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WowWee Cinemin Swivel, Stick, and Station pico PJs hands-on

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

WowWee's DLP-fueled Cinemin pico projectors don't really set themselves apart from the other entries in this ever-growing market, but the competitively-priced Swivel, Stick and Station have poised themselves to come out swinging. The Swivel has a 480 x 360 resolution, three-hour battery life, and will retail this Spring for $299. We saw the screen, beaming an iPod nano video at various distances from the screen, and it came through decently despite the bad lighting conditions on the show floor. The Station and pocket-sized Stick both sport 800 x 480 resolution and an SD slot, with supported codecs not yet determined. Those two models are coming this Fall for $399 and $349, respectively.

Gallery: WowWee Cinemin Swivel, Stick, and Station pico PJs hands-on

Filed under: CES, Displays

WowWee Cinemin Swivel, Stick, and Station pico PJs hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: ASUS teases with folding Origami laptop concept

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

As of today, CES 2009 is all ASUS' show. We're impressed with both the hardware on display as well as the custom UIs they've developed to take advantage of their new touchscreen displays while waiting for Windows 7 to arrive. In a nod to the future (the very distant future), ASUS leaves us with a conceptual bow inspired by folded Origami... and Battleship, apparently. Check the video after the break.

Continue reading Video: ASUS teases with folding Origami laptop concept

Filed under: Laptops

Video: ASUS teases with folding Origami laptop concept originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba showing off 56-inch Cell-based 4k x 2k HDTV, prototype MIDs

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Unlike most everyone else at CES, Toshiba has decided to out all of its expo materials in one single PR. Unfortunately, we were already well aware of most things mentioned, but we felt it prudent to pass along a few unique mentions. First off, it'll be demonstrating a Cell-based prototype HDTV with a 56-inch 4k x 2k panel; said set can upconvert full 1080p to 3,840 x 2,160p thanks to its Resolution+ technology, which frankly has our mouths watering profusely. Additionally, we'll supposedly see a 55-inch LED-backlit panel that's also controlled by the Cell platform, which will seek to demonstrate "high-speed control of all picture parameters, including an innovative local dimming function." In somewhat related news (but not at all, really), we're also told of a few conceptual MIDs that'll make it to the show floor, including an internet notepad, a water-resistant viewer and a 5-millimeter card-sized device. For the full spill, give that read link a gentle tap.

Filed under: CES, Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Toshiba showing off 56-inch Cell-based 4k x 2k HDTV, prototype MIDs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo has a new Search

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

In the world of consumer electronics we have come very accustomed to seeing evolutionary instead of revolutionary changes. This can make it very hard to discern what's new, so when we received the latest news from TiVo, we really had to read it carefully. After a very thorough analysis we've determined that there really isn't that much new about the new TiVo Search. In fact the only thing we can tell is different from the older Swivel search is the cool new look and the focus on HD -- which is welcomed. But now that we've got an official glimpse of this new image rich UI, we wish TiVo would completely replaced the entire UI, something TiVo persists it isn't ready to do. Another picture and a full release after the break.

Continue reading TiVo has a new Search

TiVo has a new Search originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The last Apple Macworld keynote – a new iLife, a new iWork, a new 17 inch MacBook Pro, and ...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

So the Macworld keynote address came and went.. and the world is still in one piece. As a regular bystander, the keynote was a bit ho-hum.. Yes.. Apple announced new software releases (iLife’09 and iWork ‘09); yes there’s a new 17 inch MacBook Pro notebook… and yes.. there are changes to iTunes.. but overall – it was a bit of a letdown wasn’t it? Maybe I’m not hardcore enough of an Apple follower.. Oh well.

In any event, let me try and summarize today’s announcements. Apple announced a new version of iLife ‘09 which features major updates to iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand. IMHO, the best additions have to be for iPhoto where you can now perform automatic face detection within the software, automatically publish pictures to both Facebook and Flickr as well as sync name tags back to iPhoto from Facebook. iPhoto will also now support location information stored in pictures from GPS enabled cameras or mobile phones. You’ll be able to search by places and faces – nifty. iLife ‘09 also contains an updated version of iWeb ‘09 as well as iDVD ‘09 for creating DVDs. You can purchase iLife ‘09 later this month for $79 dollars.

Apple also announced a major update to their iWork productivity suite in the form of iWork ‘09. The new version adds many new features to Keynote, Pages, and Numbers – all of which you can read about in the press release if you’re interested. Not to be outdone by Google or Microsoft, Apple is also getting into the online document sharing business with the introduction of the iWork.com beta website. With iWork.com, users will be able to share their iWork ‘09 documents online using their Apple ID. iWork ‘09 is available now for $79 dollars or $49 dollars with the purchase of any Mac.

