Archive for April, 2004

• Monday, April 19th, 2004

  Coca-Cola C2

  No, it’s nothing computerized… but many of us drink a can or two a day, so it’s worthy of being talked about… The Coca-Cola Company today announced it will introduce Coca-Cola C2 in Japan first and then hit the U.S. this summer. They have been working on the C2 formula for over a year, trying to get the right taste we all have grown to love. The newest product to bear the trademark of the world’s best-selling soft drink will have half the sugar, carbohydrates and calories of regular colas. Does this make “Supersizing” right again?

  
  

  Posted in Offbeat | View Comments Read On

• Monday, April 19th, 2004

  Hello My Name Is… GEEK?

  

  If you are the ultimate geek or are planning the ultimate geek fest, you need to purchase a few of these Scrolling LCD Badges from Think Geek. Not only is this badge fully programmable, it can be changed on the fly by using the IR remote control. The badge can store up to 4 messages, scroll at 7 different speeds, and can be programmed or changed via a serial cable. It sure beats the old school “Hello My Name Is” badges! Though, don’t expect to pay 15¢ for this badge… the whole kit runs $70.

  
  

  Posted in Fun & Games | View Comments Read On

• Monday, April 19th, 2004

  DVD Producer – WMV HD Edition

  Microsoft is trying to be the first at getting HD discs into peoples hands and homes… successful they have been. I was lucky to see WMV HD when it was being developed and was blown away then. The beauty of WMV HD is that it doesn’t need blue laser based technology to fit a two hour movie on a disc, WMV HD makes it possible to fit a full movie on a standard DVD. Microsoft and Sonic Solutions, known for their Sonic DVD line, have unveiled DVD
  Producer – WMV HD Edition, a special version of Sonic’s professional authoring application that supports the production of DVD titles using Microsoft Windows Media Video High-Definition (WMV HD). Traditionally, Sonics UI’s are not as elegant as Apples iDVD, but if you want to be the first one on your block to author a HD DVD, then it’s as good as it gets. DVD Producer – WMV HD Edition is still in Beta, if you’d like to join the beta team, email: hdbeta@sonic.com. The only catch is that you really need HD material to take advantage of this authoring tool.

  
  

  Posted in Home Theater | View Comments Read On

• Friday, April 16th, 2004

  Silicone Enhanced iPod Mini

  
  Personally, I think iSkin Inc. has the best iPod cases around. They are made from durable form-fitting silicone and provide protection against damages and scratches, and we know how badly those pretty little pods get scratched. You’ll have a hard time picking one out since they come in many colors and glow-in-the-dark variations. Some of the selling points, incase you need them… Rear pores to promote heat dissipation, Easy access to iPod’s Controls and Hold Switch, Side “goose bumps” for increased anti-slip grip, Compatible with iPod accessories that connect to the top of the iPod such as iTrip, Integrated dock connector port cover… need I say more? You’ll have to pony up 25 bones for these skins.

  
  

  Posted in Accessories | View Comments Read On

• Friday, April 16th, 2004

  HomePod

  

  Macsense HomePod is an ultra compact and portable digital stereo component that plays MP3 and Internet Radio streams from any wireless (802.11b) or wired network. Designed for use with iTunes, it also works with MusicMatch Jukebox, Nullsoft WinAmp, or any networked computer running OSX, Windows, Linux, BSC and Solaris. The HomePod includes a 2.5″ back-lit LCD, IR remote, Jog-shuttle dial for quick content navigation, built-in stereo speakers, a headphone jack, RCA stereo and optical outputs and a FM tuner. Might be the perfect little gadget for a bathroom, kitchen area or even outside on the patio… Retail price for the HomePod is $249.

  
  

  Posted in Home Automation | View Comments Read On

• Friday, April 16th, 2004

  HD Radio?

