Look 313 Media All-in-One Peripheral July 31, 2006
READ MORE Peripherals
This little diddy takes three popular USB peripherals and crams them all into one oddly shaped device. The Look 313 Media includes a very low quality (330k) webcam, microphone, USB-powered speakers and a USB 2.0 hub fit in a package perfect perching on a monitor or desk hutch. It also includes security software for the webcam and a carrying case for uber-portability.
A USB Webcam, Speakers, and Hub in One [Everything USB]
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More Archos 404/604 PMPs Details Emerge: Little Difference Between the Two July 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
We're learning more and more about the upcoming Archos 404 (pictured here) and 604 portable media players as we approach their anticipated release, with the latest news suggesting that the main difference between the two will be screen size: the 404 will feature a 3.5-inch screen with a 320 x 240 pixel resolution while the 604 boasts a 4.3-inch screen with a 480 x 272 pixel resolution. We've learned a few more things since we first mentioned the portable media players almost two months ago, such as the fact that they'll need a separate DVR module to be able to record from external AV sources. Boo, hiss, etc.
Screen differences aside, both the 404 and 604 will come with a 30GB hard drive and support for all the big digital media formats, such as MP3, WMA, Xvid and Divx; support for more formats (think AAC, H.264, MPEG-2) are expected to be possible with the purchase of additional plug-ins.
Both the Archos 404 and 604 are to be released in October.
Apple iPhone Rumors: New Findings in Code Like Gasoline On the Fanboy Fire July 31, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones
The iPhone rumors have always been the juiciest of all the Apples. There are the fake ads, the idea that Apple would buy palm, and of course, the gallery of Fark'
d images we posted a few months back. Now, we might have our first taste of something more substantial than the usual fanboy-tasies. A zealot over at the Appleinsider forums dug through the latest iTunes code, and found references to a phone using the iPod OS.
The latest iPod software includes references to an "t_feature_app_PHONE_APP" application and variables such as "kPhoneSignalStrength," "clPhoneCallHistoryModel," prPhoneSettingsMenu," "prPhoneSettingsMenuView," prPhoneEnableSetting" and "prPhoneMenuItem."The phone references within the iPod software are unlikely in relation to Motorola's iTunes Music phones because those phones do not run the iPod operating system
Not enough to get us huffing and puffing, but when I see something in live code, I'm intrigued. Anyone find any fresh evidence of an iPhone?
iPhone, iPod messenger clues in latest iPod software [ Appleinsider ]
VoodooPC's Intel Core 2 Extreme-Based Omen Desktops July 31, 2006
READ MORE PC
VoodooPC has announced the availability of Intel Core 2 Extreme-based high performance desktops. Part of the Omen series, the desktops are among the first to make use of Intel's just-announced Core 2 CPUs. As is always the case, being a member of the early adopter club comes at a hefty price, with base configurations starting at $4,400 and going all the way up to $6,000. A mere bag of shells, really. The systems use Core 2 Extreme CPUs running at 2.93 GHz. Other specs include an 80GB, 7,200 RPM hard drive, 16X dual layer DVD burner and 2GB of RAM. Users can choose between ATI and nVidia cards, with the GeForce 7900 GT hovering on the high end.
The Omen series come in aluminum cases with too-cool-for-the-room designer cutouts and so forth. You know, the type of things that are cries for help.
Product Page [VoodooPC via Digital Trends]
Pong Clock: Hands On July 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Kotaku's own male underwear model, Brian Crecente, was one of the 400 to purchase and own one of those damn pong clocks that we have been ranting about for months. Check out the video of it in action, below. His only complaint: there is no battery powered option.
I don't happen to own one, but my complaint is that it costs $300 and is small as hell.
Clips: Pong Clock [Kotaku]
U-Boat Worx Personal Subs July 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Does this look like fun, or what? Submarines are capturing the attention of the hyper-rich, and now Netherlands-based U-boat Worx joins the fun with its single-occupancy CQ1 and the CQ2 for two. These electric boats can dive to 150 feet, and can run 2.5 hours on a charge.
