Category Archives: News

Computers, News

HP Unveils The UMPC 2133

1 Comment

Hp joins the UMPC party, introducing the new Compaq 2133, an Eee PC-like model with 8.9-inch 1366 x 766 (WXGA) screen display, running Vista or Linux at your choice. The ultra mini features large QWERTY keyboard, ExpressCard/54 slot, built-in webcam, WiFi, and optional SSD drive. No price or availability details, but we expect to see this handsome around summer time. I hope HP will be kind enough to send me one.

Update: Commercial Times says it will be available around April for 630$, that’s double the Eee-PC price.

hp-umpc-2133

[via engadget]

Games, Mobile, News, Phones

Sony Magazine Implies For An Optional PSP Phone

No doubt, Sony has big plans for its PSP game console. Turns out the company develops a new PSP-style phone, trying to play in the mobile court, as we read in Sony Magazine. So far, these are just speculations and Sony has denied any development of a PSP-based gaming cellphone, but we have learned that Sony is a fond of “hidden-exposed” sales promotions, as we flutter back to the day the PSP-Skype was initially unveiled. Don’t get us wrong, we like to play with the idea of a mobile gaming device with cellular capabilities, but this time we should take the word of Sony Ericsson’s VP, Merran Wrigley, for not believing his company “would be able to create a phone worthy of the PlayStation brand”.

sony-magazine

[via phonemag]

Mobile, News, Operating Systems

Google Has Launched A New Android SDK

Several months after the announcement of the revolutionary Android handset OS, Google releases an updated version of the Android SDK with major improvements and new applications, so you can download it and fiddle around, as long as you want. The latest update includes new user interface, layout animations, geo-coding, new media codecs and updated Eclipse plug-in. If you feel you can help in shaping the platform, let the Android team know.

Available for download here

android-new-sdk

[via Android]

Internet, News

Yahoo! Officialy Rejects Microsoft's Bid But The Story Isn't Over

yahoo-microsoft Yahoo’s board of directors officially decided to turn off Microsoft’s hostile acquisition offer for 44.6$ Billion, price that presented $31 per share, a week ago. The rejection adds 2% to Yahoo’s share, 0.2% to Google’s share and -2% reduction on Microsoft’s share. In a press release, Yahoo says the bid is substantially lower than its real value and refuses to consider any offer under 40$ per share.

…”Yahoo! Board of Directors has carefully reviewed Microsoft’s unsolicited proposal with Yahoo!’s management team and financial and legal advisors and has unanimously concluded that the proposal is not in the best interests of Yahoo! and our stockholders.”

“After careful evaluation, the Board believes that Microsoft’s proposal substantially undervalues Yahoo! including our global brand, large worldwide audience, significant recent investments in advertising platforms and future growth prospects, free cash flow and earnings potential, as well as our substantial unconsolidated investments.”

Continue reading Yahoo! Officialy Rejects Microsoft's Bid But The Story Isn't Over →

Audio, Mobile, News, Phones

Sony Ericsson Introduces The XPERIA X1 QWERTY

Sony Ericsson announces the release of the XPERIA X1 quad-band GSM/EDGE and 900/1700/1900/2100MHz UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA, combined with a full QWERTY keyboard for maximum Windows Mobile 6 operating system control. The XPERIA X1 multimedia mobile sports the following features:

  • Display: 3? TFT VGA touchscreen, 65,536 color (800 x 480).
  • OS: Windows Mobile 6.
  • Internal Memory: up to 400MB with microSD extension.
  • Control: 4-way key plus optical joystick.
  • Camera: 3.2MP with photo light and video recording.
  • Internet: Internet Explorer Mobile, RSS feed.
  • Connectivity: Modem, WLAN, WiFi, aGPS and A2DP Bluetooth .
  • Microsoft Outlook Mobile, SMS/MMS and Video calling support.
  • Music: Integrated Windows Media Player Mobile with PlayNow support and FM radio tuner.
  • Video: Video viewing, Video streaming and 3D games.
  • Other Features: Personal organizer, Java support, Speakerphone and more.
  • Dimensions: Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7mm, 145gm.
  • Colors: Silver, Black
  • Availability: second half of 2008.
  • Price: Unknown.

