Oh! Gizmo

By Andrew Liszewski

With a new and improved Star Trek film just around the corner, we all better brace ourselves for an onslaught of movie merchandise that will probably rival the efforts of the Lucas camp. Like a Star Trek themed version of 20 Questions for example. Besides being shaped like the classic Enterprise, making it completely pocket-unfriendly, this edition of 20 Questions is chock full of trivia from the Star Trek movies, television series and characters. So with just 20 questions you’ll be amazed as the game manages to quess that you still have a creepy obsession with Seven of Nine.

20 Questions Star Trek Edition will be available from Entertainment Earth sometime in March for about $21.

[ 20 Questions Star Trek Edition Game ] VIA [ Chip Chick ]

By Andrew Liszewski

If you’ve never been to Las Vegas and Star Trek: The Experience at the Hilton, that photo I took at CES this year won’t make much sense to you. But if you ever had the chance to eat an over-priced novelty-themed meal at Quark’s bar, or experience the ‘transporter effect’ on the Star Trek ride, you might recognize that as the front entrance to Star Trek: The Experience, which is now boarded up since it was officially shut down last September thanks to a contract dispute.

But all is not lost. According to SCI FI Wire a new contract has been signed with CBS/Paramount that will see Star Trek: The Experience re-open in Vegas on May 8 to coincide with the release of the new Star Trek movie. (Thanks again, Mr. Abrams!) However, the new trek experience will actually be moved to the Neonopolis Center in downtown Las Vegas (close to Fremont street) and it will feature a new restaurant and retail shop at opening, with new Star Trek rides being planned for 2010.

So the original Star Trek: Experience at the Hilton is officially gone forever, but like with the movies, I think the franchise can definitely benefit from a fresh start.

[ SCI FI Wire - Confirmed: New contract to keep Star Trek The Experience alive in Vegas ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Obviously timed to cash-in on the resurgence Star Trek will be experiencing thanks to the upcoming movie, Dream Cheeky will be releasing a USB VoIP/Skype phone that’s a perfect replica of the communicators used on the original Star Trek TV series. Due out in April, the ‘phone’ is compatible with XP, Vista and OS X Tiger or greater, and comes with speakerphone, mute and volume control functions, as well as an assortment of Star Trek related sound bites like “Transporter room ready to beam up.” I have no pricing info at this time, but don’t expect it to break the bank.

[ Everything USB - Incoming Transmission Captain, FTW. (Set Phaser's to Thrill) ] VIA [ Digital Drops ]