We’ve heard it all before, that the DVD is dying, and that the Blu-Ray might not even matter for movies, that the industry is going towards digital download.  While that may be true, there is a chance that we might be seeing another physical way of distributing movies before we move to all download and streaming.  The good news is that’s it won’t be yet another optical disc to worry about.

The “new” method comes from a deal between Kingston and Paramount that would see movies distributed via flash memory.  More specifically, movies will be available on USB flash drives and SD cards.  The new method would see movies sold not only individually, but as part of bundles possibly on the same drives/cards or as part of a series, it’s not particularly clear.  The deal itself isn’t too clear at the moment, with no release date scheduled, but the partnership and plans seem to be there.

Distributing movies on flash memory seems like a smart idea.  Assuming the files are in some sort of standard format without DRM, they should be able to work on just about any computer or netbook.  These would work especially well on netbooks or laptops, where users don’t want to carry around DVDs, but may not have the storage to fit a large collection of movies, or no Internet connection that can stream movies.  It would be nice if the drives/cards contained both HD and SD versions for a netbook and laptop version.  What’s more likely, however, is just SD films so they can be put on the cheapest cards available with a small amount of storage space.  Either way, when the partnership does see some real product emerge, it will be interesting to see how well it takes off/fails miserably.

Read [Electronista]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

ZAGG is perhaps best known for their gadget skin protection that used to be on edges of helicopter blades.  Today, the company through us a bit of curve ball: they started talking about a product the company will unveil at CES in January, the ZAGG box.  As catchy as that name is, we still ask, “what’s a ZAGG box?”

Described by the company as “major technology”, the ZAGG box is the culmination of 6 years and $35 million.  At this point, it seems tough to classify exactly what this thing does: it is a media aggregator, will record, store and stream your media in multiple formats so you can watch on TV or on your iPhone (or other mobile device), and don’t forget home automation: it can hook into your HVAC, lighting or even door locks and control them.  Good luck figuring out what aisle to put this thing in at Best Buy.

“We are introducing a game-changing technology with the ZAGGbox which will appeal to everyone from geeks to grandmas,” said Brian Packer, VP of Marketing of ZAGG. “It is a very powerful system, and very simple to use.”

The ZAGG dream machine is said to cost “under $999” and should be formally launched in January 2010 shipping late Q1.  The unit was announced a finalist in the I-Stage event put on by the CEA, (Producers of Consumer Electronics Show -CES).

Press release [ZAGG]

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Coby Electronics has announced a recall of nearly 20,000 rechargeable batteries sold with its portable DVD players between January 2007 and September 2009.  The electronics manufacturer says they may overheat, creating a fire hazard.  So far they have had 10 reports of such an incident and 8 of them resulted in fires.  Fortunately no one has been injured.

The players involved in this recall have an 8.5-inch screen and the product number TF-DVD-8501.  The recalled batteries all have serial numbers starting with “HY.”  If you have one of the affected batteries remove it from the player immediately and call Coby at 877-305-2629 for a free replacement.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking anyone who has suffered injury or property damage as a result of an overheating battery to contact them here.  You can also call their hotline at 800-638-2772.

Read[PRNewsWire] 

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

I see stuff in the tech world that drives me crazy.  From products that should never have left the bar napkin to marketing schemes that should have stayed in the men’s room, here is what caught my eye this week:

• Video Eyewear- more than just a geek look
• Roku leaves off special sauce again
• Publishers hate ebooks; stunt growth?
• What the heck is Apple so nervous about?

Video eyewear to bring 3D to our homes

This is the response I got when I told my Editor, Iyaz, about my 3D revelation: “Oh, so you’re on crack this week.  Good.”  I don’t deny this thinking is pretty far out there. 

Look at it this way: if we are no closer today to generating 3D image without glasses then we’ll have to accept glasses in the house.  If we are committing to wearing ridiculous glasses in the house, then why not put high quality screens in them and forget about viewing angle and the like.  The two concepts just seem to mesh together.  Yes, you’ll have to buy glasses for everyone but how much different in cost will that be vs. a $3,000 LCD TV plus 3D player?

Roku to get upgrade but no Hulu?

Question: how do you make Roku box the hottest little black box again?  Answer: Make it do Hulu.  Done and done.

However, as Robert Nelson relates, Roku isn’t doing that. “Feature wise the Roku XR will see some improvements though, according to the rumors it will see the addition of a USB port as well as Wi-Fi 802.11n.  Additionally, the power input was also upped from 1.5A to 2.5A.”  No Flash?

With all the talk about Hulu going the paid route, this would is the missing link.  Hulu needs to buy Roku or get them to build a Hulu player, which probably has enough of a brand name now to sell them.  The missing link would bring Hulu paid subscriptions not just OK, but would sell like gangbusters enabling customers to ditch cable and satellite service and watch what they want, when they want without time shifting (TiVo) technology.

Ebooks everywhere; publishers -“we hate ebooks”

Seems almost everyday we are teased with another ebook reader, this week saw the Barnes and Noble Nook which manages to bring some sexy to readers int he form of a second color screen.  Awesome right?  Well not so fast because it the content you really want, not the gadget and publishers are totally messing with ebook versions.

It is like getting your iPod only to find out you’ve got to wait 2 months before you can get the latest Kate Perry album (OMG!!!).  The Independent reported Steven King’s latest book would be release over a month after release in hardcover.  A big “up yours” to ebook readers hoping to get a fair shake by publishers.

This leaves us consumers two choices: buy the hardcover or buy an ereader and wait.  Gadget lovers hate waiting.  This is a huge snub aimed to make bookstores money that might end up lowering book sales as publishers will have a more difficult time getting excitement up for the ebook release after the big hardcover release.  It would be like advertising a movie but stopping one month before it opens.  We just don’t have the attention span.

Apple acting all paranoid again

So this week, big MS finally got around to launching Windows 7, their biggest product in a decade.  Yeah for them!  Apple was all over them like ice cream stains on a hot, sweaty summer day

The Windows 7 threat was deemed large enough that Apple used the good ol’  three pronged response:
1. Release financials a day earlier than normal and brags about it’s most profitable quarter ever and a gajillion iPhone sales kicking everyone’s butts.  Recession?  What recession?
2. Release a shiny new Mac line the day before.  These quite possibly could be the shiniest computers ever built.
3. Release a slew of witty, pithy “I am a Mac” ads that really make us giggle about John Hodgeman’s Miami Vice look.

Does Apple feel bad about Ballmer’s whole “we are on 9 out of 10 PCs” or is Apple telling us that Windows 7 is that good as the blogosphere seems to agree with?  I am not sure what it is but I suspect if you got on the PA system at Apple and shouted, “cops” the building would be empty in 15 seconds flat.  Just saying.

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Another day, another video eyewear announcement, right?  Wrong.  Down at the very bottom of the release announcing the shipping of the Vuzix Wrap 310 is something about 3D compatibility; this gadget is compatible with the major 3D formats.  That got me thinking: with all the push from studios and home entertainment to 3D, maybe this revolution will skip the TV.

My biggest problem with 3D is getting around the glasses:  to get 3D today, you’ve got to wear glasses.  So, why not have glasses with screens inside them; turn a requirement into something better by adding super big, super clear images (Vuzix says their Wrap 310 has the equivalent of a 55 inch screen at 10 feet)?  If the wave of the future is 3D, then Vuzix might just have their timing down.

The Vuzix Wrap is available starting today for $245.95 and they do look very similar to a pair of sunglasses (scoring much lower on the dork factor, thankfully).  These shades offer regular video viewing like other video eyewear.  Besides being upgradeable, input accessories are coming:

“The Wrap 310 also brings advanced features to the video eyewear category that no product has. With capabilities to add tracking and cameras that enable augmented reality and incredible gaming experiences; there is nothing like it on the market” added Vuzix CEO, Paul Travers.

