Motorazr Maxx V6 Ferrari Challenge Mobile Phone - Fast Talking

A Ferrari model launched in 2007 with just six cylinders? Heaven forbid. The V6 Ferrari Challenger is a phone, after all! Partnering with Motorola to bring out a flashy limited edition of the MotoRAZR MAXX, the V6 has the iconic prancing horse shield on the front and Ferrari emblazoned across the back, and even turns on with the sound of a Ferrari Formula 1 engine revving! For the rare tifosi actually concerned with the specs on this baby, it's loaded with a two megapixel camera, VGA webcam for video telephony, and HS-DPA/EDGE/GPRS support.

DETAILS

Specially created by Motorola exclusively for Ferrari, the phone boasts 105 grams of fast, easy-to-use, cutting-edge technology. Thanks to dual mode UMTS and multiband GSM, the Ferrari Challenge Mobile Phone has virtually worldwide coverage. HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Racket Access) technology also gives it Ferrari-fast surfing, data transfer and download speeds too. Blisteringly fast connections and limitless mobility too: download music and video clips, send emails or follow the Grands Prix on TV where and when you want. The MOTORAZR MAXX V6 Ferrari Challenge also has a 2.0 mexapixel camera with an 8x digital zoom and flash for brilliant high-resolution photos and top quality video footage. A fabulous mobile phone and an elegant declaration of your passion for the Prancing Horse all in one. You can also choose from a vast range of ring tones and screensavers, all dedicated to the Ferrari F430 and to the Ferrari Challenge USA Pirelli Trophy. Even the phone's shell-style cover features the Scuderia Ferrari logo on its front and the Ferrari name on the back. The switching on and off sound reproduces the unmistakable roar of the Ferrari F1 engine.

This Special Edition also includes a very handy red leather phone holder featuring the Prancing Horse logo.

Source: http://www.ferraristore.com

Price: $633 (approx)

Olympus SP-550 UZ - Digital Delight!

Invested in a compact digital camera recently? Here's the perfect ingredient for a case of complete gear envy - the Olympus SP-550 UZ torches a camera sized hole in the competition's meagre 8-12x zooms by releasing the world's first wide 18x optical zoom on a compact digital camera. That's a full 28-504mm (35mm equivalent) focal length with Dual-Image stabilisation (high sensitivity ISO 5000 combined with CCD-based mechanical image stabiliser) to protect against blurring. Also on the list is a 7.1 megapixel CCD, a 2.5 inch 230,000 pixel LCD, and 15fps high-burst rate (at1.2 megapixel resolution) - though it's still left to be seen how good the optics are in the real world.

18X WIDE-ANGLE ZOOM

The 18x super-telephoto zoom brings you closer to the action than any other compact digital camera on the market, and at the same time, the wide-angle lens allows more in your frame. The SP-550's 100x total zoom capability is perfect for indoor shooting, landscapes and group shots.

15FPS & PRE-CAPTURE

With a burst rate of up to 15fps, you can freeze moments in time to get the shot you want. And the new Pre-Capture technology works as soon as the focus is locked, it automatically archives five frames in the camera's buffer memory prior to the shutter release. You'll capture the perfect shot even if your reaction time is slow.

FULL MANUAL EXPOSURE CONTROL

The SP-550 is as versatile as you want it to be. It allows advanced creative control, yet it's easy enough for any family member to point-and-shoot beautiful images.

Source: http://www.olympusamerica.com

Price: $500 (estimated)

Protect your spine and your vision!

If you’re a member of the “terrible posture group”, you might like this next gadget, the Visomate USB Vision and Posture Reminder. It might not fix your posture instantaneously, but it’s probably worth a try. Or you could just stay hunched over the computer your entire life and end up with 20/1,000 vision. It’s your choice.

The little pod-ish device sits on top of your monitor. It will gently remind you to keep your distance, you know, monitors need their personal space just like you. Don’t worry, it won’t beep obnoxiously, spray you with unremovable ink, or turn off your computer. Instead, a simple LED will start flashing. Once you’ve leaned to close, you’ll notice a red LED flashing and sit back. Once back in the “safe zone” a solid blue LED will go on. I just hope you can actually read the text when you realize you’ve been to close to the screen for the past few years. If you’ve got USB ports to spare, why not get this? I mean there’s a possibility it’ll end up helping you. Admittedly, I’d like this a lot more if it had a few more features, namely have a USB hub built in. I thought everything had one of those these days.

$26 will get you the Visomate USB Vision and Posture Reminder. Sure, it’s a tad pricey for something you could do yourself, but unlike yourself, the Visomate won’t forget to remind you unless you unplug it.

Product Page

Roboquad - The latest from the WoWee robot stable

WowWee’s new robot, which appeared this year, is called Roboquad and amused people crawling around on its four legs. The robot comes with infra-red sensors and apparently it can be used as guard since it is able to scan for sounds and movements, up to 10 feet away. The manufacturer is claiming that the robot should also be able to identify objects of different sizes, move around furniture and detect the edge of doorways.

