Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Sakura robot skates around, keeps your princess entertained

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Considering that gift-giving time is right around the bend, it's no shock to see companies start cranking out gizmos that will perfectly stuff those lonely stockings. On the docket today is the Sakura robot, which dons a pink outfit, totally hip hairdo and a quasi-futuristic skateboard. Apparently, she can belt out a few jokes, school you with several "fun facts and fashion tips" and play back five different songs. Additionally, her board can be remotely controlled, and if you two build up a certain level of trust, you can record "secrets" within that will only be repeated should you insert the requisite key. Sounds like a total blast, eh? Go on, you know your princess is worth the £49.99 ($103) -- and hey, at least this thing won't teach her how to totally ruin her credit.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

 

[via] Engadget

Microsoft clears up Zune 80 availability issues

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Those of you searching in vain for a Zune 80 may not have longer to wait -- Cesar over at Zune Insider has just posted a note about the situation, saying that all the Zunes are ready and shipping, but the Zune 80 won't be widespread for the next 7-10 days. Apparently Microsoft's sales forecasts called for it to produce more flash Zunes, but the strong reaction from the press and consumers has led to increased interest in the Zune 80 instead -- which seems like the sort of thing you commission sales forecasts for, but hey, live and learn. Anyway, Microsoft's sorted things out and scaled up Zune 80 production, so all of you aching to get 80GBs deep into the social should be good by next week.

[Via Got Zune?]

 

[via] Engadget

Study links WiFi with childhood autism

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While there seems to be relatively few things that WiFi hasn't been linked to, it seems that a new study has managed to turn up yet another potential peril, in this case a link to childhood autism. According to the study published in the Australasian Journal of Clinical Environmental Medicine, the electromagnetic radiation from WiFi devices supposedly causes metals to be trapped in individuals' brain cells, which the researchers say slows clearance and accelerates the onset of autism symptoms. As Computer Weekly points out, however, a number of health agencies, including the World Health Organization, have repeatedly examined the issue and found no danger from WiFi devices (or cellphones, for that matter) operating at levels below international guidelines. Still, we have a sneaking suspicion that this is far from the last study of this sort we'll see, at least until each WiFi router shipped comes bundled with a tinfoil bodysuit.

[Via Switched]

 

[via] Engadget

Rock Band crashes at our pad

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Fender Strat: check. Logitech USB mic with Rock Band logo: check. Totally 80s Simmons-style drum-pad kit that Duran Duran might have used: check. Crappiest USB hub known to man: double check.

So yeah, we got our Rock Band kit today, and we're about to go test it out. In the mean time beware: the box is huge and it's filled to the brim. Actually, let's be a little more clear: we hope you have a rumpus room because the drum kit and a single Fender are friggin huge. We wouldn't exactly say the game has its own no-brown-M&Ms rider or anything, but if you're like us and already have a GH3 Les Paul and two GH2 Xplorers you're trying to hide behind the curtains, this one's not going to be very easy to get past you spouse (or their quickly waning patience level).

Gallery: Rock Band crashes at our pad

 

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

[via] Engadget

Astucia SolarLite LED studs light up highways after dark

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A number of UK roads are lookin' a lot brighter now, and it's all thanks to the SolarLite smart stud. Produced and marketed by Astucia, these active markers trump the traditional passive reflectors by storing up solar energy all day and then emitting light from dust 'til dawn in order to improve visibility from around 90-meters to 900-meters. The LED-based units reportedly extend driver reaction time from 3.2-seconds to over half a minute when cruising at 60mph, have an expected lifespan of eight to ten years and are said to have reduced night time accidents in certain areas by over 70-percent. Unfortunately, we've no idea when (or if) these things will show up on roads in other nations, but this would sure beat toggling one's brights off and on to get a better look ahead while simultaneously infuriating oncoming motorists.

[Via Autoblog]

 

[via] Engadget

AMD tosses around the idea of acquiring Ageia

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While it's apparently still quite a ways beyond the realm of possibility, Custom PC is reporting that AMD has at least tossed around the idea of acquiring Ageia, which makes the PhysX physics processing unit and corresponding PhysX software. That doesn't seem to be an entirely new development, however, with AMD's Richard Huddy saying, 'we've had that discussion, yes. It's a discussion that goes round every three months - someone turns to me and says 'why don't we buy Ageia?' and I go through the arguments about why we should and why we shouldn't.' The biggest stumbling block, not surprisingly, is price, with Intel's recent acquisition of Havok weighing heavily into the equation. That, Huddy says, gave Ageia a roughly equivalent value of $100 million, a value Huddy says is about $90 million too much. He still doesn't rule out an acquisition altogether, however, although it seems that there'll have to be a pretty big shift in valuations before AMD's interest is really piqued.

 

[via] Engadget

Hitachi's EMIEW 2 humanoid runs errands, could easily replace Michael Scott

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While we thoroughly enjoyed hearing of EMIEW's (presumably) short-lived career as a hotel clerk, it looks like Hitachi's EMIEW 2 has some seriously large aspirations. In a recent demonstration in Hitachinaka, the two-wheeled robot wowed onlookers as it received commands wirelessly and happily ran office errands without too much trouble. The creation, which stands some 31.5-inches tall and weighs 29-pounds, did crash into a desk and stand motionless momentarily while being previewed, but developers didn't hesitate to inform the crowd that kinks were still being ironed out. Nevertheless, it was able to avoid obstacles while rolling about, understand and respond to human speech and move around for an hour before needing a recharge. The company refused to spill details surrounding its eventual price and release date, but we're hearing there may soon be an open spot in Scranton that this fellow could certainly fill.

[Via Inquirer]

 

[via] Engadget

32GB Zen accidentally leaked?

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It's inevitable that we'll see a 32GB Zen sooner or later, but we're not quite ready to call this little nugget on Creative's website anything but a typo -- especially since the available capacities listed a couple other places on the page don't make any mention of a 32GB unit. Still, food for thought if you're one of those who's always waiting for the perfect device.

[Via EpiZENter, thanks Ramon]

 

[via] Engadget

How to sync an iPhone over WiFi without iTunes

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Now that the Zune has upped the ante by including WiFi syncing out of the box, it looks like owners of other devices are starting to rig up solutions of their own -- and the iPhone setup developed by eddanx seems to come closest to the ease of the Zune. The system relies on the WinAmp plugin ml_ipod, which supports syncing to shared folders, and requires a jailbroken iPhone and a little SSH / SFTP softshoe. Of course, by giving up iTunes, you give up contact, calendar, movie, and phone syncing as well, but who cares -- you're wireless now, baby. Check the read link for the full instructions.

PS: We'd imagine this would also work on an iPod touch -- anyone care to try?

 

[via] Engadget

Dell launches star-studded "Yours Is Here" ad campaign

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There's nothing like a little B- and C-list star power to get your holiday offerings the bump they need to bounce out the door, right? Check in with Dell's shameless "Yours Is Here" promotion, wherein you can pick from an array of celebrities (Ice T, Burt Reynolds, Vivica Fox, Brooke Burke, Estelle Harris, or Chuck Liddell), and get their flash-avatar to pitch your product of choice to friends and family. Sounds like a hit, right? Well, only if you think a stiff, unhappy-to-be-here Burt Reynolds can sell your girlfriend on a laptop purchase better than a dozen roses and a cut-out of a Dell circular can. Point your browser in the direction of the read link, and hear all the tongue-in-cheek action for yourself.

[Via Notebooks.com]

 

[via] Engadget

Nokia patent app reveals Sidekick wannabe

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We're pretty sure this isn't the first time someone outside of Danger conjured up images of a Sidekick wannabe, and while we've certainly seen a real fake version before, Nokia is apparently toying with the idea of kicking out a legitimate contender. In a recent patent application, Nokia details its vision for "compact devices with turn and slide concept," which looks an awful lot like a Sidekick save for the twistable apparatus on the side. To move the display and reveal the QWERTY keypad, users must turn the side-mounted knob, which subsequently shifts the LCD upwards and back while giving your thumbs access to the keys beneath. We're still on the fence with the whole winding approach, but it's an interesting deviation to the norm, regardless.

