Toshiba's 4-in-1 device just looks weird

Note to Toshiba: Different doesn't always mean better. Judging from the photos of its G450 phone, we wouldn't be surprised if the company has hired some of NEC's batty designers.

It's got the oddest-looking keys we've seen since the triangles of Nokia's Prism line, but not because of their shape--it's their positions, divided into two circular number pads. Then again, maybe it's not really classified as a phone at all; Toshiba is marketing the G450 in the UK as a 4-in-1 gadget that performs as an MP3 player, USB flash drive, and high-speed modem as well as a mobile handset, according to OhGizmo.

You'd think they'd want to conserve space instead of having two keypads, given that the whole device is only 3.8 inches long. But if they were going to go through all that trouble, couldn't they have thrown in a camera, e-book, and DVR, too?

Via Crave CNET

WildCharger keeps plugging away

The WildCharger was met with some skepticism when it was announced more than a year ago because it sounded too good to be true. The rollup pad promised to charge various devices simultaneously, regardless of type or brand.

But its manufacturer, appropriately named WildCharge, continues to prove its critics wrong by releasing new adapters compatible with more products. The latest of them will work with the iPhone, iPod, second-generation nano, and two BlackBerry models (the Pearl and 8800), according to Gizmodo.

The adapters still need to be placed on the back of the devices, which can then be charged when placed on the flexible mat. WildCharge has long hoped that the receivers could be integrated directly into their devices, but that would likely be a vastly complicated endeavor involving multiple companies, technologies, licensing, and standards. In other words, don't hold your breath.

Via Crave CNET

An MP3 player that will break your heart

Never having been adept at deciphering optical illusions, we first thought the concept of Valentine's Day got lost in the translation of this Chinese-made gadget (as in, a broken heart). Once our myopia cleared up, we saw that there are two interlocking faces that can be snapped apart, freeing a pair of his-and-her MP3 players.

Although it's supposedly being released just in time for the holiday, Mobile Magazine says this music player from Beijing-based Newman will be available only in China for now. There's also no information on specs or capacity, but we thought it was worth mentioning if only to show that one must go overseas to find some original marketing for Valentine gifts. Unless you're talking about love lasers.

Via Crave CNET

iPod touch now maxes out at 32GB

Quietly, Apple updated its online stores yesterday, adding one more iPod touch to its lineup, the 32GB version. This is an increase of 16GB over the previous maximum, and was released together with the 16GB iPhone.

Available immediately, the 32GB version costs S$848. It has exactly the same dimensions and weight as the 8GB and 16GB models. And if you were wondering if it will be plagued with the issue that many Asian owners of the iPod touch are currently facing, the short answer is: No. The absence of the five new applications is applicable only to those who bought a touch before the apps were announced. All new ones will come with them pre-installed.

Earphones rattle the bones, even out of water

When we first saw a photo of someone wearing these Vibe Body Sound earphones by Outi, we thought they'd been put on backward. So we didn't stare or say anything for fear of humiliating the poor sap, just as mom always taught us.

Then it turns out that it was the right way to wear them after all, because they use that body-conduction technology we keep hearing about. This pair clips to the skin and cartilage of the outer ear just above the lobe and sends the sound vibrating through the skull, according to Coolest-Gadgets.

We've seen other headgear based on the same principle, but usually the in-ear variety is reserved for underwater use. Either way, it's enough to give us a massive headache just thinking about it.

Via Crave CNET

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