Cool Tech Gadgets: Oct 3, 2007

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Is this the BlackBerry 9xxx?

Filed under: Cellphones

Just in case you'd been getting tired of iPhone rumors, Zune 2 leaks, and more Centro "in the wild" shots than you can really stomach, we've got something to alleviate the pressure. Enter the probably-Photoshopped, appropriately-blurry, rumored next phase of the Research In Motion takeover... the BlackBerry 9xxx. Okay, adjust your eyeballs and listen up -- according to the Boy Genius Report, the new device is slated to launch sometime in early 2008, and will be delivering mouth-watering goods like HSDPA-ified 3G, a 600Mhz processor, and an integrated backup / restore function which should help keep the suits from sweating themselves out of their expensive leather office chairs. Of course, this is all deeply, deeply unconfirmed at the moment, though the Boy Genius says he has a source. We suggest taking it with a grain of salt -- but feel free to dream.

Euri's multimedia ring box -- for nerds who want wives

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

We'd highly recommend spending a bit more time (and money) on the actual ring rather than the box it comes in, but for those looking to wow your tech-savvy fiancée even more when popping the question, take a look at Euri's multimedia ring box. This ring holder sports a two-inch LCD internally, along with a clock, calender and alarm, and is available in a number of hues. There's even an unspecified amount of internal storage included, and you can upload your favorite pre-engagement photos via USB and have them displayed on the big day. Granted, this snazzy box is $198.95, but you only get one shot (well, usually) to get a "yes."

[Via EverythingUSB]

Sony not selling S-Video cables for PSP Slim in US

Filed under: Gaming, Portable Video

We've got all ideas that this tidbit won't infuriate too many users, but nevertheless, Sony will reportedly not be bringing S-Video cables to America for its PSP Slim. According to GameInformer, Sony wanted to "streamline its selection, giving owners a choice between cables supporting composite, the de facto standard, and component inputs." Interestingly, both of the cables that will be for sale here will cost the same $19.99, and if you're somehow still using a television that rocks an array of S-Video ports but not a single component input, the import option is always there.

[Via PSPFanboy]

Reminder: Tokyo reader meetup tonight, October 4th!

Filed under: Announcements

We're all the more excited to see everyone at our Tokyo reader meetup tonight! That is, tomorrow-tonight -- Japan lives a day in the future, remember? Ok, specifically: the event's in Tokyo October 4th, starting around 7:00PM, Japan Standard Time.

However, we do have to warn those considering coming: space is tight, and due to the overwhelming response we've had we may not be able to guarantee everyone's admission -- our apologies in advance!

Tonight's event is ALL AGES and FREE ADMISSION. We'll also be serving food and bevs.

Tokyo - October 4th, ~7:00PM - 9:00PM, Cerulean Tower (7th floor) [map - also embedded after the break]
If you're Nihongo-inclined, please check Engadget Japanese for more information.

We'd also like to thank our host in Tokyo, Google Japan! [Image by NGU]

Continue reading Reminder: Tokyo reader meetup tonight, October 4th!

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

DIY wooden keyboard kit brings out the carpenter in you

Filed under: Peripherals

We caught a glimpse of Marubeni Infotec's wooden input peripherals earlier this year at Computex, and now the makers of the Hacoa brand are reportedly readying a DIY kit that will enable users to actually assemble one of their own. Apparently, the company is downright tired of working long hours just to crank out a minimal number of 'boards, so it's hoping to offload some of the labor and attract industrious consumers by offering up the Ki-Board DIY Kit. The package will purportedly include your choice of maple or walnut wood, a USB keyboard base, a few tools / connectors and a "plank with the beginnings of keys carved into it." Word on the street has it that these bundles will go on sale later this month for around ¥34,800, or just over $300.

[Via PinkTentacle]

Industrious DIY'er creates Bluetooth headphones from spare parts

Filed under: Portable Audio

We've witnessed quite a few DIY journeys involving wireless speakers / headphones, but there's no better way to make lemonade from lemons than to take Sarah Lemarié's advice when your favorite Bluetooth 'phones snap in half. Apparently, the DIY'er figured there was still life left in her Logitech headphones even after the headband broke, so she gathered up a cheap pair of comfortable cans along with a set from Sony (for the drivers) and got to work. As you may imagine, she transplanted the speakers from the Sony pair and the Bluetooth module from the now-defunct Logitech set into the large, comfy Tesco cans, and after a bit of tinkering, the music was flowing (sans wires) once more. If you're looking to do something similar, head on down to the read link to hear how it's done.

