Gigabyte is now also focusing on digital home PCs. During CeBit2006 they presented new models for their H series (H663, H963 and H971), all based on Intel’s Viiv technology and Windows XP Media Center Edition. Models from H series look like DVD players, as you can see below, making them easier to use than standard computers.
A Sony executive reiterated this week, at the Taipei Game Show, that the PlayStation 3 will launch this year. However, in spite of Asia director Tetsuhiko Yasuda assertion, the company disappointed attendees who were eager to see working machines and displayed only mock-up consoles. Sony still expects to demonstrate real videogames at the E3 expo (May 9-12) in Los Angeles. The PS3 will feature a multicore Cell chip, XDR memory, optional hard drive, keyboard and mouse.
Nintendo has unveiled a smaller version of its portable double-screen DS console dubbed Lite and introduced services that might attract users interested in more than games. The new model, to be launched in Japan in early March, measures 133x73.9x21.5 mm and weighs 218 grams. Additionally, Nintendo expects to launch an Opera browser developed for the console in June, costing the equivalent to USD 32. Users will be able to see any detail of a site on the top screen and the traditional window on the lower one. The company has also unveiled plans to offer a digital TV tuner card by the end of the year.
Samsung has released in Europe new versions of its YP-T8Q and YP-U1Q players with 2GB of storage capacity. Both are flash-based and support MP3, WMA, Secure WMA, WAV and OGG files. The YP-T8Q (44.5x83x15.5 mm and 55 g) has an 1.8-inch colour LCD display capable of showing photos and MPEG-4 videos. Other features include games, FM tuner/recorder and voice recorder. It promises 20 hours of music playback and can be used as a USB host to get photos directly from digital cameras. The YP-U1Q (23.8x87.8x13.5mm and 30 g) is a simpler and lighter option sporting a four-line 128x64 LCD display and 13 hours of playback. It also has voice recording capability.
A Samsung subsidiary has developed a fuel cell prototype capable of powering portable multimedia players for four hours. However, the technology, which uses methanol cartridges, will not be commercially available before 2007 or 2008. Samsung SDI expects, by then, to offer a miniaturized version of the solution providing up to 10 hours of continuous operation on a single charge. The company has invested close to USD 4 million in fuel cell development since 2004.
Japanese Nikon has announced that it will stop manufacturing most of its film products to focus on digital cameras. The measure includes discontinuing production of all large format Nikkor lenses and enlarging lenses, several camera bodies, manual focus Nikkor interchangeable lenses and related accessories. Sales of these products, according to the company, will cease as supplies come to an end. Nikon will keep only two film cameras in its lineup: the F6 and the FM10. Film bodies represented only 3% of the US$ 1.5 billion sold by its camera and imaging division in the fiscal year ended in March 2005.
SanDisk unveiled last week a new series of Sansa MP3 players that replicate Apple’s iPod nano stylish design. The e200 devices, available in 2 GB, 4 GB and 6 GB capacities, measure 1.7x3.5x0.5 inches (4.4x8.9x.1.3 cm) and sport a 1.8-inch TFT color screen. In comparison to the nano, it adds video playback capability, FM tuner and a microSD expansion slot, for additional memory. Battery life was not informed. The players will be available in March with suggested retail prices of USD 200, USD 250 and USD 300.
Ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), in Las Vegas, Kodak today introduced what it calls the world’s first dual-lens digital still camera. The pocket-sized Easyshare V570 wraps both a wide-angle (23 mm) and a 5x optical zoom (39-117 mm) lens into a black and silver frame less than an inch thick. The camera, equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD screen, also captures video at 30 frames per second using MPEG-4 compression. Suggested retail price is USD 400.
Six companies have formed an alliance to propose design guidelines for high-definition audio and video networks. The High Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance (HANA) initially comprises Charter Communications, JVC, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, NBC Universal, Samsung and Sun Microsystems. ARM, Freescale Semiconductor and Pulse-Link have joined as contributing members. HANA members plan to create guidelines that would enable TVs, digital recorders and storage devices to connect via a single IEEE 1394 cable capable of transmitting multiple high-definition data streams. The alliance will also develop the idea of a single remote control for all devices. Technologies, however, are not expected to be implemented before 2007.
Creative this week launched the Zen Vision:M, its answer to Apple’s video iPod. The player is very similar to its rival in size, but has almost double the thickness. Initially available only in 30 GB capacity, it features a 2.5-inch, 262,144 color LCD screen and offers four hours of continuous video playback, against iPod’s two hours. The Vision:M, priced at USD 330, also includes an FM tuner/recorder and a built-in microphone.
