Gadget Gallery

FusionFnC launches two Bluetooth headsets

2006-07-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Korean optical media distributor FusionFnC announced it has started to sell two types of Bluetooth-enabled headsets provided by Hong Kong’s In-Tech Electronics.

The BT55D model, which supports Bluetooth 2.0 and utilizes a hairband design, can be used to listen to stereo sound signals; it offers up to 10 hours of music listening time, 12 hours of talk time, and 400 hours of standby time .

The small BT25R model weighs 12.5 grams and is equipped with Bluetooth 1.2. It offers 6.5 hours of continuous talk time and up to 200 hours of standby time.[via MobileKorea ]

VK Mobile Files For Bankruptcy

2006-07-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

VK Mobile, makers of one of Helio's two handsets, has filed for bankruptcy. There has been speculation that Helio has gone two months with only a couple hundred subscribers, claims that have been denied by Helio. The Korea Times also speculates that VK's bankruptcy will send ripples to Pantech, the maker of Helio's other

handset. The Times also thinks that only Samsung and LG, the two largest Korean cellphone manufacturers will eventually survive.

What does this mean to you? Well, Helio's performance so far—performance which sparked the 100 subscriber rumor— isn't making any handset makers jump for joy. And since the poor performance of the MVNO affects the hardware manufacturers, and vice versa, this probably isn't a good time for any of the three companies. Meaning, if you sign up for a Helio plan now, be on your toes for possible changes in the future.

We're not saying don't get on Helio—what they offer is pretty darn impressive—we're just saying that readers might want to watch what's going on with the two phone makers, VK and Pantech. [ Via Gizmodo ]

Nokia N93 gets put through its paces

2006-07-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

With S60 3rd Edition, UMTS, a 3.2 megapixel camera with optical zoom, WiFi, miniSD slot, and QVGA display, Nokia's N93 dual-pivot clamshell pretty much does it all -- at the cost of some considerable bulk, that is. Mobile-review had a chance to spend some quality time with the beast, and if you can get past the portly 188 grams of mass in your pocket, they appear to come away liking the device for all that it does. As flimsy as it may look, we're told the stalk connecting the display to the remainder of the phone is rock-solid: "Even if you shake the phone with all your strength, there is no way the halves will move towards each other." Triband GSM plus UMTS 2100 make the N93 a tough sell in the States, but everyone else seeking out a worthy N90 N90 replacement can expect Nokia's latest superphone to drop this month for around €600 ($765).
[ via Engadget ]

Samsung NV line takes slim mantra to fashionable cameras

2006-07-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

Not satisfied with having the world's slimmestcell phones, Samsung is set to take their "thin is in" mentality into the digital camera forum with the new "NV" line of fashionable picture takers. Like their cell phone counterparts, these digicams are quite slim (all less than an inch thick) and sport s a sleek black exterior. The debut includes three units -- the NV3, NV7 (pictured), and NV10 – all of which come with 2.5-inch LCD displays.

The NV3 is the most "pocketable" at a mere 0.7-inches in thickness. It packs a 7 megapixel CCD, 3x zoom, and a few PMP functions for good measure. Bump yourself up to the NV7 and you'll pack a whooping 7x optical zoom, in addition to some great optical image stabilisation. The "touch pad" row of buttons along the LCD make for easy menu access. For sheer megapixel supremacy, you'll have to turn to the NV10, which, as its name implies, throws ten megapixel pictures into the mix, in addition to Advanced Shake Reduction and 5x optical zoom.

All three cameras should be hitting shelves this fall, with the NV3, NV7, and NV10 priced at $350, $450, and $400, respectively.[ via Mobile Mag ]

2 new autonomous vacuum cleaners from Samsung

2006-07-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

Samsung upgrades their autonomous vacuum cleaner offering with this VC-RS60 and VC-RS60H. The robots are designed by Zairo, recharge themselves once the remaining battery capacity drops below 20% and you can even give the robot a call and order it to vacuum your place without you being present (great feature if you like picking up girls/guys in a bar or nightclub)! [ via Akihabara]

The ShoqBox

2006-07-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

Portable music players may be the rage but they are pretty unsociable, whatever happened to listening to tunes with your mates. Okay you can plug external speakers in but that means carrying them around. Philips have broken the portable MP3 player mold and their new music player the ShoqBox incorporates the speakers into the design.