So now we are talking about augmented reality and potentially live video input along with 3D capabilities.  So many issues just became solved that video eyewear could become the LCD Flat panel of the next decade.  Imagine sharing #D-immersive content with family, each in their own video eyewear in what used to be called your TV room.

This is going to be a pair of video eyewear to watch and the pair to grab if you are in the market.

Product page: [Vuzix]
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Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

What if you could make sure your movie purchases would work tomorrow, on any device, and you could lose worries of scratching a disc?  That is the idea behind Disney’s Keychest, a new way to future-proof your media purchases and instantly access your media on any device that is supported.  Could the DVD finally go the way of the Dodo?

According to a Wall Street Journal article this morning, media rights could be redefined as no physical possession will be involved.  The media would live in the cloud and be available on-demand in a way similar to the way Google Docs are accessed.  Users would simply enter their unique key and begin streaming their media.

Disney hopes to charge a little bit more for the convenience and security of keeping your media in the cloud and accessing it in a myriad of places.  As DVD sales have fallen, industry players seek new ways to make the register ring.  Disney says other players in the market have signed on to their service, but are not naming names.

Sony, as Sony tends to do, is backing a competing plan, the DECE or Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (catchy, right?).  Predictably, DECE wants to initiate new formats and new standards while Keychest relies on current formats that are already supported by many devices.  With Steve Jobs involvement with both Apple and Disney, we can safely bet the iPhone will be one of these devices.

One cool aspect of Keychest is no matter what service you bought the media from, the information is shared with Keychest members (say the cable company, movie studio, or ISP) so you only purchase it once.  No word when either service, DECE or Keychest will be launched.

Are we headed for yet another battle similar to VHS versus Beta or DVD-HD versus Blu-ray?  In short, “yup.”

Read [Wall Street Journal]

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As we approach the holiday season, expect deals to become more frequent and enticing.  This weekend, we have deals on a portable LCD HDTV screen, Garmin GPS, a computer monitor, Garmin Forerunner watch, and a LG HDTV. 

Viore Portable LCD HDTV

Our first deal for the weekend is the Viore Portable LCD HDTV on sale from Walmart.com.  The 7-inch HDTV device features a built-in ATSC digital tuner, closed captioning, integrated speakers, audio/video output, rechargeable battery, USB port, and mini SD memory expansion.  It aims to play TV shows on-the-go as well as any videos you may have on micro SD cards.  The LCD HDTV device is on sale for $98 + $6 for shipping.
 

Garmin Nuvi 275T GPS

Our next deal is the Garmin Nuvi 275T GPS which comes bundled with a Dash Mat that normally costs $40, but is available for free.  The deal is available from Yugster, but it will be only offered at the special price of $184 + $6 shipping today.  It normally sells for $270 and don’t forget the Dash Mat, which makes the offer even better.  The GPS sports a 3.5-inch touch screen, turn-by-turn directions, 2D or 3D map rendering, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated FM tuner,  6 million POIs, and City Navigator NT maps of North America preloaded.

AOC 2236Vw 21.5 inch Widescreen LCD Monitor

Staples has the AOC 2236Vw 21.5 inch LCD monitor on sale for $140, after a $40 instant discount, shipping is free to sweeten the deal.  The 21.5-inch monitor comes with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 5ms response time, 300cd/m2 brightness, and a three year warranty.  No word on how long this deal will be around for, but probably not too long.

Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Trainer GPS / Heart Rate Monitor

Our fourth deal for today is the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS watch, on sale at BuyDig.com for $144 with free shipping.  The device allows you to view all your vital stats on three different data screens while exercising.  It allows you to switch between running, biking, and any other sport without actually resetting the device.  An interesting feature is that it allows you to train against a digital person by specifying a set pace and rate for them.  The heart rate monitor is designed to keep track of your vital stats as well. 

LG 42LH55 42 inch LCD HDTV

Our last deal for this weekend is the LG 42LH55 42 inch LCD HDTV, sold from BuyDig.com as well.  It is on sale for $899 with free shipping, The suggested retail price is $1,399 so you are saving quite a bit of money if you are looking for a new HDTV.  The 1080p HDTV sports a 2.4ms response time, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 4 HDMI outputs, and it automatically adjusts to certain lighting conditions to provide the best view of the picture. 

That’s all the deals we have for this weekend, please visit again next week for more deals on all things electronics. 

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new video format, maybe a few months or so.  It looks like today we’re seeing yet another new video format, the iFrame.  Developed by Apple, the iFrame is first included in today’s iMovie update for Mac OS X, though it is compatible with both Macs and PCs.  Of course, what use is a format with nothing that actually uses it?  To answer that, Sanyo comes in.

Sanyo today debuted two new Dual Cameras that record in the new iFrame.  The new format is supposed to allow for easier importing to a computer, easy editing and sharing.  The cameras themselves are pretty standard.  Both can shoot 8-megapixel photos and full 1080p HD video at 60fps.  The iFrame video comes in at 960x540, which isn’t a bad resolution at all.  Other features of the cameras include slow motion playback, high speed recording, and “face chaser” for identifying up to 12 faces in photo/video.  For $500 and $600 they are decent cameras overall.

New video formats are always bit iffy, with so many other ones already being used.  However, with the iFrame being developed Apple, and now with Sanyo onboard with it, there might be something there.  The resolution should provide for good quality video.  With small files sizes, and much easier importing, it could prove to be popular over time.  The quiet release seems a bit strange and something that would usually be made at an Apple event of some sort.  Either way, once more applications adapt the new format, if they do, we can see just how well it will do in the long term.

Read [PR Newswire]
Read [CNet News]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Monsoon Multimedia has just given iPhone and iPod touch users a new way to watch live television while on the go.  The recently released app is simply called the HAVA Player and will work in conjunction with your existing HAVA setup.  In terms of iPhone and iPod touch compatibility, you will need OS 2.2.1 or later.

Assuming you already have a HAVA set-top box in your home, the iPhone app will run you an additional $9.99 and in turn allow you to watch and control your television from anywhere.  The app will give you full control over your home set-top box which includes the ability to watch live television as well as schedule or watch previously recorded DVR content.

Additionally, the app also features a “Favs” section which will allow you to set your favorite channels to make navigation easier on the smaller screen.

For those interested in watching television from your iPhone that do not have a HAVA set-top box at home, currently there are four units to choose from ranging in price from $149.99 up to $249.99.

Read [MyHAVA.com] Download [HAVA Player (App Store link)]

Keep reading to check out the full press release…

Monsoon Multimedia Announces Availability of HAVA Mobile Player for iPhone

Watch and Control Your Live TV From Anywhere on the iPhone and iPod Touch

SAN MATEO, CALIF. - October 14, 2009 - Monsoon Multimedia today announced the availability of the HAVA Mobile Player application for iPhone and iPod Touch users. The HAVA Mobile Player app allows HAVA customers to view and control their home television service, including cable, satellite and TiVo, from anywhere in the world on their iPhone.

The HAVA Mobile Player for iPhone was designed for seamless integration with Apple’s unique smartphone allowing viewers to control their home television service (whether it’s cable or satellite, receiver or DVR, standard or high definition) via the touch screen interface.

“Monsoon’s HAVA line of video streaming, place- and time-shifting devices give consumers more options when choosing how, when and where they view their home video and TV content,” said Colin Stiles, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Monsoon Multimedia. “Our support for iPhone and iPod Touch gives HAVA customers the ability to watch any of their 300+ TV channels, their favorite football team on game day or their local news in very high quality, regardless of their location, wherever WiFi is available.”

The iPhone version of the HAVA Mobile Player is optimized software for the video-streaming application that Monsoon also provides for PCs, Netbooks and other mobile devices. HAVA is a standalone device that does not require a dedicated or connected PC/Mac in the home to enable the iPhone or other portable devices when watching your TV over the Internet. In addition to place shifting video to PC or smartphones, Monsoon’s HAVA features unique DVR capability that allow users to initiate a recording to their PC or attached storage, or pause, rewind or fast forward their live TV.

