Ditching the iPod for an xPod?

Give the monopolist a break. You build a fledging alliance of hardware shock troops. Then you forge some software weaponry, give it to the grunts and start laying siege on Castle Cupertino. What happens? You still have yet to cross the moat. According to BusinessWeek, Microsoft has plans to create a Sir Galahad-like hardware rival to the iPod, and most probably, it will involve the Xbox and portable gaming in some way.

Exciting stuff and we think it's not only the iPod that ought to sweat; the Sony PSP may have a new problem in its hands. Let the joust begin. More info here

USB flash drive with LCD display

Bistable Cholesteric Display (BCD), huh? Fortunately, it's not something that gives you a heart attack. Rather, this technology allows Didigo's SmartDrive DD01 to sport a display on its USB thumbdrive that can show a number of information, from a pie chart of the remaining disk space to the drive's volume name. Not bad, considering this doesn't require any power. See Lexar's E Inked Jumpdrive Mercury for similar alternative.

See bigger image | parts

Price: N.A.
Availability: More info from press release
Device: Thumbdrive
Basic specs: 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB capacities, 11 characters of personalized ID or label, USB 2.0, blue LED, strap, 15g

When music is seen and heard

We like to think we were pretty talented as percussionists when we were kids. Sort of like Stomp. Mum thinks we were just a bunch of brats who liked to drum around with her pots and pans. Talk about lack of recognition. We were just ahead for our time. Now Yamaha has the TENORI-ON which got us into thinking it's moving into the sushi bar business.

But, really, it's a way to get back at mother. The TENORI-ON is a 16 x 16 matrix of LED switches that act as both musical instrument and display. It's made with an aluminum frame and comes with two built-in speakers. Press a key and you get a light ripple that sounds off some nifty music tones and creates a visual relationship between light and sound. Mum ought to be impressed, but till Yamaha comes out with a retail version, we will have to make do with good old pot banging. More info here

More images of TENORI-ON:

Xbox 360 coming!

The agonizing wait is over! Singaporean gamers will be able to grab their set of Xbox 360 from March 16. Two flavors are available: A S$660 (US$485.29) Xbox 360 and a S$535 (US$393.38) Xbox 360 Core System.

The Xbox 360 will include a 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, Xbox Live headset, Hi-def A/V interconnects and network cable, while the Core System features a wired controller and composite A/V interconnects.

If you are interested in accessorizing your shiny-new Xbox 360, check out pricing details for the optional accessories.

First- and second-party game titles	S$69.90 (US$51.40)
Xbox Live premium pack	S$69.90 (US$51.40)
Wireless controller	S$75.90 (US$55.81)
Wired controller	S$59.90 (US$44.04)
Play-and-charge cable and NiMH rechargeable battery pack	S$33 (US$24.26)
Rechargeable battery pack	S$17 (US$12.50)
20GB hard drive	S$159 (US$116.91)
64MB memory unit	S$59.90 (US$44.04)
Universal media remote	S$49.90 (US$36.69)
Wireless network adapter	S$129 (US$94.85)
Wired headset	S$33 (US$24.26)
Xbox Live one-/three-month subscription	S$13.90 (US$10.22)/S$34.90 (US$25.66)

XaviXPORT

Here's a sweet idea that really works if you have a TV screen as big as your garage door (i.e. if you have one). Japanese company XaviX is betting the XaviXPORT is so simple, even video-challenged gamers will get hooked. Just plug the console directly into a TV. Insert game cartridge. Place the optical sensor on the floor in front of the telly. And, voila. Go golfing, bass fishing, bowling, boxing, tennis, baseball or even master Jackie Chan's moves, all within your living room. Do ensure that pets, parents and passers-by are safely out of range of your swings and smashes. Hardcore gamers, though, will consider this baby stuff and likely opt for thumb twiddling on the PS2 or Xbox 360.

Play ball with the family here

Price: US$74.99 for port; from US$49.99 a game
Availability: See XaviX Store
Device: Interactive TV-based gaming console
Basic specs: N.A.

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (826)

» Digital Cameras (451)

» Notebooks (548)

» PC & Peripherals (588)

» Handhelds (281)

» Printers (45)

» Home AV (549)

» Music & Play (457)

» Gadgets (1045)

» Future Tech (184)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads