Hello Kitty Mascot MP3 player

It's bound to happen. Ms Kitty has officially invaded the MP3 turf, proving that nowhere is safe from Sanrio's most tenacious export. Infatuated fans of the lipless one will likely feel the unexplainable pull to part with more lucre for this cutesy player. Those seeking their first MP3 player may want to tune in elsewhere. This Kitty is more mini mascot than music marvel. For US$110, there are better acoustic options out there. Having said that, this feline stores a decent 60 standard MP3 songs on its 256MB flash memory and is good for up to 6 hours of playtime.

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Via Crisscross

Price: 12,600 yen (US$110)
Availability: Japan, check out Sanrio World
Device: MP3 player
Basic specs: 55 x 35 x 40mm, 256MB, supports MP3 and WMA, Win 2000/XP compatible, USB port, 6hrs playtime, USB cable, AC adapter, neck strap headphone, instruction manual

Sharp's AQUOS display on a Vodafone

Among the many interesting handsets I came across during my recent visit to Japan, one model stood out--the Vodafone 905SH. Equipped with a TV tuner, the 3G phone doubles as a mobile TV device capable of receiving terrestrial digital and analog TV broadcasts. But what really set it apart from other TV-phones was its unique rotating Mobile ASV LCD. Based on Sharp's AQUOS display technology, the screen produced video images that have never looked sharper on a 2.6-inch panel. Even better, the display could be rotated for viewing in landscape mode.

Like the Nokia N92, the 905SH sports a TV recording function. Here's the best part: You can continue to message and make calls even while watching your favorite TV program. According to the specifications, the phone has a rated TV viewing time of up to 4 hours. It also offers a 2-megapixel CCD camera and miniSD card expansion slot. Sadly, this is one of those phones that's made for Japan only.

On broken pipes and leaked info

While Nikon has kept a tight leash on the leakage of its upcoming 10.2-megapixel dSLR, the company is still no match for enthusiasts who seem to be able to get their hands on just about anything. Rumors have been circulating on the Web and Gizmodo ran a piece with pictures of the new Nikon leaked from a French forum.

If the pictures are authentic, the rumored dSLR is a D80 with a few extra buttons and some styling differences. Pity we can't read French, otherwise we'd be able to provide you with more juicy details.

While everyone's awaiting the arrival of Nikon's new shooter, an anonymous tipster also sent blog site I4U some pictures of an as-yet-to-be-announced Sony Cyber-shot. The camera in question is a T50 which looks like a cross between the latest T10 and the touchscreen N1. According to the tipster, the T50 should be released in October in silver, red and black.

Wizmark Interactive Urinal Communicator

Either inventors are getting more anal, or there's actually a market demand for urinal amusement, most of which appear to be targeted at the male species (now what does that tell us?). So here we go again, this time with the Wizmark which proudly touts itself as "the world's first and only". Maximum headroom comes in the device's ability to display sponsor ads while you are thus engaged and captive. As a business model, though, we'll admit the potential looks limitless: From dirty talk to Dirty Harry spouting "Don't Drink and Drive" and "Say No to Drugs" public messages. Scary thought: Will this last bastion of privacy soon be flushed down the loo? Too late, Big Brother's watching, and talking.

See image #1 | image #2 | On Target Urinal

Via CNET News.com blogs

Price: N.A.
Availability: More info at Wizmark
Device: Electronic communicator
Basic specs: Waterproof, 3.5-inch anti-glare viewing screen with lenticular graphics

Top of the PoPz

Though the popular BBC program, Top of the Pops, has ended its long run, we like to think that the Singapore-based company is paying a tribute to it with its PoPz speakers. Announced alongside the Zen Neeon 2, the PoPz speaker is meant to be a lightweight mobile boombox. What's cool is that the speaker pouch and the speakers are melded together in a zippered solution. Very handy. But watch out. As advertised, no batteries are required, so the PoPz is actually a set of passive speakers and will draw power from your MP3 players to play its tunes. Available in four different colors (grey, blue, pink, black). It's priced at S$49 (US$32.24). Get the pictures here

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