Cool Tech Gadgets: Sep 14, 2007

Friday, September 14, 2007

Powerful "light scope" used to unearth ancient texts

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

According to the BBC, scientists at the University of Cardiff have developed a method of reading ancient, highly-sensitive texts (such as the Dead Sea Scrolls) by projecting beams of light ten-billion times brighter than the sun into the parchment. The new technique combines a powerful X-ray-like device called the Diamond Synchrotron (no, seriously), and a computer algorithm that pieces together layers of text to create a three dimensional, readable images of an iron-inked document. Professor Tim Wess, lead researcher on the projects says, "We've folded up a real piece of parchment and then done a process of X-ray tomography on it. We've been able to recover the structure where we can see the words that are written inside the document." The scientists now plan on using the process to explore ancient texts which have been heretofore unreadable due to fear of damage, including 18th century fire-damaged scrolls, and the previously mentioned Dead Sea Scrolls.

TomTom thinking about its own "GPS PDA / smartphone?"

Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Handhelds

We definitely wouldn't recommend taking this to heart just yet, but according to DigiTimes, the likes of TomTom (and even Garmin) are "likely to soon launch their own-brand GPS PDA smartphones." Of course, the news comes smashed in with word that quite a few more notable smartphone manufacturers (such as HTC, i-mate, and HP) are also gearing up to release GPS-enabled handsets in the near future, and while Garmin is no stranger to the mobile GPS realm, this would be (relatively, at least) new territory for ole TomTom. Beyond that, details are scant, but we'll be sure to keep an ear to the ground.

Fly Google to the moon, win $20 million

Filed under: Robots

Google's sponsering a new X Prize, and this one has its sights set a bit higher than suborbital. The new contest wants competitors to send a robotic rover to the moon and beam back a gigabyte of data -- including pictures and video -- of the trip. The rover also has to travel 1,312 feet across the surface of the moon. Contest entrants are required to pony up for the launch vehicle themselves, by building it from scratch or contracting with an existing company; like the last X Prize there's no government freeloading to be had here. If somebody is successful in this feat by 2012 they'll win the $20 million, while $5 million goes to second place, and another $5 million bonus goes to teams able to surpass the minum requirements. The prize drops to $15 million after 2012 and expires in 2014 if nobody manages to win by then. More details will be announced at the WIRED Nextfest in LA this weekend.

Windows Update pushes out "stealth" updates, Microsoft explains

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Microsoft kicked up a bit of a stir recently, when it began what appeared to be a practice of updating files on individuals' computers even when they had turned off the automatic update feature in Windows XP and Vista. That first came to light courtesy of the folks at the "Windows Secrets" newsletter, which found that nine files in XP and Vista were changed on or after August 24th, with no notification of the changes in Windows whatsoever. That was later confirmed by ZDNET's Hardware 2.0 blog, which tracked down the affected files and also pinpointed the update date as August 24th. Now, Microsoft has come out and explained itself, saying that the updates weren't really updates for Windows, but rather updates for Windows Update itself, which apparently didn't merit a notification. The company does admit that it could have been more "transparent" about the matter, however, and says it's now "looking at the best way to clarify" the behavior of Windows Update.

[Thanks, Robert J]

Motorola Z10 landing in October?

Chalk another one up to the eagle-eyed readers who thrive on catching website slips, as this time we're seeing a (since removed) image of the not-yet-released Motorola Z10. Apparently, this sucka looks to be the followup to the Z8, and it was spotted hours ago on O2's "Coming Soon" page. Of course, the only things that are (tentatively) for sure are that this gem will tout a 3.2-megapixel camera, record video at 30fps and offer up 3G access, but considering that the Z10 could launch (officially, that is) next month, we don't have too much longer to wait for specifics.

Wearable sensors could build stronger teams

Filed under: Wearables

When MIT, Intel and Xerox put their collective heads together, the results have got to be good, right? The trio most definitely hopes so, as they have reportedly developed "subtle sensors that are enriching our understanding of teams and organizations and that are helping call centers improve telephone sales pitches by 20-percent or more." Interestingly, not a whole lot of details are available just yet, but apparently members of the super-team are already envisioning "networks of social sensors" that could seemingly help managers place their subordinates with the most suitable colleagues. As Jemaine Clement would say, "It's business time."

