Joe's Gadget news

Iomega 1TB Desktop Hard Drive XL Series

2005-12-18T19:59:00.000-08:00

Iomega is joining the terabyte club with its new XL Series, a compact four-drive enclosure that ships with four 250GB SATA drives, each running at 7200 RPM with an 8MB cache. It connects via Firewire 800 (adaptor included for Firewire 400 compatibility) or USB 2.0 and measures in at 318mm x 163mm x 203mm to make an unobtrusive presence on your desktop. Configure as RAID 0 for a solid backup system. The XL Series is available now for 999 Euros, or about $1200 USD.

Fancy Phones for Fancy People

2005-12-18T19:55:00.000-08:00

LG will be peppering the star-studded event with Swarovski crystal-encrusted “V” phones, letting society’s best and brightest schmooze in style.

A Washable Mouse?

2005-12-17T03:37:00.000-08:00

Hoping to stop the spread of germs that can collect on mice, Unotron has come out with washable, corded mice. Dubbed the ScrollSeal Washable Optical 3-button Mouse and SteriMax Washable Optical 3-button Mouse, the new mice have all the features you need (such as a scroll wheel) along with this new added perk. Just drop the mouse in the wash, add a little soap, and presto, it’s squeaky clean, free of germs is ready for you to use.

These new mice stand alongside Unotron’s other washable offerings, such as a keyboard, Smartcard reader, and replica Napoleonic-era canons.

According to Carabello, Unotron’s mice design configurations and materials allow these patented products to be easily washed, immersed and disinfected by commercial-grade detergents and anti-bacterial agents while providing comfort, control and reliability.

Guitar without strings:One of a kind synth-guitar

2005-12-16T04:14:00.000-08:00

This guitar is on Ebay. According to the seller, the guitar has a synth in the base, and uses buttons instead of strings or frets. It was apparently custom-built in 1970 for a guitarist named Scott Cromwell, and has been moldering in an attic somewhere since Cromwell’s death in 1975.

No word in the seller’s description about whether this still works or not (though the seller says he plans to keep the patent and “all rites”), other than a claim that it can “make you sound like Hendrix himself.” Okay, we’re sold — though we assume we can get our money back if that doesn’t quite prove to be the case.

Xmultiple FlashPoint MP3 SharePlayer

2005-12-16T03:55:00.000-08:00

Xmultiple is announcing a “new breed” of digital audio players created by the natural union of their FlashPoint thumb drive with an MP3 player. Their new SharePlayer not only pumps out compressed audio but also features Xmultiple’s Sharing-On-The-Go firmware allowing you to download files directly from another USB MP3 player by simply “attaching the devices and pressing a button” — no need for a pesky PC.

And that good SOTG works just as well for downloading photographs or data from your USB equipped digicam or cellphone. Available in 512MB and 1/2/4GB capacities sometime early next year in fabulous white, black, and gray models — ‘cause anything beyond grayscale is just so yesterday.

LG water-proof cellphone

2005-12-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

Check out LG’s canU 502S, an international version of Casio’s Japan-only G’zOne TYPE-R waterproof cellphone.

The clamshell has rubber-sealed seams, and all jacks can also be sealed. The $500 phone also includes a 1.3 megapixel camera and a 2.2-inch LCD. Of course, we’re not quite sure how you would use this on a speedboat or your board, given that you’re not likely to be able to hear a whole lot, but that’s for you (and the first manufacturer to come out with a waterproof Bluetooth headset) to figure out.

Kiyomori samurai robot

2005-12-14T23:12:00.000-08:00

A Japanese company unveils its latest robot invention... a mechanical Samurai warrior. Paul Chapman reports.

The robot, named Kiyomori after a 12th century general, is the latest humanoid creation from TMSUK.

There are no plans yet to put it on sale to the general public but one day the firm hopes it will be as ubiquitous as cars or electronic appliances in which Japan already leads the world.

HD-DVD Xbox 360 already in the works?

