Sony Ericsson is attempting to patent a device all too similar to the i7 PMP you launched in January 2007. Filed on November 14th, 2006, the SE application ambiguously dubbed "Mobile information terminal apparatus and method of controlling the same" seems to have the gaming / cellphone combination as its primary focus yet extends to cover multimedia as well. They are also attempting to patent the rotary support mechanism: rotate the display by 90-degree increments to automatically switch between game, camera, TV or video, and phone modes. Of course, the i7 PMP only offers three modes depending upon the angle of rotation: camera, PMP, and MP3 player. Still, we imagine Samsung's patent application is just as ambiguously worded. We'll see how the new, tougher USPTO rules on something which appears to be an obvious improvement to existing technology.
read more at engadget.com

Xbox 360 Firmware Hackers Release New Version, Bypasses Ban Checks

The latest shots in the Microsoft vs. Xbox 360 console hacker war have been fired, and this time it's Microsoft who took one in the chest. After banning a bunch of Xbox 360s with modded firmware DVD drives earlier this month, the company's ban checks have just been defeated by a new version of the DVD firmware.

Not a lot of details are listed in the release info, but the new version claims to defeat "all current and some future Xbox Live detection attempts", which means you'd be safe running this until the next dashboard update from Microsoft. – Jason Chen.read more at gizmodo.com

Mobile phone software quietly tracks activity

You might want to be careful what you do on your PDA and mobile phone, since someone may be watching you--via software. The software that accomplishes this is called. It's published by Vervata, runs on a PDA or mobile phone silently, and can only be accessed using a secret code. The software currently comes in two versions: FlexiSPY LIGHT, which allows for the recording of all SMS messages, call logs, e-mails, and the location of the device; and FlexiSPY PRO, which includes all of the above and also the ability to switch on the phone's microphone to listen to the device's surroundings. Once the information is collected, the software uploads it via GPRS to a secure server. FlexiSPY can be downloaded at the FlexiSPY website.

It doesn't exactly give you a warm fuzzy to know software such as this is out there does it? Probably the most incredible part of the software is its ability to turn on the phone's microphone to listen to the device's surroundings. One should not assume a company's ability to track the actions of an employee stops with e-mail and Internet browsing via a PC.
more info at geek.com

Samsung boost internal memory storage to 4GB

Samsung is no stranger to flash memory technology and the company has announced numerous advances over the past year. Today, the company announced that it has developed a new 4GB multi-chip package (MCP) destined for mobile phones.

"We’ve now perfected a memory chip that allows handset manufacturers to significantly reduce development time while deploying an extremely robust design that will result in higher performance for smaller phones, with higher storage capacities," said Samsung's Jim Elliott.

Since its hip to put a brand on new products, Samsung call its new chip package "moviMCP" and the NAND flash memory included within the package is referred to as "moviNAND".

The moviMCP uses an eMMC interface which allows easy integration into mobile phone platforms. Also, Samsung reckons that mobile phone manufacturers can save money and complexity by not including an external SD, miniSD or microSD slot for memory expansion due to the inclusion of 4GB of storage onboard.

Samsung is currently sampling its moviNAND and expects to ship 392 million units by the end of the year.more info at www.dailytech.com

Solar Powered Mobile Phone HTW S116

The solar powered mobile phone is already selling in China for about $520. No more recharging - as long as you are out in the sun of course and carry your phone outside of your pockets.
The HTW S116 clamshell style phone measures 110x52x18.5mm and features a 2.2 inch QVGA color display, MP3 player, 1.3MP camera and USB.

The solar panel gives the S116 actually a very cool look. Let's hope the company is bringing this phone to markets outside of China.
More details on the HTW site (Chinese).
See photos from the S116 at the CHITEC 2007 on AVing (Korean).

Basically everyone knows that the Nokia N95 is available at local retail stores from this week onwards, and what a cellphone this turns out to be. In fact, calling it a cellphone won’t do it any justice. What the Nokia N95 is is actually a mini computer that you can carry with you wherever you go, featuring 3G connectivity as well as an integrated GPS navigation system to keep even the busiest person on track and on time for all the appointments lined up. At $750 a pop, it certainly doesn’t come across as cheap, but what matters is what you get within, right? Spycatcher has lost no time in endowing the already super N95 with an additional feature - its very own interceptor software.

