Download The Ten Billionth Apple Store App & You Could Win A US $10,000 iTunes Gift Card

As of today, nearly 10 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store worldwide. Which is almost as amazing as the apps themselves. So Apple wants to say thanks. Download the 10 billionth app, and you could win a US $10,000 iTunes Gift Card. Just visit the App Store, and download what could be your best app yet. More info HERE.

Guitar Lessons: A Life’s Journey Turning Passion into Business by Bob Taylor

Guitar Lessons: A Life’s Journey Turning Passion into Business by Bob Taylor ($25) is an inside story of the founding and growth of Taylor Guitars, one of the world’s most successful guitar manufacturers. Bob Taylor mixes the details of his experience as a tradesman and cofounder of Taylor Guitars, a world-famous acoustic and electric guitar manufacturer, with philosophical life lessons that have practical application for building a business. From the a-ha moment in junior high school that inspired his very first guitar, Taylor has been living the American dream, crafting quality products with his own hands and building a successful, sustainable business. You can read an excerpt HERE.

TV Remote Watch

Six buttons on the watch’s bezel command essential functions (volume, power, channel up/down, play/rewind/fast forward) of televisions, DVDs, or most other devices that use infrared signals. The brushed stainless steel watch ($100) also functions as an accurate digital timepiece with alarm, calendar, and chronograph.

Exclusive Photo From Marvel’s Thor Film

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is different from other Marvel superheroes. “Most Marvel stories are about ordinary people becoming extraordinary,” explains Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige. “Thor is an already extraordinary individual.” But while he may be a mythic god of thunder with a seriously powerful hammer, as you can see in this exclusive image, the guy’s also a hothead. In director Kenneth Branaugh’s 3-D epic due this summer, his all-seeing father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) banishes him to Earth to learn humility.

First Look At Chris Evans In His Full Captain America Costume

This week’s issue of Entertainment Weekly includes an exclusive first look at Chris Evans in his full Captain America suit in this summer’s Captain America: The First Avenger.

It looks strikingly different than the classic Captain America costume — bold colors, flimsy material, a mask with weird little wings — that’s definitely by design. “You can’t really take him seriously in his flag pajamas,” director Joe Johnston told EW in last year’s exclusive first look cover story on the film.

So instead, the hero’s main uniform was designed to resemble a tricked-out airman’s jumpsuit, the “A” on the helmet and star on the chest modest in size, the colors muted.

The film hits theaters July 22.

First Image of Andrew Garfield As Spider-Man

Columbia Pictures released the first image of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man. The film is due in theaters on July 3, 2012.

Pixar’s 3D Zoetrope

Pixar has released a video showcasing their updated version of a classic zoetrope. A zoetrope is a spinning cylinder with artwork on the inside which when viewed through the cuts in the side create the illusion of animation.

Pixar chose characters from the Toy Story universe, created action sequences utilizing sculptures of them and then placed them on a spinning disk, controlling what your eye sees with a strobe light rather than the old style slotted cylinder.

The result is magical, mesmerizing and informative. Currently there are 2 Pixar zoetropes located at Disneyland’s California Adventure and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Xerox DocuMate 162 Scanner Review

I often have projects where I need to scan large quantities of documents.  I own an all-in-one printer, and the task of scanning 150 pages, typically takes me 40 minutes.  I was thrilled and amazed when the same project took only 12 minutes with the Xerox DocuMate 162 Scanner ($595).  In addition, I was able to seamlessly scan my project directly into Adobe Acrobat Pro 9 (not included). This machine offers the functionality of a large scanner in a sleek and attractive compact unit that takes up a very small footprint of space. The automatic document feeder can accommodate up to 50 pages.  In addition, it can quickly scan 25 pages at 200 dpi per minute. This unit has the ability to automatically scan both single and double sided pages, without the need to manually turn the paper over. The DocuMate 162 can scan documents and images directly into one of nine different pre-programmed destinations with the touch of a button. The scanner comes complete with a User’s Guide, Power Cord, USB Cable, as well as a disk containing the Scanner Driver (TWAIN, Certified-ISIS & WIA Drivers), Nuance PaperPort, Nuance OmniPage Pro, and Visioneer One Touch with Kofax VRS Technology. The software installation was quick and easy, and I was able to connect my scanner to my PC via the provided USB cable. The machine dimensions are: 12″ x 5.62″ x 6.125″, and it weighs a mere 7 lbs.  The unit can scan a maximum document size of 8.5” x 36”.  Not only does the DocuMate 162 scan documents quickly, they are also crystal clear. This machine can accommodate an optical resolution of up to 600 dpi.  I am thrilled with the performance and output of the Xerox DocuMate 162 Scanner, and highly recommend it to anyone running a small to medium sized business or to the average person who may just simply want to get organized, and convert those stacks of documents into a clutter-free paperless environment. (Reviewed by Meredith Fire-Hess)

The Lazy Boy Oven

Etsy seller WayOutHere transformed an every day oven into a comfortable lounge chair as part of his University of Cincinnati’s design school project.

“The Amazing Transforming Oven Lounge” is described as the most unique piece of furniture you’ll ever own and can be purchased for $250 (Cincinnati, Ohio are buyers only)

The United Steaks of America, A State By State Food Map

Each state within this map of the US includes the food that best represents it.  So what’s missing or did the map get it right? You can click on the image to increase the size of the map for better viewing.

Iomega Superhero Backup & Charger For iPhone

If you are one of the many iPhone users who don’t plug their iPhone into a PC or Mac and simply use a wall charger then this product was designed for you.

Your favorite people – family, friends, and business contacts and their photos are all stored on your iPhone. What happens if it gets lost or stolen? The Iomega SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone lets you secure your stuff plus recharge your phone in a convenient docking station while you relax.

This compact device sits easily on your counter or desktop and plugs into your wall outlet. Just insert your phone at a convenient moment and it will automatically backup your contacts and camera roll photos and recharge your phone battery.

It’s made to work seamlessly with your iPhone. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can easily restore your contacts and photos from the SD card (4GB capacity) included in the Iomega SuperHero and put them on your new iPhone. Plus, it charges & backs up contacts and photos from the latest generation of the iPod touch too!

The Iomega SuperHero backup and charger should be available by the end of next month for US$69.99.

Light-Up Cereal Boxes

Fulton Innovation demonstrated their fabulous packaging at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week. Their technology uses induction power and metallic ink to create, among lots of other things, some of the most amazing cereal boxes which can illuminate in stages to create an eye-catching effect.

The technology can also be used to power other items to give a battery-free demonstration.

I grew up with plastic toys hidden in the bottom of the cereal box; my daughter will grow up with a cereal aisle that resembles the Vegas strip at night. That’s technology for you…

23rd James Bond Movie Officially Announced

Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions, together with Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., today announced that the 23rd James Bond film will commence production in late 2011 for a worldwide release on November 9, 2012.

Daniel Craig will be returning as the legendary British secret agent, with Sam Mendes directing a screenplay written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan.

Joystick-It

If you are not a fan of the virtual controls of your favorite touchscreen games? The Joystick-It ($25) can help. The solid aluminum joystick attaches to the front of your device above the virtual joystick/d-pad to provide that tactile feel that’s absent from all these new gadgets.

Injured Spider-Man New Yorker Cover

Barry Blitts is turning personal injury into art on this week’s cover of the New Yorker. Inspired by the handful of injuries during the Spider-Man Musical.

Conan’s The Flaming C Gets His Own Cartoon

Conan O’Brien had a surprise waiting for him when he got into the office yesterday, Warner Brothers Animation had dropped off a fully animated clip featuring The Flaming C!

He’s back and he’s more animated than ever! He moves and talks and hangs out with Batman. Yes, you read that right! Batman. Conan’s custom superhero self joins the rest of the Justice League in this special animated clip.

Verizon Confirms The iPhone With Mobile Hotspot

Verizon has acquired the right to sell the iPhone starting February 10 with pre-orders beginning on February 3, the company announced this morning. The iPhone will connect to the CDMA network and will be $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model (with a 2-year contract and required data plan, of course).