sony-ericsson-xperia-x1-Qwerty

[Via engadget]

Check out the video after the break.
Continue reading Sony Ericsson Introduces The XPERIA X1 QWERTY →

Mobile, News, Phones

Samsung Announces The Soul Ultra Edition Cellphone

Samsung unveils the Soul, a new 12.9mm quad-band GSM HSDPA slider, combined with a Magical Touch interface. The Soul sports the following features:

  • Display: 2.2? QVGA.
  • 5MP camera with image stabilizer and Power LED flash.
  • Features: FM radio, Bluetooth, microSD slot,Google search icon and Gmail accessibility.
  • Availability: April 2008.
  • Price: Unknown.

samsung-soul-cellphone

[via engadget]

Media Players, Mobile, Music, News, Phones, Video

iPhone 16GB & iPod Touch 32GB Officialy Released

Super Tuesday is a big US political celebration but also Apple’s announcements day. As we speak, the Cupertino company unveiled the rumored 16GB iPhone for retail price of 499$ and the surprising 32GB iPod Touch for the same price of 499$. Both devices are available immediately worldwide and no other changes were reported. I guess we should be wondering if a 32GB iPhone is coming out this year.

iphone16gb+ipod-touch-32gb

[via Apple]

Internet, News

Microsoft Wants To Acquire Yahoo For 44.6$ Billion

2 Comments

Rumors come true, Microsoft submitted an official offer to buy Yahoo for $44.6 Billion, price that presents $31 per share, 62% over Yahoo’s closing price, 19.18$. Microsoft is making tremendous efforts to carry out this deal, in order to stay a major internet player and to be able to compete Google in the growing online advertisement and searching markets. Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer said: “We have great respect for Yahoo!, and together we can offer an increasingly exciting set of solutions for consumers, publishers and advertisers while becoming better positioned to compete in the online services market.” The bid was submitted after Yahoo announced the cutting of 1,000 jobs and reported 8 consistent quarters of dropping shares value. With the anticipation for a difficult year, Yahoo’s board of directors might accept the offer, though we hear the company is not in a rush. Yahoo shares responded with increasing of 47.9%.

Update: Google is reluctant with current developments. Senior VP for Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer, David Drummond, has just posted a preliminary comment in Google’s official blog, attacking Microsoft for the hostile bid to acquire Yahoo and raises troubling questions:

“Could Microsoft now attempt to exert the same sort of inappropriate and illegal influence over the Internet that it did with the PC? While the Internet rewards competitive innovation, Microsoft has frequently sought to establish proprietary monopolies — and then leverage its dominance into new, adjacent markets.”

And more:

…”Could a combination of the two take advantage of a PC software monopoly to unfairly limit the ability of consumers to freely access competitors’ email, IM, and web-based services? Policymakers around the world need to ask these questions — and consumers deserve satisfying answers.”

 

microsoft-yahoo

Media Players, Mobile, Music, News, Phones, Video

Garmin Introduces The Nuvifone Smartphone Device

Garmin announces the release of the Nuvifone, a new 3.5G GSM HSDPA smartphone, combined with a media player, full GPS navigation system, proprietary OS and many advanced elements. The Nuvifone sports the following features:

  • Display: 3.5? touchscreen.
  • 3 major icons: Call, Search, Maps
  • Built-in camera with longitude / latitude tagging system.
  • Full GPS navigation system, loaded with North America and European maps.
  • Google local search capability.
  • Garmin Online Service: an online updates information service, including weather, traffic, stocks, news, sports, hotels, etc.
  • WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Email, SMS/MMS and IM support.
  • Nuvi navigation service, providing “Where Am I ” function, for an accurate location info, on and off the road.
  • Integrated media player, supports MP3 and MPEG4/AAC .
  • Availability: Q3 2008.
  • Price: Unknown.

I’m definitely looking forward to snack one of those and see it in action.

garmin-nuvifone

[via gizmodo]

More pictures after the break.

