1989:

“What do you listen to your Dire Straits on?”

“Duh, on my Walkman.”

2009:

“What do you listen to your Coldplay on?”

“Duh, on my iPod.”

Times are certainly a-changin’. It wasn’t all that long ago that ‘cassette tapes’ (a plastic cartridge with a spool of magnetic tape inside) were the format du jour and if you were on the go chances are they were being played on a Sony Walkman. Then music files were digitized and the portable music player market was cracked wide open. Over a decade later the king of the hill is assuredly Apple and their ubiquitous iPod. But there are those that remain loyal to that brand that got them through some tough times (and by tough times I mean the 80s). And Sony has in turn rewarded that loyalty, updating the brand over the years. The latest additions include the sleek, suave Walkman E series and the diminutive, ultra-compact Walkman B series.

The E series is certainly the more attractive of the additions. With a 2-inch QVGA colour LCD screen this ain’t your daddy’s Walkman. On top of displaying track information and album art, the screen can also be used for video playback, though at these dimensions it’s more of an added bonus than a selling point.

Sony has also put some work into sound quality, with the E series sporting their patented ‘Clear Audio’ package, which reduces sound leakage and improved bass without the distortion. For you audiophiles there’s also a 5-band equalizer and a dynamic normalize to balance the volume between songs. It also has an FM tuner with built-in recording software so you can get the latest Black Eyed Peas without dropping a dime (in your face internet music pirates!)

For those that wonder how you get music on a portable device that doesn’t rely on iTunes, the Walkmen E series makes use of a ‘drag and drop’ system. Apparently, you just click files and ‘drop’ them right onto the device. Apple should really look into this new technology. But if you’re an iTunes junkie you can also sync up your Walkman with iTunes 8.1 via the Content Transfer software.

The E series provides 30 hours of audio/6 hours of video playback on a single charge. At the moment it has no pricing or storage info.

As for the Walkman B, it is essentially a rebuttal to the iPod Shuffle with its small form design. One area where it attempts to get the leg up is track searching in a menu-less environment. To that end Sony has developed ZAPPIN:

“It’s also the first B series WALKMAN® that simplifies music searches when you need to focus on other activities like sports. ZAPPIN™ is a unique Sony feature that plays a few instantly-recognisable seconds from within each song. It’s a great alternative to conventional track searches, where it’s often hard to identify a song from the opening few bars.”

Additional B series features:

• Small, Ultra-light player in choice of four colours

• Easy operation with drag-and-drop file transfers

• ZAPPIN™ for quick, easy song searches

• Bass button for powerful low frequency enhancement

• 18 hr music playback and Quick Charge battery

• FM tuner with recording facility

Despite the lack of pricing info both will be available at the end of July.

Source

At its most basic PecoBOO uses a rudimentary form of facial detection via a webcam to determine whether you’re present or not. This is not to be confused with facial recognition which analysis facial characteristics to detect identity. Rather this software determines whether or not someone is sitting in front of the computer and it’s fully configurable. PecoBOO allows you to set:

Range—how far away a person can sit to be considered ‘using’ the computer

Sample Rate—how often the software checks for your presence, scalable between a half second to two seconds

Idle Time—how long before energy saving options are enabled

Mode—choose between ‘Hibernate,’ ‘Sleep,’ and ‘Stay Awake’

Off Time—how long you want these options to be in effect for

Given the more active capabilities of PecoBOO the company recommends that you disable your other energy saving software to prevent interference.

The software itself comes from VeryPC. “Ecology, Economy, Performance” is the slogan for this U.K. computer company, who’ve made it their business to make your business greener. And PecoBOO could very well be the next step forward in energy saving solutions as it takes the guess work out of automatic ‘sleep’ and ‘hibernate’ commands. Though some with invariably be turned off by the thought of an ever-present and watchful eye, even though it’s an eco-minded one.

PecoBOO is available for XP and Vista users. It is included with every VeryPC computer as well as available in the U.K. with the purchase of a webcam.