[Via MAKE]

Medusa Hub provides ports galore, doubles as conversation piece

Filed under: Peripherals

Far too many peripheral hubs are cranked out without a single thought given to design, but thankfully, the creators of the Medusa Hub realized that aesthetics do matter. This interesting piece, which is sure to claim a section of prime real estate on your desk, boasts a trendy white finish, four USB 2.0 sockets, a pair of FireWire 400 connectors, a fan and even a light. All of the strands are connected to your PC / Mac via an upstream USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 jack, and the unit is available now for a lofty (but respectable) $79.99. Click on through for a few more snapshots.

[Via Engadget Japanese]

Continue reading Medusa Hub provides ports galore, doubles as conversation piece

CDEX's meth gun gets field tested

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Last summer, CDEX's meth gun was marginally more than a drawing board creation made real, but now the drug scanner is actually being used in field tests before it hits the production line later this year. Reportedly, the device is being tested in Arizona, and it seems as though the trials are going quite smoothly. It's also noted that future iterations could actually posses the ability to "test other drugs as well, even explosives," but the current flavor should eventually cost somewhere between $500 and $600, which is still a great deal cheaper than we had previously heard.

[Via The Raw Feed]

Gibson launching self-tuning guitars, rockers rejoice

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Portable Audio

Gibson's Powertune system has been in the works for quite awhile, and although there are other axes out there that claim to tune themselves, only a Gibson will do for some. Reportedly, the firm is readying a "new line of instruments" that are equipped with the system, which includes "an additional set of pickups mounted underneath the strings that are used specifically for the tuning process." By using all sorts of digital electronics and fancy algorithms, the equipment is able to automatically tune the strings, but it only activates when users pull out the Master Control Knob. Purportedly, the system can have have all six strings back in tune "within a few seconds," and you can even utilize a number of pre-programmed alternate tunings if that's your bag. 'Course, it's certainly debatable whether the hands-off approach to tuning is worth the extra $899 or so, but it's sure sweet to have the opion. Click on for more pictures.

Continue reading Gibson launching self-tuning guitars, rockers rejoice

Panasonic could beat Intel on 45nm chip release

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Storage

Intel has been touting its 45-nanometer chips for what seems like ages, but if all goes as planned, Panasonic will actually beat the chip giant to the punch by releasing products to the commercial market over a week earlier. Apparently, the six new Blu-ray recorders we spotted at CEATEC will utilize the firm's new generation "UniPhier system LSI based on the 45-nanometer process technology," and sure enough, those units are slated to hit Japan on November 1st -- a full ten days before Intel will reportedly get its Yorkfield crew out to the mainstream. Bet you didn't see that coming, now did you?

[Via RegHardware]

Verizon's LG Voyager heads up newly official fall lineup

Filed under: Cellphones

Verizon isn't kidding around this fall, with four new fashionable phones, a couple of which might divert a few iPhone dollars from archrival AT&T. It's those exact four that Engadget Mobile got the scoop on last weekend, the Juke, Pearl, Venus and Voyager. A few of the details have changed, but the basic gist is the same. The Samsung Juke is the first "flick" phone to hit the States, and arrives with 2GB of built-in storage, A2DP (which shows up in all these phones) and a VGA camera, and comes in blue, red or teal. Verizon's BlackBerry Pearl is the first Pearl to get EV-DO and a 3.5mm minijack, and also adds Verizon's VZ Navigator service, which is standard across these phones. The Venus slider sports an interesting dual screen setup, with the bottom providing contextual touch controls and the top one acting like all normal-like. Venus, with black or pink color options, is the real fashionphone of the group, and rocks a boring 2 megapixel sensor, but there's a microSD slot for up to 8GB of expansion. Finally, the Voyager (pictured) does it all, with a full screen touchscreen on the outside, and a second screen on the clamshell interior, facing a gargantuan QWERTY keyboard. V CAST Mobile TV makes an appearance, as does a microSD slot and 2 megapixel camera. All of these phones are supposed to be out by Thanksgiving, but no word on price or exact dates -- though the Juke and Pearl are hitting first, to be followed by the Venus and then the Voyager.

Gallery: Verizon's LG Voyager heads up newly official fall lineup

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

Engadget Mobile goes hands-on with Verizon's fall line

Filed under: Cellphones

Shiny screens galore, the iPhone opposing LG Voyager, and the more V CAST than you can shake a stick -- Verizon's new lineup has been announced, and we bet you want to know what those hunks of silicon feel like in hand. Who you gonna call? Engadget Mobile, of course.

