Sunday, July 29, 2007

Samsung's latest Bordeaux LCDs give 720p some style again

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Samsung is adding more midrange options to its overseas Bordeaux lineup, with new LCDs in 23-, 32- and 40-inch sizes. These 720p (1366x768) HDTVs feature 8ms response times, 8,000:1 contrast ratio and 550 cd/m2 brightness on the two larger screens, while the 23-inch is limited to a 4,000:1 contrast and 450cd/m2 brightness rating. The smallest LCD eschews the slick black finish that seems standard for the line, but for just 69,800 yen ($581 U.S.), we'll overlook it. The 40-inch LN40R81B (above) will cost 168,00 yen ($1,398 U.S.) and the 32-inch 99,800 yen ($830 U.S.) when all three are released on the 27th. More photos after the break.

Continue reading Samsung's latest Bordeaux LCDs give 720p some style again

 

[via] Engadget

Intel responds to EU charges, deems actions 'beneficial' to consumers

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Shortly after the European Commission issued a Statement of Objections against Intel asseverating that it used unfair and unlawful tactics against AMD, Intel has fired back a statement of its own in response. Put simply, Intel declared that it is "confident that the microprocessor market segment is functioning normally and that Intel's conduct has been lawful, pro-competitive, and beneficial to consumers." Furthermore, the company noted that while it would "certainly have preferred to avoid the cost and inconvenience of establishing that its competitive conduct in Europe has been lawful, the Commission's decision to issue a Statement of Objections means that at last Intel will have the opportunity to hear and respond to the allegations made by our primary competitor." Notably, the chip giant even mentions that the case is actually "based on complaints from a direct competitor rather than customers or consumers," and concludes by suggesting that when "competitors perform and execute, the market rewards them." Settle in folks, this one has just begun.

[Via TheRegister]

 

[via] Engadget

BBC launches iPlayer online video service

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Nah, it's not quite
[via] Engadget

The AirLive WMU-6500FS BitTorrent NAS gets reviewed

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We've seen NAS BitTorrent drives / servers before, but none quite as cheap or ugly as the AirLive WMU-6500FS. The Inquirer has gotten its hands on the funky gray PATA- or SATA-ready media stealer, and they give it a pretty decent once over. The drive comes with 32MB of RAM on board, 4MB of flash memory for the OS, and 802.11g. The BitTorrent and HTTP / FTP server clients all reside in the box and are accessible through your web browser, allowing you to engage in all sorts of energy-saving activities -- like downloading lots of "films" without the need for any computers around. According to the review, the whole package can be yours for around $100. Of course, you can get all the thrilling details if you simply hit the read link.

[Thanks, Tech Luver]

 

[via] Engadget

Trinity Audio shows off Linux based, self-contained DAW

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We mentioned this workstation back in 2006 when it was only in prototype form, but the Trinity appears to be heading into production (see pic) with some minor changes in specs. The portable DAW sports an 8-inch LCD monitor and runs a custom build of Linux called Transmission, which is loaded with a handful of audio tracking and editing apps, as well as soft-synths, plugins, and sequencers, while control of the OS is handled by a touchpad and two buttons on either side of the screen. The system runs on a 500MHz CPU, with 256MB of RAM, a 20GB or 40GB hard drive, 802.11g, and it's all jammed into a fanless aluminum case (which definitely raises some temperature questions) that kind of looks like an elongated Korg KAOSS Pad. The box has two XLR / TRS jacks for input, and two more TRS jacks to get audio out, which doesn't provide a lot of options for multi-tracking (which appears to be its main use), and the provided USB port is only used for control of the built-in apps. There are still plenty of questions, not the least of which is why the "buy now" link on the company's website is broken, and Linux doesn't really have any presence in the recording world, but it's still an interesting development in portable audio.