 PecoBoo via Source

What’s smaller than a Mac Mini, weighs less than a pound and a half, and displays images larger than six feet? Why the BenQ Joybee GP1 Mini Projector. This class of projector has been picking up steam. With everything from stand-alone versions like this particular unit to attaches to portable media players, portable projectors are seen by some as the next must have addendum to the technophile’s repertoire. But what sets the GP1 ahead of the pack is BenQ’s drive to make this projector as self-reliant as possible.

One way in which they’ve accomplished this feat is the USB reader which is more than capable of interpreting media files and broadcasting them on a screen. This might not seem like much until you consider that this essentially removes the middleman (aka laptop/netbook) from the equation. The GP1 is capable of recognizing and playing back avi, .mp4, and .mov files, as well as numerous image types (however, the accompanying audio codec leaves something to be desired, though when working the 2W built-in speakers are up to the task).

As for the projecting itself, this is where the GP1 really shines. With a possible 858X600 resolution, as well as excellent scaling options, and the capability to display at both 4:3 and 16:19 resolution, the GP1 is near projecting perfection. The ability to adjust the image colours based on the colour of the surface you’re projecting onto ensures that you’ll be getting the best possible performance no matter where you’re set up. What’s more, the projector has a flawless automatic keystone correction, meaning that GP1 is capable of detecting the angle at which it is projecting and correcting the picture (i.e. making it square).

This move towards streamlining projector-playback goes a long way towards not just accessibility but selling the mini projector brand itself. More than a few casual users are put off by the complexity projectors can introduce to a presentation or just leisure use.

That being said, the GP1 is always straightforward. It does present numerous navigational flaws, namely in the using the buttons atop the projector and the remote. Sensitivity and logical arrangement are both issues that hamper an otherwise fine machine. And while the GP1 is a mere 5.4 x 4.7x 2.1 inches it also requires a bulky power brick.

Those shortcomings aside, the GP1 makes not only a strong pitch for being your top choice in mini projectors, it makes a strong case for buying one in the first place. It’s versatile, portable, and with its USB reading capabilities, it can stand alone with just a thumb drive. For $500 it’s certainly worth looking into, even if you aren’t in the market for a projector.

There was once a time when the de facto operating system choice was plain and simple: Windows. It wasn’t just the only game in town, for its time it was a trend setter, defining how we interacted with PCs. But over the years the company swelled and their product began to stagnate. All of sudden Apple resurged on the scene and people, at long last, had a viable choice. Then along came Linux and things became even more diverse. But in recent years one incorrigible little search-engine company started churning out things not entirely search-engine related. Like maps. And calendars. But an OS?

Yes, Google has officially announced they are entering the highly competitive realm of operating systems, offering a light-weight option that is supposedly quite versatile. However, Google OS doesn’t quite have that definitive ring to it so users will be cordially asked to refer to it as Google Chrome OS. Yes, the metallic motif from their browser is now representative of an entire operating system. But what’s Google’s ambitions for this foray:

“Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. Later this year we will open-source its code, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010. Because we’re already talking to partners about the project, and we’ll soon be working with the open source community, we wanted to share our vision now so everyone understands what we are trying to achieve.”

“Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS” says Google. And likely Apple and Microsoft as well. But here’s the kicker: we’ve yet to see Google try and succinctly fall flat on their backsides. They don’t do things half-assed. You only have to look to Google Android, the search-giants portable OS that runs on smartphones and other low-level devices, to see their operating system acumen.

Google has only divulged a few details via their official blog, however speculation across the web is mounting. What exactly will a Chrome OS entail? Some speculate that it may be a beefed-up browser experience. After all, Google has long since been trying to collect all your daily activities onto web-based programs (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps, Google Groups, etc). It’s not out of the realm of possibility to produce an entirely web-based OS experience.

However, one thing remains certain. When Google dives into the water, they tend to make a big splash. We’ll keep you posted!