[Via UnwiredView]

 

[via] Engadget

Motorola and T-Mobile sort out Sidekick Slide issues

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After a few days of investigation, it looks like Motorola and T-Mobile have figured what was behind that nasty Sidekick Slide bug that caused the devices to shut off when flipped open. According to our friends at Moto, the root cause was "a minor issue relating to the battery contacts," and a solution is being tested right now and should be available by next week, when Slides are expected to go back on sale at T-Mo stores. A speedy resolution, to be sure, but we're still amazed a bug like that got through in the first place.

 

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

[via] Engadget

Ad problems fixed -- game on!

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Good news for everyone who's been having issues with the experimental ad! The problem was officially dogpiled and it looks like we've managed to patch things up by pulling the Flash and replacing it with something much more browser friendly.

Just a quick word to our readers: we're sorry for the trouble caused, but thanks and much love for being good sports. We got a ton of really interesting and useful feedback, and we know you wouldn't care if you didn't love Engadget and have high standards for our site. (Of course, we'd also like to give a shout out to everyone on the business side who jumped in to help out and fix this thing.) So, you know, feel free to disengage your ad blockers, the coast is clear.

 

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

[via] Engadget

Ladybug-styled robot to clean restrooms, give travel tips

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Japan's no stranger to a wide variety of service-oriented robots, and it looks like it could soon become home to yet another mechanical being that does our dirty work. The Lady Bird prototype, which is set to hit production sometime in 2009, would scour the floors of public restrooms and keep things looking clean throughout the day. Reportedly, the bot stands about 1-meter in height and is equipped with amenities such as a water tank, brushes and a few other grime-busting tools to boot. Furthermore, it boasts obstacle detection sensors to avoid patrons while on the clock, and it even includes voice recognition software along with access to current traffic information in case someone has the urge to spark up a conversation. There's no word on what this thing will do should someone try to stuff it in their trunk for at-home use, but if all goes well, the creature is expected to sell for around ¥3.5 million ($31,713) when it goes commercial.

[Via PinkTentacle]

 

[via] Engadget

Asus' Eee PC 4G Surf now available to order

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While you'll still have to wait a while to get your hands on a 10-inch Eee PC, you can now grab the 4G Surf version of the budget laptop, which will save you $50 over the standard model. Running $349 and apparently available only in Black for now (at least at Newegg.com), this one is largely identical to the non-Surf Eee PC, with the notable exception of a smaller battery that Asus says will give you about 2.8 hours of runtime (although Newegg's listing shows the same 3.5 hours as the regular model). You also apparently won't be able to upgrade the RAM beyond 512MB like you can with the standard Eee PC, and you'll have to make do without that 0.3 megapixel webcam. If that's still too pricey for you, you can always wait for the 2G Surf, which'll knock the price down to just $299.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

 

[via] Engadget

Hands-on with Optimus Maximus (at last!)

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The legendary Optimus Maximus is chilling out at the Wired Store in SoHo as of this week, so we dropped by to snap a few pictures. We've gotta say we're pretty impressed, the build seems as solid as a rock, the screens are crazy bright and all the glossy keys catch the light just right. We could even say that we're glad they took the time to get everything right, but it has been a painful decade, so we'll see. Everyone's tastes in keys are different, so we'll let you make up your own mind on the clickity clackity the next time in your NY -- or at least once our crack keyboard review team gets some quality time with a unit of our very own -- but color us impressed so far.

Gallery: Hands-on with Optimus Maximus (at last!)

