Archive for February 12th, 2009

So Billy Gates unleashed a bunch of mosquitoes on some conference goers. I’m willing to bet it’s not the first time he’s pulled this sort of thing.

For this week’s Photoshop Contest, I want you to depict Bill Gates unleashing horrible things on people. Be creative and feel free to interpret that loosely. But seriously, everyone else already had the idea about him unleashing Windows on people, so you might as well skip that one and try a little harder.

Send your solutions to me at contests@gizmodo.com with “Gates Unleashed” in the subject line. Save your files as a JPG, PNG or GIF, and use a FirstnameLastname.jpg naming convention, using whatever name you want to be credited as. Send in your entries by next Tuesday morning, and I’ll through them and pick the winners and put the best of the rest in our Gallery of Champions. Get to it!

iPod Observer and MacRumors are floating shots of what’s supposedly the back of the next iPhone. It’s a new case, with reflective metal etching, that’s textured matte black and man, I want it.

I really hate the greasy look and feeling of the glossy 3G back after you’ve used it for more than 30 seconds, so I’d really like a matte backing. Anyway, the images are supposedly from China, etched with a brand new model number.

A few reasons to be skeptical: Crappy reception with metal is one of the reasons why Apple went to plastic in the first place (if there’s really metal in it), and it’s really early for a product likely on a June release cycle to already be exposed. And all the other usual possible fakery issues with Apple leaks.

Why it’s also at least partly believable: iPod Observer leaked the iPhone 3G’s black glossy back months ahead of time last year (though not quite this early in the cycle).

Either way, I like it. [iPod Observer, Mac Rumors]

Even outdoorsy types can find something useful in the App Store. There are apps for astronomers, fitness buffs, hikers, skiiers and more. The guys at The Adventure Life have picked 25 of the best.

And the best part is that the vast majority of these apps are free or very inexpensive. To be honest, I’m actually surprised at how much cool stuff is out there. I mean, I didn’t know there was an app focused specifically on knot tying. There is even a kayaking version that incluedes 11,000 stream-flow gauges across the United States (you might want to invest in a heavy-duty waterproof case for that one). [The Adventure Life]

I certainly appreciate you fashion people making an effort, but I don’t think it’s working out. I’ll stick to my sweatpants and you stick to doing coke and pretending you’re artists. Thanks! [LikeCool via TDW]

Need a little extra light in the shower? Worried that the power will go out leaving you wet, cold and vulnerable to psycho attack? Sylvania’s Ecolight may be just what you are looking for.

The Ecolight attaches to just about any standard showerhead and it features a LED light that is powered by the running water—so you never need to deal with batteries. It also features an LED temperature ring that turns blue when the temperature is under 78 degrees Fahrenheit and red when it is above 105.8 degrees. So, your protection here is three-fold: psycho attack, shrinkage and burns. Not bad for $40. [Sylvania via Luxury Housing Trends via OhGizmo]

Will Ferrell live, huge trailers, toasty parkas, and prejudiced zombies – just another week at Uncrate.

This week at Uncrate: We get to work on the Herman Miller Nelson Swag Leg Work Table, get it on the fairway with the TaylorMade R9 Driver, and get some laughs watching You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush. We also turn heads in the Wiesmann CT MF4, turn up the heat with the Canada Goose Expedition Parka, and turn the family vacation into a full-time vacation thanks to the Airstream Panamerica. Finally, we keep ourselves groomed with the Anthony Logistics Stainless Steel Manicure Set, keep writing in even the worst weather with the Rite In The Rain All-Weather Pocket Journal, and keep our neighborhood BBQ crown thanks to Big Bob Gibson BBQ Sauces.