GADGET MaNiA™

Intel plans to stuff more than 8 cores, extra speed into 2011 server chips

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 7 May 2010 10:48:00 -0700

Yeah yeah, "more cores and faster speeds," you've heard it all before right? That'd be our reaction too if we weren't talking about the successor to the Nehalem-Ex, Intel's most gruesomely overpowered chip to date. Launched under the Xeon 7500 branding in March, it represents Intel's single biggest generational leap to date, and with its eight cores, sixteen threads, and 24MB of shared onboard cache, you could probably see why. Time waits for no CPU though, and Intel's planned 32nm Westmere-Ex successor will move things forward with an unspecified increase in both core count (speculated to be jumping up to 12) and operating frequencies, while keeping within the same power envelope. Given the current 2.26GHz default speed and 2.66GHz Turbo Boost option of the 7500, that means we're probably looking at a 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz 12-core, hyper-threaded processor, scheduled to land at some point next year. Time to make some apps that can use all that parallel processing power.

Steve Ballmer teases new Xbox 360 form factors, price points and options

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 6 Mar 2010 20:29:00 -0800

Turns out Steve Ballmer's talk up at the University of Washington delivered even more saucy info than we were initially led to believe. In a transcript of the subsequent Q&A session, Steve is shown to have delivered the following statement on the topic of large-screen televisions and Microsoft's related hardware strategy:

For that big screen device ... there's no diversity. You get exactly the Xboxes that we build for you. We may have more form factors in the future that are designed for various price points and options, but we think it's going to [be] important.

It's safe to assume new form factors point to a smaller rather than larger 360 chassis, though the price points and further options he mentions are wide open for speculation. It wouldn't be unreasonable to forecast Microsoft pushing out its own slimmed-down console to match up with Sony's PS3 Slim, but we also shouldn't discount the idea of an Xbox 360 with Project Natal hardware integrated into its shell. In other words, we really don't know what Steve has going on under that shiny dome of his, we just hope it's as exciting as he makes it sound.

Design Hara reminds us that our living room computer needn't be an eyesore, nor an ode to testosterone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:09:00 -0800

A home theater PC with a softer side? Design Hara's new "green" computer HTPC houses a mini-ITX board in what can only be described as a beautiful wood case. Coming in cypress wood and rose wood flavors, the computers don't seem to available for sale just yet, but when they do become available they should offer up a nice smattering of specs like Core 2 Duo or Quad processors, 4GB of RAM, 1TB hard drives and Blu-ray drives. We don't know the price either, but we'll assume "much" and leave it at that.

Guru'board's Miniguru keyboard aims to keep you on the home row, might take some getting used to

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:49:00 -0800

A new keyboard concept from the unproved Guru-board, dubbed Miniguru, could certainly shake up a few things if it hits the market. The basic idea is to keep your fingers from leaving the home row, with special modifier keys to move you through three "layers" of functions. Hold down the modifier with a free thumb and you get the JKLI keys turned into arrows, and the capslock into control. Naturally you can configure this in software to your heart's content (or just do this in software without a fancy new keyboard, if you're a rebel like that), hopefully without causing too much harm to your poor, inflexible fingers. The mouse nub is also designed to keep you keyboard-centric, but it can be removed in the highly-custom sales configuration panel, which also works in an option to choose between three different switch parts, a multitude of colors and the existence of keycap symbols. That custom bit sounds a little like optimism on the part of a company that hasn't shipped anything yet, but we're rooting for this one to make it to market someway or other, if just out curiosity

Unichal unveils portable, pocketable DIXAU DX3 dictionary.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:38:00 -0800

At first glance, this looks a tiny bit like a flip phone of yesteryear, sure. Closer inspection, however, will prove it to be... a tiny dictionary! Korean company Unichal's recently shown off its newest pocket dictionary, the DIXAU DX3. This tiny source of knowledge boasts a built-in camera which can scan unknown words and deliver definitions on the front facing stylus-enabled touchscreen. The unit boasts a microSD card for multimedia storage, and is also equipped with the ability to speak back words to you -- in case you really can't be bothered to read them for yourself. It's available now in Korea, and though we doubt it'll ever make its way to the US of A, we'll keep watch for you. There's one more shot after the break.

HP 210 netbook forgets announcement in lieu of support pages, retail listings

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:32:00 -0800

Uh oh, looks like HP has confused its product release order of operations. Without even a hint of an official announcement, the HP 210 netbook has appeared in two quadrants of the internet: retail and troubleshooting. The former is eCost, which claims the 10.1-inch matte black portable is in stock for $390 and touts a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 (yep, that's Pine Trail), integrated graphics, 1GB RAM, 250GB HDD, and a 6-cell battery. As for the latter, we need look no further than HP's own support pages -- similar to what happened with the Mini 311 back in September. So will we get an eye-full before CES or will we have to wait for the big show? After?

