Soul Electronics, a global leader in pro and consumer audio manufacturing and the creators of the popular SOUL by Ludacris premium headphone line, has unveiled its newest audiophile device, Party in a Box, at this year’s International Consumer Electronics Show in Las
Vegas.

This sleek, yet powerful wireless entertainment system is completely unique in its
class with three different built-in formats, including Apple AirPlay® capability for
use with iOS devices, advanced Bluetooth streaming capability that allows users
to pair with various Bluetooth devices, and a 5.8GHz two way transceiver that
provides CD quality, uncompressed wireless listening and allows users to sync
together multiple PIAB units or other wireless speakers for an expanded sound
system. Perfect for the home, dorm room or even outdoor entertaining, the SOUL
Party in a Box has the sonic power to deliver the impact of a full home
entertainment system in the form factor of a mobile boom box.

“We have dedicated some of the world’s most advanced audio engineering
technology to the Party in a Box, and we can’t wait to see the reaction when we
unveil this powerful system at the CES Show,” said Bob Bonefant, The SOUL
Man. “We are confident that we’ve got a product that is untouchable, and SOUL
fans will not believe their ears when this thing fires up.”

The robust eight-speaker, Omni-Directional Hybrid system with dual 6.5-inch
subwoofers, two 3-inch midrange speakers and four one inch tweeters fills any
room, delivering stunningly powerful sound with a superb balance of deep bass
with clear mids and highs. Its digital signal processing capabilities deliver
precision balancing and mixing of bass, mids and highs for a full range of sound.

The modern black casing with aluminum accents offers an extra design element,
creating a sophisticated look to complement the superior sound characteristics.
The programmable multi-color perimeter light helps set the perfect mood for any
event. Party in a Box also features an FM RDS tuner.

The 110V to 240V AC 50/60 Hz power supply allows users to enjoy Party in a
Box in most locations around the world. It also includes a 12V cigarette lighter
adapter; ideal for tailgating, camping, and boating. Plus, the optional high-
capacity rechargeable batteries keep the party going for hours when AC or 12V
power is not available.

Want to take the party outdoors? The auxiliary audio input makes Party in a Box
the perfect theater audio system for outdoor entertainment, allowing users to
connect Party in a Box to additional stereos and sound sources for a larger
sound system.

For hosts looking to communicate with their guests, the balanced MIC input
delivers crystal sound, turning Party in a Box into the ultimate PA system. It also
has a headphone jack for private enjoyment. Plus, the unique guitar strap makes
mingling and controlling the music environment easier, and more fun, than ever
before.

The VU analog meters offer an added visual effect. They display the current
voltage output of Party in a Box so users can watch the needles jump back and
forth.

The onboard controls and integrated lockable handle makes Party in a Box the
perfect docking solution, bringing the old school boombox design into the 21st
century. It even has a guitar style shoulder strap for added comfort when partying
on-the-go.

And for the ultimate movie theater experience on the go, Party in a Box can bring
any movie soundtrack to life with its spacial signal processing and thundering
bass, and it even has an HDMI output for a projector or TV.

Sony Electronics today announced the addition of two new home devices powered by the Google TV™ platform. Sony was one of the industry’s first to launch the ‘Google TV’ products in 2010, and is now taking another step into the future of the home entertainment convergence. The NSZ-GS7 Network Media Player and NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray Disc™ Player will both arrive on shelves in North America and Europe in early summer 2012, and distribution is planned to expand and include other countries and regions.

“The first generation of devices powered by Google TV combined the powerful Android platform with Sony’s legendary home audio/video hardware to deliver on the promise of converging entertainment,” said Charles Speidel, vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Audio and Video Division. “These brilliant additions advance positive features of the previous models, bringing an intuitive remote control and cross-device connectivity with smartphones, tablets and Sony Internet Audio & Video products – enhancing the home entertainment experience.”

In 2010, Sony introduced the world’s first television and a Blu-ray Disc player powered by Google TV. In 2011, the platform was updated and added the Android™ Market, making the first-generation Sony Internet TV devices easier to navigate and giving viewers access to thousands of apps, including about 150 apps optimized for TV, for an enhanced customized entertainment experience.

The Google TV difference starts with the cross search functionality, which crawls all content sources available from broadcast providers* and the Internet to deliver customized video results on demand.  Both new boxes come complete with a redesigned remote control equipped with a backlit QWERTY keyboard, a touch pad for easy operation and a three-axis motion sensor to enjoy games. Additionally, the remote control can also be utilized as a universal remote to control connected devices such as TV, set top box and amplifiers – the NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray Disc Player even incorporates voice search capabilities. By using Sony apps Media Remote™ and TrackID® for Android and iOS mobile devices, users may achieve cross-device connectivity. TrackID is also pre-installed in NSZ-GS7 and NSZ-GP9, allowing customers to search on their connected TV.  The new remote control can manage basic operations on select compatible 2012 BRAVIA televisions and seamlessly display Android Market or apps on the menu screen.

