Hasta La Gadget!

Apple said last week that it expected its new Apple TV to cross the one million mark in sales before Christmas, and it’s now quietly confirmed that it’s managed to do just that. For those keeping score, that means it’s sold a million in three months, which is certainly impressive for something Apple still describes as a “hobby,” although that description does have the peculiar tendency to lower expectations somewhat. As you may recall, Roku also announced last week that it expected to sell a million units before the end of the year, and its CEO noted that the introduction of the new Apple TV actually seems to have led to a spike in sales of its own media streamers.

Apple confirms it’s sold one million new Apple TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week’s most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us — it’s the Week in Green.

Eco transportation took off this week as researchers in Sweden discovered a new molecule that could make rocket fuel 30 percent more efficient. We also caught up with Russia’s plans to construct a new high-speed rail system for the 2018 World Cup, and we saw several major auto manufacturers give their vehicles green upgrades – Ford announced it will insulate its 2010 Focus with recycled jeans, and Chevrolet launched plans to transform 100,000 pounds of used oil booms into parts for the Volt.

The past week also saw bright horizons dawn for renewable energy as the world’s largest parabolic trough solar plant received a $1.5 billion DOE loan. The world of consumer tech was energized by the sun’s rays as Toshiba unveiled a new solar-powered e-book reader and one designer developed a solar-powered desalination system that could keep shipwrecked survivors alive at sea. We also brought you artist Michael McKean’s plan to shoot rainbows across the sky at will with his solar-powered rainbow generator.

Speaking of spreading renewable cheer, this month Japan’s Enoshima Aquarium unveiled the world’s first Christmas tree powered by an electric eel. The FAA also got into the holiday spirit as they approved a next-gen Santa sleigh that delivers gifts 53% faster, and if you unwrapped a new video game system this year, you may be interested to know that the Nintendo Wii was recently crowned the most energy-efficient next-gen gaming console. Finally, if the wintry weather has you feeling down, just take a peek inside this supermassive airship hangar, transformed into a year-round tropical island getaway.

Inhabitat’s Week in Green: rocket fuel, recycled jeans, and the electric eel powered Christmas tree originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What you’re looking at above is a real, actual object found in the material world. It’s an Etch-a-Sketch so modified, as to look like a glorious leftover from a bygone era that never was. What era, you ask? Oh, the Victorian era — so named for the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch — with a great dash of fancy added into the mix. We’re talking alternate history, people! A history so wonderful, so beautiful, that a lowly red plastic Etch-a-Sketch could end up both complex and inordinately heavy looking. Made by an industrious youth as a Christmas gift for a chum, we couldn’t imagine a better way to make this boring old gadget look so jolly well festive. Hurrah!

We know you didn’t get this Steampunk Etch-a-Sketch for Christmas, but you probably want it now, don’t you? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There are run-of-the-mill KIRFs, above-average KIRFs, and this. While we’ve definitely been privy to a few comical iPhone / iPod knockoffs over the years, there’s a certain layer of hilariousness to this one that just can’t be beat. The iPod nano watch isn’t even a genuine Apple product; in fact, it’s simply a mod that’s so easy, your mum could probably pull it off with minimal effort. That clearly hasn’t stopped the factories in Shenzhen from churning out an iPod nano watch knockoff, complete with a 1.8-inch resistive touchscreen, inbuilt SIM card slot, Bluetooth, a microSD slot, FM radio tuner, a side-mounted camera sensor and a speaker for good measure. You’ll even get a fancy “Slide to Unlock” screen before being able to dig into the underlying UI, but that chintzy plastic wrist strap all but destroys any respect it was hoping to garner. Thankfully, the unit you’re peering at above is being dubbed an “engineering prototype,” with the final version expected to boast a 3.5mm headphone jack and a modicum of self-worth. We’ll see, won’t we?

iPod nano watch gets knocked off, has little to worry about it originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This article was written on April 13, 2007 by CyberNet.

According to Apple’s primary manufacturer, Apple has plans to release a Wi-Fi iPod sometime in the second half of this year. While Apple hasn’t made an official announcement regarding this, I’d like to think that their manufacturer does have some clue what they’re talking about, and that it’s reliable.

One company (Universal Scientific Industrial) will supply the Wi-Fi chipsets, and Foxconn will build the finished units.  A Wi-Fi iPod has been rumored ever since what seems like the beginning of the iPod. It makes sense on so many levels, and it really does surprise me that Apple hasn’t gone this route already.

Why a Wi-Fi iPod makes complete sense:

• The demand is there– people want this feature!
• Competitors have already added wireless.
• Wi-Fi music downloads (if offered) would be quick and useful.
• Convenience.

Microsoft has been criticized for the way in which they implemented the wireless, and many have said it’s near worthless. Sure you can search for other Zunes near you, or send songs for the 3×3 trial, but they didn’t go the extra mile. Here’s Apple’s chance to make the most of the wireless capabilities, and learn from the mistakes that Microsoft has made with the Zune’s Wireless to give consumers what they want.

MacNN.com also speculates on whether this new iPod would switch to a touchscreen control mechanism which could certainly be a possibility.

This time, I actually think a Wi-Fi iPod might finally be coming…

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