This blog is dedicated to gadgets, computers, consumer electronics and in a broader sense, to High-Tech. - RSS Orange : RSS Feeds

By guest editor Karsten Lemm

It's not hard to design headphones that win raves from bloggers and customers. Just give people a big, fat bassline and you can expect to be showered with praise for "phenomenal" beats, "exceptional sound quality", and "blissful, skull-vibrating pure bass". It's a much trickier proposition, though, to design headphones that give you all of the above, deservedly winning plaudits for the booming basement - while sounding just as good in every other department: Rocking the house and stomping the beats one moment, bringing out the best in fragile folk and spine-tingling sonatas the next, that's the real trick that few headphones manage to perform.

Producer Dr. Dre either felt the same way or was persuaded by a sufficiently sweet pay package to lend his name to a new contender in the high-end headphones category. "Beats by Dr. Dre" are made by premium audio brand Monster, which has so far specialized in offering oversized cables for hi-fi enthusiasts - making people believe, some critics say, that the sound must be better simply because the cables are bigger and every inch or centimeter of cord costs a relative fortune.

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"We're starting to see Android get designed in on devices that extend way beyond the phone--things that might go in the automobile or things that might go in the home," (John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer at Wind River Systems). Although Google did not confirm or deny, it is quite logical to assume that Android will be used for other embedded applications such as automobile, internet mobile devices portable music players and even "instant-on" Nettops (although I'm pushing it here). However, Android has yet to prove that it could be as much of a "standard" for developers than Windows Mobile is today (Apple fans, fire at will). As for the iPhone, it's a stable platform but it runs effectively on only two devices (iPod touch + iPhone) so at the moment, it doesn't really compete outside of the phone arena. The strength of Android is that it's open: any manufacturer can change it to fit their needs. The downside is: in reality very few hardware vendors have the software resources to do it. Plus, there is a risk of fragmentation - Android being incompatible with a modified version of itself. Time will tell, but Google's best shot is to do the heavy-lifting for everyone else. (image from richd)

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Yes, $499 is still quite expensive, but the MWg Zinc II could be found at $661 on Amazon and at $720 at welectronics.com. Expansys USA has the new $500 price. That obviously is the price for an unlocked (carrier-free), international GSM smartphone. Of course, the cheaper solution is to get a phone from AT&T or T-Mobile, let them subsidize it and ask nicely that they give you the unlock code, because you want to use an international SIM. I did three times - it usually takes one week.

• Windows Mobile Professional 6.1 operating system
• 500MHz Samsung processor
• 64MB RAM
• 2.8" 320 x 240 resolution touch screen display
• GPS navigation
• Slide-out keyboard
• Quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz)
• Tri-band HSDPA 3G phone (850/1900/2100MHz)

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This subwoofer has been design to be powerful and yet invisible as it can be hidden in ceilings or walls, depending on your preferences. We have not tested it in the field, but if it works as advertised, it might be the ultimate subwoofer for those who want to benefit from a powerful sound system, without showing it off (think classic or minimalist environment). You can find more technical details at the Sonance BPS-1 homepage. When should we start the demolition party?

Add a comment | From: Sonance Bandpass BPS-1 in-wall or in-ceiling subwoofer | Visit Ubergizmo | Good deals

Forget about 8 megapixel camera phones - those will be outdated soon with the advent of 9 megapixel handsets thanks to Digital Imaging Systems and their DIS6931 9 megapixel camera module that was specially developed for mobile devices. Other features found on this module include extremely fast autofocus (less than 300 milliseconds), a fast click-to-capture time (less than 200 ms) and high-quality lenses. Will this be as good as a regular point-and-shoot? Only time will tell when it is released, but I wouldn't bet against it considering how technology has progressed by leaps and bounds to date. The first 9 megapixel camera phones are tipped to roll out sometime in Q1 2009, and I suspect LG or Samsung will be first off the blocks.

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Hmm, things really don't look too good for the people at Palm, with word that their next-generation operating system will only be finished by the end of the year. This Linux-based system software will be known as the Palm OS II, and while it has been promised a completion date of end 2008, it won't be available to the masses until the first half of next year. This is certainly a long time in coming as a next generation Palm OS has been in the pipeline for way too long. Will Palm still be around as a company by then, considering how its accounting books don't seem to be profitable?

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AT&T Home Manager Smart Touch Panel Created to add value to the wired telephone line, the AT&T Home Manager is a 7" (800x480) touch-panel (seen here in its dock) that is designed to be the home "window" to a number of things like:

• Address Book
• Web Information Listings
• Yellow Pages
• Visual Voice Mail
• Photos

It's not clear how it syncs the address book - if this is a familly device, it would be nice if everyone could merge their contact list. Overall, this is an interesting experiment, although we doubt that there is a strong demand for it. But if the pricing is right (very cheap or free), this might get some traction.

