Home / engadget.com rss archive / September-13-2007


Navman's S-series gets official welcome
Filed under: GPSAmazon 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] Read | Permalink...

Zicplay's Microkey MP3 player is barely there
Filed under: Portable AudioWe'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. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Lindy intros Wireless VGA Projector Server
Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, WirelessWe 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] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Nintendo DS gets VoIP
Filed under: GamingThe 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 clever 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] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Prestigio unveils GeoVision 350 navigator for Europe
Filed under: GPSThose 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. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice 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: CellphonesWe 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] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

iPhone SIM unlock giveaway: round 4
Filed under: Announcements, CellphonesSorry 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...

Robots, robots, robots (and other stuff) at Nextfest 2007
Filed under: Features, Misc. Gadgets, RobotsWe 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:...

iTunes Store having issues?
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoApple 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 it make it any less annoying.[Via iLounge] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

All-electric KillaCycle tries to kill its maker
Filed under: TransportationYou 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. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

iPod touch showing up in stores, gets unboxed
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoSo 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] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Verizon files lawsuit over open-access rules in 700MHz auction
Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessTalk 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. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

eBay auction reveals prototype Dreamcast Zip Drive
Filed under: GamingAs 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]&...

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. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Wearable sensors could build stronger teams
Filed under: WearablesWhen 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] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Fly Google to the moon, win $20 million
Filed under: RobotsGoogle'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. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured...

Windows Update pushes out "stealth" updates, Microsoft explains
Filed under: Desktops, LaptopsMicrosoft 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...

TomTom thinking about its own GPS-enabled PDA / smartphone?
Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, HandheldsWe 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) new territory for ole TomTom. Beyond that, details are scant, but we'll be sure to keep an ear to the ground. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Powerful "light scope" used to unearth ancient texts
Filed under: Misc. GadgetsAccording 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.&a...

Macally busts out cup holder-compatible BTCUP iPod FM transmitter
Filed under: Portable Audio, WirelessIt's far from the first cup holder-compatible iPod dock, but Macally's new BTCUP boasts a few more tricks than the usual fare, including not only an FM transmitter, but Bluetooth hands-free functionality as well. To make the former task a tad easier, the device includes up and down buttons and a backlit LCD display to let you tune in to any FM frequency between 88.1 and 107.9, with the hands-free calling option also accessible at the touch of a button. For some added privacy, the BTCUP comes equipped with an earphone, and it'll of course charge your iPod as it pumps out the tunes (the device itself is powered by the cigarette lighter outlet). Look for this one to set you back $120, with a BTCUP specially designed for the iPhone set to follow sometime in the fourth quarter of this year.[Via PC World] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

IBM's SiSi virtually translates speech to sign language
Filed under: Misc. GadgetsWe've seen a wide array of devices designed to help the deaf communicate and experience life more fully, and IBM is hoping to make yet another advancement in the field with its SiSi (Say It Sign It) system. Developed at an IBM research center in Hursley, England, the technology works "by using speech recognition to convert a conversation into text," after which SiSi "translates the text into the gestures used in sign language and animates a customizable avatar that carries them out." Currently, the system is still labeled a prototype and only works with British sign language, but there's already plans to commercialize the invention in due time. For a better look at exactly what SiSi can do, take a peek at the video demonstration waiting after the jump.Continue reading IBM's SiSi virtually translates speech to sign language Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring...

Modders create inexplicable, gigantic Nintendo DS
Filed under: GamingSure, you love your Nintendo DS. It's light, it fits in your pocket, and you can play it wherever you go, whenever you want... right? Well, wouldn't it be a little cooler if it were super-huge and you had to push two full-size kitchen tables together just to put it down somewhere? Okay, maybe we're exaggerating a little bit, but still, this mod from some DS enthusiasts is a huge -- literally and figuratively. Using two tablet PCs and some type of interface which allows the game system to be controlled by / displayed on the larger screens, these DS fans have created the ultimate antithesis to the original system -- for no apparent reason other than the fact that they could. Check the video after the break to see the madness in action.[Thanks, J]Continue reading Modders create inexplicable, gigantic Nintendo DS Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

if(date == "09/13/2007") Engadget.Write("Happy Programmer's Day");
Filed under: Misc. GadgetsQuick: what's two to the eighth power? 256, of course, and if you knew the answer before you even had a chance to read it, we can say with some confidence that you're a nerd mathematician liar programmer. Programmer's Day is celebrated annually on the 256th day of the year, which happens to be today -- so reach over and give that special computer scientist in your life a big bear hug, flowers, chocolates, or a simple "thanks" for making Engadget (and pretty much everything else we care about) possible. If you're a programmer, grab another Red Bull and get back to work, playboy; we've got a list of bugs about a mile long and they're not fixing themselves. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