Like most portable music players the ShoqBox can play MP3 and WMA files but instead of listening to them on headphones you can have a couple of watts of solid bass (though if you do feel like being a bit selfish with your music you can always use headphones instead).

The ShoqBox still manages to remain pretty small measuring 58 x 53 x 182 mm, which is certainly comparable to an iPod Nano with a couple of decent external speakers.[ via Coolest Gadgets ]

Superman returns on the iPod

2006-07-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

We first have the Superman Returns product line from Alienware , and XtremeMac decided to give the iPods some Man of Steel lovin' have come up with a new iPod Case featuring the now-classic S-shield logo as part of the company's Iconz line. This new case offers protection across the entire face of the 5G iPod video including the Click Wheel and built-in screen protector. You won't be maimed as you will still have access to all controls and ports. The Superman case is available for both 30GB and 60GB models, and will retail for $30. [ Via UberGizmo ]

Nico Mobile Phone

2006-07-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Every kid has a mobile phone these days. Children use mobile phone to be cool, take pictures, text friends and call their dad for a lift home. With phone theft on the increase and radiation fears, its no wonder that parents are dubious about giving their child a mobile phone. Where do they get the money from to pay for all the texts they send? I can barely afford to pay for them myself never mind a minor.

Well, with this new phone there is a justifiable reason why parents should buy one for their children. It has a parent-friendly urgent button and to make sure those kids don’t sneak off where they shouldn’t be going, it has a tracking mechanism. Sneaky as it may seem, your child will think it is amazing to have this brand new small phone but it will also give you some sort of peace of mind (as much as you can get anyway).

To make the phone even cooler, you can have your own choice of colour! (Why does everything have about 5 colours?) Anyway, you can choose from blue, green, yellow, pink or chocolate – as if we don’t know that’s just an attractive name for “brown”.
Phones have developed somewhat in the last few years. A phone is no longer about a good signal, easy to use texting and long life batteries. It’s about high definition pictures, high tec games and a camera.[ via Coolest Gadgets ]

VW's Golf GTi "53 plus 1" is fully autonomous

2006-07-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

You might think Volkswagen, of all car companies, would argue the best part about driving is the bit where you're driving (i.e. "fahrvergnugen"), and that drivers are, you know, wanted. Not so any longer, friends; looks like the higher ups got the Stanley bug and pimped their ride -- though not in any normal sense of the vernacular. They've begun showing off a new cloak and dagger prototype vehicle dubbed the VW Golf GTi "53 plus 1" (you're allowed not to catch the Herbie reference), which apparently uses a rig of laser sensors, GPS, and a radar net to drive itself at speeds of up to 150mph. We'll give you a moment to let that sink in. Now, why they had all this technology under wraps while Stanford was busting ass overhauling one ofVM's own Touaregs for the DARPA Grand Challenge is beyond us, but unlike those "driving pleasure" types, you can give us a safe (clean burning) robo-car any day of the week. Except Sunday, that's drivin' day.[ via Engadget ]

Digital Clock T-Shirt

2006-07-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

This t-shirt reeks of geekdom, but if you are one with the digital world, then forking out $59.95 for one of these isn't such a bad idea. Thet-shirt comes with a digital clock across the front and can be worn by either gender. It is powered by 4 AAA batteries that are kept within a washable battery compartment that is out of sight. Battery life is extremely poor, lasting between 12 to 36 hours, depending on the operation mode (digital clock or stop watch). You can also choose to turn it on or off via a small button.[ via UberGizmo ]

England-branded Samsung phone to boost team morale against Portugal

2006-06-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

World Cup fever has hit just about every neighbourhood, every city, and every country right around the world these past couple of weeks. The quarterfinals began today, and it seems that Samsung has thrown in their lot with Beckham's crew (seeing how their home Korea has been knocked out of the tournament already). The electronics manufacturer has just announced that they will be releasing an England-branded cell phone for T-Mobile, just a few hours before the popular squad is set to take on Portugal in the next round of play.

I'm wondering if this is a little conflict of interest, though, given that Samsung is an official World Cup sponsor. It would only seem fair if they were to release special edition phones for the other 31 countries involved in this year's tourney, but hey, who's got time for that? It's England or nothin!

