Archives for March 2007
Helio Ocean debuts at CTIA
Reuben Lee | Mar 28, 2007
One of the mobile phones that caught our attention at this year's CTIA Wireless Show in Orlando, Florida, was the Helio Ocean. What's interesting about this dual-sliding handset is that it slides vertically to reveal a number pad and slides sideways for a QWERTY keypad, much like the Samsung Ultra Smart F520 phone unveiled at 3GSM World Congress show earlier this year.
We also can't help but notice an uncanny resemblance between the Ocean and the Sony mylo personal communication device, particularly its footprint design, 2.4-inch QVGA display and sideway slide-out QWERTY keypad. However, unlike the mylo, the Ocean is a cellular phone. And while the Ocean doesn't come with built-in Wi-Fi (as with the mylo), its onboard features are nothing less than impressive. It includes 3G (EV-DO), GPS, 200MB internal storage, microSD card slot, MPEG-4 video recording, 2-megapixel camera and stereo Bluetooth capability. It is expected to be sold in the US for US$295 (with a two-year contract) later this year. There are currently no plans for the handset to be introduced in Asia.
Click here for a larger image of the Helio Ocean.
More Nike+ shoes by end of 2007
John Chan | Mar 28, 2007
In an interview with the Associated Press, Nike's president and CEO revealed the company's plans to make all its running shoes compatible with its Nike+ technology. A Singapore Nike spokesperson has confirmed that those plans are targeted at the US market, and the Asia-Pacific region may not follow the same timeline. The initial launch of the Nike+ series for Southeast Asia will be April 1, which is almost a year after the US launch. As such, Nike may still have running shoes not compatible with the Nike+ technology at the end of the year in this region. Seven models have been announced for the Southeast Asia launch and more will be released into the market from now till the end of 2007.
The Nike + iPod Sport Kit (read our review here) is made up two components. One part of it fits under the left insole of the shoe and the other device is connected to an iPod nano. The iPod nano can then be used to record your running information like distance and time. This sports kit is currently compatible only with the Nike+ shoes range but is expected to be made available for all Nike shoes intended for running and cross-training in the future. However, this does not include the Nike Free lineup (which simulates barefoot running) and those with studs meant for track and field athletes.
Nike has also confirmed that Nike+ versions of its running shoes will not cost more than their corresponding incompatible shoes (the same models that do not have a cavity for the sensor). Good news for runners who do not wish to use the Nike + iPod Sport Kit or an iPod nano--they do not have to pay more for their running shoes even if all of them are Nike+ compatible. Makes perfect sense actually--charging extra for putting a hole into the sole won't please many Nike fans.
Read more gizmos here | Via Crave
Treo 750 to get Windows Mobile 6 update
Reuben Lee | Mar 28, 2007
Handheld maker Palm has announced at the CTIA Wireless Show in Orlando, Florida, that it will provide an update to Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6 OS for its Treo 750 customers worldwide later this year. According to the press release, the software upgrade will also add High-speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) capability to the Treo 750, but this seems to be applicable to AT&T customers only. Palm could not comment on whether HSDPA will be added to its Treo 750 PDA-phones via the update when asked at press time.
Launched in October 2006, the Treo 750v is Palm's first and only Windows-based Palm Treo handheld in Asia. It comes with 3G/UMTS, a full QWERTY keypad, 1.3-megapixel camera and a 240 x 240-pixel touchscreen display. Microsoft launched its Windows Mobile 6 OS (formerly codenamed Crossbow) at the 3GSM World Congress earlier in February this year.
HTC Shift: Windows Vista UMPC
Darius Chang | Mar 28, 2007
At first glance, one can be forgiven for mistaking the HTC Shift for the Dopod U1000 with its 7-inch display and HSDPA connectivity. It is upon further inspection that the new model reveals a unique sliding design which ends in a tilt and reveals a full QWERTY keyboard beneath. The most interesting thing, however, is that instead of running Windows Vista Basic on its rather weak 1.2GHz VIA CPU, this portable shows up with Vista Business Edition displaying the graphics-intensive Aero interface in all its glory.
Other notable specifications from the CNET UK Crave report include a 30GB harddisk, fingerprint biometric scanner, USB port, a VGA camera for video calls, a small Synaptics touchpad, and what looks like an SD card slot. At press time, Dopod Asia (which carries HTC products under its brand) was unable to comment on the availability and pricing of the HTC Shift.
Click for larger image
Vibe's Space Gate
Juniper Foo | Mar 28, 2007
As if there isn't enough noise in our lives, this 38,800W powerhouse, a.k.a. the Vibe Space Gate Bass Tunnel, is certainly primed to blast anyone within its vicinity right out of this stratosphere. Or, at least, blow out your ear drums or even break brittle bones. Embedded within what looks like a tentacled arch with suckers are about 36 Space II subs on 16 amps. Since it's almost illegal to have this much power and noise going at full blast, our rapidly declining hearing loss may just be spared. That said, who wants to be first through that tunnel of thunder?
Get larger image here
Via Engadget
Price: N.A.
Availability: Demo only, more info here
Device: Bass enclosure
Specs: N.A.
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