New BlackBerry with 3G, finally!

Details have been spilled about the newest BlackBerry Bold, previously known as the BlackBerry 9000. Though the name is new to most of us, the design and specs are exactly as rumored. This includes HSDPA connectivity, a first for one of its email-centric devices. The 8707 was its last product to come with 3G and many BlackBerry faithfuls have held on to that model because all the newer ones have cellular speeds up to EDGE only.

Another striking feature is the interface. While the current BlackBerry interface is by no means stodgy, the Bold takes it up a notch with a revamped menu that looks like it belongs more on a consumer-oriented phone. The 480 x 320 display is also a welcome addition, doubling the number of pixels you find on a regular QVGA screen.

According to the BlackBerry press release, the Bold will be available globally starting Q3. We have contacted BlackBerry for a more specific Asian availability and are awaiting response. In the meantime, check out BlackBerry's Bold page for more information and images.

Via CNET Crave

GP's new mini charger taps on USB

While GP has had USB chargers in the past, its latest offering was designed with portability in mind. Possibly one of the company's smallest AA/AAA-sized battery chargers to date, the Power Bank M530 is no larger than a small clamshell phone, which makes it really easy to carry around. An onboard foldable USB plug also means there's no need to bring along any messy cables and makes for easy storage while traveling.

According to GP, the M530 takes 1-2 hours to charge an AA/AAA (NiMH) battery and can handle up to two batteries at a go. A quick glance of the instruction manual, however, shows that the estimation is based mainly on a 1,300mAh and the lower-capacity AAA cells. To charge one 2,500mAh AA battery takes approximately 212 minutes (3.5 hours), which is pretty long. But that's to be expected of most USB-powered chargers.

The M530 also features several nifty onboard functions such as alerts to warn users of damaged or wrong batteries being inserted, an automatic cutoff feature to prevent overheating, and self-termination of the charging process (once the battery is fully charged). It comes bundled with two pieces of 2,500mAh rechargeable AA batteries and is expected to retail in Singapore from early June at about S$26.90 (US$17.70). No word yet from GP Singapore on availability in other Asian countries.

All Forked Up

I'm pretty sure any homemaker would see the tongue-in-cheek humor in this wall art. Not to mention being an outlet for those kitchen tantrums that might erupt in the pursuit of culinary perfection. The one little snag is that Design Public's made-in-Canada offering isn't exactly pocket-friendly, at US$300. Having said that, keep in mind all those lovingly prepared meals your mom/significant other has been slaving over for you through the years.

Or for a more fun take that'll impress guests or relatives, you could mount the UtiliTILE in the dining room where friends can help themselves to the buffet of cutlery right off the lacquered wall tile. Measuring 24 x 24 x 1.25 inches, this slots flatware in place with rare earth magnets and can store four sets of stainless steel cutlery comprising two forks, two spoons and a knife. Unfortunately, Jeeves the butler doesn't come with it. So you better there's an easier way to clean those slots of dust and dirt.

SingTel, StarHub and MobileOne to bring iPhone to Singapore

It's official. SingTel has announced it will bring the iPhone to Singapore later this year. According to the media statement, SingTel, Bharti Airtel, Globe and Optus have signed an agreement with Apple to bring the iPhone to Singapore, India, the Philippines and Australia. No further details were mentioned in the release.

We've also just gotten word that the iPhone is expected to be available from all three telcos in Singapore. According to Michael Sim, senior corporate communications manager for StarHub, "we expect all three operators in Singapore would be offering the iPhone by the end of the year". We know it's stating the obvious, but this simply means the iPhone that will be available in the island-state won't be tied exclusively to any of the local telco operators. And surely, that's a piece of good news on a Monday afternoon.

Apple working on its own Wiimote?

Microsoft may not be the only one looking to develop its own Wiimote-like game controller. Apple is researching a 3D remote of its own, according to AppleInsider.

The research, reportedly outlined in a November 2006 patent filing disclosed this week, describes a device that would work similarly to the Nintendo Wii controller "in video games to position a user's character or to otherwise track the movement of the remote control in a user's environment". The remote would apparently be designed to work with Apple TV as its console.

The device would also use some of the multitouch features seen on other Apple products, including the iPhone and MacBooks. According to the filing, it would "zoom into and out of an image or a portion thereof based on the absolute position of the remote control".

Patent filings are never any guarantee of actual products, of course. But there will be particular interest in this one because a move by Apple into the game industry has been rumored--and hoped for, by loyalists--for years. So if nothing else, it will keep that flame alive at least a little while longer.

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