Filed under: Desktops, Gaming, Laptops

It might be a bit early for us to be talking Windows 7 feature cuts, but that said, isn’t it a bit early for Microsoft to be talking Windows 7 feature cuts? If The Inquirer’s “reliable sources” are to be believed, Microsoft is giving DirectX 11 the boot from its next version of Windows to keep hardware requirements down — apparently the DirectX 10 requirements of Vista were enough of that sort of trouble for one decade. Obviously there’s no official word on Microsoft at the moment, so we’ll reserve judgment for the time being — and hey, maybe no DirectX 11 wouldn’t ruin our year — but with the endless quantity of features cut from Vista still fresh in our memory, this is certainly not an encouraging sign if true.

[Thanks, Isaac]

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Apparently, sitting at your chair all day whilst blogging about gadgets is not supposed to be so good for your health. That’s where Dimension One Spas’ Aquafit 19 Dual Temp comes in. The $40,000 gymnasium/spa allows users to have a full, underwater cardiovascular workout by using the included rower, tricep pull down and simulated jogger or swimming facilities.

The exercise area maintains the water temperature at levels that are ideal for the body’s thermoregulation during an intensive workout, whilst the spa area heats up to get things steamy and soothing. Additionally, the spa area is positioned so close to the gymnasium portion of the tub, you won’t have to to expend any more calories than is necessary to get there, which is kind of ironic for a gym. So ironic, it’s giving us muscle ache just thinking about it. [Bornrich]

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That’s right folks, that recessed headphone port problem on the iPhone can now be solved by means of a 46 cent investment. Unfortunately, the $4.98 shipping does bring the total cost up a little, but at just over $5.00—sorry, we failed math class—this is still a pretty solid deal. [Amazon. Thanks, Jake]

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STMicroelectronics new VD6725 single-chip camera sensor is so small, it could theoretically fit in a cameraphone module as small as .2″x.2″.15″. The sensor is two megapixels and is capable of shooting VGA video at 30 fps or UXGA video at 15 fps. Kodak’s new CMOS sensor may be small for a 5-megapixel array, but STMicroelectronics’ is just small. [PR Newswire via MobileWhack]

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Nokia has developed software that allows data to be received from GPS enabled phones, which is then compiled and interpreted into traffic flow patterns. The plans are currently at concept stage, with a demonstration recently taking place as a joint venture between Nokia, California Center for Innovative Transportation (CCIT), CalTrans, and Berkeley’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

The data sent back from each test car logged the vehicle’s speed and location via an on board N95 handset, this information was then sent to a central control station, which in turn relayed the relevant travel alerts. Nokia are quick to point out that their technology has an economical benefit over similar systems, mainly because it relies solely on technology people already own. Given the soon-to-be ubiquitous nature of GPS enabled cellphones, we would have to agree with Nokia’s observation. Rest your privacy woes aside; the information sent will be completely anonymous. It certainly sounds like a win, win to us—go ahead and checkout the video at CNet. [CNet]

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At first glance, Speed Racer’s car looks like his normal Mach 5. But you make a click here, a snap there and BAM – you get battle morph goodness. Rocket boosters appear, saws pop out of the sidebody and you get an array of guns and grabbers. While Mattel calls it the Mach 5, the car’s number logo has a 6. Seems like this is a Mach 6 that Speed might get later in the movie as opposed to his trusty Mach 5 (some of the movie stills also have a Mach 6 car). In any case, the Battle Morph Mach 5/6 can be pre-ordered over at BigBadToyStore for $42. [Toy News International via ToysREvil]

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Gizmodo is looking to expand our weekend staff with a seasoned writer (only six months minimum experience required). If you’re interested in the position, please send an email titled “Weekend Writer Applicant” to our tips line. Make sure to include (no attachments please):

1. Resume
2. A list of your favorite gadgets (along with why you like them).
3. Three sample posts in the Gizmodo style showing your breadth of ability (one news post, one general gadget post, and one of whatever you want). Links to work you’ve done in the past is fine, but please don’t send us samples of writing that you wouldn’t expect to see on Gizmodo.

Duties will include writing and news spotting. So why don’t you apply? Our intern Eric isn’t going to whip himself.

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With a 7-inch display (88 x 480), a 1GHz Via C7-M processor, maximum 1GB RAM, either a 2GB, 4GB or 8GB flash storage or a 40GB HDD, the Pioneer Computers Dreambook Light IL1 sounds like a worthy competitor to the Eee PC crown. Unfortunately, the $446 starting price is a little steep, even if either Vista or Ubuntu is included in the base price. The Dreambook range will host three other models, including a touchscreen version that sounds a little more interesting.

The Dreambook Light CE26 will feature a 7-inch touchscreen display, 1.2GHz VIA C7-M processor, maximum 1GB memory and storage capacities similar to the IL1. The base model will be priced at $699, but we’re hoping the touch goodness makes it worth the investment.
Two other members in the range include the M72 and the M72R, but with 12″ WXGA displays, Intel Core 2 Duo processors, maximum 4GB RAM and starting at $999, they’re not really lean enough for Eee PC territory or impressive enough for the general laptop genre. [Pioneer Computers via Eee Site, Gadgetell]

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We’ve already seen the Motorola’s upcoming music phone the Texel in blurry slide form, but this appears to be our first shot in greasy finger form. And other than its need for a serious wipe-down (was the photographer snagging this shot in between motocross heats?), we’re digging the sleek button layout and the large screen with plenty of real estate for additional touch controls. And even when the Texel turns out to be just another ROKR with a new name, 3.2MP camera and 3.5mm headphone jack, at least we’re slowly getting our vowels back. And that’s a start. [jampb]

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Those chaps at Microsoft promised a special edition Zune 80 for Valentine’s Day, but the units have struck a delay and will not reach their destinations on time. That surely blows, but if your sweet was due to receive a Cupid red Zune 80, fret not. Microsoft is doing the right thing—they’re refunding the cash, and shipping the Zunes for free regardless. Jump for the note they sent out to the lucky/unlucky customers.

We wanted to provide you with an update on your order status. Due to some issues in our fulfillment center there remains a chance we will miss getting your Zune to you by February 14th. We are working hard to get your order to you as quickly as possible and we currently plan to ship your Zune within the next 3-4 days. Once your order is in transit, we will send you a shipping confirmation with a link for tracking.

Our goal is to provide a smooth customer experience for ordering, customization, and delivery. We sincerely apologize for not meeting that goal in this specific case. We will be refunding the entire amount of your order, which you should be able to see on your credit/debit card within 7-10 days. We hope you love your Zune and that you will accept our sincere apology.

If you have additional questions, please call 1.877.GET.ZUNE. For fastest service, press 5 then press 1 and have your order information ready.

The Zune Originals Team

To everyone who has profited from this turn of events: go and buy her a proper present, you Zune-loving cheapskate. [Ars Technica]

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