 

[via] Engadget

Kindle sells out in 5.5 hours

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Amazon isn't disclosing how many Kindles it actually had ready to go, but apparently the idea of a tiny e-book reader with free EV-DO and the visual flair of an Apple IIc hit home for quite a few people, because they sold out in just five and a half hours. Amazon's site says they'll be back in stock on the 29th, but availability is first-come, first-served, so it looks like you'll have to act fast if you want to get one before gift-giving time sets in.

[Via Blankbaby]

 

[via] Engadget

GPS Letter Logger promises to keep tabs on mail

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It looks like the United States Postal Service is considering all its options for how it handles mail in the future, with it even go so far as to commission a GPS tracking system from TrackingTheWorld Inc. Among other things, the USPS apparently required the system to be able to report the position of a piece of mail at customizable time intervals, record down time, and interface with Google Earth, not to mention fit in a standard size envelope. From the looks of it, it appears that TrackingTheWorld manged to meet all those considerations, producing a system that's just a quarter of an inch thick and the size of a tri-folded piece of paper. What's more, the system also boasts a microSD card slot that allows for "future extended tracking missions," and it includes a slim 1100mAh battery that promises to last for 20 hours in a timed configuration, or up to two weeks in "tilt mode," which only kicks the system into gear when a tilting movement is detected. According to the company, the so-called "Letter Logger" should be ready by February of next year, although it obviously won't be available to the general public. You can always build your own mail tracking system though.

 

[via] Engadget

Comcast to NFL Network: stop coaxing customers away... or else

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It's no secret that Comcast and the NFL Network don't have the rosiest of relationships, and now that Comcast won a ruling (that's being appealed, to no one's shock) over what tier the channel was being placed on, the carrier has shot out a cease and desist letter demanding the network stop persuading customers to switch providers. Reportedly, the note contends that the channel's iwantnflnetwork.com "violates the contract between the network and Comcast," as it coaxes customers to ponder switching with a message reading "Switch to a TV provider that will bring you NFL Network, not hold you hostage." The NFL Network has responded by stating that the arguments are "without merit," and even proclaimed that users dropping Comcast "did not need encouragement from them." Apparently, the cable operator is calling for the network to "confirm in writing" that it has halted its attempts to influence consumers by Friday, but a spokeswomen said she "didn't want to speculate what the company would do if its demands were not met." Ooh, that'll show 'em.

[Thanks, Ryan G.]

 

[via] Engadget

Research firm says planned internet capacity upgrades will fall 60% short by 2010

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A new study published by the Nemertes Research Group indicates that demand for bandwidth will outstrip capacity by 2010 -- and that planned infrastructure upgrades will fall some 60-70 percent short of making up the difference. Using a model it claims anticipates the next bandwidth-consuming innovation, Nemertes says that carriers and other infrastructure providers will have to spend at least an additional $42B over the estimated $72B it estimates is currently budgeted to prevent the bandwidth crunch from taking place -- but we're a little unclear on where those numbers are coming from, so don't start running your cable modem on overdrive just yet. Either way, it looks like network scaling is something we'll all be affected by over the next few years -- unless the shame of watching people make fools of themselves on YouTube is finally too much and we move to the beach for good.

[Via Physorg]

 

[via] Engadget

Police Rumbler grabs your attention, rattles your teeth

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Although the Rumbler, conceived and sold by Federal Signal, has been helping cops grab the attention of citizens for a few months, its shock waves are just now getting the publicity they demand. The setup is being installed on patrol cars in locales such as Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and New York, and it serves the purpose of moving crowds / vehicles out of the way when an officer is headed to an emergency. More specifically, Rumbler-equipped rides take advantage of the powerful woofers and amplifier to shake the ground beneath them and get people a-lookin' some 200-feet away. Reportedly, the gizmo is meant to be used "judiciously, in situations where motorists should pull over to make way for the police," and it can also be helpful in grabbing the eyes of deaf drivers who cannot hear the traditional siren. 'Course, you could just load up your ride with a few subs and pop in a low-frequency CD to achieve the same goal, but don't be shocked if your copycatting ways net you an unwanted disturbing the peace citation.

