Next Generation Apple TV Potentially Powered By A4, Cloud-based and 1080p Ready

You may have heard about Google TV, an Android based HDTV platforms co-developed by Google, Intel, Sony and Logitech and if you wonder how the next generation Apple TV will able to fit in this competitive space, the recent rumor may give you some clues. According to reliable source, Apple has been revising its next generation TV and is believed to be based on upcoming next generation iPhone HD architecture and design with ability to decode up to 1080p full HD media without limitation.

If this is true, then most probably the Apple TV will be powered by the same A4 processor that being used in its current iPad and 3GS and potentially backed up by a mere 16GB on board flash storage running with iPhone OS. As you may wonder how this supposed to work since media centric set top box may easily require Tera-byte range of storage in digital home, the Cupertino-based company is believed to be leveraging on Cloud based storage technology that can easily offload its storage space elsewhere. By doing that, most of its hardware and peripheral ports could potentially be stripped off, leaving only the processor core, main subsystems and possibly video-output for more cost effective platforms in this price sensitive and competitive consumer space.
As some may think this is in response to the Google TV’s announcement but in actual fact, the concept and product definition may have started even before Google and Intel disclosed their Google TV. However, no concrete availability date yet but the next generation Apple TV is expected to get a significant cost saving with product cost in sub $100, as compared to $229 for its current model.

[mydigitallife]

Thrustmaster Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition For PS3 And PC

The leading provider of joysticks, game controllers and racing cockpits for PC and gaming consoles, Thrustmaster has launched its new high-end, foldable Ferrari-licensed racing cockpit for PC and PlayStation 3 gaming console – Thrustmaster Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition. This cool wireless cockpit features an integrated high-precision steering wheel and pedal set to bring your racing game experience to an ultimate realism level, seems perfect as a great gift for your beloved dad (Father’s Day).

Key Features Of Thrustmaster Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition:

• Wireless cockpit ensemble designed to use with PS3 and PC, supports a range of over 10 meters and 50 hours of long battery life
• Solid construction with rigid metal structure delivering optimal stability for racing
• Fully adjustable cockpit with streamlined design, incorporating the stylish metallic colors of Ferrari 430 Scuderia’s “Musetto”
• H.E.A.R.T HallEffect Accurate Technology system delivers absolute precision racing experience
• Magnetic resistance pedals for added realism and 100% programmable steering wheel (11 inches in diameter) with a built-in memory

The new compact, pre-equipped and stylish Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition is expected to hit the market in June 2010 for about $250.

[mydigitallife]

LaCie Rugged Safe Shockproof External HDD With Fingerprint Access And 128-bit AES Encryption

The global leading maker of computer peripherals and accessories, LaCie has launched its new LaCie Rugged Safe external HDD (designed by Neil Poulton), which the company claims as the safest mobile hard disk drive currently available on the market, combining shock–proof rugged design with 128-bit AES hardware encryption and biometric authentication technology in a single device, ideal to protect your private, important data securely and reliably.

Main Features Of LaCie Rugged Safe:

• High quality, protective shockproof enclosure combined with USB 2.0 and FireWire 800/400 interface
• Industry-leading 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption engine for ultimate data protection
• Biometric fingerprint authentication supports up to 10 registered users

“The LaCie Rugged Safe was developed to enable professional or private users to protect their valuable data and intellectual property from theft and unauthorized access,” commented Erwan Girard, manager for LaCie Business Unit. “We’ve synthesized a range of technologies to ensure this device is the safest and most mobile storage solution – a real vault for your data.”
The new plug & play LaCie Rugged Safe portable HDD are now available in two variants of storage capacity – 500GB and 1TB, priced at $189.99 and $299.99, respectively.

[mydigitallife]

FaceVsion TouchCam N1 Skype-Certified HD Webcam

The world’s leading provider of true-to-life HD video communication products, faceVsion Technology (FVT) has officially announced the launch of its long-awaited FV TouchCam N1 HD VideoCam (first revealed at 2010 CES), which the company claims as the first Skype-certified high-definition webcam with integrated hardware H.264 video encoding that able to stream full screen, crystal clear (720p) HD video over the Internet, aiming to bring your Skype video chats experience to a next level.