The Robotsrule site has a summary of the robot’s features:

• It can identify motion at a distance of about 10 feet. Once identified it can pursue the moving object
• It is a four legged robot with a chassis that is designed to move easily in any direction
• The Roboquad’s main theme is fast movement in nearly any ground based direction and it is capable of 3 speeds of movement
• The Roboquad is react quickly to it’s environment
• It has a strange little head that can sweeps the room with a tightly focused infrared beam
• The Roboquad can even identify the sizes of objects
• It is sensitive enough to detect the fine details in it’s environment like the edges of doorways
• It is expected to hit store shelves in fall of this year (2007) and to retail for a little above $100

Now if you consider the price of those LEGO Mindstorms out there I would not be surprised if the sales for this toy were large, and the best part is that you will not need to assemble tiny parts before starting with the fun!

Via: T3 (video) and Robotsrule

Killer Robotic Insects

According to a Wired magazine article military forces around the world are starting to develop the so called MAVs (Micro Air Vehicles) to be employed on different types of military operations. “If you feel something crawling on your neck, it might be a wasp or a bee. Or it might be something much more dangerous.”

The MAVs will not be used for massive destructive endeavors but rather for specific and tactical missions, like getting inside buildings to destroy the power supply. Fred Davis from the Air Force Research Laboratory commented: “This means preventing the target from carrying out its mission, rather than destroying it (…) for example, can be put out of action by destroying its tires; a MAV can do this by squirting them with few milliliters of a catalytic de-polymerization agent, causing them to disintegrate rapidly.”

Apparently the British Special Forces already use MAVs for recognition missions. Those are called WASPs, they cost $3000 each. Isreal is another nation trying to develop MAVs. According to some newspapers they are using nanotechnology to create robots no bigger than hornets that are able to photograph, chase and kill military targets.

Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister commented to Reuters: “The war in Lebanon proved that we need smaller weaponry. It’s illogical to send a plane worth $100 million against a suicidal terrorist. So we are building futuristic weapons.”

It looks like in the near future we will have Terminator-like warfare going on, and this is not a comforting thought at all.

Reference: Wired and ABC News

Mousetrapper Advance

This is an interesting extension to your keyboard, a way to physically use your mouse without physically touching it, the Mousetrapper Advance. The aim of the Mousetrapper is to help prevent (or at least relieve the pain of) RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).

The Mousetracker attaches to your keyboard and your mouse slots into a special cradle at the side. Now to move the mouse you use special scroll bars that are located below the keyboard, this should in theory reduce the amount of movement between keyboard and mouse (I know when I’m blogging my right hand is forever moving between the two).

To me it looks like an interesting idea but does have the drawback of only working with a Microsoft Mouse. The MouseTrapper website looked professional enough however the order form (which strangely accepted credit card numbers without disclosing the price) had no security at all.

Spy Cameras of the Future!

One limitation of traditional cameras is the fact that they must be long in order to have an optical zoom, which is composed of several lenses that bend and focus light. Digital zoom is available for spy cameras and mobile phones, but such zoom makes the image blurry and with low contrast.

A new technology developed at the University of California at San Diego could solve this problem, though. The technology involves optical lenses folded together like origami. Current prototypes are already producing the same image quality as that of a 6-megapixel camera, despite being much thiner.

Joseph Ford, an optical engineer involved on the project, commented: “Traditional camera lenses are typically made up of many different lens elements that work together to provide a sharp, high quality image. Here we did much the same thing, but the elements are concentric mirrors folded on top of one another to reduce the thickness of the optic (…) our imager is about seven times more powerful than a conventional lens of the same depth”

Just to get an idea of the effects of such technology consider that cell phones using the folded optics technology will be able to focus on objects as mush as eight times more distant than the current maximum.

The performance of spy cameras will follow alike, as you can imagine. By the way if you are looking for some spy gadgets check out the Mini Wireless Spy Camera or the Spy Tie!

Via: LiveScience

Window Cop - Security with Fresh Air!

If you like to have fresh air blowing around your home or office but are concerned about the security risks of leaving a window open then Window Cop could be the answer.

Window Cop is an adjustable window screen which lets air in but keeps out bugs and scares off potential intruders. If anybody tries to tamper with or remove the Window Cop it will let off an ear-piercing alarm. The Window Cop is easy to install and no tools are required, it currently only works with double hung windows but a version for sliding windows is in development.

Website: Window Cop

Wireless Mini Spy Camera with Night Vision!

It seems like there is always a new cool gadget that surpasses the others in quality. Just imagine the power you would weild in the surveilance arena with a such a powerful gadget under your belt (or wherever you decide to conceal it :))!

To start with, this is a spy cam so it has to be small in order to be placed in strange places for important observations, you wouldn’t want a gigantic camera ruining your projects, now would you? It only measures 3 x 3 x 4cm which can be considered too tiny for a camera.

