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Microsoft Virtual Launch
2008-04-28 00:00:00
Experience the latest Microsoft technology your own way
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iPhone SDK comparison chart
2008-03-08 00:00:00
So with hardware accelerated 3D graphics, an integrated database API, tightly integrated performance monitoring tools, and a highly specialized version of the Cocoa framework tweaked just for the iPhone and rechristened as Cocoa Touch, the iPhone's just-announced SDK sounds like a winner. But how does it compare to its well-entrenched competitors from Microsoft, Nokia, and the iPhone community itself? Let's have a look.
More About: Iphone , Comparison , Chart

XPERIA X1 shows AT&T graphic at CeBIT -- what could it possibly mean?
2008-03-08 00:00:00
So it seems the X1 being shown off at CeBIT following its MWC debut last month is equipped with a particularly curious panel in its software load. Anyone care to take a guess? No cheating and looking at the one we've circled now. Yeah, okay, it's that big AT&T logo front and center, which makes an appearance in several of PHONE Magazine's shots of the interface. We'd like to believe that means that AT&T is a lock to pick up one of the hottest Windows Mobile devices ever manufactured, and indeed, it probably does -- its 3G radio is certainly ripe for the job -- but it's entirely possible to think that Sony Ericsson is still in the process of selling carriers on the device, and is simply trying to get 'em to crack a smile by loading their logo. Keep your fingers crossed, ladies and gentlemen.
More About: Graphic

Alienware brings quad graphics support to ALX CrossFireX
2008-03-08 00:00:00
Believe it or not, Alienware 's Aurora ALX rig was boasting quad SLI support two whole years ago. After yesterday's official launch of ATI's CrossFireX technology, now the ALX has another partner in quad GPU crime. Dubbed the Area-51 ALX CFX, this rig features a 3.0GHz Core 2 Extreme QX9650 processor, up to 4GB of RAM, a bevy of HDD choices, optional Blu-ray burner, a 1,000-watt power supply and of course, twin 1GB Radeon HD 3870 X2 cards (four GPUs in all). Granted, this thing will run you at least $5,649 as a CrossFireX-equipped rig, so think carefully if slicing into your son's college fund is really worth 4x the graphical mayhem.
More About: Graphics , Support , Quad

Asus and Microsoft working an Eee-targeted version of Windows 7?
2008-03-08 00:00:00
So now that the nine-inch Eee is officially available with Windows XP pre-installed, people are wondering the obvious -- why XP and not Vista, since XP is being discontinued in June and Vista can kinda-sorta be made to run on an Eee? The answer, direct from Microsoft , is both obvious and a little surprising: Given the Eee's "other requirements," Asus and Microsoft "couldn't go the Vista route," presumably because the Eee doesn't really have the horsepower for it. Sure, but what caught our interest was that Microsoft is "in close discussions with Asus [regarding] how to take that forward... in regards to the Windows 7 Europe timeframe." Windows 7, you'll recall, has that lean new kernel, which would presumably make building a stripped-down version specifically for Eee-class machines easier -- but the last we heard, Windows 7 wasn't due until at least mid-2009 (and possibly not until 2011), so either Microsoft is planning to continue shipping XP afte...
More About: Working

Tiny ASUS P320 breaks cover at CeBIT
2008-03-08 00:00:00
Alongside decidedly flashier announcements, ASUS has also chosen CeBIT to debut its diminutive, modestly-specced P320, a Windows Mobile 6 Professional piece sans 3G that we first spied last month. It's not going to turn any heads, but hey, that's what the ZX1's all about; the P320 is really here to get down in the trenches, get dirty, and get some work done, all while making sure it doesn't dwarf the hand it's in. We'd prefer, oh, any other color besides flesh tone, but thanks to a positively miniature 99 x 55 x 13.35mm outline, 2 megapixel camera, and WiFi, we might just be willing to overlook it. What's more, there's no mention of GPS on the spec sheet, but we're going to venture a guess the necessary circuitry is on board thanks to a side button conveniently labeled -- you guessed it -- "GPS." Check more pictures after the break, or just hold out for a release whenever ASUS gets around to it. Your call.
More About: Asus , Tiny , Cover , Breaks