Features Of faceVsion TouchCam N1:

• High-grade, adaptive H.264 encoder delivers smooth 720p HD video
• Built-in unidirectional dual microphones utilizes beamforming technique for superior audio performance
• Autofocus super-wide-angle lens with 78-degree field of view
• Compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP platform
• Minimum requirement – Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent processor, 1GB RAM, Skype 4.2 or newer

The new true plug and play faceVsion TouchCam N1 HD VideoCam is available at facevsionusa.com, Staples.com, NewEgg.com, PC Connections and other retailers for an MSRP of $119.


[mydigitallife]

Samsung Champ Cheapest Touch Screen Mobile Phone With TouchWiz Lite

If you are tight of budget but would like to own a touch screen based mobile phone, here could be a good option for you. Named as Samsung Champ, it is a newly announced entry level mobile phone with touch screen feature suitable for those beginners that would like to switch from conventional keyboard to touch screen input.
Typically, touch screen module occupies quite a substantial amount of system BOM (Bill of Material) and in order to fit into that price point, the new Samsung Champ has been designed with a relatively smaller 2.4-inch QVGA 240 x 320 pixels resistive touch screen display, even smaller than its sibling Samsung Corby model at 2.8-inch. However, it doesn’t lack of necessary feature sets like Bluetooth 2.1, a 1.3MP rear camera, MicroSD card slot, 3.5mm audio jack and many more, just like most of the entry level mobile phones in the market. That is not all, it is enhanced with the TouchWiz Lite GUI that would definitely enhance its usability with easy and fast menu access at any time.
Estimated to be retailed under sub $150, Samsung Champ will be available in different colors such as white, black, pink and brown for selection. And since it is entry level with more affordable pricing, the new model is targeted mainly for developing countries and emerging markets like Asia, Middle East, Latin America and Africa (Europe is also in the list) with the official availability starting from June 2010 onwards.

[mydigitallife]

Intel N550 Dual-Core Netbook Available At $349-399 By Q310

Intel Corp is so successful in creating netbook segment but at the same time it also gives room for ARM-based design to grow especially in entry level market. In order to continuously scale up to differentiate itself from others’ competitors, the giant chipmaker has planned to relese its next generation dual-core N550 by Q3 this year.
The new N550 will be a dual core processor (with 1MB sharable internal cache) with each of them clocking at 1.5GHz maximum frequency. And as expected, its N550 based system’s retail price is expected to be in the range between $349 to $399, approximately $50 increase as compared to current pricing of $249-$349 for Atom N455 and N475 series. And with this substantial amount of price adjustment, users can expect a whole system performance boost, especially when its thermally efficient (TDP at 8.5Watt) dual-core Atom architecture are further coupled with the new DDR3 memory configuration support along with other new enhancements like either a 20GB to 32GB SSD or a 250GB conventional hard disk drive. However, graphics and chipset upgrade are not mentioned, which is by far the major concern for those that tried to treat their netbook as multimedia machine.
Since it is still categorized under netbook so don’t expect the screen size will scale beyond 10.1-inch, and at a higher price point closer to entry level notebook segment, some may rather spend extra buck on normal notebook if budget is not really a concern.

[mydigitallife]

Panasonic Toughbook 31 (Meets Military Standard 810G)

Panasonic has announced its latest rugged notebook which is known as Toughbook 31. The rugged notebook has been designed to meet the military standard 810G for protection from six-foot drops, dust, shock, vibration, salt, fog and humidity as well as temperature extremes. The casing of the notebook has been fully sealed with magnesium alloy for improving water resistance and scratching.
The 13.1-inch rugged notebook is powered by Core i5 or Core i3 processors along with available discrete graphics and packs a punch to deliver desktop-class performance and improved video/3D graphics.
Key features of the Toughbook 31 includes:

