Coby MP3 player tastes like Chocolate

CES 2007 - With the astounding success of LG's line of Chocolate cellphones, there are plenty of other manufacturers who decided to implement the touch functionality on their devices, and the Coby C7XXX series is one of them. This portable MP3 player looks really good, featuring touch keys that are lit in red upon contact. There are three models available - the C7055, the C7085, and the C7095 which comes in capacities of 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB. I tested the C7095 and it sounded great even with a pair of generic headphones. Unfortunately, the 1.66" TFT LCD display is a little too small for my liking, and as with everything new and shiny these days, the C7095 picks up fingerprints faster than an investigator on CSI. Alternatively, you can opt for the 20GB hard drive version which supports video in addition to music and comes with a 2" TFT LCD display

(c) www.ubergizmo.com

CES 2007: Handheld navigation Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket LOOX N100

There is a striking similarity between this and the Mio H610, which hopefully means we'll be seeing a lot more of these diminutive GPS handhelds in the coming year. The N100 also has a very basic, minimaist white design and it plays MP3s, videos and displays photos.

NAVIGON provides the mapping software and it has the interesting quirk of showing proper brand logos for various points of interest (read fast food joints) as you pass them. I had a quick check of the map of the surrounding area around the convention centre in Vegas and found a multitude of golden arches and Burger King symbols popping up everywhere. It also does speed warnings, road sign text and lane advice. Although the screen is a bit small to ever have much over a full blown in-car GPS, it all looks rather cute and the speed at which the screen refreshes makes it all nice and smooth too.

Programming the device uses predictive type, which worked very well, although I wasn't bowled over by the sensitivity of the touch screen display. You'll be able to pick the up from March in the US for a fairly hefty sum of $499.

(c) www.techdigest.tv

Harman Kardon Guide+Play GPS-500 Does Nav and HiFi

Harman Kardon has announced their GPS-500. This is a small GPS device that also has media functionality. This GPS unit includes a hi-fi music player (with FM transmitter), video player, 2GB of internal storage with optional SD expandability and support for MP3, MP4, WMA, ASF, WAV and OGG. The 4-inch touchscreen and software doesn't look too shabby, either—nice and clean. It will be hitting the shelves later this month for $500. – Travis Hudson

(c) www.gizmodo.com

CES 2007: Microvision to Debut Miniature Projector

From the department of redundancy department, Microvision has announced today that they will be unveiling (announcing) a prototype miniature digital projector at CES next week. This projector is small (see picture above) and is designed to fit in handheld electronic device such as cellphones, PDAs or other multimedia gadgets. It is nowhere close to being ready for the market, but at least the prototype is done. We'll have more on this live from the show floor next week. – Travis Hudson

(c) www.gizmodo.com

CES 2007: Clean your screen with Alpine Innovations Mini Spudz

When my mobile screen gets dirty, I tend to just give it a wipe on my jumper. But Alpine Innovations has other ideas, with its Mini Spudz range of screen cleaners.

They're basically a 2x6-inch micro-fibre cloth sewn inside a mini neoprene pouch, which clips onto your mobile phone, digital camera, PSP or whatever. When it needs a wipe, pull out the cloth, before stuffing it back in the bag when you're done.

Alpine doesn't sell them direct, mind. It manufactures them for companies with customised designs. But I thought they were pretty cool. If you fancy a few, you can order them in runs of 30, 150, 250, 500, 1,000 or 2,500.

(c) www.techdigest.tv

CES 2007: Sonos adds support Windows Media Player

One major advantage of Sonso wireless home music system is that the company can constantly continuing to upgrade its feature set via firmware upgrades. The latest addition is support for Windows Media DRM protected tracks - that means if you download music from the likes of AOL Music Now, MTV Networks’ URGE, Napster, Wal-Mart, Yahoo! Music Unlimited, and the Zune Marketplace you'll be able to play them over your Sonos system. The news also earned Sonos a place at the luxirous Micorosoft booth at CES.

“We’re excited about the tremendous support and enthusiasm Sonos is providing for Windows Vista at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show,” said Brad Goldberg, general manager for Windows Client at Microsoft Corp. “By working closely together we are helping to provide technologies that will connect, entertain and hopefully surprise people by how easy this next generation of computing makes their lives.”

In other news, which Microsoft probably wanted to dumb down, the Sonos 2.1 software release also includes improved playlist and volume normalization support for Apple iTunes 7.0.