HAVA for iPhone:
High quality video playback
Remote access to HAVA device
Enables full remote control and channel changing capabilities of any TV source such as Cable, Satellite, DVD or TiVo
Browse program guides for schedules, series and episode descriptions (based on availability from service provider)
“Favorites” feature allows users to label favorite channels
Supports iPhone and iPod Touch with OS 2.2.1 or higher

Pricing and Availability
The Monsoon HAVA Player for the iPhone and iPod Touch is now available as a direct download at iPhone App Store for $9.99. The HAVA product line is available from Monsoon at www.myhava.com and through select retailers and retailers nationwide.

About Monsoon Multimedia
Monsoon Multimedia provides advanced, standards-based multimedia products and technologies for the PC, Smartphone and Consumer Electronics industries. Monsoon licenses highly optimized multimedia solutions comprised of applications, drivers, frameworks, middleware and reference designs. Our customers and partners are semiconductor companies, PC manufacturers, MSO’s, software suppliers and consumer electronics companies. Founded by the founders of Dazzle and Emuzed, the company has offices in California, India and Russia.  For more information, please visit www.monsoonmultimedia.com.

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Eye-Fi has already launched their Eye-Fi SD cards in America, and on October 19, 2009, they will start selling their unique SD cards in the United Kingdom.  They main difference between generic SD cards and the Eye-Fi units is the fact that the latter has the ability to wirelessly upload images and videos to your computer.  Some models can even upload directly to photo sharing websites, such as Facebook and Flickr. 

There are three different models that will begin selling on October 19: the Eye-Fi Home Video, the Eye-Fi Share Video and the Eye-Fi Pro.  As soon as the camera is within a Wi-Fi network, it can begin uploading pictures to either your computer’s hard drive, or the Internet.  Take a look at the comparison chart below for a quick outline of differences and similarities. 

Basically, the Eye-Fi Home Video can upload photos and videos directly to your computer without the need of a USB connection, however, it cannot upload directly to the Internet.  It will be on sale for 49.99 Euros.  The Eye-Fi Share Video allows for direct upload to your hard drive, but it also allows for direct upload to photo/video sharing websites including Flickr, Facebook, YouTube, Picasa and MobileMe.  Since this model has more capabilities, it will be a little bit more expensive at 69.99 Euros. 

The last model is the Eye-Fi Pro which can do everything already listed for the other SD cards and features lifetime geotagging services, plus the ability to upload RAW images.  It will sell for 119.99 Euros.  All SD cards feature 4GB of storage and are Mac and PC compatible. 

Having the ability to upload images right away (or as soon as a Wi-Fi connection is available) will definitely increase productivity time since you will not have to waste time for images to upload.  I’m sure many British will take advantage of these unique products. 

Read [Eye-Fi]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

The once rumored Qualcomm FLO TV device has recently been officially announced and with that we now have some details in terms of pricing and features.

First things first though, still unannounced was a release date, or even a rough time frame for that matter.  Instead we now know that the FLO TV device will set you back $249.99 and then run $8.99 a month for service.

My first reaction was that this is a little pricey, but given the ease of use and portability, this could be a nice gadget to have when in the car or out running errands with a 2-year old in tow.  Not that I recommend sitting your kids in front of a television, but at times it can be a handy tool, especially when they love Spongebob.

Anyway, feature wise the FLO TV will have a 3.5 inch capacitive touchscreen display, built-in stereo speakers and be able to offer users up to 5 hours of television viewing time from a single battery charge.  Overall the unit will measure in at 4.4 x 3 x 0.5 inches and weigh a little over 5 ounces.

In terms of that content that you will be able to choose from for you $8.99 monthly subscription fee, well the service offers a mix of full length episodes as well as clips from networks such as CNBC, Comedy Central, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, NBC News, NBC Sports and the one I would like the most—Nickelodeon.

Of course, the one point that would possibly turn me away is going back to the monthly service fee, while I would say the $9 is pretty fair, it is important to point out that this is a subscription.  In other words you will have to agree to a 3-year commitment.

Read [FLO TV News]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Crack.  Snort it, lick it, heat it and smoke it; whatever their doing, the following companies seem to have had too much.  Local hospitals are on alert.  The police force is notified.  Let’s take a look at who looks to be on the rock this week:

Table the Tablets

Every blogger that says 2010 is the year of the tablet, take one step closer to rehab.  Yes, Brian Chen, I am looking at you.  2010 may be the year some of these dream machines finally get stateside but it will be far from everyone’s favorite.  The answer is as easy as q-w-e-r-t-y.

Typing on your touchscreen smartphone is pretty easy, right?  Sure it is, you tap away with your thumbs at blazing speeds.  Now imagine your shiny new lust-worthy tablet is between your hands; now start typing.  Whoa!  Hold up there cowboy.  OK fine you say, I’ll just put the tablet down on my table and type.  But then you can’t see the screen anymore, and lap typing?  The only thing going on my lap is dancing, thank you very much.

Microsoft is ready to hit the buzzer at this point with their Courier videos.  “Stylus, stylus” they shout.  BZZZP.  No, sorry thank you for playing.  I don’t see us all going back in time to learn PDA Graffiti, do you? 

So were are stuck without a decent way to input text and without it, these dream machines will be more of a punch line at a party in six months.

The revenge of Windows Mobile

Proving that the geniuses in Redmond have more lives than a cat, their new preview of Windows 6.5 dropping soon looks pretty darn good.  I’d written them off but just like Motorola, they seem to have something going.  Our Editor-about-town got a hands on with the new OS and came away surprised.

Love the new look of Windows Mobile?  Thank Apple.  Competition rules, look it up.

Walmart hates Zune HD - wants you to too

This is my favorite story of the week.  I found working units of Apple iPods alongside bricked Zune HDs in my local Walmart.  WTF?  Who’s idea of a fair fight is this?  And that is just it: it isn’t a fair fight but I still am unsure who is rigging it.  Walmart?  Apple?  MS?  Who’s the culprit here?  Who is complicit?

I don’t like the smell of this and plan on finding out.

iPhone exclusivity ends

Hot dog!  Wait, oh what’s that?  Not in the US?  Bummer.

Seems Apple didn’t renew or didn’t chain themselves to a carrier long term overseas and are opening up the field.  Sweet, for them.

Meanwhile, back in the US, where the iPhone is still the rock star, bloggers question whether the iPhone is hurting AT&Ts image.  How much longer will iPhone fans have to endure the antics of AT&T instead of their prefered carrier?  Only Apple, AT&T and I guess the FCC know for sure.  Yep, the FCC is still considering doing something about exclusive phones on carriers.  And you can bet that fight is all about the iPhone, now the Verizon Razzle.

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

It strikes me as a little funny that people are getting so excited about a little portable television with a 4-inch display.  After all this is just a small dedicated device for the FLO TV service, which has been available on select AT&T and Verizon cellphones for a while now and never seemed to gain any attention.  Why is it that a dedicated device is getting such attention?

Anyway, the latest, and yes I realize that I am just adding to the rumor mill, comes in for form of another spy shot.  The latest image shows off what appears to be the final packaging for the hopefully soon-to-be-released FLO TV Personal Television.

Bottom line, the box looks real, and I suppose it is a nice follow up to the originally leaked concept art and previous spy shot.

However, my question goes back to why people are getting so excited, are people actually going to be willing to make a purchase?  Personally, and depending on the cost I would consider it, but then again I have two young kids who at times could use a distraction in the form of entertainment in the car.

Via [Gizmodo]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

I finally got around to checking out the Zune HD yesterday.  Like everyone else, I hit up my local Walmart’s newly refurbished electronic area; no special press access for me, thanks.  I like to think of it not as a snub from MS, but more along the lines that Ballmer and Co get me: I want to experience the device like a consumer would.

