Playstation Home to provide venue for vitual events

Posted May 31, 2008 at 09:45 PM by NEWS

Section:

FROM GAMERTELL - Very soon you might be shuttling between a Playboy party and a Roberto Cavalli fashion show using Playstation Media and Events Space, a venue for virtual events within Sony’s upcoming Home initiative. MORE »

Motorola phone with 5-megapixel Kodak camera surfaces

Posted May 31, 2008 at 08:31 PM by Indraneel Purohit

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Mobile, Imaging, Digital Cameras

Pictures of a new Motorola slider phone have surfaced.  The phone, reportedly named the ZN5, sports a monster Kodak-branded 5 megapixel camera.  However, in a forehead slapping moment, the camera does not have autofocus.

Other specs include the phone’s ability to run on quad-band, however the data speeds are limited to EDGE (again, come on Motorola!).  The ZN5 runs on the MOTOMAGX platform, which is Linux-based.  The phone also has Bluetooth built in, along with 100MB of internal space plus a MicroSD slot.  The touch wheel used for navigation also doubles as a 5-way directional pad.

Via [IntoMobile]

RCA releases three Small Wonder budget handycams

Posted May 31, 2008 at 05:59 PM by Arnold Zafra

Section: Video, Imaging, Camcorders

Do you have more room for another one of ‘em budget handycams? Adding to our choices of small and compact budget cams are not not just one but three models from RCA’s Small Wonder video camera product line. All three RCA handycams are not only packed with good features but more importantly they come in affordable prices as well, with two of them retailing for under a $100.

First up we have the EZ210 or the Small Wonder Traveler. This splash resistant handy cam boast of a 2.4-inch color LCD screen with high-visibility even when on a well-lighted environment at 320x240 resolution. It’s got a 2GB SD card which is good enough for one hour of near-DVD quality video recording. If 2GB is not enough for your needs, you can always upgrade up to 8GB SD card.

Next we have the EZ205 or the Small Wonder Summer with a 1.5-inch flip-out LCD screen for self-recording. This baby is loaded with a 1GB microSD card for a good 30 minutes of recording time if you prefer near-DVD quality or two hours if your recording with the intention of uploading your videos to YouTube and other web-sharing sites. You can also expand this capacity with up to 8GB of microSD card.

And finally we have the EZ200 otherwise known as the Small Wonder MyLife with basically the same features as the EZ205. The only difference is that it only lets you record videos in HQ mode rather than in near-DVD quality.

The RCA EZ210, EZ205 and EZ200 retail for $149.99, $99.99 and $89.99 respectively. All handycams will be available at Amazon just in time for summer.

Read [News.com]

Yahoo launches Messenger 9 Beta

Posted May 31, 2008 at 04:31 PM by Indraneel Purohit

Section: Communications, Email / IM, Computers, Software / Applications

Yahoo’s Messenger software has been around the block a few times, and the new beta version (version 9) of the software adds some new social features.  While the overall look and feel of the app remains very much the same, users can now invite contacts on AOL, Gmail, Orkut, Hotmail, Myspace, and others to connect through to the Yahoo service.  The new beta version will also sport slightly larger emotions, so you can “express yourself with more oomph.” Also present are the ability to play games with your contacts, right inside Yahoo Messenger.  The status bar is split into two sections: one for availability, one for a place to share a link or thought.

The full version for Windows is due out in Q3 of this year, with a Mac version coming later into the year.

Read [Yahoo!] Via [WebWare]

iriver ‘P.ple P10’ PMP, 4-inch touchscreen

Posted May 31, 2008 at 02:04 PM by Mark Pascua

Section: Video, Portable Video, Computers, Mobile Computers, Gadgets / Other, Miscellaneous

Nope that’s not a portable GPS unit. In fact, its the latest portable media player offering from iriver, dubbed the “P.ple P10.” First introduced at CES 2008, the P10 was expected to release Q1 2008, but iriver was a little late in their delivery. Regardless, the company has now officially launched their iPod Touch rival in two forms: The iRiver P10 Standard ($328) and Pro ($398). Spec-wise, both models sport a 600MHz processor running a stripped down version of Windows CE, 4-inch TFT touch screen, 800x480 pixel resolution, e-book reader, and a 33GB hard drive. Both models also support PDF, Word and Excel files, and can playback Flash, MPEG, WMA, XivD, MP3, and WAV file formats. However, the P10 Pro adds an electronic dictionary (in English, Chinese, and Japanese) and a DMB digital TV tuner that’s only usable in Korea (so, I doubt this will make it Stateside).

