Thursday, May 31, 2007

Verizon Launch Military Grade G’zOne Type S


Verizon Wireless today launched the G'zOne Type-S mobile phone that is built to provide reliable performance for customers with outdoor lifestyles. As well as offering a streamlined look and Bluetooth capabilities, the G'zOne Type-S meets multiple Military Standards specifications.

G'zOne Type-S can access VZ Navigator, a tool that includes mapping, audible turn-by-turn navigation and access to information on more than 14 million points of interest.

Some Specs:
• VZ Navigator - for audible maps, turn-by-turn directions and location information
• Mobile Web 2.0 - customizable, enhanced wireless access to the latest in news, sports, weather and more
• TXT, Picture and Video Messaging capability – send and receive messages with text, sounds, photos and videos
• Mobile IM - send and receive instant messages using AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo! Messenger or MSN Messenger
• Bluetooth-capable for the following profiles: headset, hands-free, serial port and dial-up networking (DUN)
• 300K CMOS digital camera/camcorder with flash and digital zoom and able to take 15-second Video Messages
• Main Display: 1.8-inch 65K-color TFT (176 x 220 px); Sub Display: 1.3-inch black and white STN (96 x 96 px)


The G'zOne Type-S passed the following tests, performed in accordance with Military Standards 810 degree F, with all ports (battery, headset and charging) on the phone closed:

• The Water Resistance test was performed in accordance with Method 506.4, Procedure I. The G'zOne Type-S was subjected to this test with the handset open and closed, but with ports closed for 30 minutes on the front of the unit and then 30 minutes on the back of the unit. The test was designed to simulate rainfall of 2 inches per hour with a 40 MPH wind.
• The Humidity test was performed in accordance with Method 507.4. The G'zOne Type-S tested for operation after the conclusion of the tenth cycle. Each cycle was 24 hours and the entire test was performed over ten days. The temperature was cycled between 86 and 140 degrees F with the relative humidity at 95 percent constant.
• The Drop test was performed in accordance with Method 516.5, Procedure IV. The G'zOne Type-S was sequentially dropped in non-operating mode, onto each face, edge and corner for a total of 26 drops from a height of 1.50 meters (4.9 feet). The drop surface was defined as two-inch-thick plywood over a steel plate over concrete.
• The Dust Resistance test was performed in accordance with Method 510.4, Procedure I. A temperature of 95 degrees F was used for this test. Silica flour as defined by the test standard was used. Devices are given a passing grade when moving parts are not bound or blocked and if the unit powers on.

Source: Mobiledia

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Has Google Street View Gone Too Far?


Ok, so you may have already heard and seen examples of the NEW Google Street View feature on Google Maps. For those of you that have not seen this feature it basically gives you a streets eye view of a particular destination on Google Maps. If the location that you enter has an associated image, you can see in EXTREME detail what is around (360 degrees) that location. The question here is has Google gone too far with the images that they have made available?

With people already complaining about cities putting up cameras on streets to watch for illegal activity, here we have Google displaying on the internet; people, car number plates, street details, houses, banks in extreme detail. Now you do not need to visit a city to get a feel for the layout of particular streets (very terroristic friendly) etc…

Some of the images that are available are quite revealing. You have already seen the lady jogging, how about the guy standing outside an adult theatre!!! See here… Is he just passing, leaving or about to enter? He’ll have a bit of difficulty explaining this to his partner… If the link did not work, just eneter the following into the Google Maps search box '812 larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA'

So what do you think? Is this invasion of our privacy? Or is it OK because it is just Google?

Why not check out your street to see if it has made into Google Street View. Not every destination will be in there, but check it out and see what you can find.

Source: The Drudge Report

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Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Vespa GTV Retro Styling Elegance


I was walking around the local mall yesterday and came across a Vespa display stand and was immediately struck by how great this Vespa GTV looked. The GTV model celebrates 60 years of the most legendary two-wheeler of all time by re-introducing the trademark Vespa styling and features from the 50s and 60s models.

