LG SH110. Looking Great!

LG Cyon, a Korean cell phone company, has just announced a release of another slim sliding phone for the home Korean market. It hasn’t yet been confirmed if the phone will be released in US.

Modeled, the LG SH110, it is a slim 3G slider that will as usual, hold a 2.0 megapixel camera, adopt the Bluetooth technology, while also acting as a media player. Not only that, but the SH110 will also have a camera placed on the front of the phone for videoconferencing, using the HSDPA 1.8 Mbps connectivity.
Already, the Korean cell phone users have been hyped up by this announcement. Being a major world power in manufacturing cell phones, the expectations of the Koreans have substantially increased, and LG have said that SH110 will try to meet the demands of such consumers.
Whether it’ll be as successful as the LG Chocolate Phone or not, we cannot determine yet, but it seems as if it definitely will be a phone that’ll carry hype. With the announcement of the Prada phone recently too, LG seems to have some creative innovation spree as of!

Creative Zen V Plus 8GB heading towards America

We have mentioned the problem of many gadgets being exclusively available in Asian markets, especially (South) Korea and Japan, but now it seems that at least the US gadget lovers are getting a gadget that our Asian friends have had since September 2006: the 8GB Creative Zen V Plus, a very cool small media player. It is going to be available for a fair $219 next month.

Next new Apple product

Apple Photoshop-Artists have come up with the new products, which maybe - or looking at some of the things on the minds of artists may not - will be the next iSomething product. Take a look at the competition over at Worth1000.com.

Asus A8Jr with ATI X2300

The ASUS A8Jr is the first Notebook to have the ATI X2300 graphics chip doings it’s work inside, which means it will support the nice 3D Windows Vista features. The main feature of this however is the increased performance-per-watt. Apart from the ATI X2300, which is the most publicized features, the A8Jr brings with it:-

Intel Centrino Duo Mobile Technology
64-bit Core Duo processor (T7600/T7400/ T7200/T5600/T5500),
14.1″ Widescreen Color Shine LCD and
802.11a/b/g WiFi
Mobile Intel 945PM Express Chipset
optional Bluetooth V1.2/V2.0 +EDR
5x USB Ports, 1x TV-Out, 1x DVI Port, 1x Card Reader, 1x Express Card, 1x IEEE1394, 1x VGA Out, 1x RJ11, 1x RJ45

Podcasting with Alesis

Podcasting was one of the biggest things in 2006, even if I have never understood quite why (except for educational purposes like the ChinesePod and MIT Openware stuff available). It seem that there is an ever increasing podcast producer market as well, as Behringer already has a USB recording kit for budding podcasters and now Alesis has shown one at NAMM2007. The Alesis USB Mic Podcasting set does not only look good, but seems to offer good audio at 16-bit/44.1-48kHz and Audacity software, which should be more than enough for any amateur podcaster. Alesis are also hosting podcast at alesispodcast.com, and a free 30-day trial is included with the USB mic set.

harman/kardon announce first GPS device

The GPS navigation system market seems to be heating up with more and more companies introducing new models to the market and now harman/kardon, the American company especially known for good audio gear, is introducing their first GPS device, the GPS500 Satellite Navigation System. The GPS500 is not only a satnav system, but like many others brings along multimedia features, such as being able to play back several audio and video formats (MP3, OGG, WAV, MP4, OGWMA and ASF). The display is a large 4″ WQVGA and battery life is 5 hours, but a cigarettelighter charger cable and AC adapter are supplied with the GPS500.
And as expected of a harman/kardon device: the design looks very good. You can expect this to come out on the US market March time for around $500.

How thin can it get: The Samsung “Ultra Edition 5.9″ cellphone

The craze in the world of cellphones is how slim your mobile phone can be. In this world of big, multi-functional mobile phones, Samsung seems to be planning their mobile phone ideas in a completely different way, in the direction of designing the slimmest phones.

Samsung is ready to launch its “Ultra Edition 5.9″ mobile phones, the next in its “Ultra Edition” series.The new “Ultra Edition 5.9″ is an amazing 5.9 millimeters thick or rather thin. Billed as the world’s thinnest phone the 5.9 is a millimeter less than the previous thinnest phone that to by Samsung, the Samsung X820.The 5.9 is not just the thinnest mobile. It comes with a tri-band GSM radio, a 3.2 megapixel camera, audio reader, BlueTooth and a good 80MB storage space.