You can equip them with extra batteries, sonar, halogen lighting and a whole lot more. Looks like almost as much fun as diving, and you don't even have to get wet.
Product Page [U-Boat Worx, via bornrich]
Saitek Notebook Optical Mouse: Purdy Colors, 800dpi Precision July 31, 2006
READ MORE Peripherals
The Saitek Notebook Optical Mouse borrows a styling cue or two from Apple's single-button clear mouse from a couple of generations ago, but now it's updated with an 800dpi optical sensor, a rubberized scroll wheel, and of course, more than one button.
Saitek has some pretty stylish-looking peripherals, and this one is no exception. Made small for carrying in a road-warrior kit and complete with a shortened cable length, it's available in these bright and cheery colors, good for what ails you. It's $20.
Product Page [Saitek, via Outblush]
Princeton PCK-UAV Audio/Video UHF Transmitter for iPod July 31, 2006
READ MORE Portable Media
We can't imagine this working very well, but Princeton Japan will soon be shipping its PCK-UAV video transmitter, letting you plug in any device with audio and composite video outputs using an RCA jack, whose signal is then transmitted to any TV receiver tuned to the UHF band.
Targeted at iPods, it's designed to eliminate the need to deal with cables and plugs into your television set. But then, you'll need to deal with cables and plugs with your iPod. If this works like FM transmitters for iPods to car radios, this is not going to be worth the $70 tariff for owning one.
And please, do the rest of us motorists a favor and don't use it as indicated in the illustration above to watch videos while you're driving.
Princeton PCK-UAV video transmitter for iPod [Newlaunches]
iBlueTube Vacuum Tube iPod Dock From Thanko July 31, 2006
READ MORE Home Entertainment
Japan's Thanko will release the iBlueTube this August, an iPod dock that features two blue glowing LED-laden vacuum tubes on the sides that serve no purpose other than to make you go "oooh" and "aaah," which is just how we like it. Besides the glowing warming glow of the vacuum tubes, the iBlueTube also features AV outputs for viewing the iPod's videos on TVs and listening to your music on other (read: real) speakers. The included speakers deliver 12 watts of power, which is alright considering the small size of the dock. And yes, you can transfer all your music and videos while the iPod is docked.
The iBlueTube should be available sometime in August in Japan for around $566. Pretty pricey, but how many other docks have vacuum tubes sticking out? I wonder if you'll have to replace the tubes every two minutes like in old TVs.
Product Page (in Japanese) [Thanko via New Launches]
QuickerTek MacBook Pro Handle July 31, 2006
READ MORE Laptops
Cases, schmases. Display the fact that you are a proud MacBook owner with this simple handle. It attached to the MacBook and provides an easy and convenient way to tote it from Starbucks to Starbucks. But wait, there is more! If you order now the QuickerTek Handle will include elevation functionality! It can rotate underneath to elevate the MacBook for ergonomics and cooling purposes. The handle is compatible with 15 and 17-inch models and retails for $50.
Product Page [Via MacMerc]
Electrochromatic Glass: Instant Darkening July 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Velux has developed electrochromatic glass that darkens instantly when you flip a switch. Available now with additional sizes to be offered later this year, the glass works by applying an electric current to its special layers, which then turn dark, blocking out sunlight and its associated heat. Perfect for skylights, with this technology you can do away with shades and blinds, letting you electronically control when it's dark in your room and when it's not.
While some of these switchable glass products block out most light, others partially block it, giving you solar control while you can still have a view. Team up this technology with the Lumiwall solar-powered transparent lighting film we mentioned last week, and you can have complete control of the light coming from the windows in your room, day or night.
Product Page [Sage Electronics, via treehugger]
How to Get Cell Signal Anywhere July 31, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones
At first glance I jumped with joy over this project. Living in Kansas usually means a pretty weak cell signal unless I happen to be in a large city—which don't exist in Kansas. Unfortunately, this project isn't made for mobility—it is still cool, nonethless. Basically:
However, in an incredibly geeky flash of inspiration, I realised that there really isn't much difference in operating frequency between WiFi (around 2.4Ghz) and UMTS (2.1Ghz). And there are loads of different clandestine WiFi antenna ideas floating around the Internet. If I could find an easy-to-build directional WiFi antenna, perhaps I could reverse-engineer its dimensions and adapt it for 2100Mhz use.
Quite a few more confusing steps later, this chap had an antenna that would receive one bar of reception in his previously signal-less rear end of his home. Check out the link for his confusing write-up. (I'm a journalist, not an electrical engineer, damnit!)
How I got mobile phone reception where there was no signal [Earth: Mostly Harmless]
Sharp LC-37D90U Reviewed (Verdict: Among the Best Ever Tested) July 31, 2006
READ MORE Home Entertainment
Consumer Reports got its hands on the Sharp LC-37D90U 1080p 37-inch LCD TV ($2500), and the sensible publication liked it. A lot. True 1080p sets have been few and far between up until recently, and this 37-incher packs a lot of pixels into a relatively small space. The Consumer Reporters lauded its "gorgeous resolution," calling it "among the best LCD sets we've ever tested."
The trusted consumer pub notes that many of the first 1080p sets weren't able to accept 1080p signals via HDMI connectors, but this one can do that and more, and like many of its non-"true 1080p" predecessors, the set does a great job of up-rezzing 1080i video to 1080p.
On the downside, the Consumer Reports reviewers noticed a rather narrow viewing angle, and pointed out the "so-so" black level of the set, a commonplace drawback of LCD displays, but a problem they judged to be worse than other Sharp LCDs. Overall, they gave it a big thumbs-up, calling its picture quality "beautiful."
First Look: Sharp LC-37D90U: 1080p in a 37-inch LCD set [Consumer Reports]
JVC KV-DV50 In-Car Divx, DVD Player July 31, 2006
READ MORE Home Entertainment
JVC just announced the September release of the KV-DV50, an in-car DVD player that's also able to play discs filled with Divx videos, MP3s and WMAs. It can be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket, so actually integrating it into a car's AV system shouldn't be too difficult. In addition to playing back store-bought DVDs, the KV-DV50 will also play back all the common burnable DVD formats, including DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW; dual layer DVDs don't appear to be supported, however.
JVC's KV-DV50 is expected to be release in Japan this September for around $250. North American price and release date information are still unknown.
Press Release (in Japanese) [JVC via Akihabara News]
MonJuly312006 July 31, 2006
READ MORE Portable Media
The iBrella is a conceptual design that turns a simple iPod remote into a giant rain-deflecting remote that is fully interactive. The iPod is controlled by motion of the umbrella. For example, opening up the umbrella will begin playing and spinning the umbrella left or right can skip tracks forward or backwards. It is kind of an interesting design, but I'll just continue with sticking my hand in my pocket and controlling the iPod that way—no need to reinvent the wheel.
Product Page [Via Shiny Shiny]
Smarthome Seat Cooler: Blessed Summertime Relief July 31, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones
This is the hottest time of the year, and what could be more welcome than a seat cooler that could turn that red-hot car seat into a cooling oasis in no time flat? Smarthome is offering this 12-Volt Cooling Car Summer Seat for $50—that's $10 off its normal price—and it's said to provide almost instant relief during those unfortunate times when you feel like you've suddenly sat upon a smoking griddle.
This will certainly be welcome inside that car that can heat up to well beyond 150 degrees on a sunny day in late July. Plus, you can use it inside the home or office, too. If you have to spend your day around those cold-blooded fussbudgets who must be from the planet Vulcan, insisting on maintaining temperatures that are well above 80 degrees inside, there's an AC adapter that lets you use this coolness indoors, too. Does it feel like it's hotter than a June bride in a feather bed were you are? Sweet, blessed relief is on the way.
