Macworld did some follow-up on a promise made by Apple in a press release from January’s keynote. In it, the company claimed:

iTunes Movie Rentals launches today and will offer over 1,000 titles by the end of February, including over 100 titles in stunning high definition video with 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound which users can rent directly from their widescreen TV using Apple TV.

Now that February is over, a “Power Search” on iTunes reveals that only 399 rentals are available.

All in all, that’s 601 movies short of their 1,000 title promise. As for “100 titles in stunning HD,” Apple fell short here as well, but they at least came close offering 91 films that meet the standard (however, many of those films are not actually in 5.1 surround).

And when counting all the movies you can watch from iTunes—including both rentals and purchases—Macworld found that Apple is still short of any 1,000 movie goal, offering only 770 films total.

Hopefully, Apple will meet their 1,000 rental goal in March. Because while AppleTV’s recent makeover was impressive, we’d like to be able to, you know, watch some movies on it or something. [macworld]

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While the future of solar technology seems to rest on nanotechnological innovation, these GROW panels by SMIT are fairly remarkable. Inspired by leaves, these tiny generators do one better than their biological counterparts, drawing power from the sun, but also capturing energy from the wind as they are jostled by the breeze. Developers currently showcasing the technology hope to sell modular kits through art/design resellers (as opposed to typical industrial outlets). Unfortunately, we’re guessing that this more accessible purchase will have a major price trade off. [SMIT via inhabitat]

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Since you are currently on the internet, it’s impossible for you to have missed Judson Laipply’s Evolution of Dance video. Here’s the Autobots’ version of the famous routine, featuring Mr. Prime himself. Something tells us that if Optimus Prime wasn’t real wasn’t currently in another galaxy, he would destroy this video’s creator. To see the original version, hit the jump.

I wonder if Optimus would crush the animator’s skull brutally in his palm or opt for a more classy energy sword decapitation. [collegehumor via crunchgear]

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Sure, we have heard word of lithium ion batteries being possibly implemented in a Prius before, but Mercedes-Benz is going beyond concept speculation with its S400 BlueHybrid, which promises Li-ion HEV action to be hitting the production lines by 2009. At present, that makes the S400 BlueHybrid the first Li-ion HEV with a set mass-production time frame.

Current hybrid vehicles use nickel-metal hydride batteries, but the lithium-ion alternatives are known to offer greater efficiency, as well as a better overall weight-to-power ratio. The problem with integrating the Li-ion technology was in securing their stability—they became far too hot to be a viable option in a hybrid vehicle. Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz has 25 patents it is confident solves the dilemma of battery overheating, whether they stay on target for 2009 is another matter, but we certainly wouldn’t doubt them. (N.B. The model pictured is the standard petrol engine S400. Images of the BlueHybrid have not been released as yet.)[CNET]

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What are you doing today? Nothing. You’re sitting around reading Gizmodo. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that—thanks for stopping by.) But why not be productive with your day and build this K-3PO papercraft model? (You can F5 Gizmodo in the background.)

Craft Tip: spray paint the finished version gold and everyone will think you built a C-3PO model. And one day, in a fit of rage, you can tell your best friend that you slept with his girlfriend AND that for all those years he was duped into thinking that model on your coffee table was C-3PO when you’d really constructed a paper version of the similar but white robot and just painted it gold. Bwahahaha. [model via neatorama and blog@papercraft]

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The chaps at BGR have received a leaked AT&T memo, which states the company will be offering refurbished iPhones for the lowly price of $199 (4GB) and $249 (8GB.) The refurbished iPhones will be made available with new contracts only, and are bound to sell as quickly as heavily discounted iPhones. Jump for the AT&T memo.

March 1, 2008

Refurbished iPhones at COR Stores. For a limited time, select COR stores in the New England Market will offer refurbished iPhones (both 4GB and 8GB) for a special price. These devices are good as new and give customers the opportunity to experience the revolutionary iPhone with big savings. New activations only, upgrades with Manager approval. Refurbished iPhones will only be available to purchase in select COR stores across the Northeast Region and will be available while supplies last. Please reach out to customers that have recently purchased an iPhone to see if they are interested in activating an additional iPhone at a discounted equipment cost. Please note no in-store sales materials should be created. This is to be sold as a closing tool only. Product is available while supplies last from initial shipment. Failure to follow this communication will result in a Code of Business Conduct violation

If you manage to get your hands on one, drop us a shout below to let us know the condition your new-to-you handset is in. Also; 4GB, anyone? [BGR]

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While Nintendo may have invented one of the most graceful products of the modern era in the Wiimote, such only makes it all the more tempting for third party manufacturers (as well as Nintendo its freaking self) to spoil the fun with extrapolation. Take the Wiimax, it turns your Wiimote into a coveted plastic machine gun or rifle—but it doesn’t stop there, my friends.

WiiMax takes superfluousness of design one step further, adding a laser sight. While some may believe the laser is for aiming, the wiser among us realize that the Wiimax’s designer, forced to take such a lousy position, added the laser in hopes that a mirror would one day refract the beam into a user’s eyes, burning the retina like a sizzling egg and preventing any more enjoyment/bastardization of the Wiimote.

Seriously, these peripherals are the equivalent to putting a sweater on a cat. The cat may look stupid, but you’re the one who looks like a douchebag. Please stop. [product via technabob]

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TiVo is officially saying bye-bye to their rewards scheme, and any unused points must be spent by May 28, this year. To get the reward points blowout well underway, TiVo has added a few extra choices to the scheme, including a My DVR Expander drive, (28500 points); TiVo Rewards Entertainment Package (120,00 points) and a TiVo Rewards Ultimate Entertainment Package (150,000 points.) The entertainment packages will both offer TiVo HD with lifetime service and a TiVo Wireless Adapter, whilst the Ultimate package will come with a My DVR Expander drive, too. UPDATE: Looks like Dave at Zats Not Funny broke this story initially. Hit the link for his post.

TiVo Lovers, the blog responsible for breaking this story, has said a replacement rewards network is in the pipelines. It sure makes sense, and we would be totally bummed if there wasn’t something in the works to commend our undying loyalty. We want rewards, dammit. [Zats Not Funny;TiVo Lovers via TiVoBlog]

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Well, that didn’t take to long; aptly named Flickr user, nakedmac has taken the plastic white goodness from off of his Time Capsule, so we can all have a look under its panties. Things we have learnt; 1). There is a fan to get Time Capsule’s cool on. 2). Nakedmac was one of those kids that destroyed his toys two minutes after getting them. Nakedmac, this is exactly why you’re not allowed nice things. Tsk. Checkout the gallery by hitting the link, and be sure to drop anything we have missed in the comments after the jump. [Flickr; Thanks Bobby]

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Automotive design firm Ugur Sahin Design announced that it will be producing a limited run (100 units) of Chevrolet Corvette Z03 vehicles. With a full carbon fiber body, it boasts a twin turbo V8 engine that generates 500hp - 750hp. Click here for first picture in gallery.

The top package will be equipped with dual Tial/Garret oil lubricated and liquid cooled ceramic bearing turbochargers combined with a revolutionary Motec electronic engine management system

[via Seriouswheels]

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