Tag Archives: tear down

Audio, Media Players, Video

Zune HD Officially Goes Live, Already Considered a Hit On The Streets

It’s here! Microsoft officially rolls out its highly rated Zune HD media player, and boy this thing looks good. Yes, we know, most details are pretty much known at this point, but still deserve a round of applause, aren’t they? And just in case you missed the buzz, those fancy shcmancy specs we get, include a beautiful 3.3-inch Gorilla glass 480 x 272 OLED capacitive 16:9 aspect-ratio touchscreen, which hides underneath a built-in HD Radio receiver, seating along with a wireless WiFi antenna connection and a fine batch of accelerometer sensors for landscape use. Excited? We are, but that’s not all, since Redmond has wisely tossed in Nvidia’s mighty Tegra processor, which is technically constructed from eight different sub processors inside, that flawlessly handle their tasks at a time. Now that’s a real beast, isn’t it? OH Yeah. Storage wise, you get to choose between 16GB or 32GB flash capacities that fairly priced at $219.99 and $289.99, respectively.

zune-hd

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Audio, Media Players, Video

iPod Nano 5th-Gen Player Announced, Video Camera, FM Radio And Bigger Screen On The Stake

Apple’s Rock n’ Roll event just went down with Steve Jobs up on stage again, this time suggesting a new colorful iPod nano lineup, available today at the online store, delivering two different storage capacities, 8GB ($149) and 16GB ( $179), to choose from. Other than that, the fifth-generation nano is now offering some neat improvements, with Cupertino unveiling a small video camera, integrated at the back of each player, allowing live video shooting in 640 x 480 video capture resolution at H.264 format, which gets up to 30fps capabilities and including 15 real-time special effects, such as Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, 2.2Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido, Motion Blur and many others. Additionally, you get a bigger 2.2-inch 376 x 240 display, holding an FM tuner that has Live Pause feature underneath, sitting along with iTunes Tagging support, a pedometer element, built in speaker / microphone  and a voice over trait – all packed into a small sized 3.6 x 1.5 x 0.24-inches body frame that holds a battery which literally plays up to 24 hours of audio and 5 hours of video. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: Turns out the new nano camera can only handle video footage without stills. Nonetheless, it still looks pretty amazing, so hit the break and checkout the video walkthrough right away.

Update2: Hey, we know you’re all excited to take a peek at those sexy inner parts of the new nano video cam player. And as we speak, the guys from iFixit were rapidly nabbing a nice blue fifth-gen nano device, tearing it apart and showing its bowels wide. Hit the jump to watch from close, or click the link to look at the entire process done.

[Apple]

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Media Players, News

Apple To Significantly Cut Prices Of iPod Touch, Nano And Classic PMPs (Update: iPod Touch 3G Included)

With one more hour to go before announcing some new players, Apple is now reported to quietly slash down iPod Touch, Nano and Classic iPod prices on Cupertino’s on-line store, as follows:  iPod Touch – Apparently, the 8GB model is now priced at $189 (instead of $229), while 16GB version now stands at $249 (instead of $299), and the 32GB flavor is merely $279 (was $399 before). iPod Nano – The 8GB model will now set you back for $129 (instead of $149), as the 16GB Nano is now offered for only $149 (instead of previous $199). iPod Classic – Gets the competitive price of $229 instead of $249.

Update1: Turns out a new whopping 64GB iPod Touch version is now up and available for $399.

Update2: Looks like the $249 iPod Classic player is now being offered in 160GB storage. That’s extra 40GB to its predecessor.

Update3: So it seems a new iPod Touch 3G is out after all, but regretfully without a camera inside. Prices remain the same but the UI looks a little snappier than previous gen. Surprisingly, the guys at iFixit have managed to find a potential spot for a video camera, that Apple has probably allocated in the top of the device. That said, Steve Jobs already made it clear that Apple won’t integrate any footage features at this point. Stay tuned.