Besides the smallness detail there is also the Night Vision aspect of the thing. The most important things happen during the night according to night owls (like myself), so having a camera recording the activity in a room with hopes to watch something… erotic (?) is well worth the money. Anyway, the night vision feature works in coordination with infrared LEDs and a sensor, whenever it feels like there is little light, it triggers the LEDs and the final image stays clear and sharp even in total darkness. The only bad thing is the image being black and white only on those dark situations.

The camera has a normal yet cool working system, it is the wireless kicking in. How it works: place the spy cam wherever you want - plug the receiver into a TV – and voilá, the sound + video is being transmitted to the TV if you are within 100 meters away from the camera.

It costs $127 at ParamountZone, TV not included!

Spyke - Make your own WiFi Spy Robot

It’s another robot with a cutesy name, SPYKE the WiFi Spy Robot. It’s due to be sold under the Meccano brand name which is pretty appropriate as you’ll have to make him your self.

Once constructed you’ll be able to control Spyke from any Internet enabled PC, he incorporates VOIP and a web-cam so you’ll be able to send him on dangerous spying missions and watch the results from the other side of the world. When SPYKE is running low on robot juice he’ll use his auto parking system to dock with his recharging system.

You should be able to make your own Skype in September 2007 with a price point planned at under $300. More info (but not a lot more) over at Spyke World.

Spy with your Tie!

If you're the types who likes weilding exclusive gizmos, no matter how outlandish they may sound, the Spy Tie is definitely for you. Or you may need it if you're a full time detective or a business executive or hot shot who's prone to receiving threats.... recorded evidence you know! Or maybe as a gift for a gadget freak who already has so many that a mundane iPod would sound lame for him!

This unique piece of fashion is melded with the latest technology to create a Bond-like aura whenever you put it on. Sure, it is no piece of haute couture but then again, how many ties do you have in your wardrobe that comes with an extremely high resolution CCD pinhole camera that is discreetly hidden and is capable of recording up to 280 minutes’ worth of video, depending on the size of the memory card used?

In addition, the video recorder also boasts an integrated monitor and a remote control unit. The 2.4″ TFT LCD monitor makes it possible for you to review what you have just recorded, and there are up to 4 recording modes to choose from. You can either set it to automatic, manual, motion detection, or scheduled. This Spy Tie accepts SD cards as the recording media of choice, supporting up to 4GB worth of data. Unfortunately, the device has a battery life of only 1 hour so having so much space is pretty pointless. Oh yeah, another major stumbling block would be the price - you would have to fork out a cool $1,300 for the Spy Tie!

Fancy a Cellular Book?

Telecom Italia and Polymer Vision have finally come to an agreement to develop the Cellular Book together. This unique device might look like some form of cellphone at the first glance, but it is actually a mobile device that comes with a rollable display which enables you to read various personal information, newspapers, and even electronic books. Dubbed the Cellular Book, it comes with a special Polymer Vision rollable display technology which offers readability that rivals that of printed paper under bright light.

This terminal will first be presented to the world at the 3GSM World Congress that will be held in Barcelona, Spain, next week so drop by if you’re in the vicinity. Unfortunately, the technology might be able to expand a display which is larger than the handset itself, but the lack of a backlight greatly diminishes its usability. Hopefully future iterations will see a change for the better. I like the idea of having a personal reader device that has a decent amount of reading space, unlike most of the other e-book readers that are available on the market.

It is also revealed that later versions will incorporate color and a moving image capable display. In the meantime, those who pick up the Cellular Book will be able to receive books and entire newspapers delivered via TIM’s mobile network. These information are stored inside the Cellular Book’s internal memory itself, with capacities that start from 4GB upwards. Additional capabilities include the ability to download and play music, audiobooks, and podcasts. There is no word on pricing or availability at press time.

Source: Ubergizmo

Taser C2 delivers shocking surprise

You can never be too safe these days when walking around, which is why it is prudent to get this Taser C2 for the lady in your life. It looks like a shaver at first glance, but when one’s eyes glaze over the lightning flash symbol, it definitely spells trouble. The Taser C2 is touted to be the next wave in citizen defense, enabling you to stop a threat that is up to 15 feet away to keep you and your family safe. In case you are assaulted, the C2 can also be used as a contact stun device to repel the assailant.

Additional features include an Anti-Felon ID system that deters misuse as it performs a computer background check on the would-be purchaser beforehand, while the integrated LED light at the bottom works great as an impromptu torchlight in emergencies. The lithium power magazine is good for 50 firings, so be prepared to use it wisely instead of recording a home video edition of Jackass which will be uploaded later onto YouTube. The Taser C2 retails for $300, while the model with a laser targeting system will set you back by an additional $50. Laws in certain states in the U.S. prohibit the sale of the Taser C2. Shipping will begin this April.

One of the misgivings I’ve always had is the fact that the assailant could easily knock the Taser C2 out of the victim’s hands and turn the tables on the victim instead. Perhaps future iterations would include a biometric reader of some sort that activates the taser only when the fingerprint matches.

