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TomTom will ship a new high-end navigator in the US, the Go 920 series, including the $599 Go 920 and the Go 920 T (for "traffic"), which will sell at a premium likely to be $100 more. The key to the new flagship is voice control: you can use TomTom's Voice Address Input to name your destination out loud.
ATRAC is on the fast track for extinction. Sony's closing its Sony's music store and it's been dumped from their two newest video Walkman, the NWZ-A810 and NWZ-S610, which are all about an "open platform." They support secure WMA, non-secure AAC and MP3, JPEG, AVC (H.264/AVC) Baseline Profile and MPEG-4 video codecs. They're also PlaysForSure certified. Woohoo. Full rundown of both players post-jump.
Samsung has made its new printers look like works of art. Both models are a deliciously glossy piano black and, while the 11-cm thick ML1630 (above) is a monochrome laser printer, the SCX-4500 is multifunctional. Both of them rock blue LED displays and buttonless sensors, and the custom-designed semi-auto docking slide-out cassette means that paper jams are easily dealt with. Specs are after the jump. [Samsung]
Sanyo has done wonders with its new Xacti HD camcorder. As well as being silver, sleek and rather beautiful, the DMX-HD1000 will give you almost an hour and a half of HD-quality footage with an 8GB SDHC card. Full specs and a gallery after the jump.
Nikon's newest CoolPix P series cams are the stick-shifts of the point-and-shoot world, with optical viewfinders, full manual controls and lots of hands-on features. The 12-megapixel CoolPix P5100 (right) has 3.5x optical zoom coupled with an Optical Vibration Reduction system. You can crop and edit shots on its 2.5" LCD, and it runs on a lithium-ion battery. The 8-megapixel P50 is a yin to the P5100's yang: it runs on AA batteries, has electronic image stabilizing and has a wide-angle 3.6x optical lens.
Nikon is aiming for the low-end of the shopper spectrum with its aptly named "L" series CoolPix L14 and L15. The 7-megapixel 3X optical zoom L14 will go for $150, and feature a 2.4" LCD. The 8-megapixel L15 will sell for $180, and have a 2.8" LCD.
Both cameras will run on AA batteries, and will have such beginner-friendly tech as In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting automatic exposure tweaks. The L15 will also feature Optical Vibration Reduction image stabilization, to reduce the chance of a blurry low-light shot.
We bet Stormtroopers wouldn't mind crowding around Samsung's latest 1080p projector, the SP-A800B. It makes use of TI's newest DLP chip, delivering a 24fps film mode and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. No price or street date, but since it's an "ultra high-end model targeted to the content creation industry and home theater," we're guessing the price will suit the audience. Two more snaps and full specs after the jump.
LG's contrasting up all of its LCD monitors produced after Sept. 1, pushing them all to a contrast ratio of 5000:1. They're all sporting some proprietary tech dubbed "Digital Fine Contrast" that supposedly "dynamically controls controls brightness." Flagshipping the 5000:1 contrast goodness are two new monitors: the L227WT (pictured because it's the sexier of the two) and L206WU.
This Pac Man rug is on sale via a kids' website, but with a very adult price tag of $2,186. Made in Portugal and 100 per cent wool, there are only two of these 6'9" x 10' rugs in existence. So, rich kidults with a games room that needs carpeting, apply here. [Children's Gorilla via OhGizmo!]
Today we got our first look on the new LG Design Art series, the LF75 and LB75 LCD TVs. Supported by a balancing ring, they have the looks and also the guts: the 37, 42, 47 and 52-inch LF75s come at 1080p Full HD with your insanely usual 10,000:1 contrast ratio. The 8,000:1-contrast ratio LB75 models only has 720p/1080i, but supports 1080p input coming at 32 and 26 inches.
It was announced in passing during today's press event, but now it's official in their site, FAQ included: the Sony Music Store will be dead dead dead after March 2008. The eBook service won't be affected, but the music is going the way of the Dodo as they embrace the openness. Read on for Sony's explanations, excuses and other marketing yaddah-yaddah.
LG used IFA to announce the arrival of their first palm-sized projector, the HS101 - which, judging by their comments, they're pretty pleased with. "Industry experts told us it would be impossible to make such a small projector with a 2,000:1 contrast ratio and 100 ANSI lumen output," said LG's head of LCD TV Division. "We've obviously proven them wrong with the HS101." More details and the press release below.
They are trying to kill the press, I swear. First they stack Sony and Samsung conferences. Then Samsung moves their conference...I think.
But now I'm at LG! Hit the jump for updates.
If an electric toothbrush isn't high-tech enough for you, then you could kick it up a notch with the Triumph with SmartGuide. The brush monitors how you are cleaning your teeth - time, area and pressure, and sends that information back to a base station. This base station, which can be stuck on a bathroom mirror, then tells you where and for how long you should be focusing in order to get a thorough and even brushing.