(c) www.techdigest.tv

Meccano to unveil WiFi-enabled Spyke Robot Set

Meccano is all set to unveil a WiFi-controlled, Erector-branded robot kit at CES. The Spyke certainly improves on Meccano's earlier metallic attempts at robot sets: this little fella is capable of feeding a webcam video stream to a PC over the aforementioned wireless connection, as well as climbing stairs with its triangular tank-track; that's right parents, your staircase can no longer keep your kids safe. These basic specs combined with the teaser image on the right should be enough to perk up the ears of all the consumer robot enthusiasts out there -- who are now no doubt waiting to hear how competitively priced the Spyke will be in comparison to Lego's Mindstorm series of robot kits -- but unfortunately there's no other information (availability, pricing, etc.) about the Spyke as of yet. Don't fret though, because when CES kicks off in a couple of days, all will be revealed.

(c) www.engadget.com

Wine Bottle Vacuum Seal

by Andrew Liszewski

I can’t really speak from experience but apparently once a bottle of wine has been opened the clock starts ticking on how long it stays fresh. And while there are many suggestions on how to keep an opened bottle fresh for a longer period of time, from what I’ve read none of them really work.

So I don’t know for sure if this device would be any more effective but it sounds convincing. Before you stick that opened bottle of wine in the fridge just cap it with this vacuum seal which will automatically turn on and pump all the air out of the bottle. You’ll know when it’s completely sealed via a built-in LCD which also keeps track of the wine’s temperature letting you know when it’s the optimal time to be served. The Wine Vac runs on 2 AA batteries but I don’t know if it will maintain its seal if the batteries die. The Wine Vac is available from The Sharper Image for $34.95.

(c) www.ohgizmo.com

Micro-Helicopter, Evolved

CES Unveiled - Any CES event has to feature micro-helicopters. This year, what looked like a smaller version was presented and the in-crowd flight demo was quite impressive. There was also another model that is equipped with a webcam on the nose, in case you want to spy on the neighbors. (Last year’s demo)

(c) www.ubergizmo.com

CES Unveiled: Shure announces new line of in-ear headphones

by Doug Berger

I know all you loyal Gadgetell readers may be slightly confused, but yes, Greg , the podcast producer is taking a crack at writing! Under the watchful eye of my two fearless editors I will give it my best shot.

At CES Unveiled, we had the opportunity to speak briefly with the PR people from Shure - who said the company will be showcasing their new product line of in-ear headphones. The SE210 ($149.99), SE310 (249.99), SE420 ($349.99), SE530 (449.99), and finally the SE530PTH ($499.99)

The new line builds off the success of the E Series headphones that have proven to be popular with audiophiles and non-audiophiles alike. Shure took notice of the complaints about poor fit for their ears, and opted to introduce a new sleeve that they hope will alleviate the problem for those with the ficklest of ear canals. And let me tell you, they were damn hard to get off of the headphones.

Yes, $500 may seem a bit steep for earphones, check that….$500 seems a bit CRAZY for earphones, but as Shure has proven to be dedicated to providing an audio experience everyone can enjoy. The new line of earphones will be available to the public in February of this year.

(c) www.gadgetell.com

Avoid Scalding Burns With The Tip N’ Sip

by Andrew Liszewski

While I’ve already made my indifference towards coffee quite clear in earlier posts there are still plenty of hot beverages I do enjoy that have occasionally left me with severe internal burns.

To avoid this problem the creators of the Tip n’ Sip have added a special ‘temperature control chamber’ to the top of the mug that can be used to cool down your next sip while the rest of the beverage remains piping hot below. Just tip the mug to fill the top chamber with a mouthful of your drink and then swish it around a few times to take advantage of their “thermodynamic transfer technology!” which cools it down to the “perfect zone” of 150-170º. The lid of the mug can be locked making it leak and spill proof for traveling and the temperature control chamber can be bypassed all together if you prefer to walk on the wild side.

The Tip n’ Sip mug is available from the Herrington Catalog for $19.95.

(c) www.ohgizmo.com

Uber high end audio components

by PJ Hruschak

Burmester Audiosysteme’s (aka Burmester Audiosystems) lineup of CES 2007 demo goodies will consist of several high-end audio/video products including mutlichannel components and speakers. So dig really, really, really mega uber deep if you plan to get even one of these for your home.The new multichannel Home Theater components will include two surround sound processors (for twice the surround sound? like, whoah, dizzying), three-, five- and six-channel power amplifiers, standard center channel speaker, sub woofer, cabinetry and interfaces for integration with home automation systems.