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A Japanese modder managed to merge both Google Maps as well as the Wiimote to develop "Tokyo-jogging". From the sounds of it, you had best get those trainers ready for some serious pavement pounding! Just like how Jogging functions in Wii Sports, the Wiimote is placed in your pocket while you run in place through the streets of Tokyo. The interface is somewhat slow at this point in time, but I am pretty sure that improvements will be available in future iterations. Strangely enough, homebrew Wii titles seem to make the Wii more desirable compared to its actual gaming line up.

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Pentax has another entry in the world of entry-level DSLRs - the Pentax K2000. This model targets those who want to make the leap from point-and-shoot digital cameras, as it offers pretty basic DSLR features without confusing the layman with its simple control layout. Features of this $699 camera include :-

• 10.2 megapixels
• 2.7" LCD display
• ISO up to 3200
• Continuous shooting rate at 3.5fps
• Dust removal and alert system
• 10 scene modes
• SD/SDHC memory card slot

Add a comment | From: Pentax K2000 Announced | Visit Ubergizmo | Good deals

Getting up in the mornings can be quite a challenge to many people, even more so when you have had a hard night's partying. The Tantrum Alarm Clock could aid you in your quest to arrive at work on time, as it will begin to glow while tapping its feet gently within five minutes of your wake-up time. When the alarm sounds, its hands will also join in the tapping sequence, and if you're the type who loves snoozing, the Tantrum Alarm Clock will kick into action by yelling, screeching and tapping itself crazy for an hour until you wake up to turn it off. $50 for some early morning stress? No thank you.

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Dell is working hard on rolling out its 17" Precision mobile workstation that will be powered by the latest Intel Quad Core processor, capable of holding up to a whopping 16GB RAM for your professional working needs. This is definitely a desktop replacement laptop - no two ways about it, and it comes with 1GB of video memory as well as the ability to insert two hard drives for a maximum storage space of 1TB. In addition, this Dell Precision laptop will feature a bunch of media slots as well as a built-in jog shuttle controller. No idea on pricing or availability as at press time though.

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Designed by Rooz Mousavi, the Samsonite OBAG takes on the brand name of a popular luggage company, packaging it in a totally different form factor - a roll-on bag that literally rolls on. The rugged exterior is more than able to stand up to harsh treatment as well as weather, allowing you to tote your luggage easily even in the snow or other less than desirable weather conditions. Thanks to the giant wheel design, you will require much less energy to move it around, while a couple of storage compartments on the sides make it more than adequate for you to tote around your items in style.

Add a comment | From: Samsonite OBAG Concept | Visit Ubergizmo | Good deals

I don't know about you, but when I put down good money for a movie, I still prefer it to come in a physical format since I don't have to worry about just how many times I have downloaded it. Apparently, folks who purchase movies from the Sony PlayStation 3 video store are allowed to download it just one more time. The law's on Sony's side though as the license agreement mentions "Content cannot be redownloaded once it has been downloaded to either a PLAYSTATION 3 or PSP system." I guess digital downloads work best with rented movies and not purchases.

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As reported earlier, iRex has introduced its new digital reader that features the following :-

• 10.2" display
• Black and white
• Lithium ion battery

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What is LaserGames, you ask? Well, it is a means of controlling games as well as applications using nothing but a simple laser pointer that are more often than not used just for presentation purposes. With LaserGames, you will be able to keep yourself entertained in between breaks.

Mouse emulation means you can play whatever you want to throw at it (versus using a dedicated app made in mxp or vvvv or whatevs). In this clip you see a 2000 lumens projector, and the laser pointer is of the typical 5mw red diode keychain variety. When I have some time, I'm going to get set up outdoors and let people on the street have some fun with it. I just got it working with simultaneous red and green pointers so we got multi-player action coming up. \

Man, looks like it is time for me to pick up one of these laser pointers!

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We all know that Microsoft's next operating system will be known as Windows 7, but just how revolutionary will it be? My favorite operating system from Microsoft to date is still Windows XP - there is something about this venerable piece of software that keeps everything running like clockwork, although Windows Vista is being pushed hard across many platforms. Well, check out the source article for more images of Windows 7 screenshots.

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Kodak is back with a couple of new All-in-One printers known as the ESP 7 and ESP 9. Both models boast to offer the lowest ink replacement cost in the industry, helping consumers save an average of $110 annually on ink when compared to its rivals in the market. The ESP 7 printer will come with a 3" LCD display, USB and memory card slots for easy image preview, and can connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet to get your printing jobs done. As for the ESP 9, this model includes other essentials such as fax capability, an auto-document feeder, an intergrated duplexer as well as the aforementioned features found on the ESP 7. You can pick up the ESP 7 and ESP 9 for $199.99 and $299.99, respectively.

