Technology For You

2006-10-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Nvidia has been pretty tight-mouthed on details of their next-gen DirectX 10 card ,but now it seems someone's gotten a hold of one of their yet to be released cards. It's hard to tell whether the images are fake or not, but spec-wise the card sounds like it's worth the wait. It'll be based on the G80 GPU and have a core clock scalable to 1.5GHz.

Other mouth-watering details include 768MB of DDR4 memory and a built-in hybrid water/fan cooler for overclocking. More sultry video card pics after the jump.

2006-10-21T14:46:00.001-07:00

Meizu Miniplayer

The Meizu Miniplayer review looked at yesterday is getting an "SP" edition. yet it's nearly $30 cheaper than the price of the standard edition.

The SP should still play back WMV/MP3/OGG/WAV/XviD files, still have the great screen, and still have the same scroll panel. We expect it will still not work with the Apple iTunes or PlaysForSure stores, but when's the last time a company took down the price AND added new features?
This price drop is only available in China for now, but maybe it will be about $164 for a 4GB video capable player elsewhere.

Meizu M6 [dapreview via Crunchgear]

2006-10-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

LG New MPlayer

This new LG sports a 2.4 inch display, is cased in some serious aluminum, stores 4GB of media, and uses a touch-screen interface. Video playback is only 3 hours on a charge, but music playback is rated at 24 hours .

it supports e-books and is using touch-screen even if it means we will put a huge thumbprint all over Josh Hartnett's naturally perfect features. Of course, the case does leave plenty of room for buttons since the screen doesn't take up one complete side by a longshot...No word on price yet.

News Story [via i4u]

2006-10-20T10:22:00.001-07:00

HTC Smartphone

The latest PDA/phone Artemis, continues their tradition of great phones in a PDA body.
The most notable feature: a built-in GPS with the Sirf-Star III chipset which enables built-in navigation functions. Other great stuff were the clear call quality, A2DP Bluetooth, touchscreen, 2-megapixel camera, and the BlackBerry Pearl-like scroller. The ball can actually control a cursor on the screen as well as scrolling through menus.
The bad? The aging 200MHz processor and the lack of a QWERTY keyboard. Because of this, you probably won't be doing too much messaging or emailing—it's more for organizing and navigation.

Product Page [HTC Phone Store]

2006-10-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

LG New Projector

LG is stepping back into fat land dipping what appears to be a tiny handheld projector in a bat of Chocolateness. The DLP projector has the whole Knight Rider thing going on thanks to its red-on-black controls and it also appears to have both VGA and HDMI inputs.

LG to Reveal a New Chocolate Projector [via AVING]

2006-10-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Samsung Slims TV

Samsung has figured out a way to make HDTVs even thinner by combining OLED and active-matrix LCDs. The innovation eliminates the backlight, the thickest part of a flat panel, thus shaving it down to an iPod nano-esque 12mm thick. The 1600x1200 demo unit's 17-inch screen is shaped in the old-fashioned 4x3 aspect ratio and eeks out a lame 1000:1 contrast ratio, but it's the first one out of the gate so we'll cut it a bit of slack.

This AMOLED (active-matrix organic light emitting diode) technology is promising, already being used in cellphones and PMPs by Samsung, and it's high time it were scaled up for the big screens. Tech to watch.

12mm-thick 17-inch OLED TV [AVing.net]

2006-10-18T09:48:00.001-07:00

LG Metal Cellphone

LG already has the cellphones with stupid names market corned with the Chocolate, but now it hopes that the Shine will do just as well, if not better. Part of the company's "Black Label" series of pseudo fancy cellphones, the Shine packs a 2-megapixel camera and 1GB of onboard storage space; presumably, you'll be able to add to the storage with the use of memory cards. As the picture so plainly shows, the body is of the shiny metal variety, giving a sort of brushed metal effect that Apple loves to tack onto its applications nowadays. The Shine is also able to set user-recorded video and set it as the wallpaper.

If the Chocolate can make it stateside, I don't see why we won't see Shine sometime in the future. LG, just let it ship with a certain buttery beat as a ringtone (think "Shinin'" from Lumines), and this will be a hit.

LG to reveal 'Shine phone' the successor of its chocolate phone [Aving ]

2006-10-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

iPod Wants To Be Touched

the 6G iPod will be released in December, and it will be capable of 480p resolution. The source confirmed that it will be a touchscreen model with virtual click wheel control, but made no mention of whether wireless connectivity would be part of the package.

I've seen the iPod touchscreen patent documentation, and we've entertained countless rumors and even reliable tips about the upcoming device; what we need to see now is a real picture of it. One thing's for sure, if this widescreen iPod is released in the next two months, the Microsoft Zune with its old-fashioned 4x3 screen and crippled WiFi will be slam-dunked.

