Sony Let’s You Charge PlayStation Store Content to Your… Mobile Phone Bill?!

If you enjoy playing games or watching movies on your PS3 or other Sony device, you may be interested to hear that Sony has added a fourth option for adding funds to your PlayStation Store digital wallet. Previously the only options were credit card, prepaid gift card, or PayPal. Now you can charge digital content to your mobile phone bill.

That means using your mobile phone and SMS text messages you can purchase additional items such as games, DLC, movies, and TV shows. You can even charge monthly Music Unlimited subscriptions to your phone bill. Sony says that adding funds to your digital wallet from your phone bill will require the user to reply to an SMS text message and text messaging rates will apply.

All charges will be placed on your mobile phone bill in the next payment cycle. Apparently, some prepaid mobile phone services will also support this payment type. This sounds weird until you think about the fact that some people may not want to trust Sony with their credit card information and a lot of people don’t have PayPal accounts.

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/31/playstation-store-charge-to-mobile-phone/

500 km/h Duck-billed Trainipus Resumes Testing in Japan

Japan already has some the fastest commuter trains in the world – with railways crisscrossing the country running as fast as small aircraft. While the country is already home to some incredibly speedy trains, Central Japan Railway Co. recently resumed testing of a next-generation train that’s even faster. This next-gen train uses maglev technology, and an unusual shape to help it travel at up to 500 kilometers-per-hour (~310 mph).

Traveling at that speed, the train will be able to go from Tokyo to Nagoya in only 40 min. Current high-speed trains in Japan need 95 minutes to travel the same 286 km distance. The train is currently being tested on a 42.8 km long maglev test line.

Building out the maglev line to span the whole 286 km is expected to cost around $52 billion (USD). Construction is set to begin in April 2014 and the builders will have to tunnel under the skyscrapers of Tokyo and the Japanese Alps in order to complete the route.

At least at top speed you won’t have to look at its ugly mug.

[via JDP]

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/31/500-kph-bullet-train-japan/

Pressy Shortcut Button for Android: Modern Morse Code

Modern smartphones only have a few buttons, which by default are stuck performing one or two actions. The pull down shortcut menu in Android devices is a great way to access some of the most toggled settings, but you might have other apps or actions that you want to activate quickly. That’s where Pressy comes in.

Pressy is a small button that plugs into the headphone jack of an Android device, providing you with an extra input method. It will have a companion app where you’ll set your shortcuts. The video below indicates that you can set 1, 2 or 3 clicks, and each click can be long or short. If that’s true, that means you can save up to 14 shortcuts at once. For instance, you can set a single short press of Pressy to activate your camera or three long presses to close all running apps.

Also, in the video you’ll see that users will be able to activate the shortcuts using headsets that have playback buttons, so in theory Android users will be able to enjoy Pressy’s features without spending a cent.

As of now Pressy will only work with devices running Android 2.3 and up. The company behind Pressy, Nimrod Back, said that Pressy may come to iOS but via Cydia, i.e. it will only run on a jailbroken iOS device. Pledge at least $17 (USD) on Kickstarter to earn a Pressy as a reward.

It seems like a great accessory, but as of this writing, backers have at least one crucial unanswered question about Pressy: Will a device recognize Pressy as a headphone? Because that might break some basic features. For instance, it could block the audio from an incoming phone call, because the phone is sending the audio to a headphone or headset that’s not actually there. Hopefully Nimrod Back responds to that soon.

[via The Next Web]

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/30/pressy-android-headphone-button/

N64 Book Casemod: The Nintendomicon

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Unless the book’s cover has the logo of the Nintendo 64 on it, along with a power switch and a cartridge slot. Also when the book wasn’t actually a book to begin with. I therefore judge the Nintendomicon to be guilty of third degree awesomeness.

The Nintendomicon was made by Redditor JHood_. He carved holes out of a wood and leather box that looks like a book. He intends to give it to his brother as a classy yet geeky send off gift. The Nintendomicon is JHood_’s first mod, so understandably it’s far from perfect. For one, it has no air vent, although it does have a fan. He also bungled its name, calling it “Nintendomnicrom” when he actually meant to spell “Nintendonomicon.” In the end he accepted the renaming suggestion of a fellow Redditor.

The missing reset button though? That was intentional. JHood_ said he hates the button.

[via Imgur & Reddit via Obvious Winner]

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/30/n64-book-casemod-nintendomicon/

Tech Deals of the Day: Friday, 8/30/2013

Our friends at TechBargains.com compile a list of daily deals to help you save money. Keep in mind that as with any good deal, products are limited in quantity and can sell out quickly – so don’t hesitate to check them out now.

If you’re looking to buy a product from a specific store, save money with updated and verified coupon codes here.