Update4: The guys at engadget have thrown themselves all over the “new” iPod Touch 3G, moments before it goes live. Hit the jump to take a look.

iPods-september-nine-pricecuts

[Apple]

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Events, Games, News, Video

Sony's PS3 Slim Edition Console Officially Announced, Goes Live In September For $300 (Update: Now Officially On Sale Across The US)

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Yes, we all heard about it time after time on recent weeks, but now it’s for real, as Sony finally makes the PS3 Slim edition official, at GamesCom show, ending up months of rumors and speculation about the new gaming console. And speaking about the slim console, turns out it will be available in the first week of September, worldwide, priced at merely $300 (that’s 300 Euros, or 29,980 Yen) and packing a 120GB HDD along with all the good features we know from the regular PS3. In addition, the slimmer version actually have clickable buttons on front, while sized 32 percent less than previous model. Furthermore, the new edition apparently consumes 34 percent less power and the bundle includes a wireless DualShock3 controller to comfortably rock your gaming experience from your living room sofa, as vertical stand is optional for extra $24. Sony will also release Firmware version 3.0, next to the Slim debut, so you will enjoy animated themes with avatars, some cool UI changes, modified friends lists and even a new status indicator, when running your brand new matte black console for the first time. For more details about the PS3 Slim announcement, the full specs, and some video footage to watch, hit the jump or pass the break.

Update1: Apparently, you won’t be able to play any Playstation 2 games with your new PS3 Slim console, which is a bummer (!) if you think about it, since not having a PS2 backwards compatibility will force everyone get rid of their cool games collection, but this way or another, if you keep searching for some cool advantages inside the latest Slim edition, then mind you this hot box will presumably support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bit-streaming through your fancy hi-fi receiver. Huzzah!

Update2: Looks like Sony’s new PS3 Slim console is officially up and available across US retailers like Best Buys and GameStops (earlier than expected) for $299, so you can go down to your local store and get it NOW. Meanwhile, If you happen to have it at your disposal, already, and curious to see the inside parts of the box, hit the break and take a look, both at the image (one of few) and video footage that iFixit group has recently published.

Update3: A 250GB PS3 Final Fantasy XIII edition officially announced, set to be released in Japan somewhere around December for ¥41,600 Yen. Image is right after the break.

Update4: And moments after, Amazon.co.uk has listed a 250GB version as well, but this time you’ll have to settle with the ordinary black. Pre-order price is set for £285 ($455) and delivery is scheduled to October 1st.

Update5: Apparently, the 250GB Playstation Slim version is about to hit US shelves on November 3rd for $349.99, so you have only couple of weeks to get yourself this extra capacity-size edition.

sony-ps3-slim_2

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Hardware, Mobile, Phones

iPhone 3G S Gets Ripped And Dissected Into Pieces, Unveiling ARM Cortex A8 CPU At 600 MHz

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With only hours before iPhone’s 3G S version officially goes up on sale across the world, Rapid Repair gang have managed to get their hands on one of Apple’s few available copies around, and dissected it into pieces,  letting us closely look into the main components assembled inside, including chips, amps, processors and involved manufacturing companies, who helped Cupertino building this powerful machine. From their tear-down, we learn that South Korean giant, Samsung provides the SoC S5PC100 chipset, while main processor confirmed to be ARM Cortex A8, running at 600 MHz, with 720p high-def support. PowerVR SGX graphics also integrated within the iPhone 3G S, with 256MB of RAM, instead of 128MB on previous models.  In addition, we can see the NAND Flash memory, provided by Toshiba and Infenion is there as well, providing myriad parts of the phone. Hit the jump to checkout the comparison chart of iPhone’s hardware and Palm’s Pre, as more pictures available at their website. Also, feel free to start sharing your personal reviews, once getting a brand new iPhone 3G S in the following days.