Hitachi's 100GB Blu-ray disc drive

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Storage

Sure, it's just a prototype for now, but we can't help but feel a bit smitten with any drive capable of playing 100GB of data off a single 4-layer optical disc. The BD camp was also touting 200GB, 8-layer discs as they have since 2004 (at least) while showing off the components that will usher in 8x performance (double-that of existing commercial gear) in a more realistic timeframe. When that might be exactly, no one's willing to say.

Video of the new Zunes, interface, and software

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Curious to know what that new Zune interface and software looks like? Wonder no more, Microsoft's released some footage of the good stuff -- but not before a few minutes of Allard and Gates hamming it up for the camera, and plenty of other less than interesting stuff that may or may not turn you off altogether to the social. Video after the break, enjoy.

Continue reading Video of the new Zunes, interface, and software

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

Navman rolls out bare-bones F10 GPS unit

Filed under: GPS

Navman looks to be keeping all of its bases covered these days, with the company now following up its recently-introduced S-series devices with the even lower-end F10 unit. This one keeps things about as basic as can be, with nothing but a 3.5-inch touchscreen on the face of the unit, an SD card slot on the side, and a standard SiRF Star III GPS chipset on the inside -- even the software is apparently a light version of Navman's SmartST 2008 package. According to GPSAndCo, at least France will be getting the device, where it'll set you back €149 (or just over $200) , although we assume it'll also be making its way to other parts of the world at a similarly budget-minded price.

[Via NaviGadget]

Therapists, Army using Wii to rehabilitate patients

Filed under: Gaming

We've seen a variety of methods used to help stroke patients regain motion and motor functions, but we can't think of anything more exciting than playing video games as a critical part of your rehabilitation. Turns out, a number of physical therapists around the country are actually allowing patients to relearn balance and movement skills by playing the Wii, which as you know, it already quite the hit with the geriatric set. Furthermore, injured soldiers in Landstuhl, Germany are also "regaining their strength by playing virtual games on the Wii," and there's even suggestions out to conduct a research study that looks at the effectiveness of using Nintendo's latest console as a rehab tool. Hit the read link for the video report.

[Thanks, Pat D.]

Researchers unwarping smudged fingerprints in record time

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Gurus at the University of Warwick have developed a system that "identifies partial, distorted, scratched, smudged, or otherwise warped fingerprints in just a few seconds." The process is garnering attention thanks to its ability to spit out results in the blink of an eye after it "unwarps any fingerprint that has been distorted and creates a clear, digital representation that can then be mapped onto an image space of all other prints held on a database." Reportedly, researchers have already established the Warwick Warp spinoff company to bring the technology to market, and they're looking in the commercial access control, financial transaction authorization and possibly even ID card / border control segments for opportunities.

[Via Wired]

iLuv's Portable Video MP3 & DVD Player lands at Neiman Marcus

Filed under: Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable Video

First things first: iLuv's forthcoming Portable Video MP3 & DVD Player won't play nice with the iPod touch, iPod classic or the new iPod nanos, but if you're still rockin' an older flavor, keep on reading. This Neiman Marcus exclusive boasts a fairly sexy black chassis, an 8.4-inch screen, touch-sensitive keypad controls, video out and an integrated dock for (last-generation) dock-connecting iPods. The unit will also handle DVD, VCD and audio / JPEG CDs, and there's even a rechargeable Li-ion for moments when an AC outlet is just too far away. iLuv's latest is set to ship later this month for $275, and you can feel free to click on through for another look.

UPDATE: We're hearing that you can actually grab this at other locales, namely Sharper Image, if you're interested.

[Via ChipChick]

Continue reading iLuv's Portable Video MP3 & DVD Player lands at Neiman Marcus

Zune vs. iPod specification smackdown

Filed under: Features, Portable Audio, Portable Video

The new Zunes are official so let's get to it: a spec-by-spec scrap between Redmond's new Zunes and Cupertino's formidable iPod foe. Unfortunately, Microsoft failed to mention the all important battery performance of their new gear in addition to a few other minor details. Microsoft fans will tell you that's due to an iPhone-like surprise close to the November launch while haters will jump to the conclusion that this is a definite sign of trouble. Still even without that morsel, there's plenty of data to masticate for comparison.

The Zune 80GB certainly holds its own when pitted against the 80GB iPod classic on a specification table. That's not the case, however, with the iPod touch as long as you're willing to sacrifice the bytes for the touch's bigger display and heftier price tag. It's a tougher call on the flash-based Zune vs. the iPod nano -- just how important is WiFi to you on a 1.8-inch display? None of this, of course, accounts for the oh so important user experience or the ecosystems supporting their respective players. As such, we'll reserve final judgment until we have the new Zunes in-hand. Until then you'd best dig in fanboys, that November release is a long way off. The tables that follow will provide the fuel to fight the flame wars in the weeks to come.