Of course, this is little more than a cash grab anyways, because this "special phone" simply sports an England coat of arms on the battery cover and not much else. Just grab a sticker, slap it on your battery cover and call it a day. [ via Mobile Mag ]

The world's smallest and fastest HSDPA USB modem

2006-06-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Huawei showed off what they're claiming is the world's smallest and fastest HSDPA USB modem, the E220, at CommunicAsia in Singapore last week. We don't know how long that claim will stand but it is, in fact, quite small (3.5 inches long) and fast (3.6 Mbps) -- and, while Huawei seems to mostly be playing up the HSDPA support, it also packs EDGE and GPRS compatibility, plus a nifty mini USB connector. No word on pricing or availability, as far as well can tell -- not that we're ever likely to actually get our hands on one anyway.[ via EngadgetMobile ]

Celltick: Push for Phones

2006-06-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Celltick is launching LiveScreen, a screen-saver for cellies that pushes news, weather, and other updates via your phone’s idle screen. That it also displays ads and other dosh is purely incidental and should stop you from downloading it. Looks like they’re focusing on Symbian phones right now, but look for this company to tank in the next few weeks as folks ignore it with a vengeance. Then they’ll become a patent troll when someone else tries this a few months from now and all will be right in the technosphere.[ via Gizmodo ]

Tatung's tablet PC comes with detachable keyboard

2006-06-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

Can't decide between the glorious touchscreen capabilities of a tablet PC and the ease of text entry found on a standard laptop computer? Tatung has you covered, because the company's new TTAB-A12D (just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?) is a fully functional tablet PC, but it comes with a (presumably) standard-sized QWERTY keyboard that can be attached when you need it and detached when you don't.

From what I can tell, the TTAB-A12D will come out of the box running on Microsoft Windows XP. The back of the tablet doesn't look particularly refined, so my assumption is that this isn't quite ready for the marketplace just yet and they're still working on the nitty gritty details. As such, there is no mention of the all important innards.

Instead, what Tatung is willing to tell us about their new Tablet PC -- on display at Computex 2006 in Taiwan -- is that it comes with a fingerprint reader, a "wide view screen", a built-in array microphone, and "hot plug battery." The included light sensor presumably brightens and dims the display in accordance with ambient light levels.[via Mobile Mag ]
Related Stories :
1.Fujitsu LifeBook B6210 notebook moonlights as a touchscreen Tablet PC
2.Toshiba Satellite M105 reviewed

Samsung, LG Launch HDSPA Phone Simultaneously

2006-06-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

With KTF HSDPA starting service later this month, Samsung and LG plans to launch one type of HSDPA phone each. Samsung Electronics will release SPH-W2100, a slim phone with various features including terrestrial DMB connectivity. SPH-W2100 looks similar to W200 for SK Telecom.

LG electronics’ LGP-KH1000 is Bluetooth-enabled, which supports the video call. Users will be able to enjoy video images on a wide screen.

Casio jumps up to 7.2 megapixels with slimmer Exilim EX-Z70

2006-06-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

The EX-Z60 was just announced not that long ago, but the crew over at Casio already have its successor waiting in line to enter the marketplace. They've taken the familiar package, put it on the Atkins diet to lose a few millimetres from the waist, and added an extra megapixel (or so), resulting in a camera with a 7.2 megapixel imaging sensor that weighs in at a relatively light 118 grams.

The sleekly designed EX-Z70 comes with much the same set of features as the Z60 before it, including a middle of the road 2.5-inch LCD display, a standard-issue 3x optical zoom, and a "doesn't everyone have this already" digital image stabilization. While the brushed black flavour will start shipping early next month, you'll have to wait an extra four weeks to get a silver version.

In any case, the Casio 7.2MP Exilim EX-Z70 will come with an asking price of about $425.
[via Mobile Mag ]

Toshiba Satellite M105 reviewed

2006-06-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

If you're looking to do Core Duo on the cheap, it looks like Toshiba has you pretty well covered with their Satellite M105-S3011 laptop. It's no steal like Dell's Inspiron E1505 , but for $1,050 direct -- and we're guessing cheaper at retail -- you get one of the lightest laptops in this price range (5.2 pounds, same as the MacBook), along with a few other perks to aid you in your Dell-free travels. The 1.6GHz Core Duo T2300 processor is sort of par for the course, but nothing to sneeze at, though with integrated graphics and 512MB of RAM the laptop does lag a bit in speed tests. But with a good-looking 1280 x 800 14.1-inch widescreen LCD, 100GB HDD, DVD+R DL disc drive and 3 hours 38 minutes of battery life, most non-gamers should be kept pretty well occupied. There's also FireWire, S-Video, four USB ports and a 4-in-1 card reader, along with dedicated media playback keys and a preboot app for media playback without booting the computer. PC Mag definitely recommends another stick of RAM, but were otherwise pleased with this value offering from Toshiba.[ Via Engadget ]
Related Gadgets : Fujitsu LifeBook B6210 notebook moonlights as a touchscreen Tablet PC

