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cube posts

gCubik shows off its good side, and every other while it's at it (video)

by Ross Miller posted Oct 9th 2009 at 6:46AM

Remember gCubik? It's been a few months, but to recap, it's a cube developed by researchers from NICT that features textured surfaces that present you a different view on the "internal" image based on viewing angle, giving the illusion something is physically in the box. Theoretically, at least -- it's pretty low-resolution and in the early stages of development. We stumbled upon the device at the CEATEC showfloor this week and decided to snap some video while there. There were moments when the effect was lost, and getting too close completely blurred what we saw to the point of incomprehension, but again, this shows a whole heap of potential that's fascinating to us. See it for yourself after the break.

Continue reading gCubik shows off its good side, and every other while it's at it (video)

USB retro wooden speaker escapes the crap pile by the slimmest margin

by Darren Murph posted Aug 5th 2009 at 8:06AM

Try if you wish, but you'll never convince us that the masterpiece you're peering at above should be lumped in with every other crapgadget out there. Sorry, it just ain't happening. The wondrous USB Retro Wooden Speaker / MP3 Player Cube does mostly what it says: you insert a flash card or USB drive, and it plays back MP3 files through the pair of 3-watt stereo speakers. Those vintage buttons can skip tracks and pause things for a brief moment of silence, while the bundled remote keeps your nates planted after a hard day's night. There's even a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input in case you're short on flash, and the built-in rechargeable battery ensures that this bad boy will be showcased at your forthcoming tailgate parties. There's a whole lot of awesome here for $29, wouldn't you concur?

Clarion's MiND finds a home in LA-area Nissan Cubes

by Darren Murph posted Jul 26th 2009 at 8:48PM

With the whole "direct to consumer" approach failing epically, Clarion has evidently resorted to pushing remaining inventory of its largely unwanted MiND mobile internet device onto Nissan dealers in Los Angeles. In all fairness, we do suspect that these are moving more briskly than, say, Celio's REDFLY, but we can count the amount of MIDs we've seen in public on two or three hands. At any rate, Nissan has signed on to offer the multifaceted Atom-powered device as an optional accessory in its Cube, but at least initially, it'll only be made available at select dealers in the LA area. For those opting to outfit their new whip with one of these, Nissan will include a dedicated docking kit harmonized to the vehicle's instrument panel, and the user interface will also be tweaked for in-car usage. Look -- this is absolutely better than those lackluster, overpriced NAV units shoved into most dashboards, but at $799 plus installation, it's not like you're getting the steal of the century here.

[Via Pocketables]

Rubik's TouchCube to make debut this weekend... on QVC

by Vladislav Savov posted Jul 23rd 2009 at 9:44AM

It's not every day that QVC gets first dibs on hot new gadgets (though it's occurring far more frequently than we're proud to admit), but we're hearing that the teleshopping channel will be the place to go if you want to be among the first to own a Rubik's TouchCube. Believe it or not, the swipe-controlled retro toy will be available to buy for the first time on the Christmas in July segment this weekend. Look - if you've been wondering what QVC looks like in full, unadulterated HD, but have up until now failed to secure a good excuse to check it out, this is your chance, and yes, you're welcome. The full statement from the company is after the break.

Continue reading Rubik's TouchCube to make debut this weekend... on QVC

iPhone 3GS line begins in NY, weather be damned

by Paul Miller posted Jun 18th 2009 at 1:49PM

It's pretty gross in NY right now -- sure, you've seen rain before, but you've never really experienced it until you've seen the grit and determination of these city folk wandering around in a light downpour with their $500 umbrellas. That's why it comes as zero surprise to see that despite the ongoing drizzle, a few brave souls have gathered in front of Apple's flagship store to be among the first in the States to get an iPhone 3G S tomorrow morning. Sure, they could've pre-ordered for delivery and stayed dry, but what's the fun in that? So far it's four friends from The iLife blog keeping each other company, with plans to upgrade one of the crew's original iPhones (for that attractive full subsidy price). These guys also braved the mayhem of the iPhone 3G launch, and who knows if they'll wise up before the next one. By 7AM tomorrow they'll have spent 24 hours in the elements -- quite a lot of commitment for a phone, but hey, that video recording bit is pretty neat, and male bonding is forever. Meet these guys and their cloud-sent adversary on video after the break, and check out the read link for their ongoing liveblog of the launch -- naturally courtesy of some iPhone 3.0 tethering.

