HP Pushes Mobile Connectivity to the Next Level with new iPAQ

Filed under category: PDAs

Email accessibility made easy. Just push it, says HP. The company has just introduced the latest HP iPAQ handheld, a smart device with the ability to receive email wirelessly using new "push" email functionality from Microsoft.

In addition, the HP iPAQ hw6900 Mobile Messenger provides customers with all the essentials to keep a business or personal lifestyle running while mobile, including a mobile phone, access to Wi-Fi wireless hotspots, data networks, digital content and services, and enhanced security. The Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Messaging and Security Feature Pack allows HP iPAQ hw6900 customers to automatically receive new email, calendar items, tasks or contacts without incurring additional email middleware expenses.

> Source: HP
> Estimated price: Will vary by region and carrier.
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 09:44 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

PENTAX Unveils Latest Digital Offerings

Filed under category: Digital Cameras

About to buy a new digital camera? Wait! PENTAX Imaging Company has a few new models just about about to hit the market: the Optio T10, Optio W10, and PENTAX M10.

The PENTAX Optio T10 offers an impressive 3.0 inch LCD touch-display for trouble-free operation. Featuring 6.0 megapixels and a 3X zoom, the Optio T10 is slim and stylish, offers finger and stylus touch control, and allows users to decorate images with drawings, stamps, and picture frames. The PENTAX Optio W10 sets the latest PENTAX standard for waterproof digital with 6.0 megapixels and a reflection-free LCD that offers optimal viewing in outdoor settings. Third in the PENTAX waterproof digital line-up, the Optio W10 features JIS Class 8 Waterproof and JIS Class 5 dustproof ratings. With a 2.5 inch monitor, 6.0 megapixels and a 3X optical zoom, the affordable PENTAX M10 will ship in March 2006.

All three models reflect a new naming system for PENTAX cameras based on a letter and model number description rather than the number of megapixels. The Optio T series, for example, designates the touch-screen series, Optio W indicates the waterproof series, and Optio M indicates a mid-range series.

> Source: PENTAX
> Estimated price: T10 $349 - W10 $300 - M10 $229
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Logitech NuLOOQ Navigator Device Places Controls at the Fingertips

Filed under category: Peripherals

It's all about control, right? Well, if you are a graphic designer, you know how critical it is to effectively, and efficiently, use your software to control your project and your deadline. Top this end, Logitech and Adobe Systems Incorporated have collaborated to provide creative professionals and design enthusiasts new levels of control when using Adobe Creative Suite 2 (CS2) and standalone CS2 applications: the NuLOOQ Professional Series. The new Logitech product line comprises the NuLOOQ navigator, an innovative device used in conjunction with a mouse and a keyboard to manipulate images and documents, and the NuLOOQ tooldial, customizable on-demand interface software that provides quick access to design tools. Both are designed for use with the Mac versions of Adobe Creative Suite 2, Adobe Illustrator CS2, Adobe InDesign CS2, and Adobe Photoshop CS2.

Many designers today use multiple large monitors, which means the mouse cursor has to travel farther to complete basic tasks. This takes up valuable creative time and results in workspace inefficiency. The NuLOOQ Professional Series addresses these challenges and provides solutions for the time-intensive elements of design - navigating images, adjusting option values, and accessing menus - so that creative professionals can accomplish more.

> Source: Logitech
> Estimated price: $49 to $149
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 03:04 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Tychi Systems Ships Biometric Doorknob

Filed under category: Gizmos | Household | SOHO

Have a tendency for losing your house keys? Tired of waiting for the neighbors to come home to let you in with that precious "spare" key? Stress no more! Tychi Systems, Inc., is now shipping their long anticipated BioKnob, the first doorknob with fingerprint recognition. Users brush their finger across the knob to unlock the door. 100 sets of fingerprints can be stored. Entry is also possible by an individually assigned passcode.

With the BioKnob, families do not need to carry keys or hide one in the yard. Managers at businesses need not worry about loose keys or having to re-key locks with every lost key or management change. Guests or short term visitors can be programmed; then after their stay, their fingerprints are deleted. An audit feature records entries by Individual, Date and Time, and records the last 1000 entries. Teens beware - your parents will now know exactly how late past curfew you came home!