[Via Pro Audio News and Reviews]

 

[via] Engadget

Sony teams with Sky for PSP video on demand in Europe

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While PSP users in Japan will soon be able to use their preferred handheld to pick up some digital broadcast TV, those in Europe will apparently be getting some new video options of a different sort, with Sony today announcing a partnership with Sky that'll see the two form a new company to offer video on demand. Details are unfortunately still pretty light at the moment, but the service (offering "a wealth of video and film content") will apparently be available in the UK and Ireland initially, with talk of further expansion in Europe reportedly still "ongoing." According to GamesIndustry.biz, the two will have plenty more to say about it at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany on August 22nd.

 

[via] Engadget

Apple's MacBook Pro 85W MagSafe adapter shipping now


We know you've been sitting around all day, watching the door, hoping to see a UPS delivery person coming down the walkway with a new, small-ified MacBook Pro 85W MagSafe adapter. You probably thought it was going to take forever -- but your dreams just came true. According to one user who was kind enough to share with us, the units are shipping, though if you ordered a stock laptop recently you might not see it at all. Here's what they had to say; "The 85w compact adapter shipped with a recent Macbook Pro BTO configuration. I ordered two at the same time, one stock, one BTO, but the stock config didn't come with the compact adapter, whereas the BTO one did." So picky buyers, be prepared to make some angry calls to customer service.

[Thanks, Erin]

 

[via] Engadget

Cisco axes Linksys branding

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Linksys fanboys, if there even are such creatures, best get used to seeing a lot more Cisco and a lot less of their favorite brand, as Cisco CEO John Chambers recently announced at a European roundtable discussion (video after the jump) that Linksys products would now sport the Cisco name. Chambers was quoted as saying that "it would all come, over time, into a Cisco brand," and he also noted that the reason the Linksys name was kept alive was because "it was better known in the US than even Cisco was for the consumer." As the firm "goes globally," he concluded, there would be "little advantage" in keeping it around. Sayonara, dear Linksys.

[Via TheInquirer]

Continue reading Cisco axes Linksys branding

 

[via] Engadget

Sony expands VAIO SZ line with new SZ6 series

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Sony's made no secret of its plans to give its VAIO SZ line of laptops a Santa Rosa refresh, but it looks like the company's now let loose a few more details, including the all important word on pricing and availability. In addition to that Santa Rosa boost, these ones (dubbed the SZ6 series) all come equipped with 13.3-inch LED backlit displays, along hybrid hard drives boasting 160GB of traditional storage and 256MB of flash memory. According to Laptoping.com, a range of different pre-configured and build-to-order models are available, coming equipped with your choice of Core 2 Duo T7500, T7700 or T7250 processors, and an option of standard 120GB, 160GB, or 200GB hard drives if you're not quite ready to hop on the hybrid bandwagon. Look for these to set you back between $2,060 and $2,700 depending on the configuration, with them apparently set to ship on August 1st.

[via] Engadget

SK Telecom develops phone-controlled cleaning bot

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SK Telecom, never wanting to be outdone by clever hackers in producing totally useless and bizarre devices that no one really needs, is in the final development stages on a Roomba-style robot that can be controlled by your mobile phone. The circular cleaning bot will be able to receive direction from a phone user on where to scrub, buff, and vacuum, while the controller views all of the exciting, floor-sweeping action on his or her cell phone via a built-in camera at the front of the bot. This should be the prefect product for those who feel the Roomba makes life too easy by cleaning a room on its own -- although it's possible that this technology could be adopted by legions of young men hoping to get a better look up women's skirts. Only time will tell.

 

[via] Engadget

Kodak sues Matsushita over patent infringement

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Kodak, a name pretty much synonymous with the word "camera" in the past, and "crap" more recently, sued Japanese manufacturer Masushita (primary owner of Panasonic, amongst others), alleging the company infringed upon its digital camera patents. In documents filed in Texas, Kodak claims that the company violated patents for an "electronic camera utilizing image compression and digital storage," and "an apparatus and method for previewing motion images using a series of lower resolution still images." According to a Kodak spokesman, the company has tried to resolved the dispute "for a number of years," but the results haven't been up to snuff for the photography giant. Interestingly, Kodak has all but announced that it plans to bolster its earnings by milking kickbacks from the licensing of its intellectual property during its lengthy transition from a traditional photography company to a digital one. If the past is any indication, Matsushita can just crack the wallet right now.

 

[via] Engadget

Tech-savvy iTeddy puts other bears to shame

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If you thought your childhood favorite Teddy Ruxpin was hot stuff, it ain't got nothing on the MP3-playing iTeddy. Reportedly, the UK-based critter is all set to launch today, and will be available in the Argos catalog for a respectable £59.99 ($123). The bear itself comes with a built-in LCD, integrated speakers, 512MB of internal memory, a rechargeable battery, detachable media player, an SD expansion slot, and a USB cable to load 'er up. Call us crazy, but this thing has the makings of a Tickle Me Elmo written all over it, so we'd get those orders placed as soon as humanly possible if you know your youngster(s) will be begging. Click on for a few more shots.

Continue reading Tech-savvy iTeddy puts other bears to shame

 

[via] Engadget

Current Apple machines don't meet new EnergyStar guidelines

Uh-oh, Steve: Apple just got a little less green. New, more stringent requirements for EnergyStar certification went into effect last week, and while most manufacturers have a model or two that meets the updated regs, not a single shipping Mac qualifies. Apple's taken a lot of heat in the past for its environmental policies, and while Steve's blasted back with stats of his own and committed to steps like totally eliminating CCFL backlights in Apple displays, the loss of something like EnergyStar certification isn't going to sit so well with critics -- or shareholders, for that matter. Manufacturers have until January to update their machines or lose the certification, so this isn't a huge blow, but Apple's been insistent that it's more eco-conscious that other companies -- looks like it's put up or shut up time.

[Via Floppyhead]

 

[via] Engadget

FairUse4WM strips BBC's iPlayer DRM?

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We haven't had a chance to play with BBC's nifty new iPlayer online video service yet, but we're hearing that FairUse4WM strips the files of their DRM -- anyone try it out yet? Let us know in comments!

[Thanks, Chris]

 

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

[via] Engadget

SunRocket postpones service shutoff until August 5

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Customers of failed VoIP provider SunRocket finally got some answers today after the service suddenly shut down ten days ago -- a message posted on the company's website officially broke the news that service is being discontinued and apologized to customers. SunRocket has brokered a deal to sell off some assets and keep things going until August 5th, and TeleBlend and 8x8 have apparently committed to providing former SunRocket customers with special rate plans. This pretty much kills those rumors that SunRocket had been acquired, so anyone feeling the burn had better port their numbers right quick -- after August 5th they'll just be a memory.

[Via PC World]

 

[via] Engadget

Giles Deacon-designed Asus laptop now available

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While they may not boast quite the same name recognition as Asus's line of Lamborghini-branded laptops, the company's new Giles Deacon-designed laptops look like they should attract their fair share of attention nonetheless. Dubbed "Giles for Intel," the limited edition laptops are based on Asus's standard W5 model, with the notable addition of a custom-designed print on the lid, available in your choice of "male" or "female" designs. Otherwise, the laptops appear to be unchanged from the run-of-the-mill model, with all the usual Centrino Duo goods on the inside, along with a 12-inch display, a 160GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, and super-multi DVD/RW drive. Look for these exclusively at Selfridges stores in the UK, where they'll set you back a hefty £1,499 apiece (or just over $3,000).

 

[via] Engadget

Denon launches programmable RC-7000CI remote

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Right on cue, Denon has gone and launched the oh-so-snazzy RC-7000CI remote, which we had the pleasure of seeing a tad early thanks to the FCC. The fully programmable, ZigBee-based remote allows for universal command and control of all Denon remote controlled products "as well as products from other manufacturers," and those with internet access (that'd be you, hot shot) can simply connect the remote to a PC via USB and "program the functionality of all the products in their system" care of the online IR database. Paired up with one or two RC-7001RCI RF/IR Remote Bases (pictured after the jump), the duo creates a multi-room remote control system that allows for "both two-way communication and IR functionality." As with everything labeled Denon, don't expect either of these August-bound niceties to come sans a premium, as you'll be asked to cough up $299.99 for the remote itself, while each base station adds another $199.99.

