Hacking the PSP Blog

Off Topic: The iPod Toilet Paper Roll

It gives a completely new meaning to the phrase 'rock 'n' roll'. For boffins have invented a cutting-edge gadget combining a portable music player and a toilet paper dispenser.

The state-of-the-art device - called an iCarta - makes it easier for people to listen to beats while using the bathroom.

It is designed, according to the US manufacturers, to "enhance your experience in the smallest room".

The gadget, which costs around $99, or £54, merges an iPod docking station with a loo roll dispenser.

After music lovers have downloaded songs from the internet on their iPod, they can place it in a socket in the top of the dispenser.

Read the full article here.

(so what if all of your music is crap?)

On Screen, With Music, Sony Will Test Sales in Kiosks

So what will it be — a candy bar or a digital camera? With the installation of new souped-up automated kiosks in three shopping malls this week, Sony hopes to make the purchase of many of its electronics products as easy as buying a piece of chocolate.

The first locations — in malls in Atlanta; Boulder, Colo.; and Santa Rosa, Calif. — are part of a bigger test by Sony to increase sales by melding the simplicity of online buying with the immediate gratification of a store purchase.

But please, do not call these new devices vending machines. "This is automated retail; we call them robotic stores," said Gower Smith, founder and chief executive of Zoom Systems, the San Francisco company supplying the technology.

Eric Taub
June 12, 2006

Source: New York Times

Energizer Announces Energi-To-Go PSP Portable Power Packs

Energizer has just informed us all that they have officially announced their new line of battery packs specifically made for those on the go, dubbed "Energi-To-Go", and have tailored the new portable power units specifically for the PSP. These new packs will go on sale in September '06 at a MSRP of $29.99.

I find it pretty cool that Energizer, a highly reputable battery manufacturing company, actually spends time to recognize the PSP as a device which has a large enough market for them to pour R&D money into. The power pack will contain a smart connection tip specific to the PSP, as well as a reusable charger, which should work seamlessly with the PSP. Can't wait to see some pictures on this!

Source: PSP3D

Game Hearing Gets Nasty

At yesterday's hearing entitled Violent and Explicit Video Games: Informing Parents and Protecting Children, members of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection took turns taking jabs at the videogame industry, the ESRB, and even the FTC.

Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Stearns (R-FL) began by recognizing the creativity, fun and educational value of games. The sweet talk ended there, however, as it seems Stearns is still not over the whole Hot Coffee incident. Rockstar Games and the FTC recently reached a settlement on the issue, but that wasn't good enough for the Chairman. He called on the FTC to submit a full report to Congress on the settlement.

Other Subcommittee members aired grievances with the FTC as well. Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX), who claims to be a Civilization IV fan, said the organization has been "tardy" in reporting to Congress, adding: "I am fed up with games like Grand Theft Auto being marketed under false pretenses."

Read more on this here...

Daemon Hatfield
June 15, 2006

Source: IGN