Sling Media announced the nationwide availability of three new Slingbox products each designed to meet the varied needs and requirements of today’s TV wastelands. The Slingbox PRO, Slingbox Tuner and Slingbox AV give consumers (that’s you...if you consume) ultimate control over their living room television no matter where they happen to be and what display they’re using giving consumers an entirely new way of viewing their living room television. Here I thought watching an adult film with the volume off was innovative.

Each new product delivers on the promise of Sling Media’s award-winning Slingbox (buzzword alert) which made “placeshifting” a household name. Basically this turns your PCs, laptops and windows-based mobile phones and handheld computers into personal TVs allowing you to watch and control your home analog cable, digital cable, satellite, DVR or other video source (DVD player, still video camera, etc.) wherever they happen to be. Yeah, it’s that cool!

Sling Media enhanced the performance and overall feature set of these new products but has also segmented them for specific customer needs and added new hardware and software enhancements specific for each market segment. Then they reduced the retail price of its new Slingbox products and better yet has maintained its no monthly fees. The Slingbox Tuner and AV will carry a MSRP of $179.99, the Slingbox PRO will retail for $249.99 MSRP, the same cost of the original Slingbox when it was first introduced.

Ok boys and girls, looks like Slingbox has grown up...expect a review in the coming weeks.

Press Release: http://us.slingmedia.com/object/io_1159468208005.html

Digital Trends look at the Harmony 720. They really enjoyed the color screen, the 720’s tilt sensor, the remotes intuitive interface and the fact that is was easy to set up. However the Harmony 720 might annoy some power users with lack of access to direct editing.

Here is the intro:

Anyone that knew Harmony before they were purchased by Logitech knew that they made some of the most user friendly remotes on the market. Perhaps not so ironically, Logitech has the distinction of making some of the most user friendly PC peripherals. Maybe that’s why there was little objection to Logitech’s takeover. Or maybe people were waiting to test the first batch of remotes from this dynamic duo before passing judgment. Whatever the case, if the Logitech Harmony 720 is anything like what we will be seeing in the future, get ready for some incredible new products.

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review4015.html

Tele Atlas the navigation and location based services content provider for wireless devices and applications for planet Earth, announced today that it will provide digital map data and content for the upcoming HP iPAQ rx5900 Travel Companion. Tele Atlas; you have been busy this week!

The HP iPAQ rx5900 will be preinstalled with touch-enabled Tele Atlas-based digital maps that feature user-friendly, turn-by-turn navigation to help users easily find their peeps, points of interest (POIs), products and the best possible routes throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to the highly-accurate, integrated navigation system, the HP iPAQ rx5900 will also offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as digital entertainment capabilities for music, photos, video and gaming using Windows Mobile 5.0 software.

So now you can get your groove on and get where your going at the same time!

http://www.teleatlas.com

Fossil and Sony Ericsson will soon roll out several lines of Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled watches.

Fossil will be introducing the ABACUS MobileWear and FOSSIL Caller ID watches and Sony Ericsson will be introducing its own line of jointly developed products. The analog/digital watch links via Bluetooth to certain cellular phones allowing users to view incoming caller ID information on the watch face. Users are notified when their phone rings and when a text message is received. When users are unable to answer their phone, a single button press can mute or reject an incoming call. When a voicemail or text message is received, users are alerted by an icon of an envelope that appears on the watch accompanied by a slight vibration.

Additional features include a two-hand analog for easy timekeeping, vibrating alert of incoming call or SMS/MMS, Caller ID or number displayed, out of range warning (after 10 meters the watch vibrates when phone goes out of range), view phone’s time/date, simple two-button auto pairing operation, bright OLED display, reject/mute incoming calls (one button push mutes the phone’s ringer, two button pushes rejects the call), water resistant to 3 ATM, and compatibility with most Sony Ericsson Bluetooth phones. The watch also features a lithium rechargeable battery that lasts approximately 5-7 days based on conditions of use. The battery can be recharged through a USB or universal AC adapter.

I already requested a review unit; Ethan Hunt will have nothing on us! The FOSSIL Caller ID is priced at an MSRP of $250.00 USD and will be available in late October.

Pre-Order Fossil Bluetooth Caller ID Watch

TeleType Company has just released its cutting-edge vehicle GPS navigation with MP3 and Video player technology. The all-in-one device, called the WorldNav 3100, is a portable touch screen car navigation system that offers door-to-door GPS guidance with text to speech instructions including pronunciation of street names.

