Logitech Squeezebox Duet: First hands-on impressions

The Logitech Squeezebox Duet, in CNETs cluttered New York audio lab.(Credit: CNET)

The Logitech Squeezebox Duet, our pick for the best home audio product of CES 2008, has just shown up at the office. We spent a few minutes with the system before at CES, but this has been our first chance to sit down and live with the product in our own environment. A full review will follow, but in the meantime, here are some off-the-bat first impressions:

* REMOTE: With just nine buttons and a scroll wheel, the remote is a thing of beauty. The buttons are backlit, and the color screen is bright and easy to read in any indoor setting. One-handed operation is simply and intuitive. The rechargeable battery is removeable, and the recharging cradle is anchored with a thick piece of metal, so it won't be easily knocked over. About the worst thing we can say is that the scroll wheel isn't quite as good as the iPod's (it's an actual wheel, not a solid-state clickwheel that's found on current iPods); for instance, navigating long alphabetical lists can be a bit of a pain. But that's more of a quibble than a knock. The main point here is that you can navigate your entire music collection (or music service) from the palm of your hand--no need to run to your computer, or access via a TV-based interface.

* BASE STATION: Simple and direct: the base station just has audio out (stereo analog, optical digital, coaxial digital), as well as network connectivity (Ethernet and Wi-Fi). You can adjust the settings for the output to be variable (controlled by the Squeezebox remote) or line-level (controlled by the amplifier it's connected to).

* SETUP: Set up wasn't quite as smooth as our best case scenario--the Apple TV--but it wasn't bad when compared with a lot of network devices. Things seemed smoother once we downloaded and installed the latest firmware (a quick and easy option from the remote's settings menu). Basically, you log-in to your Wi-Fi access point, then setup a SqueezeNetwork account online (it's completely painless), and link it to your Squeezebox with a unique PIN code. From there, you can manage all your online music sources (see below), as well as the settings for the Squeezebox. Doing so through the browser-based interface will work with any PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), and--as good as the scroll wheel remote is--it's much easier enter passwords and Internet radio URLs on your computer keyboard.

* ONLINE MUSIC SERVICES: If you like online music services, chances are you'll love the Squeezebox Duet. Thus far, supported services include Rhapsody, Slacker, MP3tunes, Pandora, Live365, RadioIO, and RadioTime. As mentioned above, the online SqueezeNetwork interface aggregates all your account information--just plug in your username and password for each, and it instantly becomes available on the Squeezebox Duet. (These are mostly premium services, but nearly all of them offer a trial period.) Rhapsody was a particular pleasure, as we were able to access all of our playlists and albums--and the interface was actually snappier than when doing so through a PC.

* INTERNET RADIO: Prefer free online music? The full panoply of online radio is available. Either access Shoutcast servers (divided by region or genre), or add your own bookmarked favorites through the SqueezeNetwork interface.

* PODCASTS: As with the Internet radio bookmarks, you can add the feeds for your favorite podcasts on the SqueezeNetwork homepage.

* PC AUDIO: Prefer to access your homegrown digital music selection? Download the SqueezeCenter software from the SqueezeNetwork Website. The updated version (you'll need the beta 7.0 version) of the robust SlimServer software is available for Windows, Macs, and (gasp) even Linux computers. The software allows you to access your PC's entire music collection from the Squeezebox remote. With the notable exception of DRM'd music, file compatibility is robust: MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WMA Lossless, and Ogg Vorbis. Likewise, it'll pull playlists from most popular music software, including iTunes. Again, the great thing here is that it's all done with a straightforward browser interface--it doesn't take over your computer and make itself "the default media player." Instead, you just point it to the directories that have your music files and playlists, and it's pretty much good to go. The only thing that takes a little getting used to is that you need to toggle between the SqueezeCenter (your local music) or the SqueezeNetwork (online music)--you can't access everything simultaneously.

* CUSTOMIZATION AND EXTRAS: The open source legacy of the Slim Devices products and software is alive and well. A lot of cool extras are on board, many of which we haven't even had a chance to play with. Among them are environmental sounds (babbling brook, crickets, thunderstorm, waves hitting the beach); background wallpapers for the remote screen (various colors, patterns, or photos--you can even, apparently, pull in Flickr streams, but I didn't have time to play with that); and RSS newsfeeds. If you're an advanced user looking for more elaborate options, check out the full range of software plug-ins available.

* MULTIROOM OPTIONS: The default Squeezebox Duet is a one-room system. But Logitech will soon be selling the components separately--the Controller (remote) for $300 and the Receiver (base station) for $150--so you can expand the system to multiple rooms in the home. Likewise, the older Logitech/Slim Devices Squeezebox models should also act as base stations for the system, with the added value of including a front-panel display, so you can see what's playing even if the remote's not in the room.

Suffice it to say, our initial impressions of the Logitech Squeezebox Duet are overwhelmingly positive. While total networking newbies may find the setup process a bit confusing, and--as always--those looking for compatibility with purchased DRM music are out of luck, the Squeezebox Duet ($400, available imminently) looks to be a major leap forward for anyone looking to enjoy digital music in the home.

'Green' motor oil shipping to stores

A "green," petroleum-free brand of motor oil is due to appear on store shelves soon.

Green Earth Technologies said it's shipping its line of green motor oils to national retailers starting within the next month. Waste fats from cattle instead of fossil fuels are the key ingredients.

"We turn that into liquid form and use nanotechnology to have it perform in lubricant format," explained company CEO Jeff Marshall.

Diverting fat from french fries into motor oil.(Credit: Green Earth Technologies)

Because the slaughter of each cow leaves behind 200 pounds of waste tallow, the company is making use of a renewable resource, he said.

"We're doing something to help because there's no longer a use for french fries and cooking products that use trans fats."

The company bills its 10W30 and 10W40 G-Oil for cars, as well as motor oils for boats, lawnmowers, and weed whackers, as biodegradable and nontoxic.

"You could spill motor oil over the back of boat--it doesn't harm the environment," Marshall said.

In 2-cycle engines, the smokeless oil reduces hydrocarbons by 32 percent, cuts the emissions of carbon monoxide by 48 percent, and of nitrous oxide by 80 percent, according to Green Earth Technologies.

The company also makes cleaning products for cars, boats, and homes. The entire line costs the same as traditional, toxic products, Marshall said. The recyclable packaging uses soy inks and biodegradable paper.

Green Earth Technologies' skunk works are developing 50 more products, including additives Marshall said he hopes could be used in airplane biofuels, which are being tested by Virgin Atlantic Airways.

With headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Green Earth Technologies has 250 employees and is traded on the pink sheets. In January it raised $2.1 million from Founders Technology and eight angel investors.

