Archive for July, 2005
Less than a month after TechSmec.com reported that HP was expanding its line of iPods, we can now report that Apple is to end the relationship with its larger rival that allowed the sale of HP-branded devices. What was seen as a win-win situation for both companies has been terminated by HP’s new CEO who decided that the iPod no longer fitted into HP’s digital entertainment strategy.
Sales of HP-branded iPods were never setting the world alight, with many customers confused about why it was possible to buy identical players, one with an Apple logo and one with an HP logo. HP only captured between 5 and 10% of the iPod market.
Under the terms of the original agreement HP cannot develop a competing player until August 2006 and so they will continue to sell off existing stock in the meantime.
July 30th, 2005
Gigabyte has introduced the ‘quiet’ GV-RX80L512V VGA card based on the ATI X800 XL series graphics accelerator with an impressive 512 MB of onboard memory – twice the capacity of standard high-end VGA cards.
The new high-definition graphics accelerator card also features a dual 256-bit memory interface and Silent Pipe cooling technology to ensure outstanding performance with unequalled quiet operation for media center type applications.
With as many as 16 pipelines, 6 vertex engines and breakthrough image enhancement technology, the GV-RX80L512V steps up as the new flagship in the Gigabyte ATI series of VGA cards, and introduces unprecedented levels of graphics rendering performance for demanding PC gaming applications. Contributing to the card’s performance, the ATI X800 XL VPU benefits from a technologically advanced new architecture based on the latest 0.11 micron and low-k manufacturing processes to reduce power consumption, while ultra fast and efficient GDDR3 memory boasts extreme data transfer rates from a quiet, cool, single-slot PCI-Express solution. Additionally, the GV-RX80L512V not only maintains smooth image flows, but supports higher display resolutions and more anti-aliasing effects for a powerful high-definition gaming experience.
Industry leading technologies from ATI include revolutionary 3Dc image enhancement technology that uses unique normal-map compression to bring characters to life and scenery to greater realism by significantly improving image details with increased memory bandwidth; what’s more, SMARTSHADER HD supports the Microsoft DirectX 9.0 vertex and pixel programmable engine to ensure top-notch compatibility and performance for OpenGL 2.0 applications. ATI Radeon X800 graphics technology features SMOOTHVISION HD, the industry’s most advanced anti-aliasing technology that enhances images without compromising performance at higher resolutions. Additionally, the GV-RX80L512V with VIDEOSHADER HD takes advantage of its advanced shade processing engine for user programmable video effects, video quality enhancement, and encoding/decoding of various video standards, including MPEG1/2/4, Real Media, DivX and WMV9.
The GV-RX80L512V is equipped with dual DVI-I, TV-OUT, VIVO and HDTV outputs, not to mention a unique HDTV/VIVO adapter box from Gigabyte that simplifies multiple output connections and makes upgrading a PC to a digital home theatre a breeze. The card also comes with an impressive range of software that enables gamers to experience HD image splendor out of the box.
For more details of the Gigabyte ATI X800 Series of VGA cards, visit the official Gigabyte VGA website: http://tw.giga-byte.com/VGA.
July 29th, 2005
AOL is testing a WAP-based search service for mobile phone users to make general web searches, query AOL’s shopping service, and search business listings.
You can try the search out but pointing your WAP browser at mobile.aolsearch.com. AOL won’t charge you a bean, but your service provider will apply the normal charge for a data-based call.
“We are committed to providing people with easy access to the full range of information and services available on the Internet wherever they may go,” said AOL Mobile Vice President and General Manager Himesh Bhise in a statement
AOL has based the product on work by Israeli tech firm, InfoGin. They claim to be able to convert any HTML-based webpage into one readable by a WAP browser, even some Flash sites. AOL hopes this technology will enable you to actually make purchases from shopping sites through your phone, but as InfoGen’s software relies on stripping out JavaScript and XHTML this may render most shopping carts useless.
July 28th, 2005
Fujifilm have introduced three new models to its digital camera portfolio, inclusing the FinePix S9000 and FinePix E900 digital cameras - the world’s first consumer level cameras with nine MegaPixel sensors.
These three new models will feature Fujifilm’s innovative Real Photo Technology, a synergy of the newly developed RP Processor, the 5th Generation Super CCD HR sensor and a super-sharp Fujinon lens that provides many benefits including reduced noise for sharper pictures, better low-light shooting, faster operation and higher shutter speeds that minimize blurriness in photos even at the high ISO setting, as achieved by the FinePix S9000 model.
This novel technology arms users with a powerful photographic device that captures brilliant images just as the eye sees them.
Consumers are already experiencing the benefits of Real Photo Technology in Fujifilm’s FinePix F10 and FinePix Z1 digital cameras. Currently on the market, the FinePix F10 and FinePix Z1 models are the first cameras in Fujifilm’s lineup to feature this innovative technology and have received critical acclaim for offering best-in-class image quality, particularly in image sharpness. Catering to the needs of advanced amateur photographers, Fujifilm has incorporated the photographic innovation of Real Photo Technology into these three new models, offering the more serious digital shooter more robust bodies, higher resolution for picture enlargements, advanced wide angle optical zoom, and overall better picture taking and images.
“As the digital camera market has matured so have consumers, who now want their digital cameras to perform across the board, not just in terms of the number of megapixels,” said Bill Drysdale, Vice President and General Manager, Electronic Imaging Products Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A, Inc. “More than ever, consumers are looking for a digital camera that provides the whole package, including great image quality, form factor, and manual options allowing them to grow as they expand their digital know how. As an imaging technology leader, Fujifilm feels these new models will offer users across all levels cameras that are faster, smarter and most importantly armed with the ability to provide people with the high level of performance they seek when capturing memories.”
The FinePix S9000 offers traditional SLR-like styling for serious photo enthusiasts and Fujifilm’s proprietary Super CCD HR (High Resolution) sensor to capture nine million effective pixels - the first consumer digital camera on the market to offer such resolution. In addition to increased MegaPixels, the FinePix S9000 features a new 10.7x optical zoom with a 28mm-300 wide-angle equivalency for wider scene to longer range possibilities without a change in lens.
In the past, users of consumer-level digital cameras found that higher MegaPixels often meant more noise, resulting in pictures files that were big enough for enlargements, but often lacking in sharpness. With the FinePix S9000 users are able to capture beautiful digital images with very little noise at the high ISO settings at full resolution. Additional features of the S9000 include a tilting LCD screen for shooting from a variety of angles, the ability to shoot in the RAW file format, dual media slots, 30 fps video at VGA resolution, hot shoe mount for external flash systems and ultra high resolution achieved through the electronic viewfinder.
The FinePix E900 adds to Fujifilm’s current E-series lineup, providing consumers with a powerful nine million-pixel sensor in a compact design. Similar to its predecessors, the FinePix E900 is a point and shoot camera that expands with users as they broaden their imaging expertise. In addition to a 4x optical zoom and large two-inch LCD screen, the FinePix E900 also caters to users seeking more advanced features, including mode dial for easy access to common shooting functions, RAW mode and optional lens adapters. By incorporating Real Photo Technology, the FinePix E900 can also achieve higher shutter speeds that minimize blurriness in photos at ISO equivalent settings as high as 800.
The FinePix S5200 offers the mid-level digital photographer 5.0 million pixels with SLR-like styling with an advanced manual feature set including continuous shooting, continuous auto-focus, shutter priority AE and aperture priority AE modes. This model offers a 10x optical zoom capability, the longest in Fujifilm’s consumer category.
The FinePix S9000 will be available in early September at $699.95. The FinePix E900 and FinePix 5200 will be available in October at $499.95 and $399.95 respectively. The FinePix S9000 and S5200 models will ship with four AA alkaline batteries and the FinePix E900 model comes equipped with 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries. All three models use Fujifilm’s xD-Picture Card storage media.
July 28th, 2005
Archos has introduced the new Gmini 402 Pocket Multimedia Center. The slim and sleek 20GB hard-drive-based video, audio and photo device is now Microsoft PlaysForSure-compatible, supporting both protected download and subscription music services, and features a 2.2″ color LCD screen and sleek metallic casing.
he Gmini 402 is an upgrade from the Gmini 400 released last year and is the perfect summer companion to take up to 80 hours of video, 200,000 photos or 10,000 songs in your pocket wherever you go.
The ARCHOS Gmini 402 is designed for media enthusiasts who want to take their video, photos and music with them on a stylish pocket-sized device. With its sleek metallic design, the Gmini 402 measures only 4.17″ x 2.37″ x 0.69″ and is 5.64 ounces, yet offers the largest hard drive capacity and color LCD screen for a product of its size. The latest in the ARCHOS Gmini line of music players offers an extensive list of features, including:
* Storage for up to 80 hours of video, 200,000 photos or 10,000 songs.
* Autosync with Windows Media Player 10 allows for easy transfer of media from the PC.
* Transfer photos directly from digital cameras using the USB host port.
* Allow DVD -quality movie playback and photo viewing on the screen or on the TV.
* Play DivX(R), MPEG -4 and Windows Media Video(4) files.
* Play MP3, WMA and protected WMA audio files.
* Supports Microsoft PlaysForSure download and subscription services to allow easy transfer and playback of music or videos acquired from PlaysForSure-compatible online stores.
* Synchronize or download files from either the PC or Macintosh.
“The Gmini 402 improves our PC-centric line of Pocket Multimedia Centers, offering integration with Microsoft PlaysForSure and Windows Media Audio and Video protected files,” said Henri Crohas, ARCHOS chief executive officer. “The Gmini 402 is a perfect summer holiday companion to take all your favorite digital entertainment on the go.”