Product Page [Smarthome, via Crowded Brain]
Anti-EMF Scarf Protects Against Cellphone Radiation July 31, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones
Handy Fashions is selling a series of scarves that incorporate a technology that supposedly blocks out the harmful radiation caused by cellphones. Available in a variety of sizes, the scarves are also designed to complement your wardrobe with its hip, silvery finish and sensible, old lady spirit. The shielding is so good (how. good. is. it?) that wrapping the scarf around a cellphone will leave it "out of range" after a few seconds. Other adventures in English can be found on Handy Fashions' Web site, including how "size 3 is perfect as head scarf for laydies." Combine the scarf with an anti-EMF hat and you're all set to go once more into the breach.
The Scarves, which apparently hail from Norway, range in price from around $48 up to $164.
Product Page [Handy Fashions via The Red Ferret Journal]
Lindy's Micro USB Hub July 31, 2006
READ MORE Peripherals
Sexual puns aside, Lindy has created a tiny USB hub and everyone knows how us geeks cherish our tiny "peripherals." This USB hub has four available USB 2.0 ports and at 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches it is easy enough to taken anywhere. It is bus powered, so no additional cables and it can handle bus powered and individual powered devices. This hub is available for $16 or so.
Lindy launches the world's tiniest USB2.0 hub [Pocket-lint]
First Shots of the Sony Vaio UX-90S, UMPC With 16GB Flash Hard Drive July 31, 2006
READ MORE Portable Media
The Sony Vaio UX-90S is the first device to feature a 16GB solid state flash hard drive and Mobility Today has a few pictures of the wundergadget. As of now, it's running Windows XP Home and sports and Intel Core Solo U1400 1.4-GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM, which isn't too shabby for an ultra mobile PC. There's even some comparison shots with the Sony UX180p for good measure. Run, don't walk!
First Look: Sony Vaio UX-90S [Mobility Today]
More Details Emerge: Archos 404 and 604 July 31, 2006
READ MORE Portable Media
We first heard a tiny bit of information about the Archos 404 portable media player six weeks ago, and now a few more facts have emerged, showing the diminutive unit (5.11" x 3" x .6" thick) with a 3.5" LCD display that's in a 4x3 format with 320x240 pixels, supporting a variety of video and audio formats as long as your arm (spec list after the jump). We're also hearing the Archos 604 is forthcoming, with comparable specs except with a 16x9 (480x272) widescreen display instead of a 4x3.
Perhaps most intriguing is an optional docking station, compatible with all the players in the x04 series, that will turn these babies into personal video recorders, laying down video in DivX 5.0, or even H.264 with the appropriate plug-ins. Availability wasn't announced, but the company earlier mentioned these players will be available in July or August, so we're thinking we'll be seeing them fairly soon. Pricing for the Archos 404 will be $435, and the Archos 604 will be $508.
More details on Archos' x04 lineup [DAP Preview]
Nokia's N73 Cellphone With 3.2-megapixel Camera Available Now in Europe July 31, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones
The Nokia N73, complete with 3.2-megapixel camera, is available now in Europe for around $700. The N73, which was announced in April, features a number of options that make it an attractive option for photography buffs (well, insofar as photography buffs don't mind using a cellphone for taking photos), such as integrated flickr support and a 2.4-inch QVGA display. There's also the assorted bonuses now commonly found on mid to high-end cellphones, such as MP3 (and WMA) support, a miniSD expansion slot and synchronization with Bluetooth or USB. It's a GSM cellphone, but also supports the new kid on the block, EDGE.
Nokia claims that the N73 will provide sufficient battery life for up to four hours of talk time and up to 14.5 days while on standby. While now available in Europe, it's unclear when it'll reach these shores.
