It is a silver machine dubbed the U3-X and it completely lacks handlebars. Instead it has internal balance control which apparently ensures it remains upright. You can actually lean in the relevant direction to move or turn and it is capable of turning in any direction you choose. The U3-X is only 65cm high and it weighs just 10kg. The rechargeable battery is good for an hour before it needs to be plugged in for a recharge. There are foot rests on the device and it has a top speed of 3.7 miles per hour.

Just like the YikeBike they are targeting commuters as likely customers. The U3-X looks like a figure of eight and it doesn’t really look substantial enough to get around on. You have to watch the video demonstration to really see how it works. It looks like a lot of fun to use and there is no denying the compact design is really nice.

They actually used technology from robotics after research for the ASIMO robot. With all the expense and hassle involved with driving in big cities, not to mention the ecological angle, there may well be a market for this kind of thing. I’m still waiting for the hover board to be invented but in the meantime I wouldn’t mind a shot on one of these. They haven’t announced a likely price yet.

It’s funny how we get obsessed with new technologies and then have to try them out in every way possible. The idea of touch control has become super popular thanks to the iPhone and the iPod Touch. It is inevitably being incorporated into various digital media players and mobile phones and it is taking off in the world of computers as well. These are all good applications for the technology. It is tactile and convenient to be able to browse music or files via a flick of your finger. It is also easier and faster than using a mouse.

The trouble is, now that touch functionality is popular, some companies will want to use it in inappropriate ways. Behold the Rubik’s Touch Cube. If ever there was a device that doesn’t need touch functionality it would have to be a puzzle cube. While the original Rubik’s Cube was $10 this latest release will set you back $150 and it comes complete with a recharging stand which you’ll have to use periodically if you want to solve the puzzle.

You can change the colors by running your finger across it and you can get hints or scramble the cube. When you touch a row the color change is accompanied by a sound effect which is supposed to be like gears turning. The touch functionality is apparently very sensitive, making it easy to accidentally change squares. Why you would want to spend $150 on a daft modernisation of the Rubik’s Cube is beyond me. The one feature it does have which was sorely lacking in the original is a solve button.

The YikeBike folds down to an impressively small package which is easily carried onto public transport or into the office. You certainly won’t have to worry about parking it anywhere. It weighs just 9.8 kilograms and the size when folded down is just 67cm x 56cm x 12cm.

The top speed is 20 km per hours. It should go for about 10 km from a single charge and it only takes 30 minutes to fully recharge it. The handlebars conceal the trigger controls, green for acceleration and red for brake. The handlebar frame includes safety lights and brake lights. There is a comfortable leather saddle for sitting on and two metal platforms for resting your feet.

The design is clever and you can see the advantage of this even over a normal bike which is generally too bulky to take indoors. You would have to try it yourself before making a decision because it looks like it would take some getting used to. You can check out a video of the YikeBike in action and find more details at the official website. It is not due to be released until 2010 and it will cost between €3,500 and €3,900 (around $5,000).

The first two advertisers to jump onboard were CBS and Pepsi. CBS ran trailers for their network and Pepsi ran an ad for Pepsi Max. CBS and Pepsi have also shouldered the drastically increased cost of the magazines which is estimated to be around $20 per copy. The Entertainment Weekly issue with the ads was understandably given a limited run. It was delivered to a small group of subscribers in Los Angeles and New York but they’ll have to watch a lot of CBS while drinking loads of Pepsi Max for the advertisers to make their money back, having said that, the free publicity generated by putting these video ads out will have been massive. The long term benefits for advertisers versus cost don’t seem obvious.

The major criticism of this move, apart from the fact it takes us a step closer to being constantly subjected to adverts, is that video ads in text are already working well on the web. Web based video advertising has advanced in recent years and it is comparatively cheap and efficient. The waste involved in the putting video ads in magazines is deplorable. Not to mention the fact that advertising is extremely annoying, a complete waste of time and resource and counter productive to the progress of humanity in general.

The funny thing is they look awful and the insert makes the magazine heavy and ridiculously thick. You can check out a video of the ad in action at the BBC website.

The surprising thing about the announcement is the fact that the new service will use Microsoft’s Silverlight technology. The Silverlight software has apparently had problems and it is currently used by Netflix but there are complaints about slow streaming speeds. In fact Microsoft launched a streaming TV service in the UK recently and used Flash instead.

The new DVD service from Tesco will run on PC or Mac and in addition to bonus content there will be related MP3 files, ringtones and even networked games. They are talking up the interactivity angle but most people just want a fast efficient service for legal film downloads which isn’t hamstrung by poor quality or digital rights management which prevents you from copying the movie.