Interestingly, the device has no physical buttons beyond the power and volume controls. It also utilizes a flash based UI that allows users to rearrange and organize the menu as they desire. But in all honestly, the top horizontal menu sure bares a strong resemblance to the iPod’s own, but being able to customize the main menu screen will surely be a welcomed feature. Now, if we can only get rid of that stylus.

Product [iRiver P10] Via [AVING]

Christmas to Come Early

Posted May 31, 2008 at 12:38 PM by NEWS

Section:

FROM APPLETELL - With all the WDDC rumors flying around Worldwide Developers Conference 2008, it has become tough to keep track of them all.  Here is a list of recent rumors, and details on their credibility. 1.  3G iPhone - Is the Pope Catholic?  I think that it is safe to say that… MORE »

Polaroid ZINK printer officially announced, priced

Posted May 31, 2008 at 10:40 AM by Mark Pascua

Section: Imaging, Accessories, Peripherals, Printers / Scanners

Polaroid has given their ZINK printer a price tag and release date - July 6th at Best Buy and July 20th through Target—both selling it for $149. The pocket-sized product will be marketed as the Poloraid PoGo, which is short for Polaroid-on-the-go. The Polaroid PoGo supports full color printing through cell phones and digital cameras via Bluetooth or USB (PictBridge compatible). The PoGo weighs a measly eight ounces, but don’t let the size fool you. It can print 2x3-inch borderless photos in less than 60 seconds. It’s a shame that Polaroid has quit the instant film market, but if you miss those old school Polaroid cameras, this is as close as you’ll get to sharing your photos instantly.

The Polaroid PoGo uses Zero Ink (ZINK) technology that is actually embedded into a photo paper, called ZINK Photo Paper. The special paper is durable and contains colorless cyan, yellow, and magenta dye crystals. So instead of using traditional ink cartridges to spray color onto the paper, the PoGo printer applies heat onto the ZINK Photo Paper to activate the colorless crystals—generating full colored photos to share instantly. The ZINK Photo Paper will retail for between 33 and 40 cents per print; $3.99 for a pack of 10, and $9.99 for a 30-pack.

Product [The New Instant] Via [Gadget Review]

Nokia’s N96 expected to ship in July

Posted May 31, 2008 at 08:58 AM by Indraneel Purohit

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile

The Nokia N96, is now expected to ship in July of this year.  Announced earlier this year, the N96 once again pushes the upper limit of the Finnish phone manufacturer’s N Series.  The quad band N96 has Wi-Fi, GPS, and support for DVB-H mobile tv—all built in.  The phone sports a stellar 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash and auto-focus.  A neat hardware feature of the N96 is a little kickstand for the device, enabling you to prop it up to watch videos.

Play.com has listed the phone for 599.99 GBP, which converts around $1,200 USD.  However, the Nokia MSRP is currently listed at a slightly more reasonable $800.  Either way, Play.com says the N96 will be shipping on July 31st.

Keep your wallets padded Nokia fanatics, because come July, they’ll be taking a heavy hit.

Via [Symbian Guru]

Firefox 3 aims for Guiness’ most number-of-software-downloads in 24 hours

Posted May 30, 2008 at 10:46 PM by Arnold Zafra

Section: Web, Downloads, Web Browsers

Mozilla has just kicked out a clever marketing strategy for the upcoming release of Firefox 3. Using their power as a very popular free browser application, why not use your clout to get a Guinness record, right? So Mozilla is now asking us to support their campaign to make it in the Guinness Book of World Records with the most number of downloads in 24 hours. A lofty goal, but if anyone can do it, is just might be Mozilla.

For us Firefox fans, all we have to do is pledge our support via a button at Spread Firefox. Mozilla will log your email so that you will be notified when the official roll out of Firefox 3 will be, as well as an update if Firefox breaks the Guinness record. Sounds fun? Why not?

Currently there are around 368,947 Firefox users who have pledged their support. Certainly not that impressive of a number. Can Mozilla beat the Guinness record for the most software download? Do Firefox users even care about setting a new Guinness record? If the current number of pledges is an indication of anything, it looks like Firefox users are not interested at all.

Still, there’s no harm in joining the party if you have a few minutes to spare.

Read [SpreadFirefox]

Android to offer iPhone-like application store

Posted May 30, 2008 at 09:33 PM by Aaron Kraus

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Mobile

In the latest indication that Apple truly is revolutionizing mobile phone technology, Google appears to be borrowing one of the most anticipated features from the forthcoming iPhone 2.0 revision.  While an official announcement has not been made, comments by Android project leader Andy Rubin indicate that an Android App Store is definitely in the works:

“It would be a great benefit to the Android community to provide a place where people can go to safely and securely download content and where a billing system would allow developers to get paid for their effort”.