• Operating system – Windows 7 Professional (with XP downgrade option).
• CPU – Intel Core i5-540M vPro 2.53GHz processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.07GHz, Intel Core i5-520M vPro 2.40GHz processor with Turbo Boost up to 2.93GHz and Intel Core i3-350M 2.26GHz processor.
• Storage – Shock-mounted flex-connect hard drive with quick-release: 250GB (540M CPU) or 160GB (520M and 350M CPU) , and optional 256GB solid state drive (SSD).
• Memory – 2GB SDRAM (DDR3-1066MHz) standard with expandable to 8GB.
• Display – 13.1-inch XGA touchscreen with Panasonic CircuLumin technology: 2-1100 nit, Circular polarizer (i5 CPU), AG and AR.
• Audio – Intel high-definition audio compliant, integrated front-facing speaker, convenient keyboard volume and mute controls.
• Expansion Slot – PC Card Type II x 1, SD Card (SDHC) and ExpressCard/54 x 1.
• Interface – Port replicator, HDMI, VGA, Serial port, 4 USB 2.0, 10/100/1000 Ethernet and etc.
• Wireless – WiFi and Bluetooth v2.1 enabled.

The Toughbook 31 is now available with the price start from $3,800.

[mydigitallife]

iPhone 4G appears in Vietnam

Ha!! The iPhone 4G has reached Vietnam, it was show in a Vietnamese forum called TaoViet.tn. According to the site, a Vietnamese businessman bought it in the U.S. along with an iPad. Hmm…how many prototypes does Apple has in the office and I wondering why they don’t keep it securely. This iPhone is using the micro SIM slot and has a 16GB printed behind.

[via New Launches]

The World’s Most Expensive iPhone 3GS

The iPhone 3GS SUPREME is uniquely designed and crafted by Stuart Hughes. It took 10 months to complete, the whole casing was created with 271 grams of 22ct solid gold. The front bezel houses 136 flawless diamonds colour F ,which total to a massive 68 cts . The rear logo in solid gold has 53 flawless diamonds amounting to 1ct and the front navigation button is home to a single cut very rare diamond at 7.1 cts. The chest which houses this unique handset is made from a single block of Granite , in Kashmir gold with the inner lined with Nubuck top grain leather , which weight is a massive 7kg. The iPhone 3GS SUPREME will cost you £1.92 million. Yes, £1.92 million.

[2dayblog]

14K White Gold Diamond iPhone Earbuds

Only if I’m rich. This 14K White Gold Diamond iPhone Earbuds will cost you $3500. No other specialty except diamonds. On eBay, these iPhone/iPod Touch earbuds just might be the world's most expensive. According to the seller, they "feature round brilliant cut diamonds in micro-pave setting."

[via Techeblog]

The World’s First Diamond iPad

Mervis is selling the World’s first diamond iPad. This gorgeous diamond studded iPad features 11.43 carats of diamonds, hand-set in a micro-pave styling. The diamonds are graded G/H in color and VS2/SI1 in clarity. It will be available on the 1st June at $19,999.

[2dayblog]

Google to possibly take Android OS to GM’s OnStar car service

In the spirit of mobile into vehicle integration, Google intends to take their Android OS to General Motors' OnStar car service. That’s according to the grapevine as neither company has made a statement confirming this ‘merger’. The idea that goes along with this integration is to allow Android mobile users a certain amount of control with On OnStar-enabled cars. We’ve seen quiet few of these ‘merger’ emerge in the last few months from Ford with their MyFord Touch system and BMW’s tie up with BlackBerry. According to some of the sites, the Android system for GM would allow users to unlock your doors, start up your engine, and adjust other in-vehicle settings simply by tapping a few keys on your phone's screen. I wonder if I could even drive the car like Pierce Brosnan did with his 007 suped up Beemer in Tomorrow Never Dies? 
[PCWorld]

Novero’s Victoria collection takes Bluetooth headsets to the ball in elegant and expensive designs

For those who live their technology but still wish it to be classy and elegant enough to be flashed around, Novero has the key. They’ve recently launched a range of Bluetooth enabled headsets designed to look like jewelry. The range is part of their Victoria collection which they’re saying blends "fashion with purpose". They’re quite extravagant looking devices made fashioned from gold and silver metals with lapis lazuli and diamond gems. They can be paired up with mobile handsets that support Bluetooth technology of course, like anyone who would but one of these would have a handset that doesn’t. A total of five pieces have been launched in this collection and are priced at about $120,000 each. The Victoria collection goes on sale later this year, no price has been confirmed just yet. 

