Kamarack: One Hell of a PC Peripheral August 31, 2006
READ MORE Peripherals
This is a 3.5-inch drive bay accessory that features swappable peripherals. There are two miniature bays that can hold 2.5-inch HDD enclosures, USB hubs and memory card readers. Just swap out what you need on the fly. It's like miniature bays for your PC tower bays. Anybody's mind implode in on itself yet? The Kamarack should be available soon, and yes it will even be available in the states. Huzzah!
KAMARACK USB 2.5" the Ultimate USB RACK [Akihabara]
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BenQ Intros DC C540, and DC C740 Digital Cameras August 31, 2006
READ MORE Digital cameras
With Photokina 2006 right around the corner, expect a plethora of camera announcements coming up, and here's a case in point: BenQ is rolling out a couple of compact digital cameras, the DC C540, and DC C740 (pictured above). Both have a 2.5-inch LCD finder, 3x optical zoom, Pentax lenses and image stabilization. The main difference between the two is the C540's 5-megapixel sensor compared to the 7-megapixel sensor of the C740.
Nothing special here, but you can be sure these two will be extremely low-priced cameras; pricing wasn't announced but to give you an idea, BenQ's 6-megapixel DC E600 is currently selling for around $120.
BenQ DC C540, BenQ DC C740 [Let'sGoDigital]
Creative Officially Unveils Zen Vision W, 60GB Zen Vision:M August 31, 2006
READ MORE Portable Media
There were rumors all over the Web last week pointing to a widescreen Zen and a 60GB Zen Vision Micro, but now Creative has indeed confirmed the existence of the two portable media players at an event in Singapore. The Zen Vision W sports a 4.3-inch widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) display, plays most of the popular audio/video formats and comes in a 30GB and 60GB variety. Expect to pay $399 for the 30GB version and $499 for the 60GB when they hit stores in late September.
Also officially unveiled was the 60GB version of the Zen Vision:M. The biggest addition here, besides the additional storage space, is its USB Host capability: by connecting a digital camera directly to the player, users can directly upload their digital photos to it. Progress! It'll be in stores by the end of September for around $380.
Creative Zen Vision W and 60GB ZVM Now Official! [epiZENter.net]
Sony Set to Ship Dildo-Like Walkman NW-S200 Series Sports MP3 Players August 31, 2006
READ MORE Portable Media
Spiffy pics of the Sony Walkman NW-S200 Series Sports MP3 Players we mentioned last month are starting to surface, and the players are on schedule for a September release. Expected to be available in 1GB and 2GB sizes, the dildoesque DAPs bring sporty features to the game such as a water-resistant body, the ability to shuffle play by simply shaking them, and integrated pedometer/calorie counting features.
And then there's Music Pacer that figures out your step speed and finds a tune with a tempo to match. Plus, you can charge it up in just 45 minutes for 18 hours of playback. Although they will first be released in Europe, when they get to the states, pricing will be around $120 for the 1GB unit and $150 for the 2GB. No word on whether the player will be available with a vibrator option.
Press Release [Sony]
More Photos [PBase]
Sharp Opens the Aquos Kimono with Six Improved LCD TVs August 31, 2006
READ MORE Home Entertainment
Not to be outdone by yesterday's announcements of a52-inch 1080p LCD by Samsung and Sony's barrage of Bravia bravado with LCDs also topping out at 52 inches, now Sharp jumps into the fray with its spiffed-up Aquos line of six new 1080p LCD HDTVs, whose largest iteration is also 52 inches. What, is 52 the new 46? We're especially liking that all the LCDs introduced in the past couple of days take 1080p as a given. It's about time.
The Sharp Aquos line was already a favorite of our trained eyes, and now the company's taken it to the next level with what it calls "Black Advanced Super View Full Spec HD LCD panels" (say that five times fast), offering them in three screen sizes of 52 inches, 46 inches and 42 inches. Each size will be available in either a side-speaker or bottom-speaker design, totaling six new models.
The eye-opening specs here are a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and a response rate of 4ms. Now those are some fast LCDs. On top of all that, they're said to consume less power than their predecessors. And, even though their enclosures are quite similar to this year's model, they sure are purdy. Now we just want to know how much they will cost and when they'll be available.
6 New HD LCD TV AQUOS from SHARP [Akihabara News]
Coffin From the Future August 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Not a lot has happened on the old coffin design front. Even though the occupants are dead you’d think by now that those buying them would have expressed an interest in something different. Something wacky to represent the once wacky person within.
Would’ve thought the Germans would be first though?
Coffin designer Andreas Spiegel has come up with The Cocoon, an ovoid coffin built from natural materials like soy-based resin and jute lining. The high gloss finish makes it look like a life-pod from Star Trek. The natural build means that it’s reasonably green too, decomposing after 10-15 years. You get 14 colours to choose from and it only costs about £1,850. Bargain. – Martin Lynch
Via Bornrich
London Wi-Fi Pub Guide August 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets , Laptops , Mobile phones , Online , PDA , Smartphones , Wireless
There are times when you really need a pint. There are also times when you really need a Wi-Fi connection. As paid up scribblers, us hacks often find a reason – no matter how tenuous – to combine the two.
And, if management sees through our ruse we can always claim that we were only in the pub because it had a Wi-Fi connection. Just before we get fired.
Still, some useful soul has come up with a pictorial guide – and mini review - of pubs in London with good Wi-Fi connections. Some are even free so, when your boss asks why you were in the pub, you can say you only drank those six pints because you were saving the company the cost of paying for Wi-Fi at a different pub.
Again, just before you get fired.
Find the guide here. – Martin Lynch.
Via Silicon.com
news technology wi-fi london pubs life
Early PS3 Bundles Massively Overpriced August 31, 2006
READ MORE Consoles , Gadgets , Games , Home Entertainment , Software
I’m hoping this is just one of those clerical errors, but judge for yourselves. Sony confirmed a few months back that the UK price of the of the PS3 would be about £425 for the 60GB version. OK, it hurts but suck it up.
Catalogue superstore Freemans however has started listing pre-order PS3 bundles and some really scary prices. Assume, if you will, that you get a bundle with one game, you’d expect to pay another £50 on top – at the most – for the game. That comes to £475, right? Check this out:
PS3 60GB + Sonic the Hedgehog £549
PS3 60GB + MotorStorm £609
PS3 60GB + Resistance: Fall of Man
and Rainbow Six Vegas £669
Shocked? You should be, especially the bit where bundle number two wants you to fork out £120 for Sony’s MotorStorm game. Please let this be some kind of error and not the shape of things to come. – Martin Lynch
Via Gamesradar
news games technology PS3 shopping
Sony Going to Revise Production Numbers on PS3s? August 31, 2006
READ MORE Consoles
Sony may be restating their 4 million unit estimate down to 2 million, thanks to troubles with Blu-ray diodes, their GPUs, and lousy Cell yields.
If Sony's even going to hit the 2.0 million mark, something Microsoft couldn't do in two months with less complicated hardware, it's a good thing they started making PS3s already. Wait, what do you mean they haven't started?
Target shipment of Sony PS3 may be halved [Digitimes via Crunchgear]
Sega Dreamcast Wristwatch August 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Although this isn't an actual Dreamcast system that you can play on your wrist—oh how we wish that were so—it's the next best thing. This watch, comissioned by Sega, has an actual Dreamcast-like face which flips open to tell you the time. Classy and nerdy. You can pre-order one at Playasia now for the Sept. 29 release date.
Product Page [Playasia via dc emu]
Windows Vista pre-RC1 Screenshots August 31, 2006
READ MORE Software
We called for screenshots of Vista pre-RC1, and reader Craig answered.
Here are some shots of the Vista desktop, in case you were at all curious what's changed since you've last tried out the beta.
Thanks Craig!
The Inka Pen Lets You Write Underwater August 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
The Inka Pen is both a keychain and a pen, making it better than a normal pen and definitely way better than a normal keychain. We've all seen those space pens when we were kids that allowed us to write upside down. The novelty quickly wore out, and those pens were soon lost or misplaced—who needs to write upside-down anyway? Well the Inka Pen, with its pressurized ink cartridge, lets you write in below-zero temperatures, in the desert, or even when it's wet. Really? When it's wet? Wouldn't the paper disintegrate before you're finished writing down whatever it is you're writing?
In any case, if anyone needs to be able to write anywhere, this is available now for £15.
Product Page [Inka via Neatorama]
Microsoft XNA Home Game Developer Kit Available For Download August 31, 2006
READ MORE Software
The XNA Game Studio Express, a developer pack that will allow you to make home-brew games for the Xbox 360 and the PC, is available for Beta download. Unfortunately this version only supports Windows XP SP2 and not Xbox 360 or Windows Vista. But, it's a good start to get your feet wet with game development, gearing up for the Xbox 360 compatible version at the end of the year.
Oh, and did we mention this is free?
Download Page [Microsoft via Major Nelson via Crunchgear]
The Hipster - A Personal Trailer August 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Slightly less embarrassing than carrying a bum bag, this hipster lets you carry around your stuff in a little personal trailer. The hipster's tied to your body, making you a half mule half, half rickshaw driving man with a trailer on your ass.