The weight of these two up-and-coming names in the cell phone industry (Google and Apple) represents a complete sea change.  Previously, application distribution models have been carrier-specific.  Applications are usually available only from a single, carrier-chosen storefront, such as Verizon Wireless’ V Cast service.  Applications bought through such services are usually tied to the phone they are purchased on, and are always tied to the carrier.  With the iPhone App and Android App stores, that appears ready to change.

Although the iPhone is exclusive to AT&T in the US, Apple has made clear its lack of devotion to a one-carrier position.  Android phones, at least theoretically, will be able to make use of any network their hardware supports.  And since the applications bought through the respective stores comes from a third party rather than a wireless carrier, the applications are inherently more portable.  iPhone apps, given the limited range of hardware they will be running on, should be portable across however many iPhones a customer uses (though individual developers may restrict this freedom).  If Apple allows the iPhone to come to other GSM networks applications should still work if a user switches out an AT&T SIM card.  This works because the App Store and iTunes are controlled by Apple, the carrier network will not have the ability to impose exclusivity.  Android Apps should be similarly portable, though they may encounter technical issues given the broad range of hardware that Android may be running on in the wild.

The bottom line in all this is the boon for consumers, who have long been forced to use overpriced, under-featured, or even completely unwanted applications.  The wireless industry in America has maintained a stranglehold for so long that customers are eager for change - and it looks like it will be coming from outside the walled garden of Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile.  Consumers will benefit, because the iPhone and Android app stores will create an open market, driven by consumers’ needs and wants, rather than a closed system driven by profit decisions made by wireless industry executives. {ed. note: we’ll agree to disagree on the Apple App Store being open rather than closed...)

Via [The Register]

Cam-Trax, movement recognition for the PC

Posted May 30, 2008 at 08:16 PM by Christian Milsom

Section: Gaming, Accessories, Peripherals, Mice / Keyboards

A few years ago futurologists predicted that the future led in movement (or gesture) recognition and they have most certainly been proved right. Quite a few major products on the market, such as the wii or iPhone use gesture recognition to manipulate images, text and obviously games. However for the PC, the gesture recognition movement has passed by without any real difference, until a small young company came up with this ingenious piece of software.

Not much is known about the specifics of the software, as the only real information is the video (above) that has been circulating the internet. However the general idea is that the software uses any webcam to locate and select an object (e.g. a colored stick or bottle) which it then monitors for 3D movement. This is then converted into whatever form is necessary, such as that for a mouse, a gun in FPS games or a steering wheel.

This ability to use any object as a controller is defiantly one of its strongest points, closely followed by the promise on the website “to release only free versions of the product”. Needless to say this puts the combined $90 price tag of the wii controller plus nunchuck to shame.

Via [Cam trax]

Apple: Are major changes coming to .Mac?

Posted May 30, 2008 at 07:36 PM by NEWS

Section:

FROM APPLETELL - Rumors have been circulating about Apple’s .Mac service. Many believe that we will be seeing a massive upgrade to its service we will see these features revealed alongside the launch of the iPhone Software 2.0 in June. Recently, TUAW reported that Dmitry Chestnykh, CEO of Coding Robots, discovered something interesting… MORE »

CrackBerry gets a BlackBerry Kickstart hands on

Posted May 30, 2008 at 06:59 PM by Zach Flauaus

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Email / IM, Smartphones

Apparently the legal department of RIM got to CrackBerry before we could and had them pull the pictures down, but at least we still have the pamphlet shots. The BlackBerry KickStart, RIM’s first entry into the flip-phone market, got a hands-on experience from CrackBerry and it seems as if they are pretty darn happy with it. The basics include opening the flip to answer the phone, closing to end it, seeing the caller ID on the outside LCD screen, and external music controls (as expected), but here’s where RIM comes in.

On regular candybar BlackBerry’s if the phone is holstered, the message will automatically appear once you pull it out of the holster. If there are many missed messages/alerts, there are multiple icons to display and you can also check alerts on the external display. The KickStart is said to be released with OS 5.0 and Bold owners will be able to upgrade to 5.0 when released.

Via [CrackBerry]

PDA devices temporarily banned from UK theme park

Posted May 30, 2008 at 05:42 PM by Sue Walsh

Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers

A UK theme park has decided to ban PDAs from May 25th until June 1st. Their explanation for it is that they want to encourage families to fully connect with each other. Anyone caught with a PDA in the park will be asked to leave it in a specially designated “PDA Drop Off Zone”. 

Russell Barnes, Divisional Director for the Alton Towers Resort explains; “What we have here is the ultimate short break location where every member of the family can unwind and have fun. We feel it’s so iportant for parents and kids to focus on nothing more than having the best possible time, we are prepared to take drastic action to ensure that parents really leave their work behind!”

