~Tech Angel~

MusicGremlin - WiFi enabled mp3 player

Looking for a new unique mp3 player? You may want to check out the MusicGremlin. This mp3 player features wifi and its own subscription-based music service (monthly fee of $14.99). Compatible with Microsoft's PlaysForSure technology, you can download music wirelessly to the device's 8GB hard drive. If you don't want to subscribe to the service, you can always purchase individual songs for $.99.

Now I've been hoping that Apple would eventually come out with a wifi iPod along with many others, but I'm not sure MusicGremlin is going to steal away too many customers. The device is quite expensive ($299) and the cost of the subscription service is approximately $15 a month or $180 for the year. Not to mention, it has the word Gremlin in its name. I do wish the company luck because competition only makes things better for us consumers.

Read.

Technorati Tags: mp3 player, MusicGremlin, music, WiFi

$5,000 for laptop with 2 hour battery life

When you look at the appearance of the Fujitsu Siemens Lifebook Q2010, most people probably think it's a very attractive laptop.  With its black lacquer finish over the magnesium case, 1GB RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth, HSDPA, and a weight of 2.5 lbs, you would think that it's quite capable as well.  Until you take a look at the specs when it comes to battery life.  The Q2010 has a battery life of 2 hours with its included battery (eight hours if you buy the larger battery which only adds on to that fantastic 2.5 lb weight).  And how much do they want you to pay for the privilege of a laptop with two hour battery life?  $5,000!

And they say Apple computers are overpriced.

via|Engadget

Technorati Tags: computers, laptops, Lifebook, Fujitsu

Humax PMP with DirecTV support

Humax's PMP was designed to use content offered by pay TV providers and first up is DirecTV with their new DirecTV 2Go service.  The Humax PMP features a 4-inch widescreen LCD, high capacity hard drive (to be specified according to content partner), supports MPEG 1/2/4, DivX, WMV9 with WMDRM10 support, and is USB 2.0 compatible.

The new DirecTV service allows for a direct connection to the DirecTV DVR and users can transfer recorded content to the PMP.  The device will also feature a DirecTV approved playlist interface that's similar to the one offered on their own receivers. 

Expect to see a release later on this year along with the DirecTV 2Go service at different retail and Internet stores.

Technorati Tags: DirecTV, DirecTV 2Go, Humax, Humax, mobile TV, PMP, DVR, satellite

Record shows with the iubi PMP2010

Source: MobileWhack

There's another PMP on the market and it comes from a Korean company called iubi.  The iubi PMP2010 features a 4.3 widescreen LCD display, Linux OS, USB 2.0, and comes in two configurations, a 40GB version and a 100GB version.  The PMP2010 supports MP3, WMA, OGG, and JPEG.  It also features a built-in TV receiver that's designed specifically for the Korean market and it has the ability to record TV shows.  One major drawback though.....the battery life is only three hours for video and 5 hours for audio.

Technorati Tags: gadgets, iubi, iubi PMP2010, PMP, Linux

Casio Exilim EX-Z500 in red and blue

Source: MobileMag

Want a high-quality camera with a splash of color?  Well, you can purchase the Casio Exilim EX-Z500 camera in red or blue.  This 5.0 megapixel camera has a 2.7-inch TFT color LCD screen, with 3x optical zoom.  You can take up to 500 shots on a single charge and it features Casio's signature Anti Shake DSP technology that helps to reduce blurring.  Expect to pay over $300 for this colorful camera.

Technorati Tags: Casio Exilim, Casio Exilim EX-Z500, digital cameras

Hello Kitty 512MB USB flash drive

I'm not a huge Hello Kitty fan, but this is just adorable (spotted on Engadget).  This is a IO-DATA Sanrio Kitty 512MB USB flash drive.

Technorati Tags: Hello Kitty, flash drive, USB flash drive

CoPilot PMP

Source: Krunker

A company called Video Without Boundaries has released an affordable PMP player called the CoPilot.  You can purchase this device with either 512MB or 1GB flash memory (there's a SD card slot so you can have access to more storage).  Featuring a 2.5 inch color LCD screen, MP3, WMA, WAV support, rechargeable battery,in-line and voice recording, this device also has a FM radio, calendar, clock, and allows users to record MPEG4 video via an A/V input connection.

