X-mini Capsule Speaker to go wireless next

The folks at Singapore-based XM-I Company are one very busy team. Besides readying a stereo edition of their current bestselling (mono) X-mini Capsule Speaker, they've disclosed to Crave Asia that they are working on a next-gen iteration that will go wireless.

Whether this will run on Bluetooth or radio frequency is still on the cards. But it's at least something for X-mini fans to look forward to, particularly those who'd like nothing better than to toss away the existing cables. Not to mention that X-mini owners can now boast of their excellent taste in products, since the X-mini and its stereo sibling both recently picked up the prestigious Red Dot Distinction Award for product design excellence for 2008. Not bad at all for a tiny outfit.

DS-Guitar Hero mashup becomes a reality

Ask and ye shall receive. That's apparently the case where practically anything related to Guitar Hero is concerned.

Last summer we posted what we thought was a silly Photoshop concept of a DS Lite with the neck of a guitar controller grafted onto it, but apparently it wasn't so crazy after all. Engadget says something called the "Guitar Grip" has actually been developed for Nintendo's DS, a truncated version of the Guitar Hero neck with four fret buttons instead of the full five.

It still seems like it would be a bit awkward to strum the touchscreen that way, but we're certainly no experts. If we were, we'd be bidding on that Rock Band mod kit instead anyway.

Via Crave CNET

Ultimate 3D gaming in a 400-pound steel sphere

If you really want to immerse yourself in the gaming experience, what better way to do it than in a 10ft-tall, 400lb steel sphere?

The Vitusphere is a futuristic apparatus that's right out of a sci-fi movie, kind of a cross between Rollerball and Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. Those who dare to enter the giant steel ball, according to Newlaunches, "can run, jump, roll, or crawl over virtually unlimited distances without encountering real-world obstacles".

Under development for more than a decade, the Russian-made Vitusphere works with a headmounted display and handheld controller for the ultimate 3D experience--and that means 360 degrees, rotating on rollers in any direction, while remaining stationary. So far the only customers have been commercial clients, ranging from entertainment companies to the military. But if you've US$30,000 to spare, you can be the proud owner of one of these human-size hamster wheels, too. As for us, we'd rather stick with the Hyperbike.



Via Crave CNET

Mindwire: "Feel the pain, enjoy the game"

The business of sado-masochism continues to boom in gaming. We're not talking about laser tag tanks or board games that punish you for wrong answers (though the Shocking Duel Novelty Game of pain endurance comes close).

The real demand is for vibration and shocks that correspond with the onscreen action, as exemplified by such wearable electrode conductors as the recently cited FPS Vest. The latest example is the Mindwire V5, a devious apparatus whose slogan is "feel the pain, enjoy the game". It supposedly uses technology that was originally developed for muscle therapy. (That's what they all say.)

This "electrical muscle stimulation kit" plugs into a game console's controller port and connects as many as five adhesive pads that can be applied to whatever part of your body is most in need of abuse, according to Slippery Brick, "allowing localized sensory feedback". That's one way of putting it. We hope, for colleague Michael Kanellos' sake, that they don't hook up with Compex Sport.



Via Crave CNET

Nike SportsBand to debut in April

Looks like the rumors about Nike's upcoming SportsBand are true after all. According to German site Mac Life, that is. The wrist device, which looks pretty much like a digital watch, is designed to work similar to the Nike+iPod Sports Kit, sans the iPod player. In other words, runners who want to track their exercise routines can now do so even if they don't own an iPod. However, the SportsBand isn't intended to replace the Nike+iPod, as reported earlier, but as an alternative for users who prefer to run without listening to music.

In addition to time display, the SportsBand can also collect data on speed, distance elapsed time and calories for the runner. It comes with two buttons: One to start/stop the training regime, the other to toggle between different display modes. To use the SportsBand, users will have to purchase the Nike+ Sports Kit (29 euros; US$45.80) plus Nike+ running shoes (to fit the Nike+ Sports Kit), if they don't already own a pair.

The Nike SportsBand is expected in stores from April at a retail price of 59.95 euros (US$94.68). There is no mention on when it will come to Asia. But based on past product launches, users shouldn't have to wait too long to get hold of the SportsBand in the region.

Via Mac Life
Picture credit: Mac Life

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