AirCell set to hook up Virgin America with in-flight broadband
Filed under: TransportationFresh from inking a deal with American Airlines, relative newcomer AirCell is now set to bring its in-flight internet knowhow to Virgin America, with the pair officially announcing the partnership today. In addition to letting passengers use their own personal WiFi-equipped devices on flights, the service will also be used to provide broadband internet to Virgin's RED in-flight entertainment system, which we recently got to check out first hand. Just don't expect to be able to do that right away, with the service only "anticipated" to roll out across Virgin's entire fleet "sometime in 2008." Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Sony intros Blu-ray burning AR50, FZ20, L Series VAIOs
Filed under: Desktops, LaptopsSony recently took the wraps off a new range of Blu-ray burning VAIOS in Europe, including two laptops and an all-in-one desktop. On the top end of the laptop side of things, the VAIO AR50 series boasts a 17-inch WUXGA LCD, along with a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo T7700 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics, with that aforementioned Blu-ray burner conveniently tucked inside. The FZ20, on the other hand, packs a 15.4-inch display with a mere 1280 x 800 resolution, along with a 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo T7500 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 300GB hard drive, and GeForce 8600M GS graphics. Rounding things out, the VAIO L Series all-in-one desktop remains much the same as we've seen before, with it boasting a 22-inch 1680 x 1050 display, an unspecified Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, twin analog/DVB-T TV tuners, and GeForce 8400M GT graphics. From the looks of it, the whole lot is available in Europe now, with...

The blue Zune does not exist
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video Photoshop job gone awry? Bad lighting? Dual-shot malfunction? Act of God? Whatever the reason may be, we can tell you one thing: there's no such thing as a blue Zune. If you spent any time on Engadget yesterday, you probably noticed the above photo of a rumored new color, but reports from a Target representative seem to confirm that it's nothing but a trick of the eye / light / Photoshop filter / They Live-esque alien meddling. Please resume your regular activities. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

iRobot Connectr can't be half as lame as Looj
Filed under: RobotsWe really did our best to hold back our disappointment at the Looj. Sure, there must be people out there with gutters full of leaves and plastic parachute men, and we want to be respectful of that, but we can't say it really stoked our gadget lust. Luckily for us, iRobot seems to have another bot in the works dubbed "Connectr" -- at least if a recent trademark filing for "robots for video and audio monitoring, surveillance, and communication" is anything to go on. This one might be just for iRobot's military and public service customers, but we'll hope for a consumer-friendly score here to rival other web-friendly video bots out there. iRobot has promised to announce two new bots at Digital Life in NY later this month, so let's hope this is one of them.[Thanks, Daanish] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Speecys SPC-101C laughs, can never feel
Filed under: RobotsWe spotted the SPC-101C face-recognizing bot from Speecys a couple weeks ago, but what we didn't know is that under that cold hard exterior is the ability to emulate joy with cold hard precision. Check out the video after the break. We've included video of a laughing Elmo as well for creep-o comparison -- we don't think SPC-101C even comes close, but you're always entitled to your own opinion.[Thanks, Robert O]Continue reading Speecys SPC-101C laughs, can never feel Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Sony debuts the VAIO CR20 and NR10 series laptops
Filed under: LaptopsLooking to get personal and intimate with a new laptop? Looking for a moderately powered system that comes in custom colors? Well check it out, dudes and dudettes, Sony is back on the scene with the VAIO CR20 (pictured) and NR10 series, 14.1-inch and 15.4-inch (respectively) portables that are going to quasi-rock your world. Both new systems sport an Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 2GHz CPU, coupled with the always-thrilling Santa Rosa chipset, 2GB of RAM, a 200GB hard drive, and an ATI Mobility Radeon X2300 (the CR20), or the Intel X3100 integrated graphics chip (NR10). The CR20 sports 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.0, plus an integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam, while the NR10 does plain-old 802.11a/b/g. Both new systems come in a variety of colors, with the CR20 offering stylish choices like "Luxury Pink," and "Sparkling Sand," while the NR10 supposedly invokes the "soft fabric which was its inspiration" by touting silver and brown color schemes. The new models will...