Marshall, who has worked in venture capital for three decades, said he's working with the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the American Petroleum Institute to develop a green label for a wide range of consumer chemical products.

"We'd like to create the standard for what is green, very analogous to how we created 802.11 and TCP/IP standards," he said.

Another clean tech start-up eyeing the market for eco-friendly car products is SOMS Technologies, which claims its engine oil filter could end the era of the 3,000-mile oil change.

Nano Chemical Systems Holdings announced last April that its NanOil, made from palm oils, would become commercially available. However, this writer couldn't find signs that NanOil is available or reach the company.

Some environmentalists object to the harvesting of palm oil particularly in Indonesia, which is clearing virgin rainforests for farming.

Former FCC chief: U.S. wireless market <i>is</i> behind

(Credit: Reed Hundt)

Speeches by FCC bigwigs usually are pretty boring. Most of the time they involve a lot of policy minutia, grandiose plans to improve rural broadband access or some hand wringing over the amount of sex and violence on television. Even when the speech concern something that has a lot of implications, like the ongoing 700MHz auction, you tend to zone out after the first few minutes.

But after an FCC chief leaves office, it can be a different story. Yesterday, the FCC chairman under President Clinton gave an interview to Telephony Online. In the interview Reed Hundt talked about a lot of things, including the 700Mhz the universal service charge that we see on all cell phone bills. Yet what really caught my eye were his comments on the U.S. wireless market.

"[The U.S.] is the last market in the world that people choose to bring a new wireless product to." he said. "Not second or third--the absolute last." While I would agree with that statement in principle--Moto usually favors its home territory first--it was interesting to see it spelled out that way. A lack of high-end devices is a common complaint of U.S. cell phones users, and though many reasons have been identified, Hundt laid out another factor that I hadn't considered previously. "Right now the policy of the FCC has been to encourage AT&T and Verizon to become the twin Bells that dominate the wireless business. They're allowed to buy all the spectrum they can find," he said. "This is the only country in the world where the rule is the big guys can buy all of it...It's very hard for innovators to get into the market, in terms of content or software or hardware."

Though I've always though that the large carriers often stifle wireless innovation in the United States, I hadn't thought about it in that particular way. Granted, Hundt was nominated by a Democrat, and he may have a small ax to grind with the Bush administration, but I think he still has a point. Shutting smaller companies are shut out of the spectrum bidding process certainly wouldn't encourage much innovation. Hundt mentioned that Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, China and Japan carve out spectrum for new entrants. Perhaps the FCC should do the same. Admittedly, it doesn't sound like such a bad idea. What do you think?

Bluetooth headset bypasses the mouth

(Credit: Pro-Idee)

We keep hearing that body conduction technology is the way of the future, usually in the form of sending soundwaves through bones, though some extremists apparently would like to turn the human race into walking routers. Usually the technology manifests itself as some kind of passive skull-vibrating headset, even under water, but rarely does it involve any kind of voice application. Now, after viewing the photo accompanying this item, we may know why. The "Roadrunner" Bluetooth headgear may indeed be effective when talking in a crowded room or in a convertible with the top down, as Gadget Review suggests, but you'd look like some kind of Borg while doing it.

Its microphones are "strategically placed next to your voicebox"--which sounds even creepier--to minimize background noise aboard your alien vessel. For terrestrial use, it would be a perfect complement to the "Light Head Magnifier" to complete the ultimate date-repelling ensemble.

In testing: Time Capsule

Time Capsule: Time for your close-up.(Credit: Phil Ryan/CNET Networks)

Apple's Time Capsule began shipping yesterday, and after a run to The Westchester mall in White Plains, NY, this afternoon, we now have one in hand. Stay tuned for our full review, which we plan to bring you on Monday. In it, we'll discuss throughput of the 802.11n router, transfer speeds of the 500GB drive (call us cheap--we bought the lower-end $299 model), and how it jibes with Leopard's Time Machine feature for wireless backups. Anything else you want, let us know. In the meantime, read Rich Brown's breakdown of Time Capsule here.



From the left: the power cord, a USB port, one Gigabit WAN port, and three Gigabit LAN ports.(Credit: Phil Ryan/CNET Networks)

Get a refurbished 1GB Creative Zen V for $19.99 shipped (today only)

(Credit: Creative)

It's a leap-day special: Creative is clearing out refurbished Zen V players for $19.99 shipped. Don't expect any color or capacity choices: This is the 1GB model in white with orange accents (pretty sharp-looking, I think).

There's nothing terribly fancy about this player--no FM tuner or expansion slot, for instance--but it does support music-subscription services. It also allows for line-in recordings, which I suppose is pretty fancy. Perfect little player for the gym, especially if you add the armband (on sale for $9.99). Don't wait: The deal expires today.

Samsung, EA unveil 3D plasmas in Asia

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung is back trying to reinvent the wheel once again, this time with a pair of 3D plasma TVs in 42- and 50-inch screen sizes. The results of a collaboration with Electronics Arts, these new panels are designed to deliver a high-end gaming experience with a staggering 1,000,000:1 contrast, according to Akihabara News--a level claimed by only one other set, Sony's petite OLED TV. Hype aside, these will ship with the usual icings such as HDMI 1.3 and USB terminals, as well as Samsung's proprietary DNIE+ video-processing engine.

(Source: Crave Asia)

Former FCC chief: U.S. wireless market <i>is</i> behind

(Credit: Reed Hundt)

Speeches by FCC bigwigs usually are pretty boring. Most of the time they involve a lot of policy minutia, grandiose plans to improve rural broadband access or some hand wringing over the amount of sex and violence on television. Even when the speech concern something that has a lot of implications, like the ongoing 700MHz auction, you tend to zone out after the first few minutes.

But after an FCC chief leaves office, it can be a different story. Yesterday, the FCC chairman under President Clinton gave an interview to Telephony Online. In the interview Reed Hundt talked about a lot of things, including the 700Mhz the universal service charge that we see on all cell phone bills. Yet what really caught my eye were his comments on the U.S. wireless market.

"[The U.S.] is the last market in the world that people choose to bring a new wireless product to." he said. "Not second or third--the absolute last." While I would agree with that statement in principle--Moto usually favors its home territory first--it was interesting to see it spelled out that way. A lack of high-end devices is a common complaint of U.S. cell phones users, and though many reasons have been identified, Hundt laid out another factor that I hadn't considered previously. "Right now the policy of the FCC has been to encourage AT&T and Verizon to become the twin Bells that dominate the wireless business. They're allowed to buy all the spectrum they can find," he said. "This is the only country in the world where the rule is the big guys can buy all of it...It's very hard for innovators to get into the market, in terms of content or software or hardware."