  

  When I first heard about HD Radio, I thought it was some new advanced method of sending high quality 5.1 Surround Sound audio, FREE over the air… I was right except for the 5.1 Surround Sound part. HD Radio is a new technology that enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally while also providing RDS (Radio Data Services). The digital broadcasts provide improved audio quality and reception making signal fading, static, hisses and pops are a thing of the past. Data services such as displayed song and artist information, weather and traffic alerts can provide useful information at a glance. The best thing going for HD Radio, unlike XM Radio, is that it’s all FREE… that’s not counting the $999 it will cost you for a Panasonic CQ-CB9900U HD Radio ready tuner. Panasonic, Kenwood, JVC and a few other manufacturers will also be releasing HD Radio products soon, hopefully bringing the cost down.

  
  

  Posted in Electronics | View Comments Read On

• Friday, April 16th, 2004

  World’s First Lithium Powered Embassy Vehicle

  

  Whistler Investments Inc., who are leaders in the development and marketing of lithium ion vehicles products announced today that they have successfully completed negotiations with the British Embassy, Mexico City to provide the world’s first lithium powered Embassy fleet vehicle.
  The vehicle platform that has been selected is BMW’s MINI COOPER S and based off of numbers on their website, the MINI should achieve speeds in excess of 90 MPH, go over 100 miles before needing a recharge (which takes about 3-5 hours) and is a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) that produces no air pollutants.

  
  

  Posted in Electronics | View Comments Read On

• Friday, April 16th, 2004

  Gizmondo, not to be confused with Gizmodo

  

  Gizmondo Europe Ltd., formerly known as
  Gametrac Europe Ltd, subsidiary of Tiger Telematics Inc. announced today that its much-anticipated handheld mobile entertainment device will be marketed under the brand name of Gizmondo. Their Gizmondo device is best described as a futuristic multi-entertainer. The product is a wireless, handheld device featuring cutting-edge gaming, an MP3 music player, movie player, multimedia messaging, in-built camera and GPS function. They will have their latest model and games to showcase by May 11-15 at E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo. The Gizmondo is due to be launched later this year… I have a feeling by Christmas 2004 we’ll be seeing some very cool gadgets on shelves.

  
  

  Posted in Fun & Games | View Comments Read On

• Friday, April 16th, 2004

  NETGEAR MP101 Wireless Music Player

  

  If you weren’t one of the VIP’s asked to participate at the seventh annual “VH1 Divas” concert on Sunday, then you won’t be getting an exclusive gift bag with a free NETGEAR MP101 in it. That means you’ll need buy your own… the NETGEAR MP101 Wireless Digital Music Player allows you to listen to MP3 or Windows Media digital music on your stereo. It’s one of the more affordable units available that has a built-in wired and wireless (802.11b/802/11g) network adapter and I believe it’s also one of the first to stream RealNetworks’ Rhapsody Internet jukebox service (comes with a free 30-day free trail). If you try to keep up with people like Patti Labelle, Jessica Simpson, Ashanti, Eve, Tom Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Gladys Knight or Debbie Harry… then you best drop $149 for this player.

  
  

  Posted in Home Automation | View Comments Read On

• Thursday, April 15th, 2004

  It’s not WiFi Enabled Paint, but…

  It may be a while before we see WiFi enabled paints… but I just found out that two new patents have been issued to Color Kinetics Incorporated.

  U.S. patent number 6,717,376 is a utility patent covering Automotive Information Systems that, in part, relates to color-controllable automotive lighting systems. This includes the application of LEDs in color and dimmer-controlled systems used to customize the look and feel of a vehicle, as well as feedback-controlled lighting systems that tailor the lighting conditions based on information from sensors. For example, a driver could use this technology to customize the color and intensity of a car’s dashboard or instrument lighting, or to use sensor feedback to convey information, such as the car’s temperature, through color.

  U.S. patent number 6,720,745 is a utility patent covering a Data Delivery Track. The patent relates to an LED lighting system where the lighting control signals are communicated through a light track. This facilitates designs and installations that call for intelligent LED illumination in a traditional track lighting scheme. The data used to control the LED-based lights on the track may be communicated through the track itself.

  If you can’t have true color changing paints, why not settle for the next best thing… color changing lights that can change the look and feel of the paint.

  
  

  Posted in Electronics | View Comments Read On