We suppose this is useful for, uh, long...walks...with stuff? Yeah, I got nothin.
Product Page [Elseware via Hipster - Personal Trailer]
1 Second Update: M-Cody M22 MP3 Player In White August 31, 2006
READ MORE Digital Audio , Portable Media
We wrote about the M22 player just yesterday, but today, the fellas at TechEBlog dug up this shiny white photo. Doesn't she look like an angel? The DAP is less than a centimeter thick, has a little 128 by 64 pixel OLED display, has USB 2.0, and support for the usual suspects, plus OGG.
M-Cody M22 MP3 Player [TechEBlog]
Lamp Refrigerator Concept August 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
I'm always hungry, and also afraid of the dark, so when I saw this combination lamp and refrigerator, I knew I had to have one. I'd use it to hold cupcakes, bacon, ketchup, and a small bottle of premixed Tang. By Joakim Oscarsson.
Cloche: Hanging Refrigerator [Sci Fi Tech]
It's All Butter with Mitsubishi's Flutter Shutter August 31, 2006
READ MORE Digital cameras , Gadgets
A research team at Mitsubishi has developed a new type of digital camera shutter that will do a significantly better job at stopping motion and deblurring images. It works exactly how its odd name describes, the shutter flutters. With a traditional exposure, the shutter will open during the duration of the shot. The flutter shutter flutters multiple times and able to capture objects with an exposure time of 50 milliseconds.
The creator of this invention, Ramesh Raskar and his team at Mitsubishi has teamed with MIT to further develop this invention. Looking forward to seeing this developed further.
Mitsubishi Electric Develops Deblurring Flutter Shutter Camera [Digital Camera Info]
Is the Apple iSight Getting An Upgrade Soon? August 31, 2006
READ MORE Peripherals
Is the venerable Apple iSight getting a much needed upgrade in the next two months? The estimated ship date on the Apple Store for the webcam says "October", but it's hard to believe that so many people would be interested in one seeing as only two models of Apple computers—Mac Pro and Mac Mini—don't have iSights built in.
Reader Ben felt the same and gave Apple a call. The guy he spoke to couldn't give a comment on whether it was backordered or on hold until the new models come in—Standard procedure. But it does make us wonder whether the Paris Expo will bring us some new webcams.
Product Page [Apple]
Quick Zune Update: Brown, Underwhelming August 31, 2006
READ MORE PDA
Microsoft's calling the white Zune "cotton", making a brown colored Zune (why?), and generally causing a big "meh" among consumers. Analysts say it won't make a dent in the iPod market, but will have success against Microsoft's own partners. No wonder they're getting pissed. Catch up on old Zune news here.
Microsoft's Zune said to be more bark than bite [Apple Insider]
Analyst: Microsoft's Zune player underwhelming [ilounge]
white:cotton as brown [Zunerama]
A Closer Look At the PSP GPS Device August 31, 2006
READ MORE Peripherals
We have a closer look and more details on the PSP GPS Addon we saw last week. The GPS goes on top of your PSP and can actually be folded down when not in use, making your PSP a little less bulbous. We're not sure whether folding it will disable it, since the top part looks like it serves as an antenna.
Also, in addition to using the GPS as a regular navigation system, it's going to be used in games! Titles like Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops will take advantage of the GPS, probably making you run around your neighborhood like a doofus to keep Snake out of harm's way. Other games that will take advantage of this will probably be Double Dragon: Fist of the GPS, Castlevania: Concerto of Driving Directions, and Sonic Universe: Pull Over And Enter The Address Again Tails, We'll Never F***ing Find Dr. Robotnik This Way.
A Much Closer Look at the PSP GPS [pspupdates via Slashgear]
Meizu Miniplayer Available In Black August 31, 2006
The Miniplayer, Meizu's answer to the iPod Nano, is now available in an off-the-rack basic black. It still has the same Meizu stylings, same 1-4GB flash memory, and the same sexy 18FPS DivX playback. The screen's the same 320x240 and it has the same 20 hours of battery life for audio and 6 for video. Yeah, you get the point. Everything's the same except the color. Hey, it worked for Apple.
imp3 [via The MP3 Players]
Sony PSP2 to Debut in 2007 Says PSM August 31, 2006
READ MORE Consoles
The October issue of PlayStation Magazine cited unnamed sources in a report stating that Sony will launch the next generation PSP in 2007. Right now, however, it doesn't look like this will be quite what we were looking for: rather than a "proper" PSP2, Sony is apparently going to follow in Apple's footsteps and gradually upgrade the PSP's features and capabilities while keeping the price more or less the same.
