Tech, Phone & Gadget

Sony Ericsson to Offer WP7 Phone In 2011

2010-10-18T11:14:00.001+07:00

In a conference call with investors, Sony Ericsson's CEO has confirmed that the company will be focusing on bringing out Windows Phone 7 (WP7) devices from 2011. Despite the introduction of WP7 devices, it will still continue to develop Android handsets and estimates that Sony Ericsson commands about 19 percent of the revenue share of the Android market. That being said, analysts believe that Sony Ericsson is making a mistake by waiting until next year to bring out a WP7 phone, considering that competitors such as HTC, LG, and Samsung are already doing so now.

White iPhone 4 Spotted in New York

2010-10-18T09:36:00.001+07:00

New York, New York! What a wonder you are, and folks from Pocket-Lint managed to grab a glimpse of a white-colored iPhone 4 which was being used by a mystery man. Having approached the owner on how he managed to get his hands around a delectable white iPhone 4 where no one else has managed to do so, he did mention that Apple's HQ in Cupertino has plenty of white iPhones, having enlisted the help of his mate to "fix him up" with the model in his hand. Apparently, Apple isn't too happy with their suppliers in the East when it comes to matching white color of the phone's parts, so it will take some time before this issue gets sorted out. Of course, we on the other hand have already spotted some press test in the wild since June, so there is every possibility that this might be part of that batch. Don't rule out the possibility of him being an Apple employee or a family of an employee, either.

Limited Edition Ultrasone 10 Headphones

2010-10-06T06:06:00.001+07:00

Ultrasone just announced their limited edition Ultrasone 10 headphones, which are made of high-end materials for a price of $2,749. For the price point, you do get a wooden storage box and wooden stand for your marvel. According to the company, "The long awaited open back Edition 10 headphone boasts the most luxurious feature set of any special edition headphone to date." Only 2,010 headphones will be made as these are limited editions. The company is saying that these are the "most lavishly appointed and highly coveted speciality headphones ever created."

The headphones' claim to fame are the Zebrano wood ear cup inlays, Ethiopian sheepskin leather ear cup pads, Titanium plated drivers, Kevlar coated cables.

ASUS Release Eee Pad EP90 Sports Tegra 2

2010-10-06T06:04:00.001+07:00

Asus's new Eee Pad is caught in pictures, and this time the Eee Pad tablet sheds its Intel processor in favor of the dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 chipset. The tablet also runs Windows 7 embedded and has a battery life of around 4.5 hours. WiFi, memory card slot, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and a 0.3-megapixel webcam round out the specs for this tablet.

AT&T Announces Android Motorola Flipside

2010-10-06T05:46:00.002+07:00

We've heard of the Flipside name before from an AT&T leak, and now the carrier has gone on to announce the Motorola Flipside, which is an Android smartphone. Rather than the form factor employed by the Backflip with its backflipping keyboard, the Flipside uses a more conventional sliding keyboard form factor. With a front trackpad, the device seems to be a nice merge of the T-Mobile CLIQ and CLIQ XT form factors into a compact package for AT&T.
With a 3.1-inch HVGA screen, the Flipside is a midrange handset that features Motorola's CrystalTalk technology for noise cancellation. It features MOTOBLUR, Android 2.1, and a TI OMAP 3410 processor with HSDPA 7.2 Mbps support. There is 512 MB/256 MB ROM/RAM and a 2 GB microSD card in the box. Bluetooth, WiFi b/g, and GPS are standard. Available for $99.99 by the holiday season, you can get more information about the Flipside by visiting att.com/flipside.

Android Robot Comes to Life: Walks, Talks, and Moves

2010-10-02T07:33:00.004+07:00

It's alive! Not really, but this Android robot looks like the adorably cute mascot for Google's mobile operating system, and as fate would have it, the robot can be remotely controlled by an Android device. The franken-Google-bot is created by Japanese companies RT Corporation and Brilliant Service with a mouth that opens, moving arms and walking legs.

Check out videos of the robot in action below!

Kid Walker Exoskeleton Transports Kids in Robotic Fashion

2010-10-02T07:12:00.001+07:00

If the army can have its own exoskeleton units, then why not kids? That's the idea that Japanese company Sakakibara Kikai is going after with its $21,000 Kid Walker, which is an exoskeleton that will move your kids around and is designed for kids. Your child can sit up in a chair on this 5 1/4-feet tall, 400-pound machine and it will "walk"--well, it actually has wheels that will roll your kids around as the robotic legs don't move for safety.

Google Trademarks The Speedbook Name

2010-08-28T04:40:00.002+07:00

A new trademark filing by Google has been discovered, just in time to get tongues wagging before the weekend. According to the report, Google has trademarked the term "Speedbook" under computer hardware, so speculation is that it could refer to an upcoming tablet or netbook powered by Google's upcoming Chrome OS. No actual details on what the Speedbook might be have been mentioned just yet, so until Google decides to tell us what it is, we can only guess and dream.

Redstar's Shogo Linux-powered tablet

2010-08-28T04:37:00.003+07:00

Heard of Redstar before? Perhaps not, as we haven't till today, but the Japanese-based company has begun to receive pre-orders of their own Shogo Linux-powered tablet. This 10.1-inch tablet device will be powered by a Freescale iMX-37 processor, featuring a 1024 × 600 resolution with multi-touch capability, 4GB of internal memory, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, 3G support just in case there aren't any Wi-Fi networks around, Zigbee, an SDHC memory card slot and 256MB RAM. No idea on whether this will arrive Stateside or not, but if it does, it looks set to live a pretty tough life since there isn't any back-end software support such as Android Market or the App Store to prolong its usefulness.

ExoPC Windows 7 Tablet

2010-08-28T04:21:00.001+07:00

Folks who were looking forward to getting hold of the Windows 7-powered ExoPC were probably disappointed when it was confirmed that the tablet was to be delayed by several months. Well, time has passed, and now the company has confirmed that it’s planning to accept its first pre-orders for the device from September 3rd, and are having the first 1,200 orders shipped out on September 30th. The rebadged partner slate, dubbed the Ciara Vibe, will be going up for retail in Canada from October 15th.

iDuck Wireless Speaker

2010-04-04T11:48:00.002+07:00

Love spending plenty of time in the bathroom with your favorite tunes? Unless you have piped in music as in hotels and other posh places, surely you won't risk electrocuting your iPhone or iPod in there, right? With the iDuck Wireless Speaker, this problem is solved - plug the transmitter into your audio playback device, and it will automatically broadcast all your tunes to the duck. The duck is powered by a quartet of AAA batteries (will it float then?), while the eg (transmitter) runs off three AAA batteries. £24.95 is required to help you make your bathtime a whole lot more relaxing.

Futuristic Concept Wheelchair

2010-04-04T11:30:00.001+07:00

While none of us want to be confined in a wheelchair, if we ever are, this futuristic concept wheelchair would probably the one that we’d pick. It offers a teardrop extrusion located at the back to help negate the negative effects of contemporary wheelchairs, but let’s face it, it looks incredibly cool. Aside from being the coolest wheelchair on the block, it also offers the ability to be controlled by your iPhone, just like everything else in the world nowadays. You can mount your iPhone on the wheelchair and activate the voice control, ensuring that your hands are free to have a gaming session on your 3D-capable Nintendo 3DS.

Commodore Keyboard PC

2010-03-18T17:00:00.001+07:00

Looks like the Commodore computer will be making a comeback, but not in the way that we would expect. After all, who would want to pick up a keyboard computer that features the Commodore logo on the outside? Chances are it will be based on the Cybernet ZPC-GX31 configuration, although exact details and pricing will be released in due time. Guess the Eee Keyboard has nothing much to fear, eh?