Source

Ah, memories. There once was a time when, as a kid, you could do all sorts of goofy, hilarious, and oh-so embarrassing things and only your folks would be the benefactors. Nowadays with digital cameras and camcorders, you can go from potty-training mishap to YouTube in no time. Consider Sony’s brand new 64GB HDR-CX520V and 32GB HDR-CX500V. Despite the storage size, the specs for these handy cams remain the same. Each provides 12-megapixel stills, Optical SteadyShot (with three-way shake cancellation…there’s gotta be a better way to say that), and FaceTouch auto focus (which enables you to identify a face and prioritize it in the shot). All this at a solid 60p output and backed by an Exmor R CMOS sensor with BIONZ processing, providing high-quality shots in low-light situations. But what about preserving those memories? 64 gigabytes is a lot memory, but in HD-quality the number of hours left can quickly become measured in minutes. Enter the Sony DVDirect camcorder-to-DVD recorder.

Sony’s camcorder-to-DVD recorder is capable of burning AVCHD DVDs with 5.1-surround sound directly from a camcorder’s drive or a memory stick. Once burned the discs are playable on compatible Blu-ray drives, giving you memories clearer than they were in reality. The recorder can also accept video files over FireWire, USB, or composite, converting the files into videos with accompanying chapters and customs menus in a painless and straightforward process. While it may lack the robust features of a PC DVD creator suite, the DVDirect record is an excellent fit for those looking at a streamlined means of creating high-quality movies. The unit itself is compact, stylish and rather idiot-proof, and is also capable of lesser tasks like making slide shows from photo albums or burning albums from mp3s.

Both the camcorders and the camcorder-to-DVD are coming out this Septermber. The new 32GB HDR-CX500V and 64GB HDR-CX520V will for $1,100 and $1,300 respectively, while the DVDirect camcorder-to-DVD recorder will set you back $230. All in all if you’re looking to buy get into the home movie business Sony offers a robust package for about $1,300. Which is about the same cost of the HD-TV you’d need to appreciate these things on.

Source and Source

Let’s face it: the future is grand and today is the future. We have the entire body of human knowledge (aka the internet) at our fingertips wherever we are. Every piece of music ever produced can be had at the touch of a button while on the bus (I’m referring to one of those gianormous iPods, you know which one I mean). On a plane you can watch the entire Monty Pythons series (a circumnavigation flight with a few layovers). But they’re all for naught when faced with a power electronmagnetic blast. Luckily, those don’t happen all that often. What does happen all too often is the low-battery light coming on the midst of your favourite concept album. But never fear, portable green energy is here to save the day.

Many a technophile is well aware of the energy that can be had from the simple, everyday motions of the wrist. Citizen has made carved a niche in the watch market with their Eco-Drive line that converts kinetic movements into the time of day. But what you may not know is that your wrist is good for another kind of energy as well. I’m talking of course about the Seebeck effect. Huh? Well, it seems that when two contrasting temperatures encounter one another there is electricity to be had. The Dyson Energy Bracelet capitalizes on that effect by collecting the energy to be had between your skin temperature and the temperature of the surrounding air. The proposed device would be worn on a user’s wrist, passively collecting energy. After several hours the bracelet is then easily plugged into a portable device, such as a cell phone or mp3 player, with no additional cables or attachments. Unfortunately, the energy return in this early version is rather minimal. We’re talking several hours of wear for a handful of minutes of talk-time.

But that’s okay. In an emergency, it could be indispensable. What’s more, it makes for a nice eco-friendly fashion statement. It even sports a nifty LED indicator so you know how much power you’re packing on your wrist. Perhaps even more promising is the thought of pairing this technology up with a kinetic converter. Maybe my wrist are destined for greater things after all!