> Source: Tychi Systems
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

PENTAX *ist DL Kit Now Priced under $600

Filed under category: Digital Cameras

What? A Fire Sale on digital cameras? Well, not quite, but PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a significant price adjustment on the *ist DL digital SLR camera with 18-55 DA lens kit. The price reduction from $799.95 US to $599.95 US takes effect February 1, 2006.

Known for delivering small, lightweight, easy-to-use and affordable SLR systems including bodies, lenses and flashes, PENTAX now offers a suite of nine digital lenses specifically designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR bodies. Rebates up to $100.00 US on select lenses are currently available through March 31, 2006. Get it while it's hot! More details are available at www.pentaxslr.com.

> Source: PENTAX
> Estimated price: $599
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Canon Launches New 4.3 Megapixel DC40 DVD Camcorder

Filed under category: Portable Audio and Video

Whether capturing memorable honeymoon moments or baby's first small, staggering steps, Canon says its new DC40 DVD camcorder helps make recording precious memories simple, fun and convenient. With its super slim design and 10x optical zoom lens, this compact DVD camcorder includes a 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensor that produces widescreen video and doubles as a digital camera.

Features include 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensors, record direct to DVD capability, widescreen video, one-touch dubbing, ability to edit and share DVDs, easy video recording, and a wide range of photo features. The camcorder records photos onto Mini-SD cards. Popularly used in today's newest cell phones, the Mini-SD format offers high-capacity storage in a compact size; therefore, people can view their recorded memories at home or visiting the grandparents. Think I will use mine at home.

> Source: Canon
> Estimated price: $899
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Secret Batting Weapon Hits the Market

Filed under category: Wearables

Just in time for spring baseball and softball season, MSS Performance, a company specializing in vision-based sports training products, has introduced the I-ON Eye Trainer, a sunglass-like teaching aid scientifically proven to enhance performance at the plate. While newly available to the public, well known professional baseball players have trained with the I-ON for some time.

By blocking a batter's peripheral vision, the I-ON Eye Trainer forces the eye to follow the trajectory of the ball from point of release all the way into the hitting zone. The patented adjusting system is one-size-fits-all and was developed for training in a soft-toss, slow-paced setting to maximize muscle memory and improve eye-hand coordination. If used properly, a recommended 15 minutes per day, ball players of all ages and skill levels can achieve immediate, noticeable results, according to MSS.

> Source: MSS Performance
> Estimated price: $49
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 06:21 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

OtterBox for iPod video and nano

Filed under category: Portable Audio and Video

Yep, another case to protect your iPod is on the market. Otter Products has just released the OtterBox for iPod video and OtterBox for iPod nano, two additions to their interactive, virtually indestructible line of iPod cases. Waterproof and drop-resistant, these cases are ready for any adventure, says Otter.

Similar to others in the OtterBox for iPod line, the video and nano cases offer an interactive membrane for Click Wheel access and a hard screen cover to shield the display. Rubber lining inside the case cradles the iPod and a secure-close latch adds extra protection. Cases also allow the use of any style headphone and when combined with waterproof headphones, they can even go swimming. These cases should make a real splash!

> Source: Otter Products
> Estimated price: $14 to $49
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 09:49 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

BRATZ MOBILE Phones Launch at Wal-Mart

Filed under category: Wireless Phones

Does your ten year old have a cell phone yet? NO? What kind of parent are you?!? Well, MGA Entertainment is banking on the belief that they should. The consumer entertainment products company and manufacturer of the wildly popular BRATZ brand of fashion dolls and accessories, has joined forces with Ztar Mobile to bring to market the first BRATZ MOBILE phone. The phone is now shipping to select Wal-Mart locations nationwide.

BRATZ MOBILE phones are completely customized with exclusive BRATZ wallpapers featuring JADE, CLOE, YASMIN and SASHA, voice ring tones by ROXXI and SASHA, screen savers and BRATZ custom skins featuring BRATZ doll favorites. The phone has parental controls, emergency 911 service, and other features geared for convenience and safety.

The phone is pre-loaded with 50 minutes of nationwide airtime, and can be refilled at 20 cents per minute for US calls. Now YOUR brat can talk all she wants!