Samsung, SK Telecom debut digital photo frame

2006-06-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Samsung Electronics, in association with SK Telecom, debuts a Digital Frame SDP-07, a media viewer for digital photos.It measures 21x15 cm, is available in silver and black color. Digital images, video and music files can be played on a 7-inch LCD.
[via Mobile Korea ]

Motorola leads Bluetooth global headset market

2006-06-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

Motorola, Jabra and Plantronics were the world's big three Bluetooth headset vendors, taking a combined 57 percent share of total global sales in 2005, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. Motorola demonstrated that it has strong expertise beyond mobile phones, with a commanding 28 percent stake in first position.

Neil Mawston, Associate Director at Strategy Analytics said, "Global Bluetooth headset sales grew at a skyrocketing 153 percent in 2005. High levels of user interest have finally evolved into strong demand, driven by falling prices. Motorola stands out as the clear number one, with a healthy 28 percent share, due to a portfolio of cool designs supported by aggressive marketing activities."

Chris Ambrosio, Director at Strategy Analytics, added, "Bluetooth sales to-date have been dominated by mono headsets for mobile voice. Looking forward, future revenue growth will increasingly be driven by the need for stereo headsets in mobile music and rich media, like TV. However, with average retail pricing in excess of US$100 today, stereo Bluetooth headset prices will need to fall by more than 50 percent in order to hit the mass-market sweet spot, which we find to be below US$50."

Other findings from Strategy Analytics' Bluetooth Headset Market Share Report include:

* Global Bluetooth headset sales will grow an impressive 70% annually in 2006;

* The A2DP Bluetooth profile, critical for stereo music, will be found in 1 in 8 of all Bluetooth phones sold worldwide during 2006.

[ via Mobile Tech News ]

TX-V1 Publio the Mp3 and Video Speaker

2006-06-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

JVC just release the Publio TX-V1, which is in fact a BIG Fat speaker with a diameter of 5.7cm and output only 2x2W. The TX-V1 also features a SD and CF Slot as well as a TV out. In fact the TX-V1 is a Video and Audio player for sales points, and it support both Mpeg1 and 2 for video (480p 8Mbps Max) and Mp3 for the audio, as well as Mpeg1 and 2 audio. [ via Akihabaranews]

Mercedes Introduces Integrated Bluetooth Telephone Module

2006-06-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Mercedes has announced an accessory that will accompany some of their vehicles and allow for a very convenient way to make calls from the car, hands and wire free. The device sits in the center console and will interact will your cell phone and all parts of the car. The system links up with a cellphone over Bluetooth when the phone is within range and the system will download all information from the SIM card and internal memory. Almost all functions of the cellphone can be controlled using the integrated controls on the steering wheel and central display. It also works with the audio system in the car. It will begin being rolled out in Europe, but the module should be hitting the states in the future.
[ via Gizmodo ]

Fujitsu LifeBook B6210 notebook moonlights as a touchscreen Tablet PC

2006-06-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

The line separating conventional notebook computers from tablet PCs just gotten that much more blurry. We've already heard about the Tablet PC from Tatung that sports a detachable keyboard, but now a bigger name has jumped into the keyboard-touting touchscreen computer biz. The good people over at Fujitsu have put together the LifeBook B6210 laptop, which sports a touchscreen display and runs on either Tablet PC Edition '05 or XP Professional.

Designed with healthcare and field-force industries in mind, this new lappy from Fujitsu comes with a 12.1-inch XGA display, placing it right alongside non-touchscreen ultraportable notebooks on the market. Being 3.2 pounds doesn't hurt either.

Standard features include a Core Solo 1.2 GHz processor, 512MB of SDRAM, and a smaller than average 40 GB HDD. Other key features include Gigabit Ethernet, all three flavours of WiFi (no N, of course), and the option to spiff it up with a fingerprint reader and/or Bluetooth.

