Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Jim Rapoza’s list of 10 most overhyped products, technologies and technology trends of the century does not necessarily mean the products or technologies had failed, but instead they had received so much hype that it was impossible for them to ever live up to early expectations.

1. iPhone
2. Social networks
3. Grid computing
4. Outsourcing
5. RFID
6. Virtualization
7. Blogs
8. Green technology
9. VOIP
10. Video on the web

Did he miss any from your list?

Via [Emerging Technologies]

What do you get when you “marry” a webcam and a wireless router into one gadget? You get the Linksys WVC54GC Wireless-G Internet Home Monitoring Camera. That’s why you see the relatively large form factor for a typical webcam or wireless router stand alone. The gadget looks rather strange to me but then considering its unconventional name as a result of unconventional marriage of two conventional devices, Linksys ought to be forgiven for that.

The WVC54GC (heck its too long to mention the whole name) however is quite an awesome gadget for its functionalities. It can send live audio and video to a web browser anywhere in the world and does it wirelessly. The gadget has built-in video stream encoder and stand-alone web server so there is no PC required to setup a wireless home security monitoring system for the house that could possibly cost you arms and kegs to own one. And the fact that WVC54GC costs only $120 gives you no reason not to consider this inexpensive solution for your expensive investment.

Key Features:

• Streams high-quality live video and audio over the Internet to a web browser anywhere in the world.
• Built-in video stream encoder and stand-alone web server makes PC unnecessary.
• Supports MPEG4 and MJPEG video encoding up to 640x480 pixels.
• Connects up to 4 users simultaneously.
• Security Mode automatically sends email alerts with video clips upon motion detection.
• Microphone on the front with built-in preamp.

Via [Engadget] Via [eHomeUpgrade] Product [Linksys]

Do you find it cumbersome or troublesome to access your iPod library in the car? Well, not anymore with the latest gadget from Alpine. The eX-10 comes with a full-color LCD display and a wireless remote control to make it easier for you to choose your favorite song from your collection of songs stored in iPod. The easily installed device is powered by your cars 12V cigarette lighter. When a song is selected, the audio is sent to your cars stereo via either the built-in FM transmitter or while directly connected to the stereo via an auxiliary-input jack. The eX-10 also features built-in hands free calling using Bluetooth and allows for users to access their address book and recent call activity. The eX-10 is expected to be available at the end of January 2008 and retail for $230.

Via [CNET]

The Singapore-based Shiro Corporation joins the other consumer electronic manufacturers at CES 2008 to reveal their latest MP4 players. Looking at what the latest entries by Shiro, I can only say the MP4 players are going to be the devices a lot of yuppies will be, if not already, showing off in the near future and it could well be either one of these Shiro VJ, MD or MR.

Top of the line Shiro VJ is seductive, sleek and trendy looking. The large 2.4-inch TFT LCD with a 262K colors rendition takes your video and photo viewing pleasure to the next level which makes it comparable to watching video on television, sharp image and rich color.

Here are some of the features for Shiro VJ:

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Why routers had traditionally been so boxy in design is anyone’s guess but Linksys finally says goodbye to its blue-face square design for its new range of wireless routers. The ugly looking antennas are also history. The new WRT160N and WRT310N not only look cool in black with its new sleek design, it also use internal antennas instead of external ones. I wish Linksys had already introduced this new design when I bought my WRT54G many months back so that it can sit in perfect harmony alongside my black-themed desktop PC, LCD screen, keyboard, mouse and speakers. At $100 and $130 for WRT160N and WRT310N respectively, I would have happily parted with my hard earned cash for either one.

Via [CNET]

Coming up with the first LCD with a hole is not enough for LG at this CES 2008. The Korean electronic giant also introduced the first wireless LCD HDTVs. The LG71 series comes in two models, the 47-inch 47LG71 and the 52-inch 52LG71.

The press release information stated:

“Its integrated 802.11n Wireless System allows a clean wall installation without down-converting signals. The unit comes with a separate wireless receiver with a 50-foot radius (approx.), allowing other devices to be placed nearby, hidden in a cabinet or entertainment console.”

The LG71 series come with the following features:

• TruMotion 120Hz technology
• 802.11n Wireless System
• Invisible Speaker System
• Intelligent Sensor for automatic optimization of brightness and color
• 24p TruCinema
• ISFccc Calibration Ready
• Four HDMI with 1.3 Deep Color

Via [CNET]

While the other Gadgetell Editors are going crazy with their CES 2008 coverage on-site, I have uncovered LG’s sleek new, ultra-thin LCD, this time with a hole right through the LCD frame, located at the bottom of the screen. A very neat styling idea from the guys at LG design department. I think this is the first of such idea in the LCDs and I won’t be surprised others will follow suit very soon. I’d rather like the idea and the LCD looks rather cool.

The 42LGX Super Slim does not punch any hole when it comes to features and specifications though. Measuring in at just 1.7-inches thick, the 42LGX Super Slim offers the following features:

• TruMotion 120Hz technology
• Invisible Speaker System
• Intelligent Sensor for automatic optimization of brightness and color
• 24p TruCinema
• ISFccc Calibration Ready
• Four HDMI with 1.3 Deep Colo

Via [CNET]