Continue reading Garmin Introduces The Nuvifone Smartphone Device →

Computers, News

Asus Eee PC 9" Get Touchscreen

Asus-eee-pc-touch

Following the enormous success of the Eee PC, Asus announced a new line, including 8/9/10 inch display. The most interesting model, should be the one with the 9 inch screen, as we hear it might be released with a touchscreen. Price is not going to be much higher than regular models, since adding a touch panel, is a matter of 15$ in the manufacturing cost.

Update: ASUS will not be offering a touchscreen panel, their market research shows limited demand.

[via gmp3]

Computers, News

Macworld 2008: Apple Introduced The MacBook Air Notebook

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macbook-air

It’s here, rise and shine, the new MacBook Air, world’s thinnest laptop ever made. We all been waiting for this one, and Apple delivered big time. With a super light, super thin and super glowing look, the MacBook Air features:

  • Display: 13.3″ LED backlit, TFT glossy widescreen.
  • Built-in iSight camera.
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor at 1.6 or 1.8GHz.
  • Memory: 2GB RAM 667MHz DDR2.
  • Storage: 1.8″ 80 GB 4200 rpm hard drive, or SSD 64 GB optional (for extra 1300$).
  • Micro-DVI adapter.
  • WiFi integrated AirPort Extreme.
  • Trackpad with a multi-touch support (like the iPhone).
  • Intel GMA X3100 Graphics processor, 144MB RAM.
  • Height: 0.4-1.94 cm
  • Width: 32.5 cm
  • Depth: 22.7 cm
  • Weight: 1.36 kg
  • Battery life: 5 hours.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/W7askBmF4_c" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Hardware, Media Players, News, Video

Macworld 2008: Apple Introduced The Apple TV Take II Edition

1 Comment

This is not a new hardware, just a free extensive software upgrade to the Apple TV. The Take Two features AirTunes support, for a complete direct streaming, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, HD movies (4GB Size), movie preview, photo browser, computers-free usage, direct movie rental (priced 2.99$ for older versions, 3.99$ for new ones and 4.99$ for HD movies), and more.

apple-tv-take2

[via engadget]

Check the video after the break.

Continue reading Macworld 2008: Apple Introduced The Apple TV Take II Edition →

Hardware, News

Macworld 2008: Apple Unveiles The Time Capsule Backup Server

This wireless drive will backup all your Leopard OSX Time Machine Macs through your wireless network. The Time Capsule features a full Airport Extreme base station with 802.11n wireless and a server grade hard drives, allowing you to backup your data from anywhere, in your wireless network area. You will be able to choose two storage capacities, 500GB for $300 and 1TB for $500. The product should be available next month.

time-capsule

[via gizmodo]

Computers, Events, News

Macworld 2008: Keynote Summary

macworld-2008 Macworld’s opening day answered all our anticipations, with 5 major announcements from El Stivo. The keynote introduced us as follows:

  • iTunes Movie Rentals Service.
  • iPhone & iPod Touch Firmware Updates.
  • Time Capsule.
  • Apple TV Take Two.
  • MacBook Air.

It’s not that we were strangers to most of the new announcements, on the contrary, most of them already leaked weeks before, and you could read about it in this blog. Lets view some of them in a nutshell:

iTunes Movie Rentals Service

As we already posted, a week ago, Apple teamed up with all major film studios, such as Paramount, Lions Gate Entertainment, Walt Disney, Miramax, Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox and more, to bring the top movie titles into iTunes, and to enable users renting a film directly from their iPhones or their iPod touch devices, for 3.99$ per 24h.

iPhone & iPod Touch Firmware Updates.

iPhone – As we reported several weeks ago, Apple officially announced on Firmware update 1.1.3 which includes:

  • GoogleMaps application is able to pinpoint your location.
  • SMS can be send to multiple people, at once.
  • Bookmark add-on for web sites.
  • Re-arrangement of home screen icons.
  • Video chaptering.
  • Music lyrics display.

iPod Touch – This one wasn’t known to us up till yesterday. Apple released some new add-ons to the Touch players. The new update features Mail program, Maps, web clips, stocks, weather and notes. BUT, this is not a free update, this one will cost you 20$.