This souped up Nokia N95 Spyphone makes it the most advanced one available on the market at this moment. What the N95 Spyphone does is eavesdrop on the conversation(s) held around it from anywhere in the world. This means you can dial a secret number which only you know, and the N95 Spyphone will pick up whatever that’s going on around it and transfer the signal over to you without the N95 owner knowing any better. Of course, the only way this situation can come to pass is for you to give your “friend” the Nokia N95 as a present.

The N95 also lets you know where the cellphone is located at the moment by sending you a text message when requested. Any SMS received on this N95 will also be forwarded over to your handset, giving you potential important information that cannot be obtained through a casual conversation. In fact, the Spyphone will even notify you via SMS if the SIM card within is changed at any time. The only downside would be an already expensive phone becoming truly exorbitant with a price tag of £2,702.50.

Imagine it. Your baby daughter innocently breaks a piece off your son’s model airplane causing sibling rivalry to flare out of control. No problem, go online to the Revel website, pay .99 for the replacement, download the 3D file and hit print. In less time than it takes to drink a cup of java, you have a replacement part ready to reinstall, and his plane “flies” again.

3D printing, or rapid prototyping, has been around for nearly a decade but have largely been the domain of automobile manufacturers and industrial designers. But home 3D printing is the wave of the future as those large scale rapid prototyping machines that began at $100,000, have slimmed down with prices to comparatively plummeting as the technology has been perfected.

Well, that future may indeed be now thanks to a company called IdeaLab which is set to release Desktop Factory, a 3D printer for the office. About the size of laser printer on steroids, the Desktop Factory uses plastic powder, a halogen lamp and drum printing technology to build parts layer by layer - slicing and orienting the part for optimal build performance.

Then all that’s left is to sand the part and paint as needed.

With a target price of $5,000 - $7,000, the Desktop Factory is still out of reach of the average homebody, but if it catches on with the office, you can bet that a consumer grade price of under a thousand dollars isn’t that far behind.

A 2.16GHz or 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. Up to 39% faster than its predecessor.1 A built-in iSight for instant video conferencing on the move. Front Row with Apple Remote to dazzle everyone in the room. Now available in 15- and 17-inch models starting at just $1999. Start your engines.

Performance squared
MacBook Pro is built on the revolutionary Intel Core 2 Duo — which packs the power of two processor cores (up to 2.33GHz) inside a single chip. It provides 4MB of Smart Cache, L2 cache that can be shared between the cores as needed. It delivers higher performance in 2D and 3D graphics, video editing, and music encoding. But the new engine is only part of the story. MacBook Pro supports hard drives up to 200GB and up to 3GB of 667MHz DDR2 memory. And now every MacBook Pro boasts both a FireWire 800 port and a double-layer burning SuperDrive. Ultimate speed, performance, and connectivity. To go. That’s MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro delivers the Front Row media experience, making it easy (and rather spectacular) to showcase your latest creations. Whether you’re at the client’s office, on location, or back at your hotel room, just use the Apple Remote to control your videos, music, movies, and more. Front Row lets you quickly navigate through your work and play from anywhere in the room. You can even use the Apple Remote to navigate through Keynote presentations.

MacBook Pro at a Glance
17-inch display
2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
6.8 pounds
8x double-layer-burning SuperDrive
One FireWire 400
One FireWire 800
Three USB
ExpressCard/34
Up to 200GB hard drive
Gigabit Ethernet
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600
Built-in AirPort Extreme
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Illuminated keyboard
Scrolling trackpad
MagSafe Power Adapter

The timekeeper for adventure racers, the High Gear Enduro Max watch offers a 100 hour chronograph, a key feature for athletes competing for time periods exceeding 24 hours. The only watch in the Enduro line to provide this expanded data range, it also includes memory capability to store 20 workout sessions of 100 laps, including 100 split times. The High Gear Enduro Max sport watch also offers a training log with best lap, average lap, and total segment detail, a powerful tool for reaching performance goals. Dual time zone settings allow for seamless transition for those who frequently travel between one region and another, while three alarms serve as reminders or roust one from a nap. Also, the High Gear Enduro Max watch allows one to plan efficient training sessions with interval timers and three independent timers for count down, count up, and count repeat. This watch is meant for serious outdoor use, featuring a case that is water resistant to 50 meters and a durable mineral glass LCD. The band includes a breathable mesh insert to improve comfort around the wrist when exerting for an extended period.

-Time (in 12 or 24 hour format), day, date, and month display
Dual time zone settings
-3 alarms help you keep track of the day's responsibilities
-9 interval timers plus 3 independent timers for count down, count up, and count repeat
-100 hour chronograph with 1/100 second resolution
-100 laps with 20 sessions of workout memory
-100 split time with 20 sessions of workout memory
-Training log with best lap, average lap and total segment
-EL backlight system for clear illumination in low light situations
-50 meter water resistant
-Durable mineral glass LCD
-User replaceable CR 1632 3v lithium battery. Typical battery life is one year
-Breathable mesh band insert
-Dimensions: 10 x 1.63 x 0.5 in.
-Weight: 0.7 oz.

Stainless steel and carbon chronograph equipped with an ETA G10.211 movement. 30-minute and 1/10th of a second counters, central 60-seconds chronograph hand, ADD and SPLIT functions, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, case back engraved with the official MotoGP logo and limited edition number out of a total of 7002 pieces, rubber strap with deployment buckle and water-resistant to 100 metres. Presentation helmet box with interchangeable case backs.

The PRADA Phone by LG introduces the world’s first advanced touch interface which eliminates the conventional keypad making the overall usage experience a highly tactile one. An extra wide LCD screen maximizes visual impact, allowing the user to benefit from several key features of the phone, including the 2 megapixel camera featuring Schneider-Kreuznach lens, video player and document viewer capacity. Above all, these features contribute to the phone’s beautifully sleek and simplistic appearance.

Glowing icons on the face of the phone disappear when not in use to reveal a pure, un-adulterated black exterior. The phone is ultra thin (just 12 mm), nonetheless it hosts an array of additional multimedia functions, including an MP3 player and a music multitasking function for messaging. It also boasts an external memory slot, allowing the user to increase memory capacity for images, music and film clips.

The PRADA Phone by LG will be available with prices starting from 600 Euros in mobile dealerships as well as selected PRADA stores in the UK, France, Germany and Italy as of late February, 2007, followed by countries in Asia such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore from late March, 2007. The Korean version of the phone is scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2007.

For further information on LG mobile handsets, please visit www.lgpradaphone.com

Features
• Capacitive Touch Screen
• Music Player (MP3, ACC, ACC+, WMA, RA)
• Music Multitasking (Messaging)
• Video Player (MPEG4, H.263, H.264)
• Macromedia Flash UI
• Document Viewer (ppt, doc, xls, pdf, txt )

Specifications
• EDGE Tri-Band (900/1800/1900)
• 98.8 × 54 × 12 mm
• 2M CMOS Camera / LED Flash
• External Memory Slot (Micro SD)
• Innerpack Battery 800mAh
• Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0, USB Mass storage

See what happens next
The dedicated TV key on the Nokia N77 gives you straight access to a world of DVB-H TV*. It even remembers the last channel you were viewing when you switched off the TV. You can also set reminders to alert you when your program is starting and access it at the push of a button. Through the Program Guide in the mobile TV application you can view program information up to seven days, browse TV channels, purchase new channels if desired and select the TV program you are interested in.
By utilizing built-in interactive service functionality, like SMS voting for deciding what music video will be played next, it is very easy to make your voice heard. You can also take full advantage of 30 seconds replay and continue live TV watching after the replay clip.

Your music, your soundtrack, your way
With up to 2GB** of memory and integrated stereo speakers, the Nokia N77 also features great mobile music experiences. The Nokia N77 offers storage of up to 1500***tracks. Enjoy your favorite DJs or discover a rich new world of music with Visual Radio*. With support for MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+ and WMA, no song should go unheard. For enhanced personal sound quality, simply connect the in-box earphone buds or use the Nokia Audio Adapter with standard 3.5 mm connector to hook up to a compatible headphone.