[Image courtesy of 6dtech]

eBay auction reveals prototype Dreamcast Zip Drive

Filed under: Gaming

As at least two members of the Engadget staff can attest to, the Dreamcast was a totally bodacious system -- one which has been surprisingly kept alive well past its cancelation from commercial sale by a core group of terrifically dedicated gamers and home-brewers. You'd think that a system which was discontinued in 2001 (though Sega did start selling refurbished units in 2006) would have run out of tricks... but you would be wrong. Some DC-fanboys just discovered an eBay auction for a prototype Iomega Dreamcast Zip Drive, an add-on that was clearly just on the brink of making it to market. The unit would have sat beneath the system and interfaced via the DC's expansion port, providing 100MB of storage (per disc) of your precious Shenmue and Code Veronica save-states. Listen, it's not too late to own this piece of Dreamcast history, though we can't promise we won't be desperately trying to outbid you. Oh, by the way, the starting price is $10,000.

[Via DCNews, thanks Darksaviour69]

Verizon files lawsuit over open-access rules in 700MHz auction

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Talk about gettin' riled up. Verizon Wireless has reportedly "challenged in federal appeals court the FCC's 700 MHz open-access rules," claiming that the auction "violates the US Constitution, violates the Administrative Procedures Act, and is arbitrary, capricious, unsupported by the substantial evidence and otherwise contrary to law." Once you're done swallowing that mouthful, it'll likely be difficult to resist rolling your eyes, as it's pretty clear whose interests are being looked after in the suit. Nevertheless, neither Verizon Wireless nor an FCC spokesman would comment further on the filing, but needless to say, at least one carrier isn't exactly kosher with that succulent 22MHz block of spectrum being so open.

iPod touch showing up in stores, gets unboxed

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

So much for "a few weeks" -- just eight days after being announced, Apple's new iPod touch is showing up in Apple Stores, the support page just went live on Apple.com, and you know it's already gotten lovingly unboxed. Big ups to jmobley for doing the honors -- check out the rest of his Flickr set at the read link.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

All-electric KillaCycle tries to kill its maker

Filed under: Transportation

You may have heard about the all-electric "KillaCycle" -- a 158MPH drag racing bike powered by a bank of 990 lithium-ion batteries that does 0-60 in .97 seconds. Well, the bike isn't shy about living up to its name -- in a demo for reporters at Wired's NextFest, creator Bill Dube was doing some innocent burnouts when the rear tire hooked and fired him off like a shot...into a parked minivan. Dube appears to be okay -- he was conscious and had feeling in all his fingers and toes -- but paramedics took him in for X-rays just to be sure. Here's hoping he recovers quickly -- and lets us take that thing for a spin. Hit the read link to see it all go down on video.

iTunes Store having issues?

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Apple might have pleasantly surprised a few people today by shipping out the iPod touch earlier than expected, but that's being a bit overshadowed by issues plaguing the iTunes Store: users are reporting that purchased content isn't downloading, and that iTunes is popping up error messages saying that it's "unable to check for purchases." No word on what's causing the problems -- we're betting it has something to do with the launch of the iTunes WiFi Music Store, which hasn't gone live on the iPod touch or shown up on the iPhone yet -- but that doesn't make it any less annoying.

[Via iLounge]

Robots, robots, robots (and other stuff) at Nextfest 2007

Filed under: Features, Misc. Gadgets, Robots

We dropped by Wired's Nextfest down in LA today, and were, shall we say, pleasantly pleased by the inordinate number of robots we'd written about but never actually seen in person before. Although we didn't see KillaCycle try to assassinate its master, there were plenty of other highlights:

Keepon (pictures here) somehow manages to be even more amazingly fricking adorable in person. We defy any hard-hearted person not to crack a smile when seeing Keepon dance to Daft Punk.
Albert Hubo (pictures here) manages to be even more frightening in person than we'd originally. We're not at all surprised by this development.
Also going to keep us up tonight: the Zeno boybot's disembodied plastic face (picture). The stuff of nightmares, we tell ya.
Yes, Zou Renti's android twin really does look exactly like him (picture).

All this and much more in the gallery below, check it out. (Don't worry, we'll have plenty of video soon.)

