TechBytes: Netflix on PlayStation 3
In today's TechBytes, New Facebook, Recycled Speaker, Green Charger, iPhone Suit
Oct. 26, 2009— -- Netflix and Sony are announcing a deal today that will allow PlayStation 3 owners to stream movies and TV shows to their TVs using the gaming console. The service is launching next month and will be free to PS3 owners with a Netflix subscription that starts at $9 dollars a month. Netflix is already available through the Xbox 360, but not the Nintendo Wii.
The Face of Facebook
If you logged on to Facebook over the weekend, you may have noticed some changes. The site has tweaked its home page. Among the changes is a list of items you might have missed when you were logged off, including photos, status updates and other items. Facebook is also freeing up space on the right side of the page to feature birthdays and events more prominently, something Facebook says users have requested.
Recycled Speakers
A New Jersey company is putting the saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure" into action. "Terra Cycle" is turning recycled chip and candy bar wrappers into speakers for MP3 players. Cheetos and Doritos bags are made into portable speakers that don't even require batteries. These speakers made of old chip bags sell for $20 online.
Green Cell Charger
The United Nation's Telecom Body has approved a universal cell phone charger that will reduce waste and energy use. The new chargers will use what is known as a "Micro USB Plug" similar to those used in digital cameras. Phone manufacturers won't be required to use the new energy efficient standard, but many have already signed on. The change could eliminate an estimated 51,000 tons of waste each year.
iPhone Costumes
A couple of tech geeks won't be hiding their love for the iPhone this Halloween. Two men made fully functional iPhone costumes for Halloween. The fronts are LCD TVs, and while they're not touch screens they are connected to actual iPhones. The costumes are powered by car batteries and weigh about 85 pounds.
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