SanDisk intros 8GB, 16GB ExpressCards for camcorders
Filed under: StorageExpressCard-based camcorders are still a pretty rare breed, but SanDisk looks set to keep them supplied with storage, today announcing the first product in its new SanDisk Express line. Dubbed simply the SanDisk ExpressCard, it'll be available in both 8GB and 16GB varieties, letting you record 30 or 60 minutes of high definition video, respectively. In the case of Sony's upcoming XDCAM EX, however, you'll be able to double up on storage thanks to the cam's dual ExpressCard slots. That will be a fairly expensive proposition though, with the cards set to demand $500 for the 8GB and $900 for the 16GB when they're released in November. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Aiptek cranks out 720p pocket camcorder for $170
Filed under: Digital CamerasAiptek certainly knows a thing or two about atypically cheap pocket camcorders, so it's not all that shocking to find that the company's latest has landed for just $169.99 -- quite a bit cheaper than the $280 iteration we saw earlier this year. The five-megapixel A-HD 720P High Definition Camcorder promises to record 720p video at 30fps and offers up AC / USB charging options, a 4x digital zoom, red eye reduction, component output, a 2.4-inch swivel screen, 6-measly-megabytes of internal storage, an SD expansion slot, and the ability to take stills, too. Granted, we wouldn't have high hopes for the quality here, but it's hard to argue with a price tag that low. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

iPod touch gets its first review, release date
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoHere it is, ladies and gentlemen, the first review (or at least the first we've seen) of the iPod touch, Apple's new iPhone-aping, widescreen media player / WiFi device. If you can't wait until September 28th (the proposed release date), you can sink your teeth into one lucky critic's view of the new device. According to PC Magazine, the iPod touch is a, "Thing of beauty," which shouldn't surprise anyone, considering the praise for its design-doppelganger, the iPhone. The review notes that all of the media player and internet controls are the same as the aforementioned device (Cover Flow, lists, zooming, etc.), though the touch allows you to "double-click" the button on the front of the device to bring up a music control-panel, no matter what application you're in. It's not all sweet-loving however -- PC Mag isn't too psyched on the Starbucks feature, which apparently can't be turned off, and says that the earbuds are absolutely awful...

The internet-enabled coffee maker
Filed under: HouseholdFinally you can get your coffee served up just the way you like it... via the internet. Thanks to some caffeine-loving DIY'ers, you can now whip up (or at least serve) a cup of steaming-hot espresso from across the room, or across the Atlantic (though, why would you make a cup of coffee if you won't be able to drink it while it's hot?). Regardless, inspired by Larry Masinter's circa-1998 Hyper Text Coffee Pot Control Protocol, and utilizing the O2M8 WebBrick (a controller designed for automation in houses), the gang was able to put together a solution for coffee making that has been heretofore unseen, though (we suspect) desperately needed. Check the link to see all the percolating action unfold.[Via Hacked Gadgets] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Archos's Generation 5 players are now available worldwide
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoYeah, we already knew the 605 and 405 had been loosed Stateside, but Archos is finally ready to unleash the whole family on the world -- pictured above, with convenient comparisons to other players you-may-have-seen-around courtesy of Archos. Unfortunately, the Archos 705 WiFi and Archos TV+ won't actually be available until early next month, but the Archos 105, 405 and 605 WiFi are all out today. The players aren't terribly expensive either, with the 2GB 105 at $89; 2GB 405 at $149; the 4GB, 30GB, 80GB and 160GB 605 WiFi at $199, $299 and $349, $399, respectively; 80GB 705 WiFi at $399, 160GB at $499; 80GB Archos TV+ at $249, and finally the 250GB TV+ at $349. As for those curious about content partnerships, the WiFi models connect wirelessly to the "Archos Content Portal" for PC-free purchasing of premium content, and there are currently over 15 partners worldwide -- with CinemaNow doing the honors in the US.[Thanks, Peter L. Warning:...

Benchmark Helmets intros Bluetooth headsets for bikers
Filed under: CellphonesWe've certainly seen our fair share of nicely-equipped motorcycle helmets, but Benchmark Helmets is looking to spruce up your everyday noggin protector rather than forcing you to buy a whole new one. Marketed towards "scooter and motorcycle enthusiasts," the Camos lineup includes two new headsets that utilize Bluetooth 2.0 and support A2DP / handsfree profiles. Additionally, both tout waterproof housings and connectors, directional microphones with noise canceling technology, stereo speakers, and 10-hours of talk time (150-hours in standby). The BHS-500 is set to land for $149, while the $199 BHS-600 ups the ante by allowing users to pair up another BHS-600 for a "complete wireless intercom system."[Thanks, Spencer] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

HP's WWAN-equipped Pavilion dv2500t now official
Filed under: LaptopsWe've known for quite awhile that HP was conjuring up a dv2500 of some sort, but now the machine is ready to roll straight from the firm's webstore. Specs wise, you'll get a 14.1-inch WXGA BrightView display, your choice of Intel Core 2 Duo processors, between 1GB and 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS, 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, up to 250GB of HDD space, and a dual-layer DVD burner to boot. Moreover, users can opt for an ExpressCard digital / analog TV tuner, 12-cell Li-ion battery, and integrated WWAN (supported by Verizon BroadbandAccess). You'll also find the usual array of ports, including FireWire, S-Video out, a multicard reader, 56k modem jack, Ethernet, VGA out, and a trio of USB 2.0 sockets. Interested? Get your order in now starting at $1,199.99, as machines are slated to ship out in just under a fortnight.[Thanks, Kevin] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power...

