersey transit looks to add WiFi to its rail lines and stations, New Yorkers to pretend they didn’t hear that