Tag Archives: Star Trek

ThinkGeek has a Star Trek TNG Bluetooth ComBadge



Star Trek TNG Bluetooth ComBadge ThinkGeekThinkGeek is selling an exclusive Star Trek: The Next Generation ComBadge that is more than just a prop. This one actually has some functionality!

The Star Trek Bluetooth ComBadge is an officially-licensed communicator badge. It hooks up to your phone or device via Bluetooth, and has a built-in microphone for hands free calling. Connect it to your phone, tap the badge, and you can answer or send calls, play or pause audio, or access Siri, Google Now, or Cortana.

The badge plays a communicator sound effect when pressed. Keep the badge charged via a micro-USB charging cable.

To be clear, the badge does not include the voice of Majel Barret, the woman who was the voice of the Enterprise Computer in the Star Trek: The Next Generation television series. (She also played Lwaxana Troi in the Star Trek TNG).

Product Specifications Include:

  • Officially-licensed Star Trek: The Next Generation merchandise
  • Plays classic communicator chirp sound effect when you press it
  • Connects to your phone or device via Bluetooth
  • High quality micro-speakers by Massive Audio
  • Wireless Range: 33 ft
  • Drivers: Neodymium magnet
  • Frequency Response: 200Hz – 20KHz
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: >80dB
  • Materials: ABS and zinc shell
  • Attaches using magnets so you don’t have to make holes in your clothes
  • Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-ion (one charge lasts 10 hours)
  • Charges via micro-USB cable (included)
  • Micro-USB Port: DC5V, 350-400mA

The ThinkGeek website notes that the specifications are subject to change pending licensor approval. The Star Trek TNG Bluetooth ComBadge is priced at $79.99 and is coming in November of 2016.


The Most Comprehensive Chart of Spaceships Ever!



Spaceship chart sampleOne of my favorite things on the Internet is this chart, created by DeviantART user DirkLoechel. The chart contains a large selection of spaceships from a multitude of different science-fiction themed TV, movie, and video game franchises. The chart itself measures in at a whopping 4268×6890 pixels and it gives one “real-world” meter to each pixel, allowing you to get an idea of just how large different ships are in comparison to each other.

For example, the U.S.S. Enterprise from the original Star Trek TV show measures in at 289 meters, which feels like a pretty impressive number. But compared to the 15,000-meter long Imperial Star Dreadnaught from Star Wars, the Enterprise seems miniscule.

The chart also provides interesting comparison opportunities such as the original 1978 Galactica vs. the 2003 version. To really put things into perspective, the International Space Station, coming in at a scant 100 meters, is shown at the top of the chart. If humanity is ever going to truly build the spacecraft of our sci-fi dreams, we’ve got a lot long way to go!


What is Klingon for “Bing”?



Klingon

tHantlhS to bing, laH mugh vo’ English Hol tlhIngan.

Let’s translate that: Thanks to Bing, I can translate this from English to Klingon.

Bing has announced that for the upcoming release of Star Trek: Into Darkness, they will add the translations of Klingon and Klingon (Kronos) – the Klingon alphabet. You can translate from English to Klingon or Klingon to English. Words or phrases.

Bing also translates to 40 other languages from Spanish, French, Hebrew, Russian and more. The Klingon language uses the Klingon Language Institute – a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation.

So whether you are having fun with your friends or trying to send the signal for peace, you can get it translated though Bing.


Audi Presents: Spock vs. Spock



Audi LogoIf you are like me, then you probably do whatever you can to avoid having to watch commercials. Once in a while, though, it is worth taking a few minutes to check out an exceptionally well done ad. Such is the case with Audi’s new commercial, which features Mr. Spock vs. Mr. Spock… sort of.

Most people would recognize that Leonard Nimoy played the role of Spock in Star Trek the Original Series, (as well as in several Star Trek movies). The newly rebooted version of the Star Trek movies features Zachary Quinto as a young Spock. The Audi commercial has each actor playing himself, with the actor’s version of Spock overlapping him.

Basically, the two agree to have a race to the country club. Whoever gets there last has to buy lunch. The entire ad is sprinkled with subtle (and more obvious) things that Star Trek fans will immediately recognize. At the start, the two Spocks are playing a game of 3 Dimensional Chess against each other.

What might not be as obvious to viewers is the song that Leonard Nimoy sings in the commercial. It is called “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins” which appears on the “Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy” album. Yes, he really did record that song!


Watch Star Trek on Hulu for Free!



Hulu LogoHulu is celebrating William Shatner’s birthday by offering viewers free access to five Star Trek television series from now through March 31, 2013. This includes every episode of “Star Trek” the original series, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, “Deep Space 9”, “Voyager”, and “Enterprise”.

The LA Times points out that when you add it up, it comes to 693 episodes. You’ve got just nine days to do it in. Make some popcorn and have a Star Trek marathon this weekend! The NextWeb has calculated that you would have to watch 69 episodes a day, every day, between now and the end of the month if you wanted to watch them all for free through Hulu.

An easy way to find everything is to visit the page that Hulu put together about it. Click the image of the series you want to watch and you should be good to go. You do not have to be a Hulu subscriber in order to access free Star Trek right now. Apparently, Hulu periodically unlocks some of its content for free (which I was unaware of).