Apr/100
DROID Incredible by HTC Coming by the End of April to Verizon Wireless
With a name inspired right from superhero comic books, the DROID Incredible by HTC is a phone that will very soon reach the American soil thanks to the Verizon Wireless telecom carrier. The phone will start being available at the end of the month, more precisely on April 29, and it is a combination of Android and HTC Sense, all on a Nexus One-like, 3.7-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. This is a phone powered by a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that will run Android 2.1 Eclair and will be making everybody confused as to what the connection between them and Motorola’s DROID is. This one right here is a modern-day “regular smartphone,” like so many others out there now. Between this Incredible model and the Nexus One, for instance, the differences are related to the size of the sensor that their camera have, DROID Incredible by HTC being an 8 MP snapper, or the fact that the Nexus One was very well marketed. Other than that, users will get the same GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g phone, with an optical joystick for easier webpage navigation through all the 480 x 800 pixels. Pre-orders from Verizon Wireless start on April 19 and, as I have already told you, it will start shipping on April 29. The price for one DROID Incredible by HTC will be of USD199 after a USD100 mail-in rebate. This is, of course, if users sign a two-year contract. The rebate will be received by future customers in the form of a debit card. Also, the DROID Incredible users will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. These cost $39.99 and $29.99 per month, respectively. After the phone is released, Verizon Wireless will be making available two new, exclusive apps that will get along just fine with the DROID Incredible by HTC. The NFL Mobile app and the Skype mobile app, which have very intuitive names.
Apr/100
wow Monster and Reve release SuperThin HDMI cables
had a rocky start, but overall it’s been a boon for home theater fans, simplifying bundles of AV cables into one easy cable. While Interconnect Cables has drastically reduced cable clutter, Monster seeks to take that idea to the extreme with its recently announced SuperThin HDMI cables. With the cable measuring only 3.5mm thick, Monster claims the SuperThin cables are 65 percent thinner than a normal HDMI cable, making them easier to carry with portable gadgets like cameras and camcorders. And while the cables aren’t HDMI 1.4 compatible, they do support HDMI 1.4’s maximum transfer speed of 10.2 Gbps, which means it’s possible that they’ll work with new 3D Blu-ray players (although we’ve never tested that.)
Apr/100
LG’s passive shutter 3DTV
Just like everybody else in the display business, LG is trying to figure out exactly how they’re going to position themselves to benefit from the upcoming 3D Explosion! Since almost-sorta-not really pulling out of a deal with Sky TV to supply British pubs with 3D televisions, the company has announced that it will be offering its first 3DTV sets that uses polarization technology (as opposed to that active shutter stuff like NVIDIA’s 3D Vision) to consumers. Presumably cheaper than its active shutter counterparts, the LD950 supports HDMI version 1.4, 1080p HD, external storage via USB 2.0 (with DivX HD, MP3, and JPEG support), and comes bundled with four pairs of polarized glasses. There’s no word on a price or release date, but if it makes you feel better we can reveal that two new active 3D displays, the LX9900 (47-inch and 55-inch) and LX6900 (42-inch), featuring 1080p, Freeview HD, Netcast widgets (YouTube, Skype, Accu Weather, Picasa), and wireless AV link, will be available in May for a price yet to be determined.
Mar/100
Cisco’s E-Series wireless home routers
Cisco today unveiled a new line of Linksys® wireless routers, designed to let its core audience of tech experts and enthusiasts take their home networking experience to the next level. The new, streamlined product lineup sets a new precedent for simplicity, power, and performance and makes it easy for consumers to find the right technology to fit their needs. The line also includes new Cisco Connect software, which gives users tools for easier customization and control of their home wireless experience.
“Linksys pioneered the first home router 10 years ago, and 50 million units later is the world’s leading provider of home wireless routers,” said Jonathan Kaplan, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Consumer Products. “The new E-Series caters to Linksys’ core technology-minded consumer base, with a simplified product line-up that is ideal for today’s sophisticated home network user.”
Cisco Connect Software: Simple Setup with Advanced Capabilities
With the addition of the new Cisco Connect software, the new Linksys E-Series is designed to make it easier for users to customize and control their wireless network settings to match their preferences. With a quick and easy setup, the software auto-assigns the WPA security passkey and SSID. Once configured, users can use Cisco Connect to easily manage their wireless home network by:
* Adding multiple Internet-capable devices to the network
* Setting parental controls for each computer or device
* Giving visitors password-protected Internet access on a separate guest network
* Customizing advanced settings and changing the network SSID and password
For the advanced user, Linksys’ advanced features are still available through the default IP address (192.168.1.1).
Product Descriptions and Pricing
The new Linksys E-Series line offers a full range of technology options to help users find what works best for them. The new line, including a USB Wireless-N Adapter, is available immediately at Amazon, Staples, Linksys.com, and soon at Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and other leading retailers.