I found the new electronics department really nice.  I was drawn into the iPod area, took quick video on the new iPod nano, gawked at how impossibly thin they keep making the iPod touch and then saw the Zune HD.  There it sat waiting to be loved.

Physically, the player is a 10/10.  Great looks, great feel, a perfect size.  This thing is gorgeous.  But that is all I can tell you about the player thanks to the units not being powered.  Instead images were placed on their screens and would-be users can’t interact with the device.  Who wants to play with a brick?

Contrast that to the iPod where I figured out how to take video in all of 3 seconds or even the (IMO) crappy other players that littered the display next to the Zune.  How can consumers make a choice if someone was too cheap to make the units usable?  I have to assume this was Wal-Mart’s doing as they tend to script everything in their stores.

So without seeing the OLED screen, how the UI works (I can relate to older Zune models, but can consumers?), or getting the feel for the overall device, how can I choose anything besides the Apple products?  You would have to be a loyal Zunista to make an informed decision and we know that Microsoft can’t rely on that to keep the division going.

So what’s the deal?  Why does Walmart show non-working devices?  Did Microsoft look to cut some costs here?  Is it a conspiracy by Apple?  I’ve no idea, but tell us this: is your local Walmart showing off working Zunes?  Let us know in the comments and we’ll try to piece this one together.

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Getting back to the FLO TV device that we have been hearing about lately, we now have what appears to be a leaked image.  And holding true to the unofficial leaked image rule, this is far from the best of pictures. 

Anyway, according to the rumor, the FLO TV device is being made by Qualcomm, although we were previously told Audiovox and offer features such as 4GB of internal storage, a capacitive touchscreen and built-in stereo speakers.

Now in regards to the image, despite the previous rumors that claimed the device would be “iPhone-sized” this particular shot makes it look really tiny.  Of course, that also may be a really large coffee cup that it is sitting next to.  Not to mention, maybe someone should have moved that off the edge of the table just a little bit.

Unfortunately, while leaked images are always fun, they generally do not offer us anything new which means we still have no real idea of the official specs, pricing or a release date.

Via [BGR]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Welcome back to InterrupTech where we catch you up on the most important tech stories.  This week there’s plenty to cover:

• HP’s new Envy13 and Envy15 are here.
• HP’s not-a-tablet HP DreamScreen.
• All HP news at Gadgetell.com.
• Kindle book outsells hardcover.
• Facebook tops 300 million users and will be profitable soon.
• Microsoft drops the ball on the Zune again.
• Android gaining some steam in the tech world.

The best part about the show?  Topics move quickly, but if you don’t like a topic, just skip it.  Keep an eye on that timer to help you along.  Enjoy the show.

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

At Intel’s Developer Forum, companies Point Grey and Fresco Logic are showing off the world’s first USB 3.0 streaming HD video camera.  The unit streams 1920 x 1080 video at 60 frames per second and streams uncompressed from the Point Grey camera to the Fresco Logic controller.  Clearly, USB 3.0 is fast.

“We are very excited to partner with Fresco Logic and be able to visually demonstrate the bandwidth offered by USB 3.0,” says Vlad Tucakov, Director of Sales and Marketing at Point Grey. “One of the potential benefits of the increased bandwidth of USB 3.0 is that it allows the main processor to handle compression. This means that different types of compression can be used for different applications and that some applications, like face recognition, can work on uncompressed video data for increased performance. We certainly see USB 3.0 as a key interface technology for machine and computer vision, and one we plan to integrate into future Point Grey imaging products.”

Allowing applications to pick and choose what definition video is required for processing is a big step forward and would open up things like power saving, faster performance, and better processing.  Video is one category that is sure to benefit from the autobahn-like speeds of USB 3.0, but not the only.

Any portable storage device that connects via USB can take advantage of the higher speeds.  Even things like iPhones could see a huge boost in sync times (you know, if Apple figures out the quirks behind iPod back up and the other hiccups in syncing).  The act of connecting a device and walking away while it syncs could soon be a thing of the past.

Company site: [Point Grey]

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

FLO TV aims to bring television to more places like your phone and your car.  Sure, there are ways to get prerecorded programming on a portable device, but this is live television.  FLO TV partnered up with Audiovox to bring live TV to the automobile.  Gadgetell got to take a look at the FLO TV interface on both a phone and in the car; you can, too, if you watch the video. 

The interface was quite snappy and very familiar if you’ve ever used a modern channel guide on cable or satellite.  Television programming continues to play in the upper right corner as you call up a channel guide.  You also have the option of flipping through channels normally.  For the automobile version there are both wired and wireless remotes, although they did not have any of the wireless variety on hand.  There was approximately a 1-2 second delay between changing channels, but nothing out of the ordinary when compared to cable television.  Playback was smooth and not choppy.  FLO TV video is best suited to the small screen as it is relatively low resolution.  A representative for FLO TV said that they aim to supplement cable and satellite, not replace them. 

Company Site: [FLO TV]

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Welcome to this week’s Who’s on Crack where we delve into what appears to be narcotic-induced moves in the tech world.  This week, we’ll get as far as looking up info on a facility upstate for:

• Zune HD launches without an app store
• Look at Bing
• NYT wants into your computer
• iPhone accessories must stop

Microsoft decides it can’t compete with iPod, so it doesn’t

With all those “there’s an app for that” commercials that Apple seems to run around the clock, we would have to assume MS doesn’t watch TV.  MS launched the new Zune HD to almost no fanfare this week.  Interestingly, the new Zune HD isn’t going to be focused on apps.  It is focused on the music, dude.

Really?  And then your response is “Well, that’s not my job, that’s what the Windows Mobile is doing.”  Really, MS?  Can the Zune run Windows Mobile apps?  Did you not say this as you wouldn’t want it to seem like Windows Mobile team is dragging their feet in getting this deal together?  Then why launch now?

Even if you disagree that the rock is flowing up in Redmond consider this: the Zune HD doesn’t display video in HD.  It’s called that for HD radio.  You know, the super-awesome feature that features music ID.  The bonehead station near me displays “Everlong - Foo Fighters” for the next hour, no matter who is playing.  Genius.  And my dial up connect is broadband (there is a rubber band on my modem that has a picture of Betty Boop, ergo a “broad band”).  How do these ideas make it out of the Men’s room?

Bing goes visual

Awesome.  Forget text with its precise keywords and such, images are worth a thousand words, right?  Well, not so much when it comes to search engines as Bing launched its new visual search this week.  Our Shawn Ingram explains: “the idea of visual search is that users, when searching for terms, rather than seeing lines of text will see images of what they’re searching for.  Those images can then be sorted to refine the search.  For example, searching HDTVs will show images of all different HDTVs, while on the sidebar there are options to limit the search by brand, price, size, resolution, etc.”

Hmm.  OK, so in searching for a HDTV, the first step is to show me some pictures of black rectangles?  Fantastic help, Bing-o!  That is why you are beating the pants off Google, your black rectangle concept is the new black.  How did Google miss this?  Oh, wait, they didn’t; they’ve had this for sometime.  What?  The Bing layout is pretty much a copy of the Google layout?  I am sure that won’t help them confuse the experience with Google.  Hold up, how is Bing even still alive at this point?  What’s next week, the intro of BMail? Bdocs?  Bing Maps?  Come on, we are not fooled.

NYT hosts malicious ads

It used to be you had be hanging out in all the bad places on the net to get some malicious stuff on your computer.  Not so much anymore, in fact, places like the New York Times have become the latest victim of serving up poisoned ads.  Our Sue Walsh had this to say,

It is not yet clear how the malicious ads ended up on the site, but it’s likely it was either unwittingly served by one of the ad networks the Times uses (it’s a fairly common scammer technique to pose as a legit advertiser, join an ad network and then poison it with a rogue ad which it will then serve to all the other sites in its network.).  Aside from the warning it posted, the Times had had no comment about the matter.