You should be able to purchase this Portable Media Player for under $200.

Technorati Tags: CoPilot, PMP, portable media player, Video Without Boundaries

LaCie Brick Hard Drives up to 500GB

If you like a little fun and color in your life, you might like LaCie's new Brick Desktop Hard Drive.  These hard drives look like large legos that stack with other LaCie hard drives.  Featuring a USB 2.0 interface, it is perfect for downloading digital photos, saving mp3s, or transferring home videos from a camcorder. 

You can pre-order these models in 160GB (white - $119.99), 250GB (red - $149.99), 300GB (blue - $199.99), and 500GB (red - $399.99).  These drives are set to ship in late December.

Tags: LaCie, hard drives, LaCie Brick Desktop Hard Drive, Legos

mTrix - $149 PMP

Source: Mobilemag

Looking for an affordable PMP?  Check out the mTrix, a clamshell designed PMP with a 2-inch LCD screen.  It supports MP3, WMA, WAV, ASF, AVI/MOV, along with JPEG.  USB 2.0, clock, calendar, support for nine languages, and a rechargeable lithium ion battery are some of the other features.  It only comes with 32MB of flash memory, but there are SD/MMC slots so you can increase the memory if needed.

Technorati Tags: gadgets, mTrix, PMP

Schtickers - new look for your laptop for less than $20

I saw this over at Darla Mack's and I'll be purchasing one for my laptop this week since I absolutely LOVE hers!  Darla decided to add a little pizazz to her new laptop by purchasing a Schtick, basically a big ole sticker that you stick to the top of your laptop (don't worry, Schtickers says they come off as they go on).  They come in a variety from the Suede look to Crocodile look to Schticks with different designs.  You can even customize your design!  Schtickers also are available for your iPod.

Technorati Tags: laptop, puppy, Schtickers

Sanyo Xacti C6 - One of the smallest digicams

One handed operation, comes in gold, red, and black, and weighs only 140 g.....that's the Sanyo Xacti C6.  It's the world's thinnest, smallest, and lightest digicams among models with a 1.0 megapixel or higher image sensors and optical zoom lens.  It utilizes SD memory, MPEG-4 and AAC formats.  When using a 1GB SD card, expect to record up to 1 hour of VGA size video clips. 

Here's some more specs:

- 9 Megapixel Mixture Technology for clear movie shooting
- 60 fps playback via TV output
- Red-Eye correction
- Trans-Reflective Low-Temperature Polysilicon TFT 2.0-Inch LCD monitor
- Real-Time interpolation: 3680x2760-Pixel Output
- Multi-Function docking station
- Battery charging, playback, saving & connecting to a PC
- Operation by remote control
- Talking navigation guide
- Super macro shooting down to a minimum distance of 1 cm
- Cut and joint for editing moving pictures
- Quick standby: immediately able to film or play back when LCD monitor is opened
- Digital zoom & trimming: shooting, max. 12x
- Playback, max 58x (10m mode)
- Voice recorder function with a 1GB SD, total of 16.8 hours recording time
- Exif print, PRINT Image Matching III
- PictBridge-Compatible for PC-Free Printing

Source: LetsGoDigital

Technorati Tags: digicams, Sanyo, Sanyo Xacti C6

Sonos Charging Cradle

If you own a Sonos or are in the market for the Digital Music System, you'll be interested to know that the company has released a charging cradle.  The Sonos Charging Cradle can be mounted on the wall or put on a table or bookshelf and can store and charge your controller.  Don't worry, your Sonos Controller is still fully functionable when it's resting in its new cradle.  You can order the cradle from the Sonos website for $49.99.

Technorati Tags: music, Sonos, Sonos Digital Music System

Sony Color Vaios

Who says that laptops have to be black,white, or silver?  Not Sony.  The company has introduced a new line of Vaios that come in the following colors, Sky Blue, Onyx Black, Pearl White, Jade Green, and Raspberry Red.  In addition to the colorful design, they feature a 14.1 inch widescreen display, integrated 802.11b/g wireless, DVD+R dual layer/DVD+/-RW drive, two USB 2.0 ports, and a Memory Stick slot.

via| Gizmodo

Technorati Tags: laptops, Sony Vaio

Next generation ZVUE announced

Yesterday, HandHeld Entertainment announced their next generation ZVUE portable media players.  The new ZVUE will feature on-board flash memory, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and will be compatible with WMV and WMA.  It will support Microsoft's DRM which will allow ZVUE users to download video and audio content from the ZVUE download site, along with other online locations such as Rhapsody and Yahoo! Music.  It will be the world's first Windows DRM-enabled portable media player priced under $200.

