Archive for August, 2006
Last September we reported on the new Dell mp3 player that was aiming to take a chunk out of the iPod market, specifically the iPod Shuffle. Almost a year later Dell has pulled the plug on the stupidly-named DJ Ditty.
Dell removed the DJ Ditty from its website on August 17, said Dell spokesman Venancio Figueroa.
“We want to tighten our consumer product focus and we believe we can do that with PCs , TVs, and printers,” he said.
In other words, no one bought them.
Source: PC World
August 24th, 2006
Logitech today unveiled a new game controller with an innovative built-in fan-based cooling system, designed to keep the hands of gamers cool and dry – even during intense competition. The Logitech ChillStream controller for PC is the only new game controller to offer this exclusive, patented technology.
“We’re always evaluating the different kinds of materials and technologies that can help make the gaming experience more comfortable,” said Ruben Mookerjee, Logitech’s director of product marketing for gaming. “But for intense action-games, there is nothing that can substitute for moving air – it’s the best way to keep hands cool and dry. This new controller offers Logitech’s unique ChillStream hand-cooling technology without compromising on the size and design of the controller. And the fan is extremely quiet – you’ll know it’s on only because you can feel the air cooling your hands.”
Logitech’s exclusive ChillStream Technology includes a built-in 40 mm fan that circulates up to 3.41 cubic feet of air every minute, while generating very little noise. Because of the fan’s compact size, Logitech can deliver the ChillStream feature in a standard-size controller. Three narrow vents on each side of the controller push air directly onto the four fingers, the base of the thumb and the palm of the hand – the three areas of the hand that need cooling most. The air stream has three settings – high, low, and off. The air vents are recessed from the surface of the controller and rubber linings surrounding the vents are flush with the surface – making the vents barely noticeable to the touch during gaming.
The plug-and-play, full-speed USB Logitech ChillStream controller for PC works on Windows XP computers (with the latest service pack), and will work with Windows Vista when Microsoft’s new operating system becomes available. The controller’s stylish silver-and-black color scheme is
accented by the metal grille covering the air intake at the base of the controller. The controller features Logitech’s patented floating D-pad, which uses four points of contact instead of a single pivot point – a design that resists side-to-side tipping inherent in other controllers, making the controller more precise. The controller’s analog stick has been machine-tested to perform at least one million circular revolutions, ensuring that it can handle the rigors of gaming over a long period of time.
The Logitech ChillStream controller for PC will be available in the U.S. and in Europe, beginning in September. It has a suggested retail price of $39.99 in the U.S.
August 22nd, 2006
Dell and Intel have cosied since…well, since time began, but that relationship is going to be put under strain with the announcement that Dell has a new friend, Intel’s arch rival AMD.
Next month Dell will start selling its Dimension desktops with an AMD option.
“Dell’s wider embrace of AMD processor-based offerings is a win for Dell, for the industry, and most importantly for Dell customers,” says Marty Seyer, AMD’s senior vice president for commercial business. “Dell’s plan to expand the AMD footprint serves as a powerful statement on the strength of the AMD processor roadmap, as well as the demand that exists for AMD technology in Dell products.”
“Customers want certain price, performance and heating characteristics that aren’t possible with the Intel chips. Dell has always been very customer-responsive and sometimes that goes beyond exclusivity,” said Rick Doherty, an analyst with The Envisioneering Group.
August 21st, 2006
The number of Playstation3 units expected to be available by the end of the year is 2 million. However, according to Sony Computer Entertainment American president Kaz Hirai, not a single console has yet rolled off production lines, meaning that Sony is going to have to knock out one new unit every minute from now until Christmas to meet its target.
“We haven’t started manufacturing yet. Some of our ops guys were actually just in China, and also in Japan just reviewing the [production] lines and everything else,” said Hirai in an interview with Gamespot. “But they are, again, preparing as we speak to get the manufacturing going.
He then went on to admit that a date had not yet been set for production to start.
Sony appears to harbour no aspirations of actually meeting demand. “I think it’s going to be very much of a challenge to be able to meet every single unit demand that’s out there in the market,” said Hirai. “That’s just a logistical impossibility.”
August 21st, 2006
LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and innovative force in consumer electronics and mobile communications, has won three awards in the 2006 EISA Awards. LG scooped the awards for ‘European Plasma TV 2006-2007′, ‘European Digital Video Recorder 2006-2007′ and the ‘European HT Innovation 2006-2007′. The official award ceremony will be on September 1st at IFA Berlin.
