Man Creates Life Size WALL-E, Makes You Want to Smile

Computer programmer, Mike Senna, took it upon himself to build a life-size WALL-E, as seen from the Disney-Pixar movie of the same name...and it's awesome.

Back in 2003, the California resident built a replica R2-D2 unit, which he would bring out to visit the City of Hope Pediatric - a children's hospital for cancer survivors .  The reactions he received were so strong, that he set out to build something that has a bit more emotion behind it.  Cue WALL-E.

Senna devoted about 25 hours a week for the last two years outside of his day job, working on completing the replica from scratch.  Using absolutely no blueprints, he relied solely on watching and re-watching the film in extremely close detail...and it shows.

My hat goes off to Senna for taking countless hours of his time, just to be able to brighten a child's day.  You can see a video of his WALL-E after the break and can also find out more Senna's journey by checking out his blog, sennaswalle.blogspot.com.

PS:  I dare you not to smile... :)

Apple Granted Mobile Software Patent That Could Seriously Hinder Device Market

If you've been following the ongoing patent war between Apple and pretty much every OEM out there, well I've only got news for you:  things are going to get even uglier.

Apple was recently awarded ownership of US patent #8223134, which covers "Portable electronic device, method, and graphical user interface for displaying electronic lists and documents" and about 30 other separate claims.  The extremely broad terminology encompasses most UI features on a majority of today's smartphones, including "the displaying of documents on a screen, UI modules for a telephone, video player, camera, and browser, and even scrolling and a multitouch interface feature".  This is pretty much bad new for any company currently producing smartphones, that isn't Apple.

Now I am admittedly an Android fan, favoring Google's OS over Apple's iOS, so I am a little biased when it comes to stuff like this.  But, it seems that Apple isn't doing much innovating these days and instead, is attacking anyone that threatens their crowned jewels - the iPhone and iPad.  The fact that they keep being granted these very broad software patents, is somewhat of a joke, and is just allowing them to stifle   any direct competition.  In Apple's eyes, companies like Samsung, HTC, Motorola and Google have "stolen" from them...which is pretty laughable when you think about it given Steve Jobs own comments on "stealing".  While they see it as protecting their intellectual property, many would argue that all Apple really did was copy existing ideas and just make them "prettier".

While I do favor Google's offering, I will give Apple credit where credit is due.  They did single handedly change the face of the cell phone market with the introduction of the first generation iPhone.  I also have a MacBook Pro, which I love dearly.  However, stories like these really make me hate them to a degree that may seem unhealthy.

Ultimately, this is a big fat loss for us consumers, as OEMs may need to start "dumbing" down their own smartphone offerings in order to avoid getting hit with an oncoming storm of lawsuits, thus limiting your choice of smartphone.  While no lawsuits regarding this patent have been filed yet, you know Apple is just waiting to unleash their fury.

What do you think of this "victory" for Apple?  Are you for them "protecting their intellectual property"?  Or are you like me and think the US patent system is ridiculous for granting them this patent?

Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Via: TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog 

iPhone 4S Mod Adds Glowing Apple Logo & Flashlight Headphone Jack

Last September, iPatch iPods developed a method of modding existing iPhone 4 and 4S's to allow the Apple logo on the back of the phone to be backlight, similar to what's seen on MacBooks.  While still quite not ready for public availability, it hasn't stopped them from showing off a new feature that transforms the headphone jack into a flashlight...which remains fully functional btw.

No word on final pricing, but initial estimates for just the backlighting mod ran between $79 - $158 US, depending on mass production costs.  Word is they are also currently working on a fibre optic headphone cable that "would give you illuminated cables in different colors".

If interested, you can check out some more details at iPatch's site here.  You can also check out a video of the mod in action after the break.

What do you think?  Would you be willing to void your warranty?

Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Don't Give Old People Technology Without Explaining It

Below is the translation of what is going on in this scene, but you could probably figure out what's going on without it.

Daughter: Dad, I meant to ask you, how do you get along with the new iPad that we gave you as a birthday present?
Dad: Good.
Daughter: You also get along with all those apps?
Dad: What apps? Can you please move a little bit …. so ….. What?

Via: Geeks are Sexy

Netflix Does Not Plan to Support BlackBerry Users

Sorry BlackBerry users.  Turns out that Netflix won't be giving you any love in the near future.

Reuters is reporting that Netflix has no plans on supporting the BlackBerry Playbook or any other BlackBerry device for that matter.

After a lackluster debut a year ago, RIM has just released its PlayBook 2.0 OS for the BlackBerry Playbook.  The new OS come with an Android emulator pre-installed, allowing users to run Android apps on their device.  However, according to TechCrunch, it doesn't appear that the Android Netflix app works.

I personally feel that RIM needs to do something drastic in order to compete within the smartphone market.  Once a dominate force within the space, they've been steadily losing market share to iOS and Android at a rapid pace.  If something isn't done soon, BlackBerry may become a thing of the past.

Via: TechCrunch

The Future is Here: Transparent Touchscreen Windows

Samsung unveiled it's one-way, touchscreen glass window pane last week at CES.  You can do things like check your email, surf the web and even close a virtual set of blinds.

Take a look at the window in action as Mobile Nation's Ashley Esqueda does a quick walk through.

I can't wait until these are commonplace in most homes.  WELCOME TO THE FUUUUTUUUURE!!!

Via: Geeks are Sexy