Starting price for the XP version is right at the $1,600 mark, with the Tablet PC'd LifeBook B6210 going for fifty bucks more.
[via Mobile Mag ]

Motorola's brings on the color at CommunicAsia 2006

2006-06-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Motorola, Inc., a global leader in wireless communications, today announced its most extensive colour collection to date.

This year, Motorola is honouring its devotion to individuality, originality and innovation with the introduction of an inspirational palette of colours for its handsets. The new palette illustrates Motorola's design mission to enable self-expression and to humanise technology.

From radical new materials to the latest technologies, every element of the design and engineering of Motorola's latest products -- the MOTOPEBL, MOTOSLVR and MOTORAZR V3i -- has been considered to create powerful and evocative phones.

COLOURMEMOTO

Over the past few years colour has been completely integrated into Motorola's design ethos, as part of an ongoing commitment to expressive, personality resonant technology.

New colour additions being announced at CommunicAsia 2006 include:

- Colour V3x -- Motorola's award winning MOTORAZR V3x handset is now available in Hot Pink and Pumpkin incorporating Motorola's new colour palette into its stunning 3G handset."

- The new W375 -- combines a strikingly svelte design with a splash of colourful self-expression providing a sense of individuality with its palette of three iconic colours: Cannon Gray, Lustrous Silver & Mandarin Orange.

- Motorola's W208 -- Motorola's colour initiative offering contrasting schemes in new and unique colours continues with the W208, which is available in Fire Red/Black Slate and Silver Sail/ Black Slate.

- P790 Portable Charger -- Motorola's new compact, attractive and wire-free portable power chargers provide a mobile power source for handsets and headsets with low or dead batteries, allowing users to enjoy extra talk times and multimedia and productivity features. The P790 will come in blue, green, orange, pink and purple. [ Source : Motorola ]

T-Mobile Sidekick 3 debuts

2006-06-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announces the availability of the newest generation of the T-Mobile Sidekick, while the highly anticipated device makes its official public debut tonight among Hollywood's elite.

Existing T-Mobile customers will be the first to be able to purchase the T-Mobile Sidekick 3. For an initial 12-day period beginning on Wednesday, June 28, limited quantities of the in-demand all-in-one communications device will be available exclusively to current T-Mobile USA post-paid customers through the company's online handset upgrade program accessible through www.sidekick.com, and in person at two designated T-Mobile retail stores.(a)

T-Mobile Sidekick 3 will be available to the general public at T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.sidekick.com beginning on Monday, July 10.

Tonight, in the heart of Hollywood, T-Mobile Sidekick fans and celebrities alike will celebrate the arrival of the newest version of the ultimate communications device. They will walk the red carpet at The Hollywood Palladium and enter an "ultimate dream world" where imagination, fun and spontaneity will run wild, capturing the essence of the T-Mobile Sidekick's fashionable roots and trend-setting spirit.

The T-Mobile Sidekick 3 has a sleek design that is 20 percent smaller than its predecessor, and features a new trackball for easy one-handed navigation and integrated Bluetooth technology for wireless headset use. The device is also enhanced with a new MP3 player, removable battery, and Mini-SD card slot for expandable memory.

In addition to the phone capabilities, the device provides text messaging, e-mail and built-in support for the three major instant messenger (IM) clients (AIM, Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger) to help customers stay on track with their personal lives (separate charges apply).

Other additional Sidekick 3 capabilities, which will enable T-Mobile customers to stay connected to their friends and family wherever they go, include integrated support for EDGE, which provides for faster download speeds for subscribers' favorite social networking sites and all other Web sites; and a built-in megapixel camera for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime spontaneous moments.