Computers & Peripherals:

• PNY Technologies Classic Attache 128GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive $47.99 plus $4 shipping (normally $89 – use this form)


• Buffalo MiniStation Stealth 1TB Portable HDD and Total Defense Premium Internet Security Software $19.99 plus $4 shipping (normally $89 – use this form)


• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Software for Mac/Windows (FULL VERSION) $99.00 plus free shipping (normally $149)


• Logitech H340 USB Headset $9.99 (normally $24)


• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro Lifetime Software (1 PC) + FREE AVG AntiVirus 2013 Software $14.97 plus free shipping (normally $49 – use code: EMCXMTX53)


• Factory Refurbished Microsoft Surface RT 10.6″ 32GB Tablet PC with included Black touch Cover + 1-year Warranty $199.99 plus free shipping (normally $499)

Home Entertainment:

• Seiki SE39UY04 39″ 4K Ultra LED LCD HDTV $549.99 plus $32 shipping (normally $999 – use code: CEL98809)

Personal Electronics:

• La Crosse Technology BC-700 Alpha Power AA 7& AAA Battery Charger $25.85 plus free shipping (normally $39 – use code: SPRINGCASA20 and GOCRAZY)


• Sony Alpha NEX-5R 16.2MP APS-C Mirrorless Digital Camera (SILVER) $449.99 plus free shipping (normally $749)

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/30/tech-deals-of-the-day-friday/

Custom Willys Jeep Rat Rod Eats Dirt for Breakfast

What do you get when someone decides to “rat-rod” a Willys Jeep from 1945? Rat rods are custom cars that imitate and exaggerate early hot rods. I have to say that despite its low ground clearance, this particular rat looks like it could go toe to toe with dune buggies.

The team at Randy Ellis Design were inspired by the 1945 Willys Jeep. This kind of Jeep was used by the US Army in World War II. However, these guys built their vehicle from scratch with a custom fiberglass shell. There are some authentic Willys parts throughout the build, but it has plenty of modern features like an air bag suspension that gives it 7-inches of travel. It’s powered by a 1977 Chevy 350 V8, which is coupled with a 3-speed automatic transmission for plenty of torque.

This ride does look pretty awesome, though I wonder how it would fare in a race against a dedicated sport UTV like the Polaris RZR.

[via Hi Consumption]

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/29/custom-willys-jeep-rat-rod/

This Kindergarten is a Giant Cat

Kindergarten is all about having fun while learning things like your ABCs and numbers. And what could be more fun than going to school inside of a giant cat?



Die Katze in Wolfartsweier near Karlsruhe, Germany is just such a children’s school. The building is designed to look like a giant, white cat. It was designed by artist Tomi Ungerer and architect Ayla-Suzan Yöndel. The building looks like it is ready to pounce at any moment.



The circular windows at the front are the eyes and the tail in the back is actually a slide, for recess time. What kid wouldn’t love to go to school here? Inside this school has all of the usual amenities like classrooms, coatrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and a main hall.

This is definitely one way to make kids want to go to school.

[via Like Cool]

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/29/kindergarten-cat/

Tech Deals of the Day: Thursday, 8/29/2013

Our friends at TechBargains.com compile a list of daily deals to help you save money. Keep in mind that as with any good deal, products are limited in quantity and can sell out quickly – so don’t hesitate to check them out now.

If you’re looking to buy a product from a specific store, save money with updated and verified coupon codes here.

Computers & Peripherals:

• Acer Aspire X AX3995-UR20 Intel Core i3-3220 Dual-Core Ivy Bridge Desktop Computer $349.99 plus free shipping (normally $499 – use code: VME20BTS)


• Newest 4th Generation 2013 Apple MacBook Air MD711LL/A Intel Core i5 Haswell 11.6″ Laptop $899.99 plus free shipping (normally $999)


• HP ENVY Touchsmart 15t-j000 Quad Edition Intel Core i7-4700MQ Quad-Core HASWELL 15.6″ 1080p Touchscreen Notebook Computer $819.99 (normally $1019 – use code: LABORDAY13)

Home Entertainment:

• Battlefield 3 Premium Edition Digital Download PC Game) $11.99 plus free shipping (normally $30 – use code: GFDAUG20)


• LG 55LM4600 55″ Passive 3D LED LCD HDTV w/ 4 Pairs of 3D Glasses $778.00 plus free shipping (normally $1000)

Personal Electronics:

• Refurbished Canon PowerShot S100 12MP 5X Digital Camera (BLACK) w/ 1-Year Warranty $199.99 plus free shipping (normally $299)


• Certified Pre-Owned Barnes and Noble Nook HD+ 9″ 1920×1080 IPS 16GB Tablet w/ Full 1-Year Warranty $109.99 plus free shipping (normally $169)


• Belkin BE112234-10 10′ Surge Protector (12 Outlets) $17.99 plus free shipping (normally $29 – use code: EMCXMVL75)


• Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens $709.00 plus free shipping (normally $1019)

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/29/tech-deals-of-the-day-thursday/

Ford Makes Fiesta More Appetizing with a Bacon Wrap

Two of my favorite things in all the world are cars and bacon. I think bacon is the reason God put pigs on earth and the man who invented bacon should be immortalized on Mount Rushmore. I also happen to think that the Ford Fiesta is one of the least attractive cars on the market.