HTC will Defend Itself Against Apple Lawsuit

2010-03-18T16:54:00.000+07:00

It is a no brainer that HTC will take steps to defend itself fully against Apple's actions, and in their own words, "HTC strongly advocates intellectual property protection and will continue to respect other innovators and their technologies as we have always done, but we will continue to embrace competition through our own innovation as a healthy way for consumers to get the best mobile experience possible.” This coming from the company that brought us the first 3.5" color touchscreen smartphone in the world in the form of the O2 XDA, alongside other list of accolades which include the first Windows PDA, first Windows phone, first 3G CDMA EVDO smartphone, first gesture-based smartphone (take that, Apple!), first Google Android smartphone and first 4G WIMAX smartphone. This court battle looks set to be interesting.

Google TV Ready to Rock

2010-03-18T16:44:00.001+07:00

Google seems to be interested in dipping their fingers across a wide range of devices, and we have whiff of Google TV in the works. This ambitious platform looks set to deliver web content to Android-based set-top boxes as well as TVs through a series of partnerships including Sony, Intel and Logitech among others. Google has hopes that this new platform will be able to break the previous failures of prior efforts from other companies, with a bright spark that could seamlessly integrate web content onto TVs. According to The Times, Google TV will see set-top boxes that are powered by Intel Atom processors as well as those that run on an Android-based platform. Do you think that Google might be overextending themselves here?

VuPoint Solutions Magic Wand Portable Scanner

2010-02-07T20:04:00.003+07:00

Ever wanted a portable scanner that you could tote around with you? The VuPoint PDS-ST410-VP Magic Wand could be what you’re looking for. It’s able to scan A4 pages with resolutions up to 600 x 600. The scanned documents (color or black and white) will be stored on the microSD card of the device, after which you’ll be able to download the pictures to a computer via USB connection. You’ll be able to scan a full resolution A4 page in about 28 seconds, which isn’t all that bad, and if you really want to be quick, a black and white standard resolution scan will use 4 seconds of your time. It’s powered by 2 AA batteries, and will work together with Mac and Windows. At $99.99 it’s slightly pricey, but we’ll leave it to you to decide whether it’s worth a spot on your office table.

Yinlips eBook Reader: The Apple iPad Clone

2010-02-07T19:54:00.002+07:00

It looks like Yinlips is looking to beat Apple to the market, and possibly confuse iPad shoppers. Its upcoming iPad clone will sport a 6-inch e-ink screen, instead of a boring LCD display. You’ll get a battery that can last up to 20 hours on a full charge and support a variety of formats such as PDF, TXT, CHM, FB2, RTF, TCR, PDB, OEB, HTM, PRC, HTML, EPUB, DJVU, IW44, IW4, DJV and picture files. Considering that it looks quite a bit like the iPad, do you think the arguments of the iPad’s design can be leveled against this eBook reader too? The official pricing of this device don’t seem to be available just yet, so let’s keep an eye on this upcoming eBook reader, shall we?

Google Street View Camera Car Stalked In Berlin

2010-02-07T19:30:00.002+07:00

It’s rather cool that Google is busy taking pictures all around the streets for Google Street View, but there’s nothing stopping you from having a little fun at Google’s expense, right? It seems that some folks have managed to stick a GPS tracker on the Google Street View camera car, and now you can follow the car’s progress around Berlin using Google Maps. It feels kind of ironic that the car doing ground work for Google Maps (and Street View) would be tracked by Google Maps, but it’s also kind of cool. The car hasn’t moved in quite a while, so maybe the drivers discovered the device, or they’re taking a break. You can check it out if you want to know where the Google car (supposedly) is right now.

Doormat Scale

2009-12-13T12:55:00.002+07:00

Want to spruce up your home with something different the moment people are going to step through your front door? How about the doormat scale - it does, after all, kill two birds with one stone, although it might step on the sensitivities of some visitors. Needless to say, you won't want all the dirt and grime from outside end up all over your floors, hence the doormat, but make sure all your friends fall within the recommended BMI otherwise they might feel insulted the moment they enter your abode.

Vodafone Ditches HTC HD2 In Favor of iPhone

2009-12-13T12:54:00.002+07:00

It seems that HTC HD2 fans that are on Vodafone’s network might be out of luck. Despite the popularity of the HD2, a Vodafone spokesman has said that Vodafone has decided not to restock the phone, ditching it in favor on a slew of new phones next year, which will include the iPhone. Does that mean that the iPhone has trumped the HTC HD2 in this arena?

Bugatti Veyron Inspired Bike

2009-12-13T12:36:00.001+07:00

It sure seems that money gives you many options, and a Hong Kong biker who recently picked up a £1m Bugatti Veyron has commissioned Waltz Hardcore Cycles to come up with a bike that would match said supercar. The Veyron China 1 has taken 18 months to become a reality, and is based on the limited Iceman chassis (which was developed for F1 driver Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari chopper. There isn’t any specification information on this bike, but we’re fairly sure it’s going to be fast!

Pantech Impact

2009-11-21T06:32:00.002+07:00

AT&T will be offering the Pantech Impact from this Sunday onwards, where you get a “high-gloss faceplate” with haptic-enabled keys alongside a full QWERTY keyboard. You get an internal and external display alongside 3G support, GPS navigation, a built-in music player, AT&T's HTML mobile browser, a camera with video recording capability alongside easy access to IM and email. Available in bright blue and soft pink colors, the Pantech Impact will retail for $99.99 with a 2-year contract after a $50 mail-in rebate. [Press Release]

CarterCopter, Personal Flying Vehicle

2009-11-21T06:23:00.003+07:00

Sometime in the near future, will we all own one of these as personal transportable devices? If you’re attracted to the scene in that pretty picture, maybe we will be having such a future, eh? Carter Aviation technologies, which has been trying for 15 years to win acceptance for its radical gyrocopter/aeroplane technology seems to have finally gotten a good deal, as it has partner with successful military robot make AAI. There isn’t any mention on the estimated cost of building/buying such a device, but you have to admit it’ll certainly be something to show off with.

Lightsleeper Will Help Your Insomnia

2009-11-17T06:28:00.002+07:00

Counting sleep in order to fall asleep might not be for everyone, so if you need modern tech to help you sleep, the LightSleeper will probably fit the bill. It works by projecting a light onto the ceiling in a controlled, circular motion, and following it with your eyes should encourage the mind to relax, helping you get the shuteye that you want. It’ll switch off automatically after 30 minutes, but you’re free to reactivate it by tapping it gently. It’ll set you back £125, but that’s well worth the price of a good night’s sleep, right?

Wink 16GB: Smallest Flash Drive

2009-11-17T06:22:00.001+07:00

Wink claims that their 16GB flash drive is the smallest on the planet, and check out just how small it is in the comparison image which shows it sitting nicely beside a standard dice. Perhaps, just perhaps, this could be a gamble that pays off, but carrying something that small always lends a risk of one losing all the precious data stored within.

Citroen C-ZERO: Minimum Emissions

2009-11-17T06:06:00.002+07:00

Citroen wants to go green with their C-ZERO car, where it delivers "triple zero" with zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 emission and zero engine noise. Running on a permanent magnet synchronous motor that pumps out 47kW or 64bhp EEC from 3,000 to 6,000rpm, Citroen claims that this ride is able to hit a top speed of 130kph (80mph), while boasting an acceleration rate from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in 15 seconds and 60-90kph (37-56mph) in six seconds. Each full charge is expected to last for approximately 130km (80 miles). Expect to see the Citroen C-ZERO launch in Q4 2010, with no word on pricing just yet.

Foldy Laundry Robot

2009-09-09T20:18:00.002+07:00

Are you a lonely bachelor who for the life of you, can't fold your clothes properly? The Foldy robot ought to help you out though, as it will work out commands entered into a computer program while relying on a properly positioned ceiling-mounted camera that helps it locate and fold your laundry the right way each time. Once several folding instructions have been entered, you're free to do other stuff while Foldy gets the job done in a satisfactory manner. Kudos to Professor Masahiko Inami and his team at Keio University for dreaming up of Foldy.