Time Capsule

To make it simple, this is a wireless backup server. To make it complicated, it is a full Airport Extreme base station with 802.11n wireless and a server grade hard drives that enables to backup all Leopard OS Macs in your network. The Time Capsule comes in 2 configurations:

  • 500GB for $300.
  • 1TB for $500.

Apple TV Take Two

The major improvements in Take Two TV is that it requires no computer, renting movies is much easier and you can have them in HD Dolby 5.1 format. The Take Two edition supports audio, video and photo browsing via Flickr. To upgrade your Apple TV to a Take Two version, you will have to update the software. It is free of charge and will be available in 2 weeks.

MacBook Air

This is the big one, that everyone was expecting to hear about. MackBook Air goes live with the title of the thinnest notebook on earth, just 4mm (!). It features:

  • 13.3″ screen display with ambient light sensor.
  • A black keyboard with a LED backlit.
  • A multi-touch pad (like the iPhone).

Further details will be available in the next posts.

Applications, News, Video

iTunes' Movie Rental Service To be Announced Next Week

1 Comment

apple-itunes Apple is about to announce on a new movie rental service at the MacWorld conference, next week. The service will be available via iTunes and the price should be around $3.99 per 24hr. Apparently, this announcement gets fruition, after Apple managed to team up with the biggest movie studios , such as Paramount, Lions Gate Entertainment, Walt Disney, and the newcomers, Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox.

[via engadget]

CES, Computers, News

CES 2008: iRiver Wing UMPC

Is the new iRiver Wing UMPC reminding you something? Well…If you thought about the Asus Eee PC, you guessed right. As we mentioned, the huge impression (and sales) of the Eee ultra mini PC, made other companies reconsider their line of products. The iRiver WING is a WiFi enabled portable device with a 4″ touchscreen and 4GB of flash storage. It runs Windows CE Pro and equipped with a full QUERTY keyboard. Other features include web browsing, emails, FM radio, VOIP support and SD expansion.

                 iRiver_Wing_UMPC

 

[via gizmodo]

Applications, Mobile, News, Video

CES 2008: Intel's Menlow System Showing Up

1 Comment

One of the hottest issues at the CES is the MID (Mobile Internet Device). Take a look at the Intel Menlow, operating in a cool Aigo 4.5″ touchscreen device, equipped with WiFi, sliding keyboard, 3MP camera and Linux.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/w3-j6sHJ1Ac" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

[via engadget]

More pictures after the break.

Continue reading CES 2008: Intel's Menlow System Showing Up →

Accessories, CES, News

CES 2008: Logitech DiNovo Mini Wireless Keyboard Fits Your Living Room

This new stylish keyboard, from Logitech, is one of my favorite items at the CES show, so far. DiNovo mini is a wireless keyboard, equipped with a media remote and a rounded touchpad surface. Designed to seat on your coffee table in the living room, the DiNovo mini is able to control your Windows Media Center or your brand new Sony Playstation 3, from your couch. Featuring a wireless Bluetooth 2.0 technology, the mini keyboard has 2 backlighting colors (green and orange) to distinguish your actions between touch scrolling surface and menus navigation button. This cool gadget is expected to be available around February for 149.99$.

Logitech DiNovo mini 1

[via gizmodo]

More pictures after the break.

Continue reading CES 2008: Logitech DiNovo Mini Wireless Keyboard Fits Your Living Room →

CES, Media Players, News

Samsung P2 and T10 Get Blue Wave Firmware Update

After long expectations, Samsung released the Blue Wave firmware update for its P2 and T10 PMPs. The awaited firmware features Bluetooth support that enables wireless file sharing with other Bluetooth supported devices. In addition, the new firmware allows Bluetooth phone integration, so you can handle your phone from the player. The recent update also improved the touchscreen respondency, the brightness adjustment, the album art and more.