However, I do like bacon and Ford has announced some custom bacon graphics specifically for the 2014 Fiesta. The most bacontastic of the wraps is the one you see in the image above – showing 12 salty and crispy slices of bacon spread all around the car. That is a somewhat over the top representation of your love for salty pork in my book.

Ford does have a few other bacon graphics that you can add to your car if you’re looking for something a little more subtle. My favorite are the bacon racing stripes, a pair of bacon strips that you can place on the hood of your Fiesta that resemble classic dual racing stripes.

Ford also offers the side of bacon graphics with two individual strips of bacon wrapped over the rear wheels. Ford created these bacon themed wraps in celebration of International Bacon Day. Yes, that is the official holiday for bacon, which happens on August 31 each year.

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/29/ford-fiesta-bacon-wrap/

Portraits “Drawn” with LEGO: Brick Sketches

We’ve seen a LEGO creation that can draw, but I was pleasantly surprised to realize that you can also use LEGO to draw. That’s what Chris McVeigh is doing with his Brick Sketches series. He makes 12″ x 16″ portraits of geeky characters not with ink or paint but with LEGO.

Speaking with My Modern Met, Chris said he was inspired by his artist friends, who were creating miniature sketches. You might think that using LEGO would be easier than using ink, but it has its own challenges as well. Chris said that “it can be a real challenge to find just the right combination of plates to represent a specific character. Adding to the complexity is that not all parts are available in all colors, and worse yet, I may not have all the parts on hand. “ He’s done a great job so far though!

Head to Chris’ Flickr page to see high res images of his Brick Sketches. You can also keep an eye out for them on Chris’ blog or on his Facebook page.

[via My Modern Met]

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/29/lego-brick-sketches/

Nintendo 2DS Announced: It’s Just Like the 3DS, Except It’s More Confusing

Nintendo’s announcement of the Nintendo 2DS is one of the most surprising developments in the gaming world this year. As an entry-level variant of the Nintendo 3DS, the 2DS can play all 3DS games and thousands more DS games. But unlike the 3DS and the 3DS XL, the 2DS can’t be folded. It’s upper screen also can’t display stereoscopic 3D, hence the lose-lose situation regarding its name. It’s an honest name, but for some people it will be like being told that a Honda Bivic exists. And it’s a Civic.

According to Kotaku, the 2DS’ screens are the same size as the ones on the 3DS. The lower screen is still a touchscreen and the 2DS will also come with a stylus. But as you can see its Circle Pad and face buttons are on the upper half of the device. I think the buttons were shifted up so that the shoulder buttons – which are at the top of the device – will still be within your index finger’s reach while your thumbs are on the Circle Pad and face buttons.

Aside from the “slate” form and the lack of a stereoscopic 3D display, the 2DS has a few other deficiencies compared to its big brothers. For one, it only has a mono speaker, but you can still get stereo audio via its headphone jack. It also has no physical Wi-Fi switch; you’ll have to toggle that from within the menu. So it’s a lesser device, but that means it also has a lower price. It will only cost $130 (USD), $40 cheaper than the 3DS and $70 cheaper than the 3DS XL.

The Nintendo 2DS will be available on 10/12/2013, which is also the day Pokémon X and Y are released. That timing should help push units right from the get go; it will be enough for many people to see that the 2DS can play the latest Pokémon game. But only time will tell if Nintendo’s questionable naming scheme and hilarious yet also depressing decision to ditch their system’s main feature will pay off.

Will customers think that there are 2DS games? Or that the 2DS can’t play 3DS games? Will developers still care about the quality and functionality of stereoscopic 3D in their 3DS games? Will Nintendo finally realize that they have to come up with a practical naming scheme for their devices? Seriously, why didn’t they just name it the 3DS Jr.?

[via Nintendo & Kotaku]

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/29/nintendo-2ds-release/

Comfort Cast Makes Broken Arms Look Almost Desireable

Whenever you have a broken limb, life can get quite difficult. There aren’t plenty of ways that you can make it better, however, sticking a screen on it and completely modernizing is something I hadn’t thought about before now.

