June 3, 2006, 1:59 PM CT

Nintendo Touch Generations

Nintendo has always been a company that has no shame in trying to appeal to as a number of people as possible. They've known for a long time the impact video games can have on the masses. Realism has never been a part of their agenda; enjoyment is always the priority. With the upcoming release of the DS lite,.

Nintendo is taking this ideal, and urging the non-gaming public to pay attention. Mostly aimed at the generations who didn't grow up with a gaming console, Touch Generations is part of a branding strategy that allows new, casual and older gamers to quickly identify which games are suitable for them, i.e., ones that don't involve spending hours rifling through a manual, or superhuman skill and expertise to complete the first level. Titles falling into this category will be marked by the distinctive Touch Generations logo on the packaging.

Seven Touch Generations games will be avaible in June, consisting of three new titles (Big Brain Academy, Magnetica, Sudoku Gridmaster) and four rebranded older titles (Brain Age, Nintendogs, Tetris DS, True Swing Golf). With these games, Nintendo hopes to unite both old young gamers and new old players together, which is great in my opinion. After all, is there anything more enjoyable than watching a grandparent cry after beating them at Tetris for the tenth time? I think not.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink         Source

June 3, 2006, 11:46 AM CT

Shredding Scissors

Panic's over everyone - I'm back! Admit it, you didn't even notice I was missing did you? That's because all the other Shiny writers are far better at coping without me than I like to imagine. In fact, I'm feeling a trifle peevish about the whole thing. While I enjoy a little sulk, here's a nice (and very short) gadget story to keep you occupied.

When I saw these shredding scissors the first thing I thought was "I need to get me some of those" (because, really, shredding paper is my idea of a good time). Then I thought about it again and realised that a small windy type shredder like this one from Muji would make the job of shredding up paper even more fun without taking up a huge amount more space. Good job these things only seem to be available in Japan or I'd be feeling a mite foolish right now.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink         Source

May 31, 2006, 8:30 PM CT

MP3 Wrist Watch

If you are not a gadget freak then too you are going to love this hi-tech wrist watch by Davide Succi DJ. The wrist watch has MP3 Player functionality and it can support MP3, WMA and ADPCM music formats.

The music is uploaded through a USB 1.1 interface and the MP3 watch also has a built-in microphone for voice-recording. The dial of the musical watch has little led indicators that indicate equalizer settings and other MP3 functions. The watch comes comes in 128MB and 256MB versions.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink         Source

May 31, 2006, 8:28 PM CT

New IPod TuneBuckle Designs

What else can an iPod do besides entertaining you with its musical nodes......Ok, time up! Carrying an iPod can add to your fashionable looks too, you can wear it on arm as armband or you can wear it on your waist! The TuneBuckle belt which was originally unveiled at CES, is now available in a great new style that allows you to conveniently carry your Nano at your waist.

The Full Moon style belt leaves only the click wheel uncovered, and the Full Metal Jacket encases the entire iPod. The stylish new buckles are made from chromed aluminum, and the high quality red-stitched leather is available in black and white. The Full Moon belt sells for $70, and the Full Metal Jacket for $80. So, go trendy!!........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink         Source

May 31, 2006, 8:20 PM CT

Alneo Digital Audio player XA-C109/XA-C59

Nippon Victor Inc. has just announced the launch of a new DIgital Audio Player, the Alneo XA-C109/C59, which boasts of a clear trebel and stereo quality sound. It comes with a L/R independent microphone for digital sound recording. The new line of digital player from Alneo includes L/R independent microphones and also comes with the incorporation of CC converter.

The inclusion of the L/R independent microphone helps in stereo sound recording, be it from FM radio or its a lecture that you are recording. Featuring a 1.27 inches color organic EL indication, it also boasts of FR radio function as well and also with the digital recording feature available, you can record your favourite songs from the FM radio. The music player supports WMA and MP3 playback and are available in capacities of 512MB(XA-c59) and 1GB (XA-c109). The Alneo digital music player will be available in late july for japanese market.........

Posted by: Ryan      Source

May 31, 2006, 8:18 PM CT

Nyko Ships Power Tuner For PSP

Nyko Technologies has just started shipping its latest PSP accessory, the Power Tuner(TM) for PSP which not only juices up the PSP but also moonlights as an Audio Transmitter for the PSP. Trust Nyko to come up with great accessories for the PSP which further enhances the functionality of the PSP. Thanks to the Power Tuner not only will your PSP never die on you but you will also be able to enjoy music from music, movies or games via a car stereo system.

