Nintendo of America retiring several Wii online services on June 28th

Earlier today, Nintendo announced that several of the original Wii's online services will fade to black in the console's homeland. Adding to the carnage, the company confirmed that us yankees are far from exempt. Starting on June 28th, the Forecast Channel, News Channel, Everybody Votes Channel, the Check Mii Out Channel and the Nintendo Channel will all be taken offline. Wii Message Board and data exchange between friends are scheduled to get the axe as well. Now before you start contemplating trading in your system for its leaner, disconnected successor, we should note that the Wii Shop Channel will remain online. So there's still time to snag a copy of Super Mario 64 from the Virtual Console for nostalgia's sake.

[Source: Engadget]

Google Glass will reportedly be built in America, at least initially

That $1,500 price tag for Google Glass Explorer Edition? Perhaps it makes a bit more sense considering that US labor will be used to manufacturer it. According to unnamed sources cited by Financial Times, the first run of production-quality Glass headsets will be built in Santa Clara, California. The reason? A lot is riding on the quality of Glass, and it's likely that Google just wants to keep a close eye on every single prototype that leaves the lab. In fact, it's not exactly uncommon -- the outfit did the same for its ill-fated Nexus Q, and Apple is building some of its iMacs here in the states as well.

It's also important to note that the initial batch of Glass headsets won't be high yield, so there's little reason for Google to look overseas with so few units slated for production. Whether or not the lines in NorCal will continue to hum once these things hit critical mass remains to be seen, but it is interesting that Hon Hai Precision (read: Foxconn) will reportedly manage the facility that cranks 'em out.

[Source: Engadget]

Id America rolls out Metropolitan in-ear headphones

Id America has rolled out its new Metropolitan in-ear headphones. The Metropolitan features a lightweight aluminum housing in one of six colors, an in-line remote and mic module, a tangle-free fabric cord, three included sizes of earbuds for a precise fit, and an included microfiber carrying pouch. Id America’s Metropolitan in-ear headphones are available now and sell for $30.

[Source: iLounge]