Category Archives: Product Announcements

After reading “Ideas for the new iPod — loud and clear” by Howard Wolinksy, as well as the latest from Phil Swann, I thought I’d muse on what they may be announcing.  Here are my predictions:

 1) Widescreen iPod: this just makes sense.  The cool factor here would be Apple completely re-inventing their GUI, either with an all-touchscreen version, or possibly moving all the buttons to the edges or back of the unit.  This would allow them to keep the same form factor while improving the video display.  Plus it’s better than the video Scoble found about a Msft-designed iPod!

2) iTiVo: in an ideal world, Apple would buy TiVo, then make a nicer looking box with the basic TiVo GUI.  Then within a year they could put out a 2nd-generation unit that has very slickly merged some iPod-isms with some TiVo-isms.  I don’t think this will happen anytime soon, but an Apple-powered DVR does not seem likely, although I could easily predict the model would be about recording ON the Mac, as opposed to a brand new box in the living room…

3) iPhone: highly debatable topic here, will/should Apple make a mobile phone?  I think it’s possible (here’s a counterpoint), my theory goes like this: Apple worked with Moto to make a phone, but Moto screwed it up.  So then Moto made the SLVR, and did a good job of it.  But the whole time Apple guys were saying to themselves “we could blow this out” and now they’re doing it.  If we don’t see it this week, I still believe it’s in a lab somewhere!

4) OS X Mobile edition: Both Om Malik and Michael Gartenberg have been talking about Windows Mobile 5.0 a lot recently.  I’ve heard that there are already 100 different WM5 devices announced or shown so far.  Why should they have all the love?  It’s not a “typical” Apple thing to do, but then again, 10 years ago nobody would’ve predicted Apple running up a 90+% market share in MP3 players! 

5) Nothing!  Absolutely nothing!  Okay, by “nothing” I mean a new iBook with a bigger screen, or bigger hard drive.  Or an iPod with a 100GB hard drive… boring boring boring!

But then again, they might just crank out another iProduct…

“Designed specifically for your Mac, the Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser includes a comfortable ultra-flat keyboard and a high-performance laser mouse. The stylish white and silver design perfectly matches both consumer and pro Macs.”

I’m a solid PC guy, and truth be told, I’ve never owned anything from Apple. I must say though, I’m more than a little jealous the way that their accessories actually match their computers. I’m not sure when we all decided that Apple’s Macs and accessories owned the color white (and left PC’s with ugly beige), but they sure look sharp.
Great looks aside, this setup, which was announced at CES last week, sports the following features:
– dedicated buttons to control song playback in iTunes
– 6 month battery life
– battery level indicator
– two USB receivers (extended range desktop, and compact notebook)
– precision laser mouse
– two USB receivers (compact notebook & extended range desktop)
When I break down and buy something from Apple, expect a full test (or maybe hell will freeze over first). Anyway, it’s a lot of cutting edge tech for $100, if you’re into the Mac.

Read the press release here.

The Sansa e200 series features a slim new design and a 1.8-inch (4.572 cm) TFT color screen (QCIF+) along with high-quality audio, photo viewing and video playback capabilities. It offers an industry-leading, 6GB capacity that holds more than 1,400 MP3 songs. It is also available in 2 and 4GB models. Its large color screen is ideal for easily viewing playlists, photos and personal videos.

Its distinctive, high-strength and lightweight back cover is made with an advanced Titanium alloy from Liquidmetal® Technologies that is stronger than steel and highly resistant to scratches and wear. It includes a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery for long playtime and can be replaced by the customer to ensure the player provides many years of continuous service. Dimensions of the Sansa e200 are 1.7 in. wide x 3.5 in. long x 0.5 in. high (4.4 cm wide x 8.9 cm long x 1.3 cm high).

For instant access to millions of digital songs, the Sansa e200 series players will support Microsoft® PlaysForSure™ so consumers can download and pay for songs individually or download an unlimited amount of music for a flat monthly subscription fee from music stores such as Rhapsody To Go® and others.