As long rumored, Apple finally released an updated 17 inch MacBook Pro – bringing the aluminum unibody construction from the MacBook family to the 17 inch domain. The new 17 incher also features a new built-in rechargeable battery with a battery life of up to eight hours and lifespan of 1000 recharges – more than three times the lifespan of conventional notebook batteries. Other features of the new MacBook Pro include:

High resolution LED backlit 1920 x 1200 resolution display
Glass based multi-touch trackpad
Latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors up to 2.93 GHz
Up to 8GB RAM
Switchable NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics
Standard 320GB 5400RPM HDD
Optional 320GB 7200RPM HDD or 128GB/256GB SSD
Mini DisplayPort

The new 17 inch MacBook Pro will be shipping at the end of this month. For a suggested retail price of $2799, you’ll get a system with the following specs:

17-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1920 x 1200, glossy display;
2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;
1066 MHz front-side bus;
4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM;
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3 video memory;
320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme® 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
built-in iSight video camera;
three USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire® 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);
ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
built-in, 95WHr lithium polymer battery; and
85 Watt MagSafe® Power Adapter.

Yes.. $2799 is a lot of money..

And FINALLY, changes are coming to iTunes. Apple finally gave up on their single price point of $99 cents – offering songs in three price points now – $69 cents, $99 cents, and $1.29. However, the company also announced that all four major music labels (Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, Warner Music Group and EMI) will now be offering their music in iTunes Plus – Apple’s DRM free format with 256kbps AAC encoding.

Let’s focus on the price changes first. Apple will be rolling out the price changes in April and it will be based on what the music labels charge Apple. The company claims that many more songs will be priced at 69 cents vs $1.29 but you can be sure the newest most popular songs will be on the higher end of the spectrum.

Ah but what about your existing collection of purchased songs? You can upgrade them to the newer DRM free format at a price of 30 cents per song or 30 percent of the album price. The iTunes Store will begin offering eight million of its 10 million songs in the DRM free format with the remaining 2 million available by the end of March.

Finally, iPhone 3G owners will finally be able to download their purchased songs over the 3G network – just like they would over a Wi-Fi network.

AND.. that’s a wrap

Technorati Tags: Apple, Macworld keynote, iLife '09, iWork '09, Macbook Pro, iTunes Plus

The Stribe - A DIY LED touch Interface

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

This one was flagged up for Gadget Freak by our Technology Editor, Steve Bush - a Do-Itself-Yourself LED Touch Interface, Hi-Fi style.

This one was flagged up for Gadget Freak by our Technology Editor, Steve Bush - a Do-Itself-Yourself LED Touch Interface, Hi-Fi style.

The Stribe, apparently created by one Josh Boughey, combines touch sensors with LEDs to provide visual feedback. Previously, reports Create Digital Music, the original version was big in terms of size and hardware complexity.

The revised, slimmed-down version features two columns of LEDs, and apparently, the kit now sells for $79.99.

If you are interested in more detail, the website carries an interview with the creator.

T-Mobile bringing the BlackBerry Curve 8900 in February

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Sprint's now officially holding up the tail end of the BlackBerry train in the States (though hopefully not for long) now that T-Mobile has announced that the thoroughly modern Curve 8900 is hitting the lineup. Like the 8320 before it, the 8900 does WiFi for UMA-based HotSpot calling service and a 3.5mm headphone jack, but the similarities end there; besides arguably becoming the hottest BlackBerry in RIM's stable, the 8900 features a 3.2-megapixel cam with image stabilization and a glorious 480 x 360 display that'll put anything shy of a Storm to shame. Look for it next month -- T-Mobile hasn't committed to a date, though we have no reason to doubt the 11th rumor at this point.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

T-Mobile bringing the BlackBerry Curve 8900 in February originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stereo BT with Altec-Lansing Backbeat

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/...ckbeat-bluetoo/

"Mono Bluetooth headsets are already everywhere, but this could be the year that those of the stereo variety take off, and Altec Lansing's hoping its new BackBeat series will be a contender. They're made in partnership with earpiece-guru Plantronics, so callers will find integrated voice dialing, omnidirectional microphones, 7 hours of talk time, and AudioIQ to boost volume when you're in a noisy situation."