The phone is build with high resistance resins and polymers, which will prevent the phone from breaking up into two in our pockets.The “Ultra Edition 5.9″ will be ready for sales by March 2007. So customers who want a phone which does not give a bulgy appearance to their pockets look out for the Samsung “Ultra Edition 5.9″

Revisiting SPH-M500: Samsung’s multimedia cellular phone

Today lets step a couple of months back and revisit the SPH-M500 from Samsung.The world of multimedia cellular phones is making rapid progress by incorporation of new features and by the addition of new models. Companies in this business are all up and doing to make it big when it comes to stuff their device with attractive features. Samsung, of late has incorporated in its wing SPH-M500 multimedia cellular phone. It is the latest brought out by the company with a plethora of features. SPH-M500 includes Bluetooth wireless technology, music player, 1.3 Megapixel Camera/Camcorder, Multimedia Streaming.
This tiny yet giant and sleek phone is capable of bringing the whole world in the grip. Through broadband like connection, it is possible for SPH-M500 to stream movies and videos. With this model, downloading songs, images, and movies is a matter of a few seconds.
The 1.3 Megapixel camera of SPH-M500 is embedded with flash, camcorder and digital zoom. Further, it is PictBridge compatible. This means the pictures clicked with this mobile can be printed in a printer which is PictBridge compatible. The sound quality of this phone is also par-excellence and can play formats like mp3, aac or aac+. This phone possesses a 96×96 Pixel 65 CSTN display. Its dimension is 3.7″ x 1.8″ x .7″. SPH-M500 is definitely light because it weights only 3.0 ounces.
The accessories for SPH-M500 are: Car Power Charger, Travel Charger, USB Data Cable, Bluetooth Wireless Technology Headset Kit, Hands-Free Stereo Headset, Leather Case Fitted, Standard Battery, Extended Battery Cover (Red), Holster, Extended Battery, Extended Battery Cover, Bluetooth Headset, Bluetooth Wireless Headset.

Canon unveils cool inkjet FAX-JX200

Canon announced the unveiling of their latest fax machine. FAX-JX200 is unique because it has incorporated the following features: High quality, high speed printing, Flexible paper handling, Time-saving speed dialing, Economical Ink Saver mode, Fax the finest details, 69 Speed dials, 14.4kpbs modem, Ink Saver mode etc.
With 14.4 kbps modem, FAX-JX200 can transmit a single page within only 10 seconds, which means 6 pages per minute. Priced at $80, FAX-JX200 will be released in the market by Canon on February. As because the print technology involved in it is inkjet printing, it’s clear, distinct and cost efficient.

It could copy resolution of 600×600 dpi and is enabled with multiple copy features for copying up to 99 copies. There are 16 display languages in FAX-JX200, which are English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, Finnish, Danish, Portuguese, Slovenian, Czech, Hungarian, Russian and Polish. Canon has definitely kept in mind the international market while designing this product. Its weight will be of approximately 4.1 kg.

Windows Vista Ultimate Signature Edition

Windows Vista is about to be released towards the end of the month in four different versions, but now also another version has been announced: the Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Signature Edition. I myself use various operating systems, including Windows but mainly Debian Linux. I like Windows, but this is for the die-hard fanboys only and is limited to 20,000 copies. Unlike other limited editions / signature editions, Microsoft is selling this limited edition at only $10 more than the normal Ultimate Edition price, which does not seem to bad.

Sony Ericsson MBW-100 watch know who’s over the phone

Sony Ericsson has launched the MBW-100 watch, which connects wirelessly with a cell phone and lets the user know who’s calling. The watch using Bluetooth technology to connect with the phone vibrates and displays the identity of the caller.
The watch works within a distance of 30 feet from the phone. It vibrates when a call is incoming and displays the name or number of the caller in a sleek display panel beneath the watch face. The watch also displays the message alert icon when a SMS/MMS is received.The watch has a analog display.
The watch has buttons customized to be associated with the phone. To mute the phone’s ring signal a button is pressed once and when it is pressed twice the call is transferred to voice mail. Another button in the watch is used to activate the phone’s digital player. The watch also alerts the user if it is getting out of range.
The MBW-100 priced at $399 is currently compatible with a small number of enabled Sony Ericsson phones like the W710i. Though it is not in the league of genuinely next generation watches the MBW-100 is stylish and has its utility in helping people, have the habit of leaving behind their phones.
The watch weighing 187.5 grams has an elegant stainless steel body. The OLED display adds a futuristic look to the beauty of the watch. The watch comes in four different versions with prices ranging from $149-$399.

Duo Soundolier’s ‘wireless speaking lamp’

Lamps were known for their power of illumining our rooms. But now its arena has been expanded and lamps now have been taken to greater heights to serve a gamut of purposes and be friendlier to its users. Thanks to Duo Soundolier, for it has made lamps to work as sleek, fashionable and a handy gadget.
The company claims it as the world’s first ‘wireless speaking lamp’. The Soundolier is a unique synthesization of sound and light and that too without the hassle of any wires. The Duo Soundolier can be used in various ways, such as, a single speaker or as a pair for those who would love stereo sound, although the single speaker will also be stereo. It could further be configured as a part of home theatre even. Its speakers are also enabled with signal and volume controls.

This Duo Soundolier is capable of performing more wonders if the consumer is ready to shell out another $ 79.95 for a wireless audio transmitter. This transmitter enable to stream sounds from iPod, CD player, DVD Player etc. to the lamps without any wires. Priced at US$279.95, this Wireless Speaker Lamp is a ‘foot controlled gadget’ and is expected to rope in good section of the customers.

