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Microsoft hints at possible "Oahu" consumer Surface device

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:30:00 +0000

Microsoft's already set to launch the Surface SDK this month, and it looks like it might possibly be looking to take it one big step further, at least if a recent market research survey is any indication. In it, Microsoft asks for participants' thoughts on a possible "Oahu" computing device with an "innovative multi-touch screen." That, the survey says, could be configured in several different "forms," including a table for meals, a countertop, or even an old school-style games table. As you might expect, there's not much in the way of exact technical details to be found, but the hypothetical device would apparently be large enough for four people to use at the same time, and it would supposedly be able to connect to various portable devices "when you put them on the screen." No indication of a possible release date, of course, but the survey did ask participants how likely they would be to purchase the device if it cost $1,499.

Sony PSP 5.00 and PS3 2.50 firmware updates available soon-ish

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:28:00 +0000

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has put the word out on those PS3 and PSP updates we hepped you to yesterday. The big news is that the PS3 browser now supports Flash 9. Otherwise, things are pretty much as we thought: support for your SOCOM Bluetooth Headset's High Quality mode, advanced voice chat features, screen capture (for future titles), a video scene search, power save mode and changes to the Trophy system and Information Board. The PSP 5.00 firmware gives the handheld WiFi access to the PlayStation store, a full size on-screen keyboard and a sleep timer (just like your old clock radio). According to SCEE, the updates should see the light of day on October 15 (at least in Europe) but there's no word yet on a Stateside release. You'll know as soon as we do.

Sony Ericsson's 8-megapixel C905 makes sweet love to the FCC

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:27:00 +0000

So what do you think they take pictures of in an FCC lab when they've got an 8-megapixel cameraphone handy? Oh, come on you know the technicians lucky enough to fiddle with fresh gadget after delicious, fresh gadget as they burn through specific absorption rate paperwork engage in a little extracurricular activity from time to time. Our guess, honestly, is that they probably snap that scary apparatus that looks like a human head made out of gelatin and MMS it to their daughter with a message like "look what I found in the ditch, honey!" Of course, that prank only works once before little Julie figures out what daddy's up to, then all hell breaks loose as she tips off the gadget blogs that there's an unannounced Sony Ericsson on the way. Yeah, the C905.

Sony's PSP-3000 now available across North America

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:25:00 +0000

Ratchet & Clank Entertainment Pack managed to sneak out a few days back (and, you know, being that today's the official launch day and all), you shouldn't be too floored to hear that the altogether brighter PlayStation Portable is now available across North America. 'Course, you'll have to fork over $199.99 for the aforementioned bundle if you want it today the less-frills black PSP-3000 kit (with just a 4GB Memory Stick) should be around next month.

Robodance enables Wiimote control of your WowWee Rovio

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:19:00 +0000

Robodance how would we entertain ourselves without you? Just under a year ago, the software enabled robot lovers everywhere to control their i-SOBOT with an everyday Wiimote. Now, the same ability has been handed down for WowWee's Rovio. You heard right, the latest, baddest robotic sentry on the block can now be dictated with your Nintendo Wii controller, and you can even customize your own own button assignments to suit your fancy. Hop on past the break for the demonstration vid.

We've had a chance to spend a little time with Apple's new laptop offerings, and we wanted to give you a taste of what's changed and stayed the sam

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:18:00 +0000

It's beginning to sound like a broken record, but WowWee has hit yet another homer with Mr. Personality. The latest from the firm to jockey for your hard earned dollars includes an LCD face and enough jokes / stories to keep you engrossed for hours. Max and Simon -- this creature's very own Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde kept critics guessing, and each character was said to be "well developed and play off each other perfectly." Continuing on, reviewers noted that the omnidirectional wheels were "incredible," the remote was "simple and intuitive" and the sensor array was equally impressive. 'Tis a shame we bet you were really looking forward to holding onto that $300 of yours...

New MacBook / MacBook Pro unboxing and first impressions

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:13:00 +0000

We've had a chance to spend a little time with Apple's new laptop offerings, and we wanted to give you a taste of what's changed and stayed the same in theMacBook and MacBook Pro. Included after the break is a rundown of our impressions. We're going to be doing a longer, thicker, more exciting review in the very near future, but this should give you an idea of what to expect if you're planning on diving into one of these anytime soon. If you just want to get into the heavy stuff, you can hit the galleries below for a thorough look at the hardware.