I have to say that I have always been a fan of the Vespa design when it comes to scooters and believe that these retro designs are far superior to those flashy scooters that you see kids riding around with speakers placed everywhere.

So, if you are looking for a cheap transport solution and want style, then check out the Vespa range and in particular this 250cc Vespa GTV

Specs:
• ENGINE TYPE Single cylinder QUASAR 4 stroke with two way catalytic converter and SAS
• CYLINDER CAPACITY 244 cc
• BORE x STROKE 2.46" x 1.91" (62.8 / 48.6 mm)
• MAX POWER at SHAFT 8.7 kW @ 7,750 rpm (11.7 CV)
• MAX TORQUE 11.5 Nm a 6,000 rpm
• MAX SPEED 76 mph (122 Km/h)
• FUEL / TANK CAPACITY Unleaded / 2.4 gallons (9.2 liters)
• DISTRIBUTION SOHC
• COOLING SYSTEM Liquid
• LUBRICATION Wet sump, chain-driven lobe pump
• IGNITION Electric with automatic start
• GEARS CVT 'Twist and go' automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with torque server
• CLUTCH Automatic centrifugal dry clutch with dampers
• CHASSIS Pressed sheet metal frame with welded reinforcements
• FRONT SUSPENSION Single arm, dual-chamber hydraulic shock absorber with co-axial spring
• REAR SUSPENSION Two dual-effect shock absorbers with adjustable preload
• FRONT BRAKE Ø 8.66" (220 mm) disc
• REAR BRAKE Ø 8.66" (220 mm) disc
• FRONT TIRE Tubeless 120/70-12" / Tubeless 130/70-12"
• REAR TIRE Tubeless 120/70-12" / Tubeless 130/70-12"
• LENGTH 76.4" (1,940 mm)
• WIDTH 30.3" (770 mm)
• WHEELBASE 54.9" (1,395 mm)
• SEAT HEIGHT 31.1" (790 mm)
• DRY WEIGHT 322 lbs (146 Kg)
• AVAILABLE COLOR Aviator Gray

Priced around $6,899

Source: Vespa

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Is This The New Google Search Page?


If you pay a visit to the Google Korea page you will see that they have a new search page. This new version features animated icons instead of the current plain stationary text that we have here in the USA and elsewhere.

Google’s CEO, Eric Schmidt said at the recent Seoul Digital Forum that this new look would be appearing in other parts of the world soon.

There is now a row of icons for various Google services that animate when pointed at. These icons link to Gmail, Picasa, Google Calendar and other Google-branded tools.

Check out the new page at Google Korea

Source: Digital World Tokyo

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Microsofts Coffee Table Computer


Microsoft has just unveiled its new touch-sensitive coffee table-shaped computer called "Surface". This new concept, means no more mouse and keyboard, instead users control input using their fingers.

The “Surface” computer is also designed to interact with mobile phones and music players that are placed on the surface. The system will automatically detect what has been placed on the surface to allow user interaction.

Microsoft intends to initially sell the system to hotels, casinos, phone stores and restaurants with an initial cost of $5000 - $10000. Eventually the price should drop to a more realistic figure for the homebuyer segment.

The following is taken from the Microsoft Surface Site

Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that’s easy for individuals or small groups to interact with in a way that feels familiar, just like in the real world. Surface can simultaneously recognize dozens and dozens of movements such as touch, gestures and actual unique objects that have identification tags similar to bar codes.

Surface will ship to partners with a portfolio of basic applications, including photos, music, virtual concierge and games, that can be customized to provide their customers with unique experiences.

Surface computing breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology, changing the way people interact with all kinds of everyday content, from photos to maps to menus. The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information by using their hands and natural movements. Users are able to access information either on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families, unlike any experience available today. Surface computing features four key attributes:

• Direct interaction. Users can actually “grab” digital information with their hands and interact with content through touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.