                                            samsung-p2-bluewave

 [via engadget]

CES, News

CES 2008: WowWee Rovio Can Explore From Any Place

WowWee presented a new line of cool robots, at the CES show in Vegas. One of the most attracting robots within their line is the Rovio. This advanced surveillance machine is equipped with a multi functional WiFi webcam connection, allowing you to spy or surveil after your home or office remotely from any web accessible device, including your laptop, Archos 605, Cell phone, iPod Touch, PSP console and more. The Rovio is able to stream the video signals directly to your handling device and can interact audibly with people nearby. It even can coordinate its location accurately, thanks to a built-in navigation system. The Rovio will be available in summer time for $299. Cool!

                                   wowwee_rovio

[via i4u]

News, Phones

iPhone Rumored Firmware 1.1.3 Brings More Functionality

iphone-fw The mystery behind the next iPhone’s firmware version is making us curious, especially after reading that it will bring some huge and useful changes to the stellar phone. Recent news is suggesting some cool add-ons as:

  • Web pages Flash support.
  • MMS support.
  • copy and paste support
  • Camera video recording.
  • Games
  • Using iPhone as external hard drive.
  • Voice recording.

This all thing makes us wonder if those features were hidden inside the original iPhone, why not providing them when the phone was first released. I guess we will be much smarter after the Macworld event this month.

[via gmp3]

Applications, Internet, News

SanDisk Cruzer Titanium Plus With Backup

 sandisk-cruzer-titanium-plus
SanDisk announced on a new 4GB Cruzer Titanium Plus USB flash drive, coming out at the CES 2008. This new Cruzer, is not just another flash drive, it is a drive that backs you up automatically online, in a secure location. This revolutionary application, becomes possible, after SanDisk signed on a free  online backup deal with BeInSync. This 30$ value back up service, is included with the purchase of the Cruzer Titanium Plus, for the first 6 months, as well as two years of BoomerangIt lost and found service.  The drive will be available in March for $60.

[via engadget]

Applications, News, Phones

New iPhone Firmware Update?

1 Comment

Rumors are floating around about a new firmware update for the great iPhone. The presumably 1.1.3 version shall include some cool features:

  • GoogleMaps application will be able to pinpoint your location.
  • GoogleMaps application will include traffic add-on.
  • SMS will enable multiple messages.
  • Bookmark add-on for web sites.
  • Re-arrangement of home screen icons .

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/NYAMXaBISjs" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /][via iTrafik]

Games, News

Sony PSP Is Open For PS1 Titles

psp Good news for Sony PSP owners, the new PS3/PSP firmware update, enables PS1 games to be played on the PSP device, through a new “Remote Play” add-on feature.

Once you installed firmware version 3.40 to your PS3 console, you can download any PS1 game into it (via the online store) and play on the portable PSP with the remote play application. In addition, the new firmware adds DivX and WMV video support to the PS3.

[via gizmodo]

Media Players, News

Archos To Connect With Dish Networks

archos_605The 2 years partnership between Archos and Echostar, just answered a bill this week. Dish Network customers can transfer their favorite movies, shows and TV programs, directly from their Dish receiver to their Archos players, in record time or faster, thanks to a new Archos designated plugin. To do so, you have to be a Dish Network subscriber with a VIP722 or VIP622, and own Archos 605 or 705 multimedia player. This exciting connection enables to transfer content faster than real time, and take it to wherever you like.

 

[via ArchosLounge]

Media Players, News

Archos 605 – Harry Potter Package

Archos_Warner Following the Archos 605 Charlie Chaplin bundle, Archos signed on a new partnership with Warner Bros Entertainment, to distribute Harry Potter films through its Archos 605 WiFi players. The new package is expected to be available around xmas time.

The Archos 605 Harry Potter limited edition will be equipped with 20GB of storage and the first 4 Harry Potter films:

1. Harry Potter and the School of wizards.

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets.

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner Of Azkaban.

4. Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire.

The fifth Harry Potter film, The Order Of The Phoenix, will be available to download via Archos Content Portal.

Price is set to 279.99 €.

[via ArchosLounge]

Music, News, Phones

Nokia Offers Free Music For 1 Year

Nokia_MusicRecently, we have reported on a new Nokia online music store. The new store provides music purchasing services directly from your mobile phones or downloading to your PC. Now we hear, that Nokia has closed a contract with Universal, to offer free, unlimited songs from various of millions of tracks, to those who will purchase a Nokia phone. Although the new Nokia Comes With Music program is limited to 1 year, it is considered a huge revolution, since the users will be allowed to keep the songs for themselves, after the subscription is over.