Desk to work as wireless device for gadgets

Gone are those days when one has to keep bulky chargers for their various electronic gazettes. Herman Miller Inc., an office furniture maker and Fulton Innovations have now come up with an office desk, which in itself is enabled with a new technology called, an eCoupled technology. This is a wireless device, through which one can charge Mobile Phones, Laptops, Bluetooth Headsets, iPods etc.

This eCoupled technology was demonstrated by Fulton Innovations at the recent Las-Vegas based The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). In simple words, in this technology power is transferred through a magnetic field. This transferred power via the medium of the magnetic field will enable to charge the gadgets, which will come in contact with it.
So once consumers start using this wireless desk device, many other facets of this much hyped gadget will emerge. As for example, the cost viability, the size of the desk for institutional use and so on.

Europe may tune in to Zune by end 2007

Europeans can tune in to Zune by the end of 2007 if Microsoft goes forward with its plans to release its digital media player in Europe. Zune, Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s iPod, was launched in North America in November 2006.
Microsoft engaged in battle with Apple Inc for the supremacy in the world of portable media players will possibly be releasing a new updated version of Zune optimised for its European customers.
Though a official date has not been announced but Microsoft’s Jason Reindorp told Reuters that Microsoft is on the process of releasing Zune in Europe.
Reindorp also asserted that the company was happy with its initial market share of Zune. He said that Zune could still sell over a million units by the end of the current fiscal year and it currently enjoys a market share of 10.2 percent in the US.
So get ready to Zune in to the world of entertainment!!

Samsung concepts a wearable cellphone

This is Samsung’s concept wearable cellphone, which I must admit looks pretty cool. It uses intuitive input methods using your fingertip on segments of your fingers. After looking at his I tried it myself by blind dialing some well known telephone numbers and it does work with no problems. Sadly it is probably going to take some time before something like this hits even the Korean market.

Suzuki been watching to much “Pimp my ride”?

“Pimp my Ride” is a popular MTV show shown in many countries around the world in which someones old car, normally not worth calling a car anymore the state it is in, gets “pimped” by an American car customizing company sponsored by MTV and presented by HipHop star Xzibit. Now all that may well be, you may think, but what has this got to do with gadgets?

This is a concept car that was shown by Suzuki at the Detroit Auto Show - and it looks just like something from the before mentioned TV show. It is just full of gadgets: Car turned home entertainment center. Sadly, or maybe rightfully, you will not be seeing this car available at your local car dealer too soon. Why rightfully? Well…how often do you go out with your car and feel the urge to watch a movie while parked somewhere. Projecting it on the screen on the roof might even get you into trouble unless you have a license. But exactly this is why it is a so-called “concept car”: you are most likely never going to see one ever again. It features a DVD player with integrated harddisk for storage, a THX/SDS sound system and nice looking pivoting speakers. Just the right system when your stuck out in the wilderness and really need to watch that movie you just bought 120 miles back on the road.

Robot nurses could be on the wards in three years, say scientists

ROBOT nurses could be bustling around hospital wards in as little as three years.
The mechanised "angels" - being developed by EU-funded scientists - will perform basic tasks such as mopping up spillages, taking messages and guiding visitors to hospital beds.

They could also be used to distribute medicines and even monitor the temperature of patients remotely with laser thermometers.
Working in teams, the intelligent robots will be able to communicate with each other and co-ordinate their duties.
Scientists from the universities of Warwick, Cardiff, Dublin and Newcastle are among the engineers and software experts taking part in the "IWARD" project. They aim to have a three-robot prototype system ready by 2010.
It is hoped the machines will ease pressure on hospitals and free staff to spend more time with patients.
By helping to keep wards cleaner, they could also cut infections by hospital superbugs such as MRSA. Each "nursebot" will consist of a mobile platform mounted with a module of sensors and equipment for different tasks.
It might be fitted with a laser thermometer which can measure body heat from a distance, or cleaning equipment to mop up spills.
While the hardware and modules can employ off-the-shelf technology, making the robots sufficiently intelligent and autonomous will require ground-breaking work.
Project leader Thomas Schlegel, from the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, has teamed up with experts from the University of Warwick to develop the advanced software.
He told The Engineer magazine: "The idea is not only to have mobile robots but also a full system of integrated information terminals and guide lights, so the hospital is full of interaction and intelligence.
"Operating as a completely decentralised network means that the robots can co-ordinate things between themselves, such as deciding which one would be best-equipped to deal with a spillage or to transport medicine."
He said the robots could provide a valuable service guiding people around the hospital. A visitor would state the name of a patient at an information terminal and then follow a robot to the correct bedside.
If the nearest robot was not sure of a patient's location, it could seek help by communicating with others in the right area.
The robots will be fitted with sensors and cameras, allowing them to avoid collisions while travelling through wards and corridors. High-speed lanes could allow them to move from place to place quickly.
The robots would also employ face and voice recognition technology to communicate with patients and spot unauthorised visitors.
"But the human-robot interaction will be tricky, as the robots will have to be able to deal with people with different injuries and disabilities as well as the elderly and seriously ill patients," said Mr Schlegel.