[Geeky Gadgets]

Transcend JetFlash 530 USB Flash Drive

Transcend has announced its Transcend JetFlash 530 USB Flash Drive. It is a glossy retractable USB 2.0 drive that provides read and write speeds of up to 32MB/s and 18MB/s, respectively. Available in 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB.
[via TechFresh]

World’s First Solid Gold and Diamond iPad

This iPad is designed in Liverpool U.K. by Katherine Hughes. Encrusted with 25.5 cts of ‘I’F’ Flawless diamonds, a magnificent total of 53 individually set sparkling gems dwell beautifully in the solid 22ct Apple logo. The rear and screen surround are made from a single piece of solid 22ct gold, weighing an immense 2,100 grams. It is a the Wi-Fi & 3G 64GB version iPad. Limited to 10 units and each will cost £129,995.

[2dayblog]

New WD TV Live HD Media Player Supports Windows 7 Play To Streaming

Looking for an easy, affordable solution to enjoy HD media (from computer, USB drives and Internet) on your big HDTV? The global leading provider of storage solution, Western Digital (WD) has launched a new WD TV Live HD media player, which the company claims as the first windows 7 compatible network media player, combining full HD 1080p (1920 x1080 pixels resolution) support with network capability, ideal for enjoying a whole world of full HD media on your big high-definition television.

The most notable highlight of the WD TV Live HD Media Player is the Windows 7 Play To feature, which allows users to stream music, video or photo saved on any Windows 7-based PC on their home network to their home entertainment system.

Main Features Of WD TV Live HD Media Player:

• Full-HD 1080p video playback and navigation
• Support a wide variety of popular file formats to save transcoding time
• Play videos, music and photos from popular sharing web sites (Youtube, Flickr and Live365)
• Play media files stored on USB drives, digital cameras, camcorders and other portable media players
• Access media on your home network via a wired connection or an optional wireless connection (Wi-Fi ready)
• Present photos and movies directly from your digital camera, video camera and other digital imaging device supporting Picture Transfer Protocol
• Comes bundled with a remote control for extreme convenient

“We regularly engage with WD TV Live enthusiasts in our online community. Many have been asking for a way to “push” media from their PCs to their TV or home theater system, especially from laptops. With the new Windows 7 Play To feature, users can select music or movies from their laptop and play it on an HD TV connected to a WD TV Live HD media player, whether the HD TV is across the living room or in a different room altogether,” said Dale Pistilli, vice president for marketing at WD’s branded products group. “WD worked closely with Microsoft on this exciting new feature to ensure the seamless compatibility of the WD TV Live HD media player with Windows 7 PCs and deliver WD TV Live users what they want.”

The new ultra-compact, lightweight WD TV Live full HD network media player which measures 1.57″ x 3.94″ x 4.94″ and weights just 0.67 pounds is now available at shopwd.com and select retailers for around $150.

[mydigitallife]

Wacom Cintiq 21UX Boasts 2048 Pressure Levels

Wacom’s latest 21-inch graphic tablet, the Cintiq 21UX, provides better pen performance and ergonomics. The Cintiq Grip Pen features 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity on the pen tip and eraser for precise image editing, accurate brush control, and selective application of effects and filters. The scratch-resistant surfaces are completely flat edge-to-edge, allowing your hand to easily glide over the entire surface. The Cintiq 21UX comes with adjustable stands that allow you to angle or pivot the display to achieve optimal working angles. Meanwhile, the programmable ExpressKeys and Touch Strips allows you to zoom, scroll, and activate keyboard shortcuts.

 

[Wacom]

HP Pavilion dv6 Touchscreen Laptop

Hewlett-Packard will launch the new HP Pavilion dv6 in May 19th, 2010. The new laptop comes equipped with the company’s MediaSmart and TouchSmart softwares that provide seamless integration with entertainment apps including Hulu, Twitter, and much more. The HP Pavilion dv6 is powered by Quad Core processors, up to 1TB of storage, a 15.6-inch touchscreen display, a Dolby advanced audio system with Altec Lansing speakers, VGA, eSATA and HDMI ports. Available in a brushed aluminum finish or HP Imprint finishes in black cherry, champagne and sonoma red, the HP Pavilion dv6 is priced at $529.99 for the AMD-powered version and $649.99 for the Intel-powered version.

 

[Press Release via Upcoming Cell Phones]

Casio G-Shock GW-3000 Series Shipped

Casio has partnered with the Red Bull Aire Race World Championship to launch a new G-Shock watch series to match any pilot needs. Known as the GW-3000 series, the new G-Shock watch is not only waterproof and shock resistant but also capable to withstand up to 15G (centrifugal force) and compliant with ISO2669 (Environmental tests for aircraft equipment — Steady-state acceleration). The Casio G-Shock GW-3000 series is priced at between 34,000 Yen ($375) and 47,000 Yen ($518).

 

[via Casio]

Aigo 7007 Android Tablet

Aigo has recently unveiled the new tablet in the form of the Aigo 7007. This Android-powered tablet is powered by the RK2808 chipset with a 7-inch display, an integrated GPS navigation and supports 3G networking. Too bad, there is no info on pricing or availability so far.

 

[via TechFresh]

[via Engadget]

A-Data Announces SH02 Portable Hard Drive

A-Data has announced a new 2.5-inch portable hard drive for the mass market namely the SH02. Coming in three different color options: white, pink and black, each with a 3-dimensional imprint pattern made using the IMF (In-Mold Foil) technology, this fashionable yet compact drive features a scratch resistant case, a USB 2.0 interface and is available in two different storage capacities: 320GB and 500GB. Unfortunately, there’s no word on pricing and release date yet. [A-Data]

 

[via TechFresh]

LG Optimus Android Smartphone Will Be Released in UK

LG will launch the new LG Optimus (GT450) Android smartphone in the UK on May 1st, 2010. Powered by Android 1.6 OS, this full touchscreen phone uses a 3-inch resistive touch screen (320 x 480), a 3-megapixel camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and a microSD card slot. LG has created the SN Manager (Social Network), which allows you to easily keep track of their Facebook, Twitter and Bebo accounts. The Social Networking System (SNS) widgets provide real-time status updates directly to the home screen without having to access any other applications. You can also customize up to seven homescreens to display the information you need.

 

[Slashphone via Upcoming Cell Phones]

digiZoid Zo Personal Subwoofer

digiZoid is introducing the Zo Personal Subwoofer system that uses digiZoid SmartVector technology that delivers optimum sound reproduction from any speaker with matched acoustic response to the human ear. It is linked to your media player and headphones to provides you the enhanced bass experience. You can purchase the digiZoid Zo Personal Subwoofer system at $99.

[via TechFresh]

Samsung Galaxy A Android smartphone launches in Korea

As you surely know by now Samsung has joined the Android smartphones race. Their brand new smartphone which will be running with Android OS will soon be released first in Korea.

The new smartphone from Samsung is named Galaxy A, and Korea is the first stop for this phone. So what does the new Samsung Galaxy A has to offer to its users? Besides Android OS 2.1 it comes with 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED touchscreen display and it uses 720 MHz processors for running applications. This smartphone also has terrestrial DMB and DivX support so you can enjoy multimedia to the fullest. As for camera it comes with 5 megapixel camera which is just enough for all your needs. As for connectivity it supports Wi-Fi, A-GPS, Bluetooth technology, USB v2.0 and microSD memory card support which can use up to 8 GB card. It has decent internal memory as well with 590 MB for you to store your files. Besides all this features it has 1500 mAh which will provide decent working hours.

Since this smartphone runs Android OS it comes with standard applications such as Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube and Google Talk but there will be more that 100 Android apps for this phone available on Samsung Apps store.

Pricing for the Galaxy A isn’t official yet, but this phone should hit the stores at the end of April.

[via Newlaunches]

iRetrofone Base

The iRetrofone Base is handmade, sculpted and casted one at a time from resin. This retro phone is designed to fit all iPhones and it is fully funcational. You can use your USB plug to charge and sync with a computer while your iPhone is lying on that retro phone. Available at Etsy for $195.

[via 2dayblog]

BlackBerry Pearl 3G

Check out the new BlackBerry Pearl 3G, for those who complaints Blackberry is too big here’s one suitable for you. The Blackberry Pearl 3G comes with small body, small screen and small keyboard with 802.11n Wi-Fi, GPS, a 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, an optical trackpad, a microSD card slot, Bluetooth 2.1, and a 624 MHz processor with 256MB of RAM. Pricing is not available.

[via Uncrate]