As if the newspaper didn’t have enough trouble or was this more?  Was this a way for the newspaper to try to find a new income source?  I mean, if subscribers are not paying the bill, advertising fell out of the bottom, pay walls are not working, have not we driven them to trying to get paid by spammers and scareware folks?  I am not saying NYT was on the take from these guys, but really, what other way to make money do they have?  Color me unsurprised.

iPhone accessorie ad infinitum

Today in my mailbox came a press release about a pink stylus for the iPhone.  Wrong freakin’ guy to send this too.  I’ll assume it’s pink for the ladies, because as geeks, we’ve no idea how to cater to women, except to color it pink.  Awesome, but it gets better.

Stylus?  We all left Windows Mobile, so enough with the stylus.  It was cool back in the late 90s but today, it is just silly.  Yes, there are folks out there (not just women, thank you very much) who have long fingernails and the iPhone’s capacitive screen presents some challenges.  But much like the cocaine craze of the late 80s (thank you, Don Johnson), you trim a nail for this purpose and move on with life.  You don’t go sourcing a stylus to solve this.

Then there is this story over at Appletell, which I read all the time, about a keyboard that slips over the iPhone so you can have tactile buttons.  Bill Stiteler starts off with: “There are some people who hate the iPhone’s virtual keyboard: especially those who are more familiar with the Blackberry.” 

My advice for those folks: Don’t get a frickin’ iPhone!  Can you imagine the fun of sliding your phone in and out of this just to perform basic things on the phone?  It would be enough to justify mental duress.  If you need buttons, get a device with buttons.  Stop giving companies the idea that you’ll buy something like this $30 waste of everyone’s time.  The company surely can make something that addresses a real problem, not the 3.67% of you that want your iPhone to do something different.

Please stop making this stuff, Bill can write about other things, I promise.

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Take a look at the soon-to-be released ViewSonic MovieBook, a personal media player with a MSRP of $149.99 (which probably means around $100 street).  So why talk about this media player over others?  The ViewSonic MovieBook can play lots of video and audio formats at a low price.  Take a look at the list: AVI, FLV, MPA, MOV, PMP, MPG, VOG, DAT, RM/RMVB, H.264 and H.263 and MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, APE, OGG and DTS/AC3.

If you have a video collection on your PC that is encoded in various formats and you don’t feel like re-encoding everything, the ViewSonic MovieBook starts to look a lot more interesting.  ViewSonic does not make you install any software to add files as that is done by drag and drop.  Also, if you’re having a hard time justifying the cost of an external battery pack for your super-cell phone, maybe carrying another PMP is the solution?

Apart from movies, the device can play music and display photos on its 4.3-inch screen at a resolution of 800 x 480.  The MovieBook also has a HD out and can display 720p video using component video cables.  There is even a remote control included so you can control the MovieBook from afar.  This version of the MovieBook does not have a touch screen, but ViewSonic is looking to bring that feature to a later version in the future. 

There is 8GB of internal storage which is expandable using the Micro SD port.  Battery life is expected to be at around five hours for video and six hours for audio.  The MovieBook will come in three colors: pink, white, and black. 

The interface is very similar to the Sony cross-navigation on the PSP and PS3.  The layout of the interface was clear, although a redesign of the hard buttons could help the navigation.  Video looked good on that 4.3-inch screen and the player was surprisingly light.  It weighs about the same as a BlackBerry at around 10 ounces (300 grams).  If this device becomes available at a $99 price point, it might do very well.

Company Site: [ViewSonic]

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Vuzix just recently introduced its Wrap line of wearable displays.  The Wrap 310 is supposed to float a 16:9 55-inch screen in front of your eyes at a resolution of 428 x 240.  The biggest difference between the Wrap and other models from Vuzix is the styling.  These glasses look more like sunglasses than a futuristic visor.  The Wrap can accept any regular headphones and also has a cable that leads to a remote control.  That remote control has an input for video adapters for things like the iPod.  Expect a Zune adapter if there’s a demand.  There is also a VGA adapter so you can hook up the Vuzix to your laptop and veg out.  The device runs on 2 AA batteries and the claimed battery life is 6-7 hours.  It ships out in October and will cost $249.95.

I got to test out the Vuzix Wrap 310 for a little while.  The styling is an improvement and I could see how people would like this better than the visor.  The Vuzix was getting video from an iPod touch (first generation).  The glasses slipped over my prescription glasses easily.  The display was bright and large.  It’s definitely a watchable image if you can get past the screen door effect.  Since the remote accepts adapters for video inputs, it ought to be relatively future proof.  Perhaps we’ll see a component video version soon. 

Product Page: [Vuzix Wrap 310]

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Here comes the Magellan RoadMate 1700, the 7-inch touch screen WVGA GPS device.  With that giant touch screen, you’ll get Roadside Assistance, AAA TourBook, and maps of Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States.  The RoadMate also has a video-in jack so you can connect whatever device you would like to the large 7-inch screen.  For $299, you get the RoadMate 1700, car adapter, windshield mounting hardware, and a carrying pouch.  It’s not a bad deal, but is something of this size even necessary when you are driving?  Don’t most people just listen to their GPS devices directions? 

Read: [Press Release]

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

While Microsoft is busy releasing the Zune HD today, Archos also pushed out its Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet on Amazon.com.  It might not be the redemption of a formerly flailing brand, though it is possibly a bit more interesting that the Zune HD.  While the Zune HD is being pushed as a major iPod competitor, the Archos 5 is being pushed as an Internet tablet that also has a wide range of media capabilities.

The Archos 5 is an interesting device in that it packs GPS and 3.5G HSDPA support into what could be used predominantly as a media player of Internet tablet.  It runs on Android, though it can only use a small number of Android apps - that list does include popular apps such as Twidroid, Craigsphone, and eBuddy.  What really shines on the Archos 5, however, is the sheer number of codecs supported.  Unless you have a media file that’s wrapped in DRM from Apple, Microsoft, or other places that at one point used DRM, chances are it will work on the Archos 5.  It can play back H.264 HD, MPEG-4 HD, MPEG-47, Flac, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, MP3, and numerous others.  With the DVR Station the Archos 5 can record your favorite shows, output HD video to your HDTV, or even stream content to your PC.

The Archos 5, with all its features, despite being a bit larger than the Zune HD and iPod touch looks to outdo both devices easily.  It can handle many more codecs, and is not restricted to proprietary software of any kind.  It comes with either flash memory or hard-drive based options ranging from 8 GB to 500 GB (with the flash versions supporting microSD cards for expanded storage).  Heck, it even has a stand built in for when you want to set it down and watch the video.  With a price starting at $249.99, it could hopefully be the media player of choice for some.  It’s a great example of just what Android can do, and looks to be a great device.

Read [Archos]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Today, the Zune HD launched to very little fanfare.  Early in, Twitter was abuzz with talk of problems getting the thing to work out of the box.  This player was supposed to be the best Microsoft’s Zune unit could bring out and early pics on talk was that it could best the legendary iPod touch.

Today, the headlines are full of the exact opposite.  Things like:
“Microsoft Zune Team Launches Latest Exercise in Futility”
Microsoft Zune HD: Cool, but no iPod killer
Zune HD launches today with app strategy as scattered as ever

Even tech-man Joshua Topolsky of Engadget tweeted, “sort of wowed by the pure trouble of getting this Zune HD working properly. Poorly played.”  What is going on?

One of the biggest surprises is the lack of an app store.  MS is working with developers on specific titles that they’ll offer to Zune users for free.  But as for an application market, the company line is that is something the Mobiles Window team is working on and we don’t want to duplicate efforts.  Yes, because having a successful app store would be a total waste of time.  Either your device is worth the investment in an app store or it isn’t.  The Zune team seems to think they can sidestep the Apple App Store success by not competing with it.