The Power Tuner for the PSP can charge the PSP via a car lighter or a power port and for a crystal clear reception, Nyko has included a 3 channel setting. The Power Tuner is truly multifunctional as its not only entertains but also charges your PSP simultaneously. The audio can be transmitted via the car system so when doesn't need any batteries. Just plug it in and your ready to go. The Power Tuner is available now and for more info head over to the Nyko website.........

Posted by: Ashley      Permalink         Source

May 27, 2006, 10:46 AM CT

Yet Another Stylish Skype Headset

Seems every day of late another "stylish" Skype headset hits the market. The one today is the Elecom MS-PH99UBK and as the manufacturers says it is "difficult to become tired even in conversation of long haul being lightweight". Granted that's translated form Japanese but I still found it humorous.

The handset itself has a stand to help keep it in place and features USB connectivity. A four way control pad allows you to scroll through your Skype contact list as well as a mute button. You can also make the phone show a flashing LED when a call arrives rather than ringing. Dimensions are 47 x 19 x 131.4mm and approximately 85g with a 1.5 meter cable length.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink         Source

May 27, 2006, 10:16 AM CT

Go Digital!

It seems like yesterday when I made my first attempt at finding an affordable digital multi-track recorder for my small home recording studio. Needing to replace my outdated 4 track analog recorder, I searched quite awhile for a reasonably priced recorder. Finally, I was able to find a digital recorder with most of the features I was looking for.

I was amazed at the capabilities of this machine; the clarity of sound it duplicated and the ease of operation were fantastic. My music mixes never sounded better.

Every month or so, some new technological invention, particularly in the digital realm, appears on the market. For today's young people, it is common place to have at their disposal anything they find appealing.

For some of us "older folks" to say the least, we are amazed, at times, even overwhelmed by all the "techno" gizmos on the market. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I research all the new devices out there, but I am a rare bird for my age and sex. I'm one of the very few women who pine over "electronics" instead of the latest fashion craze.

I constantly search the internet for information on all the new products. I want them all, but can only afford a few of these new devices. But, when narrowing down my choices, I commonly opt to keep up with all the music related products for enjoyable listening and more efficient and advanced ways to take my music and recording to the next level.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink         Source

May 27, 2006, 9:55 AM CT

Bob Lutz Puts On Glasses. Looks More Serious.

Oh, now you're wearing glasses, Mr. Lutz? We get it. Put on the ol' spectacles and we'll take you more seriously? You can't fool a fool! Oh, wait. Crap. AutoWeek reports: Culture Change.

When you arrived in 2001, there was a sense that GM culture was too bureaucratic. Has it changed much -- or changed enough?

You could argue that no matter how fast a culture changes for the better, you're always impatient. When I got here, if I might criticize the past, product development was delegated at too low a level, particularly design. There was insufficient senior management involvement with the product direction.

That's actually pretty interesting. And it makes sense. There's no way, say, Steve Jobs doesn't personally yea or nay a product and you can see how well Apple seems to be doing now. If the fancy boys, the big-wigs, the top dogs, the head honchos are honestly looking at future products and giving the green light (or not), well, then maybe GM has a future. That is, if they have any taste.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink         Source

May 24, 2006, 8:59 PM CT

3DTV A Reality In Millions Of Homes?

Looking to make 3DTV a reality in millions of homes around the world is the dizzying ambition of Hungarian high-growth company, Holografika.

Holografika supplies a proprietary 3D holographic display technology, called the HoloVizio- system, which provides multiple viewers with a natural 3D view without the need for special glasses or tracking equipment.

How does HoloVizio- work? Well, for starters, it is not the same as so-called auto-stereoscopic 3D systems, developed by companies such as Sharp, which involve showing a viewer two slightly different 2D images - one for the left eye and one for the right eye - and the viewer's brain fusing them to produce a single perceived 3D image.

Holografika's approach aims to mimic that of a viewer looking straight out of a conventional window - which is essentially a 2D object - but nevertheless perceiving the outside environment as a perfect 3D image. In this situation, the viewer perceives a 3D effect because the light patterns at each point on the window change subtly according to what is behind it and the angle it is being viewed.

Consequently, HoloVizio- involves a viewer looking at a 'digital window'. Tibor Balogh, Holografika's CEO and Founder, explains: "It uses a holographic screen. When beams inside the device strike the screen, each point of the holoscreen is able to emit light beams of a different colour and intensity in different directions".........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink         Source