Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

According to MacScoop, Apple’s got “tons of Mac hardware releases for Q2” due out next month.  Sources tell them we should be expecting a black 24-inch iMac and 8-core Mac Pros.  Now, we can’t vounch for the rumors, but a black iMac would definately go along with Apple’s strategy.  In fact, they’ll probably introduce the black iMac and charge a $100 premium for it… you know, because they had to use all of that black paint and stuff.  We’ll keep you updated as the rumor mill gets started back up moving into the second quarter.

Read [MacScoop] Via [AppleWeblog]

Are you tired of constantly getting your legs burned by your laptop? In a few years, that problem may be eliminated with the help of Intel. Under a recently filed patent, Intel plans to use “light to sense when a computer casing is getting too hot, and automatically throttles back the power” in order to cool the laptop. The light sensor would sense when particular spots of the internal case are hot, and then signal the processor to slow down for a little bit until the temperature falls to an un-painful level.

Read [Engadget] Via [NewScientistTech]

In an effort to better serve our readers, we’re migrating to a more powerful content management system.  And don’t worry, we’ve got someone better than Homer working on it!  We just wanted to give you the heads up, so if anything seems a little bizarre around here over the next few hours, you know why.

• XM and Sirius are getting into bed
• Viacom looks partner with YouTube rival, Joost
• Quit your email addiction in 12 steps
• Unboxing the Cingular Blackberry 8800
• Apple OS X Leopard may be ready in March
• Will Palm be bought by Nokia?li>

Earlier today, there were rumors regarding a possible merger between satellite radio giants XM Radio and Sirius.  Now, reports have come through that the merger is official - and an official press conference is scheduled for tomorrow.

Is this crazy news or what?  Both XM and Sirius have spoken of a possible merger for what seems like years.  Due to regulatory hurdles, the deal was never even attempted.  Now, it looks like they may have found a loophole in the law, and they’re making the plunge.  I personally think that the FCC will never let this happen.  If so, this would indeed create a monopoly in the satellite radio industry.

Looks like we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to get the full scoop, so stay tuned.

Press Release [XM] Via [Gizmodo]

LoopRumors believes that Apple is staging a redesign of its Mac Pro systems. The new systems are said to be smaller, with a new cooling system that will direct hot air out the top of the system rather than the back.

The Mac Pro was initially released at last years WWDC conference, sporting the Intel chip and upgraded specs, but an identical housing to the now retired Apple product, the PowerMac G5.

Personally, this is very great news as I plan to purchase a Mac Pro when I’ve finished the long road of saving up for the machine.

via [LoopRumors]

Product: Viper 160XVL remote start
Price: $299.99
Rating: 7.9/10
Pros: Affordable, Comfortable to hold, Supports up to 1024 x 600 resolution, Makes using Windows XP on such a small device seem natural
Cons: Software keyboard is not usable for extended periods of time, would be nice if batteries lasted longer
Overall: With the type of weather we’re having, an autostart as reliable as this one is a pleasure to have. No matter the weather, knowing your car is ready to tackle the day before you are is a plus in my book.

Just in time for our crazy weather, this Viper 160XVL remote start is more like a piece of lazy heaven more than anything else.  In a world where we look to make TV better (HDTV) and make all the sweets we eat healthier (fat free cheese cake), why not make our mornings toastier? This is where my new favorite product comes in. Thanks to Direct Electronics who provided me with this remote start I don’t know the meaning of running outside in the morning to start my car, or have to worry about stepping into a car so cold that my CD player won’t even start. No my friends, with a radius up to a mile away, my car is already warming up before I get off the train.  The hardest thing about the remote start was getting is installed, but thanks to “Auto Image” in East Brunswick, NJ I had nothing to worry about. A gentleman by the name of Angelo greeted me at the door and while another, Gary Pastirik, took my keys. In no time, 3 hours in the realm of auto detailing, my car was ready.