• Multi-touch contact. Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger as with a typical touch screen, but up to dozens and dozens of items at once.

• Multi-user experience. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience.

• Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.

Multi-touch display. The Surface display is capable of multi-touch interaction, recognizing dozens and dozens of touches simultaneously, including fingers, hands, gestures and objects placed on the surface.

The 30-inch display in a table-sized form factor allows users to share, explore and create experiences together, enabling a truly collaborative computing experience.

Surface is 22 inches high, 21 inches deep and 42 inches wide.

The Surface tabletop is acrylic, and its interior frame is powder-coated steel.

The Surface custom software platform runs on Windows Vista™ and has wired Ethernet 10/100 and wireless 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity.

Beginning at the end of this year, consumers will be able to interact with Surface in hotels, restaurants, retail establishments and public entertainment venues.


Source: BBC

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Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Sony's Memory Stick High Definition HDR CX7 Camcorder


The Sony High Definition HDR-CX7 solid state storage camcorder should be released in early July. The camera weighs a mere 450g, with dimensions 69 x 67 x 131 mm and will utilize Sony’s Memory Stock Due cards. On an 8GB card you will be able to record around 1 hour of top quality footage at 15Mbps or around 3 hours if you reduce the quality to 5Mbps.

The Sony HDR-CX7 has 6.1 megapixel resolution, 10x optical zoom, HDMI output and a battery life of around 45 minutes with the standard battery.

Record high-definition (AVCHD) video direct to Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards
1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor; Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
2.7-inch widescreen hybrid touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display
Simultaneous video and 4.6-megapixel still image capture
Easy one-touch disc-burn; Handycam Station included

Priced around $1,199


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Verizon Launch BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Smartphone


The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Smartphone has been launched today by Verizon. This is the first global CDMA/GSM BlackBerry with new Global BlackBerry service for an "always-on, always connected" wireless email solution.
The Global BlackBerry service also allows customers to place and receive voice calls from more than 160 countries and send and receive emails in the United States, Canada, Mexico and more than 90 countries worldwide. With Global BlackBerry service, Verizon Wireless customers receive the Global Support Pack, which includes a SIM card, a user reference guide and details on accessing the Global Help Desk for 24-hour customer support, seven days a week.

The new BlackBerry 8830 World Edition specs:

EV-DO/GPRS network connection for high-speed data transfer in more than 90 countries
GSM/GPRS (900/1800 MHz) for continued voice and email while traveling internationally
Auto-selection of CDMA/GSM Mode
Thin form factor of just 14mm for both style and easy handling
New Trackball navigation system
Media player
Expandable memory option with microSD card (sold separately)
Speakerphone
Bluetooth capabilities for certain profiles inclusive of hands-free, dial-up networking and serial port
Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD)
Instant Messaging capabilities for quick and easy communication

The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone is available today in Stores for $299.99 after a $100 rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. An additional $100 credit toward the purchase of the device is available for customers who sign up for qualifying voice and data plans at the time of purchase.

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Monday, May 28, 2007

Dell XPS M1210 Santa Rosa


The rumor over at Techfresh is that Dell will be releasing its updated version of the ultra-portable XPS M1210 utilizing Intel's new Santa Rosa platform on June 26. The new XPS M1210 will come with a 12 inch LED backlight screen, latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 800MHz front side bus, Nvidia GeForce 8400 dedicated graphics and slot loading DVD drive. The laptop will weight around 4 pounds and should also be thinner than the current model. No word on pricing.

Source: Techfresh

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SolarSafe UV Monitor Wristband


This has been around for a while, but I thought it deserved a mention. SolarSafe UV Monitor Wristband is a simple way of monitoring how much sun you have been exposed to. You simply place the band on your wrist, apply the same sunscreen that you are wearing onto the SolarSafe wristband and then enjoy the sun. The wrist band has three color changes depending on the amount of exposure.