The report suggests that Sony will upgrade the built-in memory from 32MB to 8GB based on memory chip industry movement; will add a built-in Eye-Toy-like camera; and will retool the UMD drive into a slot-loading drive. Naturally, the upgraded PSP will be slimmer than its predecessor.
The larger memory is expected to be used for Sony's as-yet-to-materialize scheme for downloadable games and other content. Sony's not one to kiss and tell, so odds are it'll be a little while before any hard information on the next generation PSP is known.
Report: Next Generation PSP Coming in 2007 [Next Generation]
Railz: Convert Skateboard to Skiboard August 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
It won't be long before the snow starts falling, and then it'll be time to convert that skateboard to a slope-gobbling four-runner skate ski-board. Do it with Railz, four metal-edged skis that replace the wheels on your favorite skateboard, converting it for downhill skiing in a snap. The conversion kit is £25.
Product Page [Flowlab, via Sci Fi Tech]
Samsung LN-S5296D: 1080p and 52 Inches of LCD Righteousness August 31, 2006
READ MORE Home Entertainment , TV
Samsung pushes the price of a large-screen LCD display lower with its LN-S5296D, a 52-inch 1080p flat panel that's due to hit US stores next month. It's bringing some serious specs, too, such as an 8ms response time and a 6000:1 contrast ratio. If the company can actually deliver that spec, it'll solve one of the major problems with every LCD I've seen: the blacks are too gray.
It looks like Samsung has just about thought of everything, where they've included a CableCard slot, and plenty of inputs in the back, too, such as a couple of HDMI inputs as well as two component inputs, a composite input and a VGA port. The best news of all is the price, under £2.5K. That's breaking some new ground for a 52-incher. Nice.
52-inch samsung lcd flat hdtv due within a month [technabob]
Elmo SUV-Cam Micro Video Camera System August 31, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
If you ever wanted to snoop on your unsuspecting neighbors before but didn't think there was a small enough camera out there to get the job done, Elmo has a surprise for you with its SUV-cam. This micro video camera—micro being 2.2x4.0x1.1-inches—system is able to capture MPEG-4 video with a resolution of 704x480 pixels. Better yet, should you, Mr. Bond, need to take the camera under water, you can rest easy knowing that it's water-proof up to 12 feet.
Just like other cool gadgets that help you reenact Porky's, Elmo's micro camera solution will set you back quite a bit of coin. In fact, if you're not willing to part with about £400, you might as well forget about it. Plus, you'd have to import it from Japan where it launches on September 29.
Product Page [Elmo via Digital World Tokyo]
Sony Announces Lower-Priced Pearl VPL-VW50 1080p Projector August 31, 2006
READ MORE Home Entertainment
When we hear the terms "1080p" and "projector" in the same breath, our attention is suddenly riveted. Sony just turned our heads with its announcement of its Pearl VPL-VW50 1080p projector, with two HDMI inputs and the ability to crank out frame rates of 60p, 50p and even 24p. The only thing missing is Sony's up-rezzing technology (it's called Digital Reality Creation, or DRC), so the Pearl's standard definition sources may not look as pristine as its more-expensive older sisters.
As we predicted earlier this month, prices of 1080p projectors continue to plummet, when Sony's VPL-VW100 projector, which originally retailed for way north of £5,000 was seen at a street price of £3,800. Back to the present, that might mean the announced price of the Ruby, £3,300ish, could go a lot lower in just a few months, maybe even before it ships on October 20. More pics after the jump.
Sony Pearl VPL-VW50 1080p SXRD projector [HD Beat]
Gizmodo Frankenreview: Logitech MX Revolution August 31, 2006
READ MORE Peripherals
We took every review, ever, of Logitech's golden boy the MX Revolution and simmered them over low heat for 20 minutes. The rich gelatin was then poured into a centrifuge where its contents were analyzed and translated into stunning 3D graphics by the Gizmodo Super Computer. Results show the Logitech MX Revolution is a great mouse with more than a few notable features - though it's Microgear Precision Scroll Wheel steals the show.
Post jump: more pretty pictures and the Frankenreview (he can copy/paste better than any of us).
Ditch the Stamps, Nokia Allows Online Firmware Upgrade August 31, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones , Online
In days past, if you wanted your Nokia phone firmware upgraded it required actually mailing your to a Nokia service center or physically taking it into one. Now no more. Consumerist is reporting that Nokia will now let owners upgrade their firmware online. The service currently supports the following phones: N70, N72, 6131, 6630, 6680, 6681 and 6682. That is only seven of Nokia's billions of mobile phone models, but at least it is a good start. You can update the firmware over-the-air or directly through the PC.