[Via TrustedReviews]

Continue reading Denon launches programmable RC-7000CI remote

 

[via] Engadget

Man gets BSOD message tattooed on his arm

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If anyone gave that Zune tattoo guy props for his bravery / stupidity, you owe a handful of kudos to this fellow, too. In an admittedly bizarre move to show one's disdain (right?) for the always infuriating Blue Screen of Death, this man has went so far as to tattoo the BSOD error message on his arm, presumably as a battle scar for all those Windows driver installations gone terribly awry. Next up? We're betting on a Kernel Panic tat for arm number two.

[Via Tumbl, thanks Laura]

 

[via] Engadget

Yumekobo's Yamanote alarm clock shows train schedules

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You know what they say about Japanese trains being so reliable you can set a clock to it? Ironically enough, Yumekobo's Yamanote alarm clock does just that, and while we're sure the vivid green color scheme isn't for everyone, its features (feature?) are what counts. Apparently, the clock communicates via radio with the train station, and the train symbols surrounding the hands correspond to where a given train is located at a certain point in time. Additionally, it sports built-in chimes and melodies to match those played in the actual station, and of course, can wake you up at a set time so you don't miss your morning ride to work. Not a bad device to keep around for ¥7,980 ($66), and in case you're still a bit stumped on how this thing actually operates, check out a web-based demonstration here.

[Via Gearfuse]

 

[via] Engadget

Apple patent reveals data-to-voice translation system for cellphones

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Apart from Steve's not-so-subtle hatred of buttons, Apple has traditionally been a fairly accessibility-aware company, and its latest patent application, for the "Multimedia data transfer for a personal communication device," outlines a method by which the visually-impaired can use services like SMS. The system eliminates the need for backend servers and data transfers by having the transmitting device first read the text and then send it over a voice channel to the receiver. The application also details an extension of the system where received voice transmissions are forwarded to a mail server and stored for later retrieval -- kind of like reverse voicemail. As always, Apple's pretty vague about how we might see this patent applied, but that doesn't make trying to read the patent tea leaves any less entertaining.

[Thanks, Brian]

[Via MacNN]

 

[via] Engadget

Keepin' it real fake, part LXVIII: the four-wheeled Segway

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You can really only go two ways when you're knocking off an iconic product, according to our copy of "Asian Device Fakery, 4th Edition": either you can slavishly copy every detail and come up with a faithful replica, or you can throw caution to the wind and crank out the craziest mishmash of branding and design you can. Any other approach inevitably leads to hilariously awful results -- like this four-wheeled "Segway" that's been popping up in Europe. It looks like whatever company built this thing lacked the basic engineering skill to make it self-balance, so the designers just went ahead and added a couple extra wheels to really pump up the nerd-on-the-run factor. Only €399 ($544) to barely out-cool that guy on the electric tricycle.

[Thanks, JM]

 

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

[via] Engadget

Conceptual Samsung SS 700 camera packs integrated digiframe

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While a standalone digital photo frame is certainly a novel item to have around the crib, integrating it into a pocket cam for easy portability just sounds so much more useful. Thankfully, a crafty concept designer by the name of Jin Woo Han has created the perfect mishmash of the aforementioned devices, and while we've no idea if the Samsung SS 700 will ever get legit, you can't fault a guy (or gal) for hoping. The 7.2-megapixel camera boasts a sleek, stylish design, but the standout feature is the sliding rear display that doubles as a digiframe. Heck, there's even a built-in kickstand for extended viewing. Check it out in detail after the break.