How would you change Everex's Cloudbook?
2008-03-08 00:00:00
When we gave you readers a shot at ranting about the Everex gPC, little was left unsaid. If we were betting souls, we'd guess the firm's über-cheap laptop -- affectionately known as the Cloudbook -- is about to suffer a similar beating. Based on early reviews, the wannabe Eee PC slayer wasn't exactly a dream come true, but we just know there's a good bit of potential here untapped. So, for those of you who've parted ways with your $400 in exchange for one of these Cloudbook contraptions, how would you improve upon what's already there? Clean up the user interface? Add a bit more horsepower under the hood? Or would you just find a way to plug that unsightly gap between the LCD and keyboard? Go ahead, your momma's not listenin' -- let us know how you really feel.
More About: Change

iPhone 2.0 software update hits in June
2008-03-08 00:00:00
That sound you hear? A million rabid iPhone users crying. After teasing us with mountains of glorious SDK features and apps, Apple dropped the bomb that we won't be getting any of those features until the iPhone / iPod touch 2.0 software update, which arrives as a free update in June and includes App Store. Selected developers will get a chance at a beta version of 2.0 to test their new applications out as of today, and we have a funny feeling somebody's going to be putting in some hours to try and crack this thing for the rest of us. In addition to the SDK-related features, the 2.0 update brings parental controls, such as allowing parents to turn of Safari or the App Store to keep those kiddies safe, and boosts mail functionality with PowerPoint viewing and mass message moving / deleting (freaking finally).
More About: Software , Iphone , Update , Hits

Eyes-on with ASUS ZX1 Lamborghini phone
2008-03-04 00:00:00
While poking around the ASUS booth this morning we had a chance to witness the world premier unveiling of the ZX1 Lamborghini . We even took a few shots before it went under the glass. However, the real treat is the UI based on a Windows Mobile 6.1 core running special ASUS tweaks. It's "just like the iPhone " according to our friendly ASUS guide. The device is expected to fetch an unsubsidized €1,000 ($1,500) price tag when this 3G world-phone launches in Europe this May. Maybe you'll think it's worth it when we get back to you in a few with a video of the GUI albeit sans all that Lamborghini theme nonsense.
More About: Eyes , Asus

iPhone software development to be locked down by Apple?
2008-03-02 00:00:00
It was only a matter of time till the serious iPhone SDK rumors started flying, and with Apple 's Town Hall event next Thursday, it's possible some of what we're hearing is right on. If that's the case, prepare to be letdown in a major way. According to iLounge, Apple will be severely restricting access on software for the iPhone and iPod touch, only allowing apps to be downloaded through iTunes, hand-picking which applications will make it to the store, and cutting off developer's access to accessories which interface with the dock connector. Of course, this is just about what we expected from Steve, since he's already lauded Nokia for its S60 verification scheme. Additionally, the report claims that the SDK we see next week will be an incomplete beta, with the full version rolling out in June to coincide with the WWDC. Thinking of any good reasons to keep jailbreaking your phone? Yeah, us too.
More About: Software , Software Development , Iphone , Development

Mint green PSP now available, in Japan
2008-03-02 00:00:00
We already knew it was coming, but if for some reason you've been holding out on buying a PSP until you could get a minty green model, you can now finally get your fix -- in Japan , at least. As DCEmu points out, however, you can also go the importing route courtesy of SuccessHK, where the brightly-colored handheld demands the slight premium of $228 (plus shipping, of course). Or you could just wait a bit, save a few bucks, and get the God of War model with a bunch of bundled goodies, your choice.[Via DCEmu]
More About: Green , Mint , Mint Green

1.1.4 update hints at iPhone launch in Austria, too?
2008-03-02 00:00:00
'Bout time we got some fresh European iPhone launches under our belts, and it looks like we might finally know where they're going down. Italian site Macitynet tore down the 1.1.4 update, only to discover packages indicating that support for T-Mobile's Austria n and O2's Irish networks are in the cards. We now know the Irish launch is legit, and the Austrian move would make total sense considering that T-Mobile's got the iPhone locked up in Germany. Only question, we guess, is when it's going to get official.[Via Macworld UK]
More About: Iphone , Update , Launch , Hints