At the top of their list is the 007 Reference Surround Processor (SRP $39,995) includes Dolby Digital Ex, DTS ES, DTS Neo6, and Dolby Prologic II, Burmester sample rate conversion, DC couplings (to keep signals away from capacitors), automatic overload control, tons of inputs and, of course, a remote. Also, the processor has a modular design for hardware (and software) upgrades. In case the $39,995 asking price is too steep, the less expensive 057 Top Line Surround Processor is a paired down version of the 007 and priced at only (*sigh*) $19,995.
If these are worth the price, then expect hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses after CES for injured earn drums.

(c) www.gadgetell.com

RhinoSkin Case for Palm Treo 700

by John Andrews

I've been using the RhinoSkin Leather Case for the Palm Treo 700/650 for the last several weeks and have concluded that, while it isn't the perfect case (if there is such a thing), it is a nice addition to my growing collection of Treo cases, and one I use frequently. It looks more professional than my old horizontal leather and fabric holster from Palm. It also has a few extra features.

Most leather cases come in black and the RhinoSkin is no exception. But I was pleased to see that RhinoSkin also offers a variety of colors including tan, red, pink, and buff in addition to the standard black. Pink and red were out of the question for me, but I had a hard time choosing between the black and tan cases. Taking the easy way out, I ended up getting both the black and tan cases with the thought that my wife (who has a Treo 650) and I (with my Treo 700p) could switch if we got bored with the color we had since the cases are supposed to work with either model.

Function

As can be seen in the following picture, the RhinoSkin cases are "flip" cases that have a large flap that protects the front of your Treo when closed and can be flipped open when you need to use the buttons or screen on your Treo. This flap has a sturdy piece of plastic inside that provides protection for your Trēo's screen from scratches or sharp pointy objects. The cover has slots to hold 3 credit cards and 2 SD cards, and an opening in the bottom that allows you to plug in a synch & charge cable when the cover is open or closed. Finally, there is a small flap with a magnetic clasp that holds the cover closed.

Materials, Construction and Fit

The leather used for the tan case felt quite soft and luxurious but the texture of the black leather was a bit firmer. The main surfaces of the case are covered in leather, but the inside is covered with a soft fabric or rubberized backing where the Treo is inserted. There is some sort of harder material underneath the leather to help the case hold the correct shape even when the Trēo is not inside. The tan case had white stitching while the black case had black stitching, and the stitching of both seemed to be of high quality.

(c) www.mytreo.net

Microvision Pico Projector

by Andrew Liszewski

Sure it’s cool to have TV and movies streaming to your phone or PDA but since most of that content starts out as an HD-size image you’re really missing out on a lot with that 320×240 pixel screen. Even surfing the web on a mobile device requires a bit of compromise to squeeze everything onto those relatively tiny displays.

While increasing the resolution is an obvious first step you can only take that approach so far before you reach the limits of what the human eye can see. So another clever approach is to increase the size of the screen via a built-in projector. Microvision is apparently developing the PicoP or Pico Projector that is small enough to be embedded into a cellphone or similarly sized device. The PicoP will be able to project a laptop screen-sized full color image onto any surface and will remain in focus at any distance which is important given these are destined for handheld devices.

I have no idea what the resolution, color-depth or contrast level of these embedded projectors will be but at least Microvision has announced they’ll be officially unveiled at CES which hopefully means we’ll see actual working prototypes.

(c) www.ohgizmo.com

The PC2TV EchoView FM ... think iTV but not by Apple

by Christopher Grant

Think of the Addlogix PC2TV EchoView FM as an iTV -- Apple's tentatively titled set-top box -- except that it doesn't come in white ... and it has a DVI input. The "codex agnostic" device will wirelessly receive video (up to 720p they claim) at 30 frames per second over 802.11g from any WiFi-enabled computer. Anything you can view on your computer you can stream to a display wirelessly (or wired, if that's your thing), so long as it accepts composite, component, or DVI input. We're not sure when Apple's going to launch the iTV or what they're going to charge, but expect the EchoView FM to hit in February for $199.99.