Sèvres Vase Clock

2009-08-25T20:47:00.002+07:00

Check out the Sèvres Vase Clock by Georgios Maridakis at the Royal College of Art, where it will tap the vase (gently, we presume) at each hour. Depending on your preference, you can always adjust the tone to a level of your choice simply by varying the level of water within. Definitely not something you would want to have when there are kids running around.

Phasma Remote-Controlled Robot

2009-08-25T20:44:00.000+07:00

Takram Design Engineering built the six-legged Phasma remote-controlled robot that is able to scurry about rapidly and dynamically just like an insect. This engineering marvel aims to mimic a living organism in terms of movement instead of shape, where it will reproduce some physics involved whenever an insect runs. Components used in its make up include sliding cables, stainless steel springs and rubber joints, allowing the designers to replicate the smooth and efficient locomotion seen in insects. It would be interesting to see what kind of practical, real world applications such a robot can offer, although chances are the military will find a destructive means to utilize it in the first place.

Bird Identiflyer

2009-08-25T20:35:00.002+07:00

Are you an avid bird watcher? Want to take the easy way out instead of using your aural capability to figure out just which feathered friend is out there, chirping away merrily? The Bird Identiflyer ought to be of great help, as it is able to identify bird songs quickly with but a press of a button. The use of advanced digital technology in this device allows nature lovers to quickly and accurately identify up to 120 birds and 10 frogs simply by their songs and colors. In addition, you can add to your general knowledge by searching by region, color, habitat or alphabetically whenever you're waiting in the shed for your favorite warbler to come along.

Universal Phone Caters to Sighted and Blind

2009-08-16T08:07:00.002+07:00

We've seen phones that catered to the blind in the past (mostly concepts) while the majority of handsets out there are meant for the sighted, so how does this Universal Phone differ? Well, it is more than capable of handling both blind and sighted folks, thanks to thousands of micro pins that are dynamically raised and lowered to form a tactile surface so that the blind can always read incoming text messages in Braille. As for sighted folks, this surface can be used to experience tactile feedback that normally do not come with touchscreen handsets. Would be interesting to see who will be the first manufacturer to release such a handset in the future.

Suzuki Release A Netbook

2009-08-16T07:50:00.002+07:00

Suzuki might be more commonly associated with motorcycles, but their latest release doesn't have anything to do with a 2-stroke engine - the Neutron 701 MNI netbook instead comes with a 7.1" touchscreen display which can be folded down to function as a tablet in that position. Expect the usual suspects underneath the hood with this, including an Intel Atom Z520 1.33GHz processors, up to 4GB RAM, a trio of USB 2.0 ports a 5-in-1 memory card reader, an ExpressCard slot, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, a 1.3-megapixel webcam and get this - a 56K modem. We wonder what the heck is that part doing in a modern machine, guess it could always be used in developing areas where broadband is still not popular.

OpenChord V1 Plugs Guitar into Wiimote

2009-08-09T15:11:00.002+07:00

Those Guitar Hero and Rock Band games have certainly caught the attention of many people over the years and for good reason, as it allows one to escape into the world of fantasy being adored by millions sans the money. There's a new DIY method of playing Guitar Hero now, where it involves plugging in an actual guitar into the Wiimote itself. It definitely will add a whole new level of challenges with this since you have actual frets to worry about instead of just color-coded buttons, but it definitely ranks up there in terms of coolness, eh?

Lamborghini Gallardo Hybrid 2015

2009-08-09T13:52:00.001+07:00

Lamborghini is jumping on the hybrid wagon by announcing that the Gallardo would be available in Hybrid form in 2015. It will work in the same way that a Prius does: at slow speed, the electric engine will take over (traffic, city...) and the gas engine will be used in more demanding situations. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann confirmed that his company would not produce an all-electric car at the moment without saying why. Interestingly, Ferrari has already announced a Hybrid model, schedule to appear in 2015 as well.

Cassette iPod Nano Case

2009-08-06T20:50:00.003+07:00

Sick and tired of the numerous iPod nano cases out there that do not seem to offer anything different? How about merging the past and the present with these cassette nano cases? Made from actual cassette tapes, they are able to hold your iPod nano 4G securely within, and with two dozen (!) color options to choose from, you're literally spoilt for choice. We wonder which were the unfortunate cassettes to meet their end in this manner - then again, it is a good way to recycle your older (and unwanted) cassettes.

New Handset from Telus and Fido

2009-08-06T20:45:00.002+07:00

Canadians can benefit from a couple of new phones from Telus and Fido who have just rolled out the Motorola Rival A455 and Nokia 1661, respectively. The former has already been in existence in the US for some time now via Verizon, featuring a full QWERTY keyboard, a 2.2" LCD display at 176 x 220 resolution, Bluetooth connectivity, a 2-megapixel camera, 130MB of internal memory and a microSD memory card slot. It will retail for $99.99 with a 3-year contract, alongside a “chance to win a day with Universal Recording artist Shiloh” with a trio of free Shiloh songs for a limited time only. As for the Nokia 1661 from Fido, this entry-level candybar handset comes with a 1.8" TFT display with 128 x 160 pixels, an integrated FM radio and a flashlight. You can get it for free on a 2-year contract or $55 on prepay.

iPhone DJ Mixer

2009-08-06T20:29:00.001+07:00

Egad! From vinyls to MP3s, could the future of raves at clubs go beyond the iPod? The iPhone DJ Mixer could potentially usher in a new era of how DJs spin their music, where it will combine music from a couple of iPhones, iPods or MP3 players, or one of each if you prefer. It comes with a spin option, a couple of effects programs with reverb, flange and filter and cross-fade slider and recording option, alongside a speaker system connection and microphone jack. While you're busy mixing up your tracks, the iPhone DJ Mixer will also double up as a charger when in action. Sounds like $120 well spent if you decide to bring this bad boy home.

iRiver Running on Android OS

2009-08-02T19:22:00.004+07:00

Word on the street has it that iRiver is currently developing a new portable media player that will be powered by Google's Android operating system, and this device is touted to tackle the high and mighty iPod touch. Apparently, this unconfirmed unit is known as the K2 where it will feature Wi-Fi connectivity, a 3.5" touchscreen display, Bluetooth support, an integrated accelerometer and a built-in digital TV tuner. There is no confirmation from iRiver's side just yet, but hopefully it will see the light of day in the near future. As iron sharpens iron, surely a new and improved portable media player might help make the next iPod touch out of this world for consumers as Apple attempts to create a whole new envelope instead of pushing the old one beyond its seams.

Acer Aspire G Predator

2009-08-02T19:12:00.003+07:00

Acer recently announced their latest M-Series desktop PC known as the Aspire G. In other circles, it is also known as the Predator, and judging by its innards, it will surely live up to its billing as you take a look at the specifications below.

Intel Core i7-950 3.06GHz processor
6GB DDR3 RAM (up to 12GB)
Intel X58 Express chipset
1TB SATA hard drive @ 7200rpm
Two Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 (1GB VRAM)
Blu-ray disc drive
11 USB 2.0 ports
Two eSATA ports
Multi-memory card reader
Four DVI-D ports
Two Gigabit Ethernet ports

Powered by a copy of 64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium operating system, this €1950 won't leave you with any excuses the next time you lose a deathmatch by virtue of being bundled with the Logitech G15 keyboard and the G9 Laser mouse as well.

Window W26 Sorcerer's Stone Portable Media Player

2009-08-02T18:55:00.003+07:00

Strange to see this portable media player being named as the Window W26 Sorcerer’s Stone. There isn't any listing of its specifications available online, but it sure as heck looks more conceptual than being a real device. Hopefully the real thing will come with a decent set of features, although we're pretty sure there's one thing this won't do - that is, to give you eternal life.