Nokia about rumored PSP phone: can Sony Ericsson really pull it off?
2008-03-02 00:00:00
It seems that several years of taking their lumps on the long road to mobile gaming success has hardened the boys and girls at Nokia just a bit, and they're ready to come out swinging. The target? Fellow European manufacturer Sony Ericsson , of course, which has been rumored for eons to be cooking up some sort of PlayStation- or PSP-branded handset to go head to head with the likes of Nokia's N-Gage service. The head of Nokia's games division went on the assault at a recent press event for its brand spanking new N-Gage client, saying "I'm not scared about anybody. The real question is how do they do it? Can they create a link between the PSP games and a phone? Can they do the multiplayer and online stuff? We've been doing this for two years and it hasn't been easy." In other words: bring it, Sony Ericsson, because we don't think you can do it. Kind of funny to be lashing out against a product that hasn't been announced (much less launched) though.[Via Tech Digest]
More About: Phone

Sony's launching mylo labs to keep your COM-2 in the widgets
2008-03-02 00:00:00
If you've already dropped $299 on a second-gen mylo COM-2 unit, then Sony has a little treat for you -- while all of you early adopters still poking around on an original mylo probably feel pretty silly right now. Sony is launching the "mylo labs" site for nabbing mylo widgets, and while right now there are just a few Sony-built widgets, Sony will open up the site to developers in March to add their own. Widgets seem to be a natural fit for a device like this, and hey, they're free, so there's really no reason not to love. It's just too bad those gen-one types get left out in the cold.[Via pocketables]
More About: Labs , Mylo

Digital Polaroid photo frame concept brings it all rushing back
2008-03-02 00:00:00
Polaroid film may be gone, but for some of us with fond memories of the format -- for no discernible reason, Polaroids were slow, blurry and expensive -- this digital picture frame concept seems a fitting tribute. There's a dry erase portion on the bottom, and the frame can stand on its own or be pinned to a cork board for added realism. "Standard" mode emulates a regular digital frame, while "Classic" mode slowly fades the picture into view. Yeah, maybe a little too cute for its own good, but maybe we like it that way.[Via Gadget Lab]
More About: Photo , Back , Digital , Concept , Frame

Samsung's i550 re-upped with WiFi
2008-03-02 00:00:00
Whoa, what's that little symbol we spy in the upper right? Aye, indeed, it's the unmistakable marque of speedy wireless! Sure, Samsung's S60-powered i550 already had HSDPA, but as any N95 owner will tell you, there's just no substitute for an 802.11 radio every once in a while. Samsung must feel the same way, because they've now apparently re-released the i550 as the i550w, where the "w" stands for -- you guessed it -- WiFi. A quick search reveals that the revised model is already in the retail chain and can be had for under $400, so just be sure you're getting that precious extra letter tacked onto the end of the model name if you place an order.[Via Unwired View]
More About: Wifi

Acer's Ferrari 1100 ultraportable gets reviewed
2008-03-02 00:00:00
You'd have to turn your brain all the way back to September to spot the first time we got wind of Acer's Ferrari 1100 laptop, but the folks over at PC Mag have finally received one in and took the time to spill the beans on how it fared. Right out of the box, it was criticized for being entirely too hefty for a 12.1-incher, but then again, it does have an integrated DVD burner. Still, the lack of a LED-backlit display along with the totally underwhelming performance when benchmarked was hard to overlook. 'Course, it wasn't exactly a slouch, but it certainly didn't live up to expectations. Unfortunately for folks hoping for the best on this rig, it looks as if your $1,860 could be spent better elsewhere, but feel free to dig into the whole review to find out exactly why it earned just three out of those five oh-so-coveted stars.

How would you change Apple's Penryn-based MacBook Pro?
2008-03-02 00:00:00
While everyone and their second cousin third removed had something to say about Apple's ultra-sexy, ultra-hamstrung MacBook Air, we've a sneaking suspicion that folks previously eager about this week's MacBook Pro updates will be equally vocal. For whatever reason, Cupertino faithful had February 26th pegged on their calender, and while the addition of a Penryn or two was nearly a given, the dreamers in the crowd had much higher hopes for that fateful Tuesday. Nevertheless, the time came and went, and the re-opening of the online Apple store brought a whole heap of disappointment to many. Sure, folks still (somehow) enamored with the aging MBP design were thrilled to have access to a more potent, less scalding iteration of their favorite machine, but honestly, we're still using the GeForce 8600M GT? Really, Apple? Needless to say, this refresh likely did little to satisfy your desire for a revamped MacBook Pro, but we're interested in finding out exactly what it is you really w...
More About: Change , Macbook , Macbook Pro