The Sansa e200 will be available in the spring in 2, 4, and 6 GB capacities. With a color screen, and support for displaying photos, as well as MP3’s and WMA’s, and even videos this clearly has the iPod Nano in their sights. Of note, to keep the small form factor, they’re using microSD flash cards. An icon based menu system, and a replaceable lithium ion battery complete the package. It will be priced to match Apple’s Nano at $200 for the 2 GB, $250 for the 4 GB, and $300 for the 6 GB model.
See some more info here.

HP today introduced a mobile broadband notebook that allows users to stay connected at broadband speeds to corporate networks, email and the Internet without being tied to a wireless hotspot.

The HP Compaq nc6140 Notebook PC operates on Verizon Wireless’ Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) network, which allows customers to connect at broadband speeds to corporate networks, email and the Internet, even while traveling.

The notebook features integrated dual-antennas and pre-installed software to help establish a convenient and reliable wireless connection via Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess network. HP and Verizon Wireless will jointly market the new business notebook.

“Mobile professionals using HP’s mobile broadband notebook no longer have to limit themselves to airports, hotel lobbies or other public Wi-Fi hotspots,” said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Mobile Computing, HP. “Our customers can now enjoy extremely fast data connectivity speeds, enabling them to communicate better and be more productive wherever they happen to be.”

HP and Verizon Wireless collaborated on the development of the nc6140 notebook to take advantage of the Verizon Wireless EV-DO network that powers its BroadbandAccess service and offers download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps. The notebook also incorporates the QUALCOMM MSM6500(tm) CDMA2000(r) 1xEV-DO high-speed wireless chipset.

“Together, HP and Verizon Wireless provide mobile professionals a robust wireless broadband experience without having to seek out and find public Wi-Fi hotspots in order to connect with email or the Internet,” said John Stratton, chief marketing officer, Verizon Wireless. “The Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess service and our EV-DO network that supports it provide the advantages of convenience and flexibility.”

For the serious internet user on the go, this is an advancement forward. The nc6140 notebook features EV-DO card built into the device. No more add in cards, or flimsy antennae. The monthly price of $59 for exisiting Verizon Wireless customers is not unreasonable considering the price of other broadband offerings. The best part is, no more running around the airport to find the WiFi hotspot, it truly is everywhere.
Read the full press release here.

Belkin announces its new CableFree USB Hub, the industry’s first USB Hub that does not require a cable to connect to the computer. This Hub allows people to place their laptop anywhere in the room while still maintaining wireless access to their USB devices, such as printers, scanners, hard drives, and MP3 players. This is the first UWB-enabled product to be introduced in the U.S. market. The CableFree USB Hub’s wireless functionality is enabled by Freescale Semiconductor’s ((NYSE:FSL, FSL.B) Ultra-Wideband technology.

CableFree USB will be on display at the 2006 International CES Show in Las Vegas, NV, January 5–8, at 31247 South Hall and at Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, CA, January 10–13, at 717 South Hall.
Continue reading →

Alas, those waiting for Blu-ray to hit the market can truly begin planning their next-generation optical drive honeymoon: today Pioneer announced that it will be releasing Blu-ray products starting *gasp* at CES next month (starting January 5th!). On top of that, regions for next-generation DVD formats were just announced! (Say it ain’t so, Batman!) Anime freaks, your time has come; the U.S. and Japan will be joined in a sacred electronic union as two of the nations crowned with Blu-ray region 1 status. Joining the behemoths will be powerhouses South America and east Asia (sans China).

Now, after years of research & development, testing and refinement, Mag Instrument is committed to introducing, in early 2006, a line of MAG-LED™ flashlights. Like Mag’s incandescent-lamp flashlights, these newest members of the Maglite® flashlight family will have the style, performance, benefits and features that both professionals and consumers have come to expect from a Maglite® flashlight, including the fact that they are built for a lifetime of service. The Maglite® design tradition will be instantly recognizable in them, and they will offer the beam-focusing capability that has always been a feature of Mag® flashlights, AND MORE!

So, the American icon of flashlights, is entering the digital age. Some LED flashlights are very bright, and are able to provide a lot of light time between battery changes. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these!
More info here.