Time Your Light

2009-08-02T18:48:00.001+07:00

Should the apocalypse ever come where you won't have any more power routed to your home, perhaps the Time Your Light concept would be very much welcome. After all, it relies on pent-up wind-up energy just like how a windup doll does. All you need to do to get some light is give it a twist, and hopefully the irritating ticking noise problem would have been solved by then. It begs the question of whether this is a timer with a light attached, or is it a mechanical light that functions just like a timer? Love the color scheme it comes in though.

iiView A2 Looks Like MacBook Air

2009-08-02T18:42:00.002+07:00

If you happen to be in Singapore some time next week, then you might be interested in checking out the iiView A2 that will be powered by Windows 7 Release Candidate alongside a price tag of $468. No idea on whether we'll ever see this machine Stateside, but it bears a striking resemblance to the MacBook Air, where features include:

Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor
2GB RAM
Intel 945 chipset
12.1" 1,280 x 800 resolution display
320GB hard drive
Two USB ports, mini-HDMI port, 2-in-1 headphone/mic jack
802.11b/g, 10/100 Ethernet

HP to Update Its Netbooks

2009-07-30T20:28:00.003+07:00

While Asus and Acer are holding back on releasing new models of netbooks, HP is going the opposite direction by working on an updated 10.1" model that will enter production at the end of September, which will probably result in an October release coupled with Windows 7 alongside the possibility of a next-gen Intel Atom Pineview processor. In addition, HP has asked Quanta to construct a new 11.6" netbook, although it remains to be seen whether it will be another Intel Atom-powered netbook or run on a beefier Intel CULV or AMD Neo processor. What do you think of HP's business acumen - is this the right move considering the current economic climate around the world?

HTC Touch Pro 2 from T-Mobile USA

2009-07-30T20:20:00.001+07:00

T-Mobile USA just announced yesterday that they will be making the HTC Touch Pro 2 availalbe from August 12th onwards. This handset is more than ready to take over where the HTC Touch Pro left off, and the US release comes quite late long after the handset was made available to folks living across the Atlantic as well as in Asia. Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1, the HTC Touch Pro 2 will come with a 3.6" WVGA tilting touchscreen display, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 3.2-megapixel camera to capture those impromptu shots, a full QWERTY keyboard as well as 3G support and GPS navigation to help you get around. Too bad when it comes to color choices, the Touch Pro 2 in the US will only come in mocha. There is no word on pricing as at press time.

Motorola T215 Bluetooth Car Speakerphone

2009-07-19T07:46:00.003+07:00

Talk till you drop with the Motorola T215 Bluetooth car speakerphone, where it boasts three days of talktime and was specially designed to work with other hands-free car kits. Features include a 2W speaker with noise cancellation functionality. While the Motorola T215 might feature the latest technology, sadly the design seems stuck in the past. It does make us wonder whether this will ever become a classic or not, but chances are with the Motorola label on it, the answer would sadly be in the negative.

SimpleTOUGH Portable USB Drive

2009-07-18T11:22:00.002+07:00

Hitachi has jumped aboard the rugged bandwagon by rolling out its SimpleTOUGH portable USB drive which can shrug off 3 meter drops, alongside the ability to handle the pressure of a 1-ton truck. The unit also comes with an integrated, flexible, foldaway USB cable, making it a snap to power and tuck away in a jiffy. Useful for both local and online backup, the SimpleTOUGH Comes with Hitachi’s Local Backup software alongside the Hitachi Ultimate Backup service that offers free, secure online backup of up to 2GB. You can pick up the SimpleTOUGH in 250GB, 320GB and 500GB capacities, where they will retail for $99.99, $109.99 and $139.99, respectively.

Calvin Klein USB Drive Sunglasses

2009-07-13T06:41:00.001+07:00

Fashionistas will look forward to this pair of Calvin Klein USB drive sunglasses, where the USB drive itself remains hidden within the arm of the sunglasses itself while offering decent protection against nasty UV rays simultaneously. These new shades can hold 4GB of storage space, and will retail for $199 when it hits the market this October. Overpriced, as usual, and you'd look pretty weird taking off your sunnies just to access data within whenever you work.

DataWind PocketSurfer3 Unveiled

2009-07-13T06:32:00.001+07:00

DataWind has unveiled its third-generation PocketSurfer - where it will come in PocketSurfer3 and PocketSurfer3 Lite versions. Each of them come with 30 hours of Internet access each month for those living in the UK, where it features a new touchpad to make navigation a snap alongside an improved LCD display. The PocketSurfer3 will rely on its embedded SIM card for mobile data access, relying on a GPRS connection. Too bad streaming video is not supported, leaving you with just static webpages on its 5" LCD display at 640 x 240 resolution.

Samsung SCH-W760 Released

2009-07-05T17:07:00.002+07:00

Samsung has finally rolled out its SCH-W760 cellphone in South Korea, making it the first handset in the world to come with an infrared camera, letting you hold video calls even in low-light situations like a club, where such a situation would best go with a bone conduction Bluetooth headset. In addition, you will still be able to snap much clearer images with the 3-megapixel camera behind, viewing the results on a 2.8" AMOLED display with 240 x 400 resolution. Other features of the SCH-W760 include 8GB of internal memory, a microSD memory card slot, S-DMB TV support and high speed 3G connectivity. Folks in South Korea can expect to pick up this handset for approximately $457, and it remains to be seen whether Samsung will make available this handset in other markets.

Archos 9 Heading for US

2009-07-05T16:59:00.002+07:00

Archos 9 will be one of the next device that will hit the US later this month, where this Windows 7-powered device will come with a 9" touchscreen alongside a virtual keyboard. Folks who are more used to navigation with a mouse, the right side of the device contains an optical trackball and buttons. The Archos 9 will resemble a Mobile Internet Device more than a netbook, where it will run on an Intel Z515 Atom processor, 1GB RAM, Wi-fi connectivity and a 120GB hard drive. There is no word on pricing, but it will arrive later this fall between the $500 to $700 price range.

iPhone 3GS Jailbreak Purplera1n Released

2009-07-05T16:56:00.002+07:00

If the hacking group called iPhone Dev-Team won't release their Jailbreak, it seems like someone else will. Developer George Hotz has released the Purplera1n jailbreak software for iPhone 3GS and by all accounts, it seems to work.

This one runs on Windows XP and Vista (Windows 7 and Mac OS aren't supported, apparently - it's weird for Windows 7). The jailbreak assumes that your iPhone runs with OS 3.0 (for a 3GS, that should be the case) and that you have the latest version of iTunes (may be do an update check?). The author warns that the Jailbreak is a beta, so do a full backup before running it just to be safe. Obviously, do this at your own peril, as this is clearly not supported by Apple. Good luck.

Maximum PSP Go Processor 44% Faster Than the PSP

2009-07-05T16:40:00.001+07:00

We knew that the PSP Go was faster than the PSP-3000, but “by how much” was still a subject of speculation. It is not anymore as an FCC filing makes the PSP Go speed official. With a 480Mhz frequency, it is 44% faster than the previous 333Mhz PSP chip.

At first, most developers will make sure that their games are compatible with the PSP, so it's unlikely that they will use the added power for anything affecting the gameplay. However, it's not impossible to think that some eye-candy could be added when running on the PSP Go. Physics, particles, lighting or reflections would be high on the list... As the user base grows, the PSP Go could become a platform in itself as Sony will want to push their highest margin product. Sony could also subsidize Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker to be a “PSP Go only” title for that reason.