The new ZVUE will also come in new colors and equipped with a thinner housing.  Expect to see it unveiled at the 2006 CES in Vegas, with purchase available later in 2006.

Press Release

Technorati Tags: DRM, portable media players, puppy, WMA, ZVUE

Grab'n'Go Media Players

Conceptronic is introducing a new media player called the Grab'n'Go Media player.  There are two versons, the first a 2.5 inch pocket version with a 40GB, 60GB, or 80GB hard drive and the second a 3.5 inch version with a 160GB, 200GB, or 250GB hard drive.  Both players support a wide range of formats including XVid, JPEG, MP3, CD, VCD, AVI, and MPEG 1,2,4.  Created specifically for those who are always on the go, it can be connected to any TV or computer for playback (no integrated LCD screen).

The Grab 'n' Go Player comes with composite, SCART, and S-Video cables.  There's SPDIF cable for 5.1 audio systems, but strangely enough a component cable wasn't included.  It's also equipped with USB on the Go technology making it possible to connect a USB memory drive or mp3 player directly to the player and copy data. You can store films, music, and photos on the drives.  The 40GB 2,5-inch version can store approximately 30,000 photos, 50 films and 20,000 songs. For those wanting yet more capacity the 160GB 3,5-inch version would be a better choice: it can store approximately 120,000 photos, 200 films and 80,000 songs.

via| MobileWhack

Technorati Tags: Conceptronic, Conceptronic TV Media Players, gadgets, Grab n Go Media Players, media storage

New NEC laptops

It looks like NEC has updated a couple of laptops.  Here's some specs:

LaVieG-C - 2.26GHz Pentium M780, 120GB hard drive, ATI Mobility Radeo X600 128MB graphics card, 1600x1200 UXGA resolution, 15" screen, television functions, and a DL DVD burner.

The LaVieG-J is smaller with a 12" screen (1024x768 resolution), 1.2GHz Pentium M753, and a 40GB drive.

via| Akihabara News

Technorati Tags: laptops, NEC, NEC LaVieG-C, NEC LaVieG-J, computers

Logitech ioTags and Google Desktop Search

Logitech has announced their new Logitech ioTags feature, a software update to the Logitech io2 Digital Writing System.  Let's say you're in a meeting and you want to write down a task, calendar entry, or an email.  Just write it down with the digital pen and paper and when you get back to your desk, dock the pen and everything is automatically converted to text and imported into Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes. 

With the new update to the software, users are given the ability to search their digital pen documents using Google Desktop Search.  They are also able to edit and search io2 Digital Pen notes imported into Microsoft OneNote 2003.

The updated software is available for new and existing Logitech io2 Digital Writing System at http://www.logitechio.com/.  It will be included in the retail version in late October. 

Technorati Tags: Google, Google Desktop Search, Logitech, Microsoft OneNote, digital pen, Logitech io2, Lotus Notes

Lenovo Thin Widescreen laptop with CDMA EVDO

One of the most popular business laptops is getting an upgrade with the ThinkPad Z-Series designed specifically for mobile and small business users.  Featuring a 15.4 inch display, the Z60m offers more space and better viewing angles than other laptops with a 15-inch XGA screen.  The ThinkPad Z60t is only 1.1 inches thick and weighs 4.2 pounds.

Both laptops have integrated high-speed CDMA EVDO wireless via Verizon's Wireless Broadband Access which features 3G data speeds.