Warpia, a premier technology brand dedicated to delivering intuitive connectivity solutions, announces WarpiaTV, a PC to TV connectivity solution featuring a Wireless Motion Controller and icon based video browsing software. Users can stream their favorite sports, news, entertainment and HDD content wirelessly from up to 30 ft. away while maintaining complete control of their content via the included Wireless Motion Controller. In addition, the icon based browser makes viewing content from the Hard Drive as well as popular Internet video sites quick and easy.

WarpiaTV Wireless Edition enables users to stream any content from their notebook or PC wirelessly to an HDTV in 1080p full high definition resolution with stereo audio. Hard drive content such as streaming video, pictures, movies and presentations as well as Internet content such YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Netflix can be shown on your HDTV without the hassle and clutter of wires while you continue to use your laptop screen to surf the web, check email, and more.

“We are thrilled to partner with Hillcrest Labs to bring our successful line of streaming solutions to a new level, offering a product that provides the ultimate entertainment solution for the home”, says Mike Walsh President of Warpia. “With this addition to our line of products, Warpia now offers more streaming solutions for the home or business than similar companies in the market. We are proud to be the one stop company that provides a solution for every consumer whether they are on a budget or looking to maximize their home entertainment experience.”

The new WarpiaTV Browser powered by Kylo simplifies PC and internet viewing on your television with a customized icon based browsing guide to the most watched internet sites like Pandora, Netflix, Amazon, YouTube and more.

The included Wireless Motion Controller provides the ability to control the PC Mouse and seven PC functions including, volume, mute and escape. With Hillcrest Labs Freespace® technology, the user doesn’t need to point the controller at the screen for basic control functions such as volume, mute and escape. Freespace® technology allows the user to hold the Wireless Motion Controller in the position that is the most comfortable for him/her. For web browsing and cursor placement, simply point the Controller at the TV and the curser moves on the screen, allowing the user to experience the latest technology in PC to TV navigation.

WarpiaTV Wireless Edition includes the Wireless Motion Controller, WarpiaTV Browser, HDMI cable, wireless USB receiver, wireless USB PC adapter, quick start guide and installation CD. WarpiaTV is also available in a wired version for a lower price. The wired WarpiaTV version includes the Wireless Motion Controller and WarpiaTV Browser, along with a 6ft HDMI cable to connect a laptop to the TV. The basic WarpiaTV is available for $79.99 and WarpiaTV Wireless Edition is available for $199.99 at www.warpia.com.

According to All Things Digital Apple plans on announcing their Iphone 5 on  October 4th 2011.  Sources also say that Apples new CEO Tim Cook will be the main presenter at the event.  Though things may change at any time this is the latest information about Apples new product release.

A week ago case maker  Case Mate pre-leaked the cases that they made for apples new device ( See Below for Pics) which where later removed from the site.

Alot of rumors are circling around about the new device some say the iPhone 5 will be an A5 dual-core processor, similar to the one used in the iPad 2. It will also be equipped with an 8 mega-pixel camera, wireless charging and iOS 5, which features iCloud portable storage capabilities. Also some say that Sprint may be an exclusive carrier or it may be open to GSM and CDMA for worldwide usage.

We can only wait and see.  Say Tuned to The Gadget 411 for more information !

The Gadget 411 is still going. Sorry for the down time. Were back!

Here is what was covered during the event:

1. Mac OS X Lion
2. iOS 5
3. iCloud

***Click play on the video below.***

Click here to view the embedded video.

Press Release: Microsoft Corp. and Skype Global  today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire Skype, the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype.

The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities. The combination will extend Skype’s world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft’s existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.

With 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype has been a pioneer in creating rich, meaningful connections among friends, families and business colleagues globally. Microsoft has a long-standing focus and investment in real-time communications across its various platforms, including Lync (which saw 30 percent revenue growth in Q3), Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE.

Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.

“Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world.”

Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Ballmer.

“Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers,” said Tony Bates. “Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype’s plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate,” Bates said.

“Tony Bates has a great track record as a leader and will strengthen the Microsoft management team. I’m looking forward to Skype’s talented global workforce bringing its insights, ideas and experience to Microsoft,” Ballmer said.

Speaking on behalf of the investor group that sold Skype to Microsoft, Egon Durban, managing director of Silver Lake, said: “We are thrilled with Skype’s transformation during the period of our ownership and grateful for the extraordinary commitment of its management team and employees. We are excited about Skype’s long-term future with Microsoft, as it is poised to become one of the world’s most dynamic and comprehensive communications platforms.”

Founded in 2003, Skype was acquired by eBay in September 2005, and then acquired by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009. Skype has made impressive progress over the past 18 months under Silver Lake’s leadership, increasing monthly calling minutes by 150 percent, developing new revenue streams and strategic partnerships, acquiring the intellectual property powering its peer-to-peer network, and recruiting an outstanding senior management team.