After a 6-month study-related hiatus, I'm back! And this first post is on something I've been looking at for some time. Stereo BT headsets have largely been a niche area over the last few years, but the technology has certainly improved in the interim. What still bothers me though is the price, with most stereo headsets coming in at the US$100 dollar level (like the Backbeat). That's the price for a premium mono headset with noise-cancelling, and way, way over what typical mono headsets cost these days - not exactly a recipe for mass-market adoption. Granted, you've got a lot more technology and research dollars embedded in stereo headsets (and hopefully better quality sound), but is that worth the premium? Thoughts anyone?

SanDisk slotRadio player comes with jam-packed card: like NOW, but infinitely worse

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Oh, heaven help us all. Just when we thought SanDisk had taken a hint and stopped promoting its slotMusic initiative entirely, in flies this. Quite honestly, we weren't aware that it could get any worse, but this friends, is worse. The Sansa slotRadio player includes a fairly intriguing 1.5-inch OLED display, a useful FM tuner and a slotRadio card with 1,000 hits that were "handpicked from the Billboard charts." Oh, and we hope you dig 'em (all of 'em), because there's no way to remove or alter them. For real. The device itself is expected to ship to three or four suckers early this year for $99.99, and additional 1,000 song, genre-specific slotRadio cards will be offered up separately at $39.99 apiece. And we thought the NOW That's What I Call Music! theme was a train wreck -- way to show 'em what a real disaster looks like, SanDisk.

[Via OLED-Display]

Filed under: CES, Portable Audio, Portable Video

SanDisk slotRadio player comes with jam-packed card: like NOW, but infinitely worse originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SanDisk shipping Mobile Ultra 16GB microSDHC / M2 cards

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

SanDisk got official (after some fighting) with its 16GB microSDHC and M2 cards way back in September, but now we're being formally introduced to the Mobile Ultra line. Both cards remain topped out at 16GB, and it's also bundling a MobileMate Micro Reader along with each. They ought to be hitting shelves this month for $119.99 (microSDHC) / $129.99 (M2), and you can catch the full release just after the break.

Continue reading SanDisk shipping Mobile Ultra 16GB microSDHC / M2 cards

Filed under: CES, Storage

SanDisk shipping Mobile Ultra 16GB microSDHC / M2 cards originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SanDisk releases 2GB Rock Band 2 SD card for all your downloadable content

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Okay, so we were actually pretty stoked about SanDisk's 16GB Ultra microSDHC / M2 cards, but this is just laughable. In fact, we just had to pass it along for the image alone. For those who don't understand that any SD card will work in your Wii, the 2GB Rock Band 2 Secure Digital card will reportedly hold up to 75 downloadable songs -- or 2GB of anything, actually. For those in love with the logo (yes, we're talking to you), it'll ship this Spring for the low, low price of $12.99. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading SanDisk releases 2GB Rock Band 2 SD card for all your downloadable content

Filed under: CES, Gaming, Storage

SanDisk releases 2GB Rock Band 2 SD card for all your downloadable content originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's HZ10W arrives early with ultra-wide 24mm lens

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Ooops. Samsung's 10.2 megapixel HZ10W camera has leaked onto the Internets a bit early. The wide-angle lens goes extra-wide with its 24mm (not 28mm) Schneider with 10x optical zoom stabilized with both optical and digital anti-shake tech. It also captures 720p video at 30fps in H.264 format to SDHC cards if that's your thing. In addition to a presumably useful array of automatic face detection, Smile Shot (shoots a photo when the subject smiles) and Blink Detection (triggers 3x shots if a blink is detected), the camera also features manual control over shutter speed, focus, aperture, and ISO settings. Happy, pappy?

[Via PhotographyBlog]

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Samsung's HZ10W arrives early with ultra-wide 24mm lens originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung ships DisplayLink-equipped SyncMaster 2243QW

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Samsung's been shipping DisplayLink-equipped displays in its UbiSync line for months now, and now it's got one more headed to consumers. The 22-inch 2243QW comes with a 1,680 x 1,050 native resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 5-millisecond response time, a built-in USB hub and VGA / DVI inputs. 'Course, the signal gets sent over USB, but it's your best guess as to what it'll run. Er, is running, considering that it's shipping now to the US and Europe.

Filed under: CES, Displays

Samsung ships DisplayLink-equipped SyncMaster 2243QW originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REDFLY working on Android proof-of-concept

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

While REDFLY isn't exactly the picture of consumer relevance with its Windows Mobile integration, they're showing off an Android proof-of-concept that's exactly the sort of magic that could make this hardware lovable. The REDFLY folks have tweaked Android to output to the 800 x 480 resolution, and have a working cursor -- something we haven't seen in similar hacks. So far they're making no promises about an actual release, but this is the most excited we've been about this thing since... well, forever. Video is after the break.