2005-12-14T23:09:00.000-08:00

IGN is reporting that Microsoft is planning to launch an HD-DVD version of their console early next year. At least that’s what they’re hearing from Jiji News in Japan, though of course Microsoft is keeping mum about it. The word is that Microsoft is in the final stages with Toshiba developing HD-DVD 360, and plans to release post Spring sometime, which, if true, might “conveniently” land it in the timeframe of Sony’s Blu-ray clad warrior, the PS3.

All-rubber radio from Lexon

2005-12-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

The Lexon water resistant, rubber encased AM/FM radio is minimalist design in its purest sense. There are no extraneous parts or features - the antenna is the tuner and there is a simple on/off button at the top, and volume and AM/FM buttons on the front.

No equalizers, LCD displays, or tape decks. Just good old-fashioned radio fun for when you’re in the shower or on the beach. It runs on four AA batteries and is available now for $69.00. Get it at Fitzsu

Asimo ready for office chores

2005-12-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

Only last year, Honda Motor Co.'s (7267.T) now-familiar humanoid robot, Asimo, was learning how to run and avoid tripping over obstacles. Now, the five-year-old droid is ready to take on simple office work, greeting visitors and fetching refreshments.

Japan's third-biggest auto maker, known for its cutting-edge robot technology, introduced on Tuesday a second-generation Asimo that can also push a cart weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb), walking straight, sideways or backwards with it.

With more joints and flexibility of movement, Asimo can now also grip and carry a tray of drinks, placing it safely on a table.

Demonstrating its latest tricks through video footage, Honda showed the 130 cm-tall (4.25 feet) Asimo addressing a mock visitor by name and showing her to a conference room, all the while maintaining a steady and natural distance from the guest.

"Welcome, Sato-san," Asimo said, bowing deeply as per standard Japanese etiquette.

By pre-programming the guest's name, meeting room and other data in an IC (integrated circuit) tag to be worn by the visitor upon arrival, an office worker can remotely send commands to Asimo, which in turn would pick them up through a built-in IC tag reader.

Behind the seemingly simple tasks are a myriad advanced sensor, image and voice recognition and other technologies that Honda says will be applied to its core automotive business to improve safety and other features.

The bubble-headed droid can also run twice as fast as a prototype unveiled last December, at 6 km (3.7 miles) an hour.

Always eager to entertain, Asimo prepared to demonstrate his increased speed by mimicking a runner stretching before a race, extending his arms and balancing on one leg at a time to loosen his ankles in a fluid, human-like motion.

Asimo then took his mark and, joints creaking, dashed across the stage, easing to a complete stop in just four quick steps.

Honda said it would start putting the new Asimo to use at its research and development facility in Wako, near Tokyo, from spring 2006. It will also eventually be made available for leasing. (via TJ)

iBox the iPod Underwear

2005-12-11T23:41:00.000-08:00

This is for lazy iPod owners who don't wanna put it in their pants.Get this underwear with an iPod pocket: the iBoxer -- only $22 a piece.

The Play iBox Solid Boxer is an ideal knit boxer for trendy, gadget-savvy music lovers. Made from a cotton/spandex blend, this button fly boxer has a discrete front pocket which is perfect for holding your iPod, other mp3 players or your cell phone. This Play iBox Boxer is available in solid fashion colors and the solid waistband features a racing stripe and the Play logos. If you buy 2 pairs of the Play iBox Boxer, you’ll receive 3 free iTunes. iPod not included with purchase.

iubi PMP2010 100GB PMP

2005-12-11T22:45:00.000-08:00

Korean manufacturer iubi has packed a solid 100GB of storage space into its new PMP2010 portable media player, along with a 4.3-inch widescreen LCD, Linux OS, and USB 2.0 connectivity. We’ll have to wait and see how this model stacks up against Archos’ 100GB monster, the AV500, but at only 175 grams and $400, the iubi certainly has a head start in several categories. This model plays back MPEG-4, DivX, and XviD files, along with MP3, WMA, and OGG tunes, and JPEG pictures.

Samsung 8GB (R-DIMM)-Awesome!

2005-12-11T22:40:00.000-08:00

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced that it has solidified its leadership position in the server memory market with a new 8GB product offering. Following the introduction of its
8GB Registered Dual In-line Memory Module (R-DIMM) in October, Samsung has now increased the density of its Fully Buffered Dual In-line Memory Module product line-up (FB-DIMM) to include 8GBs by adopting 80 nanometer 2Gb DDR for high-speed servers. This represents a significant leap forward in advanced server memory architecture.

