Novint's Falcon takes second flight

We initially thought the attraction to Novint's Falcon controller might be mostly superficial, piquing the interest of hardcore gamers with a bizarre design that resembled a complicated outdoor lightbulb fixture. But it turned out to be the real deal as it lived up to its hype in hands-on testing by fellow Craver Jeff Bakalar.

That opinion is apparently shared by others in the marketplace, because Novint is introducing a new model in black and silver with an interchangeable grip for both standard and pistol versions, according to Coolest-Gadgets.

The grip is particularly important for the Falcon because, as you may recall, the 3D controller is known for allowing players to virtually sense such things as motion, weight, texture, and dimension.

Novint's CEO says the black Falcoln is an "edgier aesthetic option",which isn't exactly going out on a limb considering that the original was white. But he probably focused on the color to downplay concerns about gunplay.

Via Crave CNET

HP launches its first Concierge Service in Singapore

When you think about concierge services in technology, one of the first things that come to mind is Vertu's signature Concierge service. While HP's concept of a Concierge Service somewhat differs, the objective is pretty much the same--which is to provide consumers with a more personal and unique aftersales support experience.

Press attending the event in Singapore Thursday were told that the Concierge Service is intended as an extension to consumers of its Total Care program for SMB customers. According to the PC maker, the Concierge Service comes bundled with every purchase of its TouchSmart PC and Pavilion HDX Series entertainment notebook. Support includes free installation of the computer onsite, a 24/7 support hotline, as well as a complimentary one-time maintenance service within the first year of purchase.

Singapore is the first country in the world to enjoy HP's Concierge Service which was first introduced at a soft launch in December last year. While HP did not comment on when this service would be extended to other countries, we believe it is only a matter of time before the more developed markets get a taste of it.

Optimus Maximus keyboard finally shipping

We're almost reluctant to post this because it's been promised (and not delivered) for so long. But, with our luck, the Optimus Maximus OLED keyboard will come out on schedule, and we'll be lambasted for not having passed along the news.

"We begin shipping Optimus Maximus keyboards to those who ordered it last year," creator Art Lebedev announced today on its Optimus Project blog. To further show it means business, according to Gizmodo, the first "Optimus Configurator" software is now available for download, for both the Mac and PC. All hail the most-hyped keyboard in the history of humankind.

Via Crave CNET

Keyboard can work in silence with two PCs

Thanko is one outfit we'll never be able to figure out. Just after releasing its latest example of inanity, a vacuuming mouse, it comes out with a product that might actually be practical.

The new version of the Japanese company's self-described Silent Keyboard allows you to pound away in the middle of the night without waking the neighbors or, if you work the night shift, your co-workers in the next cubicle. There are others that make the same claim, but Akihabara News says this one can be used with two PCs, alternating from one to the next with a toggle just above the arrow keys.

It would be more convenient, of course, if the keyboard would work on both screens without having to flip a switch, but one can't be too picky for US$51. Besides, it could be worse: They could have given it a snow-globe motif.

Crave CNET

Box your aggression with this USB Boxer

Every now and then, everyone experiences the need to punch that annoying someone in the face. But being peace-loving folk at CNET Asia, we'd suggesting mentally chanting a few "Ooomms" and keeping in mind that whoever it is probably isn't worth the energy.

There is a second option. This one lets you work out all that aggression on your keyboard, which translates into some real action punches thrown by an interactive USB boxer at a speed ball. There're even realistic boxing ring sounds and crowd support, though we doubt there're swear words. In fact, you'll probably be so caught up in the different game modes, you won't even remember what you were mad at in the first place. Best of all, for US$53.98, this anger management therapy won't cost you a law suit.

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