Touchscreen iPod Comes This December [Trusted Reviews]

2006-10-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson W850i

It's the latest sliding Walkman phone with 3G connectivity, music identification service that can ID any track you play for it, and a shell as black as Bond's tuxedo. There's a 2mp camera, too, and a 320 by 240 pixel screen. And it ships with a 1gb memory stick pro. Click through to see the phone I wish I could get.

2006-10-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Linksys WRT350N Gigabit 802.11N MIMO Router

The new Linksys WRT350N has Storage LInk, which lets you add additional storage to your network. Attach any USB 2.0 hard drive to the router and it becomes accessible to the WRT350N's media server so you can access all your files anywhere in the home. It's even UPnP compatible, so your Windows XP box can detect it immediately.
The wireless portion uses MIMO, which increases range, decreases dead-spots and overall gives you more speed for your money. Since it's draft 802.11N, there's no guarantee it will work with the final N products. Since the WRT350N isn't' actually available yet, you won't have to make up your mind whether to go draft N or wait for full N just yet.

Wireless-N Gigabit Router with Storage Link [Linksys]

2006-10-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Sandisk 2GB MicroSD

Sandisk has announced their new 2GB MicroSD card - double the capacity of their former 1GB offering. While they are not the first 2GB MicroSD on the block, they are...err...the most Sandisk of current offerings. Look for them in Japan Oct. 25th. Sandisk's site acts like they might be available in the US as well (linking to local retailers).
I still don't have any devices that require MicroSD, so I've been saving money by purchasing larger formats. But I would probably sleep better at night if I started purchasing MicroSDs and using adapters - which is a lot more practical with 2GB available.

Product Page [via i4u]

2006-10-13T11:41:00.002-07:00

Sidekick 3

The Special Edition Sidekick 3 by LRG that we saw a few weeks ago, is finally official, and available for preorder on the 30th of October. There isn't any special added functionality, just the same old browser, trackball, 1.3MP camera, instant messaging and killer QWERTY. You're paying, of course, for the camo paintjob. Perfect for hiding and texting in the park, or on hunting trips, or during...war. Or if you're a rapper, since yea, its an LRG design. Tupac and Biggie never would have gotten shot if they'd traded in their chromed out Motorola Startacs for one of these.
But there's a surprise in the form of a black Sidekick 3 LE model by working girl designer Diane Von Furstenberg. This isn't like the other black ones we saw on ebay awhile back, though. This one is jet black with kisses all over the screen. Jump to get the first look at Diane's special kissy face phone.

2006-10-13T11:41:00.001-07:00

Elecom 3-Way USB Hub

Elecom makes some pretty sweet stuff, and this is no different. This three-way USB hub helps keep the cable clutter to a minimum by plugging directly into a USB port and being bus-powered. The angular USB ports help keep cables all nice and organized. Not too shabby of a hub, as long as you use a front USB port, or one that won't obstruct other ports.

Elecom Sick 3-way USB hub [EverythingUSB]

2006-10-09T11:29:00.001-07:00

Nokia Wants to Be Touched

Nokia is taking our gadget-fondling addiction one step further with its concept Aeon phone. The cell phone ditches a traditional keypad for a touchscreen display you can caress with your delicate fingers. It's different than Nokia's previous keyless phone and seems like it'd make less of a bulk in your front pocket than Synaptics' Onyx phone we wrote about last week. The Aeon is still a concept phone, however, so Apple still has time to steal their thunder with an iPhone of their own.

[Nokia Aeon via Sci Fi Tech]

2006-10-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Shareplayer, Share Files

The Flashpoint Shareplayer is an MP3 player/radio that can record voice and store files, ranging in sizes from 128MB to 4GB and starting at $89.99. For those functions alone, the Shareplayer seems a little expensive.

But the Shareplayer can do more, like...errr...sharing. Sure, MP3s can be downloaded to another computer (unlike the iPod), but can also be shared to any mobile device with USB support. Pictures can be loaded onto a friend's digital camera - or downloaded to free up space. Hey, maybe you could go on your next vacation without the laptop .

Essentially, the Shareplayer does exactly what we wish all USB thumbdrives/MP3 players could do -everything. It will just cost you a little more.

Product Page [via gadgetell]

2006-10-09T10:54:00.001-07:00

Digital Putter Digifies Your Game

When winter hits it is usually time to move that game indoors and work on the putting. This digital putter may be able to help out your struggling miniature golf game. The DiXX (ha, dixx...) Blue Digital Instructor Putter has a digital screen that will display a green dot when you are lined up on the ball correctly. Once lined up correctly, just give it a whack and hope it goes through the uprights. Wait...what sport are we playing? $832.

Product Page [Via SCI FI]

2006-10-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

Brando USB Twister Hub

Brando adds one more product to the near-infinite variety of USB hubs with its USB Twister Hub, a four-port USB 2.0 expander with Rubik's Cube-like modules that twist to your bidding. It's $26.

