Jinsei Game Puchi a pedometer-based tamagotchi

Do you still remember the popular tamagotchi handheld virtual pet? The Japanese clearly haven't forgotten it. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Jinsei Game from Japan is releasing the tamagotchi-like Jinsei Game Puchi at the end of July 2008.

Jinsei Game Puchi is a pedometer-based game that doesn't let you play unless you get some exercise. With every 300 steps you take, the wheel of your character's car will complete a single spin that lets you get a job, earn money, have kids, buy a house, live a life. It's certainly an interesting device to get people to burn those calories, particularly for the health-conscious Japanese.

If you're jogging with a partner, you can either work it out on one device or choose to switch to "communication mode" to play on multiple devices.

There's no mention of the price and it's available in stores in Japan only. Though given the enterprising marketplace, it won't be long before this shows up outside of Japan.

Credit: CScout Japan

Sansa Fuze now available in Asia

If you are looking for a small and inexpensive MP3 player, those in Asia have yet another choice. First launched in the US, the SanDisk Sansa Fuze is now available here. It comes in five colors and has features like a 1.9-inch color display, microSD card slot for memory expansion and even an FM radio.

Starting from S$139 for the 2GB version, it will also be available in 4GB and 8GB versions for S$179 and S$245, respectively. As of now, SanDisk is still unable to confirm where else in Asia Pacific (aside from Singapore) you can get this player. We'd advise calling up your local SanDisk office if you really want to find out. Read our earlier review of the Sansa Fuze here.

Creative's Zen Krystal sports an onboard pedometer

This one slipped through the cracks and appeared on Creative's Hong Kong Web site out of nowhere. While we are still awaiting more availability and pricing details for the Zen Krystal from Creative Singapore, the information posted on the site clearly shows that it's aimed at sports enthusiasts with its minimalistic yet lightweight design (57 x 37 x 10.8mm; 22g). Which smacks of the company's earlier Zen Stone Plus with speakers (53.6 x 35.4 x 12.8mm; 18.5).

What's unique and probably a first for Creative is the built-in pedometer, which allows users to track their workout regime, much like the Nike+iPod Sports Kit. The Zen Krystal also features a stopwatch function, onboard motion-sensing games, FM radio, voice recorder, and promises up to 10 hours of music playback with its built-in rechargeable battery. It comes with 4GB of storage space and a 0.7-inch blue OLED display.

According to the Creative HK Web site, the Zen Krystal is bundled with a pouch, wrist strap with lens cleaning cloth, earphones, USB cable and Quick Start leaflet. It will retail for about HK$698 (US$89.51), which puts it on par with the Zen Stone Plus (with built-in speaker) in terms of pricing.

Via Creative HK

Meizu reveals more "dodgy" details about its iPhone-like M8

Last year, Meizu unveiled its M8 phone which caught our attention (as well as many others out there) with its uncanny resemblance to the Apple iPhone. Now, more than a year after the first announcement, the company's CEO Jack Wong is offering new updates to this elusive iPhone clone.

According to Wong's posts on the Meizu forum, the company will release more specifications and pictures of the phone in August. However, contrary to several reports out there, Meizu will not be launching its first version of the M8 (with 128MB RAM) in August, followed by the second version (with 256MB RAM and 8GB storage) in October. Instead, the company will be distributing internal test models (literal translation) of the M8 (with 128MB RAM) to selected users. For those not selected for "initial trial", Meizu will provide the so-called test versions of the M8 (with 256MB RAM and 8GB storage) in October at 2,180 yuan (US$320).

What's really dodgy about this whole statement is the fact that Meizu, having delayed the M8 for over a year, is releasing only the internal test version in August. (C'mon, Apple's already released its second iPhone!) And get this, the second version slated for October is also a test version, though supposedly with better features. Which really makes you wonder if its CEO has seen the M8 himself or if the product actually exists, as some of the forum contributors have commented.
Read more »

Philips SHE9850 and SHE9800 earbuds

First announced during CES earlier this year, Philips' new range of in-ear headphones have finally made their way over to Asia. From the way the company is describing these headphones, it seems to be targeting the mid to high end of the market, those who would spend a little bit more for an entry-level Shure or Etymotic pair of in-ears.

The S$99 SHE9800 model comes with three pairs of exchangeable earbuds just in case the default size doesn't fit the user. The pricier SHE9850 model costs S$179 and, aside from the earbuds, comes with memory foam sleeves which conform to the shape of the user's ears. It's not new, of course, but these have commonly been found bundled with really high-end in-ear headphones like those from Shure. Both models are available throughout Asia Pacific, so check out a store near you if you want one.

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