Atari has its own version of Wii Fit

The Wii Fit isn't even out yet, and already competition is gearing up. Atari just announced that it will launch its own exercise game, called Family Trainer.

The main difference in Atari's version--other than the lack of hype and branding power of its Nintendo rival--is that it uses an interactive mat rather than the Wii Fit's Balance Board. The move is somewhat awkward because the game apparently still requires use of the Wiimote, as Tech Digest notes, and Atari's Family Ski is designed to use the Wii board as well. The games, meanwhile, sound only mildly interesting from their description: "Over a dozen frantic single and multiplayer challenges to choose from all based on outdoor challenges amusingly interpreted for the world of Family Trainer, such as river rafting, mine carting, log jumping, rope skipping, and much more."

Maybe it's just an attempt by Atari to capitalize on the Wii Fit's publicity and get some action on its flagging stock price. In any case, Family Trainer isn't scheduled for release until September, so at least it can't be given as an offensive Mother's Day gift--then again, there's always the holidays.

Via Crave CNET

Aliph breaks out the Jawbone 2

Aliph has just announced the Jawbone 2, the highly anticipated successor to the Jawbone Bluetooth headset that debuted almost two years ago. If you'll recall, the Aliph Jawbone broke new ground by being the highest-rated Bluetooth headset here on CNET, mostly due to its excellent noise-canceling technology and unique eye-catching design.

However, many of you had a few problems with it: It was bulky, a little tricky to wear, and the charge connector seemed a bit flimsy. Well the Jawbone 2 has changed all of that. It is about 50 percent smaller than the original, with a brand new diamond pattern design that puts its predecessor to shame. No longer is there the awkward and unusual springy ear loop; instead you get an optional curved ear hook that's far easier to put on.

Also, the Jawbone 2 now has a magnetic charging connector similar to that on the Apple MacBooks. But of course, the best part about the Jawbone 2 is its noise-canceling abilities--it still has that Voice Activity Sensor nub that helps to enhance your voice and eliminate background sound, plus its "Noise Shield" technology has been upgraded to "Noise Assassin" (which is clearly a marketing term) that promises to eliminate even more noise than the original. The Aliph Jawbone 2 is available now in black for US$129.99, though silver and gold versions are coming down the pipeline.

Via Crave CNET

First look at Wii Fit

Can a video game get you in shape? Nintendo says Wii Fit will definitely point you in the right direction. With more than 40 exercises and activities, the game helps you keep track of your BMI (body mass index) over a period of time, allowing you to become more aware of your body.

While the game may not have you losing pounds left and right, it'll certainly help you improve your balance and posture--it can even make you work up a sweat.

The Wii Fit package comes with the Wii Fit software and balance board. The board is quite sensitive, with four points of measurement able to sense the slightest of movements. You'll take part in yoga, aerobic, strength training, and balance game exercises all with the help of your virtual personal trainer. The game encourages you to participate in at least one activity a day so that you can more accurately track your progress.

Wii Fit goes on sale in the US on May 19 and will retail for US$90.



Via Crave CNET

HTC P3400i--sub-S$500 WM6 PDA-phone

Without fanfare, HTC announced its latest Windows Mobile 6 PDA-phone, the P3400i. With specifications like a 200MHz TI OMAP processor, 64MB RAM, no Wi-Fi and no 3G, you know it has to be cheap. And it is, at just S$488.

But is it a good buy? Not exactly. Some shops are selling the HTC Touch at just above S$500. So, for a little bit more than the asking price of the P3400i, you get a much better-looking device which has Wi-Fi and 128MB RAM.

On the bright side, we think the street price of the P3400i will drop very soon after its debut later this month. If it sells for S$400 or less, those who want to dip their toes into the world of Windows Mobile may find it an enticing proposition. HTC tells us that it will be available in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia for now.

Philips Xenium X800 and X-Connect are one and the same

GSMArena recently reported two upcoming handsets from the Philips camp--the X800 and X-Connect. However, according to the PR agency for Philips, the X800 and the X-Connect are, in fact, one and the same, and that's the Xenium X800. Apparently, the X-Connect is an internal project name. As far as we know, the X800 features a touchscreen LCD, weighs 99g, will have a virtual keypad and QWERTY keyboard, multiple language handwriting recognition and a 2-megapixel camera. More details to come next week.

Picture credit: GSMArena

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