Friday, March 30, 2007
Sony's new J5000, J3000 series BRAVIA's & matching stand unveiled for Japan
Sony's got its latest network-enabled LCDs lined up for release in Japan. These are similar to the V- and S- series BRAVIA's coming here soon, with the J5000 series adding a 40-inch model to go along with the 32-inch LCD, both featuring 120Hz MotionFlow technology to reduce blurring, 24p input and 10-bit color. Of the lower-end J3000 series, only the 40-inch model has 10 bit color, with a 1,600:1 contrast ratio while the 32-, 26- and 20-inch versions have DLNA network support and XMB menus to go along with their 1366x768 screens. All include HDMI control technology, which pairs well with the just-announced RHT-G800 combination television stand/amplifier/5.1 channel speaker. It's a standard digital amplifier, compatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM and other formats, through its two HDMI inputs, one HDMI out and included speakers. For 110,000 yen ($931 U.S.) it does more than just hold your TV and look pretty, the stand launches in Japan May 25th at the same time as the J5000 series HDTVs, while all of the J3000 screens should be available April 25th.Read - Sony J3000 & J5000 series release
Read - Sony RHT-G800 rack
'
Keep in mind this is Microsoft's Channel 10 doing the shooting, but it's the best we've got -- and be sure, we'd be pushing you some grainy QVGA camphone video of the Xbox 360 Elite if we had it. The interview is with Albert Penello, who is quick to get a dig in on Sony for leaving out an HDMI cable. Albert again confirms that a migration cable will be packaged with the stand-alone 120GB drive, but says they're 'still working on a solution' for migrating data from a current Xbox 360 to the Elite, since apparently data is tied to the console in some way... such is the way of DRM, always putting the consumer first!Honestech MY-IPTV kit streams TV to your handset / PDA
Considering the vast amount of WiMAX / 4G talk that's been circulating at CTIA, it's about time we saw a manufacturer stepping up and giving us one more reason to pay attention. Breaking into Sling's stomping ground, Honestech's MY-IPTV kit consists of a USB 2.0 TV tuner and a piece of software that enables your 3G smartphone or WiFi-connected handset / PDA to watch live television and change the channels remotely. Additionally, users can access their television streams on any internet-connected laptop. For devices with enough computing power (and storage space), PVR capabilities are available. As expected, the kit will play nice with Windows XP and Windows Mobile operating systems, and it should be available real soon for $99.99US to $149.99US depending on extras.
Intel Holds $1M Design Contest for Coolest Living Room PC: "
When it comes to living room PCs, you can't top the Mac Mini. At least that's what Intel thinks, which is why they're dishing out $1m to the person who can design a living room-worthy Viiv Core 2 Duo-based PC that tops Apple's angel. Seven of the semifinalists have been chosen and can be seen/voted on before a winner is announced next month.
Have a look at theBICOM. It has a laser-cut touch-sensitive front panel that provides force-feedback when your fingers come close to the buttons. The others, to me, are looking a little ugly.
Nike plans to make all its running shoes iPod-compatible
Not a lot of details just yet, but it looks like that limited selection of Nike+ shoes won't be alone in iPod compatibility in Nike's running lineup for long. Nike President and CEO Mark Parker said in a recent interview that Nike 'plans to make all its running shoes compatible with its Nike+ technology by the end of the year.' That's good news for the iPod kids looking for a wider selection of running shoes. Parker continued, saying 'I won't get into specific dates or executions, but you can expect to see some of these new Nike concepts at retail this calendar year.' Our guess is those shoes could be hitting 'round the time Nike Speed+ and friends start making this whole distance tracking thing ubiquitous in May.
'
Hammer's new myshare NAS shares 2TB on home networks
Ahhh just what we need for all that new Apple TV content!!! The new myshare NAS offers anwhere from 320GB to 2TB of storage, and can support PCs and Macs. There's also a built-in web server for getting at your files remotely. A pair of USB ports allows you to share printers and external storage devices. If that's too extreme for you, you can get a 1TB (2X 500GB) myshare for $500USD, or hit up one of the many other configurations.
'
Check out the new Helio 'Ocean. The Pantech-sourced device has enough tricks up its sleeve to put it atop Helio's already impressive stable of featurephones. Dual-slide design with QWERTY in one direction and numeric in the other that gives users the best of both worlds without compromising much girth (21.8mm to be exact). Other unique goodies (besides the requisite EV-DO and GPS) include a contact list with integrated 'presence detection' showing contacts' statuses on a variety of instant messaging services, Exchange Server and ActiveSync integration(!) for the suits out there, geo-tagged photo uploads with Helio UP, multi-client communications app for Yahoo!, AOL, MSN, Gmail, and email, and a click-free web search mechanism -- users simply begin typing from their home screen to seek out sites in its new full-HTML browser.
'
The format war is in full swing. Everyday a new device is announced and today it's Samsung's turn with a few new Blu-ray burners. The SE-B046 pictured is pretty cool looking, and we hope its performance matches. It's an external burner, includes USB 2.0 and 1394 ports, and is no doubt designed to record from your 1394 enabled STB or computer. The next model, the internal SH-B043, can write 4x BD-R and supports all the standard optical discs we have come to expect. For those still using DVDs, Samsung also announced the SATA enabled SH-S203, which sports a whole slew of support including record-breaking 20x DL DVD±R, 12x DVD±R DL/-RAM, 8x DVD+RW and 6x DVD-RW. Pricing and release details to follow.
'
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Codename Fiji refers to Media Center refresh?: "
Microsoft is trying its darndest to stay mum about future versions of the Windows Client, since all that talk and expectation for Vista sure didn't treat 'em right. Luckily for us, all that transparency Microsoft has been working on with its corporate bloggers is paying off in little slip-ups here and there, with this one coming from Charlie Owen, the Windows Media Center Product Manager. In a blog post tagged 'Fiji,' which he has since pulled, Charlie mentions the next version of Media Center being 'yet another out of band release' and that 'the team is pretty happy about that because it allows us to get back on our (approximate) yearly schedule of delivering goodness to customers.' He has since apologized for leading his blog following astray with the info, but that doesn't mean we can't still skim some info from this, including the implication -- which is growing in other circles -- that Fiji is a 'shoulda been in Vista' update for Media Center, not the whole OS. As to what will actually end up in such a Media Center update is anyone's guess, but we've all got our own personal wishlists to be sure. Let's start with a few bug fixes, shall we?
It's still a bit early yet for all the reviews to hit the internets, but people fortunate enough to have snagged an Apple TV early (you cant just love it you have to be first) -- namely the WSJ, PC Mag, and The NY Times -- have already passed judgment. What do they think? The Xbox 360 receives frequent mention as the Apple TV's one true competitor right now, but the differences in the products and approaches still cause a rift, and it's hard to keep the parallels going for too long. But the one thing they can all agree on is their appreciation for the unit's simplicity, design, and ample ability to tackle digital video in the living room.
Read - NYT (Pogue thumbs up, way up)
Read - WSJ ('It has some notable limitations, but we really liked it. It is classic Apple: simple and elegant.')
Read - PC Mag (4/5, 'I think Apple TV is a fantastic product-but I won't be buying one...')
'
Sling lets its latest boxes loose in Canada - Australia soon?.....
It took them a while, but Sling Media has finally seen fit to officially release its current batch of Slingboxen in Canada, carting its Slingbox Pro, Slingbox AV, and Slingbox Tuner across the border. Canadians hoping for a little something extra given the delay, however, will likely be a bit disappointed, with the only changes coming in the currency. In Canadian dollars, the Slingbox Tuner will set you back $180, while the Slingbox AV carries a slightly higher $200 price tag, and the Slingbox Pro tops things off at $300. In addition to the hardware, Sling also took the opportunity for officially announce its SlingPlayer Mobile software for Windows Mobile and Palm OS devices in Canada, with the former version now available for $35 Canadian and the latter still open for beta testers.'
Will we ever see the Sidekick here....
You knowSidekick users tend to be some of the most intensely loyal fans of their devices around; the reasons vary a bit from user to user, but the gist seems to be that Danger knows how to make products that simply work with minimal fuss. Besides being myFaves compatible, the new model will lack EDGE and a cam to keep pricing low -- like '$99.99US after $50US rebate' low. Not bad,not bad at all.
'
Motorola To Win the Bid for Palm?: "
Keeping a steady eye on all of the Palm buyout rumors and the latest from CNBC have Motorola at the head of the race. If united, the two might have a better chance of taking on Apple's almighty iPhone. Think about it. Moto makes some nice phones, but their OS has always been crap. Now picture a Moto Q9 running Palm instead of WM6.
Palm Shareholder Expect Motorola Deal Soon [CNBC]
LG KS20: Pradaless, Prada Update?
This is the KS20, a rumored update to the LG KE850, or Prada phone, as known by many. It will have the Prada brand name dropped. It is pretty similar to the KE850, but with a little more beef. It is said to run off Windows Mobile 6 Pro and includes 128MB of memory, a 2.8-inch touchscreen, GRPS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA support, 2.0-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, TV-out, FM radio and microSD support. Not bad, and maybe because it lacks the Prada brand name the price tag will be a bit better.
LG working on a speedy next-gen Prada phone [gearfuse]
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
TabletKiosk announces eo and Sahara TufTab portables
TabletKiosk (OS) has two new portables, the eo TufTab v7112XT, and Sahara TufTab i310XT. From the UMPC side you can expect the eo TufTab v7112XT (above) to have a 1.2GHz VIA CPU, 1GB of RAM, 7-inch LED backlit display, 40GB drive, and camera in a 2 pound, 1.14-inch thick unit. The Sahara TufTab i310XT has a 1GHz Celeron M, 512MB of RAM, 60GB drive, and 12.8-inch 1280 x 800 touchscreen in a 1.5-inch thick 3.5 pound unit. Both share 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, SDIO and PC card slots, fingerprint reader, and the usual ports, and should ship in mid April.
[Via MobilitySite
'
Read |
Xbox 360 Elite: new, black limited edition Xbox with HDMI and 120GB drive
We've confirmed with trusted sources that the black Xbox 360 is indeed coming (the image above is of the original 360 dev kit, FYI), and will be dubbed the Xbox 360 Elite. Here's what you need to know about it:
- The case, controller, and Live headset will all be black. It will have all new packaging.
- Elite will cost $479US, and will be a 3rd SKU; it will be sold alongside Premium and Core packs.
- Eventually Elite hardware (in white plastics) will take the role of the Xbox Premium. That is to say, after the Elite is launched and sold out, future Xbox Premiums will have 120GB / HDMI.
- We do not yet know exactly when 120GB / HDMI will become the standard for Premium, but it is loosely estimated to be later this year.
- Prices may remain the same with the 120GB / HDMI hardware upgrade in the Premium Xbox, but we may still see a price cut on the line when 65nm chips start shipping.
- The HD DVD drive will not be internal or bundled -- Microsoft never did or nor does not currently have plans to put an HD DVD drive in the 360.
- There are no current plans to integrate WiFi into the Elite or future Premiums (although that can always change).
'
Apple sends NAB event invites.
No surprises here, but Apple is hosting another invite-only media event at next month's National Association of Broadcasters Conference in Las Vegas, (Come on Matt lets go mate) and is almost sure to unveil a new version of its Final Cut Pro editing software. Luckily, Apple's NAB unveils aren't always limited to software, so hopes are high for word on that 8-core Mac Pro that's been squeezed through the rumor mill a few times in the past months. The 'Lights Camera Apple' happenings will take place on April 15th at 11am.
'
Toshiba drops HD DVD MSRP, effective 4/1/07
At just about the one year anniversary of the format war, it looks like Toshiba is throwing the next punch. HD DVD will be one step closer to that magic price point of $299US, with the latest update of the RRP of their HD DVD players. According to a few retailers at the AVSFroum on April 1st Toshiba will change the RRP and the least expensive model; the A2 will now have an RRP of $399US. The A2 isn't the only model with a new price, as the other two models see a drop as well, the A20 will be $499US and finally the high end model, the XA2 for $799US. So if price was the only thing stopping you from getting in the HD DVD game and the Xbox360 add-on just isn't your style, then now might just be the time.
'
Hitachi's XR01 and HR01 series HDTVs -- world's first with iVDR portable storage
We're already seen Hitachi's 2007 domestic HDTV line-up at CES. However, Hitachi saved a bit of Wooo-niqueness for their Japanese launch. The new XR01 and HR01 series of sets consists of five new TVs boasting a world's first: an integrated iVDR removable storage module -- a portable storage format used almost exclusively in Japan. In fact, Hitachi stuffs a 250GB IVDR-S ('S' as in SAFIA DRM) disk into the bay to get your started. These disks can then be plugged into compatible bays on your video recorder, PC, camcorder, etc, for easy portability of your media. All the sets ship with a dual terrestrial digital tuners coupled with dual terrestrial analog tuners and come loaded with inputs: 3x HDMI, 2x Japanese D4, 2x S-Video, 3x composite, Firewire, and Ethernet just to name a few. The top end P50 plasma is expected by mid-May for ¥570,000 ($4,840US). Japan only, naturally.
[Via Impress]
'
Redesigned Apple iMac on the way?