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Olympus also wants in on the Micro Four Thirds action with a new model that relies on the smaller, mirrorless design that aims to replicate the look as well as short, swappable lenses found on a vintage rangefinder camera albeit with a large sensor of a digital SLR to keep up with modern times. This new design will feature a preview LCD instead of a separate viewfinder, boasting simple navigation and mode dial controls. Currently, this Olympus model is but a concept so there aren't other available specifications or details other than the fact that it supports regular Four Thirds macro, telephoto and wide-angle lens as long as there is a relevant adapter. Would you like to see this prototype end up as a real product?

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For folks who are jumping up and down with joy concerning news of a 32GB iPhone 3G, well, sorry to burst your bubble but this handset is not meant to be at this point in time. According to Boy Genius Report, an Apple employee says that the 32GB model is nothing but a rumor. Guess you'll just have to be happy with your 16GB handset, eh? I'm sure a 32GB model is in the pipeline somewhere though...

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It just makes me wonder where these people find the passion and time to construct amazing structures using nothing but LEGO bricks, case in point this LEGO Aircraft Carrier that is modeled after the Harry S. Truman, tipping the scales at 350 pounds courtesy of the 200,000 LEGO bricks required in its construction.

It's a 200,000-brick, 350-pound aircraft carrier -- the Harry S Truman -- complete with electrical lights as well as moving elevators and radar dishes. As all of us geekdads can appreciate, building this model was not without difficulties on the homefront. Hawking, a German father of two and (at least before this masterwork) neophyte bricker spent over $20,000 on parts and it took the better part of a year. But despite "lots of arguments at home" he somehow succeeded and showed the Truman all over Europe. The brick de resistance was to be an appearance at Brickworld '07 with transport provided by the US Navy, but unfortunately the arrangement fell through.

Can someone build a LEGO Death Star?

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Here is yet another cooking utensil concept - the Cooking Tiles that was part of an entry to this year's Electrolux design contest. The Cooking Tiles concept assumes that wireless power (WiTricity, anyone?) is an everyday occurence, where individual tiles feature an embedded OLED screen to show the power and heat output. In addition, it will flash to indicate a completed cooking cycle so that you can move on to the next dish on the menu. All tiles are sealed, so you can simply dump them into the dishwasher once you're done and stack them up for storage. Too bad this concept will take a long time in coming, as the conventional stove setup doesn't look like its going away anytime soon.

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Averatec has a brand new netbook for the masses known as the Buddy, but the system specifications doesn't deviate away from standard issue netbook configurations, including :-

• Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB hard drive
• 10" display
• Windows XP

Add a comment | From: Averatec Buddy Netbook | Visit Ubergizmo | Good deals

Thermaltake is famous for their line of PC cooling systems, but this one definitely wins points for being unique as it relies on a DC-inverter micro refrigeration system onboard that uses a similar compressor/condenser/coolant system found in refrigerators and air conditioners to keep your PC's innards running cool. According to Thermaltake, the Xpressar is able to achieve another 20° C lower temperature compared to liquid-cooled systems. Unfortunately, since the Xpressar relies on an AC/refrigerator condenser, you can be sure that silence during operation is not on top of the feature list.

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HP has started to ship the HDX16t entertainment notebook PC that comes with the following specifications :-

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 16" LCD display
• Up to 3GB RAM
• Up to 320GB hard drive
• DVD burner/Blu-ray Combo Drive
• Integrated HDTV tuner
• NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT 512MB video card
• HDMI and VGA outputs
• Wi-Fi N connectivity

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Leica pushes the envelope yet again with its new S2 digital camera that is able to capture images in 37 megapixel glory, despite being relatively small in size. The whole idea of the S2 is to provide "the quality of medium format and the handling and flexibility of 35mm." According to Leica, its S2 is able to perform twice as fast as the Gasselblad H-series cameras, atlhough I don't have any benchmarks to prove that statement right, I'll take their claims as gospel for the moment. Could the S2 actually be the best professional camera system in the world?

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iRiver is a household name where portable media players are concerned, and this time round we have the iRiver P.Pie P20 that was specially designed to target professionals, although the specifications look good enough for the layman. Features include :-

• 4.1" AMOLED display at 480 x 272 resolution
• 80GB/120GB storage capacity
• Supports MPEG4, XviD, WMV9, MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, APE, FLAC, JPEG, RAW, BMP, GIF, PNG formats
• Built-in DMB tuner
• Integrated FM tuner
• Microphone and speaker

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$15.00, Sennheiser Noise Isolating Earphones
$19.95, Professional Sports Kit Bundle Set
$20.95, Twin Charger Stand With Batteries
$49.99, Cooler Master Hyper Z600 CPU Cooler
$249.99, Buffalo Technology Blu-ray HD DVD Combo Drive

More deals at Uberbargain.com

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Panasonic showcased is Lumix G prototype that looks pretty much the same like the Lumix G1 at first glance, but then again there is a fair number of features that make it different. You will find a stereo microphone located on top of the body, on the back, top right side as well as a red button that does not signal a missle launch but for High Definition movie recording instead. There is no word on pricing or availability of the Panasonic Lumix G but it could very well be the logical continuation of the new Micro FourThirds standard.

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The US military is working round the clock to develop thought helmets for their troops, where the final end result would be virtual telepathy. Guess the silent communication part on the battlefield is good, but I dread to read the minds of a platoon of soldiers who are under siege - will the rest of the army see flashes of their family and friends right before they bite the bullet? Well, the final device is still decades away so I gues they ought to weed out the nitty gritty by then. Hopefully the thought helmet comes with mental shields to prevent Professor X-wannabes from reading other people's private memories.

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Finnish cell phone manufacturer Nokia has rolled out more information for its next generation of Internet tablets, confirming the presence of 3G HSPA connectivity and a TI OMAP3 processor. Nokia will also enable OpenGL ES 2.0 compatibility for graphics acceleration and we're keeping our fingers crossed that video playback on the device will be greatly strengthened to make this a decent portable media player. Not only that, the company's Maemo 5 OS will see action along with USB 2.0 connectivity. Interested?

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Resident Evil, the survival horror franchise that really got things moving for the genre is back, this time round targeting the mobile platform known as N-Gage. Resident Evil Degeneration will feature a couple of separate play modes, different mission types as well as 3D quality graphics. I'll have to be rather skeptical about the graphics segment as we all know that cell phones aren't exactly the best platform when it comes to stunning graphics in video games. The storyline remains more or less the same, where terrorists have taken hold of a deadly virus, releasing it at a US airport with Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield hoping to stop the carnage before it spreads elsewhere. [Press Release]

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Chinavasion, purveyor of all things weird and gadgety is out with they very own projector-equipped cell phone. This tri-band GSM model features :-

• Touch screen display
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Digital camera
• microSD memory card slot
• 640 x 480 resolution projector

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Here's a full frontal shot of the yet-unreleased Sony Ericsson Rika, which is essentially a Walkman-capable model of the Sony Ericsson G705. Judging by the image above, there is front-facing camera which indicates 3G compatibility. Other than that, not much information is available so you'll just have to watch this space.

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Here's a secretive new compact projector that doesn't have any name or model number attached to it just yet, but it does boast the following :-

• 4:3 aspect ratio
• Max. 180/min. 21cm projection distance
• 640 x 480 resolution
• NTSC & PAL video sources

Add a comment | From: New Compact Projector | Visit Ubergizmo | Good deals

Canada's Best Buy ads have featured the Telus HTC Touch Pro, appearing side-by-sde with the Touch Diamond as well as Touch Dual, confirming this highly anticipated handset will be making its way to Telus stores in due time. Unfortunately for us, the ad does not let in on other essential information such as pricing, specifications and release date, but with the ad being ready to run and all, one surely won't have to wait too much longer.

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Samsung's Bresson cell phone has been leaked from retailer Phones4U, and this model forges way ahead of the rest in terms of megapixel count thanks to its 8 megapixel shooter. Also known as the M8800, the Bresson will come with the following :-

• 3.2" touch screen display
• 16 million colors
• HSDPA support
• aGPS navigation

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Samsung's Armani 2 phone merges both Korean and European idealogies into one device known as the Samsung Armani Night Effect. Features of this beautiful candybar handset includes :-

• Quadband GSM/HSDPA connectivity
• 2.2" reinforced glass AMOLED display
• 3.2 megapixel camera without flash
• Built-in FM Radio
• Dedicated music player control buttons
• 120MB internal memory
• microSD memory card slot
• USB 2.0 and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity

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Mitsubishi will be making available its i MiEV electric vehicle in Iceland in the near future, helping Iceland achieve its target of being fossil fuel free by 2050. Strangely enough, the vehicle isn't even available in Japan at least until next summer, which is a rather weird move by Mitsubishi's part. The i MiEV has a traveling range of 100 miles on a solitary charge, so it ought to be more than enough to equip the nation with a convenient and green vehicle.

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Folks at Crackberry have managed to get their hands on the BlackBerry Javelin and they have come to an early conclusion that this Curve upgrade is pretty decent, complete with BlackBerry's signature comfortable keyboard that is a snap to use. Features on the Javelin include :-

• 512MHz processor
• HVGA+ display at 480 x 360 resolution
• 3.5 megapixel camera with autofocus and flash
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• GPS navigation
• microSD memory card slot

Add a comment | From: BlackBery Javelin Previewed | Visit Ubergizmo | Good deals