Archives for September 2007
Studio-grade DTS-HD may be coming to PS3
Philip Wong | Sep 28, 2007
One of the latest surround sound formats that's generating lots of buzz among home theater enthusiasts is DTS-HD Master Audio. The DTS equivalent of the data compression-free Dolby TrueHD, it promises high-resolution multichannel audio comparable to the original master recording used in theaters and cineplexes.
Though there's an existing library of HD titles carrying such soundtracks, existing hardware support is a bit lacking with only the firmware-upgraded Samsung BD-P1400 capable of unleashing its full potential.
Anyway, a rumor has been floating around that DTS is collaborating with Sony to enable this feature for the PlayStation 3, to be decoded internally by the console and output via HDMI. We can't be sure whether this is for real, but we will be keeping tabs on future PS3 firmware updates. Stay tuned!
Credit: High-Def Digest
Owners of unlocked iPhones hosed by software update
Tom Krazit | Sep 28, 2007
Well, you can't say they didn't warn you.
Apple released an update for the iPhone on Thursday that brings the Wi-Fi Music Store to the device, as well as several security fixes and enhanced features. But, as expected, it also turns iPhones that were unlocked to run on cellular networks other than AT&T's into little more than emergency call boxes.
Macworld reported two iPhones in its office with SIM (subscriber identity module) hacks did not work after the update was installed. A message prompted the phone's owner to install "an unlocked and valid SIM card" before the phone could be completely activated. It's almost like the phone was in the same pre-activation limbo stage that frustrated many iPhone users waiting for activation the first weekend the device went on sale.
Gizmodo is reporting that both the original SIM cards as well as new SIM cards from AT&T won't work in iPhones that had been activated with the original SIM card, then unlocked from the network. That could present a huge problem for iPhone owners who thought they could get around the reactivation process by getting a new AT&T SIM card.
Related links
» Apple patches 10 iPhone flaws» Is Apple in danger of losing its following?
» iPhone hackers say 'relock' on the way
» Readers share their iPhone unlocking
experiences
Did you hack your iPhone, and have you had similar problems after installing the latest update? Let us know.
This post originally appeared on CNET News.com.
SoftBank Mobile launches Star Wars pod racing game
Damian Koh | Sep 28, 2007
We told ya. The best things in life are available only in Japan. This time it’s a Star Wars pod racer game for mobile phones. We can only imagine envious stares on the train while we blast other podders to smithereens. That's looking on the bright side because I think we're just as capable of driving commuters up the wall with our humming. According to Newlaunches.com, folks can either race against the computer or with other buddies.
Picture credit: Newlaunches.com
Fuel cell boost for your mobiles
Reuben Lee | Sep 27, 2007
It's finally here. Fuel cell technology in mobile devices, which has been talked about for the longest time, is finally coming to mobile devices. The first-generation 24/7 Power Pack charger from Medis Technologies promises to extend the talktime on handsets by up to 30 hours, 20 hours for smart phones or as much as 80 hours of playback for MP3 players such as the iPod. While we have yet to get our hands on one of these Power Packs for testing, we can already foresee how this will be useful for those who travel frequently or who just can't get enough yaktime out of their phones.
According to company representatives, the Power Pack activates once its tab is removed. After which, it can be used for up to three months.
It is currently available online at US$24.99 with refill packs going for US$19.99. Medis Technologies will also be offering an optional recycle program (in selected markets) to collect its used fuel cell packs back for refilling. The company has revealed that it plans to introduce a slimmer version of the Power Pack using solid fuel as well as a new model for power-intensive devices such as laptops.
Stop poking my computer!
Darius Chang | Sep 27, 2007
A laptop is a personal item. You want to check your email? Go ahead. Need to Google a fact? Be my guest. However, hospitality stops the moment someone tries to stick foreign objects into my ports.
There is no way to know if that unknown USB drive contains a virus or, even worse, a keystroke grabber to steal you passwords. ThinkGeek believes that, like contraceptives, your notebook will kiss your feet gratefully for providing proper protection to its USB ports. The aptly named USB Security Lock ships worldwide and comes with four blockers stored inside an applicator. As easy to apply and take out as a certain feminine hygiene product. At just US$9.99 (S$14.90), you may as well buy a couple more for your desktops, too.
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