Panasonic details NeoPDP launch

You may have read about Panasonic’s NeoPDP plasma technology. You may even have caught a glimpse of the prototypes at January's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Well, we now have news that they could be coming to an electronics store near you as early as June 2009, according to a spokesperson at a recent Panasonic Tokyo/Osaka tour that CNET Asia was invited to. The global release follows an initial May production from the Panasonic P5 plant, its latest plasma panel manufacturing facility currently undergoing construction in Amagasaki, Japan.

The lineup includes a petite 24.7mm-thick 50-incher and its life-size 150-inch sibling. The latter also offers four times better image details over standard full-HD TVs with a native 4,096 x 2,160-pixel resolution. Size and picture quality aside, there is the FX or Double Efficiency technology. This eco-friendly feature delivers the same level of screen brightness at only half the power required by current flat panels.

Watch this space as we bring you more exciting coverage on Panasonic Center Tokyo and its Amagasaki plant tour.

Click for larger image:



Photo credit: Panasonic

Shortages might bog down Wii Fit launch in the US

First Nintendo told us the Wii Fit would launch on May 19, but the company neglected to mention that was applicable only to the Nintendo World Store launch in New York--the rest of the country still has to wait until May 21 to get their hands on the Wii Fit balance board and video game combo. But wait--if you neglected to preorder a unit, you might not be getting one this May 21, either. Gamestop's online store has a temporarily-out-of-stock warning, and Amazon halted online preorders as early as May 6, with 2.5 units sold every minute. So if you want a Wii Fit, you should plan on heading out to your local video game retailer bright and early this Wednesday in the US, because it looks like units will be in short supply.

The price hike on eBay has already begun. From a preliminary search through the auctions, it looks like Wii Fit buyers from the New York Nintendo store have started hawking brand new units for two to three times more than the retail price of US$90. (As of this writing, the highest asking price of a brand new Wii Fit on eBay is US$360.) It looks like the Wii Fit is following the Wii's history of supply and demand. Who knew an exercise video game would be so popular?

Via Crave CNET

Sweet dreams with new multimedia bed

Time to throw out your funky waterbeds and back care pediatric equivalent! Now there's the From Bed With Love from Nicolas Melan. This souped-up multimedia bed has a DVD player, huge plasma screen and THX-certified 5.1 surround sound system wedged on a wooden frame for the ultimate comfort and entertainment experience.

The young French designer has further promised a "nice and cool awakening" courtesy of its special luminotherapic (blah blah blah) headboard lighting and a discreet silent alarm clock a.k.a. sound canon system. The latter has the power to rouse you out of bed without disturbing your other half from his or her sweet dreams.

Well, this is pretty much still in concept stage. If you can't wait, check out the musical waterbed or Ruf-Cinema.

Via Bornrich | Photo credit: Nicolas Melan

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

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

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (2230)

» Digital Cameras (982)

» Notebooks (1233)

» PC & Peripherals (1310)

» Handhelds (584)

» Printers (82)

» Home AV (1145)

» Music & Play (893)

» Gadgets (1484)

» Future Tech (394)

» Green Tech (172)

» Lifestyle (157)

» Luxury (22)

» Home Appliances (57)

» Cars (99)

» Games and Gear (247)

» Software (94)

» Web (116)

Previously...

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Hot Topics

Subscribe to
Crave

What's Hot

apple apple inc. apple iphone apple ipod asia battery camera game google inc. iphone microsoft corp. microsoft windows mobile phone photograph singapore smart phone software sony corp. video

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads