June 2007 Archives

With almost all the cellphone lovers dedicating their attention to the new iPhone, it is obvious that other companies must do something in order to get some attention as well. And that is why Motorola decided to announce that their new bomb ? MOTO Z8 ? is available to purchase (on Spain) at the same day the iPhone was launched.

The new kick-slider cellphone is a ?Media Monster?, at least that is what Motorola likes to call it and they have a reason for that - it comes with a full-length film named ?The Bourne Identity? made by Universal Studios. Besides this small media detail, there are other factors that make the media word stand out: mobile TV, video + music available thanks to Telefonica and Movistar, and content delivered from CNN among others.

On the technical specifications, the Z8 offers the opportunity to use MicroSD memory cards with the current capacity of 4GB, and it can be expanded do 32GB when the new cards become available in the near future. There is also 80MB of internal memory, and an 8x zoom camera that features 2.0 megapixels. As for the internet connection, it uses HSDPA.

For now the MOTO Z8 is only available in Spain, but it will become accessible in other parts of the world.

Sony Ericsson unveiled the new Sony Ericsson SO703i cell phone for NTT DoCoMo in Japan. Measuring 105mm x 47mm x 18.7mm, the phone weighs in at 104 grams. The main display is 2.7" with a 240x432 pixel resolution and capable of displaying 262k colors, while a secondary OLED monochrome display (1.1") is available on the front.

The SO703i phone is equipped with a microSD memory card for expansion, as well as a 2 megapixel CMOS camera. A secondary camera (VGA resolution) is also available for video conferencing.

The phone supports changing panels, as you can see from the photos yourself. Pretty spiffy-looking, I'm sure.

No word on the pricing yet.

The people from Dell have recently added a new laptop to their website, it is codenamed Dell Latitude D430 and some folks like to call it the big brother of the previous D420. The updated version has a better/brighter display that measures 12-inches and features a maximum resolution of 1280x1800. In the inside you have the option to pick an Intel Core Solo U1400 processor, or a U7600, which are both supported by a Intel 945GMS chipset.

It comes with 1GB of RAM memory, but you can upgrade it to 2GB to become faster. The graphics chipset is also an Intel, more exactly a Graphics Media Accelerator 950. About the hard-drive, there are four different options: a unique Solid State Drive with 32GB of capacity, or the normal 1.8-inch drives with 60GB, 80GB, or 120GB. As for the connectivity specs, it counts 3 USB ports, WiFi, and bluetooth.

The list of options doesn't end here, the Operative System can either be Windows XP or one of the variants of Windows Vista.

Check more details about the Dell Latitude D430 on the Dell Website.

Via Small-Laptops

With the iPhone hype being as big as possible, there are always companies dedicated to make products for that specific Apple phone. With that being said, Altec Lansing has presented a couple of new headphones called ?Upgrader Series? that can be perfect for almost any person, but there are some special models dedicated for the iPhone: the UHS 302, 306 and 307 all have that special characteristic - gold plated 1/4-inch (3.5mm) four-band connector. On top of being iPhone compatible, they also include a built-in microphone, a volume control, and a mute button for the microphone.

If you are not into the new cellphone hype, there are other headphones alternatives offered by Altec Lansing. The UHP 306 and UHP 336 for example, are made for the audio fanatics that enjoy very good sound with no noise coming from the exterior, that is why they feature a SnugFit design. The old headphones style (over-the-ear) is also present thanks to UHP 405 and UHP 408, these two models have surround sound and an active noise-cancellation feature. Among the new headphones there is still the UHP 302 and 303 which target the casual listeners.

No information about the price, but keep an eye on AltecLansing during August.

Plantronics has released a new bluetooth headset on their Voyager category, it is entitled Voyager 520 and can be seen as an update of the 510 series. The portable device uses 2 different kinds of Plantronics technology: the Multipoint that makes it easy to change from one bluetooth device to another; and the QuickPair technology which is a quick way to pair the Voyager 520 with other devices.

Other details include a high quality distinction on noise-canceling and wind-reduction, so you can listen clearer than before. There is also one button that has multiple basic functions such as turning the volume up or down, or picking/ending a call.

As for the battery life, one full charge is suppose to be enough for 180 hours of standby time, or if you keep using it continuously the limit is 8 hours. The Plantronics Voyager 520 will cost $99 and starting on August it will become available.

Plantronics Website

Wayfinder Navigator 7, a navigation/search service from Wayfinder Systems, is now available for the BlackBerry 8800 Series and BlackBerry Curve smartphones. Just in time for the holiday season, the Navigator guides you from point A to B with turn-by-turn directions.

You also get added benefits in the form of traffic/weather information, selected local services and POIs. Thanks to 3D maps, you can now get a better idea of where you are headed.

Other services offered by Wayfinder include digital city guidebooks and currency conversion. An extensive 20-million POI database (across North America and Europe) make it a valuable companion when you travel to new places.

From time to time, Sagem unveils phones with interesting features. It's been a while since we saw such a phone, but anyway, here it is: the Sagem my850v cell phone is a 3G phone made available in a flip design and unique mirrored front.

The front of the my850v shows the caller's name or song being played, or even notifying you of a text message. The phone is equipped with a 2 megapixel camera that can take videos, as well as a VGA camera at the front for video conferencing. There's also an MP3 player and support for 3D games.

The QVGA screen on the my850v supports up to 262k colors so your photos look more natural there. The phone is compatible with WCDMA and EDGE, and is a tri-band GSM phone. Bluetooth and a microSD card slot are available as well.

The Sagem my850v will hit the stores in the UK starting July 2007.

Another Sony VAIO laptop with a Blu-ray drive: this time it's the Sony VAIO VGN-FZ70B, one of the new laptops in the FZ series from Sony. Running it all is an Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 (1.8GHz) processor. Add to it the 1GB memory and 160GB hard drive from Sony and Windows Vista, and you've got yourself a sleek little performer there.

The VGN-FZ70B is based on the Mobile Intel PM965 Express chip set, and can take in a max 2GB of DDR2 memory. For graphics, an NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT GPU is available, which will let you take advantage of playing your Blu-ray movies. A 1920x1080 pixel resolution is supported.

The Blu-ray drive also supports DVD and CD media. Other standard goodies include three USB 2.0 ports, S-Video output, a 56kbps modem when you want to revisit the old times and integrated Bluetooth.

Priced at ¥249,800 (approximately US $2,000).

Japan's new mobile phone protector looks something like a cross between a seatbelt, gun holster, or bondage device; but despite your preference- this gadget works effectively for keeping your phone in place in between usage.

Adjustable roller and strap allow for variety of phones with widths of 17-57mm, and quick release allows convenient accessibility at call receipt.

Retailing now for 3,129 yen (after tax) or $25 US.

Via Rakuten

Japan's new mobile phone protector looks something like a cross between a seatbelt, gun holster, or bondage device; but despite your preference- this gadget works effectively for keeping your phone in place in between usage.

Adjustable roller and strap allow for variety of phones with widths of 17-57mm, and quick release allows convenient accessibility at call receipt.

Retailing now for 3,129 yen (after tax) or $25 US.

Via Rakuten

The new Nokia 6086 cell phone hit the US market. The Nokia 6086 is part of the T-Mobile HotSpot @Home service, allowing you to connect to a home Wifi connection or tons of T-Mobile hotspots across the country. Expect significant wireless coverage through this combo.

You can take advantage of the 6086's capability to use your home Wifi network to making unlimited phone calls nation-wide. And when you're outside, the same can be done through the use of T-Mobile's hotspots. If you leave the hotspot, the phone seamlessly switches over to an available GSM/GPRS/EDGE network.

Apart from the ability to speak with GSM and Wi-Fi networks, the Nokia 6086 comes with all the usual suspects: Bluetooth technology, integrated camera and video recorder plus a microSD memory card for expansion (up to 2GB supported).

Add a dash of zip to your laptop this summer (depending on which part of the earth you are in anyway). Dell is ushering in notebooks painted bright Sunshine Yellow and Flamingo Pink for all you die-hard colorful people.

Dell recently held the launch event at Macy's Herald Square in the Big Apple. The new Inspiron and XPS systems also offer additional features in terms of mobile broadband and widescreen display, including the new XPS M1330, claimed to be the world's thinnest 13" notebook.

The XPS M1330 weighs in at just 3.97 pounds and 0.9" thin. It's available in Tuxedo Black, Pearl White or Crimson Red.

So yes, Samsung has started mass-producing the high-density 64GB solid-state drive targeted at notebook PCs. Citing a rise in the use of SSDs in OEM notebooks, Samsung looks all set to take on the mobile category when it comes to storage.

Internally, the 64-gig SSD comprises 64 eight gigibit single-level flash memory chips. Thanks to 51 nanometer process technology, each chip is 1/2500th the width of human hair (that's right -- Wile E. Coyote's Acme axe can't cut through it).

The target devices include ultra-slim notebook PCs with flash memory as well as UMPCs (presumably Samsung's own brand). Other consumer products in the pipeline include printers, PDAs and camcorders that can take in SSDs from anywhere from 4GB to 64GB capacity.

The FCC gave its nod of approval to the Bamboo One Tablet. Not a tablet PC, this is a pen-based tablet - you know, the kind used by graphic artists to design cool things or cartoonists bringing you the best of web comics.

The Bamboo One is a thin tablet offering a USB interface and is compatible with both Windows and Mac. The Bamboo One pen that comes with the tablet is compatible with Vista and Office 2007 as well, so it's a convenient way to mark important stuff in your docs.

Back in my school days, I wished for a tablet like this, but after getting a tablet PC, I am over it. Like that.

No word on the pricing yet for the Bamboo One tablet, but it should hit the market soon.

Ah, the convertibles are back! Well, they hadn't gone anywhere -- just that not too many of them were launched I guess. Check out the Fujitsu FMV-T8140 convertible notebook-plus-tablet PC, claiming to be the world's lightest laptop at 1.49 kg. Apart from the FMV-T8140, Fujitsu also announced the FMV-T8240 featuring a tinier 8.9" display and weighing in at just 985 grams!

This A4-sized tablet packs a punch with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and bundled with Windows Vista Business. A spiffy 12.1" LCD screen and long battery life (up to 11.3 hours) make it a mobile professional's dream (heck, it's my dream and I'm not even mobile!).

One of the best things about the FMV-T8140 is that you can choose a flash based memory disk (16/32GB) in place of a hard drive. The display offers a 1280x800 pixels resolution for widescreen viewing.

Priced at ¥265,000 (US $2,150 approx.), the Fujitsu FMV-T8140 Tablet/Notebook convertible PC will be available starting July.

Ah, colorful mice. Those missing accessories on any computer desk. Well, fear not, Sony came up with these new sleek, two-color USB mice just in time for the holidays allowing you to add a bit of color. Not just unique colors, the SMU-C3 comes with a wide scroll wheel and integrated wire storage for easier carrying.

Another mouse introduced by Sony is the SMU-M10, available in a slim, more compact design with a groove to wrap the USB cable. Compatible with Vista (aren't they always?), the SMU-C3 is available in pink, green, white and black, and slightly smaller than the average desktop mouse.

The SMU-M10 is available in blue, black and white. Both mice are now available.

Sony

The TomTom PLUS service for your GPS device delivers some very useful information. For example, the weather service gives you current weather or a 5-day forecast with the TomTom application version 6.0 or above. On the TomTom GO910, you even get spoken weather report. Coverage includes Europe, Australia and North America.

The Buddies service allows you to invite your friends, send text messages and share locations with each other and navigate to your buddies wherever they are.

The Voice service makes it a more entertaining drive with celebrity voices or different dialects. Head to TomTom for more details on some interesting services (not all are free).

iHome's new iH85 Cycler mounts to your bike handlebars and takes a beating when on the road with its water and impact resistant polycarbonate case. Universal dock fits all iPods.

Reson8? technology promises full sound and gadget comes with mounting bracket and all hardware to attach to your cycle. It costs a hundred bucks and is available almost now with free shipping off of iHome's site.

Via iHome

Today IOGEAR announced the launch of its new, biometric Personal Security Mouse featuring Nano Technology. The mouse allows you to add a new level of security to your computer, while also eliminating the need for complex passwords through the use of fingerprint scanning. What's cool about it is that it will also work on computers used by more than one person, such as a family computer. The IOGEAR mouse can store up to five identities. Other features of the mouse include file, folder, and hard drive encryption, as well as individual encrypted memory space that can only be accessed through fingerprint authentication.

If an extra layer of security is what you want for your computer, then the IOGEAR biometric mouse is the perfect solution. It is available for purchase at $79.95, and you can learn more at iogear.com

Traditional Chinese medicine goes digital. Taiwan's new Dreamate Sleed Aid helps reduce tension and produces a micro massage to specific pulse points (the Sleeping Golden Triangle); inducing peaceful sleep.

This gadget runs on triple A batteries and is worn on user's left wrist. Operation lasts 30 minutes and is more effective than counting sheep. Powers off automatically too.

Note: Not suitable for persons with pacemakers or any monitoring by electronic equipment.

$99.00 via Gaiam

Check out the new line-up of Bluetooth headset from Korea-based Ubixon. The Ubixon UBHS-PH2 is a headset with a difference: apart from supporting Bluetooth+2.0 EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), the UBHS-PH2 is also capable of delivering visual information, including SMS and song titles.

Another distraction while you are driving, I guess. The UBHS-PH2 shows information in the form of icons and text - which is kinda hard to read when speeding on the highway. The main screen display is sunlight readable as well.

Powered by Qualcomm MEMS display technology, the UBHS-PH2 does not require backlighting, as well as lower the power consumption.

No word on the pricing, but it should be available soon.

Microsoft has a new Bluetooth mouse in the form of the Notebook Mouse 5000. Offering wireless freedom for your laptop or desktop, the notebook mouse 5000 got approval from the FCC today, braving ridiculous amounts of testing (which is good, of course).

MS has requested for confidentiality of external photos for some reason, but we found the schematic anyway. No pricing information is available at this time. The device should be out soon, though.

I have never had a wireless mouse before (I completely depend on the trackpad on my Acer Future Keyboard) -- maybe this will give me a reason to upgrade. Or maybe not.

Motorola today extended its leadership in the Mobile Office with the announcement of Good Mobile Messaging 5 that helps make mobile email more personalized and productive. Features include Mobile RSS, Customizable Email Management, Advanced Security and much much more. The new release will incorporate all of the handheld security capabilities previously available separately though the company's Good Mobile Defense product. Get Things Done More Easily. Mobile professionals receive so much email that it's often difficult to find the information they're looking for on their smartphone and complete tasks from start to finish. Good 5 has innovative email and PIM capabilties so mobile users can easily find what they want.

iHome's new iH85 Cycler mounts to your bike handlebars and takes a beating when on the road with its water and impact resistant polycarbonate case. Universal dock fits all iPods.

Reson8? technology promises full sound and gadget comes with mounting bracket and all hardware to attach to your cycle. It costs a hundred bucks and is available almost now with free shipping off of iHome's site.

Via iHome

Today IOGEAR announced the launch of its new, biometric Personal Security Mouse featuring Nano Technology. The mouse allows you to add a new level of security to your computer, while also eliminating the need for complex passwords through the use of fingerprint scanning. What's cool about it is that it will also work on computers used by more than one person, such as a family computer. The IOGEAR mouse can store up to five identities. Other features of the mouse include file, folder, and hard drive encryption, as well as individual encrypted memory space that can only be accessed through fingerprint authentication.

If an extra layer of security is what you want for your computer, then the IOGEAR biometric mouse is the perfect solution. It is available for purchase at $79.95, and you can learn more at iogear.com