National Geographic shoves every morsel of its collection onto 160GB HDD

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:30:00 -0800

Care to get up close and personal with Niihau? How's about an overview of Tuvalu? Surely you need a helicopter shot of Pakatoa Island to get your morning started right, yeah? If so, and you're too lazy to hit up the World Wide Web, there's a better-than-average chance that an older National Geographic magazine has exactly the elixir you're searching for. Problem is, sifting through every single issue since 1888 takes a fair bit of time -- time you'd rather be spending in an obnoxiously long security line as you await your flight to Ushuaia. Thanks to "modern technology" and "storage innovations," said quandary can now be resolved quite simply. Nat Geo is offering every last piece of information it has ever published on a portable 160GB HDD, and amazingly 100GB is free for you to manually add to the collection. Too bad this $199.95 device wasn't available before Christmas, but hey, at least you've now got something to blow those Santa Bucks on.

LG's XG1 Chic external hard drive looks just dainty

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:28:00 -0800

It's true: there's nothing particularly extraordinary about LG's newest, but it's the design here that has managed to catch our eyes. Available in black or white and with 1TB, 1.5TB or 2TB of storage within, these stylish 3.5-inch USB drives are slated to ship next month in South Korea. There's nary a mention of a stateside release nor of any USB 3.0 editions, but we're sure that'll come in due time. Patience leads to great things, or so we hear.

Notion Ink's Adam gets a name, June 2010 release

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:35:00 -0800

Well, the first bit of news here is immediately apparent -- the heretofore untitled tablet device coming out of India has now been given the name of Adam. After ruffling a few feathers a week ago with its extremely ambitious battery life projections and admittedly mouthwatering Tegra plus Pixel Qi combo, Notion Ink is back with more details on the project. We understand the company is now discussing 3G testing with Indian and US operators (its 3G bands are compatible with AT&T's networks), and there's also a planned landing date in June. Can't say we're too excited about a launch six months from now -- other Pixel Qi devices may well beat the Adam to market -- but there's also the pleasantly small matter of the price, which in this case is projected to be an aggressively low 15,000 rupees (about $321). CrunchPad part deux? Only time will tell.

Toyota's plug-in hybrids getting companion charging stations next year in Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:32:00 -0800

What's the best complement to a trial run of plug-in hybrids? Why, matching solar stations, of course! Toyota Industries Corp has announced that it's been developing solar charging stations for its new Prius models. The first place to test out the chargers is unsurprisingly Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where 21 stations will be built across 11 locales including government offices and train depots. Probably not worth planning a trip around, but if you want to be that extra special sort of tourist, schedule your vacation for sometime after April 2010.

RIM's BlackBerry Tour2 9650 gets the hands-on treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:34:00 -0800

There's practically zero doubt remaining that RIM has a next-generation Tour in the works, but if you're one of those tin foil hat wearers, you'll be glad to know that at least one of these things really, truly exists. Boy Genius just got his paws around the Tour2 9650 (shown left), and aside from the optical trackpad replacing the trackball (and the addition of a WiFi module), there's not much new here. Oh, except that presumably quicker CPU -- we're guessing to-be owners will dig that. We're told that the physical size is practically identical to the original Tour, and the keyboard is still phenomenal.

Ricoh GXR review roundup...!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:42:00 -0800

Ricoh's GXR certainly isn't the most stylish camera out there, but it's certainly one of the most unique. Boasting an ability to support interchangeable lenses and image sensors, this one offers up flexibility that few other shooters on the market can match. We've scrounged up a litany of reviews and hands-on impressions, and by and large, most everyone who got their hands around one enjoyed the experience. Photography Blog noted that the camera was "a remarkably mature first-generation product in an intriguing new photographic system, with excellent handling and image quality that will instantly appeal to all photographers who want to take pictures first and talk about gear second." Unfortunately, it seems that praise quiets down a bit once you leave the bright outdoors and head inside, as the low-light performance was said to be less than awesome -- though, to its credit, the built-in flash was deemed one of the better ones out there. We still aren't seeing loads of evidence that ditching your starter DSLR setup for this is a smart move, but if you're just now looking to upgrade from a P&S, you'd be doing yourself a solid by poking around in those links below.

Exclusive: first Google Phone / Nexus One photos, Android 2.1 on-board

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:40:00 -0800

Well here you have it folks, honest-to-goodness pics of the Google Phone... AKA, the Nexus One. As you can see by the photos, the design of the device is largely similar to those we've seen, but the graphic on back is slightly different, and that piece of tape is covering a QR code (how very Google of them). Just like we've heard before, the updated OS features new 3D elements to the app tray, as well as an extended amount of homescreens, though it looks like the lock screen / mute is the same as in Android 2.0.1. Additionally, there's now a new grid icon at the bottom of the homescreen, which when pressed brings up a webOS card-style preview of all homescreen pages -- which raises some interesting possibilities. Apparently there's been a new software update for the device pushed tonight, and sure enough the phone is identified as the Nexus One on the system info page. Quite clearly this device is running on T-Mobile, and is also using WiFi, so there's two other questions you've got answers to. The phone also appears to come loaded up with Google Navigation (a bit of a no-brainer) and the brand-spanking-new Google Goggles. Hardware wise, the Nexus does look incredibly thin and sleek, and while there's not a slew of buttons (those four up front are clearly touch sensitive), there is a dedicated volume rocker along the side. Oh, and note this... no HTC logo anywhere to be found. We'll update the post as / if we get more info, but for now, feast your eyes on the gallery below!

Update: One item of interest. In the packaging there's a quick start guide which points users to a "questions" page at google.com/phone/support. The page is a dead end right now, but it certainly gets an eyebrow raise from us. If there is a real Google Phone in the offing, that seems a likely landing page for support.

Update 2: In case you're interested, here's Android 2.1's boot animation for Nexus One. Eerily familiar, no?

[Thanks, RD]

Re transforms your iPhone into a universal remote (which seems like a step backwards, to be honest)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:35:00 -0800

OK, so we know a thing or two about the "convenience" of using your iPhone as a remote control. For instance, using it to control Boxee was alright -- until we needed to make a call. Or we received a call. Not to rain on anyone's parade, but the idea of re-purposing your phone to act as a universal remote seems a little silly. But what do we know? Maybe you hold all calls while Jersey Shore is on anyways. In that case, Re could be your next favorite gadget. This bad boy lets your handset communicate with all your AV equipment via infrared, contains an extensive database of devices, and can learn from any IR remote. If that weren't enough, New Kinetix promises regular updates to the app -- and your typical remote can't do that! Compatible with the iPod Touch as well, there's no word yet on a price or release date, but we're expecting that we'll be getting plenty more details come CES time.

TRUE LOVE

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:27:00 -0800

DocuPen X hits earth for all your pen scanner needs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 8 Nov 2009 21:47:00 -0800

Thinking maybe you can't live another day without finally breaking down and purchasing a pen scanner? We can sympathize. There are plenty on the market, but the newly hatched DocuPen X Series is mildly more interesting than most out there. They've managed to cram 64MB of memory, Bluetooth, a tiny OLED screen and a lithium ion battery all in that tiny package, and if you're the sunflower seed-eating, alien-hunting type, you probably want one of these for scanning your files at up to 600 dots per inch. DocuPen's teensy X Series scanners start at $370.

CPU Inside Keyboard

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:21:00 -0700

A typical Computer usually have Monitor, CPU, Keyboard, Speakers .But Technology have evolved to such a level that you might have just a keyboard which will replace your CPU, Speakers. Don’t believe me then see the CPU inside Keyborad.

A complete Keyboard Layout

Look at the LEDs

USB, Lan Port, Printer Port, Mouse Port

Removable HDD

Look at that tiny Speakers

A complete CPU layout inside keyboard

Lenovo Ion-powered IdeaCenter Q110 nettop on sale now

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:34:00 -0700

The slow wave of NVIDIA Ion-based machines continues to wash in -- as expected, the Lenovo Q110 nettop is now on sale. We'd actually wait another couple weeks to score this rig with Windows 7 preloaded, but if you're into Vista you can grab it right now for $399 with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB drive and take a free upgrade disc when it's available. Anyone gonna throw down?

Intel Atom dev program launched, seeks to inspire netbook-centric applications

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:21:00 -0700

So, here's the situation. The current fleet of netbooks would be rendered next to useless with Vista loaded on, but having Windows XP on there forces manufacturers to regurgitate specification lists. Rather than using the introduction of Windows 7 to fully pursue a world where netbooks can actually run around freely with 2GB (or even 3GB!) of RAM and chipsets powerful enough to open seven Excel sheets simultaneously, Intel is today sparking up its Atom Processor Developer Program. The reason? To "spur a new wave of applications for... netbooks, with support for handhelds and smartphones available in the future." Call us calloused, but that sounds a lot like a company pushing for "lite" software that functions on sluggish hardware.

