12.09.2008 · by Klopz via AKIBA Today
Evangelion USB Entry Plug
Kaga Create have released a new USB storage device shaped like the infamous entry plugs from the Evangelion: 1.01 movie released last year. Fans will recognize the difference to the designs from Evangelion TV version as the entry plug was one of the many devices that got a redesign for the theatrical feature.
Similar to the limited Ayanami Rei USB storage introduced earlier and this one should sell out in a similar fashion as it's also produced in limited numbers. Also just ike the previous one these devices sport 2 GB of data space so if you have a lot of data you should probably get a few of them.
The design was actually decided as part of an Evangelion art competition that took place in Omotesando Hills last year.
It's priced at 3980¥ and comes either in Zerogouki or Shogouki manner.
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14.08.2008 · by Eva via AKIBA Today
Neural Impulse Driven Computer Interface
Since the beginning of August, the Tsukumo PC Main Store has been offering the OCZ Neural Impulse Actuator (NIA) – an interface that allows you to interact with a personal computer using brain waves.
One of the features of the device is the ability to control mouse clicks and other movements without using your hands. Built by OCZ Technology, based in America, the device is geared towards PC gamers and gizmo fetishists, and it is now available at Tsukumo through import. It "reads your mind" using a headband which converts neural impulses into signals for your computer, read by a device which connects via USB, the commands of which are set up using the accompanying software.
The system is inspired by the electrocardiograph and other modern medical technology. When worn at the forehead, the headband reads both brain wave and facial muscle movement, converting these into electric signals. These perceptions are then used to control various aspects of game play. Each reaction can be set as to represent the equivalent of one keyboard stroke or mouse click. The device cannot, however, be used identically to a mouse or standard USB game controller. In addition, initial set up and calibration of the device is necessary before use.
In regard to system requirements, Mr. Suzuki, floor sales staff at Tsukumo, said, "You'll need Windows XP or the 32-bit edition of Vista, and at least 512 megs memory. The accompanying instruction manual also recommends at least a 1 gig processor, but I'd say the absolute low end – especially for PC gaming – would be a dual-core. I'd really recommend a quad."
And, what about the product's reception? "Well, at first we didn't get too many orders and people thought it'd be really difficult to use. However, after we introduced the product on the store blog, we really basked in the gaze of many computer hobbyists and game makers. Reservations have been going up ever since."
The NIA comes with headset, set-top box, cable, and English instruction manual at a set retail price of 24,800 yen. Tsukumo is open from Monday-Saturday 10:30 – 8:00, and Sundays 10:30 – 7:30.
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09.07.2008 · by Eva
Figure Inspired USB Flash Memory
In late June, technology firm Buffalo released a new series of USB flash memory drives called "Swattears," consisting of a 2GB capacity drive built into a 7cm cubric figure. The memory resides in the legs of the figure and becomes accessible through a port that folds down from the back when the figure is in a seated position. Each Swattears comes with a "sofa," or external USB docking port upon which the character can rest when not sitting on your computer. As a bonus to Windows OS users, the drive will be represented by a corresponding character icon on the desktop while mounted. The total package, which includes a USB extension cable, is priced at 2,980 yen.
So far, both Ultraman and Puchi Eva Ayamami Rei versions have been created. However, as both were priced reasonably and limited to only 3,000 pieces they sold out quickly. According to an Akihabara Keizai Shinbun article, Buffalo said that no plans for any character re-releases are underway, and that they are still considering which characters to employ for future releases. Some crafty individuals are already reselling theirs at for over four times the price. However, this may be what it takes to have these all-time-favorite characters "always at your side," as Buffalo's inspiration for the Swattears series suggests.
Tags: Gadget USB Ayanami Rei Puchi Eva 0 Comments