Though I've always though that the large carriers often stifle wireless innovation in the United States, I hadn't thought about it in that particular way. Granted, Hundt was nominated by a Democrat, and he may have a small ax to grind with the Bush administration, but I think he still has a point. Shutting smaller companies are shut out of the spectrum bidding process certainly wouldn't encourage much innovation. Hundt mentioned that Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, China and Japan carve out spectrum for new entrants. Perhaps the FCC should do the same. Admittedly, it doesn't sound like such a bad idea. What do you think?

Former FCC chief: U.S. wireless market <i>is</i> behind

(Credit: Reed Hundt)

Speeches by FCC bigwigs usually are pretty boring. Most of the time they involve a lot of policy minutia, grandiose plans to improve rural broadband access or some hand wringing over the amount of sex and violence on television. Even when the speech concern something that has a lot of implications, like the ongoing 700MHz auction, you tend to zone out after the first few minutes.

But after an FCC chief leaves office, it can be a different story. Yesterday, the FCC chairman under President Clinton gave an interview to Telephony Online. In the interview Reed Hundt talked about a lot of things, including the 700Mhz the universal service charge that we see on all cell phone bills. Yet what really caught my eye were his comments on the U.S. wireless market.

"[The U.S.] is the last market in the world that people choose to bring a new wireless product to." he said. "Not second or third--the absolute last." While I would agree with that statement in principle--Moto usually favors its home territory first--it was interesting to see it spelled out that way. A lack of high-end devices is a common complaint of U.S. cell phones users, and though many reasons have been identified, Hundt laid out another factor that I hadn't considered previously. "Right now the policy of the FCC has been to encourage AT&T and Verizon to become the twin Bells that dominate the wireless business. They're allowed to buy all the spectrum they can find," he said. "This is the only country in the world where the rule is the big guys can buy all of it...It's very hard for innovators to get into the market, in terms of content or software or hardware."

Though I've always though that the large carriers often stifle wireless innovation in the United States, I hadn't thought about it in that particular way. Granted, Hundt was nominated by a Democrat, and he may have a small ax to grind with the Bush administration, but I think he still has a point. Shutting smaller companies are shut out of the spectrum bidding process certainly wouldn't encourage much innovation. Hundt mentioned that Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, China and Japan carve out spectrum for new entrants. Perhaps the FCC should do the same. Admittedly, it doesn't sound like such a bad idea. What do you think?

Report: 40 percent of holiday iPod sales went to first-time buyers

Following a meeting with Apple chief operating officer Tim Cook earlier this week, investment bank Goldman Sachs reiterated a Buy rating on shares of the electronics maker, saying the company's industry leading product cycles should help it overcome softer seasonality and sets the stock up for s strong second half.

"Even with the recent strength in all of Apple�s product lines, there continues to be significant opportunities in all three [of its business] segments," analyst David Bailey wrote in the first of two research notes released to clients.

Specifically, he noted that even though the company's personal computer business has outpaced the industry for 5-6 quarters in a row, Macs still account just 3 percent of the global PC market and thus are far from achieving their ultimate potential in the market.

"Our estimate is for 25 percent unit growth in 2008," he said.

Meanwhile, the analyst noted that while iPod unit growth is clearly declining, improving average selling prices (ASPs) from a positive mix of iPod touch models should enable the company to drive ongoing revenue growth for the foreseeable future.

Of interest, Bailey said the iPod touch is enabling the iPod to reach new customer segments, with more than 40 percent of iPod purchases during the December quarter coming from consumers who've never owned an iPod before, reinforcing his belief that the digital players have a ways to go before reaching their true saturation point.

In a second report, the Goldman Sachs analyst weighed in with his thoughts on the iPhone, noting that Apple remains confident that it's on track to meet its 10 million iPhone unit sales target for calendar 2008 and.

"While we expect those shipments to be more backed-loaded, we continue to look for 11 million units for the year," he wrote. "We remain a buyer of Apple shares as Apple has the fundamental and valuation underpinnings which should allow the stock to outperform on an absolute and relative basis longer-term."

Blu-ray and laptop battery just don't mix

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Now that the format war is over, with Blu-ray lording over the stinking corpse that was HD-DVD, some of you might be eager to upgrade your laptop drive to the winning technology.

Wired, however, strongly advises against this. The power consumption of a Blu-ray drive running at full-tilt while playing a movie is so draining that you can barely make it halfway through the show. To overcome this, you need to be close to a power outlet, or buy a laptop with extended cell option.

We feel the same way, too. Moreover, there is the added complication that Blu-ray v1.0 does not play nice with the upcoming Blu-ray v2.0. This means the oh-so-expensive drive you are getting for your portable could be obsolete even before you take it out of its packaging. So put that wallet back in your pants and wait just a little longer.

(Source: Crave Asia)

Samsung, EA unveil 3D plasmas in Asia

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung is back trying to reinvent the wheel once again, this time with a pair of 3D plasma TVs in 42- and 50-inch screen sizes. The results of a collaboration with Electronics Arts, these new panels are designed to deliver a high-end gaming experience with a staggering 1,000,000:1 contrast, according to Akihabara News--a level claimed by only one other set, Sony's petite OLED TV. Hype aside, these will ship with the usual icings such as HDMI 1.3 and USB terminals, as well as Samsung's proprietary DNIE+ video-processing engine.

(Source: Crave Asia)

Concept for a sun-worshipping laptop

(Credit: Nikoladesign)

Tired of your notebook running out of battery when you are out and about? Design firm Nikoladesign has a concept that may one day solve that problem.

For the most part, this notebook looks pretty much like your regular portable computer. The difference is it has an extra flap which acts as a solar panel for converting light to power, according to Tuvie.

This could come in useful for researchers and scientists who work outdoors as the places they operate in won't have conveniently located power sockets. If this ever gets made, sunblock lotion may become a new laptop accessory.

(Source: Crave Asia)

Samsung, EA unveil 3D plasmas

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung is back trying to reinvent the wheel once again, this time with a pair of 3D plasma TVs in 42- and 50-inch screen sizes. The results of a collaboration with Electronics Arts, these new panels are designed to deliver a high-end gaming experience with a staggering 1,000,000:1 contrast, according to Akihabara News--a level claimed by only one other set, Sony's petite OLED TV. Hype aside, these will ship with the usual icings such as HDMI 1.3 and USB terminals, as well as Samsung's proprietary DNIE+ video-processing engine.

