Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Although Samsung’s MX20 SD camcorder may fall a bit behind other camcorders available on the market for not having an HD video recording feature, it still is worthy of our attention and perhaps money because of one outstanding feature. And that is the facility to directly upload video into YouTube or iPod from the camcorder without needing to transcode the video files.

To some, that feature more than makes up for not being able to capture high-definition video but well for some, that would be a turn off. If you’re one of those who don’t mind the lack of HD quality, you’d be glad to know that the Samsung MX20 nonetheless kicks out some high-standard features that include H.264-enhanced video quality, 3D noise reduction technology, a Schneider lens with 34x optical zoom, Hyper Digital Image Stabilization, advanced face detection technology, a 680K CCD sensor, a swivel hand-grip, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, iCheck and iScene modes and a very important SD/SDHC memory card slot.

The Samsung MX20 SD camcorder will be available in the Japanese market sometime in September. And our Japanese pals will have a choice of either black, white, red or blue. Pricing details are not yet available but we expect this to come with a lower price than most of the cheap HD camcorders currently available. For us non-Japanese camcorder-loving geeks, we may have to wait for awhile before the MX20 gets an international release.

Via [Akihabara News]

Recently, a 120GB Microsoft Zune cleared the FCC, who first began testing the new Zune on June 19th. Unfortunately, for Zune fanatics, the new player by Microsoft doesn’t seem to be too different than the 80GB Zune, which it is speculated to replace.

It is an interesting ploy by making this hard drive 120GB, as their main competitor, Apple, has iPod’s with storage of 80GB and 160GB. In case you want a device with a lot of storage, and for minimal cost, you may want to consider the Zune now. In addition, no information has been announced regarding pricing or availability. However, since the 80GB Zune costs $249, it would make sense that the new 120GB Zune would sell for $299. As for launch date, it could be slated for a Fall launch.

Via [istartedsomething]

Pioneer’s new AVIC-N5 GPS is one of the top GPS’ currently available, as it comes with many notable features. One of the notable features includes something called TeleAtlasFind the Perfect Route. There are two DVD’s that store Tele Atlas’s giant database of maps, which allows the driver to let the system calculate the optimal route for your destination. These DVD’s also contain information of 12 million POI’s in the U.S. and Canada.

One of the reasons why this GPS is one of the top GPS’ currently available, is it’s screen size as it comes with a big 7 inch TFT touch screen. The AVIC-N5 even comes with something called multi-color illumination, allowing the driver to match the screen color with the dashboard of the car, only in the colors of red and blue, however. Another cool feature is the ability of the GPS to connect with an iPod. There is an optional cable called CD-I200 iPod Direct Control, which is easy way to control all of your songs/videos on your iPod. 

MORE »

It seems for Mike Arrington and the 560+ commenters that there is a desire in the market for a web tablet.  Arrington is proposing they build it as a project and bring it to market themselves in a bold bid to build traffic and a product that many seem to seek.

In truth, what they look to build is an inexpensive ($200) giant iPod touch.  My touch lives in my living room.  I use it to surf the net, play games and be connected whenever I feel like it.  The instant on, quick WiFi and fun operation make it a staple I am not sure I’d be happy living without at this point.

MORE »

Yes, mobile security is becoming more of a million-dollar-worry for corporations, but what about the hundreds of dollars’ worth of songs on your iPod? Your son’s graduation photos on your digital camera when it gets lost or stolen?

A recent Reuters story details some of the new software and hardware that allows runaway consumer electronics to “phone” home via wireless connectivity; Eye-Fi SD memory cards and GadgetTrak software are mentioned. Both send data back to the original owners, and there are now-famous stories of thieves caught taking pictures of themselves using the Eye-Fi enabled cameras they stole.

I was curious about the relationship between these new security companies and law enforcement: how are police handling the advent of technologies that help them do their jobs? 

MORE »

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.

MORE »

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).

MORE »

Product: Kicker iK500 iPod Speaker System
Price and Availability: Currently available and retailing for $299.99
Rating: 9/10
Pros: Simple, easy to set up and use
Cons: Docked iPod sits a little “off”
Overall: Solid sound with a great overall look

While we were able to review the iK500, which is made for the iPod, Kicker also offers the ZK500 for the Microsoft Zune, which also retails for $299.99.

The iK500, after first getting it out of the box has a nice look to it. Keep reading for the rest of the review…

MORE »

Comfortable headsets are great when you can find them. If they are cordless it’s even better. Now add the ability to listen to your iPod wirelessly for up to 10 hours straight. If that is not enough – what if you and three other people could share the wireless connection? Have I peaked your interest yet?

Kleer (good name when talking about headsets) and DigiFi have joined their resources to give us a cordless headset with CD quality sound known as Opera. A bit rich at $98 but an interesting concept I must say.

Opera is not your ordinary headset. It wraps from behind your head and up over your ears. Earbuds make this headset unobtrusive and as far as looks are concerned – streamlined comes to mind.

Read [Kleer] Via [Gear Live]

There are so many small MP3 players on the market today, most of which are pretty nice. This makes it hard to decide which one to choose, however, the good guys at Generation MP3 recently offered up a nice comparison chart to offer some comparison between four players that are currently on the market. The four MP3 players being compared include the iPod Shuffle, Samsung’s new S2, iriver’s MPlayer, and the Creative Zen Stone. All of these MP3 players are really good and they all come with their own unique features. Let the battle begin!

So far, the lightest music player is Samsung’s Pebble, or the S2, weighing in at 13.6 grams. The next lightest being the iPod Shuffle. In terms of battery life, Samsung’s S2 wins again, with a long battery life of 13 hours, however, the iPod Shuffle isn’t too far behind again, coming in with 12 hours of battery life. iriver’s MPlayer only offers a 9 hour battery life, and the Stone comes in the middle with 10 hours, of course these times are all under optimal use.

MORE »