The winning products were recognised as displaying the most advanced technology, the most desirable features and the most satisfying ergonomics. They represent outstanding and ground-breaking design as well as the best value for money. EISA have acknowledged the high quality of, and the creativity, behind LG’s products which include the most advanced and cutting edge technologies. EISA is the largest editorial multimedia organisation in Europe, with a membership of 54 audio, mobile electronics, video and photo magazines drawn from 18 European countries.
James Kim, President & CEO LG Electronics Europe said: “We are delighted with these important European Awards. They prove that LG is establishing itself as an upcoming and fast growing player in the European consumer electronics market and recognises that we are developing technologically advanced products which cater for exacting European tastes.”
LG 42PC1RR: ‘European Plasma TV 2006-2007′
A 42 inch Plasma TV with built-in Digital Video Recorder (DVR). LG has launched the world’s first product to offer this integrated pause function. LG is confident that this will change the way people watch TV; viewers can stop a live programme to answer the phone or the door, they can avoid missing their favourite soap moment or their team’s winning goal. Alongside flexible TV, LG also offers the best picture quality with the highest contrast ratio, giving the greatest brightness of 1500 cd/m2, combined with a highly desirable form factor.
LG flat wall mounted projector: ‘European HT Innovation 2006-2007′
LG has unveiled a revolutionary new approach to home theatre design with this wall mounted projector. A high-definition (HD) DLP projector whose design resembles more a contemporary artwork than a piece of home theatre equipment. This unique offering is made possible by two patented LG technologies. The first is a unique L-type projection lens enabling LG’s engineers to create a sleek projector suitable for wall mounting. The second is LG’s Reverse Type TIR Prism – a two-dimensional structure that allows for optimum uniformity of 98 percent. The reverse type makes it possible to develop a wall mounted projector. Favourite movies and television programmes are viewed the way they were meant to be. The wall mounted projector has already won three major design awards: iF Award (International Forum Design), Reddot Award and IDEA (Industrial Design Excellence Award).
LG RH200MHS: ‘European Digital Video Recorder 2006-2007′
LG RH200MHS takes the home entertainment experience to an entirely new level. It delivers enhanced video and audio and provides innovative and user-friendly recording capabilities by virtue of a 250 GB hard disk. The super multi recording (DVD-RAM/+RW/-RW/+R/-R/+R DL) makes the DVD recorder highly flexible, compatible with any format of storage media. It is also available in black and silver which perfectly match LG’s range of flat panel TVs.
August 19th, 2006
AMEX DIGITAL Corporation announced today that the world’s first Blu-ray disc recorder has been shipped to Euro market for availability on August 28th.The AMEX DIGITAL Blu-ray disc recorder (M505-BDR) has been eagerly awaited by consumers anticipating the opportunity to view High Definition discs on their existing HDTVs. Blu-ray is the next generation disc format which offers close to five times the resolution of conventional DVDs making it the highest picture quality available on the market. The format is supported by many of the leading movie studios, including Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) and LionsGate Pictures which will release Blu-ray content June 2006. The innovation marks the latest technology breakthrough brought to market by AMEX DIGITAL and further underscores the brand commitment to offering consumers the ultimate home theater experience.
Blu-ray is the premier next generation optical disc format and is supported by more than 170 of the world’s leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers. While current optical disc technologies such as DVD, DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD-RAM rely on a red laser to read and write data, the new format uses a blue-violet laser which better utilizes the space on the disc allowing more than five times the amount of information.
The AMEX DIGITAL plays Blu-ray software titles at the highest resolution available via a native 1080p HDMI output for films digitally mastered in 1920 x 1080p. The M505-BDR also up-converts conventional DVDs to 1080p through the HDMI digital interface so the picture quality of any traditional DVD will look noticeably more detailed when used with the disc player. The M505-BDR is backwards compatible and plays both standard DVDs and CDs in addition to supporting all DVD formats including, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+RW, and DVD+R.
Additionally, AMEX DIGITAL has included a dual Hybrid digital TV turner with PIP (Picture in Picture) Function and wireless WiFi b/g, 100/1000Mb network, Fire Wire IEEE1394, S/P DIF in/out interface that supports all the major formats source from internet and HD-DV Cam, the native high definition resolution contained in 2-megapixel and larger digital still pictures can be fully rendered on a high definition television via slide show functionality built into the M505-BDR.