Other members of the selling investor group led by Silver Lake include eBay International AG, CPP Investment Board, Joltid Limited in partnership with Europlay Capital Advisors; and Andreessen Horowitz.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The parties hope to obtain all required regulatory clearances during the course of this calendar year.

About Skype
Skype is communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they’re apart.

Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free.

Do you ever need assistance with anything?  Do you ever feel like you’re the technological idiot of the neighborhood?  Well, be no longer!

We now have an IRC channel on Foonetic.  To join, you must have an IRC client.  Just join #thegadget411 on Foonetic’s IRC server (foonetic.net).  Get all of your questions answered!  We also ask for professional users to join in helping us help you help us all.

(Yes, I am posting this from a Cr-48.)

NEW YORK (AP) – Sony Corp. said it is rebuilding its PlayStation Network to bring it back online after an “external intrusion” caused it to suspend the service.

The company said it turned off the service, which lets gamers connect in live play, so that it could strengthen its network infrastructure. Qriocity – the company’s online entertainment platform – was also affected.

“Though this task is time-consuming, we decided it was worth the time necessary to provide the system with additional security,” the company said in a blog post Saturday.

An email message to the company seeking further details was not immediately returned. The PlayStation Network and Qriocity had been turned off Wednesday evening so that the company could investigate an external intrusion.

The company said the following day that it could take a “full day or two” to get the service back up and running.

On Saturday, the company said in a blog post that it was “working around the clock” to bring the services back online.

“We thank you for your patience to date and ask for a little more while we move towards completion of this project,” the company said in the post.

The outage came just after Tuesday’s release of the game “Mortal Kombat,” which is available on the PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox 360. It also comes as Amazon.com restores computers used by other major websites as an outage stretched into a fourth day.

MountMe, a company dedicated to bringing one of a kind mounting accessories and solutions to iPad users, is pleased to announce the availability of Freedom™ for pre-order, the only all-in-one carrying and mounting device on the market. Freedom is a sleek protective case for iPad that easily transforms into a highly adaptable and practical mounting device. This visible but unobtrusive all-in-one universal mounting solution is a must have accessory for the kitchen, lounge, bedroom, study, garage, car, airplane, boat and more. Freedom comes in a variety of colors including blue, turquoise, white, purple, metallic grey, red, pink and black. Pre-order now at www.mount-me.com and receive a 10% discount (one color) on the purchase of one Freedom or a 25% discount on the purchase of two different colored units, plus free shipping in the continental U.S. for a limited time only.

With this universally adaptable mounting solution, the iPad can be easily transformed into a great in-car or on-the-go entertainment system, a wall clock, home automation controller and more. The possibilities and uses are endless. It can be mounted and viewed virtually anywhere including:

• Home

• Work

• Professional Offices

• Classrooms

• Doctor’s Offices

• Hotel Lobbies

• Car Seats

• Head Rests

• Airplane seats

• Walls

• Mirrors

• Windows

• Refrigerators

• Kitchen Cabinets

• Car Visors

• Car and Boat Dashboards

“We are happy to offer this special discount to early adopters who wish to pre-order their Freedom unit now, can be one of the first to start using our all-in-one solution for the iPad that provides freedom of viewing practically anywhere without cumbersome attachments and multiple docking/mounting options,” says Brien Spina, Founder of MountMe.

Freedom features and functions include:

• Heavy Duty Mobile Mounting Strap – Allows you to securely mount your tablet to a headrest, car visor, your leg, and any other object you can wrap a strap around

• Four Suction Cups – Suction cups effortlessly attach to the small bracket portion of the Freedom Mount, and allow a secure mounting option for hard surfaces such as glass, mirrors or a refrigerator

• Screws – Provide for permanent mounting options on a wall or other solid object

• Panning & Tilting Capabilities – The ability to pan 360 degrees and tilt 90 degrees provides unlimited mounting and user capabilities

• Built-in Kickstand – The unique patented design bracket acts as a kickstand for your favorite photo album or by simply reversing the bracket with a turn of the wrist; it will put the tablet into an ideal typing position

• Quick Release On/Off Bracket – MountMe has developed a quick release on/off bracket that allows you to freely and effortlessly remove the tablet from its mounting position to a mobile position while providing the user with a heavy duty attractive protective carrying case

• Special Gripping Surface – The carrying case has been strategically designed to allow for a comfortable gripping surface on any of the four sides that will conform to the palm of your hand which makes such activities as gaming even better

• Symmetrical Flat Back Eliminates Wobbling – MountMe has also solved the wobbling that occurs when an iPad is placed on a flat surface by creating a symmetrical flat back portion of the carrying case creating a perfect user experience

Protect and mount your iPad with a case that makes it accessible and secure anywhere. For more information about MountMe Freedom and other productions visit www.mount-me.com