Continue reading REDFLY working on Android proof-of-concept

Filed under: Laptops

REDFLY working on Android proof-of-concept originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pressure alarm monitors water and air

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Thanks to our sister site Design News for this Gadget Freak - a simple dual state pressure alarm that monitors water and air, devised by one and one William Grill.

It's an ingenuious system devised to meet a problem with a clogging shallow drain and resultant backed up water. More than just a water monitor. He wanted to know when the drain was getting clogged before water was all over the place.

The answer? He has created a sensor that is set for two points - 1 and 5 inches of water in the laundry tub. The sensor sends an alarm before the water crests the tub and splatters all over the floor - all for less than $12 in components.

Build Instructions

You can read the build instructions, where he begins:

I have a shallow drain in my laundry room that is shared by the kitchen. A laundry tub somewhat regulates the flow from the washer but periodically the drain gets jammed up with stuff from either the kitchen disposal or laundry discharge 'goop'.

Thanks to our sister site Design News for this Gadget Freak - a simple dual state pressure alarm that monitors water and air, devised by one and one William Grill.

It's an ingenuious system devised to meet a problem with a clogging shallow drain and resultant backed up water. More than just a water monitor. He wanted to know when the drain was getting clogged before water was all over the place.

The answer? He has created a sensor that is set for two points - 1 and 5 inches of water in the laundry tub. The sensor sends an alarm before the water crests the tub and splatters all over the floor - all for less than $12 in components.

Build Instructions

You can read the build instructions, where he begins:

I have a shallow drain in my laundry room that is shared by the kitchen. A laundry tub somewhat regulates the flow from the washer but periodically the drain gets jammed up with stuff from either the kitchen disposal or laundry discharge 'goop'.

Either way you know you're in trouble when the water backs up onto the laundry room floor.

While water monitors can be simple things I wanted to be able to provide a bit more warning. Following a rather unpleasant laundry room crisis, I wanted to build something that gave me a clue that the drain was 'getting' clogged, before I got to the 'water all over the place' situation.

Schematic

(click on the schematic to expand)

The inventor writes: Referring to the schematic, the FreeScale, MPCX2010 sensor, is a differential, ported, gauge sensor. The scaling amplifiers use a LM324 quad op-amp and the detector is a LM1541. Although all the active parts, including the regulator, are available in surface mount I have used socketed 8 and 14 pin dual in-line ICs and the more traditional TO-92 parts. Assemblied on a common .1" center perf with solder pads on a single side passive resistors pots and caps are also through hole mounted.

I have modified it for this application to provide both a periodic chirp for that first level, 1 inch, trip and a continuous warble for a second, 5 inch, alarm trip. The newly coded alarm controller was then re-compiled for Microchip's 10F200 controller. Several Microchip controllers can be used including the 10F204 and 12F508. These are small and inexpensive controllers. The code, provided below, should run in any of these.

I have used a 1.45 psi sensor, scaled in half to detect, full scale, 5 inches of water. Similarly packaged sensors, from FreeScale, for this application include a 7.25, 14.5 and 29 pK sensor.

Parts List

Amt	Part Description
1	Quad op-amp
1	Detector
1	100 ohm R Single Turn Pot
1	10K ohm R Single Turn Pot
1	10K ohm R 1/8W Resistors
2	680 ohm R 1/4W Metal Film Resistors
2	470K ohm R 1/8W Carbon Resistors
2	Diodes
1	Regulator
1	Power Jack 1.3 mm
1	PiezoAlarm
1	Black 2.75 x 4.6 Enclosure
1	SPST Rt angle Toggle
Additional parts required:
1	Sensor
1	Controller

Powermat hands-on

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Remember the Powermat? Unlike other induction-based "wireless power" contraptions we've seen, this one came out earlier this year as total vaporware and has now resurfaced as a collaborative effort by Michigan-based HoMedics Powermat North America (HPNA). We finally got a chance to see it work in person and, much to our surprise, it seems to have delivered on its promised... at least in part. We saw three pads that touched base with six different mediators for charging various cell phones, laptops, and handheld games. The devices magnetically "lock on" to the mats and a light comes on to indicate its working. The rep told us devices charge just as fast with the mat as they would via the traditional "plug" method, but it's not like we waited around long enough to see for ourselves. No price or date, but we're a lot more excited about it knowing this thing might actually work. We're hearing some more interesting developments will be shown off later this week, from both Powermat as well as a few of the other companies here showcasing wireless power technology, which we'll be keeping an eye out for. Hit up the gallery for some sexy recharging imagery.

