Archives for July 2007
Nokia releases software update for N95
Damian Koh | Jul 27, 2007
Tearing your hair out because your N95 takes forever to get a GPS location fix? Nokia's not going into the hair industry, but at least you don't have to worry about a balding head now.
The Finnish company has just announced a software update for the Nokia N95 and the new release will add Assisted GPS (AGPS) feature to the handset. This, according to Nokia, will reduce the time to first fix. AGPS operates in combination with a technical framework that allows third parties, such as telco operators, to reduce the initial time needed for the device to calculate its current position and is especially useful in urban areas. The feature was first sported on the 6110 Navigator.
| Editors' note:
July 27, 2007--According to the latest update from Nokia, the firmware will be available only after August. Users can either follow the same link below to download the patch or go to any Nokia Care center in the region to get the fix.
|
Users can now download the update via Nokia's Web site here.
DirecTV Sat-Go
Juniper Foo | Jul 27, 2007
If you really, really love your TV, then this is the one to get. With the DirecTV Sat-Go, you essentially get the world's first portable satellite TV system which you can lug along everywhere for your TV fix--on your travels, at work, at the beach. And since it runs on rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, it's all wire-free, although the unit also packs AC/DC adapters for the home and car. The whole thingamajib is packed into a Mission Impossible-like briefcase which unfolds to reveal a dish in the back, a 17-inch LCD on its face and controls below. It's good to go with minimal fuss. We're waiting for the day it all sits in our palm. Until then, suffer gear envy because, ironically, while this is satellite TV, not all of Asia gets on the beaming list.
See bigger image here
Via Uncrate
Price: S$1,500
Availability: More info at the homepage
Device: Satellite TV
Specs: N.A.
Touchscreen Samsung P520 on the horizon
Damian Koh | Jul 26, 2007
It looks like the Korean handset manufacturer can't wait to have a bite of the iPhone pie. According to Web reports, Samsung's coming up with its own touchscreen SGH-P520.
Reportedly, the P520 will sport a 2.6-inch QVGA resolution touchscreen LCD, GSM/EDGE radio, 3-megapixel camera, 50MB of onboard memory, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and a microSD card slot. If you ask us, it looks more like the LG Prada Phone. But, heck, everyone's just going to say "is that an iPhone killer"?
No word from Samsung Singapore on the legitimacy of the SGH-P520. Like we don't know already.
Via Engadget
Picture credit: Clubic
Fujifilm launches seven new cameras
Edvarcl Heng | Jul 26, 2007
Surprise, surprise, Fujifilm has joined the rest of the camera pack with its own showing for the fall season. But for the real big shocker--the Japanese company has finally added an optical image stabilizer into its flagship camera. About time, too.
| Editors' note:
At press time, we have received Asia pricing details on the following cameras:
Fujifilm FinePix A920 (S$369) Fujifilm FinePix F50fd (S$799) Fujifilm FinePix S5800fd (S$459) Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd (S$649) Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd (S$499) Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd (S$399) Fujifilm FinePix F480fd (S$399) All the cameras will be available in Asia by early September. |
The 12-megapixel FinePix F50fd is the upgrade to the FinePix F31fd with a new image-stabilizing system the Japanese firm dubs the Dual Image Stabilizer. It is a combination of Fujifilm's trademark high ISO sensitivity and a new CCD shift system to correct camera shake. The high sensitivity allows the shooter to increase shutter speed to freeze the action, while the CCD shift stabilization compensates for camera shake. It sounds extremely promising.
Most of the new models carry Fujifilm's latest design language--the "Aero", which we believe is short for "aerodynamic". It's minimalist chic with plenty of curves and clean lines. Included on this new design are two new fashion-themed cams, the FinePix Z10fd and the higher-speced FinePix Z100fd which has the new Dual IS feature.
New frills on the Fujifilms consist of a resize-for-blogs mode and an Auction Mode which uses templates to stitch multiple photos into a single image. We tried the latter on the Z10fd and we like the intuitiveness of it. It is also a slap in the face for Casio's eBay mode which is simply a lower-res capture.
Compare them here
FinePix Z10fd video
FinePix F50fd video
See more of the latest cameras for this fall
More images of new Fujifilm cameras:
SolidAlliance USB Engine Hub
Juniper Foo | Jul 26, 2007
Think engine sounds, and the Harley's "potato, potato, potato" rumble comes to mind. To some, it's actually irksome. So if you're not feeling kindly to your aurally challenged sworn office enemy sitting next to your cubicle, check out SolidAlliance's USB Engine Hub. Beats sticking pins into a Dilbert Voodoo doll. This may be USB-powered instead of horsepowered, but it powers on like the real 2-liter deal, complete with vibration and sound effects that range from gear shifts to racing. You control the sound by pushing the kick pedal. It's also just the daily fix that motorbike fans need to rev up their day with. Oh yeah, did we mention it's also a USB Hub?
See bigger image here
Via Crave
Price: 5,250 yen (US$42)
Availability: At fareastgizmos.com or SolidAlliance
Device: USB accessory
Specs: Three USB ports, 116.5 x 90 x 120mm, 240g, compatible with Windows XP and Vista
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 (750)
» Digital Cameras (413)
» Notebooks (474)
» PC & Peripherals (503)
» Handhelds (254)
» Printers (44)
» Home AV (504)
» Music & Play (435)
» Gadgets (966)
» Future Tech (163)
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
Copyright © 2008 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
