Zoombak’s Personal GPS Car and Family Locator is Here!

Now you can stay connected to the location of your car, and your teenager driving it, without interrupting his privacy. Or, having him answer a mobile phone while driving. Zoombak™ Advanced GPS Car & Family Locator makes it easy!

• Product Features

  • Install or keep portable
  • Personalized safety zones
  • Prompt location alerts and location history
  • Small and lightweight (2.5 oz.)
  • Water resistant
  • Long-life battery (up to 5 days on standby or up to 150 location requests before recharging)

• Service Features

• Unlimited On-Demand Locates

  An on-demand locate helps you to find the current location of your car containing the Zoombak Advanced GPS Car & Family Locator.

  There are 3 easy ways to conduct an on-demand location request of your Zoombak Advanced GPS Car & Family Locator.

  1. Log on to Zoombak.com
  2. Send a text message via mobile phone
  3. Contact customer care for live location support

Sanyo intros ultra-portable LCD front projector

Sanyo on Wednesday announced a new addition to its line-up of ultra-portable projectors with the PLC-XW57. Meant for business and classroom use, the 3LCD projector weighs less than seven pounds, and sports 1024×768-pixel resolution. Its 2,000 lumens brightness rating comes courtesy of a 200W bulb and lets the PLC-XW57 throw up images in bright rooms.

For security, there is a password protection feature that locks out the controls, including the remote control. For connections, there is a pair of VGA terminals, with one switchable to an output, along with component, S-video and composite video inputs. Video resolutions up to 1080i are supported. A network jack and USB port are built into the projector. The 1W built-in speaker delivers sound via a signal incoming from a pair of RCA inputs and 3.5mm jack.

A 1/4x to 16x digital zoom and 1.2x optical zoom lets the PLC-XW57 create images as large as 100 inches from as little as 11 to 14 feet away. The can adjust from an offset orientation up to 20 degrees from the wall thanks to vertical keystone correction function. A Blackboard mode adjusts the output colors to make images appear color-correct even on non-white projection surfaces.

Other features built into the PLC-XW57 include Sanyo’s 3D Automatic Uniformity Correction Control (AUCC) that balances uneven color and brightness gradations, fan noise control that reduces the speed of the fan depending on the projector’s temperature, along with a Countdown or Immediate projection mode that will either wait for the lamp to heat up before throwing up an image or throw one up right away.

The PLC-XW57 is available now, priced at $895.

IS THAT A CINEMA IN YOUR POCKET

Aiptek introduces the latest in Pico projectors, the Pocket Cinema V10, a compact projector with built-in media player. This latest innovation from market leading Aiptek is designed as a stand alone media player or for use in conjunction with an iPod, DV, DSC, games console or mobile phone (via AV-out). The Pocket Cinema’s integral media player will play Mpeg4 movies, Jpeg Photos and MP3 music files. When connected to an external device the Pocket Cinema will project movies and images from any video source with an AV out and gaming graphics. Measuring just 125mm x 55mm x 23mm the Pocket Cinema V10 is designed for ultimate portability and is convenient for use in or away from the home.

The 50 inch projected screen will enhance bedroom gamers’ experience and also provides an impressive outdoor cinema for camping trips or festivals. Due to its small footprint and scalable screen size the Pocket Cinema is also ideal for use on aircraft, in the car or in a hotel room. Product features: • A mobile media player mini-projector playing back picture, MP3, and video clips • Projects image up to 50” within distance from 21cm to 180cm. • Projects image from connecting to iPod, DV, DSC, game console or mobile phone (via AV-out) or from playback in embedded flash memory or SD/MMC memory card. • Resolution – 640 x 480 Pixels (VGA) • A convenient tool for business meetings and presentations • White LED light source • 3M technology • Li-Ion battery, Tripod and Remote control supplied • Cradle with speaker & power charging (Optional) With 1GB of internal memory and a further 8GB of storage available with optional 8GB HDSC card the Pocket Cinema will beam movies and photo’s up to 50 inches within a distance of 21cm to 180cm. The Pocket Cinema V10 will be available from November at Amazon.co.uk and Firebox.com at an SRP of £299.99. Also included in the box is ArcSoft Media Converter, ArcSoft Total Media Extreme, Li-Ion battery, AC adapter, USB cable, AV Cable (3-in-1 AV jack), Tripod, Pouch, Application CD, Quick start guide. ENDS About AIPTEK International Specialists in the manufacture of multifunctional digital devices, AIPTEK has a large number of product innovations designed with the emphasis on build quality and value for money. AIPTEK’s product portfolio includes palm sized camcorders (hybrid devices incorporating digital video, still image capture, web cam, data storage, MP3 player and voice recorder in one compact design), digital picture frames and graphics tablets, as well as Bluetooth enabled technology.