Key new features of T-Mobile Sidekick 3 include these:

* Built-in support for all three major IM clients (AIM, Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger)

* Full HTML browser with enhancements for faster downloading and optimized viewing

* Automatic connection to the EDGE radio technology network for improved communication through faster downloading and improved coverage

* Sleeker design that is 20 percent smaller for a more natural feeling in your hand and pocket

* Trackball for one-handed navigation to easily access more functions

* Built-in Bluetooth support for wireless headset use and vCard exchange

* Integrated 1.3 megapixel camera with supplemental LED flash for close-range illumination and a convex mirror for self-portraits

* MP3 player with support for a stereo headset

* Mini-SD card slot for expandable memory available for storing photos, music and more

* Speedier ARM9 processor

* Replaceable battery pack with added capacity

(a) Upgrade eligibility requirements apply. T-Mobile Retail Stores that will offer T-Mobile Sidekick 3 to walk-in T-Mobile customers are located at 307 Madison Ave. (at 42nd St.) in New York City and 335 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica, Calif. [ Source : T mobile ]

iPod-friendly Onkyo wireless HiFi bookshelf stereo

2006-06-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

For all you haters out there that say that iPod speaker systems are typically underpowered with barely enough thump to fill a closet, high end stereo equipment maker Onkyo has got a HiFi solution for you. The CR-D1 wireless bookshelf system features a Digital amp that'll pump out 60W x 2, and comes complete with a Wolfson DAC, FM tuner, and integrated CD player.

To get your glossy white player into the mix, you'll have to pony up for the DS-A1 iPod dock option (available worldwide), but when you do, you'll be able to control your tunes using the supplied remote. Other expansion possibilities include 1 x optical, 3 x RCA, and a stereo mini-jack for input. The wireless D-D1E 2-way speakers pack plenty of juice, so no worries about being underpowered here.

Coming from a high end brand like Onkyo, you have to expect an appropriate high-end price to accompany. The full system will run you close to a g-note ($907), but you'd have to head over to the land of the rising sun to pick one up with it starts shipping July 15th.

[ Via Mobile Mag ]

xvista Portable Iris Scanner

2006-06-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

The UK is already chock full of surveillance cameras—for your protection—and now that iris scanning technology is beginning to catch on, it may only be a matter of time before it’s a widely practiced method of identification. Xvista has been hard at work improving iris scanning technology, having just developed the UK’s first portable iris scanner. Small enough to be fitted inside a cellphone, xvista’s technology could conceivably be integrated into heavily trafficked areas, such as airports.

Perhaps less settling is the fact that all such scans can be entered into the company’s central database. Who has access to the database and why they even need access isn’t exactly trumpeted on the company’s Web site.

As for the implementation, the company says that a 256MB card can hold more than 250,000 individual scans. Since iris scanning technology is quite accurate, with the odds of two irises matching being less than 1 in 7 billion, expect to see this technology make more inroads as time marches on. Remember, remember.

[ Via Gizmodo ]

Samsung Launches Slim QWERTY Smartphone in France

2006-06-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Samsung Electronics will release SGH-i320, an 11.5mm-thick slim smartphone with QWERTY keypad for easy text messaging in France this month. Powered by Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, SGH-i320 supports document writing and saving, real-time emailing and memo keeping. The slim smartphone is equipped with 2.2” LCD screen and features 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity and dual speakers.

[ via Mobile Korea ]

Odd-i's skinny N700D 7-inch DMB unit

2006-06-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

That's it, we're moving to Korea. Sure, we've made this idle threat before, but with all these crazy 7-inch DMBplayers popping up every few days, we're just not sure how much longer we can take it. Yeah, we don't really watch much TV here in the States, and we can't imagine Korean TV is much more entertaining, but it's just the mere principle of the thing. Today's offering is the Odd-i N700D, which strikes a pretty dashing figure, and does the whole DMB/PMP/GPS thing like normal. Like the similarly specced Viliv N.70 , the N700D doesn't have any included storage, and instead works off of SD cards and external USB drives. The codec support is pretty good (MPEG-1/4, XviD, DivX, WMV7-9), but full resolution and/or frame rate isn't supported on the WMV codecs. For the other codecs, the PMP supports up to 720 x 480 resolution, but we're not quite sure that the actual display is 720 x 480. If we had to guess we'd say it shares the 480 x 234 resolution of the Viliv. The device also supports FM, a rear camera add-on, and the expertly crash-inducing picture-in-picture function to allow you to watch a video and your GPS map simultaneously. With driver distractions of this magnitude, perhaps we'll rethink our move -- but if these things start going to HD resolutions we're gone.
[ via Engadget ]

Planned July release for HTC's two new devices!

2006-06-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

HTC is planning on releasing there new 3G UMTS devices the HTC TyTN (formally known as HTC Hermes) and the HTC MTeoR (formally known as HTC Breeze) in late July. They both will support quad band GSM and tri band UMTS. These are the first two devices to be branded under HTC's own name.