Check the product out at Solarsafe

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Toshiba V401 and V801 portable media player


Toshiba will be releasing the latest in the V Series, the 40GB V401 and 80GB V801. These latest versions include a new 4-inch, 24-bit color, 480 x 272 pixel display with built-in brightness sensor for automatic adjustment to local lighting conditions. They also support WM DRM10 and WMA 9 along with an improved 1Seg tuner and EPG for plenty of digital TV viewing and recording. The V Series are 24-mm thickness and a battery capable of 28/10/8 hours of playback audio/video/1Seg TV, respectively.

Should be available June 1st in Japan, for around $409 for the 40GB and $491 for the 80GB

Source: Engadget

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Sunday, May 27, 2007

Bath Tub mp3 Payer and Wave Machine


Tired of having to balance your radio or mp3 player on the side of the bath? well, check out this floating mp3 player from JVC. The JVC AX-AW33 floats as it plays your favorite sounds. Not only that but the mp3 player can create waves and a light show in time to the music. The AX-Aw33 comes with a 256MB capacity and is currently only available in Japan.

Source: Coolest Gadgets

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Friday, May 25, 2007

Alpha Romeo’s 8C Spied


Alfa’s supercar the 8C was spotted testing at the Nurburgring prior to its production unveiling later this year. There have been plenty of shots of this supercar, but these latest photo’s indicate some slight changes to the models that have been seen at the various motor shows.


Main changes are the altered headlamps, which now featuring a more angular housing. There are also changes to air intakes and missing vents on the front wing. The car still looks super cool though.

The 8C will be powered by a 4.7-litre V8 the 8C is anticipated to have 450bhp and 346lb/ft of torque. It will have a two-pedal, paddle-shift set up computerized 6-speed gearbox that should enable to reach 62mph in about 4 seconds. With only 500 being built, this will be a nice toy to have, if you have the appropriate spare change.

Source: uk.msn.com

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iRiver X20 mp3 Player Available?


I stumbled on this over at CNET Crave. Apparently the sweet looking iRiver X20 can be found online at Warehouse123.

The iRiver X20 is a flash player, with up to 8GB that includes a microSD card slot for memory expansion. The front of the device features a 2.2 inch, 260,000 color LCD, good for viewing photos (JPEG) and watching video (MPEG-4, AVI and WMV). The iRiver X20 has a five-way tactile control pad, which also comprises a mechanical scroll ring to assist with speedy navigation. The X20 includes an FM tuner and a built-in microphone, and it also supports MP3, WMA, and OGG.

The iRiver X20 is shipping for $219

Source: CNET Crave & Wharehouse123

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Toshiba Qosmio F40W


Looks like Toshiba will be releasung the new Qosmio F40W in Japan in a week or so, according to Engadget. This new laptop comes with:
15.4-inch screen with a 1,280 x 800 resolution
Intel's Core 2 Duo T7300 (2GHz) CPU
Up to 4GB of RAM
120GB of hard drive space
A dual-layer LabelFlash-enabled DVD writer
Built-in digital TV tuner
NVIDIA's new 128MB GeForce 8400M GS that will handle the DirectX 10
Four USB 2.0 ports
A 4-pin FireWire connector
ExpressCard slot
A multicard reader that handles SD, SDHC, MMC, xD, and MSPro
802.11a/b/g, Ethernet, VGA / S-Video / HDMI outputs, S/PDIF audio output

No word on a US release date. Should retail for around $2,100

Source: Engadget

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Thursday, May 24, 2007

MiGo Madison Travel Jar


Here is a nifty food container that would be useful for taking to the office or out on a trek. The MiGo Madisonis a jar made of stainless steel, and its wide neck makes filling it fairly easy and it comes with its own spoon. The jar comes with a rubberized lid that seals into place to prevent spillage and the manufacturers claim it will keep food hot for up to 6 hours.