Gallery: Hands-on with Powermat

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Powermat hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pioneer's TAD shows off a new Blu-ray audio format at CES

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Technical Audio Devices (TAD), a subsidiary of Pioneer, has a little something to show audiophiles that may lure them away from their CD transports yet -- a new 2-channel audio format for Blu-ray discs that it unapologetically claims "rivals 2-channel analog sound." We're not sure if that means reel-to-reel or vinyl is in the crosshairs, but the company is putting its apparently-unnamed format up for demo at CES. The demos are being hosted by none other than audiophile classic Sheffield Labs recording engineers Bill Schnee and Doug Sax, who have picked out some choice cuts to be played on pro-level TAD Compact Reference monitors and associated electronics; no word on if whiskey is part of the demo.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Pioneer's TAD shows off a new Blu-ray audio format at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pandigital intros PanTouch Clear photo frames

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Pandigital's just announced two new digital photo frames (we like to think you can never have enough of 'em!) -- the PanTouch Clear -- which comes in both 7 and 8-inch models. The company's pushing the "floating" image theme with this pair, which boast an 800 x 600 resolution, a 4:3 aspect ratio, 6-in-1 card reader, and touchscreen interface. No word on when they're going to be available, but the 7-incher will run $119, with the 8-inch model going for $139.99.

Filed under: Displays

Pandigital intros PanTouch Clear photo frames originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech extends G product line with new keyboard, mouse, and headset

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Logitech extends their gamer oriented G-series product lineup with the introduction of three new products – the Logitech G19 keyboard for gaming, the Logitech G35 surround sound headset, and the Logitech G9x laser mouse. Here’s what you need to know about the three new products.

Logitech G19 Keyboard for Gaming

First Logitech keyboard to feature color GamePanel LCD
320 x 240 pixel display provides in-game information for over 60 games
Screen can also show VoIP communication data, clock, CPU load, or other non-gaming specific information such as pictures or video
12 fully programmable G keys with three macros per key – resulting in 36 commands per game
Multi-key input functionality allows you to engage up to 5 keys at the same time
Game Mode switch which can disable the Windows key during game play
Two USB 2.0 ports
Available in March for $199.99

Logitech G35 Surround Sound Headset

First Logitech headset to offer 7.1 surround sound
Powered by second generation Dolby Headphone technology
Reduces ambient noise thanks to proprietary ear-enclosing design
Adjustable noise-canceling microphone
Use included software to morph your voice with six options - cyborg, giant, mutant, space squirrel, troll and alien
Includes three G keys on left earpiece for one-touch command over voice morphing
On-ear audio controls for quick access to volume, microphone mute, and surround sound adjustments
Three swappable headbands – thin, thick, and contoured designs
Supports Dolby Pro Logic II
Available in March for $129.99

Logitech G9x Laser Mouse

Provides precision at any hand speed ( up to 150 inches per second )
On-the-fly adjustable dpi from 200 to 5000 dpi
Two interchangeable snap-on grids lets you choose the best fit and feel
On-board memory for up to five ready-to-play profiles
Weight-tuning system provides up to 28 grams of extra weight
Custom color LEDs let you match the mouse to your personal preference
Available in April for $99.99

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech G19 keyboard for gaming, Logitech G35 surround sound headset, Logitech G9x laser mouse

Logitech announces Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote with customizable touch-screen

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

If you haven’t found yourself a universal remote control for that complicated home theater system of yours yet then perhaps the new Logitech Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote Control will be the right fit for you. The new palm-sized remote comes with a customizable 3.5 inch full-color touch-screen QVGA resolution display and a fully redesigned software which allows you to easily place the commands you use most on the screen.

Other features include:

Tactile guides around the touch-screen which help position the finger for the right command
Brushed-black aluminum top case and soft-touch button case
Rechargeable battery
RF capable
One-touch activity based control

Another reason to like the Harmony 1100? It recently won the CES 2009 Design and Engineering Award: Best of Innovations in the Home-Entertainment Accessories category.

The Harmony 1100 will be available in February for a suggested retail price of $499.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech, Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote

Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system unveiled

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

We knew that Cisco would be invading the home audio space in '09, but we didn't know it'd be so quickly (and under the Linksys name). Here at CES, the outfit has unveiled the admittedly complex Wireless Home Audio system, which utilizes Ethernet / 802.11n / DLNA in order to stream audio over multiple zones throughout the home. The kit is actually comprised of some very specific components, so let's not waste any time, eh? There's the Conductor DMC350 Wireless-N Digital Music Center, Director DMC250 Wireless-N Music Player with Integrated Amplifier, Player DMP100 Wireless-N Music Extender, Stereo Speaker Kit DSPK50, DMWR1000 Wireless-N Touchscreen Remote, iPod docking station and the DMRIR500 IR Remote. For details on the specific kits, which should go on sale this quarter for $300 and way up, give the read link a peek.