MiLi Pro, Projector for iPhone

2009-06-27T22:09:00.004+07:00

The iPhone might come with a generally large display, but sometimes you want to view movies on the big screen even when alone. Guess this is where devices like the MiLi Pro LCOS, LED-driven projector comes in, playing nice with both the iPhone and iPod touch. All you need to do is plonk the device of your choice into it and it will throw the image/movie from your phone onto a screen (or just the wall if you can't be bothered with the screen). Resolution isn't anything to shout about compared to home projectors, but 640 x 480 pixels ought to be good enough at smaller screen sizes, while looking rather horrid when blown up to its maximum 70" size. Good thing they recommend a maximum 40" screen size to avoid disappointments. No word on pricing, but the MiLi Pro is tipped to arrive this September.

Intelligent Hose That Save Planet

2009-06-27T22:00:00.002+07:00

Water consumption can be quite tricky when it comes to different households that have their own priorities. Some people can't be bothered to fix a leaking faucet, while others will look for every opportunity to recycle water. The Measuring Consumption water sprayer targets those who love spending their time in the garden, as it will keep a reading of just how much water you have consumed each time the water sprayer is used in order to toe the line when you've passed the average 80 gallon mark for each day. Hopefully designer Tobin Spann will be able to turn his idea into reality in due time.

Elevating Wheelchair Concept

2009-06-27T21:40:00.002+07:00

Now here's a design that will definitely go down well with those who are less able-bodied in getting around - the Elevating Wheelchair concept that is smart enough to alternate between sitting and standing modes. This electric-powered wheelchair could also turn into a vehicular concept in the far future, but in the meantime we hope that some medical firm will take a look into its schematics and conjure a real-life prototype, giving greater mobility and freedom of movement to the physically disabled.

Hitachi Mobile Hi-Vision Cam Woo

2009-05-23T07:52:00.001+07:00

With a name like Hitachi Mobile Hi-Vision Cam Woo, we can't help but be interested with what this can offer you. It does record video in 720p resolution (although it isn't the first), and also packs in a 5-megapixel sensor, HDMI interface and a microSDHC memory card slot that ought to last you some ways before it runs out of memory (or battery). Apparently, the Hitachi Mobile Hi-Vision Cam Woo will be out in Japan this Monday on KDDI, although we're willing to bet our bottom dollar that this will never make its way across the Pacific.

Apple Tablet Coming in Early 2010: a Kindle Killer?

2009-05-23T07:29:00.004+07:00

We've seen the Apple tablet rumor go by, and we've been following this since the patent was filed, including the recent rumors. However, some are saying that Apple’s tablet could be a "kindle" (or kindle dx) killer, and that's a little bit more curious. For sure, a tablet computer would have many advantages over an eBook and Apple can probably put up a good fight on the distribution side, but the real question is the battery life and the display.

Such a tablet probably won't last for more than 3-4 hours of continuous use, so one has to wonder if that's good enough to act as an efficient eBook. For some users, naybe, but for hardcore readers it is not so certain. Also, reading on an LCD display arguably strains the eyes more than reading on an eBook.

We think that it will take an eBook (with color e-Ink) and a great distribution system to Kill the Kindle.

Nokia Ovi Store

2009-05-09T17:29:00.004+07:00

With Nokia's Ovi Store about to be launched, it looks like Nokia is going to make an effort to take down Apple's App Store. While Google's Android Market had 50 selections when it was launched, Nokia says the Ovi Store will have over 20,000 items ready for download, which is a good start, especially since Apple has about 40,000 apps in the App Store. The questions that people are asking is that whether said "items" include ringtones and songs. Obviously that number includes custom apps and WidSets, possibly even N-Gage games. After all, it's about quality, not so much quantity.

Samsung Exclaim M550

2009-05-09T17:07:00.004+07:00

Word on the street has it that Samsung will be releasing the Exclaim M550 from Sprint, their latest messaging handset. The Samsung Exclaim M550 is touted to be the spiritual successor to the Samsung Rant, where it will be equipped with an alphanumeric and a QWERTY keypad, where both of them will feature the sliding mechanism for a unique mode of access. Other features that ought to come with the Exclaim M550 include :-

2.6" QVGA display
EV-DO Rev. 0 connectivity
Social networking applications
GPS navigation
2-megapixel camera
microSDHC memory card slot

Sprint has slated the Samsung Exclaim M550 for a June 7 release in either blue or purple colors. Unfortunately, there is no word on its price but we don't expect it to be too expensive anyways.

RAPHaEL Robotic Hand Powered by Air

2009-05-09T16:57:00.002+07:00

The RAPHaEL (Robotic Air Powered Hand with Elastic Ligaments) robotic hand was conjured by the brilliant minds of Virginia Tech, and it uses air to drive the hand's movement without the use of expensive or bulky motors/actuators. The entire system can operate on a mere 60 psi, where it is then guided by microcontroller commands so that it can open and close precisely, even down to the individual finger. One of the main issues with robotic hands to date is their inability to use the right pressure when handling certain objects, but RAPHaEL seems to be doing pretty well here, holding a light bulb without breaking it.

Gruber Assist Help You Cycling

2009-05-09T16:45:00.002+07:00

Love cycling but hate those long stretches of uphills that seem to make your calves burn with fire? The Gruber Assist is here to help, as this electric motor can be hidden within the bike's tube seat so that your shame will not be proclaimed to the rest of the world. Of course, you will need a minimal diameter of 31.6mm to install the Gruber Assist, where it can be retrofitted to virtually any bike as long as the size is right. If you want some electric-assisted boost the next time you head outdoors, the Gruber Assist won't come cheap - it has an asking price of around $2,400.

Surveyor SRV-1 Mobile Robot

2009-05-05T20:47:00.001+07:00

The Surveyor SRV-1 Mobile Robot is so small it can fit onto a rather large palm, where it is connected through Wi-Fi to a computer, beaming back whatever it is looking at from its 1.3-megapixel camera. A couple of built-in laser pointers help it navigate around obstacles, while the 7.4V rechargeable battery works for up to 4 horus thereabouts before requiring a recharge. You can control the SRV-1 over the Internet via a simple Web interface, and the open-source software ought to make it a snap to integrate the SRV-1 into your own project if you're so inclined. It is powered by a 500MHz Blackfin BF537 processor with 32MB RAM and 4MB flash memory, which is more than enough space for you to throw in your own hacks and modifications. ThinkGeek is carrying the Surveyor SRV-1 robot for $479.99.

Folio Booklight Case for Kindle 2

2009-04-28T21:35:00.001+07:00

Amazon's Kindle 2 now has a new Folio booklight case to snuggle within, where the latter comes with a small memo pad (presumably to write down notes in the real world after digesting the thoughts of the virtual world), a pen to, er, pen down those thoughts, and most importantly, a retractable light that is the bedroom reader's best companion, especially when your other half nods off rather easily upon touching his/her head on the pillow. The asking price of $50 for the Folio Booklight Case is not cheap, but do bear in mind Amazon is currently charging $30 a pop for a standard book cover sans the capability to jot notes or read in total darkness.

Selfridges Celebrates Birthday with 10 Exclusive BlackBerry Bolds

2009-04-28T21:25:00.001+07:00

Department store Selfridges decided to indulge a little when celebrating its centennial year in existence by commissioning 10 exclusive, limited edition BlackBerry smartphones from RIM that are individually numbered from one to ten, retailing at their flagship London store at a coo £1,000 a pop, data plan notwithstanding. These BlackBerry Bolds were redesigned with a leather back-plate in the iconic Selfridges Pantone 109 yellow color, along with different-looking number keys on the device's face. If you're one of the proud new owners, each handset will be accompanied by VIP support in order to rub you the right way.

Tri-Specs MP3 Sunglasses for Women

2009-04-28T21:17:00.002+07:00

Not so long ago, many people (but not us) were beating on Oakley's head with a stick for making MP3 glasses and now MP3 glasses are cool all the sudden? Tri-Specs has built mp3 sunglasses with a twist: they have retractable earbuds. When deployed, the earbuds connect with a wire that is supposed to go discreetly under the earlobe and behind the ear.
But wait, there's more: there's voice-control, Bluetooth connectivity and multiple colors: white, black, gold, silver and blue. $199-$224.