Rumors about Apple redesigns are dime-a-dozen. It's hard to deny that the impact and focus that Apple brings to the subject often has sweeping impact felt throughout the consumer electronics industry and beyond. As such, we'll cast a wayward glance in the direction Apple Insider when they claim to have learned from 'people familiar with the situation' that the three year old iMac design is about to undergo a 'substantial facelift. One thing is for sure, we're about to get swamped with dozens of new tips claiming to have leaked images of the new iMac. '
Philips's new DCD778 kitchen iPod media appliance
For the food-obsessed that has TVs and iPod docks everywhere else, perhaps Philips's new DCD778 might find a home in your abode. Not just limited to playing tracks from your iPod, the DCD778 can also view DVDs, VCDs, MP3 CDs, and has ATSC / NTSC tuner (we doubt it's high def, but ATSC is certainly the law these days), and AM / FM.
'
PS3 firmware v 1.60: background downloads, other yum extras: "
We know chances are you've probably got better things to read about than the PS3's next firmware, but this one proves to have some fun goodies sure to catch a few eyes. Namely, you've got that Folding@home client, as expected, background downloads (finally!), Remote Play for wired 20GB PS3s -- all four of them out there -- and an onscreen keyboard á la the Wii, except, you know, different because it's PS3.]'
Cowon's D2 PMP hits North America
If you've been digging Cowon's tiny D2 portable media player but weren't quite willing to go to Korea to get one, you can now yourself some airfare (or importing fees), as Cowon America's finally seen fit to release the player. While some of the more colorful options have unfortunately been left behind, the player itself is otherwise identical (minus the DMB, of course), with a 2.5-inch touchscreen display, an SD card slot for expansion, TV out, FM radio, and the usual array of PMP functions, including support for less-than-common formats like FLAC, OGG, and APE. '
Read |
OLPC (heard of the One Laptop Per Child Program?)
While OLPC test machines are circulating around, and orders are reportedly adding up in vast quantities, it looks like the green machine could be receiving a few hardware upgrades. According to Vulnerable Minds, the One Laptop Per Child panel at Shmooncon announced that the machine would now sport a 433MHz AMD Geode LS-500 processor (up from 366MHz), 256MB of system RAM (up from 128MB), and a 1GB NAND drive (up from 512MB). The CPU is of the .13-micron variety and only draws 0.08-watts, and it'll also sport the obligatory 7.5-inch sunlight capable display, 1,200 x 900 monochrome / 692 x 520 color resolutions, 802.11b/g, and interestingly, the draft version of '802.11s
'
What's the rest of the world doing with their Apple TVs?
Ok, so you've set up your recently shipped Apple TV, you've upgraded its HDD, and you've got it to play your Xvid movies. Now what about content baby! Professor Joshua Gans at the Melbourne Business School spotted a bunch of disclaimer differences on the Australian Apple website: Apple went through the trouble to replace all the tiny TV show / movie titles in the US promotional material with stock imagery on regional sites with no video content. Hit up the read link to see some comparisons between the Australian and US Apple TV literature.
'
Apple refutes "late Leopard" rumors
The release date of Mac OS X Leopard is the subject of more speculation yet again, with a source at Apple stating that the OS is still planned for a Spring US release. That's in response to an earlier rumor from the endemically unreliable DigiTimes which suggested that the release might be delayed until October/>
[Via digg]
'
Samsung m620 to be called "UpStage" for Sprint
So it won't be called the 'Flipper' or the 'Ultra Music' -- but Sprint wanted a name all its own for the very unique m620 musicphone from Samsung. When it launches at CTIA this week, the two-faced handset will get slapped with the name 'UpStage,' which in our opinion really doesn't convey the craziness of the phone's form factor appropriately -- but does give a nod to its unusually strong audio capabilities.
'
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Million dollar laptop coming from UK Luxury firm Luvaglio?
The latest piece of tech to join the 'costs one million dollars' club could be the above laptop by UK Luxury firm Luvaglio if rumors are to be believed. There currently aren't any shots of the device in an open state, but there are a few pictures of what appear to be renderings of a piano finished laptop next to a slide-open box. As far as specs go, we're hearing that it'll have a self-cleaning 17-inch widescreen monitor with a special anti-reflective coating, a 128GB Solid State Disk Drive, and a slot loading Blu-ray drive, along with the obligatory diamond encrusted power button. .[Via MobileMag
Xbox 360 May Support Blu-ray Someday [Updated: Whatever]
I don't know if this is a tragic sign of Microsoft giving in, but the Xbox UK head Neil Thompson said that Microsoft is opening up the possibility of supporting Blu-ray on the 360 someday. Thompson told the BBC:
Whatever format wins it is highly likely we will offer a solution. The only debate is if you want to watch Blu-ray movies and pay the extra money for that feature. We prefer to offer the consumer choice.So, Blu-ray DVDs are outselling HD DVDs, Microsoft is offering up Blu-ray support on the 360 in the future, possibly and prices are dropping on Blu-ray players.