Tesco have also recently made moves to create a VoIP service like Skype. It seems they have money to burn and when you consider that they take an estimated £1 out of every £8 spent in the UK it isn’t surprising that they are branching out.

The press release from Microsoft doesn’t mention anything about the financial specifics of the deal and it is not known what kind of agreement the two companies reached. It is also unclear how Tesco will be pricing these downloads or how many of the movies will support digital copy options.

In the last few days there have been rumours flying that ASUS are set to enter the fray with their very own E-Reader. Speculation suggests that Sony and Amazon should be nervous because the ASUS device is expected to cost around $165. They are expected to offer a budget device and a premium device which will include various additional features. A dual screen, color e-book reader at such a low price is sure to be a hit with consumers in the run up to Christmas.

ASUS have been developing the dual touch screen device which emulates the page turning feeling of a book for quite some time. They showed a prototype back in March and other features touted include a built in webcam, microphone and speaker along with the capability to make calls on Skype. It seems unlikely that those features will make it onto the budget device but even for a no frills reader a price tag of $165 would make the ASUS E-Reader a very attractive prospect.

ASUS already took the laptop and netbook market by storm offering cheap but high quality products. This new assault on the e-book reader market could be another success. However Amazon has managed to take an early lead in the market largely thanks to their huge available library. It remains to be seen how ASUS will tackle that issue.

Can an online fishing game satisfy the sportsman’s need for adventure? Some of the games can. For example:

• You can pick your catch. There are games that specialize in all types of fish—the trout, the crapper and even the big mouth bass. You may live in an area where bass or trout are not prevalent but you can find them in online games. Challenge yourself by catching something you have never done before. But with some games you need to watch out. Part of the skill level in some games involves catching the fish without catching the tin cans and other rubbish in the water. This is just like real life!
• If you combine fishing with camping and need to catch your own dinner, you can experience that from your desk. The premise of some these games is the player must catch enough fish to survive.
• Many fishermen pride themselves on how many fish they can catch, not the size of the catch. If that is your challenge, you can play games that allow you to advance to more levels based on the number of catches you make.
• Do you prefer to fish on land or on the sea? Some free games allow you to steer a boat and toss your reel with your mouse. Even if you have never ventured onto a vessel, you may enjoy it so much you start looking out boats in “reel” life. Whether you are playing games that are landlocked or on the water, it’s the closest thing to being outdoors.

Most of the games will download to any computer. However, some require flash programs and others in order for the games to work. Be careful when agreeing to download software onto your computer. Also, keep in mind that nothing is ever really free. When on the websites for the free game, you will be bombarded with advertisements and maybe some popup advertisements. And some of the sites track visitors for marketing purposes. You may find spy ware the next time you check your computer. Keep this in mind when you are playing any “free game” on your home or office computer.

The next time Mother Nature keeps you from the water, try one of the many online free fishing games. Some of the best sites are www.freefishinggames.biz or www.topfishinggames.com. You may find tips to improve your skills the next time you head to the lake or ocean. And some of the games are very true to life! In fact, you may be “hooked!”

The Internet is full of places to find these ring tones whether you like Brittany Spears, Johnny Cash or 50 Cent. Most cell phone providers provide a marketplace you can access from your cell phone for new ring tones. If you want this option but you don’t know how to download them, ask the associates at your local store how do download the ringtones for a Samsung. This is the easiest way to get ring tones for any type of cell phone.

With the popularity of cell phone ring tones, many websites offer them. Many of the ring tones are free, but some sites charge a fee. Here are some of the best sites for ring tones.

• Billboard.com: Billboard has been charting the top hits for more than half a century and can give you access to some obscure ring tones. Imagine how surprised your friends will be when they hear a tune from an 80s one-hit wonder when your phone rings.
• Zedge.net. You do have to pay for the ring tone but you won’t be embarrassed by the selection. You can find music and tones for any taste.
• Ringophone.com. This site has been touted by many cell phone enthusiasts who look for variety and quality.
• You may want simple sounds that are free. You can find them at www.ringtone-mania.com. You can find great sounds that are free.

You have found the perfect ringtones for a Samsung phone. Now you need to get them on your phone. Some of the best advice is to simply read the instructions that came with your phone. But here is a bit of advice in a shorter form:

• All phones should come with a memory card. You can insert that into your computer. Highlight the files you want and then drag it onto the memory card icon on your computer.
• Put the memory card back into your phone. You should now have the ring tones for a Samsung ready to go. Ask a friend to call you to make sure the ring tone is working.
• Scroll through your address book if you want to set indivudal ring tones for all of your friends of relatives. Highlight the name. You will be giving a set of options. One of those options will be “set ring tone.” Click on this and find the ring tone you want to use for that person. From now on, that is the ring tone you will hear when they call.

