Phreaking Internet

Logitech Harmony 300 Universal Remote

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:02:31 +0000

Logitech promises to make their universal remotes even lower with the introductions of the Harmony 300 line, which can replace up to four buttons. It features a refreshed Web-based setup wherein users simply hook up the remote to the Internet via computer, include what devices the remote will be used for, and let the website do the rest. This setup also keeps your remote updated with every new IR device being introduced in the market.

The remote buttons are even grouped according to device. You can easily find where the buttons for the DVD are because they are grouped together. It also has programmable buttons that would lead your right to your favorite channels or other customized controls.

The Harmony 300 universal remote from Logitech will be on April at a suggested retail price of US$49.99.

Zune HD 64 Comes Out on April 12

admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:31:23 +0000

Now that the secret’s out , Microsoft has announced that the Zune HD 64 will hit retail on April 12. The 64GB media player will feature several color options such as platinum, black, blue, and magenta, plus a very reduced price of US$349.99. Meanwhile, its 16GB and 32GB cousins will also be stripped $20 from their price tags to $199.99 and $269.99, respectively.

With the Zune HD 64, users can store up to 16,000 songs or 20 hours of high-def videos from the Zune Marketplace, or up to 25,000 photos. It still has that OLED multitouch screen, built-in HD radio, HD video out, and Internet browser.

What’s even more exciting is that Microsoft will also offer firmware updates, such as Smart DJ auto-playlists, and the ability to browse, stream, and download music from Zuen Marketplace through the TV (while the Zune HD is connected to the TV via the A/V dock).

The Zune HD 64 will become available at the Zune online store first, then on other retailers at later dates.

ASUS Preparing One Google Tablet, One Windows

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:13:10 +0000

Forbes is reporting in an interview with ASUS’ Chairman Jonney Shih that they’re preparing their “own iPad rivals,” two models which will launch “in the coming months” and run on Google Chrome (or Android) and Windows.

ASUS still hasn’t decided between Chrome or Android for their first tablet, but presumably if it’s the former choice then it won’t be seen on the market until the end of the year when Chrome is launched. Also, with Google working extra-closely with Chrome manufacturers and reportedly mandating minimum specs, they might just find it easier doing something with Android instead. It’s not like they’re strangers to the Android OS, after all.

EcoCharge Energy Efficient Travel Charger

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:14:28 +0000

grPeople who wish to conserve energy usually like to choose energy efficient devices to buy fore their personal use. While there are quite a number of eco-friendly devices to choose from, there’s not a lot of eco-friendly chargers around to go with them. But one exception to this would be the Ventev EcoCharge.

The Ventev EcoCharge is probably one of the most efficient device chargers in the market. It uses less energy compared to other typical chargers in the market. The EcoCharge is Energy Star Certified, giving it the highest rating allowed for energy efficient mobile phone chargers. The Ventev EcoCharge also includes a hidden USB port that allows it to charge an additional USB supported device. It is available at Ventev for US$30.

OpenPeak OpenTablet 7

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:10:45 +0000

Many experts in the electronics market are saying that the time of the tablet devices has arrived. More and more companies are now trying to come up with their own versions of tablet PC and similar devices that is set to become the next big thing. One of those being offered is the OpenPeak OpenTablet 7.

The OpenPeak OpenTablet 7 is a unique gadget that will try to capture a niche in a relatively new market segment. It may be a cross between a netbook and a smartphone. The OpenTablet 7 aims to combine voice communication, muti-media and information into a single portable device.

The OpenTablet 7 comes with a 7 inch touchscreen display encased by a slim, thin tablet design only 15 mm thick. It can provide high quality VoIP telephony as well as offer am ultra-portable alternative to complement the home PC. It also has its own HD camera, Bluetooth, cellular and WiFi connectivity. The OpenPeak OpenTablet 7 is set to enter the market around the second half of this year. There’s no word yet on how much its price would be.

Why Bother Buying a $200,000-Cellphone?

admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:44:37 +0000

If you do not know what Vertu is, it means you are not rich. This mobile phone manufacturer is known for creating devices that are so ostentatious only the ones with “astute tastes” can appreciate it.

The company has recently launched its Exclusive Signature Collection with four new phones, each one is designed according to the season. Not a single tech spec is explained, only that the phones are delicately hand-crafted.

Each of Vertu’s Signature phones costs 20 million yen or about US$216,000. Now that made deciding between that and your dream house more difficult.

The Pet High Chair

admin — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 02:18:22 +0000

More pet owners are bringing their dogs and cats while strolling in public places. And when the humans want to eat out, their animal friends may not like the feeling of being stuffed into a small bag or struggling to balance on the master’s lap.

To treat pets deservedly as part of the family, then put up a high chair specifically made for animal lovers. Simply fasten the pet high chair on tables up to 2 inches thick, then adjust the height until your pet is at eye level.

The high chair is framed with powder-coated 5/8-inch steel tubing, while the arms are rubber coated to prevent scratches on the table, and its 600-denier nylon fabric is easy to clean. Two tethers are included to protect you and your dinner guests of any “lapses in etiquette.”

The pet high chair is available at Hammacher Schlemmer for only US$49.95 .

Franklin Wireless Unveils U600 WiMAX Modem

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:03:04 +0000

Franklin Wireless brings out its latest products at this year’s CTIA. The U600 is an EV-DO/ WiMAX hybrid USB modem that features a 270-degree swiveling USB connector for those hard-to-manage ports, integrated GPS, and instant installation.

The company also introduces two new pocket-friendly WiFi routers . The R526 is EV-DO while the R536 (pictured) is an EV-DO/ WiMAX mix.

Representatives of Engadget, who witnessed the products first hand, were intrigued about the R536 and its functionality similar to the larger-sized Sprint Overdrive yet eliminating any of its excesses. Meanwhile, the 3G-only R526 contains an Ethernet jack on the side, which according to Engadget would become useful in case users need to connect a WiFi-less device without the hassle of installing a new driver.

The Franklin Wireless R526 WiFi router and U600 modem will become available in April, while the R536 will be launched in May.

Kenwood AS-iP70 E-Frame And iPod Dock

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:45:22 +0000

Many newer devices capture attention not just by their eye catching design but also by the features they provide. Sometimes a unique combination of features can make a certain device stand out just as easily. The same can be said with the new e-frame and iPod dock combo device from Kenwood.

Kenwood has recently come up with the As-iP70 Picture Frame and iPod Dock. Yes, this unique device features a 7 inch WVGA digital picture frame alongside an iPhone and iPod dock. Other features include a radio, alarm and integrated speakers along with a digital picture frame that supports, JPEG, MP3, WMA and WAV formats. The Kenwood As-iP70 Picture Frame and iPod Dock is set to be available in the Japanese market around April and will go for around 25,000 Japanese Yen. That would be around US$277.

Nintendo Announces Upcoming 3D Handheld Device

admin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:10:06 +0000

Nintendo surprised its fans and competitors when it announced that the company is developing a new 3D-capable portable gaming device tentatively named Nintendo 3DS. This likely successor to the very successful DS and DSi will utilize autostereoscopic technology, which provides amazing 3D views without the need for dorky glasses. It will also be backwards compatible, so you can play your favorite games from older consoles.

Unofficial reports from Japan suggest that the 3DS will even have a parallax barrier 3D LCD, vibration function, and a “3D control stick.” This means that the screen would project different views when seen from another angle.

The Nintendo 3DS will be formally unveiled in time for E3 2010 this June, with a projected availability on March 2011.