This is mildly amusing-looking, but not so cute when it's populated with plugs twisted every which-way. It would be much more useful if it were a power strip.

Product Page [Brando]

2006-10-04T11:02:00.001-07:00

Renault Twingo

The Renault Twingo may look like a Geo Metro on the outside, but on the inside it is teched out head-to-toe roof-to-tire. It has two iPod docks! Two! Besides the two iPod docks, it also has a 15-inch screen, in-car PC, USB connection, internet connection and an eight-can cooling device. Did I mention that it has two iPod docks? My pants just got a little tighter.

Check out more coverage of the Twingo from our autoblogging cohorts, Jalopnik, here.

Renault's high-tech Twingo Concept [Via CG]

2006-10-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

Fujitsu's Concept Tablet PCs

these two Concept Tablet PCs look like something even sexier than MacBooks and MacBook Pros. First there's the Turn Tablet PC, which is a large PC with a magnetic screen and a stylus that runs Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. It includes a standard keyboard and touch-pad, with a slot-loading DVD drive on the front.
The second is a smaller UMPC-like device with the swiveling screen and a PSP/PS3-like UI. We're not exactly sure what the swiveling screen is for, but it sure does look cool. Plan on seeing these in your local Circuit City around the year two thousand and never.

CEATEC - Fujitsu Concept PC [Akihabara News]

2006-10-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

Toshiba Portable Media Player

Toshiba was showing off a video player at CEATEC in Japan that's a hybrid DVD and personal media player (PMP), and it also supports the DivX video codec and 1seg digital TV.
If you're not familiar with 1seg, it's an HD mobile digital video broadcasting service in Japan that was officially launched in April of this year, and uses the H.264 video codec.

Although this Toshiba unit does have a widescreen, there was no info available about its resolution, nor was there any word about its ship date and availability. But if it can't handle at least 720p, well, that would be just dumb.

CEATEC - Toshiba 1Seg DVD-PMP player [Akihabara News]

2006-10-03T13:25:00.001-07:00

Axis 207MW

Axis has a knack for making small network cameras, and it claims that its latest delivers the best image quality "in its class" (whatever that is) and that it's the world's smallest megapixel (1280x1024 pixels) network camera. Given the adorable name of the 207MW, this camera comes with both wired and wireless (802.11g) interfaces, so installing it should be an simple feat regardless of your network's infrastructure. These tiny network cameras are usually aimed at [crazy] people who want to keep an eye on their homes while away 24/7. Love thy neighbor.
Expect to find this little gem online for just over $500. Perhaps your money would be better spent installing a moat around your house? I imagine it'd offer the same amount of protection, especially since all this camera would let you do is watch the burglary in real time.

Product Page [Axis via Crowdedbrain]

2006-10-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

Creative Xmod- XFI

Creative claims that its latest invention is able to improve the sound quality of everyday music sources—like the iPod, Zen or just a stack of MP3s residing in your computer—to "beyond the original CD quality." It uses Creative's X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity technology to enhance the sound. Basically, you place the Xmod, which is the size of a "candy bar," in between your speakers and digital audio source and let it work its voodoo. It draws power from your computer, so if you're hooking it up to a portable audio player, you'll need to make use of the AC adapter, which is sold separately, natch.

The Xmod will hit stores this month and will retail for $79.99. For some reason, the phrase "wait and see" comes to mind.

Product Page [Creative via CrunchGear]

2006-10-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Sony's Next Audio Player:NW-S706

Sony's about to release the NW-S706 flash memory-based digital audio player, set to ship a week from today. The 4GB player will be available in black, pink and purple, and will feature line-in recording, an FM tuner and 50 hours of battery life.
It's also said to be able to charge quickly, and its thumbwheel navigation style is similar to the dildo-esque NW-S200 Sony released a month ago, which maxes out at just 2GB. The NW-S706 is rumored to cost around $336, way more than the 8GB nano at $249. Half the capacity for nearly $100 more? For Sony's sake, let's hope that pricing rumor is incorrect.
NW-S706 with 4 GB of flashsony nw-s706 [dapreview]

2006-10-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

iPod Vs. Zune

iPod next to a Zune at some Canadian Tech Fest and finds the Zune a little bit bigger in all regards. We knew the Zune was somewhat big from the spec sheets. But nothing quite spells out "fat lard butt" better than putting the chubby new kid next to the popular kid. Especially after meatloaf day in the cafeteria. More photos after the jump.

2006-10-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Anlong MP4 Watch

Shenzhen Adragon Digitek is offering an Anlong MP4 wristwatch. Pretend you are just checking the time as you tune out the ramblings of bosses/children/firemen to watch your favorite soccer team score a goal.

The watch is water and shockproof and can play video for 9 hours, though the storage capacity is still unknown. Content is loaded via USB 2.0. We will probably see both Mac and PC support if the rest of the manufacturer's line is any indication. No price yet.

Manufacturer Page [via I4U ]