Keys U See

We know what we'll be getting our baby-boomer parents this Christmas. Finally, something for visually impaired computer users who won't have to squint their hardest or have to whip out their heavy-duty reading glasses to make out those keys. Now why didn't someone think of this sooner? Ugly cute, but hey, nobody's looking up close.

Get more images here and here

Via popgadget.net

Price: US$49.95
Availability: At First Street
Device: Keyboard
Specs: 1.5 x 19.75 x 8.25 inches, USB or PS2 port, in black with white lettering on the keys or black with yellow lettering, or ivory with black lettering

Ready for SMS2.0?

Affle, a UK-based mobile media company, is looking to redefine the "service" in SMS to "search". Its new application for Nokia's Series S60 phones will enable a new search function within the familiar text messaging interface.

According to the press release, SMS2.0 is currently compatible with the Nokia N70, N72, 6680, 6681 and 6630 models. However, Nokia has said the application will work with the Series S60 2nd edition (or higher) handsets.

When installed, SMS2.0 will become the phone's default text messaging program. The beauty of it is that everything remains the same except there's now an additional search menu within the options. The company is in talks with various online search engines but there are no firm plans on which engine will power the new search function.

Affle is also working with local telco MobileOne (M1) to bring targeted advertising to the SMS2.0 platform. Ticker-roll advertisements will appear on the bottom portion of the screen as the user types a text message and turns full screen when the message is sent, or when he clicks on it.

According to Neil Montefiore, CEO of M1, these content are updated via a backend system to maintain relevancy. Users will not be charged for the data traffic for SMS2.0 content due to a tie-up with Affle. They will, however, be prompted if a fee is to be levied.

Optoma sets new price record with HD80

Looks like 1080p projectors are fast becoming mainstream earlier than expected. Optoma has just recently announced its US$2,999 HD80 and now there's already firm indication of its impending arrival in Asia. This sets a new yardstick for being one of the lowest-priced single-chip DLP models, coming almost neck-to-neck with its Epson EMP-TW1000 LCD rival. But unlike the latter, this is supposedly shipping with two HDMI 1.3 and DVI jacks.

Besides the above-mentioned impressive connectivity and DLP's renowned inky blacks, other vital specifications include a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast and bright 1,300 ANSI lumens. So far so good, but you will need a deep room to accommodate this light cannon. With a humble 1.2x zoom, it requires a substantial 4.2m throw distance to project a 104-inch image. Motorized functions are also out of the question but are understandable tradeoffs for such steep affordability.

Singapore distributor AR Visual has indicated that the Optoma HD80 will be priced between S$5,200 (US$3,421.05) and S$5,500 (US$3,618.42), and will probably reach our shores by end July. Launch details for the rest of Asia were not available at press time. The Asian model's specifications are pending confirmation.
More info here

The Quartz Tele

This looks like something right out of Superman's Fortress of Solitude. Designer Tao Ma turns ye old telephone into a quartzy affair, with the dial pad now represented by large quartz crystals with built-in LED. The effect of this is soon obvious when each crystal shard illuminates in different colors once pressed. The base sports an LED screen which displays key info like incoming calls, dates, and contacts. Sheer eye candy, but hey where's the handpiece? Ouch! Found it.

Bigger image here

Via Yanko Design

Price: N.A.
Availability: Concept
Device: Telephone
Specs: N.A.

Compenium

Step aside, UMPCs. The Compenion, by designer Felix Schmidberger, might just be the mother of all slim-built, sexy, portable touchscreen notebooks. It's still a concept, but the idea of sliding OLED touchscreens that can be worked with directly in a form factor that's wafer-thin is simply irresistible. Interesting, the keyboard is built into the screen, so that's going to be some learning curve. Now if it ever gets built...

Bigger image here

Via Gearfuse

Price: N.A.
Availability: Concept, more info here
Device: Computer
Specs: N.A.

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