PS3 2.50 firmware update hits North America

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:10:00 +0000

Good news, friends, you won't have to wait until tomorrow to get at that new Flash 9 support offered up by the PS3 2.50 update: the firmware is available now. Sony tossed in a few other assorted updates like power-saving options and voice chat enhancements, but we're sure you'll be too busy watching Doogie Howser, M.D. on Hulu to notice. Happy downloading!

mophie's iPhone 3G Juice Pack ships today, not a moment too soon

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:08:00 +0000

what iPhone 3G user who actually takes full advantage of that 3G radio hasn't been disappointed with battery life at one point or another? And be honest, you're also disappointed with the downright naff battery extenders floating around out there. Granted, mophie's iPhone 3G Juice Pack isn't the most elegant thing in the entire world, but the "sled" design sure beats adding an unwanted appendage onto your handset. The device -- which is shipping today to those who pre-ordered early will reportedly provide up to 350 additional hours of standby, up to 6 hours of 3G talk time (or 12 hours on 2G), another 6 hours of web surfing and a 458% boost in overall happiness. Hell, you'd pay $99.95 just for the latter, now wouldn't you?

world's first LCD HDTV with built-in Blu-ray

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:04:00 +0000

Tough luck, Mitsubishi and Funai. Big talk is all fine and dandy, but in our world, it's the results that count. Say hello to Sharp's AQUOS DX family, the world's first range of LCD HDTVs to boast internal Blu-ray players. Slated to hit in 26- (LC-26DX1), 32- (LC-32DX1), 37- (LC-37DX1), 42- (LC-42DX1), 46- (LC-46DX1) and 52-inch (LC-52DX1) sizes, the whole lot will come equipped with an integrated HDTV tuner, bottom-mounted speaker and the ability to handle BD flicks sans an external deck. Of note, only the 37-inch through 52-inch sets offer Full HD 1080p resolutions (1,920 x 1,080), as the other two get stuck with "just" 1,366 x 768. Best of all, those in Japan will barely have to wait a month to see these in shops, as the entire crew is destined to ship in late November (in black and white motifs) for around ¥200,000 ($1,963) to ¥500,000 ($4,909) depending on size. As for the rest of the globe? Put on your patience caps.

DEOS offers up $60,000 diamond-encrusted iPod earphone covers

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:20:00 +0000

Yes, you read that right, covers. As in, $60,000 of diamonds that clip onto a standard issue pair of iPod earphones. If the economic hard times are really hitting you hard, you can also opt for a $4,500 set encrusted with black or white diamonds, or even a set covered with the ever-popular multi-colored Swarovski crystals a veritable bargain at just $110.

BlackBerry Curve 8900 get early video praise, T-Mobile Germany says November

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:17:00 +0000

Just when we're all geared up to get crazy corporate with a bunch of Bold purchases, RIM has to go and make our lives difficult by reminding us that the Javelin / Curve 8900 is out there lurking just waiting to make a grand entrance sometime in the next few months. A new video posted to CrackBerry goes through the 8900's finer points, noting that the handset clocks in just a bit more compact than its big brother, features a slightly smaller, higher dot pitch display, and carries over an original Curve-style keyboard with spaced keys rather than the flowing design employed on the Bold (for what it's worth, the narrator seems to like both styles equally). Interestingly, it's noted that this prototype employs an older trackball design that'll allegedly be replaced with a more bulletproof design by the time it launches. The lack of 3G is going to be a dream killer for many, but we could see this one getting some retail legs underneath it if the price is right it's got WiFi, after all.

In fact, T-Mobile Germany is saying that it'll have the 8900 next month a claim we actually believe, since Germany is from the future. The trackball shown on its version of the handset is distinctly different than CrackBerry's, so it's looking like the claim of a redesign might hold water.

Kevlar handkerchief keeps your nose clean, protects against friendly fire

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:16:00 +0000

We find it hard to believe that we won't see one of these being used somewhere in the upcoming 007 film, but even if not, you can definitely put one to use in your everyday life if you can get ahold of one of the ten being made, that is. Srulirecht's DÆmdur is a Kevlar-based handkerchief which can keep your schnoz squeaky clean and (in theory, at least) keep your chest free from bullets. Granted, even the manufacturer makes clear that it takes no responsibility for "schmucks and wooden-heads who feel compelled to test the endurance or resistance of the textile in any way," but it sure beats those cotton ones you buy ten to a pack.