One of my biggest concerns with the remote start was grinding, this occurs when your car is already on and you attempt to turn the ignition. The Viper160XVL has an anti-grind guard and I had nothing to worry about. This product is available at the “Auto Image” store as well as others such as Best Buy and 6th Avenue electronics.  I used to own a truck that was installed with an older “Clifford” remote-start and while it did its basic job, the features of the Viper can not be compared. You can view Direct Electronics website at http://www.directed.com At gadetel.com we realize how important it is for our readers to learn about the new products available however what I have realized especially with products falling in the automotive category, you want to be sure the company that installs it takes pride in their work. Auto Image takes pride in what they do and I thank them for helping us out.

Specs - 4-channel remote start/keyless entry system, 1 mile range with Spread Spectrum Technology (SST), Clone-Safe, Code-Hopping, Parking Light Flash, Failsafe Starter Kill, Anti-Grind ,Bright Blue LED Status Indicator, Miniature XCRS (Extreme Capacity Relay Satellite), Defroster Output, Built-in Turbo Timer, Dome Light Supervision, Comfort Closure, 2 Auxiliary Outputs, Horn Honk, Two 4-button Transmitters.

Motorola updated their lineup with design, music, media, high-speed performance, wireless broadband and connecting the unconnected at the 3GSM mobile conference in Barcelona, Spain.

The MOTORIZR Z8 offers ultra-fast HSDPA technology, a 16 million color 35x50mm QVGA full screen display, video playback of up to 30 frames per second, and is Motorola’s first “kick slider”—taking a page from Samsung’s past successes. The new MOTOKRZR K3 provides a downloadable/streaming multimedia experience through HSDPA connectivity.

The new MOTOMOBILE portfolio (entry-level, mass market phones) now includes features such as a mega-pixel camera, speakerphone, MP3 playback and video functionality, as well as Motorola’s CrystalTalk technology, improving conversations in noisy environments. Mobiles in the line are the: Motorola W510 with a 262k color TFT screen, the MOTOSLVR L9 with a 2.0 mega-pixel camera and integrated FM radio, and the MOTORIZR Z6 with the latest music features running on the first Linux-Java OS that incorporates Windows Media technology—allowing you to sync music to your phone from over 200 music stores worldwide.

Like Nokia, Motorola has taken Bluetooth wireless technology on the road with its new Phone-based Navigation System T805 and T815 featuring MOTONAV.

Finally, Motorola expanded its MOTOQ platform with the new MOTO Q q9 and MOTO Q gsm (which we covered here).

Read [Motorola]

At the 3GSM World Congress Nokia President and CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo announced a whole bunch of new handsets. The company announced a trio of new Nokia Eseries devices, the line designed for professionals, including the slim Nokia E61i, the stylish Nokia E65 slider, and an evolution of the legendary communicator the Nokia E90 Communicator. Each is a packed with 3G, Wlan, Nokia’s S60 software platform, and the now standard camera.

The company also announced the launch of Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite 8.0 mobileware, a platform which provides mobile email, mobile file and data synchronization, and robust security and device management capabilities to the Nokia Eseries products and more than 100 other devices. New/enhanced features include a two-tier licensing model, a new user interface, strengthened mobile security, and additional language and connectivity support.


Kallasvuo also unveiled the Nokia N77 multimedia computer designed to accelerate the take up of DVB-H mobile TV. Features include a wide 2.4” screen with up to 16 million colors, stereo sound, alerts when programs are starting, and a program guide. It is expected to start shipping during the second quarter of 2007 in countries where DVB-H services are available.

With applications including an FM stereo radio, music player with expandable memory, video ringing tones and a 1.3 megapixel camera, the Nokia 3110 classic offers a wide range of conventional features at an accessible price. It is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2007.

Building on the importance of Internet video content Nokia launched the Nokia Video Center and those looking for mobile navigation can turn to the n6110.

Read [Nokia]

Nokia released its first mass market navigation-enabled mobile phone, the 6110 Navigator. Using integrated GPS, the phone enables consumers to quickly and easily view their current location on map, search for destinations, find specific routes, or locate nearby services such as restaurants, hotels or shops. Featuring full turn-by-turn 3D navigation, it suggests the best route to follow by car or on foot, using voice or visual instructions on a map.  The Nokia 6110 Navigator is expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2007.