This gadgetry doesn't come cheap though, costing as much as a trip to the dentist at $280. It will be available in the UK from next month.[Spuch]
The new Nikon Coolpix S51c is wireless-enabled, allowing you to email or upload pictures straight from your camera. A feature called "my Picturetown" allows you to upload images to your own blog or even to Flickr. This means that the S51c is a dangerous tool at parties.
Nikon has launched two cameras in its Style series, the 12-megapixel S700 and 8-megapixel S510 with solid metal bodies and Optical Vibration Reduction image stabilization system. The cameras feature a 3X optical zoom, and aren't very bulky. The metal body makes them very resilient and the cameras have a very quick 0.9 second power-up, so you won't miss any Kodak Nikon moments.
We're here at Sony's press conference. Hit the jump for updates. You know, for those up at 3:00am.
Samsung's tiny BS300 speakers are not only Bluetooth-enabled, but also allow you to control the music without having to get your MP3 player out via skip, stop and play buttons. A neat idea. Clickety-click for a couple of extra pictures below.
Mark Wilson is now chilling in a Sony press event at IFA 2007, the european überfair for home entertainment, digital audio, multimedia, all things wireless and cells, and technology at large. It officially starts tomorrow Berlin, but he's already scouting the premises and attending events. Addy and myself will fly early tomorrow —european time, so late night in the US— to join him for a five day intensive coverage, so keep your eyes peeled and the frankfurters, beer and sauerkraut ready.
Posted by Seamus Byrne at 1:23 PM on August 30, 2007
We've seen most of the major players roll out their HDMI-CEC support since earlier in the year, and all I can say is that it makes me want a universal remote more than ever. If one company on a closed circuit across their own brand can't make these systems as simple, and elegant, a solution as a third-party programmable remote, then HDMI-CEC is never going to be a serious feature on the TV scene.
Cross brand control is one thing. You don't expect it, so it is nice that at least basic commands do work (like ON and OFF). But something that has been positioned as a revolution in device control so far feels MORE complicated than having five remotes on the coffee table.
Here's my advice to all you multinational CE corporations who might be listening:
Although normal locks are fine for the 20th century, these Samsung touchscreen door locks show that you're a man that doesn't settle for last year's technology. These locks, which come in black and silver for $180 (170,000 Won), have a Samsung phone-esque touchpad for easy number entry, plus aluminum alloy and tempered glass for that extra bit of style. If we ever have anything worth protecting, we'd use one of these padlocks to do it. [AVING via Korean Gadgets via Coolest Gadgets]
The PSP Slim is a marginal upgrade at best, but an upgrade nonetheless, and enthusiast press is getting their hands on the first review units. Some guy at Kotaku who looks like a boy band pirate groped it, took photos and videos, and noted the differences, which I shall recap:
•33% lighter, and 19% slimmer than the old PSP.
•Menu differnces include a USB charge option(!)
•Settlings for TV output including 16:9 and 4:3 modes, progressive or interlaced.
This is Lego's new Exo-Force beast, a Robotech's VF-1A Valkyrie-spirited mecha that responds to the name of Aero Booster. And we don't like it. We love it in a Lynn Ninmay loves Rick Hunter kind of pants wetness. [Boing Boing]
Those of you who really want to give Sony your money but don't think the PS3 has enough games to play should really take another look at the PlayStation 2. And what better way to do so than the white Singstar PS2 bundle that comes with a white PSTwo Slim, two mics, and a copy of Singstar Pop. Although Pop probably has horrible, horrible songs that don't nearly match up to the good ones in Singstar Rock (UK, not US), a white PS2 is nothing to scoff at. After all, the top two Next-Gen consoles are both white. [PRnewsWire via Joystiq]
One of the big pains in the ass with having an FM transmitter to get music from your iPod/Zune to your car radio is finding a clear radio station. A frequency may be fine where you live, but drive 20 miles in any direction and it could be totally packed. DLO's OpenFM tool lets you search by city or zip code and gives you the best (most open) frequencies in the area to tune your FM transmitter to. And they're hoping that you buy a DLO FM transmitter while you're there. It even has an iPhone-customzied version. [DLO]
AU: Thankfully our more centralised radio networks mean we don't have such drama. But it's still a pretty cool tool, though US only right now.
Posted by Seamus Byrne at 9:59 AM on August 30, 2007
If you find big TVs an inelegant solution to your big screen needs, then I'm sure you're a projector lover, right? Well Panny pointed out their latest home theatre options yesterday too, though after teasing us with the prospect of the AX2000E - update to the excellent AX1000 - we were told they couldn't talk about that one just yet, because the design and spec isn't final, even though it is due in October. Damn.