The Comfort Cast concept by Kyuho Song is definitely an improvement over a traditional cast. You can use the e-Ink screen to Facebook your status, and it will even allow doctors to monitor your condition remotely, and has a media player built in. It even has an air pressure system so the cast can be adjusted.

The system includes a charging and disinfection system which makes the Comfort Cast reusable too. It’s going to be interesting to see if something like this will ever be available. Hopefully, you’ll be able to rent them directly from hospitals and give them back once you’ve fully recovered.

[via Yanko Design]

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/28/comfort-cast-digital-cast-concept/

Logitech G602 Wireless Gaming Mouse Runs 125 Hours on Single AA Battery

Gaming peripherals are great because they are built to last long, since gamers aren’t always delicate with their devices. They also pack plenty of features, making them more useful than just plain-Jane peripherals.

The Logitech G602 gaming mouse comes with 11 programmable buttons, which is pretty sweet. The design of the mouse fits the hand neatly, and it has got a 2500 dpi optical sensor, and the ability to change sensitivity on the fly.

Contrary to typical gaming mice, this one is also wireless and it will run for up to 125 hours on a single AA battery. With 2 AA batteries in place, the mouse should run at least 250 hours. Plus, there’s an enduro mode that will make them last for over 1,400 hours!

The Logitech G602 gaming mouse will cost $79.99(USD) and will be available in September on shelves, is available for pre-order now over on Logitech’s website.

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/28/logitech-g602-wireless-gaming-mouse/

The City of Marseille Needs Batman

It looks like the citizens of Marseille, France’s second largest city, need a guardian. Of course they want the best. Batman. Residents of Marseille are fed up with the crime in the city. Gang crimes have escalated and the politicians are not doing anything.

So now they have created an online petition asking for the Caped Crusader to help them. A few thousand people have signed it and liked the accompanying Facebook page. Even though this is a mock petition, it sends the message they want. They are fed up and it is time for a change. The petition says that adding more police officers is just a band-aid that’s not curing anything.

Hopefully the city leaders get the message, because Batman is already too busy fighting crime in the U.S.

[France 24 via Nerd Approved]

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/28/city-of-marseille-batman/

Tech Deals of the Day: Wednesday, 8/28/2013

Our friends at TechBargains.com compile a list of daily deals to help you save money. Keep in mind that as with any good deal, products are limited in quantity and can sell out quickly – so don’t hesitate to check them out now.

If you’re looking to buy a product from a specific store, save money with updated and verified coupon codes here.

Computers & Peripherals:

• Patriot Tab 16GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive $7.99 (normally $25 – use this form)


• Samsung 840 Series 120GB Internal SATA III Solid State Drive $79.99 plus Free Shipping (normally $99 – use this form)


• Gateway DX Series Intel Core i5-3330 Desktop PC (8GB/1TB) $399.99 plus free shipping (normally $449 – use Coupon Code: VME20BTS)


• Acer Iconia W3 Intel Atom Z2760 Dual-Core 8.1in 32GB Win8 Tablet w/ MS Office $249 plus free shipping (normally $379)


• HP ProLiant G7 N54L AMD Turion II Neo Ultra Micro Tower Server $249.99 plus free shipping (normally $389 – use use this form and coupon code: EMCXMVN226)


• Staples $20 off $100 Coupon – Seagate Expansion 3TB Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive $79.99 & MORE (normally $149 – use this coupon generator)


• Dell Outlet Home Coupon Code 30% off Refurbished Monitors (u3014 30in $655.90, 2340m 23in $116) plus Free Shipping (use coupon code: 34$JBXXHJ?9XCP )

Home Entertainment:

• 29” LG 29LN4510 29in LED LCD HDTV for $169.99 (normally $329 – use coupon code: AMQ99292)


• Fitdesk X Pedal Exercise Bike Computer Desk $189.99 plus free shipping (normally $250)


• 39” Toshiba 39L2300U LED LCD HDTV (1080p, 120Hz) for $349.99 (normally $479)


• Apple iTunes $50 Gift Card $40 plus Free Shipping (normally $50)

Personal Electronics:

• Fiio E10 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier $49 plus free shipping (normally $79)

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/28/tech-deals-of-the-day-wednesday/

Black Milk Mass Effect Clothing: The Sexiest Clothes in the Citadel

Black Milk Clothing’s combination of body hugging fit and geeky coating has been a winning formula so far. A lot of people love (being seen) wearing them. Even more people love looking at their product shots. The shop’s officially licensed Mass Effect line is no different.

The leggings, dresses and swimsuits are available in a variety of designs, including the N7 insignia, a drawing of Tali and pages taken from what I assume to be the official Mass Effect comics.

Stop calibrating and head to Black Milk’s online shop to order. They cost between about $76 to $89 (USD) each.

[via InventorSpot]

via Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/28/mass-effect-clothing/