(Source: Crave Asia)

Sega raises your heart rate, without games

(Credit: Sega Toys)

The Wii Fit may have grabbed all the headlines for combining games and exercise, but it should be noted in fairness that other companies have been working on that mashup as well. Lately their efforts have focused on physical activities for kids, whether on stationary bikes or jet skis, but maybe that's just the beginning.

The latest evidence of the trend comes from Sega Toys, though it hardly looks like something aimed at your average adolescent. The "Body Trainer" sounds a lot like Yamaha's "BodiBeat," which chooses songs that supposedly match your heart rate, though we do like the fact that Sega's versions contains all the electronics in its headset. (We could never figure out how people keep their earbuds from falling out during a workout.)

Just enter your vitals and choose a level of exercise, according to Dvice, and the Body Trainer will "adjust the pace of the music to optimize your routine." No matter how it works, we hope game companies will continue down the fitness path. After all, they certainly couldn't do any worse than the hula chair.

'Guitar Hero III Mobile' comes to AT&T

(Credit: Hands-On Mobile)

We were stoked when Hands-On Mobile, a San Diego, Calif., mobile games company, announced Guitar Hero III Mobile for Verizon. On Friday, AT&T brings the portable version of the wildly popular console game to J2ME phones.

The game is expected to launch on 30 handsets today, including Motorola V3 RAZR and Sony Ericcson 810, with more handsets joining the fray. The staggered launch means there's no guaranteeing that your handset will be supported when the game goes live today, but Hands-On Mobile suggests that eager phone gamers check back with AT" >(Credit: Hands-On Mobile)

There's good reason to make haste. Guitar Hero III Mobile dethroned Tetris in mobile gaming on Verizon, a miraculous feat, by offering three popular songs per month taken straight from Activision's console game. Users who subscribe by March 1 will receive the standard start-up song package and also the month's playlist, including Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird," Black Sabbath's "War Pigs," and Iggy Pop's "Search and Destroy." Dilly-dalliers who subscribe after March 1 will have to wait for April to get any bonus song releases.

Membership on AT&T-supported phones has other benefits, too. The Java platform has allowed for certain upgrades to the BREW version of the game currently out on Verizon phones. The graphics are slightly larger and clearer, and Hands-On Mobile has added a haptic dimension to a missed note: the phone vibrates in response to butter fingers.

In another welcome change, songs will now live on AT while AT&T's version streams out MIDI.

Be sure to catch Guitar Hero III Mobile in action in this video, taken on a Verizon phone.

Protect your children: How to set Nintendo Wii parental controls

The Nintendo Wii has plenty of great games for children and adults. However, it also has a handful of incredibly violent titles that can be fun for adults but completely inappropriate for children. While Super Mario Galaxy is a fun, cute game children can enjoy, No More Heroes is an ultraviolent gorefest and Manhunt 2 will probably give them all nightmares. Fortunately, the Wii has a built-in parental control system that lets you limit what games your children can play. This handy guide can help you set up your Wii to make certain your children will only play appropriate games.

Please note: The Nintendo Wii uses game ratings designed by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. Like the MPAA and movie ratings, the ESRB divides games into age-based categories, including E for Everyone, T for Teen, and M for Mature. For more information on the ESRB rating system, visit their Web site.



Step 1: Turn on your Wii. It should open to the Wii menu. If it automatically plays a game, press the "Home" button on your remote and return to the Wii menu.

Step 2: Enter the "Wii Options" menu.



Step 3: Enter the "Wii Settings" menu.



Step 4: Select the right arrow button to enter the "Wii System Settings 2" menu.



Step 5: Enter the "Parental Controls" menu.



Step 6: Select "Yes."



Step 7: Enter a 4-digit PIN. This number will be used to lock down the Wii so it doesn't play unacceptable games. Use a number that you can remember, but not one that your children can guess.



Step 8: Select a question you want the Wii to ask if you forget the PIN.

Step 9: Enter the answer to that question. Again, make it something that you can remember, but not one that your children can guess.



Step 10: Enter the "Game settings and PIN" menu.



Step 11: Select "Highest game rating allowed."



Step 12: Using the arrows on the right side of the screen, select the highest ESRB game rating you want the Wii to play without prompting for your PIN.

Step 13: Select "OK."

Step 14: Select "Confirm." Your Wii is now set to only play games of your preferred ESRB rating or lower. If anyone tries to load a higher rated game, the Wii will ask for your PIN.

Self-cleaning windshields

The Hidra concept car doesnt need windshield wipers.(Credit: Fioravanti)

Pininfarina automotive designer Leonardo Fioravanti's Hidra concept car uses windshields that repel water and dirt, doing away with the need for wipers. The nanotechnology-based windshield has four layers, with the titanium oxide top layer designed to quickly repel water. A second layer pushes dirt off to its sides, keeping the windshield clean. A third layer works as a sensor, while the fourth layer is charged with electricity to run the whole apparatus. An article describing the technology and concept car appeared in the Italian publication, la Repubblica, and can be read in English here, thanks to the magic of Google.

(Source: Edmunds Straightline)

Apple to serve as regulator for iPhone app distribution

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Apple Inc. will have the final say over which third-party iPhone and iPod touch applications are deemed suitable for release, according to a new report, which also confirms several other suspicions previously waged regarding the firm's upcoming software developers kit (SDK) and its associated policies.

Citing people familiar with the Cupertino-based company's plans, iLounge reports that the iPhone maker will "require that all mobile applications be distributed through its iTunes Store, making the Store a necessary hub for those interested in browsing or purchasing iPhone and iPod touch software."

The report further states that Apple will serve as the "gatekeeper" for all third-party applications written using the SDK, "deciding which are and are not worthy of release, and publishing only approved applications to the iTunes Store." It's unclear, however, whether the company will mandate that successive revisions to already approved applications also be validated ahead of release.

One source speaking to the publication said the process is likely to stifle the flow of innovation, as the company's current third-party approval process often results in lengthy and needless delays.

Developers will also be restricted from interacting with the iPhone or iPod touch Dock Connector, dashing hopes that the SDK could pave the way for new breed of useful accessories, such physical keyboard. However, access to the phone, Wi-Fi, and camera functions will reportedly be allowed.

Confirming a several other reports, iLounge added that the version of the SDK to be released at next Thursday's iPhone Software Roadmap media event will consist only of a limited beta, and that Apple will also announce improved iPhone support of the Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes enterprise email platforms in a bid to convince corporate users to adopt the the touch-screen handset despite its untraditional on-screen keyboard and other limitations.

3G iPhone to launch mid-year with Infineon chip - report

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Current iPhone baseband supplier Infineon will provide Apple with a new chip solution for its next-generation iPhone, which is expected to launch by mid-year, investment bank UBS said Thursday.