Gallery: Robots, robots, robots (and other stuff) at Nextfest 2007

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

Karnataka, India banning cellphones for kids under 16?

Filed under: Cellphones

We can't even imagine what would happen here in the US of A if our government suddenly stopped everyone under the age of 16 from chatting it up on a mobile, but it looks like we just may find out how it goes down overseas when Karnataka, India does just that. Reportedly, its government is going to "ban cellphone use by children less than 16 years on the basis of advice of medical experts," and while specifics weren't divulged, apparently someone up high believes that "prolonged use of [handsets] by teenagers does affect their health" in an adverse way. Additionally, mobile dealers will no longer be allowed to sell handsets to youngsters under 16, and while a hard date for the ban hasn't been announced just yet, notification should be "issued soon."

[Via OnlyGizmos, image courtesy of BBC]

iPhone SIM unlock giveaway: round 4

Filed under: Announcements, Cellphones

Sorry we're running a little bit late on today's contest, but here it is! If you haven't (or don't want to) hit up iUnlock, the free, open source iPhone SIM unlock solution (which is still early on yet, but does indeed work), why not try your hand at taking home one of our iPhoneSIMfree "retail" unlocks? The IPSF crew has hooked us up with five iPhone unlock licenses to give away to you, our faithful, iPhone obsessed readers, so just hit up the simple rules below if you want to give it a shot. Here's how it works:

Details about the unlock

Bring your own iPhone. We're not supplying the device, just the unlock.
You must send us your iPhone's IMEI; you can't resell the unlock. If we don't receive your IMEI in a timely manner, we may award the unlock to someone else.
We will not be offering tech support on the unlock. Once you've got it, it's out of our hands, ok?
We do not make any guarantees about the unlock. We're not guaranteeing that it will work when your phone gets the next Apple update later this month, that it will work with your SIM or your carrier, or even that it will work on your phone. We're not even going to guarantee you won't end up with a bricked phone. We're just handing it off to the winner, the end.

The other regular rules (yeah, there are always rules):

Leave a comment below. That's it! Who loves you, baby.
You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) In other words, be careful when commenting and if you submit more than once, only activate one comment, ok?
If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory.
Contest is open to anyone worldwide! Duh.
Winner will be chosen randomly.
Entries can be submitted for the next 24 hours. After that we'll move on to the next iPhone unlock. Good luck!

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

Prestigio unveils GeoVision 350 navigator for Europe

Filed under: GPS

Those looking to ditch the u-turn blues in Europe now have yet another option in the oh-so-crowded 3.5-inch GPS market, as Prestigio has just unveiled its GeoVision 350. Specs wise, you'll find a SiRFstarIII chipset, a 320 x 240 resolution touchscreen, 300MHz Intel CPU, 1GB of built-in storage, Windows CE 4.2, and a rechargeable Li-ion that promises three hours of life on a full charge. The device ships with maps of "Western / Eastern Europe and Russia," provides voice guidance in 26 languages, touts USB connectivity, and comes bundled with all the necessary mounting hardware, too. Unfortunately, there's no word yet on pricing or availability.

Nintendo DS gets VoIP

Filed under: Gaming

The Nintendo DS can do a lot of things these days -- like function as a MIDI controller, browse the web, and of course, print money. Well now you can chock up one more "score" for the Japanese juggernaut's handheld, because a clever hacker who goes by the name samuelv has given the DS an additional, exciting piece of functionality -- VoIP. That's right folks, thanks to a simple piece of software, you can be making phone calls directly from your DS (provided you have a SIP account). Apparently users are up and running already with the app, so there will probably be a rash of tweaks and improvements on the way. It's truly an exciting time to be the owner of a relatively cheap handheld game system.

[Via Digg]

Lindy intros Wireless VGA Projector Server

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Wireless

We know, it's never fun to think about spending even more time in the boardroom, but LINDY's looking to make things a bit easier around the office with the Wireless VGA Projector Server. Put simply, the device "enables users to easily network a projector or display monitor," which makes transfers much easier when switching between presenters. Up to 20 users can log in to the machine at one time, and an integrated browser interface "allows control to pass between the users." Notably, the box supports audio and MPEG1/2/4, 802.11g, Ethernet and Windows XP / Vista (sorry, Mac users), and can be thrown on the corporate card now for £299 ($608).