Gallery: Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system unveiled

Filed under: CES, Home Entertainment, Wireless

Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Linksys announces Media Hub NAS

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

We knew Cisco would be throwing down in the home media space, and it's coming out in force, supplementing that sexy Wireless Home Audio system with the web-enabled Media Hub NAS. Both the $400 500GB NMH405 and $430 NMH410 (1TB) feature a front-panel LCD and card reader, while the $350 NMH305 (500GB) does away with such frills. All three models come with a single drive, but can be expanded with a second unit later. The web interface actually looks super-slick, with file system and media playback functionality available to any web browser. Of course, you can also stream to any UPnP AV / DLNA device, and there's also iTunes streaming if you roll like that. Not a bad little package, if you're in the market -- we'll see how that interface runs in person later this week.

Filed under: Storage, Networking

Linksys announces Media Hub NAS originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kogan's Android-powered Agora gets handled on video

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Color us believers, friends. Not only did we catch the Agora in full glorious -- albeit blurry -- color yesterday, we're now seeing it handled by some lucky type who owns a video cam that's able to focus. We're pretty stoked about this device and with a dash of luck we may have a chance to check it out ourselves in the next few days. Video follows the break.

[Thanks, Vuki]

Continue reading Kogan's Android-powered Agora gets handled on video

Filed under: Cellphones, CES

Kogan's Android-powered Agora gets handled on video originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP's Mini 1000 Mi up for order

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

That magical "Mi" shell for Ubuntu that HP's built for its new Mini 1000 netbooks is now available for order (as rumored), with configurations starting at $330 for the 9-inch version. Since it's a custom build, it'll take about nine days to ship, but the gift of commercialized open source is forever. If you're still unconvinced, be sure to check out our hands-on look from a few months ago.

[Thanks, Devin H.]

Filed under: Laptops

HP's Mini 1000 Mi up for order originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Griffin freaks out on the accessory tip

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Tons of little accessories from Griffin today -- here's a quick breakdown, pictures in the gallery!

SmartTalk Bluetooth headset: dual-mic headset featuring STEPvoice "acoustic voice separation" technology to kill background and wind noise, and features voice feedback during pairing. $100, now shipping, or wait until February to buy it in a bundle with the PowerJolt car charger for $120.
TuneBuds Fit: In-ear headphones with 10mm drivers in an "anatomically correct" aluminum curved design. Sure, okay. They'll be $50 in February.
Noise-reducing auxiliary audio cable: Car-oriented headphone cable with an inline dual-element noise filter to eliminate hum from vehicle electrical systems. If you need this -- you know if you do, trust us -- it'll be well worth the $20 in February.
SmartShare USB: Sure, lots of people could use this $20 two-port USB hub with a unique splitter-like design, but Griffin's targeting it at MacBook Air owners, because let's face it -- it's fun to point out how limited the MacBook Air is.
PowerBlock Reserve: Adds a removable battery to the popular PowerBlock USB charger that allows it to charge your iPod / iPhone away from an outlet. A little steep at $40, but the battery is held in place magnetically for extra awesomeness.
PowerJolt Reserve: Same deal as the PowerBlock, but in an iPod / iPhone car charger package.
Charge Converter FireWire to USB: We're still unclear as to why all these iPhone 3G FireWire charging adapters are all so expensive, but $30 will get you Griffin's take on the idea sometime later this month.

Gallery: Griffin 2009 accessory lineup

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Griffin freaks out on the accessory tip originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eviant introduces 4.3-, 7- and 19-inch digital televisions at CES

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Can't say we've ever heard of Eviant, but it's tough to ignore a 4.3-inch television. No, we didn't mistakenly write "television" in place of "digiframe" -- the company is seriously pumping out 4.3-inch (T4) and 7-inch (T7) digital portable televisions, both of which are fully prepared to handle the looming DTV transition. Without any additional hardware, both sets can receive ATSC OTA signals, and there's also a built-in Li-ion battery and inbuilt speakers for good measure. In slightly less amazing news, it's also busting out a 19-inch (T19) digital TV with an integrated ATSC / NTSC tuner, HDMI / S-Video / VGA / composite inputs and a 1,440 x 900 native resolution. The whole trio is expected to ship this quarter for $169.99, $199.99 and $299.99 in order of mention.