[Via LetsGoDigital]

Continue reading Conceptual Samsung SS 700 camera packs integrated digiframe

 

[via] Engadget

iFuntastic 2.0 enables mortals to mod their iPhone

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If you were enthralled by the sound of what the Dev Wiki crowd was cookin' up, yet you just couldn't understand the majority of what they were telling you, you're in luck. bitSplit, the man that brought you iFuntastic, has released version 2.0 of the software, which goes the extra mile and enables mere mortals (read: folks who aren't down with code speak) to "add ringtones, change the carrier logo, and reorder their iPhone applications." Best of all, this here software is completely free to use, but unless you've got an Intel-based Mac, you won't get very far. So go on, tag the read link and see what fun awaits you.

[Thanks, Dustin]

 

[via] Engadget

France planning to 'triple' CCTV surveillance capacity

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At least those residing in the UK can breathe a momentary sigh of relief, as it's not the only locale where the amount of surveillance drones is quickly approaching the number of citizens. Reportedly, French interior minister Michele Alliot-Marie recently announced that the government is planning to "triple" the existing CCTV surveillance capacities across the country, "with a view to curb the risks of terrorism and acts of violence." Beyond just bumping the amount of eyes scanning for troublemakers, she also suggested that the network of systems be more tightly connected in order to effectively "protect the French people and enable them to move freely without fearing for their lives or property." Of course, we're sure there's quite a few citizens who'd have beef with the whole "moving freely sans fear" tidbit, no?

[Via The Raw Feed]

 

[via] Engadget

Xbox 360 price drop revealed in Wal-mart brochure?

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Sure, this one would be a breeze to Photoshop, but the fact that a Circuit City brochure so recently and successfully predicted a PS3 price drop gives us cause to hope. The teensy picture above purports to depict a new Wal-mart ad with that oft-rumored new $349 price point for the Xbox 360 Premium. The EXIF data checks out, so if it is a prank at least they took the time to do it right. No better way to figure out the legitimacy of this one than to wait it out -- and start betting on sales boost figures if Microsoft does indeed cut the price.

[Thanks, Brad]

 

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

[via] Engadget

Siren intros 5.6-inch DF150 digital photo frame

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As if you weren't already inundated with digital picture frames on this beautiful Friday, here's yet another to chew on. Manufactured by Siren (you know, part of iriver), the DF150 ups the ante on the DF100 by expanding the screen real estate from five-inches to 5.6-inches and by increasing the onboard memory from 32MB to half a gigabyte. Additionally, you'll find an obligatory USB 2.0 port alongside memory slots to handle SD, MMC, miniSD, CF, and Memory Stick formats, and you can even change out the outer frame thanks to the wood and acyclic covers that are bundled in. Expect this sucka to land in Japan next week for ¥14,800 ($123).

[Via FarEastGizmos, image courtesy of Impress]

 

[via] Engadget

Mattel drops new details on I Can Play educational guitar

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While the most of us get our shred on via one version of Guitar Hero or another, Mattel is trying to preserve our offsprings' minds a little while longer with a more educationally-inclined toy axe. Originally mentioned at the International Toy Fair, the I Can Play instrument is slated to land this August for $99.99 and will boast the Allegro Multimedia Guitar Wizard Method for learning licks. Furthermore, the guitar will come bundled with a cartridge featuring "six popular songs" to play along with (additional ones will be $14.99 apiece), and rather than just single buttons being placed on the fretboard, the more complex sensor layout is said to be more akin to a real-world six-string. Notably, Mattel and Allegro both assert that this device can be used by kiddos as young as six years old, but we see no reason why those struggling through a mid-life crisis can't relive their own rock fantasies once the children head off to bed.

[Via Electronista]

 

[via] Engadget

Apple TV finally hacked for USB storage expansion

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Apple TV RearEnterprising Apple TV users have been putting that USB port to good use for ages now, for every hack but the most obvious one: media playback. So far you haven't been able to make a cheap, external USB drive into your primary storage device for kosher Apple TV media, but no longer. The Apple TV Hacks folks have finally figured out a method, and though some Terminal chops and an Intel-based *nix machine (like Mac OS X) are required to run the hack, and it's unclear if it'll work with updated YouTube-enabled Apple TVs running the 1.1 patch, at least it's a start for the storage space-starved.