OEMs that use Samsung's high-density memory can increase the amount of installed memory and keep slots in reserve for future upgrades. Samsung memory such as the new 8GB FB-DIMM is ideal for space-constrained applications in blade and 1U servers.

With Samsung's high-density memory modules, designers can take full advantage of increased memory support in the latest server operating system to maximize performance. In addition, Samsung is offering next-generation memory solutions such as the 8GB FB-DIMM to allow servers to benefit from ultimate memory density and bandwidth.

Samsung's complete product portfolio includes all variations of DRAM memory from DDR to DDR2, and R-DIMMs to FB-DIMMs with densities ranging from 512MB all the way to 8GBs.

Nintendo DS Vs Sony PSP

2005-12-11T22:30:00.000-08:00

Nintendo confirmed that their Nintendo DS handheld system is the current generation market leader above Sony PSP.

At the recent UBS Global Media Conference, Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo DS handheld game system
is the current next-generation market leader for portable gaming, ahead of Sony PSP.

While Nintendo is not the home console market leader, the portable video game market does speak a different story. And, the portable video game market is growing.

The company said that the DS' worldwide sales are at more than 6 million units, leaving PSP's at 4.26 million for both Japan and the rest of the world. Meanwhile Nintendo's top-selling Nintendogs pup simulator has sold more than 950,000 copies in the USA since its debut in September.

In terms of the entire major handheld gaming market, Nintendo currently owns 72%, with Game Boy Advance at 41%, Nintendo DS at 31%, and PSP at 28%.

If anything is to turn around the opinion of those who dismissed Nintendo's approach, throughout the DS' first year, this should surely remind them that Nintendo's holding up very well.

MP3 sunglasses from Evergreen

2005-12-11T22:13:00.000-08:00

If Oakley's MP3 glasses are a bit too expensive for you, you can always get the KS003. They support MP3 and WMA, have 256MB of storage capacity and cost less than 100 EUR. the protection against sun rays is probably not as good as on the Oakleys, but in case you go treehugging during your next skiing adventure, you'd rather break one of these 100 EUR glasses that the Oakleys. The Evergreens are UV400 in any case.

PetCell - Fido’s First Phone

2005-12-11T02:15:00.000-08:00

Hung off Fido’s collar, the PetCell is a bone-shaped cell phone that will let dog owners talk to their best friend over a two-way speaker.

Developed by PetsMobility, the PetCell works with standard cellular networks and has its own number. It automatically answers when the owner punches in a code on their telephone keypad that means, “Lassie, come home!”

The ability to track a lost pet has most dog lovers excited. The PetCell has a “call owner” button in case Rover strays. It also includes assisted GPS, or A-GPS, which works indoors, allowing dog owners to map their pup’s coordinates from any web-enabled device or by dialing a voice-enabled call center.
(more…)

Gold Motorola RAZR V3i

2005-12-11T02:13:00.000-08:00

Motorola issued one thousand gold RAZR V3i phones, which will be sold only at Dolce & Gabbana boutiques worldwide.
The Gold RAZR V3i (goldRAZR) is featuring a Dolce and Gabbana branded user interface.
There are no details on the price of the golden RAZR yet. Probably it is going to be very, very expensive.

MPIO ONE Portable Media Player

2005-12-11T02:10:00.000-08:00

Currently the MPIO ONE (FG200) is the smallest PMP, sporting a one inch 65K color OLED screen. The player supports MP3, WMA, WMA DRM, and OGG audio formats.
AnythingButiPods has published a review of the MPIO ONE, which is currently on sale at Target.

"I was a bit skeptical about watching anything on this tiny 96x64 pixel one inch screen, but it is not as bad as I had thought. I comfortably used it on plane fights to catch up on TV shows I missed that week.
The video is very fluid and can be viewed from any angle, but you do miss some detail when viewing certain things. For instance, if you are watching an episode of The Simpsons, you would not be able to read what Bart writes on the black board in the beginning credits. "

Tiny Samsung Projector Pocket Imager

2005-12-11T02:07:00.000-08:00

Tiny Samsung Projector Pocket Imager SP-P300M will be available in 2006. Samsung showed the Pocket Imager SP-P300M projector the first time this year at the IFA 2005 in Berlin. Samsung announces to show the P300 also at the CES 2006 and soon thereafter it should go on sale for about $1,060 (899 Euros).

The SP-P300M (P300) measures 128x85x53 mm and weighs only 680g. The contrast ratio is 1000:1 and bulb holds for a high 10,000 hours. The Pocket Imager uses LED technology. A optional battery can keep the Pocket Imager projecting for 2,5 hours.

Sony PS3 Launch date

2005-12-09T22:58:00.000-08:00

Sony on Thursday said it remained on track to roll out its PlayStation 3 game console by spring 2006 despite industry speculation that the scheduled launch could face delays.

The timing of the release of Sony's updated PlayStation console has become a matter of speculation in the $25 billion video game industry and among the studios, hardware makers and other companies looking to handicap the battle over next-generation DVD technology.

Sanho HyperDrive Mini

2005-12-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

They claim that HyperDrive Mini is the worlds fastest, smallest and lightest memory card backup and portable storage device. It is targeted at digital photographers who need a handy backup solution while on the go. At the same time it is also an MP3/WMA player.

The device can accept up to 8 kinds of memory card formats and can store up to 30GB of data. There isn't any information on a launch date but the device is scheduled to make a debut at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show in January of next year.

New digital camera chip

2005-12-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

The team of Mark Bocko, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Zeljko Ignjatovic, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, has designed a prototype chip that can digitize an image right at each pixel, and they are working now to incorporate a second technology that will compress the image with far fewer computations than the best current compression techniques. (Read)

Diamond iPod case

2005-12-09T22:29:00.000-08:00

This iPod nano case sports 580 diamonds set in white gold, and luckily the $12,495 price tag includes a 4GB nano in the bargain.

Over 580 Diamonds Totalling 10.32
Carats - Set on 120 grams of
14K White Gold!

Includes iPOD Nano 4GB - Holds up to 1000 songs

$12,495 @ intergem.com

Creative Zen Vision:M (30GB) reviewed at CNET

2005-12-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

Cnet Asia has reviewed the Creative Zen Vision:M (30GB) and gave it 8.2 out of 10. It must be really cool. Can it beat IPOD?

The good: Fast transfer speed; wide video codec support; brilliant screen; improved vertical scroll.

The bad: Stiff keys; bothersome sync adapter; thicker than the iPod.

The bottom line: There is a lot going for the Zen Vision: M, and true to form, Creative has just created yet another iPod killer to take on the incumbent.

A glance at the spec. sheet shows it's functional superiority over the fifth-generation iPod, which Apple launched back in October. As the tide of the Apple-Creative "war" - Creative's word, not mine - has shown over the last few years, technological superiority doesn't always guarantee success. Creative says it shipped 8m MP3 players this year - Apple's tally is more than double that. Apple has the edge on storage capacity: it offers 30GB and 60GB iPods; the Vision:M only runs to 30GB.

The menus look gorgeous, and Creative has used colour sensibly, bringing the UI alive and distinguishing it from the look of the iPod's colour-scheme without going for gross out. The player supports multiple colour schemes, each tuned to the different body colours Creative will ship the device in: white, black, pink, green and blue.

Music sounds as good as it ever did on a Creative player, and album selection is enhanced with an album art view, allowing you to choose what you listen to visually. Playing a video displays a play progress bar, but this quickly fades away, popping back when you press a key. You can tweak the sound with a range of equaliser pre-sets, and there's a bass-boost option, too. A good range of codecs are included: WMA, MP3 and WAV on the audio side, MPEG1,2 and 4-SP, WMV9, Motion-JPEG, DivX 4 and 5, and XviD on the video side, but no H.264, apparently.

Category: Digital Cameras

2005-01-02T22:47:00.000-08:00

Category: Portable Media Players

2005-01-01T13:15:00.000-08:00