Microsoft Admits Xbox 360 Blu-Ray Support Possible [Via Kotaku
Samsung's latest Bordeaux LCD trio touts 15000:1 contrast ratio
It wasn't too long ago that we caught wind of Samsung's latest Bordeaux sets, but now the firm is one-upping itself by kicking out a new trio in the lineup with even more impressive specs. Jumping from 10000:1 to 15000:1 in the contrast ratio department, the 40-inch LN40M81BD, 46-inch LN46M81BD, and 52-inch LN52M81BD all tout the True Black Panel technology in order to bring 'plasma-like blacks' to the LCD HDTV arena, and you'll also find three HDMI ports, 'Full HD' resolution, and the obligatory sexy black frame to really set your living room theater off. Unfortunately, further details on the units are scarce, but we do expect all three sets to hit the Korean market soon for $3,518, $4,690, and $5,863US depending on size.
(Via Engadget.)
Apple TV coverage roundup
It's only been out a couple days, but Apple's latest product -- and their first real entry into the home theater space -- has certainly made a splash. To lighten the load on you we've gathered up all the must-see posts on Apple TV.
Hacks
How-to: Upgrade the drive in your Apple TV
Apple TV reportedly hacked for XviD support
Other features
Apple TV unboxing
Apple TV: the mother of all interface galleries
Apple TV dissected
Video: Apple TV menu and interface walkthrough
Switched On: Headless client found near tapeless box
Reviews, etc.
Apple TV early review roundup
Mossberg reviews Apple TV: 'simple and elegant'
Apple TV now shipping
'
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Sony Ericsson shoots for style points with W660: "
Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio
The Walkman phone's sporty orange trim gets switched out for a classy attempt in gold on Sony Ericsson's newest rendition, the W660. At a svelte 0.57-inches, the UMTS 2100 and GPRS 900/1800/1900 phone really packs in the goods with Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, FM radio support, a 2 megapixel camera, web browsing, RSS feeds, and a 512 MB Memory Stick Micro (upgradeable). It has a 2-inch color TFT display and totes random extras like TrackID, a music identification service, and a Picture Blogging function that allows you to send snapshots directly to your personal blog. To top off the lifestyle angle on this phone, Sony Ericsson has embellished the pants offa this one, with the aforementioned gold trim on both glossy color options, Record Black and Rose Red. The Rose Red (geez, what's up with the cranberry hype?) model jazzes it up a bit more with its floral-themed relief pattern on the backside. For those of you who are more concerned with performance, you'll get up to 6 hours of talk time on GSM, up to 2.5 hours with 3G, or a max of 25 hours of music listening. Expect to peep these newbies in select markets by Q2 of this year.
[Via PhoneArena]
'
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
PS3 Vibration Return Confirmed?: "
This could just be a case of a mistaken developer, but Cory Barlog, a guy working on the PS3 version of God of War 3, has said there will be SIXAXIS and vibration support in the upcoming game. Wait, vibration support? Through the 'standard' SIXAXIS controller? Does this mean that Sony's recent settlement with Immersion is really going to bring vibration back to the PS3? We hope so.
God of War 3 Confirmed, With Vibration! [gwn]
Monday, March 12, 2007
Digital Foci's Photo Safe compact storage for photogs
Digital Foci is back with another digital photo storage solution for photographers. This time, instead of that big LCD found on their own Picture Porter and similar photo previewing/storage devices from Aigo, Epson, and Canon, Digital Foci keeps the, uh, focus on compact portability. The new Photo Safe line-up comes in 40/80/120GB capacities and features a user-replaceable Li-Ion battery that can be recharged when slung from either USB or the mains. Doubtful they'll match the performance of the NextoCF Ultra but they easily best it in price: starting at just $139US when the Photo Safe ships next month, April.
[Via AVING]
'
The funny thing about marketing Vista with a stock photo of a MacBook is that these days the Mac could actually be running Vista. Too bad that's an iBook.
'