The goal is admirable, but can you imagine something like this being introduced at DisneyWorld or Six Flags? It wouldn’t probably go over like a lead balloon. I can hear the screams of discrimination and rights violations already. There’s also safety to consider. These days most people who use PDA’s have Smartphones, those ultra popular phone/PDA hybrids. If you ban them, you take away people’s phones as well-and as any mom can tell you, a cell phone can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to keep track of your kids in a bustling theme park. Alton Towers seems pretty dedicated to the idea thought. They say if the experiment goes over well the ban will become permanent.

Via [Crunchgear]

Blockbuster prepping 30 second in-store movie download kiosk

Posted May 30, 2008 at 04:26 PM by Arnold Zafra

Section: Video, Content, Portable Video

Blockbuster is about to launch a pilot test of its in-store kiosks for downloading movies into portable media devices. Sounds cool? Even cooler is the fact that downloading one movie would only take a customer two minutes. And we’re not talking here of short half an hour movies but movies for rent in all their full-length glory.

No less than Blockbuster’s Chairman and CEO James Keyes will be the one to demo the pilot kiosk during Blockbuster’s shareholder meeting. But don’t get too excited about this uber cool service yet folks, because the in-store kiosks only contain a few titles of movies, as Blockbuster is still negotiating with major studios regarding the possibility of including their movie titles into Blockbuster’s in-store kiosks database.

The in-store kiosks was Blockbuster’s way of responding to consumers’ demand for a broader service when it comes to providing their entertainment needs anytime, and anywhere they want. Although the pilot in-store kiosks are currently capable of downloading movies for two minutes, Blockbuster doesn’t want to rest on its laurels and is even aiming for a reduced downloading time to possibly within 30 seconds. Blockbuster is earmarking the same experience that consumers get when transacting with ATM machines. Future plans for this in-store kiosks would be the inclusion of game downloading service.

As for the pricing details, Blockbuster is looking at a possible $10 monthly subscription fee.

Read [Hollywood Reporter]

Cannondale wants your iPod to be a cycle computer

Posted May 30, 2008 at 03:05 PM by JG Mason

Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Gadgets / Other, Transportation

Nike did it with the Nano, now bicycle manufacturer is tinkering with the idea of making your iPod a cycle computer.  Bringing much of the same functionality as the Nike+ unit, Cannondale envisions a docking unit on the bike but with some surprises.

Yeah, you’ve got a rear view camera on your Escalade, but on your bike?  Cannondale’s concept puts rear view on your iPod as well as speed, distance and other basic functions.  It seems even a power base (perhaps powered by your cycling) is there as well.

The design comes to Cannondale from Barcelona’s D-Tank and is currently not pointed at production (awwwww).  The design uses some really interesting concepts like a maintenance free shaft-drive propulsion system (I really dig alternate means of transferring power from crank to wheel) and a bike that is geared for non-cyclists (shockingly, almost a new concept to jaded industry insiders).

A very neat concept from a company that continues to push the edge.

Read [CannondaleCommunity]

Asustek will also launch the Eee Station at Computex next week

Posted May 30, 2008 at 01:53 PM by Arnold Zafra

Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Networking

Ok, what do we know so far regarding Asustek’s plans for Computex next week? First, we learned that Asustek will be launching the Eee PC 901. This was followed by the desktop counterpart of the Eee PC which we later find out will be called the Ebox. Then, just yesterday Asustek hinted on the possible launch of another portable machine, the Eee PC 1000. Just when we are ready to sit down and wait for the Computex, here comes Asustek with yet another big announcement. It will also launch the Eee Station which is not only a powered-up version of the Ebox, but will also be a portable desktop PC with Blu-ray read and write functionality. Incidentally, if the Eee Station looks familiar, that’s because it’s the same as another one of Asustek’s mini desktop PC previously known as the Essention CS5110.

Yes folks, you read it correctly, the Eee Station is a blu-ray-capable portable PC. The Eee Station is the second in Asustek’s Eee Station series of mini-desktops. Asustek seemed hell bent on duplicating the success of the Eee PC into the portable desktop market and as such it is releasing the Eee Station with Intel Core 2 Duo microprocessors aside from the blu-ray capability.

The Essentio CS5110 is being geared for gamers which explains why the mini PC will have 1080p high definition video via the Blu-ray Disc drive. In addition, the Eee Station will be packed with the Nvidia GeForce 8600GT and up to 4GB of DRAM.

The Eee Station will have a retail price of around $657, while another version with the Blu-ray disc drive option will sell for $1,642. No details on release date is available just yet.

Product [Asustek] Via [Electronista]

Apple to unleash two new iPhones?