The MiGo Madison is available at Amazon and other retailers priced around $18.99

Source: Amazon via The Daily Gadget

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Wednesday, May 23, 2007

iFreePlay Cordless Headphones for iPod Shuffle


The iFreePlay from Monster cable allows you to listen to your iPod Shuffle without having wires dangling around you. The headphones have been designed with a dock for your iPod Shuffle; so no Bluetooth here. You simply snap your Shuffle into the left ear piece and you are ‘good to go’. The headphones are collapsible and weigh around 1.6 ounces.

These nifty Monster iFreePlay headphones are priced around $49.95 at Amazon and other fine retailers

Thanks to Engadget

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Sony Micro DAV IS10 Home Theatre


It would appear that Sony will be releasing their new DAV-IS10 DVD home theatre system this summer (around July). As you can see from the photo the satellite speakers are pretty small (that’s a quarter that they are photographed with).

Those 5.1 system should be in the region of $800.

Thanks to Gizmodo

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Toshiba HD DVD Under $300


Recently Toshiba announced a rebate of $100 for their HD DVD players. It looks like this rebate can be used at Best Buy, Sears, Circuit City among others. But, if you do not want the hassle of the rebate, check out Amazon as they are offering the Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD Player for under $299 (rebate must be included).

Here are the specs:
Video
HD Output 720p/1080i
SD Upconversion 480p/720p/1080i
Combo Format disc playback
HD DVD Video
DVD Video
DVD VR
DVD-R (Video)
DVD-R DL (Video)
DVD-RW (Video/VR CPRM not supported)

Audio
High-performance SHARC® DSP
CD, CD-R/-RW (CD-DA)
Dolby® Digital Plus 5.1ch
Dolby® TrueHD 5.1ch
DTS® 5.1ch
DTS® HD (core only)

Convenience
Persistent storage
Universal remote with glow keys
OSD Language English/French/German/Japanese
Advanced Navigation
Slim Chassis

Jackpacks
HDMI™
Ethernet Port
ColorStream Pro® Component Video Output
RCA Video Outputs (1)

Extension Terminal (2)
2ch. Audio Output
Digital Optical Output
S-Video Output

Weights and Dimensions
Dimensions: 16.9" x 13.58" x 2.58" (WxHxD)

Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD Player at Amazon

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Everest Phone Call Success


Just a quick up date on the guy who was attempting to make the woorld's highest mobile phone call. In the early hours of 21 May, Rod Baber made two calls from the Everest's north ridge where he described the view, how cold it was and what he wanted to do when back at base camp; he then rang his wife and children.

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Monday, May 21, 2007

Singing Golf Swing Patent


Have you ever tried to recreate that perfect golf swing… May be you get lucky once or twice during a round; well a professor at Yale University has patented a novel idea to help ensure that perfect swing time after time.

Robert Grober has created a golf club equipped with sensors that measure the changes in movement and acceleration of the golf club during the swing. This data is then converted to sound that lets the golfer know how the swing was. By focusing on timing and tempo, the patent hopes to improve a golfer’s as the results are quantitative and not subjective to the individual golfers own impression of the swing.

Source: New Scientist & US Patents

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DOC iPod Portable Speaker System


The DOC portable speaker system for second generation iPod nano’s. The system is available in various colors to match your iPod (pink, green, black and white) and has a dock that allows the iPod nano to fit securely inside while still allowing access to the navigation controls.

The DOC speaker comes with its own carry case and runs on 3 AAA batteries. Priced at around $39.99 from Brookstone, it looks like good value for anyone looking to take their music with them so that others can enjoy the sounds too.



Source: Brookstone via Slipperybrick

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Sunday, May 20, 2007

Budget Home Entertainment Devices

A recent article in PC Magazine highlighted 6 home entertainment devices for those on a budget. You can see the full article by following the source link, but to summarize the 6 devices (with Amazon links) are:


Your media set-up should ideally center around your PC or Mac that you have loaded with your music and videos. If you are an iTunes fan (and even if you are not) the Apple TV is one of the cheapest at around $299 and easiest media extenders available today.