The ThinkPad Z60t will be availabe next month and start at $1099.  The ThinkPad Z60m will start at $799.

via| Geekzone

Lexmark introduces first inkjet photo printer with CD burner

Owners of the Lexmark P450 4x6 inch inkjet photo printer will have a complete photo processing center in their homes.  It is the first-ever photo printer with a built-in CD photo burner.  Lexmark has made it easy and affordable to transfer images from their camera cards to CDs to create a digital archive of one's photos.  The printer can print photos directly from a Bluetooth enabled cell phone and from a USB flash drive,  and also features a 2.4 inch LCD screen.

The printer will retail for $199 and will begin shipping in October.  Expect to see it in stores like Staples, Circuit City, and Target.

via| Yahoo

Laser Mouse 6000

Microsoft has announced a new mouse that is designed specifically for gaming.  The wired mouse will provide greater accuracy, more comfort and it will take advantage of an advanced laser technology.  The Laser Mouse 6000 has features such as Precision Booster and Gaming Toggle which offers shortcuts and the ability to switch speeds and precision controls.   One noticeable feature of the mouse is its thin, flexible cord that Microsoft describes as "the closest feeling to wireless while still having a wire".  The mouse will be available in October and will retail for $54.95.

 

via| Microsoft Press Release

Logitech Harmony 520

I use a Logitech Harmony remote with my bedroom "home theater" and can attest to the quality of the remotes.  Yesterday, Logitech unveiled the Logitech Harmony 520, the first activity-based remote priced under $100.  Designed with a simple and visual setup, the Harmony 520 can spend less than 30 minutes setting up the remote via the Web-based process. 

 

The new remote features a display that serves as the centerpiece for simple activity control, more extensive device control and a valuable Help feature. The four activity-based buttons are designed to launch a series of wireless commands to correctly set up all the components needed for a given activity, such as watching a movie. People can also use the display to access any possible command needed to control each individual component in their system. Meanwhile, the remote´s Help button can aid people if the entertainment system isn´t responding the way they think it should. When the Help button is pressed, the screen displays a short series of simple “Yes” or “No” questions about the components in the entertainment center. Based on people´s responses, the remote sends out the necessary wireless commands to restore the entire system to the proper working state.

 

The Logitech Harmony 520 will be available later this month and will retail for $99.99.

Logitech

Tags: Logitech Harmony 520, Logitech, remotes, home theater

A mouse that reads SD cards?

Sony has created a mouse that reads SD cards and MemoryStick cards (of course).  I'm not sure if other companies have a similar mouse, but this is actually a pretty good idea.  What's so surprising is that Sony has incorporated another format (SD) that would be useful to more people!

 

via| Akihabara

Tags: Sony, Sony mouse, mouse, computer accessories, computers, gadgets

Sony Vaio R

The ultimate video and audio PC, the Sony Vaio R, will retail for 1500 EUR ($1,832 USD) without the screen.  Featuring a Pentium D 820 (2.8 GHz), 1GB RAM, DL/RAM DVD-multi burner (can even burn SACDs), TV tuner, 1GB RAM, a 256Mb GeForce 6600, and a 320GB hard drive. 

via| Akihabara News

Tags: Sony, Sony Vaio R, computers, SACD

Blu-Ray DVD burner for PC

Akihabara has posted a pic of a Blu-Ray DVD burner for the PC.  It's a Pioneer BRD-101A and it's DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD-+DL and BR (Blu-Ray).  I wonder what's the price of this and how soon it will be on the market.

Tags: Blu-Ray, DVD, Pioneer, burners, computer

LaundryView - High-Tech Laundry

This would have been cool when I was in college and living in the dorms.  I had to take the elevator all the way down from the 13th floor to the basement laundry, only to discover there were no empty washers. LaundryView, developed by Mac-Gray Corp., allows colleges to set up networks of washing machines and dryers.  Students can then go online, view which machines are free and how much time is left on those that aren't.  Alerts can even be sent to mobile phones and PDAs when the student's machine is done with its cycle. 

 

R.I.P. to Fossil's Wrist PDA

Do you remember the Fossil watch that ran PalmOS?  If not, it doesn't matter.  Fossil has decided to start phasing it out after fans waited almost three years for it to come out this year.  Personally, I never understood why anyone wanted one of these.  The screen is beyond tiny and 2MB of memory? 2MB of memory!