And we say: Let The Competition Start.

Update: Tracks format is WMA 128kbps and 192kbps.
[via gizmodo]

Computers, News

Asus Eee PC 8GB Goes Live

asus_eee_pcAsus Eee PC is already a huge success, it is small, attractive, very useful, and comes with a low price tag. Not only individuals are getting excited from this super mini Linux OS based device, but also educational institutes, who already ordered thousands of units.

Now Asus is telling us that the new Asus Eee PC model is going to be released in mid to late December, with even greater specs. The new Eee will have 1GB of RAM and 8GB of flash storage, with the same Intel 900MHz Celeron processor, and a 7-inch 800 x 480 LCD screen. Not to mention, this device has SD card slot, 2 USB ports, an extra USB, mic, headphone jack, a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port and supports 802.11b/g WiFi, as the previous model.

It is up to you to decide whether you want to double your storage size from 4GB to 8GB and have some extra 512MB of RAM for 499$ overall, a 100$ extra charge to the 399$ previous model price tag.


[via gizmodo]

Media Players, News

Meizu M8 First Appearance On CES 2008

1 Comment

meizu-m8

We hear that Meizu might present its new M8 player on the next CES show in Vegas on January 2008. The player is, literally, an iPhone clone prototype, with aplenty of similar outside and inside interface look. The M8 has a 3 inch 16M TFT touchscreen and a 3 mega pixel camera. In addition, it will include WiFi, Bluetooth, TV Out, USB, USB OTG, GPS and more. A wide range of audio and video formats will be supported.

Meizu M8 is expected to be available on February 08, in Asia. We wonder when will it be available in the US, since Apple’s attorneys are not planning to let this iPhone clone to be launched without an injunction.

[Via generationmp3]

News, Phones

Over 10000 iPhones Snatched In Germany On 1st Day

iphone_live

Good news for Apple. The iPhone selling in Germany turned to be a huge success. Apple, via T-Mobile, managed to sell over 10,000 units, just after 24 hours (!). It seems the Germans are excited with the new shiny phone that has landed in the European continental and already makes huge waves.

In addition, we are hearing that Apple upgraded the European iPhones, and installed a new firmware version in the bundle. Version 1.1.2 supports multi-language system and multi virtual keyboards. Also, there are hints for an optional voice recording in the latest firmware. As for the open/closed saga, you have guessed right, the phone is locked and unjailbreak, so the cat and mouse game is still on…

[via generationmp3]

Media Players, News

SanDisk Sansa TakeTV Video Player

TakeTV Sandisk finally announced on its new USB TV video player. The new Sansa presents an easy way to take your video from your PC to your TV, as simple as using a USB flash drive – just drag files to your TakeTV player, slip it into the TV cradle, and press play on the included remote.

The TakeTV player comes with 2 sizes configuration: 4GB (100$) & 8GB (150$). The player supports DivX, xVid, MPEG-4 formats, with Resolution of up to 720×576, in 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios and a range of viewing modes.


News

Apple Vs. Consumers – The Next Battle

3 Comments

AppleOn recent weeks, Apple managed to get into direct conflicts with its consumers, worldwide. The last trigger was the innovative iPhone that created a huge buzz all over the world. Apple, in some typical corporation decisions, managed to piss off many iPhone buyers and millions of technology fans.

What Happened?

The first strategic decision from Apple was to diminish simfree, lock the iPhone exclusively to AT&T, and prevent other networks users from using it.

The second strategic decision was to slash the 4GB iPhone and to cut the 8GB iPhone price from 599$ to 399$, thats 200$ after only 2 months, since launch day.

Following furious reactions from iPhone owners who felt they have been screwed for been loyal to Apple by purchasing it first, Apple decided, in a precedent way, to compensate the first buyers by refunding them with 100$ store credit.

Continue reading Apple Vs. Consumers – The Next Battle →