Belkin International released its new Desktop Internet Phone for Skype, which allows you to make free Skype Internet calls without having to turn on your computer. The new phone features speaker, speed dial, call hold/release, call pickup/park, mute, redial, hold, call-timer display, and contact list. Its contact list supports 500 sets of Skype and SkypeOut contacts and logs automatically into Skype after initial login. Suggested price: USD 99.99.
OCZ introduces NIA, a new peripheral designed to provide an immersive experience for gamers. It is the first commercially available BCI (brain-computer interface) specifically for PC gamers.
NIA converts EEG (electroencephalograph) signals into keystrokes. The commands are calibrated based on the individual’s physiology and personal preferences. Each of the Actuator’s signals can be assigned to a specific keystroke on the keyboard or a mouse button; so gamers can run, jump, and fire faster all without “lifting a finger”. So, the NIA will allow users to control PC games without the use of a keyboard and minimal use of a mouse. The final version of the NIA uses a sleek metal housing, a USB 2.0 interface, and streamlined headband with carbon “dry” interface sensors.
OCZ will be demoing the mass production device and begin accepting orders at the CeBIT 2008 in Hannover, Germany.
Transcend has introduced a new addition to its line of T.sonic MP3 players, the T.sonic 320. It comes with a built-in USB connector, which allows the MP3 player to operate like a USB flash drive. With that function, it becomes easier to transfer songs, pictures, documents and other files from any computer with a USB port.
It measures only 85.5mm x 25.5mm x 13mm and weighs 9g (with rechargeable Li-ion battery). Additionally, the T.sonic 320 has a dual-color OLED display that can be viewed at any angle, guarantees Transcend. The player also features a built-in FM radio, A-B repeat and variable playback speeds. It supports MP3, WMA, WAV, and even WMA-DRM10 subscription music.
The player also comes bundled with a software application that allows you temporarily lock your computer, password protect files and partition the MP3 player's memory into Public and Private areas. It is now available in two capacities, each with an eye-catching jewel-like color: 2GB (Burgundy) and 4GB (Sapphire).
ASUS has also released in CES the Nova P22, a portable Dual Core mini-mesktop PC. ASUS guarantees that the new PC is ultra-quiet, besides being extremely portable - it requires only 122 cubic inches of space. Nova P22 features Intel Core 2 Duo processor that is cooled passively and actively by a heat dissipation module, heat pipes and fans; supports 802.11n wireless standard and comes with a pair of built-in speakers housed at the front. The Nova P22 will be available in late January for USD 799.
In its release, ASUS didn't say a word about its memory or hard drive capacities. But, the asian version, announced in late 2007, had 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive.
Samsung has unveiled two new cameras to their S series. The 7 mega pixel S760 and the 8 mega pixel S860 features Intelligent Face Recognition Technology, whichdetects the subject’s face and automatically adjusts auto focus and auto exposure. Both models have 3 x optical zoom and a 2.4” LCD display, 11 scene modes and digital image stabilisation technology. They will be available in black, silver, pink or blue colours from January starting at US$ 169.
Microsoft has launched this tuesday the XBox 360 Arcade, which includes five family games: PAC-MAN Championship Edition, Uno, Luxor 2, Boom Boom Rocket and Feeding Frenzy. The arcade doesn't have a hard disk drive, but comes with a wireless controller, a HDMI connection and 256 MB of memory. Suggested price: USD 279.99.
Microsoft unveils new Zune in five different colors, and now in 4 GB, 8 GB and 80 GB versions. A limited WiFi connections is available to share music and photos with another Zune. However, there's a limit on shared songs: zune owners can listen to shared music 3 times over any period of time. They are available in brown, black, green, red and pink. The 4GB model will cost USD 149, the 8-GB Zune, USD 199 and the 80GB model will go on sale for USD 249.
The asian Brando launches the first iPhone battery replacement kit. Users who wants to replace iPhone batteries, need to send the gadget to Apple for a fee (USD 79 + USD 6.95 for shipping). This kit costs only USD 20 and comes with an iPhone battery (1400mAh, 3.7V), tools and an instruction manual.
Fujifilm announces the new FinePix F50fd, a 12 Megapixel compact digital camera. It features ISO settings of up to ISO 6400. It also comes with 3.0x optical zoom and a 2.7" high-resolution 230,000 pixel wide angle view LCD, Dual Image Stabilization and Hyper Face Detection 2.0 Technology, which can detect up to 10 human faces in a scene in as little as 0.05 seconds - correcting focus, exposure, and white balance automatically, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. Additional improvements in Face Detection 2.0 include a new Automatic Red-Eye Removal.
The F50fd should be available in September at around USD 300.
Sony announces that the 60 GB Playstation 3 will no longer be available in USA once it has sold out. The company has recently announced the USD 100 drop price on this model, and it has launched the new 80 GB model. Who thinks it is a strategy to help jumpstart sales?
