I really don’t see the point of calling this full fledged UMPC a Portable Media Gadget (PMG) - after all, you know what Shakespeare said about a rose. This device is powered by a 1GHz Via processor and features 100GB of hard drive space, 1GB DDR memory, integrated WiFi, 3G, GPRS, and Bluetooth connectivity. There is no keyboard to speak of, so you will just have to settle for the 8.4″ LCD display for input (via stylus and virtual keyboard). Additional features include pen-writing recognition, multimedia playback, USB ports, and PCMCIA slots for expansion options. Pricing details are still unknown, but it looks pretty neat for a Windows XP device!

Original post by Akihabaranews.com and software by Elliott Back

Having your basement flooded is not a pretty sight, as you will have to fork out a ton for repairs while replacing your electrical equipment. The Water Flood Alarm is a simple device that prevents such calamities (of course, you can’t say the same for it in the event of a floodwaters from outside gushing in), as it comes with humidity sensors that face downwards on the ground. Place it near your washing machine, dishwasher, water pump, bathtub, aquarium, or any other locations where there is a risk of flooding to detect any leaking water. Powered by a single 9V battery, there is no word on the pricing structure, but we know the Water Flood Alarm is available for bulk orders.

Original post by Akihabaranews.com and software by Elliott Back

Apple’s latest product, the still un-shipped Apple TV, has brought a lot of attention to these crazy things called media extenders/players/devices. Essentially, they take content off your home network and stream it to a TV in your house. While Apple certainly has the most press in the field, there are tons of these things out there. One of the nicer looking ones is the recently announced Linksys KiSS 1600.

What you instantly notice is the fact that there is a DVD drive in this thing. Like many DVD players on the market, the DVD drive will upscale all of your DVDs they’re regularly 480p I believe) to 720p (HD resolution). It won’t be “true” HD, but you will definitely see an improvement over a regular player. Just be sure to use an HDMI cable, otherwise you’ll be stuck with the regular DVD resolution. The complete specs of this device aren’t yet available, but you should be able to stream most video files (not iTunes bought ones though), music files, and pictures. You can also access internet radio through the device and supposedly some sort of gaming platform. The box itself also has a USB port for adding some quick storage. There’s nothing easier than copying a few movies over to your mini external USB hard drive and plugging it in. That way you won’t have to worry about your wi-fi signal dropping out during the real important parts of the movie.

The Linksys KiSS 1600 was just introduced at CeBIT and you should be able to purchase it soon for about $500.

[via CrunchGear]

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Original post by Mike and software by Elliott Back

Think paying $800 for a Series3 HD TiVo box without service is insane? You are not alone. Consumers weren’t exactly excited about coughing up that much $$$ for the Series3 and TiVo sales have slumped. In fact, TiVo just reported a Q4 net loss of $18.7 million.

With products like Apple TV and a Windows Vista CableCARD coming out soon, TiVo has to do something before they are quickly phased out of the digital living room.

So what’s their solution? Just make it cheaper I guess. TiVo CEO Tom Rogers had this to say in his quarter results commentary: “We will be highly focused this year on launching a lower-priced, mass appeal High Definition product.”

That vague quote doesn’t exactly guarantee a cheap HD TiVo during 2007, but hopefully they can come up with something during the next 9 months. Whatever they are going to do, they better do it quick. I already pre-ordered an Apple TV and if it lives up to expectations, my Series2 TiVo will be making a brief cameo on eBay before it leaves my living room.

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Original post by methodshop and software by Elliott Back

Add this to your list of pretty useless-but-amusing USB gadgets - the USB-powered Desktop Bouncer. Whenever you’re away from your computer and do not want any prying eyes to go near it, hook up the USB Bouncer and watch him tick off people who come too close to your workspace, thanks to the integrated motion sensor circuit within. He can spew up to half a dozen phrases, and I have a hunch none of them are too polite to begin with. I don’t know about you, but his facial features reminds me of the dumb-but-tough albino mouse in the animated feature Flushed Away where the only things missing are the ears and the tail. The USB Bouncer is available for $19 a pop.

Original post by Akihabaranews.com and software by Elliott Back

We’ve already published about the Burton USB Drives but now we’ve got our hands on them. Quick reminder: these USB drives are enclosed in a cool-looking snowboard case. The upside of a commoditized market is that creativity is booming. Good design sells…

Original post by Akihabaranews.com and software by Elliott Back

The passengers of taxis in Hong Kong now have the option of using a free 3G Internet access as they roam through the city, thanks to SmarTone-Vodafone, the mobile phone provider. This is a part of a marketing program created to increase the awareness and use of the HSDPA network in Hong Kong.

Not all the taxis will be equipped with this high-speed broadband service, of course, only the ones with the Vodafone advertising on the top of the roof. According to SmarTone, one hundred cabs will be offering the free HSDPA access, as a trial to give them an idea of the speed, reliability and quality of the service. All you need to do is get on the cab, plug your laptop or UMPC to the USB modem and you’ll be connected to the web via the SmarTone-Vodafone Mobile Broadband network.

SmarTone-Vodafone will also be providing HSDPA access in other locations of Hong Kong, to showcase their service. The company has 1.1 million subscribers, but only 190.000 of their clients are using the 3G network.

Now I only wish they had taxi cabs with 3G access like these in my hometown too.

You can even download a trial for your Mac or PC to test this service. Find out more at SmarTone-Vodafone.

Via Mobile Wireless News.

Original post by Nick and software by Elliott Back