3 Megapixel Nokia N73 camera phone arrives in stores [infoSync World]
Apple Recalls Certain 15-Inch MacBook Pro Batteries July 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
If you have a 15-inch MacBook Pro bought between February 2006 in May 2006, Apple is offering to exchange your battery for a new one. WTF? According to Apple:
"We recently discovered that some 15-inch MacBook Pro batteries supplied to Apple do not meet our high standards for battery performance. To give our users the best experience possible, we will replace these batteries for customers free of charge."Apple assures you the battery doesn't pose a safety risk, so don't worry that it's perhaps a ticking bomb ready to explode. Check out your battery and see if it has model number A1175 and a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB or U7SC. If so, you get yourself a brand new battery for nothing, including free shipping.
15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Exchange Program [Apple] (Thanks, Mario!)
Pocket Light for Motorola Q July 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Pocket Light software for the Motorola Q lets you assign a speed-dial number to the camera flash on the Q, giving you the convenience of a tiny flashlight with the push of one button. It's able to do this without turning on the camera at the same time, thus saving battery life. You can also set a timer to automatically turn off the flashlight after you push the button.
If you're familiar with the workings of the Q, its flash is simply a small LED that lights up and stays on while the camera is on, so this software just takes advantage of that little light. As with most things on the Motorola Q, it unfortunately takes about a half a dozen button pushes just to get the flash to turn on, so this Pocket Light software actually could come in handy if you often find yourself needing a flashlight in a hurry.
It's available for download as a five-day free trial version; it will cost you $4.95 to buy the software.
Product Page [Artamata, Inc.]
Glass With In-Built Sunglasses July 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
You know how it is: you’re sitting in work, on your work-owned PC, using your work-paid for broadband connection to watch YouTube videos when, out of the blue, the clouds part and the damn sun shines through the window and disrupts the important waste of your work-owned time.
What you need is some glass from window specialists Velux, that darkens at the flick of switch. When electric current is applied, special layers in the glass darken to shut out that annoying sunlight. The process is called electrochromism, for those of you that really need to know, but the for the rest of us: think bigger, more advanced versions of rear view mirrors.
The glass can control glare, solar heat and UV radiation and Velux says that a whole house of SageGlass can be run on less electricity than is needed for a single 40W bulb. That is cool. Now, all you have to do is convince your boss. Via Treehugger
news technology energy geek tech environment
Survive In The Wilderness July 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
For when you just have to go live in the woods for a year or two, you’re going to really want one of these.
This is the SLP2 Survival Tool, intended for those with an interest in camping and hiking but also available to local scumbags for muggings, burglary and arson. First off, it’s designed by the Swedes and they know a thing or two about blades and wilderness. This little number boasts a locking A-grade serrated blade and something called a Firesteel - designed by the Swedish defence forces – which produces a scary 3,000 degree hot spark for lighting ‘barbeques, dry grass and bark’. The Firesteel is good for 3,000 strikes, which should be enough for even the most inept camper.
The handle also houses a waterproof flashlight and there’s an emergency whistle for when your campfire threatens to raze 50 miles of protected nature reserve. Yours for £35. Via Red Ferret.
gadgets camping knife holiday outdoors lifestyle hobbies
E3 Bites The Dust (bye bye booth babes) July 31, 2006
READ MORE Consoles , Gadgets , Games , Home Entertainment , PC , Peripherals , Software
The biggest games event in the whole galaxy looks like it’s about to get the chop. The E3 show is the king of all games-related shows but according to reports, most of the big exhibitors have pulled their support.
An announcement is expected later today from the show’s organiser, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which will outline plans to run a much smaller event, also tagged E3. Despite the dressing though, the fact is that the big players are not getting enough from the event to justify the millions spent on lavish stands, freebies, models etc.
You see, a smaller event = less cash = less flash = no booth babes. While many came for the games, they stayed for the booth babes, an army of scantily clad ladies hired to promote virtually anything really. They will be sadly missed, not least by the thousands of gamers for whom booth babes represented their only contact with the fairer sex. More
games news gaming technology software gadgets
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Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
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