There’s no official word on when the Dyson Energy Bracelet will be released or what it will cost but we’ll keep you posted.

iPhone 3GS Jailbroken

The way it used to be said: For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction

The way we say it today: For every iPhone update there is an opposite and equal jailbreak

You can bet that as soon as the iPhone 3GS became available studious hackers/bored programmers were delving into the sea of code looking to break open the high-security prison that is the iPhone OS. Some updates are as simple as sliding a credit card in between the latch and the door jam. Others take drill presses and safe crackers. Either way the end result is always the same, it’s just a matter of time. And the time is up on the 3GS stronghold. This one goes to George Holtz, a developer who also unlocked the original iPhone. This particular exploit is called purplera1n and is available to Windows XP and Vista users only (though a Mac version is assuredly forthcoming). It is, however, in the beta stage of development and so Holtz recommends a complete backup of the phone prior to testing.

The purplera1n jailbreak can be found here.

Additional support is available via Holtz blog here.

Source

Too Hot to Handle?

Though iPhones have long been known to be a hot commodity, they’ve also attained the more infamous reputation for over-heating. And the issue has only worsened with the release of the 3GS. Reports coming into PCWorld even suggest that the heat is so immense that the back of the phone is discolouring in reaction.

As for the official word, Apple has not gone on record declaring this a ‘known issue.’ But they did recently release the following warning:

“If the interior temperature of the device exceeds normal operating temperatures, you may experience the following as it attempts to regulate its temperature: the device stops charging, display dims, and/or weak cellular signal.”

Source

3GS Cracking Up

Another developing issue with the 3GS is the increased possibility of the screen cracking. This is, however, a mishandling issue more than a manufacturing defect as many of the cracked screens being reported have come from accidental mistreatment. However, Apple is making it easier to repair the unfortunate occurrence by adding in-store repair for cracked screens. If your phone is under warranty and the crack is deemed to have resulted from a defect the repair is free. However, if it is not covered under the warranty, it’ll set you back $199. And despite what you might think, iPod Touch’s are not eligible for in-store repair due to different manufacturing methods between the two devices.

Source

Top 5 Paid Apps

• Hero of Sparta

• Flight Control

• Sally’s Spa

• StoneLoops! Of Jurassica

• Tower Bloxx Deluxe 3D

Top 5 Free Apps

• Fast & Furious The Game Test Drive

• Top100Lite – Sexy Lingerie, Bikini and Swimwear Models

• Target Practice

• Room Escape

• iHandGun

I wouldn’t call myself a Windows fanboy anymore than I would call myself a fanboy of the English language. I’ve never really played with a Mac. The weird shortcuts, the strange navigation; it’s all foreign to me. So, when I found out that Microsoft was slashing Windows 7 prices in half for the pre-order I instantly thought to promote such a great deal. And so the following disclaimer is in order: for all Mac aficionados, please don’t take this as choosing sides in this most epic of battles.

But a deal is a deal. $50 ($64 Canadian) to upgrade an XP or Vista operating system. That’s a massive 70% off of the price tag come October 22^nd when Windows 7 hits retail. But before you get carried away, here’s all you need to know:

What is it?

Upgrade from XP/Vista to Windows 7 for 70%-off the retail price. Available through various online retailers including Amazon until July 11^th/while supplies last.

Do You Qualify for the Upgrade?

First off, if you’re running Vista Ultimate, there is no bargain here for you. Unfortunately Microsoft seems to be penalizing their more dedicated users by forging the upgrade discount for Ultimate versions (though you can still upgrade but it will require a clean install).

If you’re running XP, Vista Home Premium, or Vista Business you qualify for the discount. For the latter the upgrade takes the form of Windows 7 premium which is discounted to $99.

Laptops may provide a different set of hurdles. Check out CNET’s list of applicable laptops.

Can Your System Run Windows 7?

System Requirements:

1GHz processor (32- or 64-bit)

1GB of main memory

16GB of available disk space

Support for DX9 graphics with 128MB of memory (for the Aero interface)

A DVD-R/W drive*

Alternatively: Check out the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

*There are rumblings that Microsoft may deploy a Windows 7 upgrade via USB thumb drive, but this is not set in stone. Check out the link in Even More to Know below for an alternative

What about 32-bit/64-bit versions?