Nokia Firmware Update [Via Consumerist]
USRobotics Dual-Purpose USR9630 Cordless Skype Phone August 31, 2006
READ MORE Smartphones
Just because US Robotics introduced a couple of Skype phones a few weeks ago doesn't mean they can't introduce another one, this time, the cordless USR9630. Its base station (can't use the word "dock" lest you think we're talking about the ubiquitous iPod) plugs into a standard phone line as well as into a PC running Skype, making it a dual purpose phone for the ages. Four handsets can be connected to any one base station at a time so it actually could be a decent phone for families or small businesses looking into trying out Skype a little more seriously. Of course, you could just use the USR9630 as a "normal" telephone, but that's a little self-defeating.
The USR9630 makes use of DECT 6.0 technology so as to prevent any sort of interference with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microwaves, your homemade SETI dish, etc. The phone is able to communicate with the base station up to a range of 150 feet indoors and 900 feet outdoors. It also takes advantage of several Skype-specific features, like the system's voice mail and caller ID. Sorry, Phone Company, we're all about choice.
The USR9630, which only supports Windows 2000 and XP-based systems, should hit stores in September for around £60. Throw in the accompanying USR9631 Accessory Handset and you're well on your way to Skype-qulaity phone calls and fun for the whole family.
USRobotics USR9630 Cordless Phone for Skype [VoIP & Gadgets Blog]
USRobotics Home Page [USRobotics]
HD DVD and Blu-ray Trouble: Not Enough Blue Diodes to Go Around August 31, 2006
READ MORE Storage
Things are looking dicey for both HD DVD and Blu-ray, because a key component has suddenly become scarce: blue laser diode yield rates are only 30% according to Nichia, a company responsible for 80% of the blue laser diode supply. The diodes are used in both HD DVD and Blu-ray players, and the shortfall will severely limit the number of players that can be shipped.
Sources said only Pioneer and Plextor are currently able to maintain shipments of products using the blue diodes, with Toshiba soon joining them. Another source says any new models using those diodes might be postponed until 2007. This has certainly been a rough start for both high definition disc formats.
Blu-ray and HD-DVD to freeze competition until 2007 [DigiTimes Systems, via CrunchGear]
Wharfdale Hard Drive-Based Hi-Fi System August 31, 2006
READ MORE Digital Audio , Home Entertainment
Since the prospect of placing a computer inside a home theater still doesn't quite turn people on, Wharfdale figures it can provide the best of both worlds with a 40GB hard drive-based Hi-Fi stereo system. As you might expect, a 40GB hard drive is the heart of the system and offers enough space to hold an estimated 8,000 songs, either USB-imported, pre-existing MP3s or MP3s ripped by the unit itself. Like other, similar audio systems, this Wharefdale unit will query the appropriate databases when playing CDs in order to display accurate (well, for the most part) song information.
The two speakers have a power rating of 30 watts, plus you'll find an AM/FM radio, a svelte LCD for track information and CD-R/RW playback. Is it worth some £200? is the question, though.
Wharfedale Hard Disk Hi-Fi. [The Red Ferret Journal]
X-Sport BTH-11 Bluetooth Headset August 31, 2006
READ MORE Peripherals
Teling Technology has announced their latest Bluetooth headset, the X-Sport BTH-11. A couple features makes this Bluetooth headset stand out from the blue sea of headsets. First, Teling claims that this headset has a range of 20 to 30 meters. Thirty meters eh? That means I could pretty much go everywhere in my tiny apartment without carrying my phone around. Also, this headset includes a holster/charger that vibrates. When it is functioning as a holster you can leave your phone on silent and know when a call is incoming from the vibration. The rechargeable battery is capable of providing 18 hours of talk time per charge. It looks pretty snazzy too—not too shabby Teling, not too shabby.
X-SPORT BTH-11 Bluetooth Headset [BlueTomorrow]
Motorola Q Downloadable Updates: Adds Cell Modem, Maybe Fixes Crashes? August 31, 2006
READ MORE PDA
Motorola is finally attempting a cure for its balky Motorola Q's crashtastic performance issues, offering firmware and software updates for download. Unfortunately if you want to update your Q, all the content you've loaded onto it will be deleted. We just downloaded the firmware update and it's 42.7MB, and on that same page there is a 10MB software update as well.
It's about time. We'll load up the update and let you know how it goes. We're just hoping this will do something to cure the slow performance, lockups, Bluetooth problems, video and audio skipping and all the dozens of other issues we've run into while using this unfortunate release from Motorola and Verizon.
Motorola Q Firmware and Software Update Page [Motorola, via QUsers]
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