Samsung's SGH-P520 is the Armani Phone
Filed under: CellphonesIt's been awhile since we've heard from Samsung's SGH-P520. Now we know why. The pretty little touchscreen was undergoing a couture refitting in preparation for launch as the Armani Phone -- take that LG Prada. Priced at €400 (about $557), this FCC-approved tri-band GSM / EDGE candybar is listed with a 2.6-inch 240 x 320 pixel display, stereo Bluetooth, and microSD expansion to augment the 50MB on-board. Funny, we heard it also has WiFi though there's no mention of it by the folks at GSMHelpDesk who tracked this pup down. Expected before the end of the year in Europe.[Via Unwired View] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Amazon's Kindle e-book reader and wireless service launching October 15?
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, HandheldsAmazon's little secret that could -- the Kindle -- looks to have a solid launch date. October 15th is the day thanks to Les Echos' press release issued at the launch of their "e-paper" digital newspaper. Of course, it's all just a rumor at the moment but it certainly matches the timeline reported by the New York Times just last month. Now please, Amazon, put some pretty lipstick on that beige pig and push her out the door already -- a year is long enough. [Via MobileRead] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Teac's GF-650 tabletop player enables vinyl-to-CD transfers
Filed under: Portable AudioIt's been a hot minute since Teac introduced its first tabletop vinyl-to-CD sound machine, but the retrofied device is getting an appreciated upgrade in the GF-650. This unit touts an AM / FM radio, auxiliary input jack, wireless remote, CD player, and of course, a record player. As expected, users simply load in a CD-R / RW, queue up their favorite record, and walk away (or hang around, it's up to you) as the real-time transfer takes place. As for output, it's got a meager 3.5-watt x 2 amplifier, and it should be on sale right now in Japan for a staggering ¥83,790 ($740).[Via Impress] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Chintzy MP5 portable media player emerges
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoIt's almost painful to even look at this atrocity for any extended period of time, let alone think of actually using it from day to day, but it's still hard to ignore for $59.92. The mysterious player simply touts a noticeable MP5 logo atop the 2.5-inch LCD, and while the format itself is news to us, it does manage to include an FM tuner, built-in camera, USB connectivity and a miniSD expansion slot. Personally, we wouldn't be the first in line to plunk down cash for a unnamed PMP that promises to play a file that may not actually exist, but if you're interested in seeing a few more views anyway, click on through the break.Continue reading Chintzy MP5 portable media player emerges Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Apple "Mum is no longer the word" press briefing in London next week
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Apple_Mum_is_no_longer_the_word_press_event_18_September'; Word on the high street is that Apple is holding a press briefing at their Regent Street Apple store on September 18th. The invites are circulating as we speak to various members of the UK press. That's not exactly the biggest of venues for a 3G iPhone launch for Europe but who knows? Really, does anybody know?[Thanks, Chris P] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Nikon D300 gets the in-depth treatment
Filed under: Digital CamerasWe already got hands-on with Nikon's newest baby, the D300, but the folks at Digital Photography Review have gone to the next OCD level with it, busting out 12 pages of pics and impressions from their time with a pre-production model. Nothing too earth-shattering, but lots of potentially useful info for those about to make the $1800 decision. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Qualcomm ban on hold, US importing may return to normal
Filed under: CellphonesWhat a system we live in. After having multiple requests denied, Qualcomm (or at least those third-parties using its 3G chipsets) was just granted a stay which again opens the door for the US import of Qualcomm-based handsets. Right, those same handsets banned by the ITC at the request of Broadcom on June 7th. In essence, the ruling means that Qualcomm can not import phones but others -- namely, Motorola, Samsung, T-Mobile, LG, AT&T -- can. Note, this isn't a reversal of the original decision and only remains in effect pending appeal. In other words, this is nowhere near to being over. [Via Phonemag] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Unhappy Gateway shareholders sue over Acer's buyout
Filed under: Desktops, LaptopsAt this point we didn't know anyone still had strong feelings for Gateway, but never discount the power of cash to get those hearts a-beating: unhappy with the $170M Acer's paying for the company, two different groups of Gateway shareholders have filed suit, alleging that company executives should have held out for more scratch. Acer was planning using the Gateway acquisition to greatly expand its US presence, so it should be interesting to see how both companies react to these lawsuits -- and how much those shareholders thought Gateway was actually worth. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!