Logitech Cordless Desktop S510

Logitech has unveiled a sleek, stylish keyboard and mouse combination that ships with a remote control for the PC.  The remote is compatible with many of today's media applications, including iTunes, Musicmatch, Windows Media Player, and WinAmp.  The remote has seven customizable keys, a range of 16 feet, and battery life of up to six months or more with regular use.

 

The 800 dpi mouse features Logitech's Tilt Wheel Plus Zoom scroll wheel for scrolling side to side while the keyboard features a large built-in palm rest.  There's also an optional USB stand that holds the USB mini-receiver.  It will be available in the U.S. and Europe in September and will retail for $99.99.  If you buy the combo without the remote or mini-receiver, expect the price to be $79.99.

Read the full press release.

Tags: Logitech, keyboards, Logitech Cordless Desktop S510

Alternative to the Roomba

Looking for a cheaper alternative to the iRobot Roomba?  German coffee chain Tchibo has released a floor vacuum robot for $110 USD.  It looks similar to the Roomba and comes in very sexy red.  It features sensors to avoid obstacles, the battery lasts for 90 minutes, and it has a rotating brush on the border so it can get close to walls.  If you've always wanted a Roomba but didn't want to pay the price, maybe the Tchibo is for you.  If you buy one, let me know! 

via|Engadget by the way of I4U

Tags: Roomba, Tchibo, vacuums, household, gadgets

Stainless Steel Keyboard

Do you often find yourself spilling Kool-Aid on your keyboard?  Or maybe you've been looking for a keyboard to match that stainless steel SubZero in your kitchen?  Either way, Interworld Electronics is selling this stainless keyboard for $350 USD.  Considering the keys are flat...I guess there's no need to worry about PopTart crumbs littering the inside of your keyboard.

via| The Inquirer

Tags: keyboard, computer accessories, gadgets

ZVUE drops in price

HandHeld Entertainment has announced that they have dropped the price of the ZVUE portable media player to $99.95 from their earlier price of $149.95. This move was made as it expands distribution to over 1,000 retail locations throughout the

U.S.

If you’re not familiar with the ZVUE, it is a portable media player (about the size of a pack of playing cards) that plays music, displays pictures, and plays videos. Users can put their own media on the ZVUE or they can download music and video at the ZVUE website.

Full Press Release

British pay more for gadgets

Researchers have found that our British counterparts pay almost double for gadgets.  Paul Trotter of PC Pro magazine found that a basket of gadgets and software that cost £3,500 from the UK, was £1,000 less when bought directly from US.  Items such as digital cameras can cost almost as much as 40% more.

Manufacturers claim that the price difference is due to a desire to “localise” software and/or protect consumers from potential currency drops.

via| thisismoney.co.uk

Tags: British, gadgets, UK, Britain, digital cameras, technology

Southwing SH 305 - Bluetooth Headset

MobileTechReview has reviewed the Southwing SH 305, one of the smallest Bluetooth headsets on the market.  I found this review especially interesting since we're in the process of testing several different Bluetooth headsets (the Jabra BT110, the Jabra BT250, and the Palm Treo headset).  But back to the Southwing SH 305....this headset features a Favorite Number button that can be programmed with your favorite number and can be dialed with just a push of the button.  Visit MobileTechReview to read the remainder of the favorable review of the Southwing SH 305.

Tags: Southwing SH 305, Bluetooth, Bluetooth headset, review, Treo, Jabra, gadgets

Wood Mania - Part II

Okay....this wood trend is getting way out of hand.  Earlier this month I posted wood headphones and a wood iPod.  This week, there's a wood-encased monitor and keyboard. 

 

And to make the set complete, don't forget that wood mouse!

via| Gizmodo and Swedx

Tags: wood, ipod, gadgets, headphones, monitors, mouse, keyboard, mods

Broadband Internet at 125 mph

Last month, I posted about Omniwave's Mobile broadband router that allows surfing via a laptop, pda, and various other mobile devices while in a vehicle.  Onmiwave has a new neighbor on the block as NEC Corp. has developed a mobile router as well.  The router, labelled the LiteBird, can be installed in different types of vehicles, including cars, trains, and buses.  It uses a technology that allows stable communication of more than 6 Mbps for any vehicles travelling up to 125 mph.  Now all I need is WiFi at my hair salon and I'll be set.

via| TechWeb

We're in the midst of a high-speed Internet war

Comcast has announced this week that they are boosting the speed of their entry-level broadband service to 6 megabits per second - four times faster than the average DSL line.  Comcast has recently announced promotions for new customers that have dropped the introductory prices to $15-$30 a month versus the normal $30-$45 a month.