Gallery: iPhone 3G S line begins in NY, weather be damned

Continue reading iPhone 3GS line begins in NY, weather be damned

G4 Cube given wheels, automation, the will to race Woz's Segway

by Ross Miller posted May 30th 2009 at 7:31AM

Not wanting the Allspark to beat them to the punch, the gang at thinkingbricks has given life to an Apple G4 Cube, complete with LEGO Mindstorms NXT-borne retractable wheels, a Bluetooth controller, automation via sensors, and a creepy red LED. That transparent base really makes the wheel deployment much more dramatic, a nice touch if we do say so ourselves. There aren't any step-by-step instructions, but there should be plenty of information at the page if you're thiking of making your own as a weekend project. Either way, be sure to check it out on video, located after the break.

Continue reading G4 Cube given wheels, automation, the will to race Woz's Segway

Cube H200D PMP adds an HDMI output, a few color options

by Darren Murph posted May 15th 2009 at 12:46PM

Cube already caught us off guard last month with a 1080i-capable PMP, and this month it's outdoing itself once more. The H200D has yet to be fully detailed, but we do know that it'll rock an expansive touchscreen, an HDMI output, RMVB support and arrive in red, blue or grey. Too bad it'll take a flight to China to ever find one, but here's hoping someone over on US soil takes a hint.

[Via iTechNews]

Cube H100HD PMP does 1080i in a tiny package

by Tim Stevens posted Apr 21st 2009 at 8:23AM

Thought 720p output from a PMP was impressive? Try 1080i on for size. Yes, Cube has seemingly one-upped itself, introducing a new PMP called the H100HD that, like its predecessor, sports a 5-inch LCD and support for a variety of video and audio formats, but adds in an FM tuner, support for simple Flash games, and another step up the HD resolution ladder, all in a package that's a bit more svelte than before. And yes, it still does 720p output for those progressive types. No information on price yet, but since the last one sold for under $75 don't expect it to break the bank -- also don't expect it to show up at whatever electronics retailers are still in business where you are.

NICT's gCubik six-screened touchscreen cube in action

by Paul Miller posted Mar 10th 2009 at 6:28PM

In theory, NICT's gCubik sounds like a pretty wild idea -- wrap a box in six screens, simulate a 3D object inside, make it touchscreen interactive. In reality, the screens are perhaps just a bit too low-resolution to really pull off any sort of illusion, but it's certainly a start. The 3.5-inch VGA screens that surround the cube are themselves 3D, with 18 x 18 different viewable angles, drastically reducing the quantity of pixels available to each view. NICT is looking at full HD or higher resolution displays to refine the idea, and while users can currently touch the screens to move the object "within," they're hoping to add further interaction like cube-shakage further down the line. Video is after the break.

Continue reading NICT's gCubik six-screened touchscreen cube in action

Rubik's TouchCube splashes modern day onto timeless classic

by Darren Murph posted Feb 12th 2009 at 10:54AM

We're having a tough time recalling the last year in which not one, but two new Rubik's Cube spinoffs were launched, but sure enough, the Rubik's TouchCube is gearing up to join the Rubik's 360 at the American International Toy Fair. Christened the "first completely electronic, solvable Rubik's Cube," this one maintains the shape of the original but replaces the colored stickers with actual lights. Users ready to engage their minds simply hit the scramble button on the cube, and then rearrange the blocks by swiping their finger. There's no mention of when this will take store shelves by storm, but we're pretty sure it'll be around for the pre-Christmas rush. Oh, and you know you can't wait to hack one, which was darn near impossible on the analog version. In-action video is just past the break.