> Source: MGA Entertainment
> Estimated price: $69
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 06:16 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

New Vaughn Outdoor CZiP Gloves and Mittens Unzip Across Knuckles

Filed under category: Wearables

Skiers, snowboarders and winter athletes are all too familiar with the inconvenience of taking gloves off at inopportune times. Whether it's on a lift, in the middle of a ski slope or backcountry, having to take off gloves is not always easy or safe to do. Vaughn Outdoor, a new Utah-based company, provides an end to this dilemma with the new CZiP gloves and mittens. The innovative CZiP design features a zipper at the top of the hand portion (just below the knuckles) of a glove or mitten and allows the wearer to remove the material covering the hand and fingers without completely removing the glove or mitten. With hands free, the wearer can perform any function, while still having the convenience of the open portion secured around the wrist.

CZiP gloves are available in sizes small through extra-large. Colors offered are steel gray, quarry (light gray), thunder (dark blue) and black. The CZiP sports a YKK, fleece-lined zipper for warmth and is insulated with warm, non-bulky Primaloft. Over and under designs are available in both gloves and mittens. The design also features an easy-zipper pull tab and full leather palm and finger tips. Toasty.

> Source: Vaughn Outdoor
> Estimated price: $59 to $159
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 02:14 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Belkin CableFree USB Hub Wins CNET Best of CES Award

Filed under category: Peripherals

Kudos to you, and your wireless hub too... Belkin Corporation has received a CNET Best of CES Award in the Peripherals category for its CableFree USB Hub, the industry's first USB Hub that does not require a cable to connect to the computer. The Best of CES Awards were produced and judged by CNET, who announced the winners Saturday, January 7, at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Beginning in early spring 2006, Belkin will offer a four-port hub and dongle set that will enable immediate high-speed wireless connectivity for any USB device without requiring software. The CableFree USB Hub gives desktop computer users the freedom to place their USB devices -- such as printers, scanners, hard drives and MP3 players -- anywhere in the room, without running long cables. Laptop users gain the freedom to roam wirelessly with their laptop around the room while still maintaining access to their stationary USB devices. Let freedom ring!

> Source: Belkin Corporation
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 11:49 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Guardian Industries Glass Technology Protects from Sun Damage

Filed under category: Household

Don't forget your sun block! And, we aren't talking about your skin. Coated glass technology has taken a revolutionary step forward with the introduction of ClimaGuard SPF from Guardian Industries Corp. Designed specifically for use in residential windows, ClimaGuard SPF blocks 99.9% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation without any visible change in day lighting.

Growing awareness of the risks associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation has led the public to widespread use of sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing. But what about your furniture? Household furnishings have a good reason to fear the sun as well. UV radiation is largely responsible for the fading and deterioration of furniture, carpets, hardwood floors and other interior furnishings, according to Guardian. Coat yourself, and your glass!

> Source: Guardian Industries
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Wake Up and Smell the Eucalyptus? AbioGenesis Introduces the Aroma Waker

Filed under category: Household

And I thought the Glade Plug In was revolutionary. Well, AbioGenesis has just launched an alarm clock that really stinks! The clock can produce several different scents, activated through its essential oil diffuser that operates a timer in the clock.

Since there are two compartments, you can select one scent to wake you up and one to put you to sleep. Hmmm. Not sure it would put me to sleep as well as my Lunesta, but worth a shot! It even looks pretty cool, so worth a look even if you prefer your alarm clock doesn't stink.

> Source: AbioGenesis Design
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Motorola's TEAMMOTO Showcase Audex, the Ultimate Winter Jacket

Filed under category: Wearables

Put it on and plug it in! Actually, unplug it! Kicking off the winter sports season, Motorola Inc. and Burton Snowboards have announced commercial availability of the Bluetooth-enabled Audex Jacket Series. Motorola and Burton are also expanding their global relationship with the newly formed TEAMMOTO -- a Motorola-sponsored snowboarding team comprised of Burton riders from across the globe.