Denon AVR-689 7.1 A/V Receiver

Packed with features to maximize audio and video fidelity, the AVR-689 is a powerful 7.1 channel receiver that incorporates the latest surround sound decoding technologies, along with sophisticated video signal handling and upconversion that allows both HDMI v1.3a video inputs as well as providing component video output.

The surround section features the same precision 32 bit floating point DSP technology found on our top-line models, and includes a full array of surround sound decoding functions, including Dolby Digital EX as well as DTS ES 6.1 discrete and matrix decoders for the most thrilling, theater-like surround sound experience. For improved acoustic accuracy, the AVR-689 features Audyssey MultEQ in-room acoustic measurement and correction that fine-tunes the listening space via the supplied microphone, with up to six measurement points to ensure even tonal balance. In addition, the AVR-689 is among the first to feature Audyssey’s remarkable Dynamic Volume processing, which eliminates irritating jumps in volume between TV shows and commercials, as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels. All seven amplifier channels feature equal power and lowest distortion, and the AVR-689 is equipped with dual zone multi-room capability that lets you run a 5.1 channel surround speaker system in the main room, while providing independent stereo audio to a pair of speakers in another room.

Tascam Releases New Version of Flagship 24-Track Desktop Recorder

The 2488neo is TASCAM’s latest take on its 24-track, 24-bit recorder. Sporting eight mic inputs, it’s one of the few recorders able to record and mix a full band. A new batch of mastering effects joins the reverb, amp simulation, compression and EQ processing to create and burn finished-sounding CDs in a stand-alone unit. With TASCAM’s simple interface, great-sounding preamps and chart-ready effects the 2488neo is the ultimate 24-track production machine.

Tascam 2488neo

• New mastering effects include multiband compression, EQ and noise shaping for pro-sounding CD mixes
• 3-band EQ on 24 channels, 8-inputs and stereo bus with high and low sweepable shelving bands and full parametric mid band
• Three aux sends on all channels except the effects return
• Loop effect provides reverb, delay, chorus and more on an aux send and return
• Assignable Guitar multi-effects processor for overdrive, distortion, chorus, delay, flange and more
• Up to eight assignable dynamics processors for compression during recording or mixdown
• Dedicated Stereo Compressor on the stereo output
• Eight inputs: 4 XLR with phantom power double as 1/4″ mic/line inputs, plus four more 1/4″ mic/line inputs
• Nineteen 45mm faders including master fader
• LCD display for viewing meters and edit parameters
• 250 Virtual tracks
• CD-RW drive to record Audio CDs, import/export WAV files and backup hard drive
• High-speed USB 2.0 jack connects to PC or Mac® for data backup and SMF/WAV file
• Recording resolution: 44.1kHz, 16-bit or 24-bit

Wireless carriers open the network to embedded devices

Where’s the next big evolution in wireless?  The tier 1 operators think there’s tremendous growth opportunity in embedding wireless connectivity into all types of devices and appliances.

With penetration rates hitting 85 percent and above in the U.S., wireless carriers are quickly realizing that the next big growth opportunity lies in not just connecting people to their networks, but in connecting devices.  And those devices aren’t just the typical wireless handsets but all types of consumer electronics goods and appliances. Basically, any type of device-digital camera, personal music player or navigation device-can be outfitted with wireless.

This is the reason Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility have formed targeted open development business units and it’s why Sprint Nextel’s Xohm Business Unit is encouraging big vendors such as Intel and Nokia to “self-certify” their WiMAX gear to speed device time to market.

PCMCIA cards that connect the carrier’s network to the laptop are a good first step but the only way carriers will reap the rewards of their 3G/4G network investment is to give the consumer an embedded device.

“Whatever device it gets embedded in is OK with me, as long as I have the ability to place it on my network,” said Tony Lewis, vide president of Open Development for Verizon Wireless.

That’s an almost radical position for Verizon Wireless which, most everyone would agree, has a reputation of being something of a control freak when it comes to its network.

“This was met with some skepticism early on but I think folks have come to find out how serious we are and how significant this is and, more importantly, how quick and easy it is to get onto the Verizon Wireless network now,” Lewis said.

Sprint Nextel’s Xohm Business Unit comes from the opposite extreme. Within a couple weeks of its WiMAX launch in Baltimore, Xohm could point to a dozen laptops with embedded WiMAX capability available in retail and 20 more in the pipeline being certified. In the next three to five years, Xohm expects to see “smaller devices really starting to take off in terms of volume. These devices will be digital cameras, video cameras … music devices, e-books. From sheer volume they’re going to be very big,” said Bin Shen, vice president of product management and partnership development at Sprint’s Xohm Business Unit.

Embedding rather than having external USB or card-based technology is important because embedded devices “go through the more conventional consumer electronics device channels,” Shen said. “We all agree in order to drive the wireless broadband and the data adoption you really have to go through an embedded device model.”