Advanced Media, Inc., manufacturer and marketer of the popular RIDATA brand of recordable CD and DVD media, electronic storage products, and digital media accessories, is adding an unbalanced Secure Digital memory card to its RIDATA line “Our unbalanced Secure Digital memory card is further indication that Advanced Media is dedicated to providing its customers the latest advancements in electronic storage media,” remarked Charlie Shiang, VP of Flash Products “This fast card enables users to store specific navigational or mapping information for use in a variety of mobile devices. It can also be used to hold trip details and highly detailed charts.”

The applications are unlimited, any type of digital content provider with the consideration of protecting the intellectual content while in need to be able to sell or populate the whole content will definitely benefit from the Unbalanced SD card, more examples include educational markets, remote learning education, automobile and defense industry ” added Shiang.

The uses for this product will be centered on two parts of SD memory formation: encrypted output control segment and accessible data segment. The data stored on the Encrypted output control segment is strictly prohibited for any kind of “check-in” (write data) or “check-out”(export data) activities with any other devices. Any form of the data movement is actually impossible.
Continue reading →

Advanced Media, Inc., manufacturer
and marketer of the popular RIDATA brand of recordable CD and DVD
media, electronic storage products, and digital media accessories, is
adding two photovoltaic solar powered battery chargers to its popular
RIDATA product line. Model SP 3900 charges cell phones and any
electronic device that has USB connectivity, such as Cell Phones, MP3
players, PDAs, GPS, hand-held games, radios, etc. Model SP 1300 charges
up to two AAA and AA batteries. Both will be on display in the Advanced
Media 2006 International CES booth, South Hall #35320.

“Solar power chargers may be the most important and most significant
addition to the electronic and battery accessories industries ever,”
said Harvey Liu, Advanced Media president. “They allow battery-operated
devices and batteries to be charged virtually anywhere in the world
without having to worry about a compatible electric outlet being handy.
Besides its convenience factor, solar power also is environment
friendly – clean, renewable – and absolutely free.”

Both RIDATA photovoltaic solar-powered chargers are lightweight,
durable, and waterproof. Each is as efficient as any current
conventional charger. The company believes individuals who are
concerned with energy costs as well as those who favor green energy
will be attracted to its solar chargers. Additionally, the SP 3900 will
find favor with travelers and campers, while the SP 1300’s attractive
design will also draw individuals to it.

The SP 3900 is a three-panel solar-powered charger with a 900mA power
bank. It will charge cell phones and any device with USB connectivity.
Typically, it will fully charge such items in direct sunlight in four
hours.

The SP 1300 charges AAA or AA batteries. It will fully charge two
AAA-size units in five hours in direct sunlight and two AAs in 10
hours.

One of the main pluses of solar power is the fact it is renewable. That
is, as long as it keeps shining, the sun will be an excellent source of
energy, and scientists believe that should be for at least another 4.5
billion years. It also produces no air pollution, little or no noise,
and requires no transportable fuels. Even on cloudy days, there is
still enough solar energy for these chargers to do their job, albeit
not as quickly.

For all those folks that need their batteries on the go, this will be a must have item. Any card carrying Greenpeace member will also want this in their bag of tricks. I hope this starts a trend of solar charging, as this will be convenient, and good for the environment.

Wisair is determined to take USB cables off of the personal computer. The company has taken another step in the Ultra Wideband (UWB) industry with the release of a Wireless Universal Serial Bus (WUSB) reference design.

The new reference design includes a WUSB PC dongle and a WUSB hub, providing consumer electronics and peripheral manufacturers with the means to offer customers wireless connectivity to existing USB-enabled devices.

Printers, scanners, remote hard disk drives, digital cameras and mobile phones are able to plug directly into the WUSB Hub and receive wireless connectivity to a PC. The WUSB Hub replaces any wireline USB connection with a wireless connection.

We had heard that wireless was the direction for the 3rd generation of USB products, but this is the first actual product I’ve seen. Between the omnipresent WiFi, and the sexy Bluetooth products, Wireless USB may be a little late to this wireless party. On the other hand, most of the Bluetooth gear is expensive, and most computers do not ship with a Bluetooth transmitter built in. If the USB folks could integrate their transmitter into their existing USB chips, and the new computers shipped with it built in, they may leap frog Bluetooth in this game. In the meantime, I look forward to not having so many cables around my desk!

See here, here, and here for more info.