In a research note to clients, global equity research analyst Nicolas Gaudois said his checks indicate that the German chipmaker will provide a "new systems solution" for the new iPhone HSDPA platform, which will include a digital baseband controller, power management unit (PMU), and radio frequency (RF) module.

"We believe this is one of the HSDPA solutions design wins management referred to as being due to ramp in [the second quarter of 2008]," he wrote. "Consistent with these checks, our Apple analyst Ben Reitzes believes that 3G iPhones will be released by mid-year."

Gaudois added that in anticipation of the move towards HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) -- the most common 3G service for GSM-based wireless networks -- Infineon is ramping down production of the EDGE baseband solution used in the current generation of the iPhone in order to "clean" inventories ahead of the 3G model.

The analyst's mid-year time frame coincides with earlier claims from CNBC reporter Jim Goldman, as well as the general consensus throughout the industry.

It should be noted, however, that Goldman's report on the MacBook Air from the same day fell well short of its mark.

Print and store photos with 4GB HP portable printer, $45.99

(Credit: HP)

Remember that $40 HP photo printer from a couple months back? For an extra $5.99, you can get one that's similar but way better: The HP A716 churns out snapshots as large as 5x7 (panoramas, too) and comes with 4 gigabytes of internal storage.

The big benefit, of course, is that you can offload photos from your memory card when it gets full, then copy them over to your PC later. Like any good photo printer, the A716 also features card slots for all major memory-card types, support for PictBridge connections directly to cameras, and a good-sized LCD (2.5 inches) for reviewing photos. It can even connect to a TV for big-screen viewing.

CNET never reviewed it, but PC Magazine awarded the A716 an Editor's Choice. I've had one for a couple years, and it's a terrific little printer--though I do find the onscreen menus confusing. But for $46 (plus shipping), down from $250, who cares?

Note that this is a refurbished model; it comes with a 90-day warranty.

Jawbone designer talks some trash

(Credit: Yanko Design)

There's a good reason that Yves Behar was once crowned "The Brand Wizard": It's true. The Swiss-born designer has proven himself something of a Renaissance man in his profession, finding success in fields as diverse as sports and interior decor, as well as his work on the OLPC XO laptop.

But his name became much more familiar in consumer electronics with his avant-garde design of the popular "Aliph Jawbone" headset, so one can't really fault him for going back to that well for a limited edition. The special models are perhaps most noticeably different for their smooth texture, as opposed to the cheese-grater surface of the originals.

Most appealing, however, are their three themes of "trash talk, sweet talk, and dirty talk," according to Gizmodo. And no Craver could resist citing any product inscribed with "(@#*&!!"--translated or otherwise.

Fan-funded music

Making a professional-sounding recording can be expensive, particularly for ensembles (like rock bands) who want to capture at least some semblance of a live performance. Sure, you can get an decent recording with a portable stereo recorder, or a couple of inexpensive mics panned left and right and plugged directly into the mixer, but most artists want their music to sound as good as it possibly can--as good as any other artist played on the radio. That takes an array of microphones and other audio gear and somebody who knows what they're doing. In other words, money.

Slicethepie offers an online trading market that lets you speculate on the number of singles and albums a band on the service will sell over two years.(Credit: Slicethepie)

In the post-label world, who funds these recordings? Peter Spellman, director of career development at the Berklee School of Music, explores three fan-funded (or "crowdfunding") options in a blog posting on KnowTheMusicBiz.com.

ArtistShare, which has been around since 2002, allows fans to contribute to particular artists and receive exclusive tidbits, such as in-progress recordings. SellaBand works more like a small-scale venture capitalist for bands--fans can "invest" $10 apiece, and when an artist reaches $50,000, Sellaband will hook them up with industry professionals, including producers and studios, to record and market an album. Revenue comes from advertisements shown next to free downloads, as well as sales of the finished album, and are split three ways between SellaBand, the "investors," and the artist.

Photos: Geneva auto show preview

Click the image to access the gallery(Credit: Maserati)

We're packing our bags for the Geneva auto show with high expectations. Europe's annual automotive jamboree is usually chock full with inventive concepts and new model debuts, but this year's show promises to be bigger than ever. We've already got word on more than 30 new car unveils and at least a dozen design concepts--and they're just the ones we know about in advance. From Maserati's Gran Turismo S to soft-top versions of the Fiat 500 and BMW M3 to the subaquatic Rinspeed sQuba, our preview slide show provides just a taste of what's to come. Check out our full blog, video, and photo-gallery coverage starting Monday, March 3.

Virtual mixing studio the size of a thumb drive

If you're the type of musician who appreciates the space-saving practicality of collapsible keyboards and folding guitars, then this mixer may be of particular interest. (Credit: Avid Technology)

The "Mbox 2 Micro" is the newest addition to Digidesign's family of production equipment and, as such, lets you tap into virtual instruments to create music while editing, mixing, and sequencing sessions. But there's one very noticeable difference from other the models: True to its name, the Mbox 2 Micro is roughly the size of a USB storage key.

That means that it has no audio inputs, so it won't work with real instruments. But despite its dimunitive stature, according to Audio Junkies, the tool still manages to feature "high-quality 24-bit/48kHz sound, a mini-jack output for monitoring with headphones or speakers, and a volume control."

And if you're one of those fashionista DJs, the Mbox 2 is available with a "custom lanyard" and headphones--which, we hope, won't resemble anything like these.

Reviews: Parrot in-car calling kits

Click the image to see the review of the Parrot 3200 LS Color(Credit: CNET Networks)

Bluetooth hands-free calling systems in cars are nothing new, but they might start becoming a lot more commonplace as more and more states and cities adopt legislation banning the use of cell phones while behind the wheel. Over the past week, we have been comparing three of the most popular Bluetooth hands-free calling systems from Parrot to see how they measure up against the competition and each other. Check out our full reviews of the CK3000 Evolution, the CK3100 and the 3200 LS Color.

Enso Clock says 'om'

The Enso Clock by Salubrion may well be the most unalarming alarm clock you'll ever find.

Geared for practitioners of yoga and meditation, it draws its name from the Japanese word for circle, a shape that commonly symbolizes enlightenment, elegance, and the universe. (Credit: Salubrion)

Rather than counting time with minute and second hands, the $99 digital clock features a circle that slowly and unobtrusively draws itself along the perimeter of the display to mark the passing time.

The Enso Clock allows users to set sequential timers that run one after the other to compose an overall session. Instead of rousing you with a grating clang, it offers the sorts of soothing sounds you'd hear in a Zendo, such as wooden blocks or a Tingsha bell.