Egg Network Gateway Enable 4G Internet Access to iPod Touch

2009-04-28T20:44:00.002+07:00

If someone told you that the iPod touch could surf at amazing WiBRO speeds, chances are you'd laugh your head off at this cuckoo bird. Well, nobody's laughing now with Korean cellular provider KT having launched a new network gateway described as the Egg. The Egg hatches a new way of connecting to the Internet with your iPod touch by pulling a WiBRO (WiMAX variant) connection of its own while making it available to others via Wi-Fi to create an impromptu local hotspot that can hit download speeds of up to 37Mbps. KT hopes that this latent ability will see the Egg sell well at Apple resellers, with a handful of Nintendo DS gamers probably checking it out as well alongside others who spend plenty of time with their Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The Egg will retail for $164 in Korea, although those who sign up for a 50GB (!) monthly data plan can have it for free.

Shrieking Ball Guarantees to Wake You Up

2009-04-24T23:17:00.001+07:00

Have difficulty in keeping those eyes open to go to work every morning? How about this Shrieking Ball concept alarm clock that touts an almost 100% guarantee that you will wake up to face the day, regardless of how nice it is to stay in bed and under the covers, feeling super cozy while it is raining outside. This alarm clock will ring until you lift the globe off its base when it shrieks, followed by having to place it down precisely in its cradle in order to stop the electronic banshee from continuing. Don't think anyone would bother to snooze once this alarm clock kicks into action...

T-Mobile G1 Moves A Million Units

2009-04-24T23:02:00.003+07:00

Say what you want about the T-Mobile G1, but it has quietly garnered over a million units worth of sales in the US along, which is pretty impressive considering the number of subscribers T-Mobile has in the US compared to the giants in the same playing field. This just bodes well for the upcoming G2/HTC Dream Android-powered handset as it shows there is a market ready and willing to snap up such smartphones without jumping over to the iPhone camp.

HiPhone Nano N3+

2009-04-24T20:42:00.002+07:00

HiPhone seems to on a roll this time round with their latest offering, the HiPhone Nano N3+ looking every inch a beauty - surprising compliment for a China clone manufacturer! Well, it comes with a nanosque outer skin, a cloned ClickWheel and a 2.8" touchscreen internal display that can be accessed when flipped open. You will be able to rotate the internal display by up to 180 degrees, which presumably allows for more flexible photo taking opportunities with the 1.3 megapixel camera. As for the rest of the features, the Nano N3+ comes with dual SIM slots, shake control, Bluetooth connectivity, an integrated FM tuner and a microSD memory card slot. Would you fork out $189.99 for something like this?

H-ergo Wheelchair Run with Fuel Cells

2009-04-24T20:19:00.002+07:00

Check out this four-wheeled wheelchair known as the H-ergo - it was specially designed by a bunch of companies from Italy, featuring a built-in hydrogen fuel cell that is able to provide up to 2 hours of movement before a recharge is required. It won't win any sprint races, that's for sure, hitting 20km/h at the very best, while the two 800-watt electrical motor wheels were not made to run all day. The saving grace would be it being more environmentally friendly compared to the standard plug-in scooter, and targets those who need to move around in wheelchairs.

LG Viewty Smart

2009-04-21T01:46:00.003+07:00

At last, the LG Viewty Smart, also known as the LG GC900, is official. This will be the Viewty's successor, and to see just how much smarter the phone has become, well check out the following specifications and grab a bucket to contain all that drool :-

* 3" TFT touchscreen display at 800 x 480 resolution
* 8-megapixel autofocus Schneider-Kreuznach lens
* S-Class Touch user interface
* Quad band GSM connectivity (850/ 900/1800/1900 MHz)
* HSDPA 2100 connectivity
* A-GPS with geotagging capability
* Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 A2DP connectivity
* Audio playback
* Supports, DivX, MPEG4 and XviD video formats
* 1.5GB internal memory
* microSDHC memory card slot

Folks will be able to get their hands on the LG GC900 Viewty Smart this May, arriving at Europe first followed by other notable markets around the world. There is no word on pricing by LG, but we expect this puppy to make itself comfortable at the top of the food chain, so be prepared to fork out a handsome amount if you want to bring this home. [Press Release]

AU KDDI and Sharp Will Release Waterproof Solar Powered Phone

2009-04-21T01:37:00.003+07:00

The folks at AU KDDI and Sharp will soon release a brand new cell phone in Japan that will come with a solar panel built into its lid, allowing you to juice up your handset wherever you go as long as there is sufficient sunlight. Of course, we're pretty sure this will also come with a power adapter for those moments when you're relegated to working in a cubicle that has no window, hence cutting off your handset from the precious rays of the sun. A 10 minute charge under direct sunlight is good for 1 minute of talktime or 2 hours of standby time. Being waterproof and scheduled for a June release, we think we've found our perfect summer phone. Hopefully it makes its way out of Japan though.

iHouse SmartFaucet

2009-04-21T01:12:00.002+07:00

Even faucets are getting smart these days thanks to the efforts of iHouse and their SmartFaucet. This waterproof device boasts a facial screening application that is able to recognize the person in front of it, automatically turning on the water to the pre-programmed and preferred flow as well as temperature. In addition, the touchscreen display located on top of the faucet (a wee bit small if you ask us) can be used to check out your email inbox, view the current temperature outside among others. Perfect for huge households where there is a wide range of temperature preferences. Love the way it lights up as well in the dark - definitely adds a touch of class to your home.

NexStar SATA Drive Dock

2009-04-14T21:52:00.004+07:00

The NexStar SATA Drive Dock is unique on its own as it comes with two drive slots to store as much information and data as possible from various sources - imagine throwing in a couple of spacious hard drives and you'll be toting around a fancy hot-swap external USB enclosure. The NexStar SATA Drive Dock plays nice with Windows, Mac and Linux platforms, and will be able to fit both 2.5" and 3.5" hard drives, depending on whether you prefer space over portability and a lightweight setup or otherwise. This $77.99 device is also perfect to recycle spare hard drives instead of leaving them to lie around without any cable connecting them to a computer to fulfil their purpose in life.

HP Offer External Blu-ray Drive

2009-04-14T21:46:00.005+07:00

Folks who will be picking up the HP dv2 ultra-slim notebook will definitely be pleased with the external Blu-ray drive that comes along with it. After all, take one glance at the drive here and tell us you're sold - it blends in perfectly with the dv2 in its shiny form factor (although the downside would mean it is a fingerprint magnet of sorts). What are some of the other computer or notebook peripherals you've seen to date that ooze with quality in terms of design, complementing the main device perfectly?

AOpen Released XC Encore OE700 Media PC

2009-04-14T21:42:00.004+07:00

AOpen has released its XC Encore OE700 Media PC which not only looks good, it comes with the necessary innards to make it run well enough to function as a Media PC right smack in the middle of your living room. You will be able to choose from a range of Intel Core 2 Duo processors, cramming in up to 4GB RAM in addition to a Smart Anti-Vibration System that reduces hard drive noise. Another effort to make sure the XC Encore OE700 Media PC runs as quietly as possible would be its new casing known as the SNSS (or Smart Noise Suppression System) that touts to keep all the other noises at bay. Other features include a home theater-friendly VFD display and a Media Center compatible remote control. Seems as though the XC Encore OE700 Media PC will only be available in Japan though. Bummer.