Based on TeleType’s GPS product line, the WorldNav 3100 weighs only 6 ounces. The device aimed at making it easy for drivers to get from Point A to Point B. Drivers can navigate directly to a point of interest (POI) using the extensive POI database included, or a business, home address, or even a desired street intersection.

Well yeah isnt that what a GPS unit is supposed to do? I would like to add that I have used GPS units that are less than freindly to operate. Looks like TeleType is stepping up to the challenge.

TeleType’s WorldNav 3100 features a 3.5” diagonal screen and is available in two configurations, Deluxe ($399 MSRP) and Premium ($459 MSRP). WorldNav 3100 GPS can be purchased http://www.NewEgg.com

I’m just tired of cheap DVD’s and inconsistant burns. Let’s hope these are better...OK, press release time:

Advanced Media, Inc manufactures and markets the popular RIDATA brand of recordable CD and DVD media, electronic storage products, and digital media accessories to the U.S. market. For years, high quality RIDATA CDs and DVDs have been the global media of choice by leading duplicators, archivists and other professionals. To answer this demand RIDATA has created a line of consistently high quality archival and duplication media called the PRO Series of discs. The new line features RIDATA PRO DVD-R 8X inkjet white, DVD-R 8X shiny silver, PRO 52X CD-R inkjet white, and 52X CD-R shiny silver.

“We are pleased to have a strong relationship with most world class duplicators. We appreciate their growing demand for our Double Layer media as well as their fast acceptance of our new PRO Series of DVD optical discs. The new line recognizes the need for ultra-fast read/write capability and heavy-use product reliability and durability by professionals working in fields such as art, music, photography/film, education, and audio/visual,” stated Harvey Liu, Advanced Media president.

So...what do you think? What brands are you having good luck with, and what DVD recorders are they paired up with? We will try some RIDATA discs and let you know how they really stack up.

NemeriX, (a fabless semiconductor company) specializing in ultra low power semiconductor solutions and software for GPS and wireless applications, announced the NX3 hosted GPS integrated circuit, which is specifically designed for the mobile handset market. Could we finally be see the obiquous GPS?

The NX3 represents the next generation of NemeriX single-package GPS receivers that incorporate RF and base-band. It combines power, performance and accuracy, in the smallest size and form factor, to deliver autonomous or assisted GPS capabilities to mobile devices across an array of wireless networks. Can I hear a woot!

Now get that damn thing in my iPod! Er I mean...Zune!

Hmmm, here is a change of pace from Digital Trends. They take a look at space saving computing furniture. They like the Anthro’s convenient storage and charging solution, the contemporary look and they noted that the instructions are easy to read. However the ccessory shelves are not included and the flimsy latch did not match the $589 price tag; also it could be hard for one person to install.

Quote: If you live in a small apartment or studio you probably know the value of wanting more space. While you might not be able to squeeze a big desk into the corner because your dining room table is already there, Anthro Corporation thinks they may have the answer for your desktop needs: the wall-mounted eNook.

A self described “gas station for your gadgets”, the eNook is positioned by Anthro as the place to drop your small devices so they can be plugged in and charged while not in use. It has a flip down work surface which Anthro feels is big enough to accommodate a laptop computer, mouse and notepad or more. Does the eNook live up to its maker’s claims, or is it just another pretty piece of art hanging on the wall? Read on to find out.

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review3968.html

Trinity Convergence announced that Skype has licensed its VeriCall Edge embedded VoIP software platform for developing a stand-alone (PC-free) communication devices that uses the Skype software.

The agreement benefits hardware manufacturers by providing a software bundle that allows them to efficiently and cost-effectively design Internet calling and the Skype user experience into devices such as wired phones, WiFi phones and multi-function personal communication devices.  Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs) can use the software bundle to shorten product development cycles and their time-to-market.

The ability to move Skype off the desktop creates a unique category of devices and offers a whole new level of flexibility to consumers,” stated Mark Felice, co-founder and vice president of sales and business development, Trinity Convergence. “The recently introduced mylo personal communicator from Sony Electronics is a great example of a product that lets consumers use Skype without a computer."

http://www.trinityconvergence.com/

IOGEAR today introduced its Germ Free Wireless Laser Mouse, disabling the survival of bacteria with an auto-disinfecting surface. The mouse, ideal for use in highly-trafficked public areas, such as offices, libraries and schools, is able to inhibit a wide range of antibodies, viruses and algae.