The little clock measures 3.8 inches in diameter and four-fifths of an inch thick and includes 2 AAA batteries, making it a well-suited travel device, as well. Thanks to Dvice for alerting us to this gadget--very quietly of course.

Hey, Nokia: Geeky dudes don't want pink hats

MIAMI--A tech conference just wouldn't be a tech conference without a few wacky parties. The Future of Web Apps event in Miami this week is no exception.

Handset manufacturer Nokia decided to take advantage of the fact that no official FOWA parties were on the books for Thursday night, and threw its own soiree at an awkwardly-named Miami Avenue bar called Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita (if it's going to be literary, can't the name at least be a little shorter?) as a promotion for its S60 smartphone software. It was appropriate for an event held in conjunction with plenty of developers, because the Symbian-based S60's hallmark is the fact that it accepts third-party applications.

We tried really hard, but BricaBoxs Nate Westheimer and I couldnt find a way to make the pink Nokia S60 hats look hardcore.(Credit: Caroline McCarthy/CNET News.com)

The highlight of the party, aside from the free drinks, was a screaming contest. Yes, a screaming contest. Attendees were divided into groups based on the color of a smiley-face sticker on their badges, and each group was given an S60-equipped handset with an application installed that measured the volume of whatever was getting spoken or shouted into the phone. The group that could raise the volume highest by screaming into the handset was awarded with a Bluetooth headset for each member.

My group didn't win. After the screaming contest, I spent a bit of time talking to entrepreneurs from a few local tech companies like Grooveshark and Scrapblog. Then I went to sleep. The end.

In Nokia's swag bag? A memory stick (okay, I can deal with that), an extra-large T-shirt (beach cover-up!), breath mints (do they really think FOWA-ers are going to be making out?) and a pale pink baseball cap. Um, hello? The S60 party was about 95 percent male. Heck, even your average female wouldn't put on one of these hats.

And despite our valiant efforts, as you can see in the accompanying photo, even BricaBox founder Nate Westheimer and I couldn't make those hats look hardcore.

Two new hybrids from Honda in 2009

A hybrid-only car based on the CR-Z concept will come out in 2009.(Credit: CNET Networks)

Honda announced it will unveil a new global hybrid car at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, which will launch in 2009 along with another hybrid based on the CR-Z concept. Both cars will be produced as hybrid models without a gas-only counterpart, similar to Toyota's Prius. These hybrids are part of Honda's strategy to sell 400,000 hybrids per year by 2011. The new global hybrid will launch in Europe first, then come to North America. Both hybrids will use updated versions of Honda's integrated motor assist (IMA) mild hybrid system, currently used in the Honda Civic Hybrid. This system provides a little boost to the car under acceleration and stops the engine in traffic, but doesn't drive the car under electric power. The new global hybrid is designed from the ground up as a hybrid, so should present more efficiencies than the Civic Hybrid. The CR-Z concept, already shown at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, will be a sporty coupe designed for the hybrid powertrain.

Honda has been a little erratic with its hybrid strategy, originally offering the hybrid-only Insight, then hybrid versions of the Civic and Accord. Amongst that line-up, only the Civic Hybrid survives.

(Source: leftlane news)

A day with the 'MythBusters'

MythBusters Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage discuss experiments they're working on in front of a lathe in their workshop's machine room in San Francisco.(Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET Networks)

This is a fish story. Complete with attacking sharks, high-velocity steak, and ninjas with poison darts, no less.

This is the story of my Wednesday spent hanging out with the MythBusters--Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage, Kari Byron, Grant Imahara and Tory Belleci--the stars of one of TV's most popular shows at their workshops in San Francisco.

MythBusters, for those who aren't aware, is a hit Discovery Channel show in which the five stars tackle famous myths--such as that frozen chickens pose a greater danger to airplanes than thawed poultry, or that a single postage stamp on a helicopter's rotors can cause it to crash and burn--and attempt to prove or disprove them. Often, these experiments mean explosions, broken glass, odd chemical reactions, and much more. Just so long as it's interesting to the MythBusters themselves and looks good on TV.

Immediately upon arriving, I was sucked straight into the strange, frenetic, hilarious world of the MythBusters. After a quick tour of a big warehouse space at the bottom of Potrero Hill known as M5 and a short autobiography by Hyneman, I was told I had the run of the place and that everyone was going back to work.

This, of course, is a reporter's dream--and a scary proposition. If you can do anything and talk to anybody, it's hard to know how to focus.

But focusing turned out to be easy. Before long, Hyneman sat down and explained to me that one of the shark-related experiments he and Savage were working on for a Shark Week episode to be aired in July was about trying to determine whether magnets are really shark-repellent. That is, to discover whether it is possible to control a shark's directional movement with electromagnets placed on its nose.

Luckily, Hyneman had to make a drawing of his planned project for the Bahaman marine biologist who would be overseeing the experiment, and he let me watch as he drew. Minutes later, he'd produced a pretty simple schematic that even I could understand. Essentially, he explained, he planned to attach two electromagnets to a shark's nose and then connect them to a controller he'd have up above the surface. If he triggered the magnet on the shark's left nose, it should turn right. And vice versa, he explained. If the myth is true, that is.

One thing that is true, and which the MythBusters are very proud of, is that while they have a small crew of assistants, they do most of their own building, cutting, and fabricating themselves. These are not just smooth Hollywood types who get in front of the camera after everyone else has done all the real work.

And I can attest to that because during the course of the day, I saw Hyneman and Savage both make very quick work of building conundrums requiring all manner of tools and machines--things no fake builder could do themselves.

"There's a lot of shows where you can see that the hosts show up and it's all been set up for them," said Hyneman. "What you see here, we do it ourselves."

Indeed. It turns out, as the show itself makes a point of explaining, that Savage and Hyneman have 30 years of special-effects work experience between them. Hyneman alone has owned a couple of effects companies and worked on several feature films and endless numbers of commercials. And artifacts from those projects are everywhere around M5.

Downstairs, in one workroom that is adjacent to the large warehouse space so familiar to fans of the show, I smelled the distinct aroma of steak. And the reason, it turned out, is that the MythBusters had spent the previous day--and were planning to spend more time on Wednesday--is diving into the world of extreme meat tenderization.

On Tuesday, I was told, they'd tried to tenderize steak with dynamite and by shooting the meat out of an air cannon at 400 miles an hour. They'd also put some beef under heavy pressure, essentially giving it the bends.

This project was testament to the MythBusters' playful sides.

"These are the kinds of thing that have nothing to do with a myth," Hyneman told me. "But these are the fun things for us. We're just having a blast. We're very curious about everything. For us, this kind of experimentation is just play."

After putting the meat through its paces, they'd then used a narrow piece of metal tubing to take core samples from the meat to measure--using scientific instruments that I admit I didn't understand--exactly how tender the steak was.

Savage is an extreme multi-tasker. Even as some meat he was cooking was sizzling away on a grill in one room, he and Hyneman were in the main warehouse area hard at work on their main project of the day, designing and building what they called the "fish flapper."

This was a contraption built to examine the myth that sharks are attracted to movement and therefore are more likely to attack a fish that's flopping around than one that is dead in the water.

And on the very same worktable that Savage was building his fish flapper, he was also cooking his steaks.

"So many of our builds end up looking like this," Savage said. "There's a lot more complicated ways to do things, but I really like it like this."

Over the course of the day, the fish flapper proved to be a perfect example of how the MythBusters work.

That's because their concept for the project--two dead fish hanging into the water, one from a specially built contraption that could automatically flap it around--would change several times throughout the day. But it dominated their day, with both of them spending a significant amount of time thinking about the right way to attack the problem.

After Hyneman drilled through one of the fish he and Savage were using to experiment with as part of their fish flapper project, the drill bit Hyneman used is filled with fish bits.(Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET News.com) By the middle of the day, they had abandoned the idea of doing the experiment with actual fish since they were aware that the blood the fish would eventually leak into the water would most likely overwhelm any nearby sharks' senses and the flapping would be moot.

In addition, they seemed to decide to abandon the mechanical side of the project in favor of someone--probably Hyneman--dangling the fish, or fish-like object himself because it would be a better way of achieving the motion they wanted.

Finally, toward the end of the day, it seemed they'd settled on a system in which they would dangle two lines about 20 feet below the surface into cones surrounded by some dark material, and would string rubber fish-shape objects on those lines. By flapping one a lot, they would be able to determine, they believed, if simple movement in the water and the disturbance to the flow of the water, could attract sharks.

Working underwater--as they will likely do in at least some of their shark myths--around such dangerous marine animals is not something for the faint of heart.

But after completing more than 120 episodes--including specials and working on more than 500 myths that have demanded more than 2,000 explosions, Hyneman seemed to suggest that not much frightens him.

Still, he is aware of the boundaries he and Savage have pushed over the years the show has been on.

"Both Adam and I feel that our number is up," Hyneman said, "because of the stuff we're playing with."

I asked him if that made him feel he should walk away, and he shook his head.

"No, it means we should be more careful," Hyneman said. "I don't think we've ever asked ourselves that question."

One thing both men do agree on is that they enjoy the building process and the way they almost unconsciously work together to simplify things as they go.

"We start out with some complex pile of details," Hyneman said, "and the longer we work, the more of those details we eliminate."

Another playground is M7, the satellite MythBusters workshop a few blocks away where I go for a little while in the middle of the afternoon. There, the younger three MythBusters members--Byron, Imahara, and Belleci--are working on a myth for another episode of the show.

And this one deals with ninjas.

The idea is to look into whether it's realistic to imagine that a ninja really could sit underwater, breathing through a bamboo reed, lying in wait for hours for a target, and then shoot a poison dart through the reed at the target.

MythBuster Grant Imahara blowing a dart through his bamboo reed dart shooter. He and MythBusters Kari Byron and Tory Belleci are working on an experiment to see how long a ninja could stay underwater, breathing through one of the reeds, lying in wait to attack an enemy with a poison dart.(Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET News.com)

So when I arrive, the three are hard at work cutting a series of reeds into various length tubes, making custom darts, and then shooting them at various targets around their warehouse.

Each has chosen different width and length tubes, and the three are having variable results. Byron seems to be getting the most accuracy with her shots, while Bellici seems to be getting the most distance. And Imahara is having problems just getting his dart to even shoot.

But all three appear to be having a blast, and while they most likely won't be hitting anyone anytime soon with poison darts, they will most likely soon know more about what it would take to do so than almost anyone else still living.

Back at M5 a little later, I'm struck again by how much fun the MythBusters are having with their work and that, while they take what they're doing very seriously, they're also some of the luckiest people on Earth, given that they're getting paid to blow things up, to go to the Bahamas to play with sharks and to cook and eat a lot of extreme-tenderized steak in the name of science.

"We've always said that MythBusters is a little bit of Mr. Wizard meets Jackass," said Savage. "It's not, 'Why you shouldn't jump in an elevator.' It's, 'Here's what would happen if you did.'"

Bluetooth headset is selling point for MP3 watch

(Credit: Buy.com)

MP3 watches are slowly being introduced by U.S. companies, but for the most part they're still largely an overseas phenomenon (and, in some cases, that's not a bad thing). So it makes sense that some manufacturers and distributors are trying to come up with new ways to market them.

The oddly named Goldlantern Bluex watch aims to do just that, according to GadgetGrid, by coming bundled with Bluetooth headphones for a package of products that actually look decent. The water- and shock-resistant watch has 1GB of built-in storage, a USB port, rechargeable lithium ion battery, and aluminum alloy case. And if the watch turns out to be junk, you can still use the headset with your phone.

Dish claims to extend Wi-Fi range 300 percent

(Credit: Amazon)

Are you tired of getting cut off every time your inconsiderate neighbor shuts down his Wi-Fi router? Do you find yourself sitting in the hallway outside your apartment door just to make sure your connection doesn't drop off? If so, this may be for you.

Hawking's "Hi-Gain Wireless-G Dish Adapter" connects to your computer's USB port and claims to increase the range of wireless connections by as much as 300 percent, GadgetGrid says, as well as improve speeds. It works with both desktops and laptops, though it might be a bit cumbersome when traveling with the latter (not to mention obvious).

The good thing is it looks like a small TV satellite dish, so the aforementioned rude neighbor will be none the wiser. Then again, you just save the $62 that it costs and put it toward a Wi-Fi connection of your own, tightwad.

'World's smallest' RC copter is no less annoying

(Credit: Firebox)

What could possibly be more annoying than buzzing your friends and co-workers with a "PicoZ Micro Helicopter"? Try the new "PicoZ MX-1 Extreme," which makes the bold claim of being "the world's smallest remote control chopper."

The difference might seem minuscule to the untrained eye--4.6 inches vs. the original's 5.3 inches--but if you're of Lilliputian origins, the discrepancy is massive. Other than that, Coolest-Gadgets says the quarter-ounce copter has many of the same features as its older and larger sibling, including twin channels, a built-in lithium battery, adjustable trim control, and up to 10 minutes of flight time on a charge of 20 to 25 minutes.