Update: iSuppli says the estimated cost of Apple’s new iPhone 3GS for the 16GB configuration, stands at $178.96 to manufacture. Mind you, this price valuation, refers to direct materials cost, with no inclusion of other essential operational expenses, such as shipping, distribution, royalty fees etc, which add some value to the overall price.Check out their components and cost drivers table, after the break.

iphone-3g-s-dissected

[via RapidRepair]

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Games, News

Sony's PSP Go Surfaces Up Before Its Time (Update: Now Official – $249)

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It’s not that we were totally surprised when Sony’s new gaming console abruptly showed up in a June 09 Qore edition – after all, rumors are floating around for quite some time – Yet, having a first look on a future portable gaming device can definitely rock our geeky heart, which barely stands the endless expectation for the official announcement to take place. And with so many neat features crammed inside, It shouldn’t take long until we snack ourselves a copy or two. But until we’ll manage to fulfill this dream, you all should probably like to know that Sony’s new PSP GO – as for on the go – seems to be offered with a 3.8-inch screen display, along with a built-in Bluetooth connectivity, rounded sleeky slider design and 16GB of internal Flash, expandable via Memory Stick Micro slot. Other essential traits to be noted include a smooth integration with PlayStation 3 gaming console (full network support), thin-and-light body design (43% lighter than PSP-3000), “10-year life-cycle products” guarantee (meaning long term viability) and various new action-game titles like Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and Metal Gear Solid – in plan. With no pretensions to be crowned as a PSP-3000 successor and without determined price-tag given, all that’s left is a vague “This Fall” release announcement, which Sony executives were willing to share. And while waiting for this dates to arrive, hit the jump and watch the video itself.

Update1: Sony just announced the PSP Go at the E3 convention, to be available on October 1 in North America and Europe for $249, with a month later release in Japan. Turns out it’s 50% smaller and 40% lighter than Sony’s first PSP-1000 console, as most other specs remain the same, with few surprises at the corner – like a built-in WiFi connection, a new auto-playlist feature which randomly plays your favorite music and called Sense Me, a new video delivery service, and a lack of the UMD drive, implying you’ll be loading your games either through the Memory Stick Micro slot or over PlayStation’s network. Stay tuned for even more. Meanwhile, you can read the full PR announcement after the break.

Update2: In case you were all wondering what will happen to your old UMD games, once getting the PSP GO, maybe you should know that Sony will be offering for purchasing digital copies of those gamese, but maybe – just maybe – the company will be generous enough to make it even free of charge. Stay tuned.

Update3: If inner parts will make you excited, the folks at levelup.cn have managed to get their hands on one of the few available PSP Go devices out there and as expected, dissected it into pieces. Hit the jump to see the picture or click the link for even more.

Update4: Firmware update 6.10 is out, and those of you who’ve managed to get their hands on a PSP GO console (even though it’s not officially out yet) will now enjoy Bluetooth internet tethering for remote internet access. Additionally, you’ll find a new SensMe feature that literally creates audio playlists based on moods.

Update5: It’s here. Sony’s new PSP GO console finally goes live and can be found at your local retailers for $249.99. Gamind Party !

sony-psp-go

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Computers, News

Sony Vaio P 8" Netbook Officially Introduced

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It’s CES time and plenty of announcements are making their way out, as the companies try their best to catch our eyes with new technoligies and lavish shapes. One of those products, which made us drooling all over the place is the new Sony Vaio P, an 8-inch netbook with an astounding LED-backlit 1,600 x 768 XBRITE-ECO LCD display, only 1.4 pounds weight and plenty of top-notch features, including Windows Vista onboard, Intel Processor (1.33GHz, 512kB L2 Cache), an integrated 3G WWAN capabilities, a GPS module, built-in webcam, track pointer inside the keyboard, 802.11n WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity and a battery that can provide up to 4 hours of use or 8 hours in case you’re equipped with the optional high-capacity cell. The Vaio P design is breath taking and you’ll be able to choose between onyx black, crystal white, garnet red, emerald green, or classic black flavors, somewhere around February, starting at $900 for the basic package, which houses 2GB RAM and 60GB HDD – Definitely not cheap, but absolutely worthy. Checkout the official announcement after the break, together with dissected image (courtesy of jkkmobile) and some videos (courtesy of engadget).