Some companies, including Samsung, don’t make all features available on phones. And if you have an older phone, you will not be able to download ringtones for a Samsung. Check your manual to determine if you can download ringtones onto your phone. However, most new phones can sustain MP3 ring tone files.

The biggest lure to the PlayStation Network is the chance to play online games with other gamers. You don’t have to own a PlayStation to take advantage of the feature. You can register on the site and play. While playing, you can chat with other players who love the same games you do. You are required to register before you can play the online games.

Do you want to know what others think about ‘Grand Theft Auto’ or the latest NationalBasketball Association game? You can discuss the games in the forum that is on the network. The forum is a great chance to connect with others who share you interests. You may even find out how to beat that game that has been beguiling you for the past few weeks.

Other features of the popular website are similar to many sites for people who love theirhobbies. Prominent on the opening page is ‘Pulse,’ which resembles a talk show about the latest from PlayStation. Users can watch the video to find out more details on the latest gadgets, games and accessories. ‘Pulse’ gets thousands of hits a day as PlayStation addicts want to know what the future holds. With video games continuing to be popular, everyone wants to get the latest game as soon as it is released.

PlayStation executives also maintain a blog. In the blog is one of the most popular features of the network—the game demos. These demos give players a chance to see what the new games will be like before they are released. The demos do not give a lot of information about the game so that hackers will not steal it before its release. Still, for those who know a lot about the games, the demos give them enough of a sneak peek to know if they want to buy the game or not.

Also on the blog is discussion about the latest games and releases. If there is a glitch in a new game, it will be mentioned on the blog. Using the PlayStation Network is like having a private conversation with the developers of the game.

While on the network, you can register your product. Registering is always a good idea. If it is stolen, you will have a record that includes the serial number. If the console needs repaired, you will have the information ready when you take it to the store or ship it back to Sony. Like all major electronic items, video game consoles should be registered.

The PlayStation Network is just one more way that Sony provides its customers with excellent service. That is why the PlayStation products have been some of the most popular among gamers for many years.

• Magazines from your local bookstore or subscription. If you are an avid video game player, you are likely going to subscribe or buy the magazines such as “Game Informer,” “Electronic Gaming” and “PlayStation Magazine.” While most magazine editors will claim their issues do not have walkthroughs, read between the lines of the strategy guides. These guides are actually some of the best walkthroughs you will find. And if you can’t find the walkthroughs, the magazine will guide you as to where they are.
• The Internet. Enthusiastic video gamers always search the Internet for the latest game releases and the newest accessories. PlayStation 2 walkthroughs are no exception. With so many sites offering information about all aspects of the games, you need to be careful when you search. You don’t want to waste time looking for “Grand Theft Auto walkthrough” because there are many versions of that game. Specify the game and the console—you also don’t want to get a site that only offers Wii walkthroughs. If you aren’t specific, you can spend hours looking for a walkthrough and that is time you could spend playing your favorite video game.
• A word about gaming websites: With video games at the height of their popularity, a new gaming website is introduced practically every day. While you find forums that may have walkthroughs and cheat codes for every type of gaming system, you need to beware. Because so many people look for the sites, many of them are infected with viruses that can infect your computer. Some of them that want you to pay are actually stealing your information. Some of the best websites, according to leading magazines and experts, are Game Spot (www.gamespot.com), and IGN (www.ign.com).

A final word of warning: Do you really need to pay for walkthroughs? Many companies offer them for free. If you are desperate enough to purchase the walkthrough, consider the price. Do you really have the money to spend just to learn how to beat a video game? And if you can’t preview the walkthroughs, how do you know that it is going to help you win? Are there reviews on the site? What are other people saying? Reviews from sites like www.gamespot.com can help you decide if the walkthrough is worth the purchase.

Video game walkthroughs have given many people bragging rights by teaching them how to beat many of the top games including “Grand Theft Auto,” “Bully,” and the various versions of “Resident Evil.” You can also learn how to beat the many games put out by major sports such as the National Basketball Association, the National Football League and Major League Baseball. But remember, if you can find PlayStation 2 walkthroughs, so can your competition. Just because you complete a walkthrough, you may not be able to beat your opponent. Your best shot at winning is to keep playing the game until you win consistently.