Best New Technology

I wonder whether Sony’s entry into China’s portable media player (PMP) market has anything to do with diversifying their portfolio, as you won’t be able to find the PMX-M80 anywhere else. Some of the features found on this PMP include :-

• Map browser suite
• 4.3″ 480 × 272 resolution display
• 16GB internal memory
• SRS 3D audio
• Support for MP4, AVI, WMA, MP3, and AAC formats
• Built-in microphone
• Memory Stick slot

I know that winter’s a long way off, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for it a few months in advance? The Travelmate fireplace is one such device that takes on a briefcase form factor, handle and all, to allow you to tote this thing just about wherever you go. It features glass sides that are held in place by magnets, so you’ll need to remove these glass sides before lighting the fire, replacing them shortly thereafter to prevent burning down the building you’re at accidentally. While there is no word on what kind of fuel the Travelmate fireplace uses, speculation has it that alcohol gel is the main player here. The Travelmate fireplace is definitely for the well-heeled as it retail for a jaw dropping $3,300.

SanDisk preps kids for their new school term with a new USB flash drive that offers above average looks without busting the bank with the SanDisk Cruzer Pattern. You will be able to choose from 1GB and 2GB capacities that retail for a paltry $9.99 and $14.99, respectively. Man, is that ever cheap or whta. You can tell the difference in capacities based on the colors, as the 1GB model comes in gray while the larger sibling is black in color. Shared features include U3 program compatibility, one-click password protected security, and the ability to function on PC, Mac and Linux platforms. The drive cap also doubles up as a belt clip, making it a snap to tote the SanDisk Cruzer Pattern around.

Sony Ericsson’s r306a clamshell cell phone has just hit the FCC, and some leaked information includes essentials such as tri-band 850/1800/1900 radios, Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in FM/AM radio (most other handsets just have FM radio), external radio presets and channel changing controls. Oh yeah, it also has a camera of unknown megapixel count albeit with the ability to record video - I’m going with 2 megapixels on this one. Other than that, information is scant and I still have no idea which network the Sony Ericsosn r306a is going to appear on.

KNGT has just announced the launch of their MK1 in Korea. The MK1 is an in-car multimedia PC which is powered by Windows Mobile. This just goes to show that regular CD / DVD players don’t cut the mustard anymore. The MK1 will blow them away with its 6.95-inch touchscreen, 800 x 480 (WVGA) display and on-screen keyboard. The MK1 also supports wireless internet via wireless service providers such as SK, KT and Nespot. Since the MK1 is going to set up shop in your car, it also supports navigation by utilizing an internet map.

“Aren’t you glad you didn’t line up for hours to get the iPhone 3G?” is probably what some of you guys are saying or thinking right now after taking a look at the image above.

The image above shows hairline cracks on a white iPhone 3G. The thing is, this iPhone has never been dropped. Though the problem seems to be “cosmetic” and doesn’t affect the performance of the iPhone, it kind of IS immensely annoying to see cracks on your gadget! I mean, finger prints are annoying already, what more with cracks??

A number of similar reports have been turning up, so iphone 3G owners, better have a closer look at your iPhones to see if hairline cracks are forming. It’s more noticeable on the white model but apparently, it’s happening to the black models as well.

Wonder if Apple will recall units because of this problem?

[ Image source from Engadget ]

Tags: Apple Defect, mac rumors, White iPhone 3G Crack

It’s amazing how some simple things can be turned into cool geek products. This latest desk lamp designed by Japan’s 25togo looks very much like an oversized LEGO block. The top of the blocks have a snap-off top layer that can hold pens, pencils and whatever else that will fit inside it. The bricks are measured at 6” x 4” x 2.4”, which makes them quite a bit bigger than the standard LEGO block. It’d be interesting to see if anything can be actually built out of these lamps, perhaps an illuminated Christmas tree? The only downer is that these lamps are only available through 25togo’s online store, and are going for about $15 each.

Vague as usual, Apple on Wednesday night released its iTunes 7.7.1 update, which "includes fixes to improve stability and performance." The company also released the second beta version of its upcoming iPhone-software update to developers.

Apple’s vagueness prompted TidBITS to sift through Apple support forums to gather an idea of just what the iTunes update fixed. Users reported the following issues seem to have been fixed:

- A bug related to the CD being unable to eject with iTunes running
- Corrupted characters in iTunes track names,
- Long waits for iTunes to recognize connected iPods
- Slow iPhone backups
- Problems syncing iPhone with Outlook for Windows users

Meanwhile, Apple also released its second version of the iPhone 2.1 beta for developers. Naturally, little details are known about the upcoming iphone-software update aside from bug fixes. Some have speculated the update would introduce turn-by-turn GPS and copying and pasting capabilities, but some are beginning to have doubts: The indications of those features were already evident in the code of the current firmware version, according to MacRumors. Now, MacRumors has turned its attention to references to a new ipod touch model instead.

Five iTunes 7.7.1 Bug Fixes Detailed [TidBITS]

Verizon Wireless has a new partner to help market its wireless services. Qwest has signed a five year agent agreement which will allow customers to secure Verizon Wireless phones and services from Qwest retail outlets and kiosks. Current Qwest Wireless customers will receive recommendations in regards to comparable Verizon Wireless calling plans and equipment.

In addition to Verizon Wireless offering exclusive offers to Qwest Wireless customers who switch, Qwest will also waive any contract termination fees for those switching to Verizon Wireless. Residential Qwest customers who bundle their services will be able to be charged Verizon Wireless services on their Qwest bill beginning in the fall. Customers can also acquire Verizon Wireless equipment and services through the Qwest website.

Wow, Verizon Wireless is on a quest for world domination. Well, maybe that’s a little strong. They at least want to dominate the U.S. wireless market. Their definitive agreement to acquire Alltel and now this new agent agreement with Qwest puts them on track to do just that.

Read more from the joint press release.

Blizzard’s annual convention BlizzCon is extremely popular with gamers and getting a ticket is not only expensive, but likely very dificult unless you act quickly. So if you can’t make it to the Anaheim Convention Center, California between October 10-11, or you can’t afford the US$100 entrance fee, there is some good news.

For the first time Blizzard has done a deal that will see BlizzCon televised. The service is being offered through DIRECTV on a pay per view basis, and even though pricing has yet to be announced, they are promising 8 hours per day of HD BlizzCon footage. That means you will get to see pretty much everything regarding World of Warcraft, StarCraft 2 and Diablo 3 announcements and footage. There will also be discussion panels, tournaments and playable versions of future releases to watch.

Steven Roberts, senior vice president at DIRECTV said:

BlizzCon is one of the most highly anticipated gaming conventions of the year, and we are excited to partner with Blizzard Entertainment to deliver coverage of the show to gamers nationwide … With our BlizzCon pay per view package, members of Blizzard’s gaming communities who are not attending the event can now experience it in crystal-clear HD.

Those of you who would prefer to attend can buy tickets from August 11. For the rest of us we will have to wait and see how much the coverage will cost from DIRECTV, but if you take up one of their packages with free months attached you may end up paying nothing extra.

Read more at Blizzard.com, found via Edge-Online.com