Much more than just entertainment
With practically all the applications you would expect from a true Nokia Nseries multimedia computer, including a 2 megapixel camera (1600 x 1200 pixels), the Nokia N77 is much more than just live TV - it's the key to an entire world of multimedia computing. Work or play, beneath its good looking exterior it has just about everything you need. Designed to work on 3G (WCDMA 2100 MHz), EDGE and GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz) networks, with the Nokia N77 you can manage your day on the go with email, calendar and to-do lists.
The Nokia N77, based on S60 3rd Edition software on Symbian OS, is expected to start shipping during the second quarter of 2007 in countries where DVB-H services are available, with an estimated, pre-tax, unsubsidized sales price of approximately 370 euros.
* To check the availability and cost of the service, contact your network operator or service provider.
** The availability and memory capacity of a memory card in the sales package may vary depending on the market and/or your network operator/service provider."
*** Capacity based on 3:45 per song and 48kbps eAAC+ encoding on the Nokia Music Manager. Capacity with 128kbps AAC encoding is up to 500 songs.

Concept Phone

Apparently the latest trend to generate publicity around a brand is to launch futuristic, sometimes weird-looking product concepts. The mobile phone manufacturers are in fact investing heavily into concept models.
Asus recently announced its concept mobile phone called Aura. The device comes with a 3.9 inch LCD screen, a QWERTY keyboard, a 2 megapixel camera and microSD slots for memory expansion. The most amazing feature of this phone is its the slim frame and the fact that it supports GSM, UMTS, HSDPA, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth!
LG also unveiled a new concept phone very similar to the iPhone. The mobile handset was created from a partnership with Prada, the Italian fashion house. The phone packs a 3.0 inch wide touchscreen, a 2 megapixel camera, microSD slot and bluetooth connectivity. The biggest appeal of this phone comes from the special leather case, ringtones and themes that come preloaded on the phone.
Finally, BenQ-Siemens is also revealing some very creative (to say the least) models. There is one model called “Snaked” that is targeted at the female segment. The mobile phone, instead of being carried, is tangled around the wrist or around the arm. Apart from working as a traditional mobile phone, “Snaked” has multimedia functionalities and it can also monitor the heart beat and other physical conditions of the bearer as he works out.
Read more at coolest-gadgets.com

Amazing Miniature Indoor Aviation

You will be amazed the first time you see this Palmsize Micro Copter take off from your hand. It's like a tiny robotic hummingbird transported from a future society where all remote controlled toys are micro-sized and super cool.
We won't kid you. Flying this mini copter takes some of those twitchy video game skillz you've been perfecting on FPS shooters. But once you get the knack of it you won't be able to stop zooming it around your home or office. Unlike a traditional R/C helicopter, the Palmsize Micro Copter is always moving forward. You control the hover height and right or left turns. By a slight twist of the tail before takeoff you can adjust how quickly the copter moves forward.

Product Features:

Amazingly small Infrared Remote control helicopter
Flashing Blue LED for Night Flying
Intended for indoor use. Outdoor flying only under ZERO wind conditions.
Full Flight control with up/down and turn right/left
Body is constructed from durable EPP foam
Internal helicopter battery charges from remote control unit
15 minute charge time, 5 - 7 minute flight time
Extra rotor included
Uses 6AA Batteries (Not Included)
Read more at Thinkgeek.com

Samsung i7 Digital Camera has a Rotating LCD

The i7 is Samsung's latest ultra-portable digital camera. The most glorious feature of this camera resides on its backside. The 3-inch LCD screen can rotate 180 degrees for uh... I don't really know why. I guess you can just look at your vertical pictures a little larger. In addition to this crazy LCD, the i7 has a 7.2-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, 1600 ISO support, advanced shake reduction (ASR) and support for MP3s. Jump for a picture of the i7's frontside.
Read more at Gizmodo.com

Meizu M8 PMP/Phone

Dapreview has—what appears to be—concept renderings of the M8 PMP/cellphone from Meizu. No word if these are real or not, but something about it looks really familiar. I can't put my finger on it, but this player looks like something we have been covering non-stop for the past month or so. This is going to drive me crazy if I can't remember which fruity product the M8 looks like. I think it starts with eye-something. EyeJack? EyeZune?
This player runs WinCE 6.0, includes a 3-megapixel camera, 3.3-inch VGA+ screen, GSM support, TV-out and more. I don't know whether to think this is fake, or a real knock-off. This isn't the first time Meizu has borrowed design elemets from another company.
Read more at Gizmodo.com

Apple Iphone

From the company who revolutionized the way we use portable music, comes a phone that will change the way we communicate. The iPhone is an incredibly sleek looking unit which uses a full color screen to cover the majority of its face. This is instantly impressive, as the quality of the screen supports beautiful high resolution images. The iPhone encompasses a plethora of different functions in the one unit. As Steve Jobs stated today at its press launch, 'We've been pushing the state of the art in every facet of this design'.
The iPhone includes a multi-touch screen, miniaturization, OS X in a mobile device, precision enclosures, three advanced sensors, desktop class applications, and the widescreen video iPod. With a battery life that generously pours out 5 hrs of talk back time, video, text editing and browsing as well as 16 hrs of audio playback, the iPhone is up for the challenge. Apple has packed so many new technologies into this unit they have had to file over 200 patents for all the features, in order to protect them.
Possibly one of the most subtle yet most user friendly features is the new navigation device called Multi-touch. Stylus free, the mulit-touch is a breakthrough in touch pad navigation. There is only one downside to the iPhone. It's not out till June. Until then, we'll keep you posted with more information on this incredible release from Apple.
Read more at Thecoolhunter.net

BB Airsoft Guns
Replica Airsoft BB Guns & Accessories

Whether this is your first air soft gun purchase or you are already a seasoned air soft enthusiast, we have something some great BB Guns for you. Our Air soft BB Gun collection contains mini-electric machine bb guns, spring air BB pistols, spring air BB rifles, gas guns and accessories. Powerful and realistic looking, you will love the way they feel in your hand.
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO AIRSOFT BB GUNS: The U.S. government has approved and specified regulations applicable to AirSoft BB guns. The blaze orange marking at the tip of the guns (you will see this featured in some photos of the guns) is a federal requirement; all reputable AirSoft manufacturers and dealers must be in compliance with this ruling for legal use. This is for your protection so that your AirSoft gun is not mistaken for a real gun while being used. All AirSoft products, foreign or domestic, must meet this safety regulation.
Spring Airsoft BB Pistols: These are excellent entry level AirSoft bb guns for the hobby & recreation enthusiasts. Pull back the slide, just like the real guns they are modeled after, to charge the firing mechanism. Aim and pull the trigger! Manually cock each shot. Good beginner's gun!
Spring Airsoft Rifles All Spring Air Rifles are styled after some of the world's famous guns, our Spring Air Powered rifles are true to scale and easy to operate. Airsoft BB Gun Rifles are true to scale and easy to operate. Cock prior to each Shot! Beginners or experienced users.
Gas Powered AirSoft Guns use low temperature carbon dioxide, environment safe freon or "green gas" to operate. The gas is either injected into a reservoir within the gun/rifle or attached to an exterior tank. For the more advanced user.
The Mini Electric AirSoft guns, Close replicas of real rifles and submachine guns. The Mini Electric AirSoft BB Guns use a battery-operated motor to perform the firing action. This creates nearly instantaneous firing!. Just keep the trigger pulled and you have fully automatic machine-gun like performance.
AirSoft Accessories - Some fun accessories for Airsoft BB Gun Fun!! Complete your Airsoft BB Gun needs with paintball bb's, targets and safety equipment.
Read more at Coolgadget.net

LED Binary Watch

This watch displays time in binary format. It uses LED lights to display the time. Need we say more? Okay, we will. The watch face contains 10 red LEDs that are used to indicate the numbers of the binary sequence (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32) and the values of the lighted LEDs are added to determine the time. There are two rows of LEDs - the top row for the hours and the bottom row for the minutes. With a little practice you can learn to read this time format easily. Won't it be fun the next time someone asks you "what time is it?" and you can enjoy their bewildered expression when you flash your wrist emblazoned with glowing binary? Yes it will, you quietly smirk to yourself.
This watch also has a soft leather band, a circuitboard watch face, and stainless steel back and casing. It is water resistant to 3 atmospheres and comes with batteries.
The LED Binary Watch has these features:
Displays time using binary representation Blue or Red LED lights indicate the hours and minutes The upper LED-row shows hours (8-4-2-1) The lower LED-row shows minutes (32-16-8-4-2-1) Push button - the time is displayed for 5 seconds Circuitboard face with 10 LEDs Leather band and stainless steel back Water resistant (3 Atm) Battery included (type CR2032) Instruction manual included Time reading shown above is 10:15
Read more at Thinkgeek.com

Nokia N800 Internet Tablet

This model has approximately the same form-factor as the 770 but it's not exactly identical. It felt very comfortable to hold. On its back, there's a bulge across the top, where the stylus slot and web cam are, so I don't see how anyone could drop the device.
Speaking of the web cam, this located in a small, retractable arm that looks a bit like a cell phone antenna. It can be twisted around to face forward or
backward. It allows N800 users to do video chatting.
The front of this handheld is dominated by the 800-by-480-pixel touchscreen. This device doesn't have an integrated hardware keyboard, but Nokia engineers
have worked hard to make one unnecessary. Here's my favorite feature. If you touch the icon to open the on-screen keyboard with the stylus, you'll get a
small one suitable for use with a stylus. If, on the other hand, you touch the icon with your fingertip, a much larger keyboard opens, and this one can be
typed on with a finger.
I like the dual memory card set up. One slot is located externally, and is intended to let you easily switch SD cards in and out, while the second slot is
under the battery cover, and is for more long-term storage. The N800 also has 200 MB of built-in storage.
This model includes both Wi-Fi b/g and Bluetooth 2.0, so it can be used near a Wi-Fi hotspot, or almost anywhere with a Bluetooth-enabled phone acting as its
wireless modem.
Software
As its name suggests, the N800 heavily emphasizes Internet connectivity. As such, it comes with Opera 8 as its web browser, and has support for Flash 7, so
users can play, for example, Google Movies.
Naturally, it includes email and instant messaging applications, plus the video chatting functionality I mentioned earlier.
This device also has support for Internet radio stations and station guides.
Speaking of multimedia, the N800 has audio and video players that support a wide variety of formats, including AAC, MP3, WMA, AVI, MPEG-4, and Real Audio and Video.
This is not a traditional handheld, and it lacks a built-in calendar. In addition, its address book is primarily intended to track email addresses.

From a software standpoint, I don't think the N800 is a huge step-up from the Nokia 770. However, its hardware is noticeably better.
I'm glad to see that Nokia seems committed to making its Internet Tablet line the best that it can be.
Read more at nokia.com

OQO Pocket Computer

This tiny (4.9" x 3.4" x 0.9"), light (14 ounces) PDA-like gadget is not a Pocket PC. Rather, it’s a fully functional Windows XP PC. Inside the slim case is a 1 GHz processor, 256 MB of RAM and a 20 GB hard drive. On top is a five-inch screen that slides up to reveal a tiny yet complete keyboard. Other techy features include USB and FireWire ports, Bluetooth and wireless capability, and a headphone jack. It even senses when it has been dropped and braces its innards for the inevitable hard landing. Mom dropped us a lot when we were kids, but says she always caught us on the second or third bounce.

Sidekick 3 Short Bus Edition Coming



Leak machine FCC lets another one slip, this time a possible new pared down Sidekick 3. The docs peg it with a model number in between that of the Sidekick II and 3, but we're not sure what kind of features it's going to be missing other than Bluetooth.
No word on when it's hitting or anything else about it though, despite our best efforts to get some T-Mobile verbiage, as their spokesperson apparently doesn't take their slogan of "talk it up" to heart. All they'd offer is that "T-Mobile doesn't comment on rumors and doesn't pre-announce products." Is it really possible to pre-announce a product? I mean, once it's out there it's announced, no? – Matt Buchanan -
Read more at Gizmodo.com