Saturday, August 11, 2007

Grundig readies spherical Audiorama speakers

Filed under: ,


We'll admit, we're suckers for just about anything retro, and Grundig has certainly won us over with its forthcoming Audiorama speakers. These spherical gems can be placed on narrow stands, hung around, or sat on an end table, as the 360-degree sound emissions should cover the space adequately. Unfortunately, details concerning the power handling, frequency range, etc. are still under wraps, but those feelin' the vintage vibe can check out a four pack out next February for around €600 ($826).

[Via I4U]

 

[via] Engadget

Toyota delays next-gen Prius while GM inks deal with lithium-ion maker

Filed under:


It looks like those waiting for the next generation Prius to hit the road are going to have to hold out a little bit longer. Toyota announced this week that it would be delaying plans to bring its plug-in, lithium-ion-based model to market until 2011, as opposed to 2008, due to safety concerns over the company's chosen battery. In very related news, GM has struck a deal with Massachusetts-based battery developer A123 Systems to produce flat lithium-ion batteries for use in upcoming plug-in electric vehicles, such as the Chevy Volt. With regards to whether Toyota's setback could give GM an edge in the electric car game, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said, "I think that our No. 1 competitor has some problems with their technology, and I do think that it very definitely opens a window of opportunity for us to be first to market with a genuine plug-in hybrid," which sounds like fightin' words, if you ask us.

[via] Engadget

Humanoid robots could still do the twist in 2193

Filed under:

If no one's complaining when the Rock-afire Explosion busts out a Bubba Sparxxx jam, we doubt the future alien population of this here planet will have any beef with an android cousin doing the Tango. In a bizarre feat of preservation, a team from the University of Tokyo, Japan has used "video motion-capture systems to record the movement of a dancer performing a Japanese folk routine called the Aizu-Bandaisan." Rather than just filing it on a DVD, however, they are teaching Kawada Industries' HRP-2 to mimic the moves, which could open the door (wider) for robotic dance teachers of the future. If you think it sounds weird, just wait 'til you catch the thing on video.

[Thanks, Eileen]

 

[via] Engadget

HealthPia's GlucoPhone gets FDA approval

Filed under:

While the idea of a diabetes phone is far from new, a company dubbed HealthPia is well on its way to actually delivering such a product. Reportedly, the firm has "obtained FDA approval for its patent-pending technology that integrates a blood glucose meter with a standard-issue cellphone." Interestingly, it not only allows you to send results over the air, but specially equipped mobiles will actually be fitted with a GlucoPack that enables you to test yourself as you would with any other (more traditional) meter. During last week's AADE conference, the company supposedly announced that Verizon's LG5200 would be the first to sport such technology, and for those who think this could make their lives a whole lot easier, grab your specs and hit the read link for more.

[Thanks, Clement S.]

 

[via] Engadget

Boynq offers up a myriad of artsy speakers, peripherals

Filed under: ,


It's been a tick since we've seen any randomness from Boynq's labs, but it looks like the firm has worked up quite a number of design-centric speaker stations, iPod sound systems, and superfluous USB-related gizmos of late. Among the standouts are the iCube II (pictured), which sports ten-watts of amplification, an iPod docking port, line-in, dedicated treble / bass controls, and a rather sexy look, too. Additionally, the tooth-shaped Sabre operates much like the aforementioned device but touts twice the wattage and a video output, and the USB-powered Alibi webcam looks an awful lot like a robotic pet of some sort. Do yourself a favor and check out a few more photos of Boynq's zany lineup after the jump.

Continue reading Boynq offers up a myriad of artsy speakers, peripherals

 

[via] Engadget

Fujitsu Siemens Computers bails out of PDA / PNA market

Filed under: ,

Leaving so soon, are we? Turns out Fujitsu Siemens Computers is ditching the PDA / PNA market after 2007, which means that those bulky, albeit fashionable Loox handhelds will soon be available only in closeout bins and on your favorite auction site -- and just think, things were lookin' so bright just last year. According to a statement by FSC spokesperson Amy Flécher, the decision to cut the proverbial cord was simply "due to the usual examination of the portfolios," and the firm apparently noticed that "the traditional handheld segment (PDA) [had been shrinking] for years." Essentially, the company felt that smartphones would eventually swallow the "traditional handhelds" of the world, and considering that cranking out smartphones "is not its business at all," the choice seems logical.

 

[via] Engadget

SAFA showcases DIA media player in Korea

Filed under: ,


It's good to see SAFA back in the saddle after a long bout with silence, and the firm's latest PMP looks mighty fine, we must say. Dubbed DIA -- presumably in reference to the diamond shaped control pad -- this diminutive device boasts a 2.4-inch color LCD, plays nice with audio and video files, comes with four mini games, and is available with up to 4GB of internal capacity. Moreover, users can load the rest of their files on a miniSD card, and there's also a FM tuner and voice recorder to go along with the eight equalizer presets. Word on the street puts the 2GB iteration at ?139,000 ($151), while the 4GB version will only run you ?60,000 ($65) more. Check out a few more angles after the jump, and don't say that oh-so-shiny rear doesn't look familiar.

Continue reading SAFA showcases DIA media player in Korea

 

[via] Engadget

Orlando to offer Segway-riding city "ambassadors"

Filed under:


Apparently unfazed by the recent disbanding of the Segway Enthusiasts Group of America, Orlando, a city never known for its subtlety, has announced plans to spend $893,000 over the next two years on Segway-riding "ambassadors." The Loews and Kessler Hotel-trained workers will help tourists and locals alike by offering event information, directions, and general assistance. City leaders say they'll add a "theme-park-style" hospitality to the downtown area, but the Segway pilots will also be trained to help "transients," perform first aid using onboard defibrillators, and escort late-night workers to their cars. With this type of action taking place, it's probably safe to say that a Segway worker's union isn't too far away.

 

[via] Engadget