The new Audex jacket allows winter sports enthusiasts to experience seamless connectivity -- at the touch of a button -- from one environment to the next. At the center of the Audex jacket is a control panel located on the left-hand sleeve, allowing for simple and easy access to your incoming and outgoing calls, and music selections. Connect a compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone to the panel wirelessly, while hooking up your iPod player via hidden, unobtrusive wires within the jacket. Speakers and a microphone are located in the hood for taking and making calls as well as listening to music. Words of wisdom - be very very careful. If regulators think that driving and talking on a cell phone can be dangerous, make sure there is an ER in close proximity if you plan to talk on the phone while snowboarding!

> Source: Burton
> Estimated price: $600
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Improve Your Memory, and Your Shot, With Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro Upgrade

Filed under category: Digital Cameras

Shoot, more stuff to buy! Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., is now offering a hardware upgrade for the FinePix S3 Pro professional DSLR camera that will improve its continuous shooting capabilities, as well as other performance enhancements.

The FinePix S3 Pro has found a home in the camera bags of thousands of wedding and portrait photographers thanks to its Fujifilm color reproduction and dynamic range. The 12 MegaPixel FinePix S3 Pro has six MegaPixels dedicated solely to the capture of dynamic range with another set of six MegaPixels dedicated to resolution. Together, these MegaPixel sets create high-resolution files with dynamic range. At its widest setting the FinePix S3 Pro's dynamic range is 400% percent greater than that of other cameras of similar sensor design.

The hardware upgrade for the FinePix S3 Pro will double the camera's internal buffer memory capacity (from 128MB to 256MB), increasing its continuous frame shooting capabilities. Sounds like a good way to spend more money...Shoot!

> Source: Fujifilm
> Estimated price: $380
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

U.K.'s Department for Transport Conducts Trial of Full Body Imaging Technology

Filed under category: Gizmos

Since we all know that terrorism is not exclusive to airports, it's good to know that our railway stations are being protected. Well, maybe not ours, but at least in the U.K. The U.K.'s Department for Transport has selected SafeView's Scout personnel screening systems for its London railway security trial. In the four-week trial, the system will be used to screen a small number of randomly selected passengers on London's Heathrow Express, which runs from Paddington Station in West London to Heathrow airport. This is the first technology of this type being tested by the U.K. government following the tragic events of last July.

SafeView's Scout systems utilize very low power millimeter waves to monitor individuals for conventional and non-conventional weapons, explosives and contraband. SafeView can detect new types of threats, including those containing metal, ceramic, plastic and other materials. This is the first Scout to be installed at a rail station. Let's hope that U.S. railway operators implement the next one.

> Source: SafeView
> Estimated price: January 2006
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Boost Mobile Introduces Motorola i875 Phone with Multimedia Player

Filed under category: Wireless Phones

Pay as you go provider, Boost Mobile, has introduced a new flagship phone to its line up of youth-oriented handsets, and it "sounds" sweet! Offered exclusively from Boost Mobile, the Motorola i875 features a multimedia center that enables Boost customers to play MP3 songs, watch MPEG videos and display JPEG pictures. The Motorola i875's media player is supported by internal as well as external memory so Boost customers can store multimedia on the phone, or use the removable flash memory card for additional storage space.

MP3 songs, MPEG videos and JPEG pictures are quickly transferred from a PC to the phone's 32MB removable memory card via a USB card reader and connection cable, included with purchase. Also included is software that enables Boost customers to convert audio tracks to MP3 files. There are also extended memory cards available at most electronic retailers. The handset is kinda pricey for its targeted youth market, but feature rich for a prepaid variety. Boost up the volume with this one.

> Source: Boost Mobile
> Estimated price: $399
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 02:20 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Protective Solutions invisibleSHIELD Screen Protector for the PSP

Filed under category: Gaming

In true gaming fashion, and true gaming lingo, Protective Solutions, Inc., a developer of protective coverings for handheld electronic devices, has launched the invisibleSHIELD Screen Protector for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP). This transparent film covering protects PSPs from scratches and damage that can occur from handling and everyday use.

The invisibleSHIELD Screen Protector provides an invisible layer of protection for PSPs without adding to the overall bulk of the device. The protector covers the top side of a PSP, including the device's screen -- a highly critical area that is most relied on during gameplay. Providing protection for these areas preserves the overall quality of a user's PSP device, thus increasing its resale and/or trade-in value in the future. It's a win win, so to speak.