Granted, we know that's not exactly the case here -- after all, even we wouldn't argue that some applications could benefit from being re-written to operate on a 10.1-inch display -- but it still feels like Intel's pushing software programmers to cater to underwhelming hardware rather than innovating its chips to work faster and more efficiently. There's no doubt that this feeling is compounded by just how long we've been waiting for a new wave of Atom CPUs, but at long last, we digress. The program actually has quite a few positive merits, such as striving to "reduce overhead and streamline the creation of new applications" for smaller devices -- something that would benefit every user regardless of processor. So far, both Acer and Dell have voiced their support for the program, giving us at least a modicum of reassurance that the Aspire One and Mini lines aren't vanishing anytime soon. Hit the read link for the glorified details, if you're into that type of thing.

Switched On: A tale of two tablets

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:17:00 -0700

It was the best of ideas. It was the worst of ideas. It was the age of innovation. It was the age of stagnation. It was the epoch of developing a bold new computing platform. It was the epoch of churning out another piece of converged electronics nobody needs.

Rumors have been swirling that PC operating system heavyweights Apple and Microsoft are developing forays into the world of tablet computing. Such devices will face strong competition from netbooks featuring low prices and a large library of applications remains to be seen. Two new entrants to the hardware world, the CrunchPad and Always Innovating's Touch Book, have already begun panning for gold with their Linux-based tablets. However, the waters are now attracting larger rivals designing tablets powered by Microsoft operating systems, albeit different ones.

Entering one of the few new categories at IFA earlier this month, Toshiba announced the JournE Touch, a 7" touch-enabled tablet running Windows CE designed for addressing the usual range of converged device chores, including accessing social networks and content playback, but there are a few tricks up its slender sleeve.

Peek manages to survive a whole year, promises more features for year two

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:16:00 -0700

We actually first caught wind of the Peek email-only handheld around 13 months ago, but today Peek is celebrating its first year as a company with a shipping product. During the past year, it has managed to ship two distinct devices and a good bit of functionality, but most importantly, it has managed to survive. Not sure if you've noticed, but the past dozen months have been twelve of the most tumultuous (financially, anyway) in American history, yet this startup is still going strong and looking forward to a second year full of "new features and services" and even a few international launches. Generally we don't stop to wish companies a happy first birthday, but seriously -- how many of you expected this firm to be around in late 2009?

South Korea clears iPhone for sale

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:13:00 -0700

What, you didn't know you couldn't buy the iPhone from at least one carrier in all 193 widely-recognized sovereign nations of the world? It's true; one need look no further than South Korea, one of the most technologically-advanced wireless societies, where much of the growth over the past several years has occurred in a self-imposed bubble thanks to the existence of policies requiring the presence of a custom software layer for connecting to data services -- a layer that gave local players like Samsung and LG an almost impenetrable advantage over foreign competition. Local authorities have been loosening those restrictions in recent months, and the Wall Street Journal is reporting this evening that they've just signed off on a waiver that would allow the iPhone to be sold despite a "technical ban" that had been keeping it off shelves. Local carrier KT had been saying for a while that it intended to carry the phone, so this step seems like little more than a formality -- but in a market accustomed to T-DMB tuners, limitless color choices, and wide VGA AMOLED displays, it'll be interesting to see whether there's profit to be had.

Ultimate DVD Converter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:15:00 -0700

Following on from the success of the DVD-to-iPod converter, which has been a top seller for many companies for the last 2 years and over 1,000 copies have been sold in SA, we are pleased to release the Cucusoft Ultimate DVD Converter.

Ultimate DVD converter converts DVD's to play on almost any portable device including iPod, iPhone, Touch, Zune, PSP, video capable MP3 players, video capable mobile phones, Pocket P.C., and so on.

Meanwhile, it can also support the output almost any audio/video format including Video format(H264, MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, RM, 3GP, flv, SWF, mpeg-1, mpeg-2, VideoCD, SuperVideoCD, DVD, etc) and Audio format(AC3, AAC, MP2, MP3, MP4, RA, WMA, etc.).

NOTE :This product is for Microsoft Windows only.

Ultimate DVD Converter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:15:00 -0700

Ultimate DVD converter converts DVD's to play on almost any portable device including iPod, iPhone, Touch, Zune, PSP, video capable MP3 players, video capable mobile phones, Pocket P.C., and so on.

NOTE :This product is for Microsoft Windows only.

New Inspector Gadget in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:38:00 -0700

Wow, I don’t know what to say about this. I hope this really happens. The news is that there is going to be a new Inspector Gadget cartoon airing in 2009. No word yet on where it is going to be airing. For now, all we have is some promotional art and some general info. It seems Gadget has some new sidekicks and will be fight Ghosts this time. I wonder if Dr. Claw will be involved at all.