Connectivity includes HDMI Supported audio formats include: Dolby, DTS, MP3 and 192KHz LPCM. The M505-BDR will be available in stores on AUGUST 28, 2006 at a Price from $2,000 come with free Blu-ray movie title.
The launch of the AMEX DIGITAL M505-BDR coincides with a major influx of Blu-ray content. Seven of the eight major movie studios have already announced titles for Blu-ray, with the initial line-up of recent hits as well as classics, expected to grow to more than 200 titles by year end.
August 19th, 2006
The easy-to-navigate menu functions on the RDR-HXD560 and RDR-HXD860 allow you to plan recordings up to 8 days in advance. In addition they boast an impressive 80GB and 160GB hard drive memory enabling you to record up to 106 hours and 249 hours of TV respectively. Both models offer a multitude of Intelligent Recording features including set-top box control that allows you to change channels and record content from satellite and cable channels as well as all Freeview channels through your HDD recorder, using just one remote control.
The Pause Live TV function is a useful addition as the screen can be frozen until you wish to continue watching, great if the phone rings. You can also use the fast playback with sound function (at 1.3 speed) to catch up with live broadcast without missing any of the details.
Another interesting feature is Chasing Playback that lets you begin watching a recording before it has finished by selecting play from the title list. You can also skip chapters that are automatically placed at six minute intervals or fast forward as desired. The hard disk drive also allows Simultaneous Recording of a live show and the playback of another programme Ð giving greater flexibility for enjoying TV at your leisure.
The electronic programme guide available on both models offers a wealth of information at your fingertips with programme information for all Freeview channels on one handy screen. Clever functions such as repeat recording are possible by selecting from a range of repeat options, such as daily or weekly. Programmes which are broadcast at regular timeslots such as the 10 ÔoÕclock news will automatically be recorded. For episodes of TV Series you simply cannot miss, enter the series link mode in the EPG. All episodes linked to the recording you make will automatically be recorded, no matter what time or channel they appear, avoiding repeats if they have already been stored. Series mode also allows broadcasters to recommend related programmes to viewers that may be of interest. Series recording functions are only available where broadcasters have entered the necessary ID and information.
Both models are also dual format compatible and can record and playback DVD+ R double layer discs with a maximum 8.5GB capacity allowing viewers to store up to 8 hours of recordings on DVD disc. The RDR-HXD860 also includes an HDMI connection which means it can easily connect to HD ready products, ideal for enjoying improved picture resolution on new LCD TVs that also have this input.
For even greater flexibility both models offer wider playback options, including MP3 and JPEG files and DVD-Ram. So consumers can easily share DVDs and home movies with friends. In addition to this the HXD860 also features DivX playback.
The RDR-HXD560 is available from July 2006 and the RDR-HXD860 will be available from September 2006.
August 10th, 2006
Mustek today announced the availability of a new Personal Media Bundle Pack for $299.Designed to liberate the most popular forms of entertainment - video, music and digital photography - from the living room to wherever the on-the-go consumer travels, the bundle combines Mustek’s PVR-H140 personal media center with the MBT-SA120 Bluetooth stereo headset and audio dongle to add wireless freedom, excellent sound quality and comfort.
The groundbreaking PVR-H140 comes equipped with WMA support and a spacious 40GB of internal memory to hold up to 120 hours of full-motion video, 10,000 MP3 songs, and tens of thousands of digital photos. Its 3.6-inch TFT color screen delivers brilliant, high-resolution playback of movies in virtually every video format. In addition, the PVR-H140 has a unique software converter allowing television programs and movies to be recorded directly from a TV, VCR, DVD or cable/satellite signal to its hard-drive for playback – no PC required.
Sporting a lightweight, ergonomic behind-the-neck design, the Mustek MBT-SA120 is fully compatible with Bluetooth (V1.2) enabled cell phones and PDAs, as well as audio players, Windows® notebook PCs, stereo systems and game consoles with A2DP or AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) that stream high-quality audio over Bluetooth.
Comfortably engaging both ears, the stylish headphones have a built-in microphone, along with an integrated antenna, two-color LED status indicator, last call redial, voice calling, and a variety of one-push function keys for playing, pausing, pairing, stop and volume control to make it a breeze to receive, make and hang-up calls while listening to music.