AT&T’s 3G product focus is on embedded connectivity with such devices as Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs) and Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) that look like small Internet-specific computers.

“When you get to ease-of-use, a plug-and-play for the customer, embedded is going to be the future, especially as you go into some of these other (non-laptop) devices,” said Glenn Lurie, president of emerging devices at AT&T. “I believe embedded is the only way to go.”

All the carriers talk about being open, but vendors must go through a screening process to get on their networks. Devices must work within a proprietary scheme, at least with Verizon Wireless and AT&T, and must be certified by all the carriers. Sprint’s WiMAX is an IP-based technology that’s available around the world but devices still need an OK to be on Xohm.

The big difference is how the networks will handle the devices, said Shen, pointing out that data is an add-on for voice-centric 3G and “WiMAX is designed for a really high-speed broadband network.”

However, WiMAX has its limits when it comes to footprint. Sprint’s Xohm Business Unit is expected to merge with Clearwire to form the “new” Clearwire with a $3.2 billion investment from Google, Comcast, Intel and others. That merger is expected to close by year-end and while the “new” Clearwire is promising nationwide ubiquity, AT&T and Verizon Wireless are everywhere now.

“Pretty much everybody has a handset… so where’s the next big momentum in this industry? It’s in the connected devices. An embedded module is a radio chip that would be placed in that device,” Lewis said. “It could be as extreme as your refrigerator or toaster; it could be as useful as medical devices; as fun as gaming devices; attaching things not just to your car but to your parking space, your front door, your medicine cabinet.”

As long as there’s a Verizon connection, Verizon’s open to partnering with any number of device manufacturers and is willing to simplify its certification process. In the end, though, it becomes a Verizon Wireless product built by an outside vendor.

“I want to qualify it for my network. I want to have the ability to have as many devices as possible working on this network. If a manufacturer chooses to go to another network that’s certainly their option to do that,” Lewis said. “This is giving consumers their choice on which network they want to operate this device.”

Perhaps the best example to date of a wildly successful embedded device is the Apple iPhone which really is not open at all.

“We’re having very nice success with the iPhone (and) the only way we got there was because I knew that when Apple walked into my office they weren’t walking into Verizon’s tomorrow. We could really open up and give them all of our details and work on new things and build new capabilities,” Lurie said.

While admitting that the new era of open embedded devices will go both ways–exclusive and non-exclusive–Lurie believes that the relationship with the carrier, not the technology, will drive the market.

“Many of these consumer electronics players have never done mobility before… so they’re looking at their core partner to help them build mobility, build a distribution model, build the device. Those are the things they’re going to want to do with a partner to start and possibly down the road that will change,” he said.

What won’t change is the carriers’ focus on the embedded device as Velcro to bind consumers to their networks and grow revenues beyond voice.

“This is the natural evolution of utilizing one of the greatest assets we have, the network, (and) more importantly giving our consumers even more choices than they have today,” said Lewis. “There are lots of opportunities for folks out there to do some innovative things if they know they have an open network.”

Gameloft Wins iLounge’s “Game Developer of the Year” and “Game of the Year” Awards for iPod/iPhone Development

Motorola backs Android

It seems that the ailing US mobile telecommunications vendor Motorola wants to further streamline its crisis-stricken mobile unit, counting on, among others, Google’s Android platform to do so. The unit’s new CEO Sanjay Jha wants to simplify the development and production of new mobile phones and cut further jobs, reported the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, citing anonymous sources. According to the newspaper, Jha will present his plans this Thursday, when the company announces its current quarterly figures.

Jha, who came to Motorola from chip manufacturer Qualcomm, wants to limit the number of software platforms Motorola uses on its devices to three, says the report. These apparently include Google’s Android and two other operating systems. This would mean that at least four platforms would be discontinued. This in turn is likely to affect many jobs in the development and network provider customisation departments. At the same time, Motorola appears to have bolstered its Android development team which has reportedly been expanding. In other areas though, Motorola has already axed thousands of jobs in the last few months.

By limiting its production to three platforms – Motorola’s own P2K for beginner models, Android for its mid-range models and Microsoft Windows Mobile for the business class models –, Jha wants to speed up the development of urgently needed new models, says the report. At the same time, it is also likely that the change will cause the development of dozens of new concepts to be discontinued, which could affect the breadth of the vendor’s product portfolio in the coming quarters. Reports about an Android mobile phone by Motorola have already been circulating in the last week last week.

Motorola wants to split off the loss-making mobile phone unit and turn it into a separate listed company. Apart from being the new company’s CEO, Jha will also have a chair on the overall company’s executive board. Initially, the CEO’s job will be to stabilise the mobile phone unit so that it can become a separate company by 2010.

Consumers will buy more electronics

« Previous Page