Linksys E1000 Wireless-N Router (MSRP: $79.99)
* Wirelessly connects computers and other devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
* Uses four Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports to directly connect wired devices
* Ideal for general wireless Internet usage and home office productivity
Linksys E2000 Advanced Wireless-N Router (MSRP: $119.99)
* Includes four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for faster file sharing with other Gigabit-enabled devices, including computers, hard drives, and servers
* Features selectable dual-band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) technology to help avoid interference, allowing for smoother file transfers and media streaming
* Ideal for connecting computers, gaming consoles, Internet-enabled HDTVs and Blu-Ray players, and other wireless devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
Linksys E2100L Advanced Wireless-N Router with Linux OS: (MSRP: $119.99)
* Utilizes the Linux operating system for flexibility to customize the network
* Uses four Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports to directly connect wired devices
* Built-in UPnP AV Media Server streams entertainment content to an Xbox 360, PS3 or other compatible device
* USB port provides connectivity to storage devices for file sharing at home or over the Internet
Linksys E3000 High-Performance Wireless-N Router (Dual-Band): (MSRP: $179.99)
* Features simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), high-performance Wireless-N technology for smoother HD video streaming, wireless gaming and file transfers
* Includes four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for faster file sharing with other USB port and provides connectivity to storage devices for file sharing at home or over the Internet
* Built-in UPnP AV media server enables streaming of entertainment content to an Xbox 360, PS3 or other compatible device
* Optimized for entertainment, ideal for connecting computers, gaming consoles, Internet-enabled HDTVs and Blu-Ray players, and other wireless devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
Linksys AE1000 High-Performance Wireless-N USB Adapter: (MSRP: $69.99)
* Provides Wireless-N capability to Windows desktop computers and laptops
* Selectable dual-band wireless-N – connects to either a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless network
* Includes USB extension cable and adapter base for improved wireless connectivity – ideal for hard-to-reach USB ports
Mar/100
Redemere gets award
RedMere, the leading supplier of smart active cable solutions, received the 2010 ITLG/Irish Times Innovation Award presented by the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) at a ceremony hosted by chairman of the ITLG Craig Barrett, former CEO and Chairman of Intel Corporation, last night at Stanford University.
Commenting on the award, CEO of RedMere, Peter Smyth said, “We are honoured to receive this award. RedMere’s active cable solution currently has fast growing market traction. This award reaffirms the innovation and market potential for the chip technology that is transforming today’s thick and short high bandwidth cables, for HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort 1.2, into ultra-thin portable cables for consumer electronics and ultra-long cables for home and office installation. The ITLG is a prominent independent organization providing a great support network for Irish start-ups and creating visibility among US technology companies. We look forward to working with them in the future.”
RedMere’s chip technology removes up to 80% of the copper and PVC content used in hi-definition video/data cables by placing a self-powered chip in cables. The chip allows for cable designs that are ultra-thin, about 2mm in diameter – perfect for carrying in your pocket or in your camera case. The chip also extends the potential length of HDMI cables to up to 40m/130ft used by the custom installer market.
Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, attended this event along with senior public officials and executives from both Irish and American companies.
Established in October 2007, the ITLG is a group of high-level technology leaders in Silicon Valley who are Irish or Irish-American each of whom are committed to helping Irish start-up companies.
About RedMere RedMere provides cable-embedded semiconductors and advanced cable reference designs to cable industry leaders and manufacturing partners. In a world where connection speed increases, RedMere enables easy to use, high quality, smart connectivity for The Home, On the Move and The Office. These new active cable systems deliver the ultimate in compact digital connectivity over HDMI, DisplayPort and USB for Video and Still Cameras, Smartphones, HDTV, Blu-Ray DVD, PS3 and Xbox, as well as enterprise solutions using Infiniband and PCI Express. RedMere is a private company with lead investors Celtic House Venture Partners and EdgeStone Capital Partners.
Mar/100
Somewhat Official Specs of the Cowon J3 PMP Showed Up Online
Though the J3 PMP from Cowon has been rumored for a few months now, it still remains at this stage. The producers have issued a press release that tells us the J3 has received some Red Dot Design awards this year and it will most likely be launched on the local market, while the rest of us are still left wondering about its actual specs.
Movieplayer has been more than generous in offering some details regarding this player from Cowon and they are very impressive, making you want to move to Japan or at least ask a friend who lives there to send you one later this month. This is the most certain piece of information on the J3 so far, its March launch on the local market.
The J3 is rumored to have a 3.3-inch AMOLED screen capable of 480 x 272 resolution and also sensing touch commands. It will come in three different capacities of four, eight and 16 GB and will have the newer Bluetooth 3.0 technology. It will also have TV-out, for easy transferring of media content from the PMP, on the big screen TV.
The specs given by Movieplayer are quite cool and if you add the fact that it has been appreciated by Red Dot Design Award this year, this J3 player from Cowon might be one of the coolest PMPs we have seen so far in 2010.
It has a brushed metal case, which gives it some sleek looks accentuated by its slim size. I personally like the way it looks, but until the Japanese release it in the Western part of the planet, I have only this picture to admire. The Japanese have a way of teasing us with some of their cool products that I haven’t yet gotten used to.