The outer shell of IOGEAR’s new Germ Free Wireless Laser Mouse is covered in nanocoating, consisting of titanium oxide and silver nanoparticles that can prevent or deactivate bacteria with 99% efficiency. The titanium oxide attracts water and oxygen molecules. When these molecules are combined with the electrons of the titanium oxide and light, free oxygen ion bases are given off. The ions restrain, clean and eliminate parasites while creating water, carbon and oxygen molecules, starting the cleansing process over again.

The Germ Free Wireless Laser Mouse is priced at $39.95. USB auto-disinfecting toilet seat...coming soon.

http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GME227RW6

At the Tokyo Game Show today, Ken Kutaragi, president of Sony Computer Entertainment said Sony will reduce the price of its soon-to-be-released PlayStation 3 game console by more than 20%.

The less expensive version should now sell for $429 according to media reports. Kutaragi said the price cut came in response to customer complaints that the console was too expensive.

The PS3 will still be more expensive than the Microsoft XBOX 360 and the upcoming Nintendo Wii, however with the included Blue-ray player that price might just give them the edge they need this holiday season.

More info on Marketwatch: Full Article

The NAV200 is driven by Windows CE on top of a 400 mHz processor and features a SIRFstart(TM) III GPS chipset antenna, which offers high sensitivity to position for improved mapping accuracy. And it uses NAVTEQ mapping database, used by several automakers.

The NAV200 has entertainment features via optional SD cards for files such as video (avi), images (jpg, gif, png) and/or audio (mp3, wav) files. The unit also features a world clock, calculator and game. Oh and a large 3.5” screen and a rechargeable three-hour battery. Not a bad set up really.

Real time traffic readiness provides city commuters the option of adding Traffic Monitoring Channel (TMC) programming, a subscription-based service that provides navigation systems with traffic information that is broadcast via radio stations. By using TMC, which requires an optional adaptor, NAV200 will receive up-to-the-minute traffic information and adjust the route accordingly.

The Delphi NAV200 is priced at $349.99 and will be available this October at major retailers or direct from Delphi. 

The BlackBerry 8703e from Sprint has updated features, including EV-DO support and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) capability in a sleek and light design.

The BlackBerry 8703e includes integrated GPS (assisted-GPS) enabled through Sprint to deliver support for popular location-based services to mobile users, such as turn-by-turn driving directions to any address, anywhere on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network.

Additional key features include email, phone, browser, organizer, Bluetooth wireless technology, speakerphone, high-resolution color display and full QWERTY keyboard.

The BlackBerry 8703e will be available Oct. 1, 2006, through Sprint business and indirect sales channels, at Sprint retail locations, and online at http://www.sprintbizstore.com for $349.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement.

It’s good to see more Bluetooth headphones. The SOYO FreeStyler HS11 is an ear-hook type wireless stereo headphone. It can be used with any Bluetooth-supported cell phone.

The companion FreeStyler stereo transmitter (TX10) has a standard 3.5mm audio jack, which can be plugged into any supported CD player, MP3 player, computer, Hi-Fi receiver or TV. It allows users to listen to music, DVD movie audio, as well as take incoming phone calls. Once the call is completed the FreeStyler HS11 will automatically switch back to the music.

In addition, it can be used as a remote control for the music playing functions of a Bluetooth device if it supports Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile). 

Play time of the FreeStyler HS11 is suposed to be six hours with its lithium-polymer battery. The device weighs just over 1 ounce. It has a list price of $179.

Digital Trends gave the new Toshiba Gigabeat S MES30VW the once over and really liked the sharp and bright screen it now sports. They found it easy to use and the stock earbuds were actaully decent.  The Gigabeat S MES30VW also supports a digital camera.

They did not like the fact that it requires a proprietary AC adapter cable/AC Adapter and i would have to agree; portable devices today should be mini USB. Also the unit will not record voice...strange.

Quote: ”
Wow, what a difference a generation makes. Last year, Toshiba’s much-hyped Gigabeat digital media player left me disappointed to say the least. After playing with the next-gen Gigabeat S30 for a week or so now, I’m glad to see Toshiba stuck with the category and went back to the drawing board. Gone are the clumsy software integration, nagging menu structure and the frustrating slider control of the first generation. In their place are the no-brainer Windows Mobile Portable Media Center platform, solid button controls and an overall impressive package.

The MES30VW Portable Media Center is a music player, video playback device, picture viewer and FM radio all rolled into one buttoned-up little box."

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review3911.html