Continue reading Rubik's TouchCube splashes modern day onto timeless classic

Nissan pledges electric car in U.S. by 2010

by Tim Stevens posted Jul 10th 2008 at 4:53AM

Nissan pledges electic car in U.S. by 2010

Car companies have been promising fully electric autos for decades, but it seems like we're finally on the cusp of fuel-free, silent running. The Tesla, Zap, and Six50 EVs will all be on the road within the next year or so (we're betting on "so"), and GM's much-anticipated Volt plug-in will come a year after that. Nissan would like to politely remind you that it too plans to have an all-electric auto in U.S. by 2010, all the while lining up charging stations at places like commuter parking lots and train stations. The company recently showed off an all-electric version of its popular (in Japan) Cube at the NY Auto Show, so it's a safe bet that the above is Nissan's vision for the all-electric future of American highways. Shame they couldn't have picked something a little sportier.

[Via Autoblog]

iPhone 3G lines start at the Apple Cube... one week early

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jul 4th 2008 at 4:53PM

So we heard some really over-eager folks have decided to get a jump on the iPhone 3G line -- a really, really big jump. Obviously, we had to head down and see if it was true... and it is. Right now, about ten people have started a line outside of Apple's flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York. Word is that the family at the head of the queue are attempting to break some kind of record which involves their baby -- which kind of sounds a little intense if you ask us. On the other hand, you didn't hear Greg Packer complaining, right? We're going to wrangle some of these cats for an interview and video, so stay tuned! For right now, check some more pics after the break.

Update: We got a chance to speak with group leader Daniel on video, who let us in the gang's desire to break the world record for waiting in line, as well as some... er, broad political ideas. We also learned that the baby probably won't be forced to stay outside of the Apple Store all week. See it for yourself in the clip after the break!

Update 2: According to a Fortune report on the group, five of the ten have already hit the road, and New York City cops sent the baby packing not long after we visited the scene. The remaining neo-hippies have also refined their confused political message as well, which manages to come off as somehow more inane than just wanting to break a world record.

[Via GearDiary]

Continue reading iPhone 3G lines start at the Apple Cube... one week early

gCubik displays 3D images on 4-inch cube, we want

by Joshua Fruhlinger posted Jun 11th 2008 at 5:23PM

We've pondered the potential for 3D display cubes for years now, but the gCubik looks to bring us a bit closer to a final concept. Measuring just 10 centimeters (about four inches), this diminutive display device visualizes objects in all three dimensions on the facets of a physical cube. Created by Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), the device could see uses in science, business, and, most importantly, videogames. The little guy will be shown next month in Tokyo and then in August at Siggraph 2008 in the US, with hopes of adding tighter resolution and real-world applications shortly thereafter.

G4 Cube shell used to house Mac mini and friends

by Darren Murph posted May 23rd 2008 at 9:58AM

In Apple-loving households, there's a decent chance the Power Mac G4 Cube will never lose its luster. Case in point: one particular fanboy (yeah, we said it) took a gutted Cube housing and neatly fitted his Mac mini, Airport Extreme and "accessory HDD case" inside. Of course, he did have to exercise quite a bit of patience and showcase his cutting skills in order to make the optical drive accessible, but the end result is certainly something to be proud of. Hit the read link for the gallery of shots taking you from start to finish.

[Via Nowhere Else]

Mobiblu unveils the Nanum folding cube DAP

by Nilay Patel posted Dec 17th 2007 at 2:08PM

Mobiblu sure loves the cubes, and the Korean company busted out its latest take on the concept today, the Nanum. The screenless unit actually unfolds to a cross shape, but still features 1GB of storage, USB 2.0 connectivity, Lego-esque pop-out buttons, dimensions of just 1.1 inches a side, and support for MP3, WMA, and WAV. No word on Stateside availability or pricing, but travelers to Korea can get their box on (but not the Boxon) in red, white, or light green. Check a few pics of the unit folded and unfolded in the gallery.

[Thanks, Jules]