Moxier Mail Pre-release

2009-04-14T21:39:00.001+07:00

The name Emtrace Technologies is synonymous with the first Exchange ActiveSync push e-mail for the Android platform in the world, and they have just rolled out a free trial version of Moxier Mail Pre-release. This pre-release version will see similar features as found in the full version, where the latter will be available later this month. Some of the important features include direct push synchronization with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 & 2007, a secure environment with SSL support, HTML Email with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 and a dummy-proof method of receiving, replying, composing and deleting emails on-the-go. Corporate users might want to give this a go if they want something efficient and easy.

Glassy Glassy Phone Concept

2009-04-14T21:25:00.002+07:00

Tokyo-based designer Mac Funamizu has done it yet again - coming up with a fluid concept design that makes us wish prevailing technology has what it takes to manufacture a thing of beauty such as the Glassy Glassy cell phone concept. The entire thing is transparent until you turn it on, where the screen and keypad will then light up for you to press accordingly. No idea whether it has the tensile strength of a standard cell phone, or will it crack all too easily during one's travels? One more thing - where the heck is the battery stowed away?

Sony Launched VAIO Type C

2009-04-09T08:05:00.003+07:00

We all know that Sony's Vaio range of notebooks are pretty far ahead in terms of its design curve compared to the rest of the competition, and Sony Japan does not disappoint with its VAIO Type C notebooks being launched recently. The "C" there stands for Crocodile edition, which is obvious by the cover of this portable computing device. Limited in quantity, fashion forward future owners of the VAIO Type C notebook will be able to choose from red, pink and brown colors. Features include Intel’s Core 2 Duo processor, a maximum of 8GB RAM, up to 500GB hard drive, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS graphics card.

IF Battery doesn't Need Recharging Station

2009-04-09T08:00:00.002+07:00

Most devices these days need to do more than just one thing, otherwise they'd be scowled upon as something worthless. The IF Battery concept certainly fills up this niche pretty nicely - it not only juices up your devices once plugged, it also comes with pins on the side which allows you to hook up to a nearby power outlet for recharging should the IF Battery start to run low of its reserves in the process. While this does away with the need for a recharging station, the drawback would be the ability to juice up only one battery at a time.

Sanyo Offers Gorilla GPS

2009-04-09T07:57:00.001+07:00

Sanyo is in the GPS game to the surprise of those who do not follow the scene, although their Gorilla line of GPS devices nearly went extinct a few years back. Since then, Sanyo has taken the relevant steps to bring the Gorilla GPS line back to life, with a trio of Gorilla SSD portable GPS navigation systems to make their debut in Japan later this year. The three Gorilla systems in question are the NV-SD730DT, NV-SB450DT and NV-SB530DT which will come in 7", 5.2” and 5.2" screen sizes, respectively, complete with LED backlight, 8GB SSD, VICS Traffic information (not included on the NV-SB530DT), a 1-Seg TV Tuner and Eco Mode which alerts you whenever your foot steps on the gas pedal too much.

BlackBerry Storm 2 Confirmed

2009-04-09T07:53:00.001+07:00

Guess rumor has made the leap to fact with word from a BlackBerry spokesperson in Netherlands, Alain Segon de Banchet, who has confirmed the existence of this device. What you see here is not the real thing, but is a mockup of the BlackBerry QWERTY slider that was initially described in the RIM patent application over a year ago. The BlackBerry Storm 2 will be available in the market later this year or early the next, and will not feature carrier exclusivity in Netherlands. In addition, it will weed out the weaknesses of the original Storm in terms of typing - could we be looking at the possibility of a slide out QWERTY keyboard and a full touchscreen display?

Denon DP-200 USB MP3 Recorder

2009-04-09T07:18:00.001+07:00

Denon is back in the thick of things with theri fully automatic turntable known as the Denon DP-200USB, featuring a USB port as well as an integrated MP3 encoder. This enables vinyl lovers to transfer their favorite warm tunes over to MP3 audio tracks without having to purchase a computer, and all it takes is a simple push of a button and you're good to go - just make sure than an empty USB flash drive is plugged in, of course. All your tunes will be ripped in 192kbps quality thanks to its Trans Music Convertor, while Gracenote metadata services will be able to add info to the files. If you're interested in picking up the Denon DP-200USB, make sure there is at least £199.99 left in your bank account with silver or black colors to choose from.

35mm Film Camera

2009-04-09T07:12:00.001+07:00

How many years has it been since you last handled a film camera, juggling with rolls and rolls of 35mm film whenever you go on a vacation? Well, talk about turning the tables by merging both the old and the new - this digital camera comes in the form factor of a 35mm film, making it the perfect disguise if you want to capture secrety trysts between the maid and her lover whenever you're not at home. No idea whether people in the room will wonder just what's up with such an oversized roll of 35mm film, but chances are they've last seen one a decade ago or so, letting this thought slide by without further ado. You can pick up this 35mm Film digital camera for $20 a pop in South Korea.

USB Privacy Keypad looks like an ATM

2009-04-09T07:07:00.005+07:00

One glance at the USB Privacy Keypad and you will realize that it looks pretty familiar, especially when you use ATMs often. It works on the same concept, covering up your numeric keypad so that nobody else will be able to see what numbers you're keying in. It connects to your desktop or notebook via USB 2.0, and comes with an SDHC memory card slot in addition to a couple of shortcut keys. You can pick up the USB Privacy Keypad for $18.99 a pop. We suppose accountants and those who deal with numbers on a daily basis might find this to be fun, while folks who rely on just numbers for their passwords could definitely make do with one of these.

Kenwood Offers Squeezophone 360° Speaker

2009-04-09T07:02:00.001+07:00

Want a speaker that offers surround sound capability? Look no further than Kenwood's very own Squeezophone 360° speaker. It is built based along similar lines as the extremely pricey Sony Soutina glass speakers, oozing out your favorite tunes in all directions with the help of acoustic technology. Apart from this inherent ability, very little else is known about the device since it is still under the prototype category. We suppose it ain't gonna come cheap when made available to the masses though.

Mitsubishi Unisen HDTVs

2009-04-09T06:55:00.004+07:00

Mitsubishi has not given up hope on the HDTV market just yet, augmenting their LaserVue line with the Unisen range which is made up of the 151 Series (40", 46" and 52"), the 153 Series (40", 46" and 52") and the top-of-the-line (and aptly named, we might add) Diamond 259 Series that comes in 46" and 52" varieties. All of these will feature the following:

Plush1080p 5G 18-bit digital video processing
USB 2.0 media port
A quartet of HDMI 1.3a inputs
Integrated 5.1-channel 16-speaker audio bar
UltraThin Frame design
120Hz Film Motion technology
Wired IR input

Expect this fancy new Unisen line of HDTVs to ship Stateside from next month onwards, with prices starting from $1,799 going upwards to touch $3,299. [Press Release]

OCZ Vertex Series Mac Edition SSD

2009-04-09T06:47:00.001+07:00

OCZ offers yet another Solid State Drive (SSD) goodie - albeit this time it will target Mac owners in the form of the OCZ Vertex Series Mac Edition SSD. Featuring speeds of up to 240MB/s sequential read and 170MB/s sequential write with some help from its 64MB onboard cache, the Vertex Series Mac Edition is one mean device, helping to extend your MacBook's battery life when in use while bringing to the table a much higher level of durability in comparison to standard hard drives. Each purchase of the OCZ Vertex Series SSD drive will be accompanied by a 2-year warranty, and you will be able to choose from 30GB, 60GB, 120GB, and 250GB capacities.

New NWZ OLED Walkman

2009-03-22T21:13:00.001+07:00

Amazon.uk will be making available the new NWZ OLED Walkman from Sony from May 10th onwards, and that pretty much points toward a market entry for the rest of Europe as well. As for folks who live across the pond, the first of (we hope) many OLED Walkmans will be released sometime in the summer. While OLED is a clearly superior technology compared to LCD, it will take some time to catch on as more and more manufacturers learn to incorporate such technology into their devices. Would you pick up the new Sony Walkman, or are you happy with your iPod currently?