Additionally you will need a router for accessing the internet and for setting the Apple TV to wirelessly stream content to your TV. PC Mag recommends the Linksys WTR54GS at the relatively inexpensive price of around $85

As for a HDTV PC Mag’s recommendation is the Envision L32W461. They state that it is a decent budget purchase and at around $700 it will not break the bank.

As for gaming the main two affordable options are the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox 360. The Wii is on a role at the moment, but does not play DVD’s, whereas the Xbox is more of an all rounder that streams HD video, music, and photos from Media Center-equipped PCs. It also plays DVDs

Finally if you want great sound from your computer PC Mag recommends the Harman Kardon Soundsticks II . They certainly look extremely cool.

Source: PC Magazine

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Friday, May 18, 2007

Creative Zen Wav the iPod Challenger


It would appear that Creative is releasing its latest iPod challenger the Zen Wav. Aimed at the iPod Nano market, the Zen Wav’s navigation is by joystick and 2 buttons on the front of the player.

The player features a world clock, FM radio, direct line voice recorder and 1.5 inch screen using 65K color. No word on when or if this will reach the US, but it is scheduled to be released in Singapore on May 25.

Source: Slashgear

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Dell Tablet PC Coming Soon


According to the post over at gizmodo, Dell is on its way to delivering its much awaited Tablet PC. Dell are hoping to deliver one of the lightest Tablet PC's on the market and are aiming the PC at the education, healthcare, and corporate markets. Expect this later in the year.

Check the video


Source: Gizmodo

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Ricavision Wireless Fridge Magnet


The MK140 Fridge Magnet from Ricavision is a Wi-Fi enabled electronic notepad that acts like a fridge magnet. The MK140 is compatible with Microsoft’s Windows Vista Slideshow and comes with a 3.5” QVGA LCD screen.

The MK140 connects wirelessly with a PC running Windows Vista and can be programmed from the computer or by using the included stylus to write notes etc. Information inputted into the device can then be transferred to the PC or left as a reminder (sticky note). The MK140 can run for up to 16 hours between charges and has an AC charger and docking station.

No information on when or if this wireless fridge market will hit the market. But, it certainly would be a handy thing to have; no more yellow sticky’s on the fridge…

Source: Automatedhome

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Thursday, May 17, 2007

Pileus Wired Video Umbrella


According to the Pileus website…

Pileus is an umbrella connected to the Internet to make walking in rainy days fun. Pileus has a large screen on the top surface, a built-in camera, a motion sensor, GPS, and a digital compass, and it provides two main functions; A Social Photo-sharing and A 3D Map Navigation.
The umbrella users services such as “Flickr”, “YouTube” and “Google earth”

Is it for real, will we see it on the streets?

Source: Adverlab via Pileus

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VW GTI W12 650 Concept Car


The VW GTI W12 650 concept car is powered by a 6.0L bi-turbo W12 that pumps out 650hp and 530 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic, with an estimated top speed of 201mph and a 0-62mph in around 3.7 seconds.

Lower and wider than a stock GTI, the body retains the production car's doors, hood and lights, but otherwise it's all new. A number of intakes and a redesigned C-pillar help feed air to the 12-cylinder behemoth supplying the go-power. To keep the car planted to the tarmac, VW didn't want to use a massive spoiler to generate down force. As such, the car's carbon-fiber roof acts as a giant diffuser that funnels air under the small spoiler at its trailing edge. In summary, the whole thing is a big exercise in the awesome.
The interior is Alcantara leather and fire extinguishers are integrated into the glove compartment. Don’t expect to see this for sale in a showroom near you or on the street driven by a 'boy racer'; as this is purely a show car!!!