[Thanks, Luck K]

 

[via] Engadget

RDISS: the Army's uber-vigilant surveillance system

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Being dropped into no man's land without a hint of what's going on around you can't be fun (or safe, for that matter), but scoping out foreign territory in a hurry just got a lot more reasonable. The Army's Rapid Equipping Force has developed the Rapid Deployment Integrated Surveillance System, or RDISS, which "can be installed quickly and with minimal training." Deemed "simple" to setup, the system is designed to "improve situational awareness for soldiers at joint security stations and combat outposts throughout Iraq," and plans are already in place to establish "hundreds" of these systems in various locales by the year's end. Nah, it's not nearly as hip as using GPS-equipped spy squirrels, but we guess it'll do the trick.

[Via The Raw Feed]

 

[via] Engadget

False alarm: Target's not giving up on HD DVD

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As noted on Engadget HD the other day, and further clarified by Major Nelson this morning, that story about Target going exclusively Blu-ray was false. Turns out they're just installing Blu-ray aisle end caps, thanks to a new promotional deal with Sony, but HD DVD isn't going anywhere. Hopefully you haven't chucked out your HD DVD collection just yet in a concession to defeat at Thursday's "news," but if you have it's always good to know you can score replacements at your local Target, just like always.

 

[via] Engadget

Apple wants your iPod to stop charging for thieves

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Hey, it's no shocker that Apple's iPod is a coveted item even for those who acquire their wares in less than legal manners, but a recent patent application from Apple shows that someone at Cupertino cares about you rightful owners out there. Essentially, the technology would invoke a "guardian" recharge circuit, which would disable any further charging if the computer (or "other recharger") it was paired with was of the unauthorized variety. According to Apple, this type of limitation would "serve as a deterrent to theft," and while we can only assume that it would be applied first to the iPhone and iPod, the application does insinuate that other handheld, rechargeable devices could eventually benefit from the invention.

[Via Slashdot]

 

[via] Engadget

Ask Engadget: Wireless TV for the home?

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This time on Ask Engadget, Lenny's looking for a way to consolidate a couple of national past times: eating and television. What a noble quest. If you've got a similarly humanitarian tech conundrum, or just want the masses to weigh in on something more pedestrian, hit us up at ask at engadget dawt com. Last time we were picking a wireless router for Brad, here's Lenny's question:

"I'm looking for a wireless TV solution for my dining room. I want a TV
that is as unobtrusive as possible. I don't want to run coax in there,
nor any other AV cables. I just want a TV (preferably mounted on the
wall) that gets its signal wirelessly. I saw two solutions by Sharp and
Sony, but they came out in '04, and don't seem to be widely available now."

Seems like there are plenty of ways to go, and we suppose it depends on what kind of quality, resolution and picture size he's looking for, but we're sure Lenny can find an affordable solution to getting that TV where it belongs. What do you guys think?

 

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

[via] Engadget

Microsoft doesn't think Sony can stick to single PS3 SKU

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Since Microsoft apparently didn't suffer enough indignity with the whole J Allard-in-dreads happenings -- we were sure our caption contest sealed the deal -- another Xbox exec has gone on record making predictions on Sony hardware, unfortunately without similarly high stakes. Xbox director of technical strategy Andre Vrignaud is betting a steak dinner with the staff of Level Up that Sony's going to hit the market with a $399 PS3 SKU by Black Friday 2007. His thinking is that Sony won't want to stick with a $599 80GB PS3 as its sole offering, and therefore will drop the 80 gigger to $499 and supplement it with a stripped down $399 40GB PS3 that skips out on WiFi, a memory card reader and backward compatibility. Of course, Sony's not talking much about SKUs ever since its total PR disaster on the 60GB price cut during E3, but that doesn't necessarily mean the company is ready to take a page out of Microsoft's book and go all PS3 "Core" on us.