(c) www.engadget.com

Norcent readies new plasmas / LCD HDTV for CES

by Darren Murph

While it seems we really only hear from Norcent when CES is approaching, the California-based outfit is kicking it up a notch this year as well, as it plans to showcase a duo of new plasmas and a flagship LCD HDTV as well. Both PDPs will feature integrated ATSC / NTSC tuners, HDMI, component / S-Video / composite, VGA, 160-degree viewing angle, SRS-enhanced stereo speakers, and a "3D digital comb filter" for color processing. Additionally, the 50-inch PT-5045HD plasma will sport a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,000 cd/m2, and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, while the 42-inch PT-4246HD gets stuck with a 1,024 x 768 resolution and 8,000:1 contrast ratio, but picks up a Clear-QAM tuner and a 1,200 cd/m2 brightness rating. Over on the LCD side, the 37-inch VION LT-3790 one ups the LT-3725 we saw just recently by touting a larger panel, 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 176-degree viewing angle, built-in ATSC / NTSC (Clear-QAM) tuners, HDMI, component / S-Video / composite inputs, VGA, and the same SRS-enabled speakers as on the plasmas. For those interested in picking one up, the PT-4246HD is on the streets right now for a very reasonable $1,199.99, while the 50-inch flavor will land next month for $1,899.99, and the $1,199.99 VION LCD will hit stores sometime Q2 2007.

(c) www.engdaget.com

IntelliTouch Eos Wireless Speaker System for iPod

IntelliTouch has announced their Eos wireless iPod speaker system. The base system will happily dock your iPod, includes stereo speakers and a ported subwoofer and transmit wirelessly to the external speakers up to 150 feet away through walls, ceilings and even outdoors. The external speakers have a removable power supply—meaning it can plug directly into the a wall outlet, or be places on a countertop or mounted elsewhere and powered via cord. Each wireless speaker also includes two stereo drivers and a ported subwoofer.

The EOS system will be released in March. For $300 you get the base docking station/transmitter and one additional wireless speakers. Each additional speaker can be picked up for $129 and there is also an outdoor amplifier to boost signal for outdoor usage also for $129. – Travis Hudson

(c) www.gizmodo.com

Remote Control Metal Detector

by Andrew Liszewski

No one ever goes to the beach to work (well except maybe for lifeguards) so why would you bring along a metal detector you have to carry around all day? Where’s the relaxation in that? Instead why not get yourself a small army of these remote control metal detectors that allow you to scour for treasures from the comfort of your beach chair.

Granted this thing is probably not even close to the sensitivity or accuracy of a high-end metal detector but just keep in mind those pro-models don’t even have remotes. The mobile detector comes equipped with large, all-terrain wheels and can be controlled up to 50 feet away which probably limits your chances of ever stumbling upon that chest of pirate treasure you’re after. Also, I’m pretty sure given the price of this thing it’s not waterproof either so you’ll probably want to keep it well clear of the surf.

The RC Mobile Metal Detector is available from the Discovery Channel Store for $34.96.

(c) www.ohgizmo.com

Duracell FM transmitter, extended battery combo for iPod Video

by Christopher Grant

Already available for the iPod nano, Battery-Biz is rolling out their Duracell PowerFM line to the iPod Video, complete with FM transmitter, extended battery, and bonus protective silicon case. The extended battery more than doubles the iPod's run-time while powering the FM transmitter, with unlimited channel selection. It also replicates the iPod's dock connector, so you can still use all those other accessories without unplugging your 'Pod. No date yet (they're saying end of Q1, early Q2) but expect a retail price of $79.99.

(c) www.engadget.com

The ultimate winter gadget gloves

by David Edney

It’s freezing outside, especially if you live in blizzard areas, and touching the talk button on the cellphone with big bulky gloves is a daily problem we all face. Fortunately for us, a company in Montreal has solved the problem of operating all your gadgets while keeping your hands warm. The glove is called iTWYF or, I Touch With Your Fingers.(uhhhh?…) Three of the fingers have enhancements: the thumb has a velcro strap that exposes that finger, the index finger has a leather strip that can be used for “target-specific” fingering like iPoding, and the middle finger has a tiny stud on it that you can use as a stylus for touchscreens. The gloves actually don’t look bad [Of course, by this, David means they look horrible. Right? -Ed.] and they come in three colors and sizes to boot. They cost only $39 and will have you on your way to happier gadgeting in the cold.

(c) www.ohgizmo.com

$3000 piano mod reminds George Clinton of the mothership

Resourceful tinkerer "Proximasolaris" has put together a piano mod that would make even some Samic owners a bit envious. Retrofitting a Korg Triton Extreme, hiding two monitors behind a motorized cabinet, and placing a slew of blue LEDs and other mechanics, he managed to put $3,000 worth of gadgetry into an old fashion vertical piano. While it is not the first modification we have seen like this, you should still click on through to see the vid of his tricked-out instrument -- go ahead, bask in the glory of what's possible with a little extra loot and 250 solid man hours.