> Source: invisibleSHIELD
> Estimated price: $17
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 01:14 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Belkin Announces Lineup of Leather Cases for iPod nano

Filed under category: Portable Audio and Video

So pretty! Customize your iPod nano and protect it at the same time. Belkin has announced a variety of new cases - just for you. Addressing the various needs of the iPod user, three form-fitting, leather-case designs are available. Designed to reinforce the nano's minimalist industrial design approach, Belkin's cases fully manage various aspects of user functionality while still maintaining a sleek-yet-simple aesthetic design. Belkin is offering each case in 4 colors: white, black, light blue, and light pink. Now you can really listen in style!

The Carabiner Case's form-fitting design and leather construction keeps your nano form slim while still giving you complete and easy accessibility to all ports. Featuring a Carabiner clip for convenient positioning and hands-free carrying, this Case also offers a locking clip to easily secure your iPod.

The Flip Case offers quick, easy, and convenient storage with its built-in cable-management mechanism. Designed with a multi-mount clip and hook for a variety of ways to secure your iPod nano, this Case also provides easy accessibility to all ports. The Flip Case features a form-fitting design, packaged within a fine-grain leather construction.

The Folio Case secures comfortably around your wrist with convenient lanyard strap. Designed for easy accessibility to all ports, the Folio Case comes packaged within a fine-grain leather construction and features a form-fitting design.

> Source: Belkin Corporation
> Estimated price: $299
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Archos Introduces the Gmini 402 Pocket Multimedia Center

Filed under category: Digital Cameras | Portable Audio and Video

Don't leave home without your fav movies and pics! Take them with you. Take them ALL with you, for that matter! Archos Inc., a consumer electronics manufacturer and provider of portable digital entertainment solutions, has introduced the new Gmini 402 Pocket Multimedia Center. The slim and sleek 20 gigabyte hard-drive-based video, audio and photo device is now Microsoft PlaysForSure compatible, supporting both protected download and subscription music services, and features a 2.2" color LCD screen and sleek metallic casing. The Gmini 402 lets you take up to 80 hours of video, 200,000 photos or 10,000 songs in your pocket wherever you go.

The Archos Gmini 402 is designed for media enthusiasts who want to take their video, photos and music with them on a stylish pocket-sized device. With its sleek metallic design, the Gmini 402 measures only 4.17" x 2.37" x 0.69" and is 5.64 ounces, yet offers the largest hard drive capacity and color LCD screen for a product of its size.

> Source: Archos
> Estimated price: $299
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Soldius1, The World's First Solar Power Source for iPods, Debuts

Filed under category: Portable Audio and Video

Got an iPod? No? A mobile phone? Okay. Now we're in business. Soldius, the leading developer of portable, solar-based chargers for consumer electronic devices, and mysoldius, the exclusive, U.S.-based Soldius distributor, have introduced the Soldius1 Universal Solar Charger for iPods and other mobile devices.

A perfect iPod accessory for holiday gift-giving, Soldius1 is designed for anyone who uses their iPod while on the move and needs an easy, portable, fast energy source. Relying purely on solar power, the Soldius1 charges the iPod mini, the new iPod Nano, the iPod Shuffle, and over 250 mobile phone models, including Nokia, Samsung, Sony-Ericsson, Siemens and Motorola, including the new ROKR. Simply plug the Soldius1 into your iPod, put it in direct sunlight and solar energy flows into the iPod. That's hot!

> Source: Mysoldius
> Estimated price: $89 to $109
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 02:18 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

PhotoWorks Hardback Photo Book Shows Off Photos

Filed under category: Gizmos

Hey mom, check this out! Just in time for the holiday season, PhotoWorks has launched the Photo Clutch for digital pics. It's professionally printed with crisp resolution on French-folded paper, hardback bound, and nestled in an imported leather wallet with an invisible magnetic closure. All you have to do is choose 12 to 18 favorite of your favorite pictures and upload them to your account at PhotoWorks.com. Within minutes, you've created your Photo Clutch and it will be at your door within a week.

> Source: PhotoWorks
> Estimated price: Clutch Book w/leather wallet - $40 - Refills $16
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments