Sony's $900 HDR-TG1 -- world's smallest 1080i camcorder

We'll go ahead and let those other guys battle it out for the "world's smallest" camcorder title -- meanwhile, Sony's just cranked out the one to really pay attention to. The HDR-TG1 Handycam checks in at just 1.3- x 4.7- x 2.5-inches and weighs ten ounces, all while boasting the ability to capture those oh-so-precious vacation moments and unannounced streaking episodes in 1080p 1080i. Aside from that, it'll snag stills at 4-megapixels and holds everything on MS Pro Duo / Pro Duo Mark2 cards, while the 2.7-inch touchscreen keeps your eyes glued to the action. Furthermore, you'll find a 10x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, BIONZ processing engine, 5.1 Dolby Digital audio recording and a bundled 4GB Pro Duo Mark2 card for $900. Get ready -- this one's comin' at you next month. Video of Japanese model after the break.

Sony HandyCam HDR-TG1, Official Launch Video
by AkihabaraNews

Google's online office apps work offline too

Even though Google Docs is one of the first full-featured office applications designed exclusively for online use, Google on Monday announced that it will be allowing users to access it offline by using its free Google Gears extension.

The offline feature will be rolled out slowly in the coming weeks, but some users will have access to it as soon as Monday. According to Google, users will know they have access to it when they see a small 'Offline' menu item displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the document window. Google spreadsheet integration will follow after the word processor rollout is completed.

Web apps to be available 'anywhere and everywhere'

"So today we're taking another small step toward making web applications accessible anywhere and everywhere: over the next few weeks we're rolling out a way for you to edit word processing documents in Google Docs even without a connection," a Google representative said in a statement. "You'll be able to go to docs.google.com without a connection and work on Google Docs; when you reconnect, your changes will automatically sync up."

Google stopped short of announcing a full timetable for the release of the offline access program, but did say that users should keep checking the word processor each day for updates.

Source: http://www.tech.co.uk/computing/software/home-and-reference/news/googles-online-office-apps-work-offline-too?articleid=818907277

Ford fitting electric power steering to 90% of models

Ford has made a commitment to fit 80 to 90% of its future vehicles with electric power steering (EPS) systems by 2012. Currently the 2008 Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, and their respective hybrid models are fitted with EPS, and next in line to receive the fuel-saving device are the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ line of cars.

The EPS system helps correct for road irregularities and improves overall handling and steering feel as well as improving fuel economy. Unlike common hydraulic-powered systems that continuously draw power from the engine, EPS is only activated when it is needed. Ford is also developing a new safety feature that allows EPS to communicate with a vehicle’s brake system to help operate advanced stability control and accident avoidance systems.

The system also opens up doors for other capabilities such as an auto-parking system. EPS systems can also be calibrated, potentially offering customers the opportunity to personalize their drive with selectable steering efforts - in other words choosing between how heavy or light the steering is.

Similar to electronic braking, EPS has not entered the market previously due to high costs and a consumer fear of leaving their lives in the hands of a malfunctionable electronic system, but with rising concern over fuel costs and improving fail-safes and safety systems, consumers may just ignore those fears and be swayed by EPS.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/safety/ford-fitting-electric-steering-to-90-of-models/

LG's Ice Cream Phone!

You can't eat it but it should look tasty in summer... What is it? The LG Ice Cream Phone (aka LG-LH5000). Available in three colors (white - vanilla, sweet pink - strawberry and sweet blue - pistachio), it's a 3G phone rocking a 2.2" screen, 2MPx digicam, multimedia player, e-dictionary... So far only for our Korean friends.


Source: http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-15753-LG%27s+Ice+Cream+Phone%21.html

Treat Your Mobile Phone Camera with an 8x Zoom

It may not shock anyone but... YES, embedded camera modules on mobile phones… suck… To make things worse Green-House just released a telephoto kit to turn any mobile phone into an 8x zoom camera… yeah… right!

Please note that the combo includes a tripod and a universal mobile phone holder.


Source: http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-15759-Treat+Your+Mobile+Phone+Camera+with+an+8x+Zoom.html

Motorola's Z9 with GPS goes for a ride on AT&T

Just like we heard, AT&T is now offering Motorola's MOTO Z9. $150 (after $50 on-line discount and 2-yr contract) nabs the new slider with GPS for AT&T's rebranded TeleNav service -- now called AT&T Navigator. It's also stuffed with microSD expansion, stereo Bluetooth, and quad-band GSM with WCDMA 850/1900 supporting 3.6Mbps HSDPA data. Surprisingly, the 2 megapixel camera we saw in the early prototype last year has been whittled back to 1.3 megapixels. Come on Moto, what's 0.7 megapixels between friends?


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/01/motorolas-z9-with-gps-goes-for-a-ride-with-atandt/

Colorware gets ahold of Guitar Hero axes -- we're in love

If you thought a Colorware'd DS Lite was the new heat, get a load of this. The company famous for making gadgetry of all kinds look its best has turned its talents on the iconic Guitar Hero axe, and we must say, we're infatuated. Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 thrashers are all invited, and while users can join the revolution for as little as $198 (that includes the title and a painted instrument), current slingers can send their guitar in and get it colorized for as little as $99. For those on a budget, we strongly recommend not clicking the links below. Those completely unafraid of purging their wallet on impulse buys can go ahead.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/01/colorware-gets-ahold-of-guitar-hero-axes-were-in-love/

T-Mobile snags the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 on April 14th

April 14th -- just like we expected, that's the date T-Mobile subscribers will gain access to the WiFi totin' BlackBerry Pearl 8120. Unlike AT&T's offering, that's WiFi for voice and data thanks to T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home service. EDGE data, 2 megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, 3.5-mm headphone jack, SureType keyboard, and microSD / SDHC expansion for your multimedia round out the specs quite nicely. Now all we need is the price, right T-Mob?


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/01/t-mobile-snags-the-blackberry-pearl-8120-on-april-14th/

Google’s Index Now on Your Wrist with GWatch Launch

While we are supposed to be under embargo on this until later today, we wanted to be the first to show you the latest breakthrough to be offered by Google. The Google Watch, or GWatch for short.

The Google USB Search Watch (Model #8002RPA10; estimated retail $89) will bring Google’s popular search engine technology to a wristwatch. Apparently users will be able to use a modified Google API to view search results on your wrist. At launch, the “GWatch” will be limited to local search results–your zip, city, or state. Google has plans to turn the GWatch into a mobile Chumby-like device–adding widgets, RSS feeds, and YouTube videos in the future. By plugging the watch into your computer and downloading the compressed local index, you’ll be able to search more than 100 million geo-targeted web pages.

Wondering how the interface works? Apparently, Google is using the same voice recognition software it uses for GOOG-411. By pushing the right-hand dial-adjuster, you’ll be able to “tell” GWatch what you are looking for. Results will then be streamed across the watch face, similar to a stock ticker or live RSS feed.

Google insiders tell me that if the product is a success, they will offer a WiMAX version of the watch that will free it from the restrictions of storing the index within the watch and allow users to search the entire Google index.

More details should come later today, but we wanted to make sure our readers were the first to hear about it.

Source: http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2008/04/google-watch.html

Meizu Adding Live Messenger to iPhone Vaporware Clone

The apparently incombustible Meizu's CEO Jack Wong has just announced that they are going to add Live Messenger to their M8 cellphone, the rather pathetic and sad motherboard who wants to be an iPhone clone when it grows up (if it ever gets released.) In other words: new vaporware announced for vaporware. The usual cynics are probably asking themselves "why should I care about this crap?" Which is exactly what we are asking ourselves right now.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/373920/meizu-adding-live-messenger-to-iphone-vaporware-clone

Azimuth Mr.Roboto Watch

If you're looking to drop a few Gs on a watch, may we recommend an alternative to Rolex or Tag Heuer? How about the Mr. Roboto Watch by Azimuth? While not plated in gold, it does capture the gloriously retro style of 1950s tin robot toys. Constructed from steel (otherwise known as "fuck you, gold"), the timepiece features automatic winding and up to 50M of waterproof fun. For a shot of its inspiration robot, hit the jump.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/373953/azimuth-mrroboto-watch

Brainwashing Goggles Help You Quit Smoking, Learn to Kill the Easy Way

I've always found effort to be pretty unbecoming. I mean, working hard at something totally increases the worry lines in your face, making you look all old and ugly. No thanks! I'm staying pretty for life! That's why I'm definitely buying a pair of these Cyber MC brainwashing goggles.

It's not really clear how the Orange Dream software helps you do things like lose weight, quit smoking or meditate, but the general assumption is that it flashes images in your face Clockwork-Orange style to reprogram your brain to associating delicious, flavorful cigarettes with something unappealing like third degree burns or mining accidents.

I don't care how it works, I just want to be able to sit sedentarily and not have to put any uglifying stress on my sprightly young body. Don't I deserve at least that?


Source: http://gizmodo.com/373971/brainwashing-goggles-help-you-quit-smoking-learn-to-kill-the-easy-way

Swede used 40Gbps internet connection to dry laundry

Chances are, you could think of a million and one ways to totally take advantage of having a 40Gbps internet connection installed in your abode, but for one Sigbritt Löthberg -- who actually had such a setup -- she chose to take advantage of it in quite a perplexing way. Reportedly, the 75-year old dame wasn't too interested in downloading an entire HD film in two seconds or having ping times more minuscule than the brain can fathom; rather, she chose to use the excess heat emitted from all the kit shoved in her house to "dry her laundry." Unfortunately, the poor lady has had the gear removed from her domicile for further testing in another location, but according to Hafsteinn Jonsson, who is heading up the fiber network operation for Karlstad Stadsnät, they're considering "giving her a 100Gbps [link] in the summer -- then she'll be able to dry all her neighbors' laundry too."


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/31/swede-used-40gbps-internet-connection-to-dry-laundry/

Sony films headed to mobile phones

Sony Pictures Television is looking to launch the first movie network on mobile phones in the United States.

The studio has signed a deal with AT&T and MediaFLO USA to launch the linear channel as one of two exclusive channels coming to the newly announced AT&T Mobile TV with FLO service in May.

The channel, to be known as PIX, will be stocked with such titles as "Ghostbusters," "Philadelphia" and "Stand by Me."

Mobile has been viewed mostly as a marketing platform for theatricals in the U.S. With the domestic mobile video category for even shortform clips lagging behind markets in Europe and Asia, Sony is looking to entice viewers with more diverse content offerings.

"What you see a lot on the carrier decks is promotional content that people can snack a little on," said Eric Berger, vp mobile entertainment at Sony Pictures Television. "There's nothing currently there as deeply entertaining as these movies."

Films have been made available on handsets on an on-demand basis. Sony was one of several studios that contributed titles to content aggregator MSpot, which teamed with Sprint to launch MSpot Movies in 2006.

Sony always has been bullish on films via mobile. The studio also was the first in the U.S. to embed full-length titles on memory cards for handsets.

Although the prospect of viewers sitting in front of a two-inch screen for two hours seems dim, Berger noted that the objective isn't to keep people watching for the duration of a film.

"We recognize that people are on the go with their mobile phone and coming and going," he said. "This isn't for people looking to view a movie for the first time. It's OK to miss the beginning."

With AT&T on board, PIX will be available on the biggest mobile provider in the U.S., though the company has yet to disclose the price of the FLO tier. With PIX a part of FLO, Sony allows AT&T to differentiate its service from Verizon Wireless, which has been carrying FLO for the past year.

PIX will be available alongside nonexclusive mobile channels including NBC, CBS, ESPN and Nickelodeon, which offer altered forms of their traditional linear programming lineups via multicast transmission.

Sony is negotiating with other U.S. carriers to carry PIX but did not divulge which specific companies are in discussions. As for pricing, each distribution partner likely will use a different business model. For instance, PIX could end up ad-supported on one carrier while free of commercials on another that will charge an extra fee.

Sony eventually might convert PIX to an on-demand model and might take the brand online as well. The full-length linear strategy is just one of many different content plays with which the studio is experimenting. "We're not doubling down and saying it's only about longform," Berger said. "We'll continue to do innovative things in the shortform universe as well."

Films will run on PIX for a month, with additions coming weekly. Other titles coming to PIX include "Memento," "The Karate Kid," "Layer Cake," "Resident Evil" and "Roxanne."


Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080331/tc_nm/sony_dc