So it was all about the AX200, the more affordable 720p neighbour that can't quite keep up with his friend Jones next door. Due late September, this puppy will run at 2000 lumens and get some help from their 'Light Harmonizer II' system to set the image to suit ambient light levels. It's a wanky name, but it isn't just a brightness adjust - it changes gamma, iris, lamp power, and sharpness settings. Sure, power users will probably turn it off, but it's nice for those who are more casual about this business.
More, more, more below.
Posted by Seamus Byrne at 9:29 AM on August 30, 2007
We were out at a Panasonic launch event yesterday, covering a range of their newest product line ups - TVs, projectors, and cameras. We thought we'd start with the TVs, such is the lust for HD out there. Especially Full HD, and everything we saw was just that. 42-, 50-, 58- and 65-inch models are now on the page.
Some interesting stats were thrown around that point to a renewed plasma take up. For a while there LCD was gaining on plasma in the big screen space (obviously LCD has won the war of smaller screens). But now plasma has extended its dominance of the 37-inch and larger screen space, moving out to 61% of this space.
Could be something to do with the massive increase in panel life expectancy, with this latest Viera range claiming a half-life of 100,000 hours. That's 8 hours a day for 35 years. That, and the serious chops for sport and action reproduction.
More deets and pricing after the jump. The 65-inch price is TBA, but you can expect it to be priced to suit that lifestyle image - if you have a grand piano in your living room, you might be the type who can afford one.
iFuntastic is the easiest way to muck around in an iPhone's head and version 3.03 has been released with app support and more on top of the existing ringtone and file browsing features: •Support for installing apps via the file... Read More »
Posted by Seamus Byrne at 8:56 AM on August 30, 2007
This awesome designer lamp is an award winner at the recent GiForm 2007 industrial design competition in Norway. And those Scandanavians know how to design. At night, it gives off a warm glow through the leaves while slowly turning out. In the morning, it slowly raises the intensity and opens to give a gradual wake up. Sounds like a good deal to me. Those pics seem to indicate they think it's for kids, though. To hell with the kids! Give me the damn lamp! Oh, sorry, soothing. Calm. Relax. Aaaah... [via MocoLoco]
Posted by Seamus Byrne at 8:25 AM on August 30, 2007
Mmmm... I think it's been too long since my last breakfast congee...
1200-feet high zip line the school bus for Columbian kids.
'Pretend you don't enjoy it, guys. They might take it away if they realise we think it's fun!'
New Bose SoundDock Portable arrives at our doors.
The classic iPod dock now more travel friendly, and has a cool retractable dock.
Nokia Ovi opens door to new N-Gage, music, social network, maps.
Ambitious online effort, can't help strike fear into hearts with the mention of N-Gage.
Researchers decode keyless car entry, almost every car crackable.
And it only takes about an hour of observations. For one car. Yeah, killer crack.
Unearthed: Nintendo 2001 prototype motion-sensing one-handed controller from Gyration.
What could have been... I'm happier with what actually is - the Wiimote.
Robot arm mimics muscle, bone structure to write hello.
Elective arm grafts mere decades away!
Treo 750 users who've been waiting for that Windows Mobile 6 upgrade for a while can finally install this onto your phones. It's recommended for everyone who doesn't use BlackBerry Connect, because Wm6 doesn't support it at this time. If that's you, don't upgrade, because you can't downgrade to WM5 again. [Palm]
Mirage is really wanting to lock down that elusive "watch TV outside in the snow" customer base by improving on their previous non-HD TVs with these 42- and 47-inch 1080p sets. These MirageVisions can take temperatures from -25 to 145 degrees F, as well as withstand rain, sleet, snow and high humidity. The waterproof cover makes it safe to actually hose it down, if you're some kinda TV-hosing weirdo. $3,349 and $3,949 gets you outdoor television in high def. [ElectronicHouse]
Engadget just noted that the iRobot Looj just hit the FCC. There are some terrible photos but I noticed there's a full manual detailing its every function:
•The Looj does one gutter at a time.
•There's a belt clip for easier transportation of the Looj to rooftops.
•There's a detachable handle used to drop it into position that also becomes a remote control. •The nose of the device has a ejector (the fin, which kicks stuff out of the gutter) and disruptor, which breaks up the debris in the first place. After that, a 500RPM rotating sweeper scrubs the gutter.
•"Clear all debris in front of ladder before starting auger to avoid being sprayed in the face."
Dudes, this is too complicated. How about I just climb on top of my roof with a hand-shovel and hose and clean this mess up myself?