 

[via] Engadget

Sony's XEL-1 OLED TV limited to 2000 units

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At this point, it's not clear if the interest around Sony's ultra-thin, XEL-1 OLED TV is plain ol' first-gen technology, gawker enthusiasm or valid consumer interest. As such, it's hard to say whether an initial production run of just 2,000 units spread across 700 stores in Japan is going to be a problem or not. However, if you're lucky enough to stumble across this storefront display you'd best not dawdle and dig deep for that ¥200,000 (about $1700 US) MSRP right then and there. As for the rest of us, the chances of that 1,000,000:1 contrast coming to the North America or Europe any time soon is just that, a million to one.

 

[via] Engadget

Axiom Audio reveals real-wood PC speakers with plenty of oomph

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We aren't about to believe that Axiom Audio's Audiobyte is actually the first luxury speaker system made for the PC, but it's pretty swank, regardless. The setup consists of a pair of ultra-compact speakers, a dedicated stereo amplifier and an optional (but totally necessary) subwoofer. Additionally, the firm offers 'em up in seven different finishes including lacquered, real-wood Burled Walnut, and the standalone amplifier pushes some 55-watts to each 6.5- x 5.5- x 4-inch speaker. The pair houses a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter and a 3-inch aluminum cone woofer, and the optional Audiobyte subbie packs an isobarically-loaded 6.5-inch driver, but is unfortunately passive in nature. Interestingly, the system's amplifier features an integrated USB plug, so DAPs can be plugged in directly for audio playback sans a running PC. As for pricing, the 2.0 setup will run you between $349 and $559 depending on finish, and the optional subwoofer will tack on another $179 to whichever pair you choose. Click on for one more look, won'tcha?

[Via CyberTheater]

Continue reading Axiom Audio reveals real-wood PC speakers with plenty of oomph

 

[via] Engadget

Verizon ups its FiOS speeds to 50Mbps, sets the internet on fire

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Not content with blazing up your local connection at 20Mbps downstream and up, Verizon has once again bumped its already-painfully-fast FiOS broadband service into the realm of ridiculous. According to reports, the company is now offering a 30Mbps / 15 Mbps service at $89.95 a month, and the nerve-shattering 50 Mbps / 20 Mbps speed at $139.95. The telecom has also introduced symmetrical connections in all 16 states where it currently offers FiOS service, with a 20Mbps / 20Mbps on the up and down, starting at $64.99. Of course, it's all bleeps and buzzes in our particularly lonely corner of Brooklyn, where we'll have to suffer the indignation of a lowly 10Mbps connection until the big V blesses us with some real speed... you hearing us, dudes?

[Via GigaOM]

 

[via] Engadget

Everex's $200 gPC back in stock at Wal-Mart

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You've watched, you've waited, you've sent lengthy, shameless requests to Santy Claus... and now your dreams have come true. The gPC, Everex's $200, Linux-based, Google-tinged-OS sportin' machine is once again available at your friendly neighborhood Wal-Mart. If you'll recall, the desktop PC (known in good company has the TC2502) was quickly snapped up by shoppers hoping to avoid the wallet-burning prices of typical Windows-equipped offerings. The system, sold without a monitor, includes a 1.5GHz VIA processor, 512MB of RAM, a DVD-ROM / CD-RW optical drive, and an 80GB hard drive. Not to outdo themselves with all these exciting, open source vibes, Everex also offers a Vista-endowed version of the system for $298. Both are available now wherever you get your Chinese-made popcorn.

 

[via] Engadget

T-Mobile responds to Vodafone iPhone injunction: $1,500 unlocked iPhones

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T-Mobile just issued a press release in response to Vodafone's efforts to unravel the iPhone exclusive offering in Germany. In the statement, T-Mobile claims that they will appeal the ruling (they have two weeks to do so) and will continue selling the iPhone unabated. T-Mobile defends the locking strategy as good for consumers who receive preferential data rates and access to T-Mobile hotspots as a result. In addition, T-Mobile says that it will likely claim damages against Vodafone for the mess they're causing. Perhaps T-Mob hasn't noticed all the free press they (and Apple) are receiving?