Update1: while US residents can only get the 1.33GHz CPU version, Japanese VAIO P models also offer the 1.86GHz Intel Atom processor, which is significantly stronger. Having said that, you should know that a 1.86GHz processor, along with a 64GB SSDis priced at $1,549, or even $1,899 in case you want the 128GB SSD option – Too Pricey !

Update2: Checkout the videos (courtesy of engadget) after the break.

Update3: Apparently, the Vaio P is getting even more colors to the already-impressive lineup, with Sony Style Japan uploading additional customizable flavors, including pyrite gold, frozen white, mesh garnet, layered peridot, and a dark brown keyboard – all priced the same. Click in here to make your decisions.

Continue reading Sony Vaio P 8" Netbook Officially Introduced →

Audio, Media Players, News, Video

Cowon's S9 Curvy PMP To Make a Debut In Korea First (Update: Then In The US)

Remember Cowon’s S9 PMP that was first introduced at IFA 2008 in Berlin? Turns out it will make a debut in Korea on December 16th in 4GB / 8GB / 16GB versions, for 219,000 won ($150), 259,000 won ($178), or 309,000 won ($213), respectively. Truth to tell, we were skeptical about this one, specially after discernible delays in the European launch and due to the lack of information concerning a US release. However, Cowon has proved it can live up to its promis and according to yesterday’s official announcement, the Korean company will deliver the goods, despite some “problems in production”. In other words, we are expected to see the S9 player landing on western shelves, somewhere around the beginning of 2009.

In any case, this stylish curvy 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen player boasts some impressive specs, including a strong Dual Core processor, an FM tuner, T-DMB tuner, A2DP Bluetooth 2.0 connection, a TV output and even a G-Sensor accelerometer (probably for future games). Furthermore, it supports MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, WAV audio formats and MPEG-4 SP, WMV9 SP, H.264 BP video formats, while the battery provides up to 55hrs of audio playback or 11hrs of video playback.

Additionally, first GUI screen shots imply for a wide range of usability, and  plenty of touchscreen features that Cowon plans to bring into the S9, as some of them resemble the iPod touch and some carry their own identity. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: checkout the new video and full specs after the break.

Update2: UK release is scheduled to December 15th. Price wise, the Cowon S9 will be priced at £169 ($252) for the 8GB and £199 ($297) for the 16GB.

Update3: forget the delays, Cowon has officially announced that the S9 US release will go live on December 19th, priced at $199.99 (8GB) / $239.99 (16GB). You will be able to find it at Amazon.com, eBay.com, Newegg.com, B&H, and ZipZoomFly.com.

Update4: Cowon has already issued the first S9 firmware update, fixing some bugs and UI corrections.

Update5: You can get over 250 flash games for your S9, in 3 packs, compressed in RAR. Just open the files and copy to the flash library –  Game Pack 1 ; Game Pack 2 ; Game Pack 3

Update6: April 16, Cowon releases a 32GB version in South Korea, to be available for ?379,000 ($287). Still no word about a US release for this one.

Update7: May 3rd – Cowon’s 32GB S9 PMP finally arrives Stateside and can be found at Amazon.com for $299.99, either in Black or Titanium flavors.

Update8: As if any of you had any doubts about the possibility that someone out there will eventually open up this sleeky device and start playing with the inner parts, think twice, as the guys at Anything But iPod recently introduced in their Cowon forum some neat images of the S9 cracked open and dissected into small parts, offering a rich look of the touchscreen PMP from the inside. Hit the link for more pictures of the disassembled unit.

[via AnythingButiPod]

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