Verizon, SBC, and Qwest have also recently cut rates as well.  Companies are trying to lock in customers who will soon be offered the convenience of getting phone, cable, Internet, and wireless all in one package.

Read more.

~Competition amongst companies is great for the consumer...just means lower prices overall.  But in this case, what about us current customers.  I've been using Comcast for my cable and broadband for years and I haven't seen my bill dropping.  With all the rest of the companies offering lower prices and Comcast not doing the same for loyal customers, guess what I can do?  That's right boys and girls....SWITCH. Our cable bill (including broadband) is $140 a month....I would love to see that amount drop a lot lower.~

Tags: Comcast, broadband, SBC, Verizon, Qwest, Internet, phone, wireless, DSL, personal, technology, online

AOL and XM form joint venture

America Online and XM Satellite Radio AND Anschutz Corp have formed a joint venture to offer live and on-demand concerts and comedy shows via the Internet, satellite, wireless, and other platforms.  The company, Network Live, was created in hopes of bringing digital entertainment content to users anytime, anywhere, and on any device.

 

This joint venture is yet another example of the growing trend of companies embracing online video.  Earlier announcements yesterday included CBS offering a 24 hours news network over high-speed broadband lines and last week Nickelodeon launched an on-demand service that promises to bring up to 20 hours of new kids programming every week.

Tags: AOL, America Online, XM, XM Satellite, Anschutz, satellite, wireless, Internet, online, entertainment, CBS, Nickelodeon, technology

Skype and Boingo partner - global Wi-Fi access

 Yesterday evening, there were rumblings about an announcement from Skype and Boingo.  Geekzone is reporting that Boingo and Skype will be introducing "Skype Zones - Powered by Boingo", a service that gives Skype users access to VOIP via Boingo's network of over 18,000 wifi hotspots all over the world.  A custom Skype version of the Boingo software will be used for the service that will be available for $7.95 a month with an option to purchase a 2 hour connection for $2.95.

<Tags: Skype, VOIP, Internet, telephony, telephone, computers, Boingo, Wi-Fi, Wifi, technology, communication

First all-wireless,all-laptop public school

A Vail, Arizona school is due to become the first all-wireless, all-laptop public school in the state. The students will no longer use traditional textbooks, but will use electronic and online articles instead.

Switching to this new curriculum is not inexpensive since the laptops are $850 each and there are currently 350 students in the school ($297,500.00).  Books normally cost about $500-$600 per set. The school hopes to eventually reach an enrollment of 750.

School officials hope that this move will improve the way in which teachers instruct their classes and increase the amount of participation from the students.

Tags: Vail, Arizona, wireless, laptops, public schools, education, technology

Sprint adding Goodlink email service

Sprint has announced that they will add Good Technology's Goodlink email service.  Sprint is the latest carrier to join the market to chip away at the technology that makes Blackberry devices so popular.  Good also announced that they are adapting their software to work with corporate email systems based on Lotus Notes, Domino, and Microsoft Exchange. 

Not only has the company signed on another major carrier, but Good and Seven Networks, Inc. are making their service work on certain cell phones.  In an attempt to cater to those users who do not want to carry larger handhelds, they are hoping that customers will be able to use the service on a regular cell phone versus typing on the keyboards of handhelds. 

Good is also expanding the lineup of devices it supports, previously limited to Pocket PCs and PalmOne Inc.'s Treo, to include two cell phones based on the Windows Mobile platform: AudioVox Corp.'s SMT5600 and Motorola Corp.'s MPx220. In a similar vein, the Seven announcement with Sprint extends the availability of its Java-based service, sold as Sprint PCS Business Connection, to three cell phones made by Sanyo: the MM-5600, the MM-7400 and MM-8300. source: Associated Press

Tags: Blackberry, Goodlink, Sprint, Windows Mobile, email, push email, technology, mobile, cell phones, mobile phones, Audiovox SMT5600, Motorola MPx220, MPx220, gadgets

P2P becomes profitable for PC gamers

Due to a deal signed by Wurld Media and Trymedia, now video game players will be able to legally download PC games and earn cash back for sharing them via P2P.  P2P site, Peer Impact announced that they have signed a contract that will allow more than 1,000 games to be available to Wurld Media subscribers.  The service is currently in beta testing, but should be available within the next couple of weeks. 