Update: Battery data updated with information found on Amazon.com.

Continue reading Zune vs. iPod specification smackdown

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

Nike, Apple hit with lawsuit over ripping Nike+iPod idea

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio, Wearables, Wireless

Another day, another lawsuit aimed at Cupertino. This time, however, a Utah-based company is bringing Nike along for the ride, as it claims that the two firms willfully created and sold the Nike+iPod Sport Kit after refusing to incorporate their patent into the product. Apparently, Leaper Footwear successfully "patented in 1998 a unique breed of shoes which measures locomotive performance parameters such as a user's walking or running speed and / or distance traveled." Furthermore, Nike allegedly refused to take interest in the firm's patent, while it eventually went on to pursue and craft the same type of product some six years later. As predicted, the two plaintiffs are hoping to garner a (presumably large) sum of money "to be determined at trial, a permanent injunction barring Apple and Nike from further infringement on their patent" and a court order that they receive "three times the damages assessed at trial due to the willful and deliberate nature of Nike's actions."

[Thanks, Mark]

Sonos ZoneBridge BR100 makes appearance in FCC

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wireless

Sonos fans, there's a new box in the FCC for you. Well, not really FOR you, it's got confidentiality agreements all plastered all over any truly useful information, but we do have the above image, and know it's called the ZoneBridge BR100. Since we don't yet know for sure what exactly it does, we're going to take a wild guess and peg this as some kind of low cost box with no audio hardware which is intended to plug into your network, thus bridging to the Sonos's proprietary mesh wireless network so you don't have to keep a more expensive ZonePlayer box close to your router or nearest Ethernet connection. If indeed that's what it is, we'll take it!

HTC sells 800,000 Touch handsets

Filed under: Cellphones

Sure, Apple managed to move a cool one million iPhones in 74 days, but for HTC, it too has quite a lot to be proud of. Since launching the Touch in Europe / Asia this past June, the company has reportedly sold some 800,000 units, and even the CEO admitted that the figure was "better than he expected." Notably, no forecasts were given for the Touch Dual, but if the original is any indication, we're sure it'll do alright for itself.

[Via mocoNews]

Bigger, better photos of the Vii, the cheaper, crappier Wii

Filed under: Gaming

We're no closer to knowing exactly how fantastic a knockoff the Vii really is, but these pictures lend the project some credibility -- if a ripoff game console can actually have any credibility, anyway.

[Thanks, anonymouse]

Gallery: Bigger, better photos of the Vii, the cheaper, crappier Wii

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

SkyCaddie's SG5 Pro does everything but make your eagles

Filed under: Handhelds

SkyCaddie's SG5 Pro definitely isn't the first of its kind, but this programmable GPS range finder provides instant relief when your caddy calls in sick. Specs wise, you'll find a 220 x 176 resolution color screen, automatic backlighting, 14-hours of battery life, a mini-USB port, four-way scroll pad and a water-resistant enclosure. Additionally, this unit includes SkyGolf's patented IntelliGreen technology, which enables golfers to "measure the full depth and shape of the green from any angle of approach and shows distances for all targets and hazards" on any of the courses in the 16,000+ course library. We really hope you didn't expect this thing to run ya cheap, however, as you'll be forking out $429.95 for the pocketable convenience.

[Via NaviGadget]

Toshiba crams a fuel cell into PMP concept

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Portable Audio, Portable Video

A far cry from the concepts of yesteryear, Toshiba is really getting serious about its fuel cell PMP concepts, and this year's model makes the all-important move of integrating the fuel cell power plant into the very back of the player. The unit runs on nearly 100% methanol, and discharges the vapor created through natural evaporation. There's a capacity meter for tracking the amount of fuel you've got left, and the cell provides about 10 hours of 1seg playback. Toshiba's aiming to launch the player in 2008-ish, and is showing off other fuel cell items at CEATEC to bolster its cred, including a prototype laptop -- which you can sign us up for right here and now.

Palm's Ed Colligan confirms: no new Palm OS till end of 2008

Filed under: Cellphones

Just in case you missed the mention in our post about Palm's Q1 FY08 conference call, or the earlier report about the company's new OS getting more delays, take notice: Ed Colligan did indeed confirm that we won't be seeing a new operating system on Palm devices until the end of next year. Of course, with a track record like this crew has, we're not holding our breath, and would seriously suggest you follow suit.

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