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

 

[via] Engadget

Spotswood drum PC case brings the beat back

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We've seen a lot of ways to use computers as musical instruments, but the L-series case from Spotswood Custom Computer takes that concept to dizzying new heights by mounting components inside a 22-inch circular shell that's a dead ringer for a snare drum. The company says the built-from-scratch case design eliminates hot spots and promotes better cooling, but we think we know a drum PC when we see one. Hit the read link for more pics of the $500 case, and be sure to check out the FAQ, which contains the answer to the following mind-boggler: "I want a quiet PC but that case looks like a drum. Aren't drums supposed to be loud?"

 

[via] Engadget

Bally bringing Pong to casino floors

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We know, you've got a zillion ways to get your Pong on whilst lounging around in your geeked-out crib, but how in the world will you deal with the withdrawals on this year's trip to Vegas? Thanks to Bally, you may not have to suffer at all, as Nevada gambling regulators recently approved the concept behind Bally Pong, a "slot machine that would for the first time allow hand-eye coordination to affect payout." Put simply, the machine would enter a 45-second round of Pong if three bonus icons line up on the five-reel video slot machine, and regardless of one's skill, a minimum award would be doled out simply for reaching the bonus. Oh, it gets better -- Bally also said that this was just "the first in a series of skill games (including Breakout!) it had planned," so those looking to see a hint of vintage when they hit the casino floor should be very pleased if everything goes as planned over the next few months.

[Via The Raw Feed]

 

[via] Engadget

Mitsubishi's Wakamaru bot isn't ready to integrate into society

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Things didn't turn out so well for Mitsubishi's cute little Wakamaru house bot, which the company introduced in 2005. Initially expecting to sell 100 of the $14k+ bots, Mitsubishi received only a few dozen orders, and shipped even fewer, since certain customers with multi-story homes or no internet access wouldn't have gotten much mileage out of the yellow robot. Other problems further limited Wakamaru's acceptance in the home, like limited conversational abilities and lack of support for internet content beyond weather forecasts and email. People also expected Wakamaru to take over household duties like sweeping and cooking, and while the bot's heart is in the right place, he's not exactly handy with a broom. For now Mitsubishi is going to rent Wakamaru out to corporations, and is working on expanding arm functionality to allow for the carrying of drinks or newspapers, and to let him open doors. Teach him how to perform petty crime and spew cutesy catch phrases and we're sold. [Warning: subscription required]

 

[via] Engadget

Bluetooth SoundBall makes a racket when kicked

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Although we're sure you've had your fill of soccer thanks to the recent onslaught at RoboCup 2007, Aleksei Stevens' SoundBall was just too good to let roll by. This Bluetooth-enabled, sensor-laden soccer ball may not look all that paranormal, but giving it a swift boot triggers communication between the ball and a nearby computer, which then converts the signals into beeps, boops, and other far out katzenjammer. As expected, different blows, rolls, and turns send out varying notes, and while talking about sound can only convey so much of the story, why not take a listen for yourself after the jump?

[Via CNET]

Continue reading Bluetooth SoundBall makes a racket when kicked

 

[via] Engadget

Eurocom's quad-core D900C Phantom-X laptop gets official

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Good news for those waiting in tense anticipation for a confirmation on Eurocom's quad-core lappie: it's for real. Dubbed the D900C Phantom-X, this powerhouse will reportedly pack Intel's "newest line of quad-core processors," up to 750GB of internal HDD space, your choice of NVIDIA GPUs running in single or dual SLI, a Blu-ray optical drive, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, and a slew of ports including USB 2.0, FireWire, DVI, S-Video, a multicard reader, optical and analog audio in / out, and a gigabit Ethernet jack for good measure. 'Course, you'll also find integrated Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11a/b/g, stereo speakers, a built-in microphone, and an optional TV tuner that could certainly make you question the necessity of your desktop. So, you big spender you, go on and get your order in now and let the bragging commence -- if you've got the $2,999 it'll take for the base configuration, that is.

[Thanks, Mark B.]

 

[via] Engadget