Source: Ubergizmo

Fully Working Miniature Brass Steam Engine

I’ve not seen one of these in ages, a fully working minature steam engine (and I’ve never seen a model engine with so much shiny brass).

The classic Locomobile is works like a real steam engine but is 1/8 the size. You fill the boiler with water, light a dry spirit tablet and when the boiler is hot enough the steam powers the engine (and the all important whistle).

This is one of those toys that as well as being fun and educational is also a pretty good investment IMO (though bear in mind I have a shed full of 2000 AD comics that I thought would be worth something one day (Sylvestor Stallone (Judge Dredd) has a lot to answer for)). You can get the Classic Working Steam Engine Locomobile for $549.95 from Hammacher.

Mini Desk - Go the Xtra Mile!

So you think that you have actually given your all when it comes to work, but how about a desk that has actually clocked up way more mileage than you ever had throughout your 30-year career? The Mini Desk takes one of the most iconic vehicles in the last century, merging it with office functionality to produce a piece of furniture that will definitely set tongues wagging the moment anybody lays eyes on one. This Mini Desk is hand built from scratch, where one half of the Mini is left intact, while the interior is stripped and replaced with a fully functional working desk. It is also nice to see the creators add a subtle touch by throwing in a number plate that reads “Mini Desk”.

By far it is not the smallest desk available, but trust designer Glynn Jenkins to come up with something special. This is a highly customizable desk, as you can choose from the top of your choice, ranging from leather, wood, and metal to virtually any color vinyl. It doesn’t really matter what type of office set up you’re looking at as the Mini can be sprayed to complement the working environment instead of the other way round that is often the case with other furniture.

The Mini Desk also boasts fully working headlamps, hazards, and spotlights. This means you can now signal your colleagues opposite you whenever you spot the boss coming down the aisle. If only the horn was included - it would’ve made a great stress reliever. Additional functions include a stereo set that has been integrated into the dash and speakers in the parcel shelf. The choice of rims and tyres are also left entirely up to you, so why not take this opportunity and bling out a piece of furniture? There is no mention of pricing, but I’m guessing it won’t come cheap!

Source: Ubergizmo

BMW Inflatable Bubble Tent

Could this be the way BMW drivers go camping in the future (actually have BMW drivers even heard of camping), the BMW inflatable bubble tent.

The unique item attaches to the back end of the car, allowing campers to make use of the inside of the car, and is inflated is by a low-voltage fan hooked up to the car’s cigarette lighter. All-in, the Air Camper can accommodate two people.

Credit to Winding Road & Get Outdoors.

Concept Phones - Snaked Aura!

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.

Gizmos for the Bond in you!

Implantable Radio Frequency Identification Tags

These devices are commonly known as RFID tags, and are most widely used in standard supermarket and library security systems. Ken Livingstone's faintly Orwellian Oyster cards, for paying Tube fares, are also individual RFID tags. The example pictured is particularly small - the size of a grain of rice - and could therefore be implanted under the skin of a human, in the same way that many household pets now carry ID chips. Once there, it can be used for identification, tracking or to store vital medical details such as blood group and allergies, or even used instead of a credit card.

Entomopter

A micro air vehicle (MAV) inspired by the movement of an insect, rather than a traditional aircraft. It can fly, crawl and swim, accessing areas that remote-controlled helicopters, for instance, cannot reach. Could be used in both emergency and espionage situations to enter a building (say through an open window). This example is about six inches long. The only thing preventing smaller versions being developed is the relatively large size of batteries. This machine uses a "reciprocating chemical muscle" that flaps the MAV's wings, and the waste gases from its fuel cell are recycled to power the flight controls and its on-board sonar sensor.

Keystroke Logger

This discrete device can be plugged into the back of any PC, and will then capture every keystroke typed in by the user. In the past, criminals and spies have used keystroke loggers to discover passwords and even invade online bank accounts. They are simple, effective and widely used, and can now be bought from any spy shop for around £50. Because they are hardware, rather than invasive items of software, normal anti-virus devices won't pick them up: the only way to tell they're there is to look at the back of your computer. Knowing these exist may make you think twice about using internet cafés...

Mobile phone security

The advent of mobile phones has been a gift to spies, who can pack a handset with hidden technology, from bug detectors to voice changers that disguise their identity. To be sure that the gadget does not fall into the wrong hands, they can also be fitted with iris scanners. Although expensive now, this could be the answer to gadget theft in the future. After all, colour screens were once expensive, too.

Spyrobot camera

The "tough-grip" wheels allow this mobile device to crawl into danger zones, run down stairs, and climb 40-degree slopes. It is self-righting, and can survive a 2m drop before being used to shoot either video or stills. This model is made by a firm called Macroswiss and can be bought over the counter for a few thousand pounds. It can be thrown through a glass window and used to film the inside of an unfamiliar building, and has all kinds of implications for fire brigades and rescue teams.

Super-powered Spy Leg

Finally, this is one possible example of technology that spies might use in 20 years, given current trends, a vision of the future from product designers at the Royal College of Art. It's a prototype of an artificial leg that would be stuck on in place of the agent's real limb to augment his (or her) physical skills. Four separate attachments can be used: a "cheetah" leg for fast running and high jumping, a tentacle appendage to help you climb like an octopus, a grapple hook for hanging (like Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible) and a swanky brogue for undercover work. It's all a bit Inspector Gadget.

Source: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Nokia 7373 Swivel Fashion Phone

Nokia 7373 is one of the latest devices in Nokia's new L'Amour 2 collection. Featuring the latest S40 UI, this swiveling member of the collection is a slight upgrade over its predecessor, the 7370. Armed with a 2-megapixel camera and an expandable memory card slot, the 7373 is a triband (GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz) phone and, like the 7370 before it, has support for EDGE data networks.

Physical Aspects

The 7373 has a spring loaded swiveling mechanism that makes it really easy to push open. With just a slight nudge, the phone will swivel open automatically. This makes things pretty easy when answering calls or trying to reply messages. Our review unit came in a black and dark brown colour scheme with bronze highlights in a few areas. The leather-like battery cover is nice and gives a touch of class to the 7373. Overall, the build quality of our review unit was really good. The swiveling mechanism was very solid and should withstand heavy usage. When closed, the 7373 has a flat top with a curved bottom. The screen takes up most of the real estate on the front of the phone since there are no buttons accessible when the device is closed. I would have preferred at least a navigational D-pad on the front. At least then I wouldn't have to open the phone every time I wanted to read an SMS. However, that would have just spoilt the overall design of the phone. A matter of form over function here, I suppose. The top, not the bottom, houses the familiar pop-port connector and charging jack. Volume keys are located on the right side of the 7373. On the left you will find the signature L'Amour cloth tag along with the dedicated camera key and power button. The back of the 7373 houses the 2-megapixel camera lens. Swiveling the 7373 open, the display will automatically reorient itself so that the picture won't be upside down. It can't be swiveled 360 degrees, so if you swiveled it open clockwise, it will have to be closed counterclockwise. The keypad is white backlit and has a very nice feel to it. The 5-way navigational D-pad is flanked by both left and right softkeys, and Call and End keys. The keypad is set flush with the body but provides pretty good feedback. The keys are large enough to be comfortably pressed on. Hiding just behind the curved end of the top portion, you will find the 7373's built-in stereo speakers. Measuring 88mm x 43mm x 23mm (3.5" x 1.7" x .9") and weighing only 104g (3.7oz), the Nokia 7373 is sure to be a hit amongst the ladies. With a solid build and an attractive design, fashion aficionados should have the 7373 on their list when shopping for fashion phones.

The Apple iPod Nano - Redefining Style!

Apple unleashes its latest Ipod the “IPod nano” which is much thinner than the Ipod mini and packs more mp3s in it. Ipod nano is a flash based player that is thinner than a standard pencil thus making it the thinnest mp3 music player around.

A thinner design. Five stylish colors. A brighter display. Up to 24 hours of battery life. Just about the only thing that hasn’t changed is the name. In 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB models starting at $149, iPod nano puts up to 2,000 songs in your pocket.

Your music says a lot about you. So should your iPod nano. A super-slim design says you always have room for music — up to 2,000 songs, in fact. Durable anodized aluminum says you won’t let the rough and tumble of everyday life ruin your groove. And one of five colors says whatever you want. Choose your hue and make a statement.

There is peculiar change in the latest Ipod model when compared to others it has its earphone jack located on the bottom of the device rather in the top like the other models.

There is also a new version of iTunes available that allows you to change the randomness of your shuffles.

World’s Fastest Harddisk By Seagate

Harddisk drives just keep getting faster and faster. Seagate just announced what it claims to be the world’s fastest hard drive: a 15,000RPM 2.5-incher. Until its crown gets taken off by a competitor, this baby accesses data faster than the fastest out there right now by 2.9ms.

The drives will begin shipping soon in HP ProLiant servers, in capacities of 36GB and 73GB.

Pentax M30 And T30: Recognizes Faces

Pentax M30 and T30 are Pentax’s new digital point-and-shoot cameras. Both sport pretty nifty features that makes them worth considering over the rest.

Face recognition - The camera attempts to find your subjects’ faces and exposes them properly. This makes getting nice clear shots of your friends and family’s faces easier.

High ISO Digital Shake Reduction - The camera tries to push the ISO setting up to maintain a shutter speed fast enough to suppress handshakes. Not as good as optical image stabilizers since increasing ISO introduces image noise as well.

7-megapixel - I would say megapixel does not matter. But, if you have to compare, 7-megapixel isn’t the best out there. Still very capable.

Other features:
3x optical zoom
3-inch LCD display
Slim and stylish aluminum case

Difference between the M30 and T30 lies in T30’s touchscreen capability. The M30 will retail at US$199.95, while the T30 at US$349.95. Both will hit shelves in March this year.

What? Liquid Condom?!

This is too interesting to pass up. In this picture is supposedly a bottle of liquid condom designed for ladies’ use. On the bottle, it says Nanometer-Silver Cryptomorphic Condom. What the heck is that?

This world’s first liquid condom went on sales this week in China, after China’s health and drugs administration formally gave the manufacturer the green light.

The manufacturer claims that it forms a physical membrane inside the vagina, protecting it from infection, acting as a barrier to pregnancy and providing a lubricating effect.

Well, if it really is that good, it might just put Durex out of business. But most often, if things appear too good to be true, it most likely is! Any ladies out there dare to use some of these and give me some feedback?

FlareSafe Portable Smoke Alarm

If you like to travel to strange and exotic places and stay in questionable hotel rooms—and who doesn't?—you might want to take along one of these FlareSafe personal safety devices, which is a combo smoke detector, distress alarm and really bright LED flashlight.

Arm this baby before you go to sleep and at the first whiff of smoke it starts honking and screeching loud enough to wake the dead. It's been available in the UK and Europe for £42.51 ($83), and its British makers are now considering bringing it stateside as well.

Special Report: Optimal PC Sound System Setup

The Setup: Speakers

You probably already know that good speakers are essential to putting together a high-quality stereo or multichannel music system or home theater. You can invest several months' mortgage payments in first-rate audio/video components, but without good speakers you're simply not going to hear your system's full potential.

Happily, there's nothing mysterious about setting up speakers. It does require a little bit of care and patience, but the principles are straightforward enough and they apply to virtually all systems and rooms — whether you spend most of your time listening to stereo music or enjoying movies in surround sound. Best of all, our recommended steps to proper speaker setup don't have to cost you a thing, just some time and effort.

To read the full detailed report visit:

http://pcparadiso.tripod.com/ss.htm

Hope you like it!

Microsoft focuses on Immortal Computing Concept

If the thought of sending e-mail from beyond the grave sounds a little too sci-fi, think again. Microsoft is working on a new technology that'll let you send e-mails long after you've kicked the bucket. The project is being referred to as "immortal computing" and it's a way of storing and sending data to future generations, be it through e-mail or interactive holograms.

Microsoft has even admitted to working on a new form of storage device that would involve no movable parts and use alternate means of energy. They wouldn't say how far into the project they were, though hopefully these holograms won't crash mid-message!

Source: E-mail from the Grave?

SMS Technology pricks conscience! :)

Pan Aiying, a teacher from China, had her bag stolen recently. Inside the bag was approximately $630, a cellphone and other goods. Instead of doing the norm and contacting police, Aiying decided to start sending text messages to the thief.

"I'm Pan Aiying, a teacher from Wutou Middle School. You must be going through a difficult time. If so, I will not blame you."

"Keep the 4,900 yuan if you really need it, but please return the other things to me. You are still young. To err is human. Correcting your mistakes is more important than anything"

She gave up hope after all 21 texts, that had similar messages as above, went unanswered. This was until a package was discovered on her doorstep Sunday with an attached note saying: "Dear Pan: I'm Sorry. I made a mistake. Please forgive me. You are so tolerant even though I stole from you. I'll correct my ways and be an upright person."

I guess it is good to see that not all criminals are blood-sucking soulless assholes. Or if they are, it just takes a bit of psychological work to crack them!

Phone thief repents after 21 text messages [Reuters]

The Blackberry Pearl - Style Redefined

Ask most who're moving up the corporate ladder what the most bittersweet perk of their job is, and chances are the response isn't going to be travel, the deadlines or even the pressures of staying in the rat race. Corporates have found a necessary evil they just love to hate - their Blackberry! Always on, having a BlackBerry means never having to say "Sorry. I didn't see your e-mail". Does that spell doom for families and vacations in your dictionary? Sure does in mine.

One thing BlackBerrys have never been accused of htough, is being stylish or fun. They are, to put it bluntly, bulky bricks that work. But think again with the BlackBerry Pearl. Repudiating common smartphones aesthetic, the Pearl radiates style, piano-black finish, chrome side bezels and all. At under 100gm, and half an inch thick, the Pearl is like two iPod nanos stacked together, or a closed RAZR - the thinnest of the smartphones yet.


Features: Voice Activated Dialing. Bluetooth® support. Built-in speakerphone. Quad- band support .Voicemail attachment playback .1 Save time and simplify your voice communications. The BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8100™ smartphone makes advanced phone features easy to use. Just say the word!
Email and Text Messaging (SMS and MMS): Your messages on the go Features: Push- technology. Multiple email account management, Group messaging. Attachment viewing. Helpful setup wizard directly on your smartphone. Sure Type® keyboard with QWERTY layout. 64 MB flash memory. Manage your messages when and where you want to. The BlackBerry Pearl gives you the full BlackBerry experience. So you can do the things you have to do-and more of the things you want to do.
Camera: Just snap and send Features: 1.3 megapixel. Built - in flash. 5x digital zoom. Expandable memory via micro SD card. 2 Picture this: with the BlackBerry Pearl, you can take photos and send them to family and friends via email, MMS or BlackBerry Messenger. And share the moment right away.
Media Player: The fun goes with you Features: Audio and video playback in a variety of popular formats. 3 Expandable memory via micro SD card 2 . Large, ultra - bright, high-resolution display. Enjoy vivid color and rich sound when listening to music or watching video clips. Kick back and relax!
Instant Messaging: Take instant messaging (IM) on the road Features: Popular instant messaging communities supported, including Yahoo®! Messenger and Google Talk™. Take instant messaging (IM) on the road, and sign in when you want- not just when you're at your desk. So you can keep the conversation going.
Organizer : Stay on top of your day Features: Integrated address book for phone and email. Calender. Memo pad. Task list. Desktop synchronization. Keep your meetings and personal appointments straight with a single, up-to-date organizer. And stay on top of your life!
Browser: The web-where and when you need it Features: Pearl-like trackball navigation system. Bookmarks. Fast performance. Get what you need from the web quickly and easily. Whether you're finding an answer or making a reservation, now you can do it faster.

Rating: 8/10

URL: http://www.blackberrypearl.com

VAIO VGN-UX17GP - A Class Apart

Ask yourself this: Should computing products suit your lifestyle, or should you alter your lifestyle to suit your computing products? More often than not, the blasted machine forces the latter. Wouldn’t you rather have the Windows you’re used to and its myriad connectivity options, instead of some stunted operating system when you’re traveling? Or be able to carry your complete mailbox or your movies with you, without having to compress or decide what you’ll carry with you every trip.

A computing impracticality, eh? Not any more, with the first truly pocketable device to run a full install of Microsoft Windows XP – the Sony VAIO VGN-UX17GP. No scrimping here – you get a fully working Windows XP Professional installation, with full support for all Windows XP compatible applications (not Table Edition, so handwriting recognition is missing). Expect a few gasps as you whip out this machine in public – the diminutive size misleads most people to mistake it for a handheld gaming console. When you boot it up, the 4.5 inch (diagonal) widescreen display springs to life as you take in (with awe) that Windows can be starting up on something this tiny.

The screen’s fine – 1,024 x 600 pixels resolution does mean most users will be in for a lot of squinting – icons and text are tiny, though Sony has provided a zoom button to zoom into parts of the screen as required. The display isn’t really meant for hours of poring over spreadsheets, though you can, if necessary. It suits the occasional e-mail/web surfing.

Video however, rocks on this display, which redeems it in part. Plus, the display is touch sensitive, letting you use your finger or the stylus to navigate around like you would with a mouse.

Inside, the UX includes a 1.2 GHz Intel Core Solo processor, 512MB of DDR2 memory, a 30GB hard drive and Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics, which are adequate to run almost anything you throw at it, including the odd game. If you’re not doing anything intensive, you get two and a half odd hours of battery life – and as little as one and a half hours if you’re giving it a serious stick.

The VAIO UX is equipped with two MOTION EYE cameras, making it easy to communicate through images instead of just words. Wherever you take your VAIO UX, if there’s a scene you like, you can take snapshots or shoot movie clips and store them on the hard disk drive. It’s literally a huge album of pictures and videos that you can always carry around with you. And if you have an Internet connection you can email those images to friends and family, or upload them to your blog for the whole world to see. Naturally, you’d have a story to tell for each image, and VAIO UX makes it easy to input text with its built-in keyboard. When the need to communicate is immediate, you can count on its Bluetoo

th® technology for real-time mobile communication like VoIP for video chatting. As they say, “wish you were here”, and if go-anywhere communication is what you want, the VAIO UX is where you can find your solution.

Is this the famed laptop killer then? Not yet – while the UX is great for web browsing and viewing movies, or storing/editing pictures on the move – it has its share of quirks – including a mildly prohibitive cost of just under $2200 (Rs. 1 Lakh). Good things have always come in small packages, and this certainly is the shape of things to come.

Rating: 7/10

URL: http://vaio-online.sony.com/prod_info/vgn-ux17gp

Apple iPhone

Apple Computer has just introduced its much hyped iPhone at MacWorld 2007. True to its word, the iPhone combines three products: the iPod, a mobile phone, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, Web browsing, searching, and maps; into one small and lightweight handheld device.

The iPhone introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting users control it with just their fingers. According to Apple, iPhone ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, completely redefining what users can do on their mobile phones.

Launching the iPhone, Steve Jobs, Chief Executive Officer, Apple, said, "iPhone is a revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone. We are all born with the ultimate pointing device - our fingers - and iPhone uses them to create the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse."

iPhone is a revolutionary new mobile phone that allows users to make calls by simply pointing at a name or number. It syncs all of the contacts from any PC, Mac, or Internet service such as Yahoo!, and one can easily construct a favorites list for the most frequently made calls, and easily merge calls together to create conference calls.

