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Latest Gear Live Videos
The Second Generation iPod shuffle
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Design, Portable Audio / Video,
The last iPod update that was announced today was the new second generation iPod shuffle, which they are touting as the “world’s smallest MP3 player.” Looking at the product, you can’t help but agree - this thing is minuscule. The new shuffle comes in an aluminum case, and is about the size of the Apple FM remote. Really, it pretty much just looks like a button. The iPod shuffle has a built-in clip on the back, allowing you to wear it anywhere. Included in the package is a new dock, USB 2.0 compatibility, and is shipped in minimalist packaging. This time around, the shuffle is available exclusively in a 1 GB size, and is available for $79 USD. Apple is taking orders now, and will begin shipping the new shuffles in October 2006.
Read More 
| iPod shuffle Product Page
Gallery: The Second Generation iPod shuffle
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Samsung has announced that it has produced the first 40-nanometer (nm) memory device. This new 32Gb 40nm flash device incorporates “Charge Trap Flash” (CTF) architecture, which improves both performance and manufacturing efficiency. This new architecture greatly decreases inter-cell noise by replacing the normal floating gate technology with what Samsung calls “TANOS” which is comprised of tantalum (metal), aluminum oxide (high k material), nitride, oxide and silicon. The lower noise levels will allow the technology to be further scaled to as small as 20nm.
Samsung’s 32Gb devices will be used in devices ranging from 4GB to a tremendous 64GB! That’s up to 64 Hours of DVD quality video or over 1,300 Hours of MP3 audio. Expect to see the new more efficient CTF devices begin to replace current floating gate systems over the next year. With these new chips expected to potentially hit 256Gb meaning up to 512GB memory cards, this is a huge step towards PC’s with purely solid state storage drives.
Read More | Samsung
Gallery: Samsung Announces 32Gb 40nm Flash
NES Controller Alarm Clock
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Design, Smart Home, Video Games,
For those who can’t seem to get enough of the feeling of having a video game controller nearby, waking up to one may be the treat to start the day off right. This alarm clock, shaped like one of those old-school NES and Famicom controllers, wakes you up to the Super Mario Bros theme song. How do you turn it off? Simply button-mash on the A button. If that doesn’t get you up, we aren’t sure what will. Even better, though, is the included mini-game. It goes something like this - hit the A button as fast as you can, trying to beat your previous speed. Do it fast enough, and you unlock a new alarm tone. All this for only $25 USD? Sign us up.
Read More | ThinkGeek
Gallery: NES Controller Alarm Clock
Last Chance to Enter Google Code Jam 2006
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Google, Internet, PC / Laptop,
Can you beat 16,000 other competitors with your programming skills? Today is your last chance to enter the global Google Code Jam 2006 (registration closes 9:00 am tomorrow morning). The top 100 finalists get an all expense paid trip to the NYC engineering office and will compete in the October finals. Win that and you get $10,000 and “bragging rights”. So why are you still reading this?
Read More | Google Code Jam via GoogleBlog
Gallery: Last Chance to Enter Google Code Jam 2006
BOSS: Robot Shopping Cart That Returns Itself
Posted by Brian Viele Categories: Design, Mods / Hacks, Science, Transportation,
Cart filled parking lots may soon be a sight of the past. A new smart cart created by a college student with all sorts of gadgets called “B.O.S.S” - which stands for “Battery Operated Smart Servant” - actually follows the shopper around the store, avoids obstacles, and most importantly, it can be made to return itself! While that sounds cool and all, we will certainly miss the days of the teenage part-timer running around parking lots to collect stray carts in the rain.
Read More | CNN
Gallery: BOSS: Robot Shopping Cart That Returns Itself
Amina AIW5 In-Wall Loudspeaker
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Home Entertainment, Smart Home, Movies, Music,
Talk about getting plastered! NXT has announced the US debut of Amina Technology Ltd’s In-wall loudspeakers. With a combination of high definition audio reproduction and some serious designing, these 16” speakers can be placed within any wood or metal stud-work wall. Sounds are recreated in a less directional, more evenly based way than traditional cone speakers so that no matter where you sit, you get the same great sound as everyone else.
The AIW5 can handle 80 watts of continuous power while generating 105 db of sound after applying plaster. Check with Amina for pricing and special sizing. The loudspeakers will be formally introduced at Denver’s CEDIA Expo 2006 starting September 13. In the meantime, think about all that room you will have for your next party.
Read More | AIW5 Speaker Product Page
Gallery: Amina AIW5 In-Wall Loudspeaker
60GB Playstation 3 Gets a Facelift
Posted by Brian Viele Categories: Design, Home Entertainment, Video Games,
Sony has released some new images of the much awaited Playstation 3 due to launch on November 17th of this year. The images outline the external differences between the two models that will be released.
It has been known for some time that the $599, 60GB version of the PS3 will get a suite of added technical features over its $499, 20GB sister. In addition to the obvious 40GB of storage space the 60GB gets a multi-card reader, built-in Wi-Fi and an HDMI output. However, the external appearance of the 20GB version lacks more than an HDMI jack and flash media slots. The 60GB version gets some extra “bling” to set it off. That’s right, silver (vs. black) surrounding the blue-ray drive, trimmed below the USB ports and covering the “Playstation 3” lettering atop the unit. There will be no need to search for external connectors to tell who spent the extra $100 at the register.
Read More | Siliconera
Gallery: 60GB Playstation 3 Gets a Facelift
Optimus Mini Three Has Arrived
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Design, PC / Laptop, Peripherals,
It seems like we have waited for both the Optimus OLED Keyboard and the Optimus Mini Three for an eternity. The good news, however, is that the Mini Three has finally arrived, and ThinkGeek will soon be selling those bad boys. In fact, they got one in early, and took a few unboxing images to show the three-keyed device off. The OLED keys look great, but they only run at three frames-per-second, so don’t expect anything fancier than a constantly updating still image. Head on over to ThinkGeek for all the details.
Read More | ThinkGeek via Unboxing
Gallery: Optimus Mini Three Has Arrived
Belkin continues their surge protecting ways with the Compact Surge Protector. This one uses a unique design, offering a total of 11 outlets - 6 regular, 4 BlockSpace, and 1 convenience (for cell phone chargers, etc.) - in a compact (go figure) enclosure. The Compact Surge Protector offers a six-foot cord, a closing cover to protect pets and the kiddies, 1-in/2-out phone/fax/modem protection, and 1-in/1-out for coaxial cable and ethernet. Oh, and if it messes up your gear, you can rest easy knowing that it comes with a $300,000 Connected Equipment Warranty, sho ‘nuff. The compact surge protector will hit retail for $39.99 USD.
Gallery: Belkin Compact Surge Protector
Belkin aims to please those who hate crawling under their desk to plug things in. The Clamp-On Surge Protector is the first of it’s kind, hooking on to the edge of your desk, workbench, or other similar area, allowing you to simply plug and unplug things from the comfort of your chair, if you so choose. Aside from the whole clamp thing, the surge protector also has a ten-foot cord, and 6 outlets - four normal, and two “BlockSpace.”
“Most of the time, surge protectors are made for placement on the ground,” says Kelly Berg, Sr. Product Manager for Belkin. “By adding the clamp-on feature, you can move and mount the Surge Protector to an easy-to-reach spot—whether it’s your computer desk or your workbench in the garage.”
The Belkin Clamp-On Surge Protector will retail for $34.99 USD, and will ship in North America in October, with launches in Asia, Europe, and Australia to follow shortly thereafter.
Gallery: Belkin Clamp-On Surge Protector
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