Find the lowest prices on the tools you need.
click here to get the best priceDigital Cameras
Brand: Sony, Olympus, Canon, Fuji, Kodak, Vivitar, Nikon, More…
Megapixels: 6.0+, 5.0-5.9, 4.0-4.9, 3.0-3.9, 2.0-2.9, 1.0-1.9, 0.9
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Price: Below $500, $500-$1000, $1000-$1500, $1500-$2000, Above $2000
click here to get the best priceIPod, MP3 and Digital Media Players
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Storage: 40+GB, 20+GB, 6+GB, 1+GB, 128+MB, 32+MB
Price: $20-$90, $90-$120, $120-$160, $160-$250, Above $250
The Gmini 402 allows protected video and music content to be purchased, downloaded, subscribed to or rented from PlaysForSure-compatible online stores, which include music services MSN Music, Musicmatch, MusicNow, Napster and Wal-Mart Music Downloads, and video store CinemaNow. Using the high-speed USB 2.0 interface, the Gmini 402 will easily auto-synchronize music and video with Windows Media Player 10 each time the device is connected to the PC. The Gmini 402 supports the widest array of music and video formats, including MP3, WMA, protected WMA and WAV audio files, and DivX, MPEG -4, and Windows Media Video files.
The Archos Gmini 402 is available now at select retailers and online, and is priced at $329.95 in the United States. The Gmini 402 comes with earphones, USB cable, USB host adaptor, AC power charger, Quick Start Guide and a protective pouch. Optional accessories include a car adaptor, protective case, additional power charger, sound case, FM remote control and double headphone kit. Additional product information and add-on accessories are available on the Archos web site at www.archos.com.
July 27th, 2005
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics products, today announced a strategic alliance with XM Satellite Radio to introduce its first portable MP3 players with XM Satellite Radio capability.
The relationship entails the production of two miniature flash memory Samsung players that will utilize XM’s Connect-and-Play technology. Both players will come with an XM Radio home accessory kit, which allows the device to receive XM’s 150 channels of commercial-free music, plus news, talk and entertainment programming in the home. Samsung’s new players will be available in two storage capacity sizes and are anticipated to be available by year’s end.
The alliance will combine the capabilities of downloading digital audio music with XM Satellite Radio’s critically-acclaimed line-up of commercial-free music and premier sports, news, and talk radio channels. When the players are connected to a home or car docking station, users will be able to store digital audio content available on XM. The recorded content can be played anywhere, allowing subscribers to enjoy XM programming in places where the XM signal may not be available, such as the subway. In addition, the Samsung players enable the end user to store songs from his or her personal digital music collection, including digital music files (MP3 files and .wma files) purchased from a variety of digital music services.
XM Satellite Radio allows subscribers to discover and rediscover music. Using the Samsung XM/digital audio players, XM subscribers can identify selected songs heard on the XM Satellite Radio service for purchase through a music downloading service. The Samsung players also allow users to create and manage customized playlists, combining both personal digital music files and recorded XM programming.
“Samsung is known for its award-winning line of digital audio players, and we are proud to take the next step with them in the evolution of portable XM Satellite Radio products. Now, consumers can enjoy XM’s live programming plus music from their personal digital music collections in one easy-to-use, elegant player,” said Hugh Panero, President and CEO of XM Satellite Radio.
“Samsung’s innovation and quality standards are world renowned and these products represent our latest breakthrough into satellite radio technology,” said D.J Oh, President and CEO of SEA. “XM’s award-winning programming and technology provide us with a unique opportunity to offer products that empower consumers and fundamentally change the way people listen to music.”
July 26th, 2005
Apple have upgraded their Powerbook and Mac Mini lines, in most cases making what were previously optional extras standard.
The 12 inch Powerbook has had a processor upgrade from 1.2GHz to 1.33GHz with a 40GB hard drive and a doubling of RAM to 512MB. Contrary to earlier rumours it isn’t being fitted with a widescreen display. The 14 inch Powerbook now has a 1.42Ghz processor and a 60GB hard drive, along with 512MB of RAM.
The Mac Mini now comes in three flavours, all with the 512MB of RAM that they really should have had from the outset. There is now a 1.25GHz Mac mini, a 1.42GHz Mac mini and the new 1.42 GHz Mac mini with SuperDrive for burning DVDs and CDs, a very useful addition. The top two models also include a 54 Mbps 802.11g AirPort Extreme for wireless networking and an internal bluetooth receiver.
Again Apple plays catchup with the Wintel world where such specs have been at the cheaper end of the market for some time.
July 26th, 2005
Motorola have announced what they claim is the world’s thinnest, lightest QWERTY phone, boasting flexible mobile email featuring Microsoft’s Windows Mobile software, advanced cellular phone technology, rich multimedia capabilities and an easy-to-use one-handed navigation thumbwheel.
“Wickedly cool when’s the last time you heard those words used to describe a QWERTY device?” said Ron Garriques, president mobile devices business, Motorola. “Probably never. At least until now. With the Moto Q, we’ve combined the best voice, data and design technology in one ultra-thin, intelligent, hard-working, and incredibly must-have device. Today’s office space has the potential to be any place you want it to be with Q.”
The uber-intelligent Q leverages Microsoft’s familiar and trusted Windows Mobile software and is one of the first devices to operate on the latest release, Windows Mobile 5.0. Motorola Q delivers scalable and cost-effective mobile messaging support out of the box with Exchange 2003, and is also optimized for a variety of third party email solutions that enable an even broader set of corporate email capabilities. This provides a cost-effective alternative for businesses looking to leverage their existing infrastructure, training and support systems, while reducing the need for additional IT investment.
Fifty percent thinner than its top competitors, the lightweight Q features Motorola’s renown RAZR-thin design including electro-luminescent keys and a compact “antenna-inside” shape. Moto Q also hosts a large, vibrant, color screen, Net surfing capabilities, a 1.3 mega pixel camera with flash to help you take advantage of any downtime with fun, entertainment options. No need to grab another device on the weekend when you can leverage digital video and audio capabilities, along with cool new Bluetooth -enabled accessories like RAZRWIRE eyewear, to balance work and play.
There’s no word yet on when the Motorola Q will hit the shops, but it looks like a more-than-solid rival to Blackberry.
July 26th, 2005
Oakley are cornering the market in ‘convergence’ sunglasses. A couple of months ago we reported on the Oakley Thump MP3 Sunglasses. Now they’ve teamed up with Motorola to produce the equally hideous RAZRWIRE Bluetooth eyewear.
“Motorola and Oakley are bringing innovative wearable technology to life. With this one-of-a-kind Bluetooth-enabled mobile eyewear, active consumers can stay connected while moving from one environment to the next,” said Bruce Hawver, vice president of companion products, Motorola’s Mobile Device business.
RAZRWIRE is armed with Motorola’s third generation Bluetooth technology and supports Bluetooth RF protocol 1.1 and 1.2 ensuring compatibility with most Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones and other Bluetooth devices. Esthetically, the Bluetooth module is designed to complement the overall look of the sunglasses (i.e. alien face hugger).
The intuitive, easy-to-use controls include two volume buttons and a single button used to handle incoming and outgoing calls. RAZRWIRE allows you to carry on phone conversations while up to 30 feet away from your compatible Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. Charging is easy using an included wall charger or through a USB computer port using an optional cable.
Bluetooth Sniff Mode technology increases the battery life of RAZRWIRE, offering continuous talk time of more than five hours and standby time of up to approximately 100 hours. RAZRWIRE is designed for comfort – module’s speaker can be worn on either ear or removed entirely depending on your preference.
Cue the unintelligible Oakley marketing blurb about the glasses themselves…
The RAZRWIRE frame is made of Oakley’s proprietary O-Luminum, an alloy 40 percent lighter than pure titanium. Custom engineered spring hinges provide a secure, adaptable fit, and soft Unobtainium components increase grip with perspiration for virtually any activity your involved in. The Plutonite lenses, which filter out 100 percent of UV and harmful blue light, feature Oakley’s patented XYZ Optics, an innovation that maximizes clarity at all angles of vision throughout all surfaces of the wrapped lens contours.
The semi-rimless design means there’s no frame rim to block your downward view. The engineering construction of the lens and frame meets all ANSI Z87.1 standards for impact protection. RAZRWIRE can also accommodate Oakley prescription lenses with an optional prescription lens adapter.
July 26th, 2005
Goodbye Longhorn. Just as we were all starting to think that Microsoft would keep the codename for the new version of Windows, they’ve announced that it will be known as Windows Vista.
The replacement for XP will be released towards the end of 2006, with developers getting a beta version on August 3rd 2005. Even if Microsoft meet the planned launch date it will still be five years since the birth of Windows XP, marking the longest ever period without a new version of the world’s most-used operating system.
There are three main planks to Vista (according to the Microsoft marketing blurb).
1) It will be safer and more robust than any other OS.
2) It will enable easier organisation and retrieval of files and media.
3) It will seamlessly interconnect with other devices.
Vista’s development has been one of the most documented in software history with Microsoft having to abandon many of thier ambitious plans for the OS because of time constraints. The new WinFS file system is one such casualty. It is expected to still be in beta by the time that Vista launches.
STOP PRESS: The name Vista has apparently been registered for several years by an American company, ironically based in Redmond, the home town of Microsoft. What this means for the name is unclear as Vista are still considering their options.
July 25th, 2005
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