Tech Gadgets Reviews

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 4th 2008 at 8:03PM

Engadget HD managed to acquire one of JVC’s Everio HD40 camcorders — you know, that HD shooter with 120GB of onboard storage. If you’re interested in seeing it get unboxed and manhandled (along with comparison shots with Samsung’s delightful SC-HMX20C), click on over and enjoy. For those wanting some serious impressions, keep a check on this space — we’ll be forming some opinions and penning a review here shortly.

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Filed under: Digital Cameras, HDTV

There have been some invitations flying around from the good guys at Archos, inviting websites to their press event on July 10 in London. On the invitation, it says that there will be an “exciting announcement.” Such a phrase has led to the reports of a new Archos 6th generation portable media player with 3G connectivity. Around this same time last year, Archos has announced the availability of its 5th generation of players.

If Archos does announce a new PMP with 3G connectivity, it will certainly give them an edge in the market, as they can compete with Apple and Microsoft for the top spot. UK’s managing director of Archos, Tony Limrick, is set to deliver the good news. Hopefully, Archos does announce new 3G capable PMP’s as that would also surely please many current Archos fans. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Read [DAPreview] Via [PMP Today]

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Some more information has been leaking about in regards to the upcoming BlackBerry Kickstart and thankfully this time it was not another set of blurry images. Instead its some speculation based on just how much RIM is planning to charge for this little clamshell BlackBerry.

We have already heard that it was headed to T-Mobile and it looks like it will land there in September, but the latest information is calling for this to be a very affordable handset. Coming in at just $49.99 with a two-year agreement. Which assuming this is accurate would have it even less expensive than the popular and low-cost Palm Centro. At that price I think that RIM could have a winner on their hands.

Via [CrackBerry] Image [http://blog.berryshack.com/blog/content/new-leaked-blackberry-kickstart-pictures]

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When I first saw this device, I thought it was some sort of new TV antenna or something. Not that we need one, since TV is getting all digital on us.

I was very surprised when I found out this contraption is actually a wind turbine from a famed designer named Philippe Starck, a man who literally came out of retirement to create this energy-efficient device.

Believe it or not, this wind turbine thing can somehow crank out twenty to sixty percent of the power necessary for a house. This also has an unusual aesthetic, and this design comes in stainless steel, signal orange, or even transparent.

There is no doubt that future homes will want to be less dependent on “the man” for energy as their power bills keep climbing. Renewable sources such as solar and wind are the answer, but the question is: how effective are they?

I tried to find a photo of this turbine that would show the size of this item, and I was surprised by its scale. I have no idea if the device requires this odd looking frame to make it work. Maybe that’s how you channel the wind.

This device costs about $633, and should be available for homes in September.

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Do you remember back when only the super-wealthy could afford to have video cameras? Now, with today’s cheaper digital camcorders, practically everyone has one. Of course, the one trouble that everyone has is transmitting digital formats directly to DVD.

Fortunately, Sony has created the DVDirect DVD Burner, a device that is starting to gain some popularity in the consumer video camcorder market. The DVDirect DVD Burner allows the transfer of content from other media straight to a DVD without the PC middleman.

The Burner has a 2.5 inch color screen that allows you to preview your material. It also has five memory card slots for transferring digital video content, and has a dual recording mechanism to store up 8.5 GB of footage on a DVD+R Dual Layer Disk. It even has an automatic DVD tilting along with menu creation in four different design styles.

Not only can you connect your camcorder to the DVDirect DVD Burner, but you can connect your VCR or DVR as well. There is the option of recording clear photo slideshows and videos in high definition AVCHD video from Sony HDD or Memory Stick camcorders to DVD format, which is playable in Blu-ray compatible devices.

You should be able to purchase the Sony DVDirect DVD Burner for about $229.99.

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The hoodie shown here may look like just your average hoodie, but it has a bit of added protection for skateboarders.  In the picture where you see the darkened sections, all but the one at the neck, are spots with added pads.  When you take a nasty spill, it will help protect you from injuries.  Also the spot where your hands slip through has another built-in pad.  When you just want to wear the hoodie as a normal hoodie or it needs washed, the pads can be removed by unzipping the pouch.

The lightweight material is said to be loose so as to not restrict the skater from any movements.  It also has an added hole for your thumb.  Having something like this would be a great way to get the younger more reckless skaters to wear pads without feeling like a dork.  I know I’ve never seen a teen around town that actually takes the time to put on a helmet or pads before turning to their friends and saying the dreaded line.  “Guys, watch this!”  That never ends well.  The Cali Hoodie was designed by Ravi Itiravivong and although it isn’t quite ready to be released for retail just yet, hopefully it will make its way there.

Source: newlaunches

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(Image courtesy of Xinhuanet.com)

Watch out you Segway cruising mall security guards. The Chinese Police are showing you guys up and proving they have mad Segway skills.

Recently, Chinese Security Squads were photographed performing counter-terrorrism drills on the self-stabilizing, 2-wheeled, electric transporters, proving that they could be used as a mobile shooting platform and counter-terrorism tool if the situation calls for it.

With the Beijing Olympics just a month away, it’s not surprising the Segway is being considered by the Chinese as they can be used to quickly mobilize troops around a dense urban setting in a crisis scenario. The question is whether the terrorists would stop what they are doing because of initimidation by the 2-wheeled opposing forces, or from the incapacitating laughter created by seeing an onslaught of approaching Segway troopers. Works either way.

Read more at CNET.

In just a few years, it could be a lot harder to get out of a speeding ticket as your car will be the tattletale. A British subsidiary of General Motors, called Vauxhall Motors, has devised an auto safety option that is like having a co-pilot watching for speed limit signs while you are driving.

This new safety option uses a camera that snaps 30 frames a second on the road ahead. The system then analyzes these pictures using image recognition software and determines the speed limit signs off to the side of the road. This information is then displayed front and center on the dashboard to keep the driver informed of the current road limit.

Initially, the new speed limit sign detctor option will be available for Vauxhall’s Insignia sedan when it goes on sale in Europe in the Fall. US models of cars may have the new option available to them in 2010.

Makes me wish I had this option back when I was a teenager. I would have saved thousands of dollars in speeding tickets and car insurance.

Read more at Kicking Tires, found via OhGizmo!

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 4th 2008 at 7:24AM

Hey USers — we know where all those “delayed” Winds are. Just take a look across the pond. bit-tech managed to wrap their paws around a retail unit of MSI’s Eee PC fighter, and while early reviews sang a lovely song, this one was just a bit flatter. All in all, reviewers found the machine to be useful and totally practical, but it was glaringly obvious that they were none too pleased about MSI jacking up the price of its own machine while the completely identical (save for branding) Advent 4211 was selling for less. If you’re listening to these guys / gals, you’ll gloss right over the Wind and nab yourself a rebadge, but whichever edition you end up getting, it’s sure to be “great” in the grand scheme of things. Check the read link for the full spill.

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Filed under: Laptops

Some of you might remember back when Disneyland had their “House of the Future”.  I’m guessing it was located in Tomorrowland, and it featured such futuristic advances like speakerphones, big screen TVs, and microwave ovens.  Most homes of the present have these devices now, but during the ten year period that the exhibit was open (1957-1967), this was the future. 

Disneyland has just recently opened their new house of the future, otherwise known as the Innovative Dream Home.  The 5,000-square-foot house has been built as a collaborated effort with HP, Microsoft, and LifeІware.  Visitors can watch the everyday adventures of the fictional Elias family with their more modern advancements. 

Some of Microsoft’s contributions include the ever-so-popular Surface, the Home Server, but it also has some advancements we are all familiar with, such as Vista, the Zune, and even the Xbox 360.

Other Microsoft donations include the Magic Mirror, a mirror that can somehow project different clothes, accessories, and hairstyles on the person’s image.  It can somehow change to the contours of each family members’ body, and move as the person moves. 

The Kitchen of Your Dreams can recognize whatever ingredients you put on your counter, and can even suggest recipes. 

What really screams Disney is the Story Time, a child’s room that becomes a fairy land.  If someone simply reads a story, it sets off lights, sounds, colors, and video, transforming an ordinary story time into a magical multimedia experience. 

HP has gracefully donated the Touchsmart computer, as well as the Mediasmart TV.  LifeІware has given the RFID technology and media center solutions. 

Let’s hope that the Innovations Dream Home doesn’t become out of date soon. 

Via [Gizmodo]

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