August 10th, 2006
Logitech today unveiled the Logitech Wireless DJ Music System, which makes it easy for people to stream any digital music from their PC to any stereo system or powered multimedia speakers anywhere in their home and control it all from the palm of their hand.The Wireless DJ Music System connects the PC to a home-entertainment center or speaker system using Logitech´s Music Anywhere™ wireless technology. The system plays any PC audio format, including MP3, iTunes® (AAC), WMA, Internet radio, and podcasts. And the stylish, long-range Wireless DJ remote, with its display and scroll wheel, makes it easy to navigate an entire music collection from the couch, the dining-room table, the bedroom — anywhere.
“Today tens of millions of people are using their PC as a digital music hub to centralize their music collections and to discover new music” said Dale Pistilli, director of product marketing for Logitech´s Media Control Group. “But most people don´t have their PC connected to their home-entertainment system. The Wireless DJ Music System gives people full access to all of that great music anywhere in the home and the Wireless DJ remote puts control of that music in hand. It´s a complete yet affordable solution that´s easy to set up and doesn´t require a complicated home network.”
According to a recent worldwide survey by analyst firm Parks Associates, 40 percent of online households play music files on their PC and 33 percent listen to Internet radio streams. However, less than 10 percent of these people are playing this music through their stereo. The music remains stuck on the PC, away from the primary entertainment system or other rooms in the house. Existing solutions that bridge this divide are complex to set up, support only a limited number of music formats, or are priced out of reach for most consumers.
Logitech´s Music Anywhere wireless technology combines plug-and-play simplicity with the clarity of digital audio, and works throughout the home, without requiring an existing wireless network. The transmitter plugs into a USB port on the PC and the Music Receiver/Dock is easily connected to a stereo system using standard RCA connectors, or to powered multimedia speakers using the 3.5 mm headphone jack output. Once the setup is complete, the Wireless DJ Music System sends music streams directly to the receiver, at a range of up to 50 meters (150 feet). The multi-room remote automatically connects to the PC and offers the same wireless range.
What makes the Wireless DJ Music System unique are the Wireless DJ remote and the sophisticated Logitech® StreamPoint™ software. The remote´s blue backlighted liquid-crystal display (LCD) and mechanical scroll wheel make it easy to browse through an entire digital music collection, select a song, playlist or Internet radio station of choice, and see what´s playing on the screen. The Wireless DJ remote also includes an active playlist feature, called the DJ List, which allows people to add songs or albums to the queue without stopping the music — people can pass the remote at a dinner party and everyone can be the DJ. Featuring a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the remote is quickly recharged in the Music Receiver/Dock and offers up to one week of battery life under normal usage.
The Logitech StreamPoint™ software runs on the PC and aggregates audio files, playlists, and favorite Internet radio stations from iTunes, Windows Media® Player and Musicmatch® Jukebox, creating a unified music library that can be easily viewed and accessed by the Wireless DJ remote.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Wireless DJ Music System will be available in the U.S. and Europe in late September. Its suggested retail price in the U.S. is $249.99. Logitech also offers the Wireless Music System Add-On Receiver, for a suggested retail price of $79.99 (U.S.), which allows people to enjoy their PC music in additional rooms (up to a total of 4).
August 10th, 2006
It’s not often that a video-taped demonstration of a hacking technique causes a stir, but that’s exactly what happened when David Maynor, a SecureWorks researcher and Jon “Johnny Cache” Ellch showed how they could take control of an Apple notebook at the Black Hat USA 2006 conference.
In the demo, the two researchers used a Dell laptop running XP to take control of an Apple notebook running OSX. Nothing unusual there, but what made this technique jaw-dropping for the conference delegates was that the Apple wireless card wasn’t looking for a connnection and involved no authentication whatsoever. With a fuzzing attack (throwing wireless packets at a laptop with a Wi-Fi card), the Dell was able to take control of the Mac by installing a root-kit. Then Maynor easily created and deleted files from the Mac desktop in real time.
The demo wasn’t performed live at the conference to prevent malicious delegates intercepting the packets and revese-engineering the attack for their own evil deeds.
Maynor and Ellch were reportedly mobbed after the video was shown by delegates keen to understand how they had acheived the hack.
The researchers stressed that the exploit was not specific to Mac wireless cards, but to wireless cards in general. They used a Mac for the demo because OSX is considered a more secure operating system that Windows and wanted to show how powerful the hack was. Nevertheless, the fact that a Mac was used for the demo has attracted the wrath of Mac fanatics, keen to point out that the wireless hardware inside a MacBook is not made by Apple, as if that makes any difference.
You can watch the video at the Washington Post website.
August 4th, 2006
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