Read - T4 / T7 release
Read - T19 release

Filed under: CES, Displays, Home Entertainment

Eviant introduces 4.3-, 7- and 19-inch digital televisions at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elgato refreshes its EyeTV Hybrid tuner

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

It's been almost a year since Elgato refreshed its EyeTV Hybrid tuner, and while the addition of better reception and a FM radio tuner aren't earth-shattering, it's awfully hard to complain about how much the company has crammed into the Cear-QAM 1080i-tuning USB stick aimed at Mac users. The $150 dongle includes a year-long subscription to TV Guide for your scheduling convenience, but you'll have to fork over $20 per year for the service after that. There will be a new 3.1 version of EyeTV available later this month, but you can pick up the fresh hardware right now.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Media PCs

Elgato refreshes its EyeTV Hybrid tuner originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell's Studio XPS 1340 and Studio XPS 1640 sneak onto the scene

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

In all-too-familiar fashion, Dell's new Studio XPS laptops have snuck onto the company's store with nary a press release to keep them company. The 1340 is obviously the Studio XPS 13 we saw last month, while the 1640 is naturally the 16-inch version of the leather accented system. Both machines are (oddly) hitting at the same $1,199 pricepoint, with Core 2 Duo processors and the typical smorgasbord of options. The base model of the 1340 includes a P8400 processor, Vista Home Premium, a 13.3-inch WXGA LCD, 2 megapixel webcam, 4GB of DDR3 SDRAM, 320GB 7200rpm SATA drive, slot-loading DVD burner and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G graphics, while the 1640 is similar, but with ATI Mobility RADEON M86XT graphics.

[Via NotebookReview.com; thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read - Dell Studio XPS 1340
Read - Dell Studio XPS 1640

Filed under: Laptops

Dell's Studio XPS 1340 and Studio XPS 1640 sneak onto the scene originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celio takes REDFLY franchise to docks and PC software

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

If you're crazy stoked about hooking up your X1 to a big ol' monitor and keyboard but you're not nearly as stoked about buying into one of Celio's dedicated REDFLY boxes, the company's announcing two new solutions that might fit the bill. First up, the aptly-named REDFLY PC Software brings all the spoils of your WinMo-based handset to any XP- or Vista-based system of your choice -- which, let's be honest, is probably a pretty limited-appeal solution unless you're dealing with some wild software package that's only available on your phone. Next up is the more interesting of the two -- the Smartphone Dock -- that basically takes a full-fledged REDFLY lappie and strips out all the human-interface stuff; in other words, bring your own keyboard and monitor. The dock's being billed as a proof of concept at this point, but the software hits shelves in March.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Celio takes REDFLY franchise to docks and PC software originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An interesting week ahead…

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Ah this should be an interesting week ahead of us folks.

Today of course is Macworld – THE last Macworld that Apple will be a part of which means… this is the last Macworld where we’ll see.. Steve .. err I mean Phil Schiller of Apple (I know.. ho hum..).

Oh and in case you didn’t already hear about this – Steve finally shared with the entire world yesterday what was going on with his health. No – he wasn’t getting skinny because of a reoccurrence of cancer but is in fact suffering from a “hormone imbalance”. Anything more on the topic? Don’t count on it as Steve’s last line in his public letter was “So now I’ve said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.”

So we’re left with Phil manning the helm today..

This is also the week we’re heading off to Las Vegas to attend CES 2009 (drum roll please) and yes.. this will be the week we’ll see lots and lots of new product announcements – some good.. and some not so good of course. It’ll take us several days I’m sure to digest everything that comes out of this week but it should be an interesting week to be sure. If you’re into technology; into gadgets; into computers – then this is YOUR week.. (but next year .. it’ll be boring since Macworld (if there is still one) will no longer have Apple).

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Alarm Master Sleys Elusive Enemy ForgetAllAboutis!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

http://www.connectivetools.com/alar...master_ppc.html

"Alarm Master is a convenient and powerful utility that helps managing personal alarms and reminder on your Windows Mobile Classic/Professional device. If you need a reminder solution for a variety of purposes from daily alarm-clock to parents' calls and monthly bills, this flexible tool is an ideal solution for you."

So indulge me for a moment and pretend there is a mythical monster named ForgetAllAboutis, and further suppose that he/she/it likes to make you forget about various things you should do (e.g. call people you don't particularly like, clean out pesky facebook friend requests from ex-girlfriends, or in my case, pay your quarterly taxes). Now imagine that some wonderful program existed that kept alarms apart from Windows Mobile's calendar, included a today-screen plugin, and generally was customizable as one could wish. Now further believe that it has a trial version available and the full thing costs about 2 1/2 fancy coffees (e.g. around $13). If your (my) dream became reality, you'd have this new release from Connective Tools.