[Engadget]
Parrot knows people hate cables, which is why they're releasing a Bluetooth stereo and a set of Bluetooth speakers that'll stream music sent from your phone. The speakers will merely play your music, while the stereo will allow for hands-free calling, FM radio playing and music played off of SD cards. Both will be available in October, with the speakers running you $270 and the stereo $230. [Pocket Lint 2]
Other than firemen, the military and masked vigilantes, there probably isn't a huge market for a suit that allows you to scale up walls. However, Italian scientists have calculated how much stickiness a suit needs to mimic the ability of insects and spiders to climb up a wall without peeing their pants in fear of falling. Unless the suit injects a good bit of teen angst and pudginess (if this was the third suit in a trilogy), we'll have no part of it. [Telegraph]
Balda, Apple's iPhone touch-screen provider, got an order for 6 to 8 million touch-screens from an unnamed "leading mobile manufacturer," starting in April 2008. If this manufacturer is Nokia, could this mean that today's video showing a fake phone with concept overlaid user-interface is more than rushed-out FUD? Seems logical to us. [Cellular News]
Here's a cross between a Hacky Sack and a football, and it's called FunKix, billed as a techno-filled sports sack for your kicking and gadget-lusting enjoyment. Each one of these little kicksters does its own digital trick.
The FunKix Digi has a digital counter, recording your time and number of kicks on its LCD display. There it is, proof of how many times you kick that sucker without dropping it, and displaying your fantastic accomplishment in a "high score" mode. FunKix Flash has LEDs inside, which the company says are ultra-bright, sure to dazzle all those around for your nighttime hacky sack-kicking extravaganzas. Then there is the FunKix Sonic, letting you record choice phrases into it and playing them back every time you boot it. Imagine the possibilities.
All are supposedly super-tough, so you can kick the shit of them without worrying about breaking their delicate techno-innards. Might be fun for $20 each. [FunKix]
Is this it? The HD DVD stake into Blu-ray's heart that will signal a start to the resolution of these next-gen DVD format wars? We tracked down a price on the upcoming Venturer HD DVD player and discovered it to be $199, the magical price that everyone's been waiting for.
AU: No doubt that would end up converting to something around $299-$399 out here. Would a player hitting a certain price point tip you over the edge on buying an HD format, regardless of which format it was? Or would you still 'wait and see'? OR are you already committed one way or the other, even if you haven't already purchased?
Although this robotic arm probably won't make anybody cry, it is pretty darn amazing. The components, which look anime-like in its cords and pipes and metal structure, are designed to mimic your muscle and skeletal structure. It's good enough right now to actually write semi-legibly and lift a small weight up without passing out—two tasks I have a lot of trouble with. [Festo via Core77 via Boing Boing]
You're looking at the new HP Virtus. Not much of anything is known about the slick-looking tower, but judging by the looks of it the smart money is on it being a relatively expensive gaming rig. But who knows, maybe it's HPs new line of budget towers. We'll let you know one way or another when we get more details. [Engadget]
While it's true that carrying around this portable rotary cellphone—yes, it's a cellphone—will impress friends and strangers alike, it's unlikely to impress them for more than five minutes. Yes, it supports tri-band GSM, has a SIM card slot and has a rechargeable battery. But the phone costs $499 and you have to actually unscrew the phone in order to charge it. Not very convenient at all, which probably isn't a problem for someone who's carrying around a rotary cellphone for laughs. [Sparkfun via Sci Fi]
Nokia presented some cool mobiles today and also slipped this concept video of a future iPhone-clone. One thing was confirmed to me by Nokia: This demo is strictly for the UI, not the device, which is built on a Symbian 60 OS base that still retains its standard UI. The hardware is not even real. The LCD's images are overlayed on the hardware so we're not even talking working proto. And even if it was real, I'd assume they'd run into legal trouble for infringing on Apple US Patent #12341235ASDF for "Mind Bendingly Cool Phone" and other assorted UI methods. But you should see it for yourself in the video:
Here's an odd toy from Crayola that could function as a tool, too. The Crayola Total Tools Audio Ruler lays down a line of disappearing ink, and then blurts out exactly how long that line is as soon as you're done drawing it. It's accurate to within a quarter of an inch, but has a major limitation.
It can only measure up to a foot in length, which would probably prove to be a drawback if you wanted to use this as an actual tool. If it could resolve measurements down to at least a 16th of an inch, it might be useful for someone who can't see very well. But wait a minute, blind carpenters? It could happen, it really could. Until then, parents will long for the day when rulers remained silent, minding their own business. [Crayola, via Book of Joe]
In an alternative Universe, this is what the Nintendo Wii's Wiimote and nunchuck would have looked like: this is the amazing transforming GyroPod, a motion-sensing gamepad prototype that Gyration made for Nintendo back in 2001.
Thanks to a recent chance encounter, we were able to uncover a couple of PowerPoint slides that showed the GyroPod, a prototype design for a one-handed motion sensing controller designed specifically by Gyration for Nintendo.
The three new Kodak cameras which we covered