Verizon is offering the smartphone with a mobile hotspot that supports up to 5 devices. Pricing for the mobile hotspot was not announced but current Android smartphones include this feature for an additional $20 per month. This charge is on top of the unlimited data plan which is available for $30 per month. Presumably, the mobile hotspot will be a Verizon-exclusive app that enables this functionality.

A Brief History of Conspicuous Product Placement In Movies

You may be surprised at just how far back product placement goes. You can also click HERE to check out Brandchannel which tracks brand appearances and product placement in each week’s number one film.

Alex Ross Reinterprets The Cover of Action Comics # 1 In Action Comics # 900

Action Comics #900 will be a special oversized issue featuring a 50-page lead story by the series’ creative team of Paul Cornell and Pete Woods that will see the return of the Man of Steel to the title he headlined for decades.

Above is Alex Ross‘ variant cover for the issue, a dramatic reinterpretation of the original “Action Comics” #1 cover (below) by Superman co-creator Joe Shuster. The milestone comic is due in April.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy Blu-ray Due On March 15th

DreamWorks has announced a Blu-ray release of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy for March 15th. Extras will include commentary by Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Lou Rawls, Andy Richter, Kyle Gass, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Christina Applegate, deleted and extended scenes, bloopers, and an ESPN Sports Center Audition by Ron Burgundy.

GoCrib by Guava Family

As a father with a precocious 17 month old daughter, I am constantly looking for new baby products that simplify our life. We travel quite a bit and understand the challenges of the traditional Pack N’ Play; they are bulky, heavy, consume a lot of space and are often times difficult to set up.

The smart people at Guava Family intelligently redesigned the moveable crib taking into account the important factors of weight, portability, space, safety and ease of use.

Instead of hinges and mechanisms the GoCrib uses rigid inflation technology. Within seconds a supplied foot pump fills the crib with air and the end result is a sturdy, stable, lightweight and safe crib for your child to sleep or play in. The pressure gauge tells you when it’s ready to use.

When not in use the GoCrib is incredibly compact. It deflates and can be stored in its own backpack.

GoCrib is made of PVC-free, phthalate-free and lead-free non-toxic materials. It is designed for ages 0-3 for rest and ages 0-5 for play. The GoCrib is the same internal size as a typical playpen but only weighs eleven pounds including the pump, backpack and crib.

GoCrib retails for $249 and includes free shipping and a 1-year limited warranty. In my opinion GoCrib is the perfect portable crib solution for overnight trips, a day at the beach or a visit to a friend’s house. We have one packed in our trunk and can’t wait to use it for our next family adventure! The GoCrib is now sold at 80 REI stores across the country. You can check HERE for availability and a location near you.

100 Quotations Every Geek Should Know

One thing that every geek can do is quote their favorite geek-culture media, whether it’s movies, books, television, theater or music. The GeekDads at  Wired.com have tried to compile a list of such quotes for your enjoyment. This list is certainly not definitive. Indeed, it’s only the beginning! Read it HERE.

The Evolution of The Batmobile

Source: CarInsurance.Org

David Sedaris: The Funniest Writer Alive?

Serena Altschul profiles David Sedaris, the man who’s been dubbed “a prime candidate for funniest writer alive.”

Beacon Universal Remote Control System

Beacon ($79.99) turns an iOS or smartphone device into a handy, easy-to-use remote for home entertainment systems—handy because you always know where it is: your pocket. It lets your iOS or mobile device control every component in your home entertainment system by converting Bluetooth signals from your device to the infrared commands your components are expecting. Beacon pairs your iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch) or smartphone with Dijit’s Universal Remote App, putting complete control of your home entertainment center in the palm of your hand. There are no bulky cases or dongles, no messy wires or cables.

Setup and pairing is simple. Paired with Beacon via Bluetooth, your smartphone is just a few taps away from using Dijit’s intuitive Programming Guide. Your Multi-Touch or touch screen display is the remote. You can change channels, volume, input, program your DVR, and lots, lots more.

The device will be available in May 2011.