Update: Reuters confirms that T-Mobile will sell the iPhone in Germany unlocked -- that will be the first unlocked iPhone officially available. The catch: it's €999! That's $1,478 at the current exchange rate for a phone which cost €399 (with contract) just a few minutes ago. Hackers and unlockers, your services are still required.

[Via Pocket-lint]

 

[via] Engadget

Olympus creates 360-degree HD camera and projector

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Sure, regular HD is nice -- you really get a gander at an anchorman's makeup, and the stars' wrinkles are shocking -- but does it go far enough? Olympus doesn't think so. The camera company -- long known to bring the goods on the picture-takin' end -- has just created the first 360-degree, 1080i camera and projection solution. Utilizing a proprietary system based around an "axisymmetric free-form-surface lens," the camera can shoot video at horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 360-and-50-degrees, respectively; the images can then be projected in the same range by a separate unit. Obviously, you won't see this in the consumer sector any time soon, but it does open some pretty interesting opportunities for installations and security alike.

 

[via] Engadget

iriver teases again -- is this the W7 with WiFi and 8GB?

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When iriver teases, our gadget reflexes go all pointy. Mind you, we know absolutely nothing about it except for what you see in that picture. However, there's plenty of speculation on the iriverfans site suggesting that we're looking at the packaging surrounding a new flash player. In fact, South Korea's FCC-equivalent, the MIC, just certified a new W7 iriver player today. W, as in WiFi, with either 4GB or 8GB in tow. Please iriver, just a bit more info before we commit to our gift giving guide?

 

[via] Engadget

Target trialing online sales of pre-owned electronics

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Although you may be accustomed to picking up your used wares from locales such as GameStop, Target is hoping that the scavengers of all things pre-owned will stop by its online electronics site, too. The retailer is currently testing online sales of used gizmos, including iPods, camcorders and HDTVs. Reportedly, the company made the call to start selling these goods after noticing that many returned items came back in "perfect working order," but it has yet to decide whether it will continue the business. We also heard that refurbished consoles would be up for grabs, but after running a quick search, we came up empty handed. Still, we'd be awfully careful before we ordered, say, a pre-owned iPod, from Target -- you really never know what you're gonna get.

 

[via] Engadget

MPIO's MG200 gets a price, ship date

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Last seen struttin' its stuff at IFA, MPIO's stylish MG200 is making waves again thanks to the price tag and release date it's now carrying along. Just to bring you back up to speed, this thing features a 128 x 128 resolution OLED display, FM tuner, a voice recorder, rechargeable Li-ion good for 18- / 4-hours or so (audio / video playback) and support for WMA, MP3, and MTV file formats. Now, on to the good stuff: 1GB and 2GB versions will both land on December 1st for ¥7,980 ($72) and ¥9,980 ($90), respectively, while the 4GB unit will arrive sometime before the year's end for ¥12,980 ($118).

 

[via] Engadget

United offers up LCDs, in-flight entertainment servers on recent flight

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It's not like adding in a few LCDs and a swank entertainment system is groundbreaking in the airline industry, but it's still far from commonplace. Earlier this week, United Airlines Flight 952 departed from Washington Dulles and treated its passengers to an impressive array of luxuries. Beyond the elaborate meals and lie-flat beds, fliers were able to kick back and enjoy over 150-hours of on-demand entertainment from a personal 15.4-inch LCD; additionally, economy class customers even had access to (presumably smaller) displays and a digital in-flight entertainment server. Gene Fowler, who spends more time on United flights than most of us would care to imagine, was able to capture the inaugural flight to Frankfurt with a bevy of snapshots, so be sure and hit the link below if you're curious to see what you missed.

[Via FlyerTalk]
[via] Engadget