gadget news and reviews

Video: Install Chrome OS In VirtualBox 38

Google Chrome was announced yesterday. As a geek, the first thing I naturally wanted to do was install it. Since I don’t have an extra machine lying around, the easiest way to do so is to run it virtually on my existing machine. So I decided to make a quick screen cast on how to install Google Chrome OS in VirtualBox. (Credit for the idea goes to UbuntuForums) It’s actually quite easy, even if you’re computer illiterate. To get started, just watch the video below:

Things Needed:

• Download & Install VirtualBox (Free)
• Download & Unzip the Chrome OS image (via GDGT.com)

Update: Looks like GDGT posted a image for VirtualBox as well. However it doesn’t seem to work. Just stick to the VMWare .vmdk file for use with VirtualBox as I did. Otherwise it just loads a black screen.

That’s pretty much it. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask below!

Links: Watch This in HD on Vimeo.com

Quick Look: Powermat Wireless Chargers +

The Powermat is neat little gadget that lets you charge your devices wirelessly. The current model lets allows charging up to three devices at a time. Supported gadgets include Apple iPods/iPhones, Nintendo DS/DSi, and a few BlackBerry devices. A power block extends support to micro-USB, mini-USB, LG/Samsung phones, and a few other devices. The folks over at Powermat stated that kits for other popular devices will become available in the near future. For now, here’s my quick demo:

I’ll be publishing a few in depth review in the coming days, so check back soon!

Links: Powermat.com | Vimeo Link

Update: Read Our Full Powermat Review

LG Voyager Quick Preview +

Skatter Tech got a hold of the LG Voyager yesterday thanks to the folks over at Verizon Wireless. I just wanted to give everyone a quick overview of the phone before I published the review, so here it is.

http://skattertech.com/media/2007/11/lg-voyager-preview.flv

So far it has been looking pretty darn good. It’s no iPhone for sure, but its still got a lot of other neat features including Mobile TV and microSD expansion to offer. We also received the LG Venus yesterday, so check back for some un-boxing photos of that phone in addition to our full LG Voyager review today!

Multiplayer PSP Hack Video 61

In April 2005, I wrote the “PSP Multiplayer With One Game” article. It was an extreme hit, which drew over 30,000 views. The article simple explained the step-by-step procedure to play a multiplayer game on a PSP when only one copy of the game is available. (link provided below) Recently, many have claimed that the procedure written is no longer applicable to firmware v1.52., and that players can no longer see eachother in the game. This isn’t true it’s still possible and this video will demonstrate it. To make this easier for everyone I have created a 3-minute long video which goes through the process. The video demonstrates how to perform this “hack” with Twisted Metal. Please feel free to download this video and spread it as you would like. A summarized procedure is at the bottom of this post.

Download: PSPMultiPlayerHack.wmv
Mirror 1 | Mirror 2 (USE MIRROR 2 Only if 1 Does Not Work!)
(Note: Right-Click Save Link As… )
Update: Now On Google Video
Update: Now On Yahoo! Video

Format: Windows Media Video (WMV)
Size: ~25MB
Resolution: 640×480
Copyright: Creative Commons Liscense

Step-By-Step Procedure: (Twisted Metal w/ 2 PSPs)

1) Startup both PSPs and place the game into PSP #1.
2) Start an Ad Hoc game, create a server, and choose your settings.
3) Set time limit to unlimited (recommended), only because it takes a while to load the game in to PSPs since we only have 1 copy of the game.
4) Choose your car, but don’t start the game.
5) Remove the UMD & say no to quitting game.
6) Start the game in PSP #2 and go to multiplayer.
7) Enter the Ad Hoc mode and enter the server created by PSP #1.
8) Choose your car, but don’t start the game.
9) Remove the UMD & say not 2 exit game.
10) Place it back into PSP #1 and enter game
11) Once loaded take it out & and say no 2 quitting.
12) Put it back into PSP #2 and enter the game.
13) You should now be able to play eachother.

Link: Original PSP Multiplayer With One Game Article

Notice: If this for some reason does happen to damage or brick your PSP, Skatter Tech is not responsible. As always follow this guide at your own risk. From our experience we use this method all the time and have never had any issues. No complains received yet either.

Audio Blogger +

I was searching online, about how to set up a “Podcast” through my blogger site. I first thought about recording some audio, then uploading it and placing a link to it on a new post. But then if found AudioBlogger. It was created by Listenlab, who has formed a partnership with Blogger. This is a free service, and it comes with no catches whatsoever. All you do is visit their site through the link provided below and register. Then you will be given 1-661-716-BLOG. [P.S. (661) is the area code for Bakersfield, CA.] When you call this number, you enter the phone number you provided during registration and the 4-digit pin. You will be allowed to record a 5-min cast. Then the user will be able to post it from their phone, re-record, or cancel it. If you press post the file is instantly stored on AuidoBlogger’s site, and they will create a new post on your blog. The service is great the only drawback is the fact that you don’t have an option of entering in a title or the body until you get back to you computer. You will be able to delete the file from the settings in you Blogger account. Their website states that they are also working on Speech-2-Text, but they don’t say when that will be available.

Link: Audio Blogger | FAQs | +digg | digg story

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