The device already has had its guts displayed for all to see over at anythingbutipod.com.  According to that site, written inside the device is “for our princess”.  The site explains: “For those wondering why the inside cover says “for our princess”, one of the Zune team members passed away during the development so they decided to dedicate this device to her. A very cool memorial. ”  Otherwise the guts are small.

Maybe all those folks that thought the Zune HD would burst on the scene had their attention diverted by a little French wonder from ARCHOS.  Also available today, the ARCHOS 5 Android MID launched via Amazon.com.  The device runs on Google’s Android OS and is music, GPS, internet and lots more all in one.  This one is a bit thicker than similar devices from Apple and Microsoft but worthy of a look, none the less.  Check out PC World’s first look here.

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Welcome back to InterrupTech where we catch you up on the most important tech stories.  This week there’s plenty to cover:

• Apple updates nano, adds camera
• iTunes 9 drops with new features
• Palm Pixi announced and Pre price drop
• Moto adopts Android
• Sprint says call anyone, it’s on us.
• AT&T says call any 5 people.

The best part about the show?  Topics move quickly, but if you don’t like a topic, just skip it.  Keep an eye on that timer to help you along.  Enjoy the show.

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Greetings, crackheads!  Time for another round of everybody’s favorite game: (shout it with me) Who’s on Crack.  Since we last spoke, more and more companies are showing they might be on the rock by taking some rather unusual steps.  Let’s dig right in:

• Apple makes a mistake (gasp)
• Sprint speedballs into loving everyone
• Ms. Wood calls me out for mocking Walmart shoppers
• The iTunes versus Palm Pre saga continues.  Dad is going to get on the phone soon.

Apple trips up iPods

This whole time, maybe it was Steve Jobs’ liver that drove him to make the right decisions?  Now that Jobs has had a transplant, Apple is no longer at the top of their game.  Their choice to leave off a camera is going to hurt iPod touch sales.

If we can agree that many iPod sales are upgraders, Apple’s decision to leave off the camera is going to hurt them.  By believing touch sales would hurt iPhone sales, the camera got left off of Wednesday’s announcement.  A lower model got the nod with the iPod nano receiving the camera.  Now many iPod touch users that would have run out to buy the next thing Steve sells, just aren’t.

Take Charlie Sorrel over at Wired’s Gadget Lab: “If Apple had piled the features onto the Touch, the decision would be made, and Apple would have $400 of my money. As it is, I think I’ll wait.”  That sentiment is echoed all over the net.  Whoops.

Sprint goes off wagon, gets delusions of grandeur

Sprint’s made a bold move to allow their most favored customers (the ones paying the most, of course) the privilege of calling any mobile number at any time for gratis.  Take that Fav Five.  Suck it A-List.  Sit on it, Friends and Family.  Sprint is going for the jugular. 

Imagine the meeting this came up in: 4:30PM on a Friday.  Jimmy is two beers in when his boss asks, “So if you ran the company, what would you do differently?”  Jimmy looks up at his peers, feeling the beer prop up his self worth and says with a half-smile, “Do what they are afraid of.”  Beer or crack - you decide.

The move goes so far as put Sprint back in the hunt.  Even more impressive, Sprint is throwing this at current customers for free, automatically.  Will Sprint force Verizon or AT&T to expand their offerings or will they let Sprint go this one alone and see what damage they can do.  As it stands now, Sprint looks more and more tempting.

People watching on the net

I love nothing more than to sit and watch people all day long.  Strike that, I like to sit and make fun of people all day long.  Now, the net helps my addiction and make it a little creepy - I don’t have to leave home to do it.

Thanks to sites like People of Walmart.  Our Heather Wood explains, “When you log on the site, you get the pleasure of seeing a collection of photos of real life Walmart shoppers.  Some examples?  An overweight woman in a motorized scooter with an ‘I Like It From Behind’ t-shirt, a car in the parking lot with Confederate bra decals, and a guy dressed up as Tony the Tiger roaming the aisles.”

The result: I just lost a half hour giggling at the site.  Combine this with Lamebook and you’ve got a fun lunch break.  Points to Heather for correctly pegging my humor: grade school.

iTunes kicks Palm to the curb, again.

There was this girl in high school I had a crush on.  I found her phone number and proceeded to call her.  After deciding she wanted nothing to do with me, she wouldn’t take my calls.  So I pretended to be someone else from class, that worked once. 

That anecdote pretty much sums up the Apple/Palm relationship so far regarding the Pre syncing with iTunes.  iTunes 9 again hangs up on Palm so what is next?

Well, back to my story, the next time I called, her dad got on the phone and suggested I find a better way to spend my time.  So, will we soon hear about Mr. Jobs picking up the phone and telling Palm to go take a hike?  Or will the role of “Dad” be played by the Apple legal team? 

After all, I didn’t call her back again after that.

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

So you’ve narrowed your choices down to the iPod nano, the Zune HD, and the iPod touch, but you have no idea which one to get.  Gadgetell has you covered.  We’ve got a flow chart to help make your decision! 

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Today’s iPod refresh tipped Apple’s concerns over cannibalizing iPhone sales via the iPod touch.  Leaving the camera off the touch surprised many and even angered some.  The backside of this move presents this questions to consumers: Do you want a video camera or do you want all the fun you’ve been hearing about the App Store?

The iPod Nano got the video camera while the touch didn’t.  The nano looks like a great little device, but the iPod touch now looks a bit like the forgotten product: no new form factor, no new must have feature (yes, the high-end is 50% faster with more space, but is that must have?).  Customers in the market for an iPod now have to choose which feature is more important to them: Video or App Store.

Putting myself in the customer’s shoes, the choice isn’t an easy one.  Apple has advertised the heck out to the App Store so much that buying a device that can’t use it seems silly.  But the new Nano looks fantastic and having a video camera that small is bound to be interesting.

In theory, if video is the desired feature, iPod touch sales will suffer as demand is shifted to the Nano.  Is Apple saying we don’t want video that much or are they saying want it all? 

Apple’s theme for the event was “it’s only rock and roll but I like it” but should have been perhaps: impossible choices.  Interesting move, Apple.  What is your take, did Apple make an error in not giving the touch a camera?

Read [Appletell]

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The Apple event has come and gone and for the most part, we’re looking at evolutionary changes, not revolutionary ones.  The iPod nanos got the most new features with the addition of a video camera capable of recording VGA video, a microphone, FM radio, and a pedometer.  With the radio and pedometer, the iPod nano becomes even more workout friendly. 

The other iPods like the touch and the classic can handle more music and video thanks to larger capacities, but they did not see any external redesigns.  Apple is pushing the iPod touch as a gaming machine and dropped the price on the smallest capacity one to $199.  A new 64GB model was introduced at $399.  The pricing change looks to be to compete with Microsoft’s forthcoming Zune HD. 

iTunes got some new features that helps families with iTunes 9—it’s a lot easier to share and copy music between computers.  Apple also came out with “iTunes LPs” that are kind of a throwback—you’ve got photos, notes, and music.  For videos, there is “iTunes Extras” which gives you extra features, kind of like DVD special features on your downloaded video. 

iTunes 9 also brings app management for the iPhone and iPod touch so you can organize your apps on your computer instead of your touch screen device.  The Apple touch devices got some new features in software with the iPhone OS 3.1 which includes Genius for apps so now your phone can suggest apps the way the Genius feature could recommend music.  The biggest news might be that Steve Jobs returned to give the presentation. 

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Welcome back to InterrupTech where we catch you up on the most important tech stories. This week there’s plenty to cover:

• Take Two pays out $20M for Hot Coffee
• Apple announced event for 09/09/09
• Gmail fails for 100 minutes, millions confused
• eBay sells majority share of Skype
• Opera 10 Released
• There can be only one Zune
• WinMo 6.5 coming October 6th
• NYU starts “Guitar Hero” themed course

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Photo from CruchGear

Samsung has already put DivX on its televisions and now Samsung’s just introduced its R1, a personal media player that can play DivX video.  The screen is a bit on the small side at 2.6-inches, so it probably is not the best for longer watching experiences.  The R1 comes in two capacities, 8 or 16GB.  From first hand knowledge, DivX video packs great quality into small file sizes, so you ought to be able to pack more videos into those R1s than if you used other codecs.  The device is already available in Europe and Russia. 

Read: [Press Release]

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Today, Creative announced a new PMP that is already available for pre-order and is set to be on display at the IFA 2009 event.  Available in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB models, the Zen X-Fi2 is able to store any sized media library, especially considering memory can be expanded via microSD cards. 

In addition, the device boasts a 3-inch TFT LCD touch screen, FLAC support, TV-Out, and superior audio quality using X-Fi technology.  X-Fi technology is used in order to boost sound quality, an achievement Creative loves to claim.  In fact, the X-Fi2 is set to succeed their old PMP, the Creative Zen X-Fi.  There are two X-Fi features within the audio component of the device, X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi Expand.  Basically, the Crystalizer part aims to “restore lost detail, and enhance the digital audio content to amazing clarity.”  X-Fi Expand tries to give the listener a sense of depth because the audio is designed to sound farther away from the ears, while maintaining clarity.  While this is all nice and dandy, superior audio quality can be found in good headphones; you probably won’t notice much of a difference with cheap headphones. 

More than just audio, Creative wanted to revamp the whole device making the overall music and video experience that much better.  A touch screen coupled with a larger display aims to help users view videos and photos with ease.  The ability to watch videos and view photos on a larger screen is practically a must these days, and Creative added TV-Out functionality to the device.  Owners of the original X-Fi device will notice the X-Fi2 to be an overall slimmer device with a much cleaner feel to it claims Creative. 

In terms of supported formats, the Zen X-Fi2 supports MP3, AAC, WMA, Audible 4, and FLAC.  In terms of video file supports, the device can play any video in WMV9, MP4, DivX, and XviD.  The device is available for pre-order immediately at Amazon, Creative.com, or Frys.com.  The suggested retail price is $129.99, $179.99, and $229.99 for the 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB models, respectively. 

Via [Creative Press Release]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

The Zune HD is coming and apparently wants to shove all other Zunes out of the way.  With the impending release of the Zune HD on September 15th, Microsoft has decided that the HD shouldn’t have to share the same stigma of the rest of the Zune line.  The rest of the Zune line is now discontinued to make room for the Zune HD.

The Zune is generally considered to be a failure in its current form, even before this discontinuation.  Sales were never all that great and it failed to take any significant percentage of the MP3 player market from Apple and the iPod.  The move away from the old form factors seems to be the way the direction Apple is going as well.  The iPod classic has all but lost its appeal to the touch and even the nano.  The move makes a lot of sense given that fact, however, it also severely limits the option for those who don’t want a fancy touchscreen on their MP3 player.

Touchscreens, while very nice for allowing more screen area for apps, can be annoying for those who use their players mainly for music.  With a touchscreen there is no way to easily reach into your pocket and pause music or switch a track.  Of course, there’s also the fact that physical buttons mean you’re less likely to get fingerprints on the screen that can become so distracting while watching video.  Sure, the Zune HD looks great and is a product that is actually desirable (unlike the original Zune for most people), but it might not be Microsoft’s greatest move to make it the only option.  Of course, this also means that once the Zune HD is released, those old Zunes will be dirt cheap.

Read [Wired]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

As a frequent traveler, my focus has been to shed as much as I can.  Here are my secrets to traveling light with enough tech to keep even a short attention span tech blogger like me happy.  Maybe you can find something to help you or at the very least, be able to spot me in the airport as I run for my connection.

iPhone/iPod touch

I’ve traveled with both for the past two years.  The first year with the iPod touch made me absolutely hate Wi-Fi paid providers.  These guys suck.  Just give us free Wi-Fi and I won’t be cranky no matter what is wrong with the plane or when they might get around to fixing it.  The past year with the iPhone has made me much more sane, Wi-Fi-wise.

With an app store that is in itself entertaining, finding apps is much like being a hunter.  Find the right keyword and you’ll get lucky.  Otherwise just keep scrolling.  There is something for almost everyone, no matter how small niche you like.  For example, I am yachtsman and a cyclist.  This week, I’ve been using Navionics marine app and Test Rides, a bike fitting app.  Crazy cool stuff.  But games like Deep pinball game, Scrabble, and Spider keep me busy for hours.

iPhone/iPod touch: $99 (plus 2-year contract)/$229 and up (though, with an expected upgrade to the iPod touch next month, hold off just a little bit)

Mophie Juice Pack

Yeah, about that busy for hours bit.  You need help doing that.  My battery life drains faster than a European 1 liter per flush toilet.  One delay and I fear my phone will die before I get to my hotel after the flight.  Enter the Mopie Juice Pack.

This thing is awesome.  It encases your iPhone (or the Juice Pack for the iPod touch) and provides you with instant power.  It will recharge your on board battery back to full.  Plus, you can use the case to charge your phone overnight through the case charging up both the phone and the case so you are ready to do it all again tomorrow.

For those of us that use our iPhone/touch a lot and rely on the applications for fun and business, the Mophie Juice Pack is peace of mind.  The form factor is completely livable.  I don’t feel like I am talking into a brick when on the phone; this is a magical feat all in itself.

Mophie Juice Pack: $79.99

SugarSync

Any file on my computer back in the office is on my iPhone thanks to SugarSync.  I can send the files via a secure link to my clients with a suave iPhone app and the in-the-cloud storage does the rest.  As a bonus, the desktop software automatically syncs my stuff to the cloud so I never have to worry about having the latest docs while I am on the go.  Photos, music, docs, it is all there waiting for me.  I love that.

I reviewed this a while back and just paid up to go another year.

Sugar Sync: $4.99 per month and up.

AT&T Navigator

AT&T Navigator is a must have app for traveling with an iPhone or other compatible phone on the AT&T network.  TeleNav, the brains behind the GPS, also builds navigation applications for other carriers such as Sprint and Verizon.  Forget paying extra for a rental car with GPS or hauling around a stand alone device and cables.  This app can more than do the job.

With its integration with your contact list and healthy list of POIs, Navigator voice guides you to your destination complete with visual instructions.  I’ve been using this application for some time now and it works just as you would imagine or hope.  Easy, clear and precise, the GPS navigation needs only a cell connection to download a map at the beginning of the trip or if you take a wrong turn.  Out of cell service area?  No GPS.

If there’s an airport, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve got cell service.  As a bonus, there’s little chance of you leaving the rental car without your phone, so lost or stolen GPS units become no worry.

AT&T Navigator: $9.99 per month, free application.

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Just recently, a new rumor has surfaced in regards to a mobile television device, or more specifically in regards to a device that Qualcomm is rumored to be making for FLO TV that will be called the FLO TV Personal Television.

For those unfamiliar with the FLO TV service, they offer television on the go and are currently available with both AT&T as well as Verizon Wireless.  As of now, the service is priced at $15 a month, is available on a total of nine devices and offers users around 20 channels of on-the-go entertainment.  It should also be noted that this service provides real television, not silly clips and bits and pieces that just leave you wanting more.

Getting back to the rumor, these details are coming courtesy of gdgt who report that the device will have a capacitive touchscreen display, a user interface that supports swipes and gestures, 4GB of internal storage as well as built-in stereo speakers.  Additionally in terms of battery life, the FLO TV Personal Television device will be able to offer up to 5 hours of video playback, 15 hours of music playback and up to 300 hours on standby.  Finally, the device is expected to be “iPhone-sized.”

Now, keep in mind that was all what the rumor suggests, which was based off the story of a “reliable source.”  Now here is what I can personally offer in terms of potential details.

Just as a coincidence, I was recently approached about setting up a phone meeting with a rep from FLO TV, and yes I took the call.  Overall it was a nice call, it gave me some nice insight on the FLO TV service and I even learned some interesting little facts such as how;

“On average, FLO TV subscribers watch more than 30 minutes per day which is comparable to the average time U.S. cell phone users spend per day talking on their cell phones, according to CTIA’s Semi-Annual Wireless Industry Survey 2008”

But more importantly, I also learned that Audiovox was currently in the process of building a mobile television device for FLO TV, which I suppose could be known as a Personal Television.  The details that I have are pretty light, but I was told that it was going to be designed as a rear seat entertainment device for the car and that it was initially going to be sold as an aftermarket device with hopes that it would later become an optional accessory from the dealer.

Finally, the Audiovox device is set to be launched in the Fall of 2009.  Now for the disclaimer, I am not sure that this rumor that has surfaced from gdgt and the story I heard first hand from a FLO TV rep are indeed the same device, but it does sound pretty close. 

Bottom line, if nothing else we can at least expect to see a rear sear entertainment device from Audiovox and FLO TV become available in the Fall, of course whether or not people are going to buy this will come down to the price, which unfortunately I have no details on.

Read [gdgt]

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In preparation for the expected launch of the new Zune HD, you know - the one bloggers are all excited about, Microsoft is contacting developers of mobile applications.  Those applications that Apple keeps in our face with their marketing are apparently desperately desired by Microsoft, so much so that they are willing to pay developers to convert them to the Zune platform.  If they can’t see the potential to build for the Zune, MS will make it worth their while.

According to Business Week:

One developer of a popular iPhone application for reading Twitter messages says Microsoft recently approached him about re-creating the software to run on Zune, with Microsoft footing the bill for development costs…The programmer declined, but Microsoft’s offer speaks to the company’s legendary persistence at trying to make successes out of products that fail to excite customers the first or second time around.

One has to wonder how much cash MS has available to pay developers to build smash-hit apps for the Zune?  The Zune has sold about 3 million units in its 3-year lifespan.  The iPod by contrast sold 10.2 million between March and June of this year.  Ouch.

Then you’ve got to wonder about why this developer declined?  Too much business?  Kids at home they have to tend to?  A loathing of Zune and a strong desire not to be associated with anything Zune related?  Anything is possible.

So to you developers out there: has MS come knocking with a fat wallet for you?  If not, would you develop for them?  Let us know in the comments.

Read: [Busieness Week]

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In the age of announcing apps before they are approved, Microsoft is holding back on apps for its upcoming Zune HD device that has many of us excited.  The new player was captured over the weekend with an apps entry in the menu.  So far, Microsoft hasn’t said much regarding apps.

“Games came pre-loaded on the current version of the device, but we made a decision to take them out of the firmware update and let people choose what games they want to have for themselves—and it made sense to do this via Marketplace,” a representative told CNET News. “As before, games are free; the only difference is that people get to choose. Right now, we don’t have anything further to say regarding Apps functionality beyond what we’ve already shared.”

Perhaps Microsoft is holding back for a big reveal at product launch so the new features in the device, new apps, and that new device smell get our reality sensors all out of whack so we forget to compare and contrast with other devices?  This points to a small, by comparison, number of app titles and wishes to stop that from becoming the buzz before launch.  Not a bad move, but the apps would have to be better than say iPhone apps, not just “me too” attempts.

The app trend we are seeing today will be tough to buck.  Microsoft’s Windows Mobile team has emphasized quality over quantity and charging a higher price for quality apps as a means to differentiate their products, this could be a theme floating around Microsoft HQ and will likely extend to the Zune platform (assuming they are different?).  Can you imagine the new Microsoft TV ads?

PC: I am beat, wanna go for a beer?
Mac: Drinking beer?  There’s a crappy app for that!
PC: (smacks head)
Mac: Self mutilation? There’s a crappy app for that!
PC: Sigh (shakes head)
Mac: Bobble head?  There’s a crappy app for that!

Of course, that is just my take.  I am sure the smarter folks at MS will have Seinfeld and Gates discussing footwear again.

Read [CNET]

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Mobile television so far has not really gone widespread here in the US, but that does not mean there is not a good option for watching your favorite shows while on the go.  Currently, both AT&T and Verizon Wireless have the option (with select handsets) to use the FLO TV mobile service which allows you to watch live television on the go.  And yes, FLO TV offers full-length programming—not just bits and pieces of previously recorded shows.

FLO TV has recently partnered with Rentrak and are going to launch the “first comprehensive audience measurement and reporting system for multicast mobile TV in the US.”  That may be the official statement, but think in terms of the Nielsen rating system but for mobile television.

According to the press release, this partnership is going to “deliver reporting that will serve as the currency for advertising sales on FLO TV and provide deeper insights into FLO TV audience viewing patterns while not divulging any individual subscriber’s personal information.”  What that means to you the end user, initially most likely nothing, but thinking a little more long term, this should serve to help mobile television grow and in turn become a nicer option for us here in the US.  And by nicer option I mean more available live content to choose from as opposed to watching pre-recorded content or little clips that just leave you wanting more.

As of now, this partnership is noted as being in the “integration phase” and that both Rentrak and FLO TV are planning to share the data sometime later in 2009.  If nothing else, it should be interesting to see what happens with the future of mobile television because in theory this data should help to attract advertisers and in turn increase awareness and hopefully attract more customers.

I like the option of having a mobile television service, but without question, the device support needs to increase.

Read [Qualcomm]  Via [MobileCrunch]

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Most Chinese PMPs contain the same features, just branded under different names and manufacturers.  However, the Chinese manufacturer, Yinlips, has created a PMP, dubbed the Projector PMP, that is different than others in the sense that it can project images and videos up to 80 inches, or so they claim. 

Basically, the device can take any videos and DVD quality video and project them to any flat screen or surface measuring at least 80 inches.  A unique feature not often seen in devices, possibly due to high costs and impracticability.  However, if the quality of a projected video is high, I think users would definitely consider watching projected videos instead of watching videos on its 3.5 inch screen.  In addition, it comes with support for 64 bit games and includes a infrared remote control.  Unfortunately, no word on hard drive storage, touch screen, FM radio, pricing, colors, or availability.  Expect this device to only stay in the Chinese market, and hopefully we can get some more details soon on this innovative PMP. 

Read [Cloned in China]

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Canon today is adding a new flagship camcorder to its line-up.  As with any other Canon camcorder in recent memory, the VIXIA HF S11 specializes in HD video for recording every possible detail.  As is usual for Canon, it’s not just putting out the VIXIA HF S11 as an update of last year’s model with just a small amount of improvements.  The S11 looks to add a number of new features.

Possibly the most impressive feature is the inclusion of 64GB of flash memory in the camcorder, which Canon says will be able to store up to 24 hours of video before you even need to think about an extra SDHC card.  Canon is also helping you to avoid shaky cam by adding what it calls its Dynamic SuperRange OIS system which is designed to eliminate shake through “continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range.”  There’s also a feature for creating easy montage videos with Advanced Video Snapshot Mode which records quick four second clips, making highlight videos much easy then selecting short clips from longer ones and more interesting than just a series of photographs.

As far as specs go, the VIXIA HF S11 touts an 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor, so in addition to HD video it can also should 8.0 MP still images.  Other features include Canon Genuine Face Recognition, Instant Auto focus, and even the ability to shoot in either the cinema standard 24 frames per second, or the Progressive Mode’s 30 fps.  The camcorder will also be shipping alongside the RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter, which allows the VIXIA HF S11 to use either Canon remotes or third-party remotes when using a tripod.

The VIXIA HF S11 look to be a standout camcorder when it’s released in Mid-September, right in line for the holiday buying season.  The RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter will be selling for $149, while the VIXIA HF S11 has an estimated retail price of $1,499.

Read [Canon]

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