Philips Net TV: Does what it says on the tin

Philips Net TV does exactly what you'd expect from the name: It's an application that puts the Internet in your TV. You connect up your panel to the intarwebs and you'll be able to browse sites such as YouTube and eBay in a Philips-friendly format, with large text and simplified layout.

Other sites will be displayed in the usual way, which may involve some squinting to see the writing. The Dutch company has also inked deals to reformat MeteoGroup, Funspot, MyAlbum, Netlog and a whole bunch of other sites you've never heard of. More deals are promised, but let's face it: YouTube is the big win here.

The service will run specifically on the 8000- and 9000-series TVs, with an Ethernet cable required for the 8000 and Wi-Fi connection in the 9000. Wireless connection is also possible with the recently unveiled Cinema 21:9 system.

The service should launch in the UK in April. Meanwhile, you could also consider Samsung's widget-y Web TVs, promised at CES 2009. Or you could drop by the Philips Web site, but be warned--you'll be assailed by a French bird mewling in foreign, with no way to turn her off.

Via CNET.co.uk

Digital soaps for diehard geeks

These are coined as "personal cleansers" by Digitalsoaps at Etsy.com, though we believe they're nothing more than uniquely shaped hand soaps. The selection ranges from an old-school mobile phone (looks like a Nokia) to the PlayStation and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game controllers. These are also available in a wide variety of colors that include semi-translucent shades and plain-vanilla matt finish.

Prices for these soapy contraptions start from US$1.50 for a calculator up to US$18 for a twin NES controllers gift set, and they do ship internationally as well. I wonder if they are really effective for removing the grime after a full day of sweat-drenched gaming or just another decorative item. Anyone interested to give it a go?

Via Ubergizmo

Cassette tape MP3 player

This is a tribute to an unsung hero in home entertainment, the retro cassette tape of the 1980s. Keeping true to the spirit of the cassette tape, the NVDRS Tape MP3 player is available only in 45-, 60- and 90-minute capacities for 10, 15 and 20 soundtracks, respectively. It has a pop-out USB port for importing MP3 files and a sliding switch for Play and Stop controls. To fast forward or rewind, you'll have to rotate the spool using your finger. The same applies for charging its built-in battery which comes equipped with a power indicator: Red, amber and green for low, mid and full charge, respectively.

The NVDRS Tape was developed by five designers as a concept product, so just too bad it's not available on retail shelves for now.

Via Ubergizmo

Western Digital unveils improved home NAS server

I've complained before that network-attached storage (NAS) devices are just not easy enough to use. Most NAS servers further complicate the matter by offering a lot more than just simple plug-and-play network storage, which is what novice home users look for.

So far, I haven't seen any vendor do this right; however, Western Digital's newest NAS server might just be the first one.

The company has recently introduced its newly redesigned, updated version of the My Book World Edition NAS server that offers plug-and-play installation and automatic continuous backup.

The new My Book World Edition comes in both 1TB and 2TB versions and is designed for those who have multiple computers on a home network. It works with both PC and Mac computers. Featuring Western Digital's GreenPower hard drive, the new NAS is also slated to use up to 33 percent less energy than the previous model.

The plug-and-play feature is the focus of the new NAS. Western Digital claims that you just need to plug the new NAS into the home network's router, click a few buttons on your computer, and you're done. The new My Book World Edition also works when you plug directly into a computer's network port. I witnessed a demo where the NAS appeared as a drive almost immediately when plugged into a Macbook.


Read more »

VHS bread toaster

Every now and then we come across weird concoctions that tickle our funny bones. But this particular VHS toaster is a cut above the rest. While we're impressed by the way a working toaster can be jam-packed into a vintage VHS machine chassis, it's the VHS toast marks that really make the connection for us. All you'll need to complete the delicious techie breakfast is a glass of milk, two fried eggs sunny side up, bacon and a dollop of butter. Yummy!

Via Ubergizmo

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