Time Capsule first impressions
2008-03-02 00:00:00
Okay, so we've got our Time Capsule up and running here -- we'll be back with a full review once our full 516GB backup is completed, but here are some quick first impressions: You can definitely hear the disks spin up and access. It also sounds like there's a fan in there, but there are no obvious vents for one and we can't feel any air coming out, so the drives might just be that loud. The top is getting quite warm during the backup -- we'll see if it cools down once we stop hitting the drive this hard, but if there really isn't a fan we're a little concerned. Hope those server-grade hard drives like being cooked. You can't transfer an existing Time Machine backup to Time Capsule . Sure, it's easy enough to switch back and get at your old data, but it's still a pain -- and now we have a 1TB drive sitting here with months of backups on it that we can't erase and reuse. Time Machine doesn't prioritize network activity on your machine, so it's slamming ou...
More About: First Impressions , Impressions

Inkel's MU-D e-dictionary longs to be a real tablet PC
2008-03-02 00:00:00
Not like we expect anything earth-shattering to emerge from Inkel's South Korean laboratory or anything, but surely it could do better than this. The awkwardly named MU-D (it's for Multimedia Dictionary , supposedly) does manage to include a DMB TV tuner for keeping you busy when not defining your life, but the whole swivel screen approach just seems... forced. Nevertheless, you will find a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 resolution panel, 4GB of internal storage, support for SDHC cards and an undisclosed price tag. Now, if only this thing could play Doom Portal.
More About: Real , Tablet

Dave's Stag Do
2008-02-25 00:00:00
He might be Dave's mate, but this guy takes no prisoners when it comes to getting a front row seat for the stripper show. Even the groom is ruthlessly dispatched... Big guns, reckless destruction, and ruthless real world action. ConflictDeniedOps. Out now on XBox 360, PS3 and PC. Make sure you get there before your mates do.

The Nokia N96 redefines "high-end"
2008-02-12 00:00:00
Rumored for a few weeks now as the N95's successor in waiting, the mighty N96 dual slider has gone all official on us at Mobile World Congress today. Though the phone it replaces is still a beast by any measure, the N96 pushes the envelope further by packing a solid 16GB of storage internally in addition to a microSD slot, something the N95 8GB lacks. The 5 megapixel autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss Tessar lens carries over, but there are now two LEDs doing flash and video light duty. The 2.8 inch QVGA display will come in handy for the integrated DVB-H mobile TV tuner, while a 3.5mm headphone jack, A2DP, and integrated stereo speakers should handle audio with aplomb. Other features include WiFi, AGPS, and morphing lights on the smaller second slide that hook the user up with game controls when it's time to relax with a little N-Gage action. Unfortunately, the first version of the N96 (and the only version announced thus far) supports HSDPA only on the 900 and 2100MHz bands, but w...
More About: Nokia , High

The Nokia N78, in European and North American flavors
2008-02-12 00:00:00
The revamped Nseries lineup is coming fast and furious since the launch of the N81 and N82 late last year, and the latest candybar to get the updated industrial design is the N78, a midrange handset (by Nseries standards, anyway) with an integrated FM transmitter setting it apart from the crowd. Another notable feature is its picture geotagging capability, made possible by the 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera paired with integrated AGPS. Other than that, it's pretty much your average S60 Third Edition Feature Pack 2 piece with Bluetooth and WiFi, though it's the very first Nseries model to be announced in both European and North American 3G versions simultaneously -- and if that's not progress, we don't know what is. Look for it to start stocking shelves next quarter for €350 (about $507).
More About: Nokia , Flavors

Apple iGames coming our way?
2008-02-12 00:00:00
Now this doesn’t mean that Apple has any real games in the works, but it does certainly look like Apple at least wants to keep the space open for themselves with regards to games using the Apple name. The folks over at Trademork.com caught wind of a filing made last week by Apple to the USPTO to protect the Apple name as it relates to gaming hardware, including hand-held units, video game machines, toys and battery powered computer games, among others. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Apple head this way with some type of iGames, however. In case you hadn’t noticed, they seem to have made quite a hit with handheld media players, the iPod if I remember correctly, and a certain touch-screen mobile phone seemed to also gain quite a bit of attention lately. We’d need to see something a little more definitive than this game mock-up and a trademark filing before we get too excited about gaming devices from Apple, but it all has to start somewhere. See the full trad...

Dell's XPS M1330 now with built-in Wireless USB
2008-02-12 00:00:00
We not sure when Dell's XPS M1330 learned the new Wireless USB trick, nevertheless, it's sporting that option as of this morning. The $150 add-on integrates a Wireless USB module into Dell's slick 13.3-inch laptop while netting you a short-range Belkin 4-port USB hub for all your peripherals. See, it's not just phone news today.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 running Windows Mobile
2008-02-12 00:00:00
Among the many product announcements released by Sony Ericsson today the most significant has to be the release of the new XPERIA line by introducing the XPERIA X1. The new XPERIA brand marks a new era for Sony Ericsson in mobile devices, with this sweet-looking new model featuring a whole host of communication mediums, driven from a touch screen and full-QWERTY keyboard and riding on Windows Mobile 6. SE calls the design of the X1 an “arch slider” as it slides up to expose the full keyboard with a large 3-inch VGA display on top. The impressive list of features continues with a 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus and video, a microSD slot and communications via Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, and quad-band GSM/EDGE, and 900/1700/1900/2100MHz UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA. Music and video can be played through the integrated Windows Media Player and it will also pick up local radio stations with a built-in FM tuner. Surf the internet and navigate pages on that widescreen with Internet Explo...
More About: Running , Windows Mobile

Evergreen?s gamepad & computer mouse in one
2008-02-12 00:00:00
This gamepad mouse from Evergreen might be the coolest mouse we’ve seen yet. It’s called The Genius Navigator and hidden inside, you will find a gamepad featuring six buttons, plus Turbo and Clear buttons, and a directional pad. The 1600/800dpi USB laser mouse weighs 67 grams and is compatible with Windows Vista, XP and 2000. The Genius Navigator will cost you about about $33 USD. I suspect that both the gamepad and mouse don’t work all that well together, but like Peanut butter and chocolate, I do think it’s awesome that they put them together. I’d like to see them take it one step further and put a Nintendo DS in a mouse. That I would buy. Who am I kidding? I would buy this one, too.
More About: Computer , Mouse

Original Star Trek series communicator replica
2008-02-12 00:00:00
We’re not afraid to get nerdy here at the Brick, as our recent 12 Star Trek gadgets that became reality list proves, and what could be nerdier and cooler then a replica of the original Star Trek communicator? We are still waiting on an authentic Star Trek Phone, but in the meantime, this will do nicely. The device looks just like the real thing and it comes with several sound effects and 9 voice phrases including “Enterprise, this is Kirk”, “Spock here, Captain.” and “Your signal is very weak; can you turn up your gain?”. The Communicator Replica will be available soon and will retail for $29.99.This will go along great with of your other Star Trek stuff, like that stuffed tribble you keep in your bed.
More About: Series , Original

Yahoo: ?no thanks? to Microsoft?s $44.6 billion offer
2008-02-12 00:00:00
You can be pretty certain we haven’t heard the last from Microsoft regarding their offer to buy Yahoo !, but for now Yahoo! is saying a “no thanks” to the $44.6 billion buyout offer. Jerry Yang and other directors say Yahoo! are seeking at least $40 a share, or nearly $60 billion. Microsoft may not be willing to pay. The bean counters of Yahoo! feel the number is on the low end. Others would like to get cozy with Google in order to improve search revenues, despite the fact that there may be some antitrust implications with that. Stayed tuned on this one. Things are getting very interesting.
More About: Offer , Billion

E-TEN's Glofiish M810 and V900 with secret touch-based WinMo interface
2008-02-05 00:00:00
After teasing us with a lustful peep from their V900's marketing collateral, E-TEN had the good grace to make their newest Glofiish official. Their first handset to offer mobile TV does so without hesitation -- DVB-H, DVB-T, T-DMB, and DAB broadcast media are all supported on that generous VGA display. These consumer oriented Windows Mobile phones pack an unspecified GSM radio, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS underneath a new, E-TEN developed touch-based user interface. Presumably, E-TEN has a Touch FLO-like layer to hide the consumer-unfriendly ugliness of Microsoft's increasingly dated and finger-meat hating mobile OS. Also announced is E-TEN's new Glofiish M810 with HSDPA, WiFI (b/g), and GPS with full QWERTY in tow. More on these with their unveiling at GSMA. [Via Pocket PC Thoughts]
More About: Secret , Interface