Samsung Omnia HD powered by Android?

2009-03-22T20:54:00.003+07:00

By now most of us already know that the Samsung i8910 Omnia HD will be powered by Symbian S60 5th Edition instead of Windows Mobile, which is a departure from what the first Omnia i900 used. There were rumors going around that there would also be a Windows Mobile 6.5 version of the upcoming Omnia HD, however that rumor seems to have been quashed by certain sources. Apparently Samsung picked Symbian over Windows Mobile because of Microsoft’s delay in getting Windows Mobile 6.5 out of the door. The interesting bit is that Samsung wants to launch more handsets with its Omnia branding, and some of them will run Android, so it seems like we’ll be getting an Android-powered smartphone sooner rather than later.

SanDisk slotRadio Player

2009-03-22T20:19:00.002+07:00

SanDisk will be shipping its slotRadio device at the end of this month, so folks who are looking for an MP3 player of some repute minus the Apple logo can always give this a twirl to see if it suits them. This MP3 player comes with a microSD memory card slot for your choice of pre-loaded music, while others who prefer to do nothing but purchase music off the shelf can do so with the pre-loaded Billboard hits cards that will house more than 1,000 tracks that are already categorized by genre. You can pick up the slotRadio from March 31st onwards for just $99 a pop - and it comes with a card that already has more than a thousand songs.

Bell Issues Statement for BlackBerry 8230

2009-03-06T23:55:00.002+07:00

Bell has issued a statement for its recently launched BlackBerry 8230 handsets only if they're running on the OS 4.6.1.162 build. Bell customers who are affected will receive an SMS that instructs them on how to upgrade the OS to the latest 4.6.1.182 build. Stores throughout the country are already receiving updated units even as you read this, so sales of newer units should not be affected by this problem. If you're already running on the latest build, just ignore this and live your life as usual. It still amazes us till this day that such a boo-boo can occur in the manufacturing line. Ah well, guess whenever there are humans around, there is always room for some margin of error.

Alltel Offers Palm Treo Pro

2009-03-06T23:47:00.003+07:00

Alltell Wireless is first off the blocks where the Palm Treo Pro is concerned, beating out Sprint as expected. Available at Alltel's online and retail stores, this CDMA version was already available as a pre-order last night, beating the March 5 deadline by a few hours. The CDMA version of the Treo Pro will be similar in most hardware specifications as its GSM model, although the processor has been bumped up to a beefier 528MHz while the internal memory hits 512MB. Other features include a touchscreen display, 2 megapixel camera, GPS navigation, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth support, 3G and a microSD memory card slot. The Alltel Treo Pro will run on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and will retail for $199 after a $125 mail-in rebate and a 2-year contract. Well, at least each purchase online comes with a free Bluetooth headset.

HTC Touch Pro 2, Conference Room Speakerphone

2009-02-16T23:56:00.003+07:00

The Touch Pro2 features a high-resolution 3.6-inch widescreen VGA display, a sliding QWERTY keyboard, an improved battery life, expandable memory, 2 speakers, 2 microphones, a touch-sensitive zoom bar and gravity, proximity and ambient light sensors. HTC is introducing the HTC Straight Talk that delivers an integrated email, voice, and speakerphone experience: users can transition from email to conference calls and thanks to its new and innovative acoustic design using asymmetric speakers, noise suppression and full-duplex acoustics, the Touch Pro 2 become a conference room speakerphone when it is flipped over. The Touch Pro2 will be available across major global markets beginning in early summer.

HTC Diamond 2 Unveiled

2009-02-16T23:51:00.001+07:00

HTC is unveiling its new Diamond 2 in Barcelona. The new smartphone has a better battery life than its V1 (50% more), a 3.2-inch high-resolution wide-screen VGA display (800x480), a 5 MP auto-focus camera and is 13.7mm thick. According to HTC, the TouchFLO 3D experience combined with the new Push Internet technology, the Diamond 2 offers a touch experience optimized for the one-hand use. To get even more sophisticated, this stylish mobile is equipped with a gravity sensor and an ambient light sensor. The HTC Touch Diamond2 will be available in Europe and in Asia in early Q2 2009, global availability will come later in the year.

Nokia Announced E75

2009-02-16T23:31:00.002+07:00

The Nokia E75 has been leaked to death: it should be particularly good at email as it is compatible with virtually all the popular online (Gmail, Yahoo, MSN, Pop, IMAP) and the enterprise email services (Exchange and Lotus). Several email accounts are supported simultaneously, and they can even be split into “Business” or “Personal” screens. There’s support for GPS navigation, thanks to A-GPS and Nokia Maps, the integrated navigation software. We like just about everything in this phone, except for the low-resolution display. If it is meant to be a text phone, we think that it should have a display that is on-par (or better!) with low-end BlackBerry phones like the Curve 8900 (480x360). The E75 should cost around 549 Euros (unlocked).

Specs: 2.4” display (320x240), QWERTY Slider, S60 OS, 50MB of internal data, 4GB flashcard included (16GB max), HSDPA, WiFi b/g, 3.2 MP Camera with flash, auto-focus, 3.5mm audio jack, Micro USB 2.0 port, A-GPS + Nokia Maps (pre-registered, maps stored locally), 139g (iPhone=135g), 111.8 x 50 x 14.4mm3 Colors: Black, Red, Yellow.

Digital Butler (Concept) for The Extremely Lazy

2009-02-10T22:26:00.003+07:00

How long do you think it will take for something as simple as a bell or ringer to become obsolete, being replaced by this Digital Butler concept? Hopefully not too soon, as we have a soft spot for classics in some things, as the Digital Butler concept still misses out on the human touch despite being able to attend to your queries with ruthless efficiency. For instance, it will function on advanced 4G networks (it is in the future, remember?) with GPS to provide you with details to all the most happening spots in town, and is easy to navigate thanks to a circular touch screen display. Other features include an integrated accelerometer, a PDA phone function, a built-in LED projector and full-time network connection to VIP services. What is this powered by, a mini nuclear reactor?

I-Quad LED Electronic Board

2009-02-10T22:11:00.001+07:00

The I-Quad is actually a bunch of tile-shaped LED electronic boards that are held together by a simple frame, and they boast interactivity with external devices, taking either the USB or wireless route. Individual tiles can display a low-resolution image that brings back fond memories of dot-matrix pictures. You can basically display anything you like across these tiles, ranging from communications to entertainment and even ambient lighting. We would've liked to see a much higher resolution used here, but that will probably mean a much higher level of power consumption at the end of the month.

Chinese Manufacturer Release Slim iPhone Clone

2009-02-10T21:58:00.003+07:00

Did Apple release a new iPhone that we're not aware of? Nopes - what you see here is effort from Guangxi Nanning Jiguang Trade Co., Ltd. of China that offers an iPhone clone, featuring 16GB of 32GB of storage space although leaving out the cell phone functionality. You won't even get VoIP support, so this is relegated to yet another portable media player that is confused about its self-image and purpose in life. Other features include e-book support, an integrated FM radio and expandable memory. Strangely enough for a PMP, it supports the MVP video format only, which is unthinkable if you expect users to encode their existing collection of video files yet again.

UMID M1 Ready for Import

2009-02-08T07:16:00.001+07:00

The M1 from UMID will arrive in the Korean market this February 20th, and we're excited to see when the import game will begin. Features of the M1 are pretty high up on the "impress" list, including:

4.8" display with 1,024 x 600 resolution
WiBro, HSDPA, WiMAX, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Intel Atom processor
512MB/1GB RAM
Up to 32GB SSD
Windows XP/Vista/Linux OS
1.3 megapixel camera
SD/USIM card slot
Mini USB 2.0

All that crammed into a body that tips the scales at 315 grams? It is certainly worth a look, and here we are keeping our fingers crossed that it won't be priced out of reach for the people on Main Street.