[Via TechDigest]

Zicplay's Microkey MP3 player is barely there

Filed under: Portable Audio

We've seen a lot of DAPs claiming to be the "world's smallest MP3 player," but Zicplay's Microkey take the concept to a whole new level, featuring 1GB of storage in a package just 1.7 inches long and a half-inch wide -- slightly longer than an iPod shuffle but half as wide. The half-ounce player gets six hours of playback off its lithium-ion battery, and apparently just shows up as a USB 2.0 flash drive -- no media software required. No word on pricing or availability, but these were just shown off at IFA, so should be soon now.

Navman's S-series gets official welcome

Filed under: GPS

Amazon leaking a product? Say it ain't so! 'Course, as we all try to act surprised, Navman has gone and updated its website with the full lineup of S-series navigators, which includes the £299.99 ($610) S90i, £199.99 ($406) S70, £179.99 ($366) S50 and £149.99 ($305) S30. The high-end S90i touts a 4.3-inch widescreen touch panel, European Tele Atlas maps, real-time traffic support (free lifetime subscription bundled in), Bluetooth / handsfree, text-to-speech, 2GB of built-in memory, a 400MHz Samsung CPU, two-megapixel camera, and an SD / MMC slot for good measure. The S70 / S50 models strip away some of the more extravagant features while maintaining the 4.3-inch display, but the S30 scales way back to a 3.5-inch LCD and goes without Bluetooth or optional traffic information. The foursome can be had later this month save for the flagship S90i, which will land on its own in October.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

Marantz wises-up, offers two remotes with CR101 CD player

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio

What's so interesting about another vertically oriented CD player? Well, besides the fact that Marantz's CR101 looks like a programmable thermostat, it also features a pair of remote controls: a mini, 8-button remote along side the giant slab of input-clutter we've all grown woefully accustomed to. Bravo Marantz, bravo. Otherwise we're looking at a 2.1ch (10W sub and 2x 5W speakers) with AM/FM tuner for ¥38,000 or $331 when these hit Japan later in the month.

[Via Impress]

USB pedometer logs your steps on the cheap

Filed under: Wearables

If you've somehow managed to avoid buying a gizmo with some sort of pedometer built in, the simply-titled USB Pedometer could be the device that finally gets you jazzed about walking. The target-styled unit can be rocked proudly (or not) on one's belt, displays steps taken to 999,999, keeps a log of up to three days of step data, and allows you to upload your information to your Windows-based PC in order to chart your progress. Best of all, this motivator will only set you back $16.99.

[Via EverythingUSB]

French newspaper goes electronic

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

It's not like this is the first e-newspaper we've seen, but France's Les Echos is now offering up an electronic flavor of its product to those with an iRex iLiad or STAReBook. Oh, and the Amazon Kindle, too as you'll recall from that little inadvertently mentioned tidbit from their press release. Reportedly, the e-paper edition "will include whole articles just like in the printed" version, but unlike the traditional medium, those with e-readers will receive constant updates of the day's hottest stories and will actually be able to read the 6:00AM print edition at 9:00PM the night prior. Notably, the newfangled Les Echos edition will cost a stiff €365 ($506) per year if you provide your own reader, and for those of us far, far away from the Eiffel Tower, check out a video demonstration after the jump.

[Via MobileRead]

Thrustmaster unveils the T-Wireless NW Wii classic controller

Filed under: Gaming

We're not certain how many people are clamoring for Virtual Console controller that apes the look-and-feel of the 360 controller, but Thrustmaster's got you covered with its new T-Wireless NW controller. Eschewing the need to plug into the Wiimote, the NW comes with a receiver dongle that plugs into the Wii's GameCube ports -- a design decision that doesn't seem quite right to us. On the other hand, it's just $19.99, the same price as a Classic Controller, so we'll see how gamers respond when these things ship in October.

[Via IGN]

The USB Greenhouse makes Al Gore cry

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

The USB Greenhouse grows plants which is good for the environment right? Oh sure, 'cept you have to keep your PC running 24/7 in order to provide the fake USB sunlight to the artificial soil. It's what life will be like when robots farm, only with Marigolds not the wee babies harvested of their electrical properties. $43 for you without a soul.