Acer adds DisplayLink multimedia dock to 22-inch P224W monitor

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Acer's P224W is nothing new, but it's getting some seriously new functionality here at CES. Said display has become the first Acer monitor with a matching multimedia dock, which includes a USB hub that allows PCs to connect to it via DisplayLink (or in other words, via USB). In case you're in need of a refresher, other specs include a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,680 x 1,050 native resolution, VGA input and a 5-millisecond response time. It's shipping now for an undisclosed amount in the US and Europe.

Filed under: Displays

Acer adds DisplayLink multimedia dock to 22-inch P224W monitor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T slowing EDGE to force customers to switch to 3G?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Been holding on to that now-antique EDGE device to keep from extending your contract with AT&T? Well, if you've been experiencing some sluggishness -- and not just general EDGE sluggishness, mind you -- you might have more to blame than just those recent outages. Open for Business reports that AT&T has been quietly lowering EDGE signal strength to give more 3G love to all you iPhone 3G and Bold users. To add to the shadiness of the situation, AT&T reps are all offering up the same solution -- buy a 3G device. Unsurprisingly, AT&T's Mark Siegel has denied Open for Business's claims, and says that the mega-carrier is not requiring anyone to switch to a 3G phone. We'll put on our Sherlock Holmes outfits and try to do some digging, but it's not like we actually expect these guys to admit to a move that would definitely lead to a lot of backlash.

[Via MobileBurn]

Filed under: Cellphones

AT&T slowing EDGE to force customers to switch to 3G? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WowWee Spyball Looks Like Death Star Torture Ball, But Transforms and Shoots Upskirt Pics [Ces ...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Like the Rovio, WowWee's Spyball is a Wi-Fi-enabled spycam robot. But it transforms from sorta conspicuous ball to spycam for surreptitious shots. You can connect ad-hoc via Wi-Fi or over the...

WowWee Joebot Has Joementum, But Roborover Is a Late Bloomer [Ces 2009]

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

WowWee actually imbues its new robots with some personality: Joebot is dancing rhythm robot that responds to beats (he beatboxes!), while the Roborover explorer starts out shy and gets bolder over...

WowWee Cinemin Pico Projectors Are Tiny and Cheap [Ces 2009]

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

WowWee's Cinemin pico projectors fit any situation you'd be pico projecting in. The Swivel is a candybar that angles 90 degrees; the Stick's tinier and takes SD cards, and the Station's an iPod dock...

Watch the Entire Macworld 2009 Event [Macworld 2009]

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Our liveblog is good, but nothing beats seeing the last Macworld keynote with your own eyes. Fortunately, Apple has posted the entire event online in QuickTime. [Apple]

Video: ioSafe Solo Fire/Flood Hard Disk Test Puts "Will It Blend?" To Shame ...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I was taken to a Vegas house off the strip. There's a fluorescent green pool, a purple jacuzzi. No strippers in sight—it was time to set a fireproof hard disk aflame. digg_skin = 'compact';...

TiVo Search is The Future of TiVo [TiVo]

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The redesigned TiVo Search does away with the Swivel Search and now makes show searching more efficient and HD friendly. Just like Swivel Search TiVo Search will weed through both live TV and...

The Kogan Agora Pro Android Handset Spotted in the Wild [Android]

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Just days before its CES debut, the Kogan Agora Pro Android phone has been captured in the wild for the first time with a standard array of blurry photographs. To refresh your memory, the Kogan...

Sansa slotRadio Comes With 1,000 Songs Preloaded [Portable Audio]

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Do you enjoy music but not enough to care what specific music you're listening to? Then the Sansa slotRadio is designed for you, it comes with 1,000 "hand picked" songs. No taste required. Yes,...

Phobos High Performance Gaming PC Comes With Concierge Service [Ces 2009]

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

We were intrigued by the teaser shot of BFG's Phobos gaming rig and its touchscreen interface—but now the details have revealed a lot more to be excited about. First off, the specs are what...

Pandora iPhone App Hits 2.0, Gets Even Snazzier [IPhone Apps]

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Pandora's personalized internet radio player is one of our favorite iPhone apps—and tonight it got better, adding a snazzy Coverflow-like song history, bookmark previewing, in-line artist bios and a...

Linksys Wireless Home Audio System Streams All Around Your House, Secretly Aspires to Kill ...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Linksys' new Wireless Home Audio system is very similar in function to Sonos' streaming home audio system, and on specs alone, manages to out spec the latter in some areas. The Wireless Home Audio...