It has Visual Voicemail that lets users look at a listing of their voicemails, decide which messages to listen to, then go directly to those messages without listening to the prior messages. This service also enables users to immediately randomly access those messages that interest them most.

iPhone includes an SMS application with a full QWERTY soft keyboard to easily send and receive SMS messages in multiple sessions. It also has an elegant touch keyboard, which makes typing messages a much easier task. iPhone also includes a calendar application that allows calendars to be automatically synced with users' PCs or Macs.

The phone features a 2-megapixel camera and a photo management application, wherein users can browse their photo library, which can be easily synced from their PC or Mac,

iPhone is a quad-band GSM phone that features EDGE and Wi-Fi wireless technologies for data networking. Besides, it is a wide-screen iPod with touch controls that let music lovers "touch" their music by easily scrolling through entire lists of songs, artists, albums, and playlists with a flick of the finger.



It has a 3.5-inch wide-screen display that offers the ultimate way to watch TV shows and movies on a pocketable device, with touch controls for play-pause, chapter forward-backward, and volume. iPhone plays the same videos purchased from the online iTunes Store that users enjoy watching on their computers and iPods, and will soon enjoy watching on their widescreen televisions using the new Apple TV.

iPhone lets users enjoy all their iPod content, including music, audiobooks, audio podcasts, video podcasts, music videos, television shows, and movies. It syncs content from a user's iTunes library on his/her PC or Mac, and can play any music or video content they have purchased from the online iTunes store.

Moreover, Yahoo! Mail is offering a new free "push" IMAP email service to all iPhone users that automatically pushes new email to a user's iPhone, and can be set up by simply entering the Yahoo! name and password. iPhone will also work with most industry standard IMAP and POP based email services, such as Microsoft Exchange, Apple .Mac Mail, AOL Mail, Google Gmail, and most ISP mail services.

iPhone also features the most advanced and fun-to-use Web browser on a portable device with a version of its award-winning Safari Web browser. Users can see any Web page the way it was designed to be seen, and then easily zoom in to expand any section by simply tapping on iPhone's multi-touch display with their fingers. The Safari Web browser also includes built-in Google Search and Yahoo! Search so that users can instantly search for information on their iPhone just like they do on their computer.

iPhone also includes Google Maps, featuring Google's groundbreaking maps service and iPhone's amazing maps application, offering the best maps experience by far on any pocket device. Users can view maps, satellite images, traffic information, and get directions, all from iPhone's remarkable and easy-to-use touch interface.

It employs advanced built-in sensors - an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, and an ambient light sensor - that automatically enhance the user experience and extend battery life. Its built-in accelerometer detects when the user has rotated the device from portrait to landscape, then automatically changes the contents of the display accordingly, with users immediately seeing the entire width of a Web page, or a photo in its proper landscape aspect ratio.

Meanwhile, iPhone will be available in the US in June 2007, Europe in late 2007, and Asia in 2008, in a 4GB model for $499 (Rs 22,210 approx) and an 8GB model for $599 (Rs 26,661 approx), and will work with either a PC or Mac.

$100-125 Laptop 2B1

The children's machine is a proposed low cost laptop designed by the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) trade association for educating children in developing nations. Previously called the $100 laptop, the 2B1 will initially be priced at $135-140. Its enclosure will be both dirt and moisture resistant and it will consume roughly 2 watts of power as compared to 25-45 watts used by conventional laptops. In the e-book mode, its power consumption will be around 0.3-0.8 watts. A hand or foot crank generator built in to a separate power unit is optional. The Linux based machine will have a colour display that can be switched to monochrome to enable reading in bright sunlight. They will also be Wi-Fi enabled.

Nike + iPod

Need to lose weight? Love music? How about the wireless Nike+iPod sports kit? Throw the pebble sized instrument into a pocket inside one of Nike's specially designed shoes, connect the wireless receiver to your iPod Nano and it streams data to the latter!

Pebble placed and wireless receiver attached, you are all set to run. All you have to do is turn on your iPod and click on the Nike+iPod menu item to set the time and distance for your workout. Soon after, you are prompted by a voice to get started. These prompts, along with updates of your progress are repeated at regular intervals and gain in intensity later. In the fitness segment, the Nike+iPod does not meet the mark where precision is concerned. However, if you were to talk about pure elegance, usability and appeal, then this duet sings along comfortably!

Nokia N91 - 8 GB

Now before you skip this one thinking its just a re-do of an older model, keep in mind that the space we are talking about compares with an iPod. The new Nokia N91 - 8 GB is an evolutionary update made to the original N91 mobile music haven. While the colour scheme has seen a complete revamp, the internal hard disk that provides storage for music and other media files has been boosted to 8 GB, double the original 4 GB. The bluetooth system has also been updated to add A2DP stereo support so that the N91 can be used with the new wireless stereo headphones that are starting to trickle into the market. The N91's size has remained unchanged but its weight has gone up five grams. No word yet on pricing though.