Nokia's N94i to run Windows Mobile OS, not Symbian? Er, No.

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Believe everthing you see? Good, then this is an unannounced Nokia N94i running the Windows Mobile (not Symbian) operating system. We have no way of knowing for sure, but that looks like an ~~engineering prototype~~ Chinese knockoff of something which has gone up for auction somewhere on this great blue planet. According to the listed specs, we're looking at a touchscreen (with stylus) multimedia device synonymous with the N-Series packing a 2 megapixel camera, speakerphone, Bluetooth 2.0 and MicroSD expansion. It's also listed as a dual-sim device with quad-band GSM support. Of course, Microsoft has been slowly making in-roads into Nokia handsets for several months with Nokia's purchase of Intellisync and the recent announcement to integrate Windows Live services into some Nokia handsets. Still, WinMo on Nokia... are we dreaming, or is that "WinXP.jpg" an indicator of something more foolish?

Gallery: Nokia's N94i to run Windows Mobile OS, not Symbian?

[Thanks, Matthew B.]

An iPod touch ships without OS X -- hints at disabled Bluetooth

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

You can argue that the iPod touch is an iPhone without the phone. So what's an iPod touch without OS X? You're looking at it. That's Dave's swanky new iPod touch, fresh off the boat and out of the box with nothing more than a diagnostic utility. Ha, Cheerios icon for the ~~cereal~~ serial number -- clever Apple. Not quite as clever as shipping a working product though. Now besides a temperature sensor, what's interesting here is that Bluetooth icon showing a disabled radio. Does that mean the hardware is there like we heard but disabled in firmware? Not sure. Still, we'll chalk this little snafu up to first production run jitters unless you tell us differently, dear readers.

Update: Video now embedded after the break. Seems David's not the only person experiencing this problem judging by the comments. See reader Chris' hapless touch after the break as well with a new twist to the Bluetooth mystery.

Continue reading An iPod touch ships without OS X -- hints at disabled Bluetooth

Kenwood's high-end Media Keg features gold plating... on the internal frame

Filed under: Portable Audio

Gold plating is often used as a means to lower the electrical resistance (and substantially increase the price) of so-called, high-end audio cables and plugs. Fine, we're used to that. This is the first time, however, that we've seen it used on a internal DAP frame as a basis to tout superior sound achieved through superior fit. We kid you not, that's Kenwood's pitch for their new 60GB, HD60GD9EC audio player. The Media Keg series was already acclaimed for its superior sound quality and the introduction of AAC support is a welcome addition to Kenwood lossless and WMA/MP3 compressed formats. Still, a gold plated internal chassis demanding a ¥57,800 (about $503) premium? Puhlease. Oh, and since you don't seem to be paying attention Kenwood, slim 160GB 1.8-inch drives are now available. Yeah, really.

Hasbro's Power Tour guitar finally launches

Filed under: Gaming, Portable Audio

It's been a long time comin', but the Power Tour guitar we peeped back in January is nearly ready for your youngster's hands. Modeled after a Gibson SG, this axe enables your little ones (or you, it's alright) to plug in any source and rock right along with it, and the built-in learning mode should do a decent job in creating the Guitar Zeros of tomorrow. Ships on the 15th for just under $70.

[Via OhGizmo, image courtesy of Popular Science]

Nintendo's Wii continues to be a smash with seniors

Filed under: Gaming

We know that Nintendo's Wii has been a massive hit with families, but we've also noticed a growing trend with the physically-interactive game system that is honestly a bit of a surprise -- apparently, senior citizens can't put their Wiimotes down. Similar to stories we've seen before, the UK's gossip rag The Sun is reporting that seniors at the Sunrise Home in Birmingham, UK, have taken to the console like super-old fish to water. The pensioners at the institution have been engaging in knock-down, drag-out contests in Wii Sports -- playing tennis, boxing, and bowling with a cut-throat competitiveness not seen since the Dark Ages. Barrie Edgar, 88, one of the home's residents said, "It's great fun. We've only had it a few days but we can't put it down." Mr. Edgar then glanced at Tilda Montgomery, another Sunrise Home occupant and exclaimed, "Prepare to be pwned, you old bird."