The mini-chopper is described as "only slightly longer than a credit card," but U.K.-based Firebox, which is selling the MX-1, describes it best: "So small even Tom Thumb (or Cruise) would have trouble climbing aboard."

Bring back the '60s in private

(Credit: Japan Trend Shop)

There's got to be a better way to relive your stoner days than wearing those Jamiroquai MP3 shades and, whatever it is, it's probably better done indoors where no one can see you. One solution could be this "Room Palette Skyrium" from the appropriately named "RelaxStyle" line of products from Japan's Banpresto. (But be careful of Japanese relaxation products, because they have a way of sneaking some perverse form of fitness into them.)

With any luck, this lighting experience will be totally devoid of physical exertion as it cycles through nine LED colors projecting various diffused themes on the ceiling, walls, or anywhere else you can see them, ranging from "Aurora" to "Resort Ocean," as described by Popgadget. If all works as planned, you could enjoy an adult version of those laser light shows so fondly remembered (or not) from your misspent youth. But be prepared: If you get the munchies, you're on on your own.

Digital photo frame looks back at you

(Credit: Hong Kong WinWin)

If it weren't for the obvious lens, this would be an item we'd expect to have seen from a spy gadgets purveyor: A Webcam that watches you watching it, kind of like an Escher drawing come to life.

We can't help but think that this is one of those inventions that, years from now, will be laughable when everyone has a two-way video watch phone. In the meantime, this combo digital photo frame and Webcam is at least taking a step in that direction because Red Ferret says it's portable and small enough to stow in your pocket.

If you get replace your grandmother's Ceiva frame with one of these, however, be sure to warn her before calling to say you can see what she's looking at. Otherwise you might give her a coronary.

Photos: Geneva auto show preview

Click the image to access the gallery(Credit: Maserati)

We're packing our bags for the Geneva auto show with high expectations. Europe's annual automotive jamboree is usually chock full with inventive concepts and new model debuts, but this year's show promises to be bigger than ever. We've already got word on more than 30 new car unveils and at least a dozen design concepts--and they're just the ones we know about in advance. From Maserati's Gran Turismo S to soft-top versions of the Fiat 500 and BMW M3 to the subaquatic Rinspeed sQuba, our preview slide show provides just a taste of what's to come. Check out our full blog, video, and photo-gallery coverage starting Monday, March 3.

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SDK still in beta?

It's possible that Apple will introduce a version of the iPhone software developers kit (SDK) next week which is far from complete, according to claims by SetteB.IT.

Citing their own sources, the overseas publication said it believes only a beta version of the SDK will be made available to prospective iPhone and iPod touch developers at March 6th iPhone software roadmap event in Cupertino.

A finalized version is reportedly targeted for a release during the second week of June, when Apple is expected to hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Apple a Top 10 handset vendor

Meanwhile, new data released by Market research firm Gartner on Wednesday list Apple amongst the world's Top 10 handset vendors for the first time, with less than one percent of the global market.

Blackberry maker Research in Motion also joined the elite ranks for the first time, while Motorola's fall from grace continued with its slice of the market sliding from 21.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006 to 14.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Nokia continued to lead the field with a 37.8 percent of the market, up from 34.8 in the same period of 2006.

Overall, Gartner said that worldwide sales of mobile phones to end users surpassed 1.15 billion units in 2007, a 16 per cent increase from 2006 sales of 990.9 million.

iPhone satisfaction outshines Blackberry in enterprise

ChangeWave on Thursday said that while Apple still has a relatively small share of the corporate smartphone market (5 percent), the company�s iPhone continues to grab sky-high satisfaction ratings. Nearly three-in-five (59 percent) of Apple�s business customers say their company is Very Satisfied with the Apple iPhone.

RIM Blackberry ranked second with a Very Satisfied rating of 47 percent, though the survey notes this represents an unusually large 8 point decline from the previous measure.

Palm receives its lowest corporate satisfaction rating yet, according to the firm, with only 10 percent of corporate users saying their company is Very Satisfied with the Palm Treo.

Apple short of 1000 movie goal

One AppleInsider tipster notes that Apple has approximately 36 hours to add over 200 more iTunes movie rentals to its iTunes store before it falls short of chief executive Steve Jobs' claim to have 1000 flicks available by the end of the month.

As of Thursday morning, the iTunes store listed just 798 movies available for rent.

Up to $600 in MacBook, MacBook Pro rebates

Finally, it should be noted that Apple authorized reseller Mac Mall on Wednesday incorrectly listed rebates on Apple's new line of Penryn-based MacBook Pros at $75. Mac Mall has since updated its website and is now offering $150 rebates on all three of the new models.

Similarly, the retailer continues to list $75-$100 rebates on the Penryn-based MacBook. And AppleInsider reader, Rob, notes that J & R Computer World is also having its own MacBook and MacBook Pro rebate extravaganza -- only on previous generation models where its offering instant savings of between $100 and $600.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

The iPhone's stopwatch goes for months, maybe years

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? What do our dreams mean? When will the Macbook get a multi-touch keypad? These are some deep thoughts and questions about the universe. So what about the stop watch on the iPhone? Surely you've left it on by mistake and come back days or weeks later to find the thing still running. So did you ever wonder how long it would go?

The answer was sought by YouTuber TravTay who filmed the holy moment in what looks to be a college study room.

SPOILER ALERT

It still continues to count despite knocking off the seconds counter. To try the experiment yourself, just leave your iPhone or iPod touch's stopwatch going for a little more than 41 days (it's like watching grass grow). I'm assuming we'll see another video like this in another 416 days to see if it's capable of hitting 10k.

[via Digg]

Note: the video includes some potentially NSFW language.

Review: 2008 Honda Element SC

(Credit: CNET Networks/Corrine Schulze)

Considering the youthful nature of the 2008 Honda Element SC's intended market, it is surprising the car doesn't offer more in the way of modern electronics. Like the Scion xB, the Honda Element appeals to people who can appreciate an offbeat styling. Unlike the xB, the Element doesn't offer navigation, video screens, or even iPod integration.

The original Honda Element was intended for outdoorsy people who would load it up with surfboards and mountain bikes, while the newer SC trimmed Element goes for the urban crowd already enamored with the Scion xB. You could argue that an Element intended for snow and surf trips doesn't need fancy cabin gadgets (although navigation is always good for road trips), but the urban version should include something more than a subwoofer for the audio system. Instead, what you get is a very practical vehicle with electronics that top out at a decent-sounding stereo.

READ THE REVIEW

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    • A day with the 'MythBusters'
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    • Bring back the '60s in private
    • Digital photo frame looks back at you
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    • The iPhone's stopwatch goes for months, maybe years
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  • ►  January (794)

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