Transformer

The 404 280: Where we get Synched Up with Rich DeMuro

We have a sneaking suspicion that Natali Del Conte crept into the podcast studio over the weekend and planted a cherry bomb in our computer, because we run very, very close to losing the entire recording of today's show with Rich DeMuro of Synched Up. Luckily, Wilson "Al Borland" Tang is able to save the show, and although the audio isn't quite up to par, we gotta make do with what we got (it's not a lot).

So be sure to listen to today's show. We ask Rich about his new show Synched Up, … Read more

Rinspeed to debut transforming electric concept car

Swiss automaker Rinspeed will debut at the 2009 Geneva auto show an electric concept car that changes shape to conform to the number of passengers on board.

The iChange is a lightweight, 4,280mm (approximately 14 feet) EV sports car with a teardrop-like silhouette designed to maximize fuel efficiency for the single passenger. But with the push of a button, the sloped rear of the car pops up to accommodate two additional passengers, if needed.

The concept sports car forgoes doors, opting for a very ADA-unfriendly clamshell roof. Rinspeed is obviously assuming that in the future, women will no longer wear skirts. … Read more

What the fashionable nerd is wearing

I admit, I'd totally get these if I had the remotest chance of needing them. I mean, they're silver-plated Transformers cufflinks. What's not to like? You get one Autobots logo cufflink and one that represents the Decepticons.

OK, while they don't transform into robots, a pimptacular car, or a boombox (yes, I'm still bitter I never got Soundwave), maybe they will convince someone that there's more to you than meets the eye.

Alas, they're sold out at finkstudio's Etsy store right now, but who knows? They could be back soon. Hope springs … Read more

Gadgettes 95: The beauty and the butt episode

Beauty...that's the easy part. Working "butt" into the podcast in multiple places, now that's simply raw talent.

Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 95

Estee Lauder makes vibrating mascara http://fashionista.com/2008/06/estee_lauder_makes_vibrating_m.php

Pamper your beauty products with the B7 http://www.beautygizmo.com/pamper-your-beauty-products-with-the-b7

The iPhone fingernail problem http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2008/06/the-fingernail.html

Setgo Transport lets you wear your geekiness like a badge of honor http://dvice.com/archives/2008/06/setgo_transport.php

Laser-cut scarfs http://gizmodo.com/5017927/laser+cut-scarfs-verdict-fashion-and-laser-beams-ftw

Lasers for fat http://www.allure.com/magazine/2007/08/A_Laser_For_Fat … Read more

Gadgettes 88: The 'scaring the bejesus out of us' episode

They're creepy, sometimes crawly, and some might classify them as ooky. Then there are people like Kelly who don't seem to be afraid of the dark like the rest of us. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 88

Robometer concept device promises to help you feel happy http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/ robometer-concept-device-promises-to-help-you-feel-happy/

BAE Systems working on spider-bots, other ways to scare you to death http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/ bae-systems-working-on-spider-bots-other-ways-to-scare-you-to-d/

Coffin sofa brings creepy furniture to new extremes http://dvice.com/archives/2008/04/coffin_sofa_bri.php

Push-kun, the cute robot with the … Read more

'All Spark' cube transforms into USB hub

It seems like yesterday, but it was a year ago that we were in the throes of Transformers mania. For months its merchandizing machine was flooding the market with everything from earphones to shoes trying to capitalize on the blockbuster movie. We thought they'd exhausted all the possibilities, but apparently one was left out near the end of the geek food chain: a USB hub.

It's not as bad as it sounds. Though hardly the most sophisticated gadget, the "All Spark" cube bears a design and significance that true bot-fans are sure to appreciate, as Everything … Read more

How to play 'Transformers' with your phone

It's kind of surprising that one of the big handset makers didn't come up with a Transformers phone at the height of the movie's hype last year. After all, just about every other form of gadget tried to cash in on it, from laptops and stereos to earphones and MP3 players.

Perhaps Softbank just and Toshiba knew that that true Optimus Prime loyalists would appreciate such a phone regardless of the movie. But it's unclear whether hard-core fans would look past the fact that the new 815T PB handset on the Japanese market doesn't really … Read more

Lucasfilm nets six technical Academy Award nominations

As you probably have heard by now, it's Oscar nominations day, and Hollywood is all a-buzz.

But up here in the Bay Area, there are some pretty happy people as well.

That's because the folks at Lucasfilm divisions Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound were honored with a total of six nominations Tuesday.

ILM was nominated for its visual effects work on both Transformers and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

ILM's John Knoll and Hal Hickel, who were nominated for their work on both of the two previous Pirates films, and who won … Read more

Video: Two real-world Transformers

They're not 100 feet tall, and the cars they turn into aren't all that aerodynamic, but a couple of real-world Transformers are strutting their stuff over in Japan.

Robots Dreams has up-close and personal videos of WR-07 and Gogic Racer, two humanoid bots that transform into remote-control cars.

Better yet, you'll eventually be able to buy a kit to build your own Gogic Racer from SK-Pang, the Japanese company that created both bots.

Like Optimus Prime to Bumblebee, WR-07 is the bigger and bulkier of the two robots, while Gogic Racer is smaller and less fluid when … Read more