Posted May 30, 2008 at 12:41 PM by JG Mason

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

Rumors are flying fast and hard as we all gear up mentally for the big Apple party coming June 9 at 10 am.  One I really like is the idea of 2 iPhones being introduced.  Isn’t it more like Apple to whip out something they’ve undersold and surprise us?  Apple knows we love surprises and I suspect they’ll not disappoint this year.

Back in December I squawked about why an iPhone Nano makes lots of sense for Apple, AT&T and consumers.  The family line that helped make the iPod such a raving success could do the same for the iPhone and give us a more comfortable feeling about Jobs claim they’ll hit their target numbers.  A down market iPhone Nano, selling for $199 would sell off shelves faster than water jugs at the start of Hurricane Season (coming Sunday to a coastal town near you).

We know many of us would pay the $499 for a 32GB 3G iPhone replete with GPS, WiFi, App Store and loads more (surprises!).  But how many more of those tempted by the iPhone would spring for a knocked down version that yields the touch love along with a simple to use UI?  Maybe through the App Store, you can add functionality?  Spec your own phone, how cool would that be?  Surely Apple and AT&T are licking their lips at that thought.

The possibility is there, the opportunity is there, so what is missing?  Does Apple believe moving down market will hurt their iPhone Pro (3G)?

Here’s to being surprised.  How surprised would you be if Apple trots out 2 phones?

Read [Popular Mechanics]

Look@Me Emoticon keyboard

Posted May 30, 2008 at 11:21 AM by Christian Milsom

Section: Peripherals, Mice / Keyboards

Asus, famous for their Eee PC, split earlier this year into three sections and one of these (now known as Pegatron) in turn created a design department called PEGA. Following a theme of “between off and on” they created 8 ‘innovative’ ‘tangible interactive products’. The first, and one that I will look at, is the Look@Me Emoticon Keyboard.

Having worked my way through the design ‘concept statements’ (something about ancient Egypt...?) I got to the keyboard, and I must say it’s quite odd. And to be fair it could well be practical for someone who does excessive amounts of instant messaging with its 40 Emoticon Elements, consisting of 18 letters and 22 symbols, which would allow you to do any emoticon of your choosing.

However, why would you really spend money on this? It’s essentially a cut down version of a keyboard that you would put next to your current one, which means you would be effectively doubling up on keys which is not only bad from a financial point of view but could well end up impractical.

All the same, I feel that this is all missing the point. They are obviously, as the flowery language suggests, design concepts which merely demonstrate (in this case quite well) modern life and how it functions. So from a practical view its mostly pointless, but as a design statement it is most certainly effective.

Product [PEGA] Via [OhGizmo!]

Fujitsu intro’s the F906i mobile phone with “search key” function

Posted May 30, 2008 at 10:07 AM by Arnold Zafra

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile

Fujitsu has just launched its new F906i mobile handset in Japan. Aside from the cool red design of one of the F906i models, this baby wallops some nice features that would make us wish we are leaving in Japan just to get hold of this phone right now.

Who wouldn’t like to have a mobile phone with a one-touch button that fires up a cool search utility and searches for almost anything loaded in the mobile piece? With the F906i’s search key, you can look up contacts in the phone book, find an MP3 file or photos, and of course do web search. If that feature still falls short of your standard for an uber cool phone, how about if we tell you that the F906i can split its screen enabling users to watch TV on the side, while navigating the internet on another side? Sounds fun?

In addition to those two features, the F906i also boasts of other great features including; a rotary 3.2-inch full widescreen in VGA resolution (864x480), two 3.2 megapixel and 320,000 pixel cameras, microSD/SDHC slot with up to maximum 8GB capacity, OneSeg TV Tuner, FM radio, and GPS. The F906i also boasts of rainbow-color illumination for its keypads, a small finger-print sensor that serves as a multi directional key, Adobe Flash 8 compatibility, and a quick zoom-in and zoom-out functions.

And lest we forget, the F906i is also 3G capable, so you don’t have to worry of long searching time whenever you are surfing the Internet. Too bad Fujitsu has not came up with a pricing for the F906i yet.

Via [Akihabara News] Read [Fujitsu Japan]

Dell’s mini notebook spotted

Posted May 30, 2008 at 09:45 AM by Mark Pascua

Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Laptops

With the gaining popularity of ultra-portable and low-cost notebook computers, like the Asus Eee 701 PC, HP 2133 and 3K RazorBook 400, it is no surprise that Dell is jumping in on the mini notebook arena. Fortunately, Gizmodo was able to spot the company’s supposed offering when Brian Lam caught Micheal Dell at the All Things Digital conference carrying a small red notebook sporting the Dell logo. Unfortunately, Dell is being tight-lipped and wasn’t willing to spill the beans on the specs.

