Hasta La Gadget!

The folks at Foursqaure have just pushed out version 5.5 for their iOS app, and it packs a redesigned Explore section that crams more recommendations onto a device’s screen. While the new condensed place listings make better use of display real-estate, they still highlight ratings, friends who’ve visited, specials and tips. Though the fresh release is already up for grabs, Explore doesn’t seem to have undergone its metamorphosis quite yet. If you’re hankering for the concise interface, hit the second source link for the download.

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Tablets, Software, Mobile

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Source: Foursquare Blog, iTunes

In a bid to bolster its bottom line, Sony’s been selling properties like a desperate monopoly player, and the latest space on the board to go is the Sony City Osaki building for 111.1 billion yen ($1.2 billion). That follows the sale of its NY headquarters for a similar sum, and the move of its mobile HQ from Sweden to Tokyo. The Osaki building has been purchased by a Japanese holding company who will lease the building back to Sony for a period of at least five years, which seems to be the trend for electronics companies lately. The Japanese conglomerate said all the property deals are being made to “transform its business portfolio and reorganize its assets.” Translation? Sony needs the cash, natch.

Filed under: Misc, Sony

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Source: Sony

Usually when we get a peek at Google’s Mountain View home it’s to gawk at the latest Android-related statue but a Vanity Fair article posted today showed the company’s future HQ plans. After initiating plans for a new structure next to the existing Googleplex and then abandoning them last year, it’s opting for a new facility designed by Seattle firm NBBJ (which also created offices for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) in another area of the city. Planned to open as soon as 2015 — potentially ahead of Apple’s halo-shaped new digs — it’s called Bay View and consists of nine buildings connected by bridges over 42 acres.

According to Google it’s designed for many workers to operate just on natural light, and avail themselves of the many cafes and green roofs. Quoted in the article is civil engineer David Radcliffe, who claims that employees will never be more than a two and a half minute walk away from each other, which, along with the bent floorplan of each building, is intended to create opportunities for innovation through “casual collisions”. These are just some of the tidbits included in the article waiting beyond the source link, but we’re still trying to figure out where they hid parking spots for all the self-driving cars.

[Image credit: NBBJ]

Filed under: Misc, Google

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Source: Vanity Fair, LA Times

We were sold on the Keyport Slide when it promised not only to banish key-based clutter, but also incorporated two of our favorite things: flash storage and a beer access device. Now, the team behind it has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Keyport Slide 2.0, which is faithful to the original design but adds more scope for customization. Six slots play host to keys (obviously) and a mixture of inserts, such as the familiar USB drive (up to 32GB) and bottle opener, as well as the new mini-torch and barcode holder. The inserts can be switched out easily, and several others are in the pipeline, including a Bluetooth locator, “aftermarket auto remote,” pen, stylus, and the pièce de résistance, a letter opener.

An important question remains: how do you stuff keys inside it? If you reside in the US, you’ll need to fill out a form, send off pictures of your keys, and you’ll be provided with blank “Blade” inserts for making compatible copies. It’s a little more complicated for international folks, as they’ll need to ship out the actual keys for conversion. This all depends on whether you decide to back the Keyport Slide 2.0, of course, and at the time of writing, over a third of its $75,000 goal has been met, just one day in. Head to the Kickstarter page if you’re already interested, or check out the video below for the full pitch.

Filed under: Misc, Household

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Source: Kickstarter

3D scanners are kinda old hat at this point. But, while we’ve seen more than our fair share of Kinect hacks, we haven’t come across too many phone-based systems. Moedls actually puts the power to create models like the one above in the palm of your hand… sort of. The heart of the system is either an iOS or Android app (sorry MeeGo fans), but there are actual lasers with a custom enclosure as part of the platform. Clearly, that does somewhat restrict portability, but it should all fit into a 10-inch x 10-inch x 4-inch box for storage or transportation.

Creator John Fehr started the project as a way to save some of his daughter’s sculptures in digital form. After trying many different component options, Fehr settled on a combination of parts that totaled around $300. That included a custom enclosure and variable speed rotating platform have been sourced. Right now the iOS app is awaiting approval from Apple and the Google-fied equivalent is currently in development. Combine this with a 3D printer (we hear you’ve got quite a few choices at this point) and the world becomes your playground. You can see an example of what Moedls is capable of, even at this early stage, at the source.

Check out the full list of Insert Coin: New Challengers semifinalists here — and don’t forget to pick a winner!

Filed under: Misc

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Source: Moedls