Sony has a PS3 controller charger, let us show you it

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:15:00 +0000

Even with today's wireless video game controllers, you can't stay untethered forever. After a few hours of gaming on the PlayStation 3, you'll have to plug in that SIXAXIS or DualShock 3 USB cable to charge. Starting December 18th, Sony Japan will offer an AC adapter intended for PS3 controllers at a price of ¥2,800 (just under $30). Like third party solutionswe've seen, it has two USB ports so you'll be able to do two controllers or toss in a Bluetooth headset. Nothing yet on availability outside of Japan, but if we get word we'll be all over it, 'cause we feel slightly guilty for leaving the PS3 on overnight to charge what with the world's dwindling energy supply and all.

Ao-LAB's eSATA SSD flash drive conveniently includes USB port

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:14:00 +0000

We're still baffled that traditional eSATA flash drives require power from the USB port in order to operate (at least until that Power Over eSATA initiative starts bearing fruit), but it seems that Ao-LAB has found a nice, practical workaround for the time being. The outfit's eSATA / USB Combo Drive arrives in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB flavors and provides dual interfaces along with a convenient way to power it if you're dead-set on using eSATA for transfers. And given that speeds over eSATA absolutely obliterate those over USB 2.0, you're going to want to. Shame there's no pricing / availability information, but we suspect you can get a few hundred of 'em sans issue should you contact the company seeking a bulk contract.

Onkyo introduces wireless MHP-UW2 headphones, iPod adapter

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:13:00 +0000

Onkyo's latest aren't the most stylish headphones we've ever seen far from it, actually but those more concerned with audio fidelity and iPod compatibility may be able to overlook the pedestrian design. The wireless MHP-UW2 headphones transmit tunes over the 2.4GHz frequency and come bundled with a handy-dandy iPod adapter that should work with practically any dock-connecting unit out there. We're told it can last around 8 hours before needing a recharge via USB (or AC adapter, should you choose), though it's hard to say when it'll ever ship to any market outside of Japan. Nevertheless, those in and around Tokyo can find the kit next month for ￥20,000 ($201).

Zepto debuts 14-inch Nox A14 gaming laptop

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:12:00 +0000

Zepto managed to carve out a tiny niche for itself with its understated Nexus A15 gaming laptop, and it looks like it's now giving it some company with its new Nox A14 model. From the looks of it, this one is mostly identical to its predecessor, with the notable exception of a 14.1-inch 1440 x 900 screen and, consequently, a slightly smaller and lighter form factor. Otherwise, you can expect to get a Core 2 Duo P9500 processor, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT 512MB, up to 8GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive (or 128GB SSD), a built-in 2-megapixel webcam, and a DVD burner or optional Blu-ray drive. If that's sounds about right, you can order one now for a starting price of £827 (or roughly $1,400), or a good deal more if you want any of those supposed "world's fastest" specs.

Ruf Automobile's electric Porsche concept gets real, pictured

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:11:00 +0000

A new competitor just rolled out, and it's sitting pretty. Ruf Automobile has gone public with its stunning electric eRUF concept car, which is obviously based on a Porsche 911. The automobile packs a three-phase electric motor that puts out around 200-horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque, and it can reportedly go from nothing to sixty in under seven ticks. The juice is provided by a Li-ion phosphate battery pack that produces 317-volts / 480-amps and is constructed from 96 individual cells, and combined with the power garnered by the regenerative braking system, it can cruise up to 180 miles before needing a ten-hour recharge. Production, pretty please?

HeadSLAM helps you navigate imaginary smoke in well-lit corridors

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:10:00 +0000

Ever crawl your way through a smoke-filled corridor to save the life of someone trapped in a burning building? If yes, much respect! If no, us neither, but if ever we do hopefully it's after donning this piece of headgear currently under development by two researchers in Germany. Burcu Cinaz and Holger Kenn (rockers both, no doubt) have created HeadSLAM, a helmet that uses an infrared laser-scanner to penetrate the haze and map out surroundings as its wearer wanders, correcting for inertial disturbances created by the loping, unsteady walk of a bipedal organism, shown in a thrilling demonstration video after the break. It's all very much a prototype at this point (evidenced by the "hardhat festooned with shipping tape" design), and the laptop tether is a bit unwieldy when compared to a cellphone that might manage the same trick from inside a pocket, but within a few years we wouldn't be surprised to see this tech integrated into a trucker hat or maybe even a set of ridiculous headphones.

RIM's BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 gets photographed, previewed

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:09:00 +0000

While many of you may be waiting for some other handset to launch on T-Mobile, BlackBerry addicts may very well be counting down the hours 'til this one lands on the aforesaid carrier. If we just rang your bell, chances are you'll be extremely interested in this here preview, which delivers a whole gaggle of photographs, a decidedly ho hum video (hosted after the break) of the Pearl Flip 8220 in action and a lengthy writeup explaining the ins and outs of RIM's first flip phone. As for highlights, this thing turns into a real monster (read: it's big) when opened, but when closed, it's a real looker. For more on the aesthetics (not to mention some shots beside a few other BlackBerry siblings -- Bold included), head on down to the read link and dig in.

Nex-Tech / Redline bringing WiMAX to Kansas

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:07:00 +0000

While Sprint's XOHM network is sticking to the bustling metropolises of the US, Redline is looking to bring the wonders of 4G to those sitting in rural America. Granted, this here deployment isn't the first we've seen in a less-than-dense locale, but thanks to its RedMAX infrastructure products and Nex-Tech's desire to spread the love, a number of cities in the Sunflower State are about to get blanketed with WiMAX. More specifically, we're told that Hays (see above) and Great Bend will get covered by next month, but we're left to assume, er, hope that neighboring towns will fall under the umbrella in due time.

12.1-inch Dell E Slim laptop spotted in the wild?

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:06:00 +0000

It's hard to say what we've come across here, but if our retinas aren't deceiving us too badly, this looks to be an in the wild shot (sans blur, amazingly) of Dell's forthcoming E Slim. If you'll recall, we caught a glimpse of said device way back in June, and the two look at least marginally similar using the oh-so-scientific eyeball test. But look, even if this thing isn't the E Slim (though we're guessing it is until proven otherwise), we've been told on numerous occasions that Dell is mulling the idea of pumping out a netbook with a 10- to 12-inch display. An accompanying screenshot of the unit's internals was also provided, and while the model may say Optiplex1210, we're guessing that's just there for prototyping purposes; besides, the listed CPU matches up quite nicely with the aforementioned E Slim specs that slipped out this summer. So Round Rock when are you going to come out and get official with your 12.1-incher? Before or after this coming Tuesday?

SteelSeries WoW MMO Gaming Mouse makes wasting your life that much easier

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:04:00 +0000

With Wrath of the Lich King just around the corner, it's time to up your game and finally make it out of the low double digits with that Blood Elf mage you keep telling us about. Maybe SteelSeries can help. The high-end gaming peripherals builder recently snapped up Ideazon, and together they've built the official World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse in close cooperation with Ideazon's BFF Blizzard. There are 15 programmable buttons scattered across the mouse, and a new in-game configuration utility to graphically assign the buttons just where they're needed. You can save different profiles for different purposes, and choose one of 16 million colors for those LEDs down the back. Just don't expect any fancy auto-levelling macros or even a recommended control scheme Blizzard still expects you to do the hard work of lining up your favorite actions and buying your gold on eBay. The laser mouse hits on November 13th to coincide with the Lich King launch, and should retail "under $100."

MDI's "AirCar" officially becomes the FlowAIR

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:03:00 +0000

MDI's compressed air vehicle has been unofficially known as the AirCar for years now, but it looks like the company is now finally putting a stop to that, and officially bestowing the decidedly less catchy "FlowAIR" name on the car. What's more, it's also gotten official with no less than four different vehicles based on the technology, including the One FlowAIR open-top model, the Mini FlowAIR three-seater (pictured above), the City FlowAIR truck-type vehicle, and the Multi FlowAIR urban public transportation concept, all of which have been making the rounds under various guises for some time now. From the looks of it, the One FlowAIR will be the first out of the gate in 2009 (in France, at least), with the rest to follow over the next few years.

DoCoMo serves your DLNA content to a friend's TV via mobile phone

noreply@blogger.com (sendhil) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:02:00 +0000

Eager to live in the fantastical future it has prophesied, NTT DoCoMo went to CEATEC and demoed an upcoming addition to its Pocket U service: MH2H (Mobile Home to Home), which gives you the ability use your cellphone to stream content from your computer at home to a friend's TV. The phone connects to your friend's WiFi network and sends his or herDLNA-compliant receiver the IP address of your also-DLNA-compliant server, then tells said server to accept the connection and start streaming any videos, songs, or photos you feel like sharing. When you leave, the connection ends and every one goes back to partying on their own isolated media islands like it's 2006.