Both versions will be shipped in the same package when the pre-orders are sent out October 22^nd.

What if I buy a new computer between now and October?

From June 26^th until next January all machines sold with Vista will come with a free Windows 7 upgrade.

Even More to Know:

• One Windows 7 upgrade per OS (meaning you cannot upgrade multiple machines)

• This OS might herald a new age for touch navigation

• Interested in a Windows 7 upgrade on a USB drive? Check out this PC World guide
  

There are numerous reasons to ditch your old 4-stroke lawn mower; the ever present fear of escalating fuel prices, maintenance, the environmental impact. But my number one reason to ditch the gas powered mower has to be that damn blasted pull chord. How many cuss words has this archaic form of engineering induced? How many backs have been thrown out or hernias endured? Sure the newer mowers sport more effective pull-chords but if you’re going to upgrade why not ditch the gas can and do away with spine-wrenching altogether? Enter the Neuton CE 6 Lawn Mower.

‘Cut’s a 19” Path!’ Neuton proclaims about their battery powered eco-mower. On a single charge you can cover 15,000 sq ft or 1/3 of an acre. But with a second battery included you can double that number before you have to put the grass-cutting on hold for a recharge. This lean-mean-green-cutting machine utilizes 360 watt-hours of battery energy, dissuading those from thinking this is your grandma’s eco-mower. This kind of power means thick, wet grass is no match.

Concerned that the fuel savings will be offset by hyrdo consumption? A single recharge costs but a pittance at 10 cents, meaning you can mow an acre of grass for a third of dollar. The batteries themselves are said to last 5 years, recharge in 12 hours, and are made from over 95% recyclable material. What’s more, a battery operated mower means no hearing protection required (no if only they could do the same for vacuum cleaners…)

But, the real issue is: How does it start? The answer: You squeeze the handle. You just squeeze the handle!

The mower comes with a safety key and a grass collection bag. But the CE 6 also supports add-ons, including a trimming/edging attachment (for $84.99) as well as the Fenway-inspired striping attachment (for $39.95) )(both sold separately).

The CE 6 costs $499 and is available now. Minus the cost of gas and oil, of course.

CE 6 Website via Source

Mind Controlled Wheelchair

You know how in some versions of X-Men Prof. Xavier is able to control his wheelchair with his telekinetic abilities? It makes you wish that it was that easy to give mobility to those that paralyzed. But if Toyota has anything to say about it, it may very well become that easy. Toyota has teamed up with researchers in Japan to create the world’s fastest EEG sensor. The prototype is capable of interpreting specific brain waves in as little as 125 milliseconds. That’s virtually instantaneous, allowing user’s to command the chair to turn left of right on a whim. The command to stop the chair is for the user to simply puff out their check, an action tracked by a separate component. The technology has largely focused on tracking brain waves associated with imaginary hand and foot operations, but Toyota hopes to develop a similar devices that is based on emotional feedback. Toyota hopes to see the chair go into commercial production in the health care industry.

Projecting Phones

Portable projectors are picking up steam these days. Whether it’s an add on for the iPhone or an appendage to your laptop, these shows-on-the-go devices can really come in handy. So it’s interesting to see the potential for one more thing to be rolled into the all-in-one smartphone as researchers reveals a miniature OLED projector capable of fitting into most cell phones. The current prototype can display a monochrome image at 10,000 candelas per square inch, while the colour image is half that brightness. There’s no word on when or if the technology will make it to the market, but it really seems as though it’s only a matter of time.

The Woodway EcoMill

In a way, treadmills are a funny thing. They consume energy just so you can expend energy. Well, the Woodway EcoMill hopes to rectify that. Free from power cord, this EcoMill charges its batteries from your exercise-energy, ensuring your workout is entirely off the grid. What’s more, the Woodway EcoMill is already commercially available. So, what’s it doing in this ‘Looking Ahead’ feature? With it’s $8,500 price tag, you’d best start looking ahead by padding your savings account if your interested in picking up this eco-friendly exercise machine.