Mar/100
XpanD compatible 3D glasses for 3DTVs
During CES 2010. RealD managed to slide its 3D glasses in with most of the new televisions coming our way this year, but XpanD is continuing its promise to work with any IR-enabled set from any manufacturer (Samsung has already stated its glasses will only work with its TVs, Panasonic couldn’t confirm cross compatibility with other brands when we asked) with the X103 series. XpanD is claiming compatibility with “virtually any monitor capable of displaying 3D content”. Even with plans for 12 different colors and sizes for kids or adults it’s more likely you’ll end up in a caption contest than a look book rocking these, but as long as they get the job done they seem like a natural go to for additional pairs when they launch in June. The main problem? Pricing isn’t final but Chief Strategy Officer Ami Dror told PC Mag he expects them to run $125 – $150 — even if the local cinema uses active shutter technology, that’s a lot of 3D flicks before you recoup the cost and makes it nearly out of the question to grab a few spares for friends to watch.
Mar/100
Nokia’s Wireless Loopset LPS-5 Connects to Hearing Aids
You know, I always like it when manufacturers unveil products that aid people better come around their disabilities, and this time, it is Nokia, with its Wireless Loopset LPS-5. The thing you see to your left connects to users’ T-coil-equipped hearing aid to provide a better audio quality for any handsfree conversation.
The LPS-5 embeds an adjustable sidetone and optimized frequency response and volume range, for ensuring a better compatibility and audio quality. As for the design, this was definitely built for everyday use, given the compact and lightweight design, as well as the durable materials used in the fabrication process. User friendliness is served right on the plate, with a vibrating alert for not missing a call, while the comfy send/receive key allows customers to be in control.
Getting to the physical properties, the LPS-5 has a weight of only 60 grams, and sports a 62cm long cable. Operation keys include the multifunction key for call handling and the volume controls. With a maximum operating range of about 10 meters, the Loopset will provide an operating time of approximately six hours, a stand-by time of up to 110 hours, while the charging time takes just 1 hour for the built-in 3.7V 180mAh lithium-ion polymer battery. Mind only that this has a (probably) proprietary charging interface, 2mm in size.
Connectivity is ensured by Bluetooth 2.1, with HFP 1.5, HSP 1.1 and A2DP 1.0 compliance, while supporting a maximum of eight devices paired, one at a time. Compatible with virtually any device that supports the aforementioned specifications, the Nokia Wireless Loopset LPS-5 has quite a spicy price of $270.60, an amount, which I don’t see many willing to pay for such a device.
Mar/100
Netgear’s HD streamering AV adapters
Another month, another blockbuster trade show. CeBIT’s show floor doesn’t open up until tomorrow (and yeah, we’ll be storming it like no other), but Netgear’s wasting precisely no time in unveiling its latest wares. The two pieces that are nearest and dearest to our hearts are the WNHDB3004 and WNHDB3004, the former of which is an 802.11n HD Home Theater Kit and the latter of which is a universal WiFi adapter that adds wireless support to any AV product with an Ethernet jack. Users interested in streaming “multiple, simultaneous, jitter-free 1080p HD video streams wirelessly throughout the home” should certainly give the first a look, as it enables instant wireless streaming from your existing router to any component with an Ethernet port; think of this as the beautiful alternative to running a 50 foot patch cable through your living room and simultaneously eroding your relationship with Mr. / Mrs. Significant Other. The outfit also doled out a few SMB-centric ReadyNAS devices and a couple of HomePlug AV boxes with AC outlet passthroughs, all of which are detailed there in the source links.
Mar/100
Final Version of the Eee Keyboard Showcased at CeBIT 2010
Now, this right here is a geeky gadget and I am talking, of course, about the Eee Keyboard PC EK1542 showcased by Asus at CeBIT yesterday. Although until now, there used to be computer peripherals like a keyboard or a mouse, now it seems like a whole PC system can be a peripheral to a regular-sized keyboard. This nano technology evolves so fast that the poor keyboards have been left behind.
The Eee Keyboard PC is a different approach to computing, with the side 5-inch touchscreen attached to a regular sized keyboard. It has some good specs and some of its features will be extremely useful for future users, because of the small-sized screen the EK1542 has. My colleague says it is rather tiny to use.
I have an observation to make before I get to tell you the specs of this device and I am pretty sure that most of you will agree with me. If you make a keyboard-related product, because let’s face it, the keyboard is the most viewable component of this system, why make it so that it looks like the keyboards that other laptop manufacturers usually build and not come up with an original one.
I am not saying that Sony patented the last year keyboard models used in their Vaio series, or the brushed metal look, but this separate key layout and general aspect simply reminds me of those laptops.
Now, what this baby can do is wirelessly connect via the 802.11 b/g/n tech to the internet from any hotspot and can upscale HD videos on any HD-ready display you might have. So that it keeps a slim and light profile, Asus has integrated in the EK1542 both a 16 GB SSD storage solution and a 32 GB SSD one, depending on your needs.