[Thanks, Arnar]

The first iPod nano clone rears its fat head

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Of course, we all know that the knock-off producers in China never rest, but this new iPod nano clone you're looking at was definitely turned around in an impressively short period of time. Right now we have only this photo -- apparently taken at a Shenzhen factory for use in piquing importer's interest -- to go on, but it certainly isn't any kind of surprise that the copy-cats have already put the dirty deed in motion. Just remember guys, you're taking food off of Steve Jobs' table... which is made of diamond-studded platinum.

[Via GenerationMP3, thanks BrianB]

iPhone for T-Mobile Germany announcement on the way?

Filed under: Cellphones

Ever since (and perhaps before) the iPhone hit the US market, we've been hearing rumors of an imminent European release, which was confirmed by the company many, many months ago. Of course, there's been no movement besides rampant speculation and high-school style gossiping... but that may all be changing. According to the ridiculously-respected Reuters in an article published today, the German telephone giant Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile to you and me), has inked a deal with Apple to release the iPhone in the Fatherland (AKA Germany), with an official announcement to be made next week. The report (which is still considered rumor) claims that the phones will go on sale for the initial price of €399 ($554), and that Apple and T-Mobile will split voice and data revenue generated by the phones. Additionally, Reuters says that Apple will make similar arrangements with O2 for the UK, and Orange in France. If this news is accurate, it all but squashes the Vodafone deal rumors, but still leaves questions as to whether Apple will introduce a 3G version of the iPhone when it makes its announcements. Only El-Jobso knows for sure.

iPhone's $100 Apple Store Credit program goes live

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Call 'em suckers or Apple faithful, early adopters or cutting edge, any way you slice it those who shelled out for a full-priced iPhone before August 22 can now enter their digits and get a $100 Apple Store Credit for use online or at an Apple Retail Store, just like Jobs promised. The process couldn't be easier, and you don't need a receipt, just enter your phone number and serial number, the latter which can be found on the back of your iPhone, and Apple will SMS you an access code. Once you enter that you're home free, and can finally go on that iPod accessory shopping spree you've always dreamed of -- or if you're a true fanboy, put the credit towards an iPod touch just to see what all this "iPhone without the phone" fuss is about.

Update: A couple of interesting things to note about the program so far. First off, and most disappointingly, the program doesn't work with iPhones that haven't been activated on AT&T. Second, and slightly more far-fetched, is that we're hearing reports of people scoring the credit with their post price-drop iPhones. It seems like any way you slice it it's worth tossing your digits into the thing and see what comes out, before Apple tightens things up, and we'll keep an eye out for recourse for those who haven't activated their phones with AT&T like good little consumers.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

First Optimus Maximus hits Moscow

Filed under: Displays, Peripherals

It's been a long time coming, but the first Optimus Maximus OLED keyboard has finally shown itself in Moscow and, as you can see in the picture above, it's already being put to good use. Of course, the lucky few that got in on the first batch of orders will still have to wait a while longer to get a taste of all that excess first hand, with the keyboards apparently still on track for a release by the end of the year. We somehow suspect there will be plenty more pics to whet the appetites of the rest of us in the meantime though, and if you just can't wait for that inevitability, you can hit up the read link below for a slightly larger version of this one.

Asus' R300 and R700 GPS navigators get leaked

Filed under: GPS

Asus has been getting into all kinds of wild activity as of late, from its Eee ultra-cheap laptop, to wooden concept computers, and of course, entry into the GPS market. Well, hot on the heels of the R600 (the company's first foray into navigation) comes the R300 and R700, two new GPS / PMPs that do just about what you'd expect, and maybe a little bit more. The R300 has a 3.5-inch touchscreen, a 400MHz Samsung CPU, 128MB of RAM, FM tuner, Bluetooth 2.0, can playback MP3, WMA, AAC audio and MPEG-4, H.263 video, and sports a microSD slot. The R700 has a larger, 4.3-inch touchscreen, and an integrated RDS-TMC traffic receiver, though otherwise the specs are pretty much the same as the R300. No word on price, but the units are expected to arrive sometime in November, at least in Europe.

[Via Unwired View]

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