Members who share the purchased title through the P2P network will then earn cash back just by simply leaving their computer on and someone purchasing a game from your computer.  Peer Impact has a similar service with music.

Founded in 2002, Trymedia titles span across genres from casual games like "Diner Dash" and "Rock and Roll Jeopardy," to the action-filled "The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay - Developer's Cut" and fantasy role-playing games like "Warlords Battlecry III." The majority of titles in the catalog are available for under $20.

Most of Trymedia's games are also offered on a try-before-you-buy basis, which lets members test drive games before they commit to a purchase. source: Gaming Blog - CNet.com

Tags: games, video games, gaming, P2P, technology, entertainment, Wurld Media, Peer Impact, Try Media, PC games

Wood Mania

Headphile.com will upgrade your headphones with their custom wood sheels for $150-$225.
pic courtesy of Gizmodo






iPod fan "ZapWizard" modded his iPod in the ever popular wood look

pic courtesy of UberGizmo

More headphones...JVC HP-DX1000 for $1,000!!

pic courtesy of Gizmodo

Tags: wood, iPod, gadgets, headphones, mods

Google set to release Firefox toolbar

UPDATE:  It has been released!

An email sent to GoogleBar Developers stated that Google would be releasing a new toolbar specifically for the Firefox browser.  July 7th is the date that was stated as the likely release date.  The email also stated the toolbar would be compatible with Windows 2000, XP, MAC OS X 10.2, and Linux 8.0+.  The toolbar should have all of the same features as the Internet Explorer Google toolbar, minus the pop-up blocker (Firefox has its own pop-up blocker). 

via| CNet

Tags: Google, GoogleBar Developers, search engines, Firefox, Mozilla, browsers, web browser, Internet

Tivo slashes prices?

It's being reported that Tivo is cutting prices on its entry-level DVRs from $199 to $99.  Costs on the 80 and 140 hour boxes will remain the same, but customers can still receive a $100 rebate on the larger boxes.  The cost-cutting measures have been put into place due to the ever increasing competition from cable companies in the DVR industry.  The company recently announced the appointment of a new President and CEO.

Tags: Tivo, DVR, digital video recorder, cable company, entertainment

Google invests in Internet firm

Current Communications Group, Inc., a company that provides high-speed Internet over electrical power lines, has announced that they have received a rather significant financial investment from Google, Inc..  The Wall Street Journal has reported that the investment is as much as $100 million.  The company plans to invest the funds to help accelerate deployment of voice, video, and data services.

Read more.

Tags: Google, Internet, online, technology

Sprint launching wireless service

Next year, Sprint plans to rollout a wireless mobile broadband service to over 150 million people using EV-DO technology.  The service will be available in business districts and airports in 34 markets by the end of this month.  Limited access plans will start at $40/month and unlimited access will cost business customers $80/month.

Sprint is entering the broadband service behind carriers such as Verizon and Cingular.  Verizon entered the market in 2003 using EV-DO technology and Cingular offers high-speed service using a different technology in six cities with plans to enter more markets by the end of the year.

Sprint said EV-DO has average download speeds of 400 to 700 kilobits per second, which is comparable to entry-level DSL and cable broadband services. It's slower than Wi-Fi connections, but it gives users more flexibility because they can get online anywhere there's a cellular signal. Wi-Fi signals can travel only several hundred feet. source: Associated Press

Tags: Sprint, Cingular, Verizon, EV-DO, wireless, broadband, Internet, online, DSL, WiFi, technology, mobile

Verizon's Fios video service signs Time Warner

In my area of Pennsylvania, Verizon has been digging up everyone's lawns and installing fiber-optic cables, all in preparation of launching its Fios video service.  In my earlier post about the problems with IPTV, I estimated that Verizon would be the first to implement mainstream IPTV.