Therefore, information is sparse; no word on what OS it is running, its screen size, or what type of processor it is using, let alone its price tag. In fact, we don’t even know what Dell is calling the laptop, but it has been dubbed the “mini Inspiron”. The only tidbit of information we know is that the notebook is equipped with three USB ports, a card reader, VGA out, and Ethernet. Additionally, Dell plans the ‘mini Inspiron’ to be an inexpensive computer aimed at developing countries. So, if I interpret that correctly, we should see it in the US, Europe, and Asia. In the meantime, Dell has teased the entire world with two photos showcasing the candy-red mini Inspiron...and it looks really good.

Read [Dell Blog] Via [Gizmodo]

Iomega unveils the 1TB Super eGo external hard drive

Posted May 30, 2008 at 08:32 AM by Indraneel Purohit

Section: Peripherals, Storage

Iomega’s eGo external drive line has now hit 1 Terabyte of storage.  Entitled the “Super” eGo drive, the portable storage device contains one single 1 terabyte drive.  The drive’s physical size is also increased, as it is a 3.5 inch drive, as opposed to the normal 2.5 inch size portable hard drives have.  As a reference point, this thing can hold 1.5 thousand hours of video.  It comes in three colors: ruby red, midnight blue, or jet black.  However, the Super eGo only interfaces through USB 2.0, and with a drive of that size I would’ve liked to see a FireWire interface. You can pick one up now for $270.

Via [Gizmodo]

Asus to release the 10-inch 1000 series Eee in June

Posted May 30, 2008 at 07:08 AM by Sue Walsh

Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Laptops

Hot on the heels of their ultra popular Eee 701 and the recent release of the Eee 900, Asus has announced it will release a 10 inch version called the Eee 1000 on June 3. Sources speculate that Asus is pushing the release to coincide with the release of the MSI Wind, which like the 1000, will have a 10-inch screen. Since the release of the popular Eee 700 and 701, there has been a flurry of new sub-notebook releases, including the Everex Cloudbook and HP Mini-Note just to name a few. Neither has had very good reviews. Acer will be the next to join in with an 8.9 inch sub-notebook, it’s expected to be offered for about $470.

I own an Eee 700 series and I am quite pleased with it. Asus has found a winning formula and as long as they stick to it they are guaranteed continued success.

Read [Digitimes]

Asus’ new P320 PDA phone is also a GPS navigation device

Posted May 29, 2008 at 10:49 PM by Arnold Zafra

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation

Not too long ago we mentioned the Asus P320 PDA as having passed through the FCC, now we learned that it has just been launched by Asus in Taiwan. So aside from the features that we already know that includes its Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, a 2.8-inch touchscreen display, GPS, 2-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 and a microSD card slot we now know that it retails around $390. Certainly not a bad price for such a seemingly powerful device.

In addition to these features, Asus has also added two additional useful features into the P320, the Auto Cleaner Function and Ur Time. The first application automatically and fully closes an application after it was used,which frees up space and memory usage to make your currently open application run faster and a little smoother. While the second application is useful for when setting up meetings with attendees coming from different countries. It lets you set up four different country times on the P320 for quick country-specific time referencing. Of course these are over and above the P320’s GPS feature which brags of faster satellite pinpoint and download for users no matter where they are located anywhere in the world.

Sadly, no information is available yet as to whether this PDA phone will be available internationally, but with the growing popularity of GPS-enabled device in the US, we are hoping that it will hit the streets in a not so distant future.

Via [SlashPhone]

RoboBraille helps blind to explore the virtual world

Posted May 29, 2008 at 09:37 PM by Christian Milsom

Section: Communications, Email / IM, Computers, Software / Applications, Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle

There are already a fair number of text-to-speech applications that work with varying degrees of success, there are none that have the specific purpose of helping the blind. RoboBraille is effectively a free e-mail service that converts sections of text into numerous languages so they become useful to the blind. One of the most important things that the EU funded project had to address was ease of use, and not only does a simple email provide text-to-speech to numerous languages such as Lithuanian and Greek, but it can also send back documents that can be converted into braille using the appropriate hardware.

This fully opens up the internet to the blind as the system recognizes not just plain text, but word documents, HTML and XML which it convert in minutes.

Although it is not currently expanded, as they are currently adding Danish to their language repertoire, it is a quick easy to use, effective and free system, that significantly helps the visually challenged.

Service [RoboBraille]

Vudu goes to version 1.5, now offering rental extensions

Posted May 29, 2008 at 08:22 PM by Robert Nelson

Section: Video, Content, HDTV, Video Providers

Vudu has just given their set-top-box a nice update, now at software version 1.5 it brings one update that some will consider very important. The new feature is movie rental extensions. Now, with the new software if, or for some, when you fail to finish watching your rented movie in the 24-48 hour time frame you can now have the option to get an extension for a discounted price.