(c) www.engadget.com

Iqua Snake 2: Hands-Free Bluetooth Weirdness

While I’m on the subject of companies at the Sands during CES, check out this device from mobile-communications manufacturer Iqua (the company’ll be at the Sands if you’re Vegas bound). With an MSRP of $179, the Snake 2 hands-free Bluetooth headset attaches to the headrest of a car seat (almost all car makes and models according to Iqua) and lets you talk for up to eight hours on your Bluetooth-enabled device.

Speakers are located on each side of your head and the neck is flexible, so you can adjust it according to the height of the user. However, if you were to use it in a convertible as the photo suggests, I doubt you could hear a damn thing. Looks like call-answer and -end buttons are on top of the mouthpiece making them easy to acccess without taking your eyes off the road.

What would be fun is pretending no one else is in the car with you and getting the person on the other end of the call to say something completely horrible. But maybe that’s just me.

(c) www.crunchgear.com

Samsung plans to sell fuel cell for laptops this year

January 2, 2007 The major drawback of the laptop computer at this point in its short history is battery life and with battery technology the subject of massive global R&D, and the promise of fuel cell technology for laptops in the short to medium term, we are drawing ever closer to being able to survive off-the-grid indefinitely. Accordingly, it was heartening to see Samsung’s announcement last week that it intends to commercialise its fuel cell technology for laptops before the end of 2007. The announcement was in Korean, and some tech blogs (notably Playfuls, engadget and akihabaranews) have had a go at translating it, so if you want the original guff, maybe try it yourself with machine translation from Google, Babelfish or WorldLingo. The pictured Samsung is using a fuel cell dock which will apparently run a laptop for a month, though a smaller version is planned for commercialisation.

(c) www.gizmag.com

Gibson HD 6X Pro Digital Guitar

by Andrew Liszewski

Since I don’t know of a professional studio out there that doesn’t rely on digital technology these days for the recording and mastering processes it seems odd to me that analog pickups and mics are still a common means for recording instruments. Now I realize that most instruments are analog in nature but the sooner you can get that sound converted to a digital signal the cleaner it’s going to be in the end.

Gibson seems to be heading in the right direction with their new HD 6X Pro electric guitar. First off the most important aspect is that the guitar is a traditional Les Paul design so that the musician doesn’t have to compromise by playing on some weird digital hybrid. The pickups on the HD 6X are a new ‘Hex’ system designed by Gibson that uses 6 small humbuckers positioned under each string at the bridge that send 6 individual signals to studio-grade preamps allowing them to be immediately digitized.

These digital signals are then sent to a BoB (break out box) via a special ethernet port designed by Gibson called ‘MaGIC’ that can carry up to 32 bi-directional channels of audio over a single cable. The BoB can then be connected to a multi-channel sound card where the guitar can be recorded with a piece of professional software such as Cakewalk SONAR which is included with the instrument.

The Gibson HD 6X is available now and retails for about $5,000.

(c) www.ohgizmo.com

Hypercolor Spoons: Red When Your "Soup" is Hot

Labeled "powerful" by Gizmodo's own Brian Lam (he may have had some sarcasm in that IM), the Color Changing Spoons shift color based upon the temperature around them.

So let's run these spoons through a little field test scenario...

Scenario A
Jon: Male, 19 years old

Upon returning home drunk from the bars and amidst the courtship of a young lady, Jon decides to make a little snack for himself and his companion. Knowing Cambell's Chunky will give them the energy for "the big game", Jon heats some soup up in the microwave. When his date touches the steaming beef sirloin stew to her lips, it burns and disfigures them with puss-filled blisters. Meanwhile, the shock forces the girl to flail violently, causing her to knock her soup bowl, flinging the liquid into Jon's eyes. He is blinded for life.

Scenario B
Jon: Male, 19 years old

Upon returning home drunk from the bars and amidst the courtship of a young lady, Jon makes soup to power a night of romping. He also provides his lady with a Color Changing Spoon. She notices the soup is hot, waits, consumes and proceeds to get knocked up that eve.

3 spoons will only set you back $9.50, but a child will cost you much more. What's so powerful now, Brian Lam? – Mark Wilson

(c) www.gizmodo.com

World’s Most Expensive Office Chair

If you are one of those blessed rich tycoons, who wraps-up a million dollar deal every now, then this Gold Office Chair is just the throne for you! This gold plated chair, designed by Hadi Teherani, is the world’s most expensive office chair that flaunts a rich price tag of 50,000 euros! Now, this one seems fit for the Trump, so you can even settle for the less pricey silver version of this chair! The gold chair is also available in a variety of color options to compliment your office décor!

(c) www.bornrich.org