Source: Techeblog via Autoblog

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Chargepod 6 Way Charger by callpod


If you are tired of having to pack several chargers when you are traveling then the Callpod Chargepod might be the answer. The Chargepod is a 6-way charger that allows you to charge multiple cell phones, PDA’s, Bluetooth® headsets and mp3 players at the same time.

Just plug the Charpod into the wall socket and then connect your devices using the manufacturer-specific adapters. Chargepod uses voltage regulator technology and interchangeable power adapters to work with all of your mobile devices regardless of manufacturer or model. Blue indicator lights highlight which device is being charged. So throw away all of those individual chargers and pack a charger like this the next time you travel.

Note: the Chargepod is not suitable for laptops or other large electronic devices and I am not sure how warm the device will get when charging 6 devices at the same time.

Price: $49.95

Source: SlipperyBrick via callpod

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Wednesday, May 16, 2007

HomeDock Music Remote for the iPod


The HomeDock Music Remote lets you dock your iPod by your stereo, then view and control all your music from the palm of your hand. Designed to mimic the iPod in style and function the HomeDock allows you to see what is playing as well as control what is playing. The remote even works through walls and ceilings upto 150ft, giving you control from virtually anywhere – even from the backyard!

To get the HomeDock up and running, simply connect the charging base to your hifi, dock your iPod, download your artists and playlists to the remote and you are good to go.

Your HomeDock Music Remote comes with AC power adapter and RCA-to-mini stereo cables and the iPod support stand.

Price: $129.99

Source: Gadgetell & DLO

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Reef 1527 Stash Sandals With Secret Compartment


Have you ever needed some place to put your car key and credit cards when you are off to the beach? Well, the Reef 1527 Stash Sandals have been designed allow you to 'stash' some personal items in the heel of the sandal.

There is not much space, but you should be able to store a credit card, some money and your car key. The 'Stash' sandal specs are:

JERSEY LINING WITH POLYESTER WEBBING TOE POST
MOLDED EVA MIDSOLE, WITH BUILT IN ARCH SUPPORT
NYLON DRAWER CASING ENCLOSED IN SOFT POLYURETHANE
FEATURES A PULL OUT DRAWER FOR YOU TO "STASH" YOUR TREASURES
DURABLE RUBBER OUTSOLE
SYNTHETIC NUBUCK UPPER & UNDERLAY

The ‘Stash’ compartment does not look waterproof to me, so keep that in mind when you are strolling along the beach.

Priced around $45.99

Source: Reef.

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Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Motorola ROKR Z6 Mobile Phone


Motorola has announced its new ROKR Z6 mobile phone. This is a Linux/Java music phone with Windows Media technologies, including Windows Media Audio (WMA) Windows Media DRM 10, and media transfer protocol (MTP).

The phone offers:
Music dedication for one-touch access to the library.
4-way navigation wheel.
High-speed synching with High Speed USB 2.0, allows downloading of songs from a PC
500 song library in 15 minutes, instead of 2 hours.
Load up to 2 GB microSD cards with the music collection
More than 10 hours of music enjoyment in airplane mode.

The ROKR Z6 also features stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, for wireless mobile stereo with compatible Bluetooth-enabled stereo headphones. On sale in Asian markets starting in May, and in Latin America, Europe, North America and other markets beginning in June.

Source: Mobiledia

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Monday, May 14, 2007

When is a Phone Not a Phone?


When is a phone not a phone? When it is a mobile communication device designed by students from the University of Dundee, College of Art, Science and Engineering program.

The students have designed radically different communication devices such as:
The Aware, which sends a tingle down your back if a friend, is nearby.
The Boom Tube, which allows people to make music together
The M:ssage, that allows you to receive a soothing massage from a loved one.
The Hive, which uses flashing LED lights to communicate.
The Aura, which communicates emotions through light motions activated by stroking the device.

More information on these alternative communication devices can be found at the ‘phone / not phone company’ website, founded by Graham Pullin and Jon Rogers

Source: phone / not phone via BBC News.

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