I have personally been waiting for the HTC TyTN, its a beefed up HTC Wizard with UMTS! This device will be awesome on Cingulars upcomming UMTS/HSPDA network enhancements, I am sure this device or its predicessor will be offered thru Cingular at one point.

HTC TyTN Key Specs:

+ Microsoft® Windows Mobile® 5.0
+ Direct Push Email
+ WCDMA, HSPDA enabled, EDGE, GPRS
+ 128MB ROM, 64MB RAM
+ Large 2.8 inch Touch Screen LCD display
+ Jog Wheel for easy one-hand operation
+ 2 megapixel camera
+ Micro SD
+ Mini USB

+ 112.5mm (L) x 58mm (W) x 21.95mm (T)

HTC MTeoR Key Specs:

Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 smartphone
+ Direct Push Email
+ Tri-band UMTS; Quad-band EDGE
+ ROM 128MB, RAM 64MB
+ 2.2 inch 240 x 320 dots resolution
+ 3-way Jog Wheel for easy one hand operation
+ 1.3 megapixel camera
+ Micro SD
+ Mini USB
+ 112.4mm (L) x 49mm (W) x 14.8mm (T)
[SOURCE : Mobile Gadget News ]

Microsoft Announces New Webcams

2006-06-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

Seeing your grandchild's first steps from miles away. Hearing your friend's laugh from across the country. Sharing your dorm room decorating skills with your parents back home. Those are the moments and experiences that will become the hallmark of Microsoft LifeCams, an innovative new line of webcams that dramatically simplifies the video communications experience to let people see, hear and share life's experiences in an extraordinary way. Microsoft Hardware and the Windows Live team have joined forces to introduce a line of LifeCams starting with the LifeCam VX-6000 and LifeCam VX-3000.

These next-generation webcams provide groundbreaking video and audio quality that opens the door for richer digital communications experiences. Optimized for use with Windows Live Messenger, the world’s largest instant messaging network, LifeCams meet the growing demand for easier, more meaningful connections.

The first two available webcams, the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 and Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000, bring a new dimension to Windows Live Messenger and feature exclusive industry firsts that streamline the webcam experience:

-Windows Live Call Button. Located on the top of each LifeCam, the Windows Live Call Button makes placing a video call a breeze by eliminating the usual multiple steps. Just one touch brings up the Buddy Picker, a tool that shows users only current online buddies. They simply select their contact’s name and they are on their way to making a video call.

-LifeCam Dashboard. Built right into the Windows Live Messenger window for easy access during video calling, the LifeCam Dashboard provides simple access to the controls people need most, including pan, tilt and zoom. Now users’ attention stays where it should be — on their video conversation.

-One-touch blogging. Windows Live Spaces is one of the fastest-growing blog communities in the world, with more than 50 million individual Spaces. Now, users can post High Definition LifeCam pictures directly to their Windows Live Space blog with one click from within the LifeCam window.

The new Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 is a top-of-the-line wired webcam providing the highest quality still photography on the market (5.0 megapixels interpolated), High Definition video (1.3 megapixels) and 3x digital zoom. A 71-degree wide-angle lens allows enough room for up to three people to join in the conversation. The Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 offers High Definition still photography (1.3 megapixels interpolated) and brilliant video (640x480 pixels).

Both LifeCams feature a built-in acoustic noise-canceling microphone to ensure crystal-clear audio performance without adding clutter from extra headsets or external microphones. In addition, both new LifeCams come with fun Video Effects, such as falling snowflakes and twinkling stars, to personalize and enhance the background of video conversations. The LifeCams also have a Universal Attachment Base for easy and secure attachment to virtually any size monitor.

Continuing its commitment to enhance digital communications experiences, Microsoft will introduce additional LifeCam products in September 2006 designed to meet the growing needs of people on the go and the expanding digital communications landscape.

Pricing and Availability
The new Microsoft LifeCams introduced today will be widely available in August 2006 for the following estimated retail prices:

Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000: $99.95 (U.S.)
Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000: $49.95 (U.S.)

LifeCams can currently be purchased on Amazon.com and will be shipped in August when the product is available. Microsoft Hardware and Windows Live will continue their commitment of providing innovative hardware and software solutions that bring experiences to life with additional digital communications products later this year.

[Source : Mobile Tech Review ]