Now if you let that time window pass you by, then for a discount of $2 for HD movies, $1 for standard movies and $50 off the $.99 cent movies you can re-rent it. Of course there are a few catches, the discounted rental extension period will only be available for 7 days after the movie expires and the movie can only be extended once.

With a feature that seems so obvious, it almost makes you wonder why it has not been done before. It will be interesting to see if or more than likely when similar movie download services will have a similar offering.

Via [CrunchGear]

State of the Internet, Q1 ‘08; Hacks, attacks and password cracks

Posted May 29, 2008 at 07:14 PM by Renay San Miguel

Section: Computers, Security

South Korea is still the fastest Internet country on the planet, Microsoft software still has a big bullseye painted on it by hackers and password theft continues to be all the rage in the nether regions of the Web.

Many of the findings from Akamai’s State of the Internet Report for January-March 2008 shouldn’t come as a surprise to most technology watchers. But you might be scratching your head to learn that according to the web hosting company, Delaware is the state with the fastest Internet connections and Washington state - home to Microsoft and Amazon - is the slowest state, with the most connections at speeds of 256 kbps or slower.

Some other bullet points from the report: China is the country with the most attack-based web traffic, but the U.S. runs a close second. China may have also been the source of the Pennsylvania State website hack attempt last January. Online gaming sites were popular with hackers planting password-stealing software; more than 10,000 such sites were targeted in March. The hacked passwords are used “to steal in-game resources to re-sell for cash” (sci-fi fans will recognize some similarities to the new Charles Stross novel, “Halting State.") Although Akamai is encouraged by the increase in broadband adoption worldwide, “as the quantity of HD-quality media increases over time and the consumption of that media increases, end users will require ever-increasing amounts of bandwidth.” Akamai is defining high-speed broadband as 5 mbps or better and simple “broadband” as 2 mbps or better. HD video will need at least 40 mbps to knock your digital socks off.

Read [Akamai State of the Internet (free registration required)]

The full length Sony Ericsson Paris promo video

Posted May 29, 2008 at 06:09 PM by Robert Nelson

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile

Back in early April, a set of images of the Sony Ericsson Paris were being leaked. These images were taken as screen captures from the original promo video for the phone, which up till now has remained under wraps. Well now we have the complete video for your enjoyment. Of course, at this point we have already learned most of the details that are shown off in the video, but given the lead up with the previous images, it seemed only fitting to show this as well. In the meantime Sony Ericsson is expected to be officially announcing the Paris on June 17.

Via [se-nse]

http://blog.se-nse.net/2008/05/28/unofficial-pre-demo-tour-of-paris/

http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/sony-ericsson-p5-aka-paris-the-leaked-images-continue1/

Set-top boxes could bottom out, thanks to Sony, NCTA deal

Posted May 29, 2008 at 04:56 PM by Renay San Miguel

Section: News, Video, DVD Players/DVRs, HDTV

That sound you hear may be the death knell for the set-top box/dust magnet in your home entertainment center. Sony and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association have announced an agreement that will place the cable companies’ technologies inside future Sony TV models. This will allow consumers to dial up ALL their cable channels, access video-on-demand and use interactive services without having to find a place for a steaming-hot cable box near the TV.

The nation’s largest cable companies - Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Charter, Cablevision and Bright House - are on board, and the pressure is now on Samsung, LG and other big-screen makers to follow Sony’s lead. The NCTA says they’re welcome to do so.

You may be happy about one or two less cables cluttering up the space behind your TV, but you also may be concerned about any cable cards you’ve received from your local provider, or that handy digital video recorder in your current rented set-top box. The NCTA is being a little stingy with full details on the agreement but is assuring customers that cable cards will still work and video recording will still be offered. But in what form? The NCTA says Tivos will work with the new TV’s; but will some of the new Sony models also have built-in hard drives for recording? Will the cable companies still be offering separate DVRs for rent?

We also don’t know when to expect the new TVs to hit the big-box stores. But it’s clearly a digital coup for Sony, a victory for space-conscious consumers and validation of the cable companies’ strategy of building out services like VOD. Let’s just hope they don’t use this as validation for yet another rate hike.

Read [Associated Press via Wired News]

SanDisk touts new Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo boasting a 30mbps speed

Posted May 29, 2008 at 03:49 PM by Arnold Zafra

Section: Imaging, Accessories, Peripherals, Storage

SanDisk has just added a fast read/write memory card to its Memory Stick product line, the Extreme III Memory Stick PRO-HG-Duo. How fast? If 30mbps read and write capability ain’t fast enough for you, better wake up, cause this is the fastest that a memory card could possibly read so far.

Slated for launch during the PMA Australia Imaging Technology Show which runs from May 30 to June 1, this new memory card will come in 4GB and 8GB storage capacities. Suffice to say that this card would be of great use for photography purposes. Be reminded that Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo is the direct off-shot of the Memory Stick PRO format memory card and was developed by both Sony and SanDisk to answer the needs of PRO-HG capable Sony cameras.

The 4GB and 8GB memory card will start hitting the market worldwide sometime in June for $89.99 and $149.99 respectively.

Read [SanDisk]

HTC Touch Diamond now available online

Posted May 29, 2008 at 02:37 PM by Robert Nelson

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile

HTC fans can rejoice as the Touch Diamond has begun to show up a little earlier than expected at a handful of online retailers. Originally scheduled for an “early-June” release date, it seems these lucky few retailers were fortunate enough to get an early shipment, and if you are willing to shell out the rather high price tag one can be yours. Currently being listed on three websites, which include DechoWireless, PopularElectronics and Welectronics. The Touch Diamond is retailing as low as $780 and topping out at $900, this pricing is of course for an unlocked version. If like us, you have never shopped any of these retailers, its pretty safe to think that once we see the official release date come that we will also see a wider selection of sites to shop from.

Via [IntoMobile]

TiVo prepping 24-hour Disney movie rental service

Posted May 29, 2008 at 01:26 PM by Arnold Zafra

Section: Video, Content, DVD Players/DVRs, Portable Video, Web, Online Music/Video

The direct-to-TV movie/video rental market is heating up with each of the major industry players coming up with their own proprietary movie rental services for the movie-watching public. The latest news that we have is coming courtesy of TiVo which has just sealed an agreement with Disney-ABC and CinemaNow to a offer direct-to-TV movie rental service. Under the said agreement, TiVo subscribers can now download their favorite Disney movies from TiVo for a 24-hour rental period.

This deal will boost TiVo’s lineup of movie offerings coming from major movie studios as well from Amazon Unbox, Music Choice and other movie content providers. If things go well with the Disney tie-up, TiVo is even planning to make the service available to its broadband-connected TiVo Series2 and Series3 subscribers.

Although pricing for this service has not yet been announced, we are hoping that it would be competitive enough to match up with related offerings of its competitors such as Blockbuster’s planned set-top boxes for movie streaming and DirectTV’s still undisclosed movie rental-related offerings. In the meantime, parents we suggest that you don’t let your children know about this service as you might find yourself being forced to partake too much of what TiVo has to offer because your kids won’t stop bugging you until you rent them that old Cinderella animated classic.

Via [Crave]

Splashtop Linux variant to power up Asus notebooks

Posted May 29, 2008 at 12:10 PM by Arnold Zafra

Section: Computers, Laptops, Software / Applications

If you’re one of those PC users who always find yourself doing other things while waiting for your machines to completely boot up, either you’d be glad to hear about Splashtop or feel sad since you might end up not doing those other things anymore. But that is if you are using an Asus notebook as these machines will be getting the Splashtop Linux OS treatment.

If you would recall Splashtop has been pre-installed on some Asus motherboards not so long ago, and soon enough it will be powering some Asus notebooks as a full-blown OS. If you think that the Splastop is just your ordinary Linux variant, think again. Well, that’s because Splashtop offers up a unique PC boot up experience. Soon, you can instantly fire up some application even if your machine has not completed its boot up sequence. What makes this possible is the fact that Splashtop will run out of your machine’s RAM. Hence, saving you some precious battery time.

In a nutshell, Splashtop offers a fast, secure and eco-friendly way of using your Asus machines. For those who are not using Asus notebooks, this might be a good reason to score one as soon as the Splashtop gets into these machines.

Via [Gizmodo] Product [Splashtop]

Gadgetell Peep Show: Griffin iPhone cases; ClearBoost, Wave case

Posted May 29, 2008 at 11:06 AM by Robert Nelson

Section: Apple, Communications, Accessories, Cellphones, Mobile, Features, Peep Shows

While we have already reviewed both of these cases, sometimes its nice to see how the case looks on the phone, and while we cannot send one out for everyone interested we have taken a bunch of pics to hopefully give you a good idea of just how the case looks and fits the iPhone. Check out the images below, and don’t forget to also check out our review.

First up we have the ClearBoost;

Next up we have the Wave case;

Product [ClearBoost] Product [Wave case]

Microsoft’s multitouch: interface revolution or me-too attention grabber?

Posted May 29, 2008 at 09:51 AM by Aaron Kraus

Section: Computers, Software / Applications

At the D6 Conference yesterday, Microsoft’s chairman and founder took the stage to present the world with a glimpse of Windows’ future.  A brief demonstration of the forthcoming Windows 7 showed a multitouch interface tha