Sky unveils 5 new concept phones to drool over

Korean phone purveyor Pantech (also known as Sky Premium) is teaming up with universities there to design the "Phone of 2010." We dig it, and what they came up with so far look mostly like units for the home, though the device pictured above may be something of a smart phone. Hate to say it, but in this post-iPhone world, it's hard to be wowed by pretty curves and tactile buttons.

Source: http://dvice.com/archives/2008/03/sky_unveils_5_n.php

ASUS' 9-inch Eee PC 900 hits the FCC with full teardown, gets multi-finger gesture support

Eee fans, your second-wildest dream has just come to pass. ASUS' next version of the mini-laptop has hit the FCC, and we've got the pictures to prove it. Yes, as we speak (possibly, but maybe not) inspectors from the agency are poring over details of the 9-inch, second generation system -- referred to here as the Eee 900 -- desperately hoping that none of its radio waves do anything funky to anyone else's radio waves. There's no secret-sauce WiMAX or drastic changes we can see, though the manual does make mention of "multi-finger gesture input," which will apparently provide the ability to zoom in, zoom out, and do familiar two-finger scrolling on the newly resized trackpad. Check the pictures in the gallery for loads of looks at the new entry, including a view of its insides that'll make your eyes water.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/26/asus-9-inch-eee-pc-900-hits-the-fcc/

iHome's iH69 computer / iPod speakers

We've seen a number of iPod speakers with pass-through dock connectors, but we've never really understood the point -- why would we listen to music on our iPod when we're already sitting at the computer, which has better speakers? iHome's latest rig, the iH69, tries to bring it all together, though, with an iPod dock integrated directly into a set of upright computer speakers. We're not sold on the idea until we actually hear 'em -- or we get a sub in the deal -- but those of you looking to save on some cable clutter should look for these bad boys to drop sometime in June.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/26/ihomes-ih69-computer-ipod-speakers/

Major security vulnerability discovered for PlayStation Network, lock up your PS3s

Details are still sparse (and primarily in Japanese), but our Tokyo bureau just let us know that Sony's announced a fairly severe security vulnerability on the PlayStation Network, which would actually allow an attacker to access your account, personal information, and Wallet -- but not your credit card on file -- as well as change your password. Damn. More on this as it develops; in the mean time, keep a close eye on that account.

Update: More information is on the US PS3 site. Apparently the issue has been resolved and "security is restored." Thanks, luckydude76.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/27/major-security-vulnerability-discovered-for-playstation-network/

HP UMPC 2133 specs revealed, street date of April 7th?

We'd been hearing that HP's slick UMPC 2133 was going sport VIA processors, and now we've got some more info to back that up -- we just received what appears to be a full spec list for the upcoming machine, and it's VIA C7-Ms all around, with graphics courtesy of a VIA Chrome 9 chipset. According to our source, these will hit on April 7th, and it looks like those pricing whispers were pretty accurate as well: $600 will buy you a 1.2GHz C7-M, a 120GB drive, 1GB of RAM and Vista Home Basic, while $749 bumps you up to 1.6GHz and Vista Business and adds Bluetooth, another gig of RAM, and a bigger battery. There's also a mysterious $849 Vista Basic model listed as having "regional" availability (the others are listed as "Smart Buy") with Bluetooth and bigger battery, but we don't see why it's more expensive than the Vista Business version. Regardless, what really caught our eye was the $549 model that shares the same specs as the $600 unit, but looks to be running SuSE Enterprise -- another rumor that's come true. That could be the one that HP expects to sell like hotcakes -- after all, the goal is to have people buy these "without a thought," and that's certainly not going to happen at $749. We'll see soon enough, we suppose. Full spec sheet after the break.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/26/hp-umpc-2133-specs-revealed-street-date-of-april-7th/

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano takes on the F40

It’s young versus old in this latest clip, with two of the hottest cars to ever come out of Maranello decking it out in the Nevada desert. In one corner we have the stripped out F40 from the mid-1980s and in the other is this generation’s technologically advanced 599 GTB. Both will have its fans so we’ll leave it to you to decide which one should come out on top.

BMW M1 supercar turns 30

BMW, a brand that prides itself on building the ultimate driving machine, doesn’t even have a genuine sports car in its lineup. But this was not always the case because back in 1978 BMW launched its very own supercar. The car was the mid-engined M1 homologation special, a car that made its debut 30 years ago at the 64th Paris Motor Show and went on to sell in several different variations until it was discontinued just three years later.

The M1 was developed by BMW Motorsport with the help of Lamborghini and only 456 cars ever saw the light of day. Its body was based on a 1972 BMW concept car but was penned by Italian design house Giugiaro Italdesign.

At the time of its launch, the M1 was one of the fastest and most dynamic cars on the market. It featured a 277hp (204kW) 3.5L straight-six engine and could reach speeds in excess of 160mph (260km/h). The smooth six-cylinder revved freely to a 7,000rpm cut-off and was capable of accelerating the car from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 5.6 seconds. Driving the rear wheels was a ZF manual with five gears.

New technologies employed by the M1 included a spaceframe chassis and lightweight plastic body wrapped around a double wishbone suspension set-up with light-alloy wheel mounts in the front and an independent trapezoidal set-up in the rear. Bilstein dampers were also used with fully adjustable coil springs.

Though the car never saw a great deal of racing success, the M1 remains BMW’s only mid-engined supercar and is remembered for its impeccable handling and build quality – traits that were hard to find in the supercars of that era.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/bmw-m1-supercar-turns-30/

2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift

Earlier this month Mercedes-Benz took the covers off its facelited B-Class range and now we have first details about the 2009 model year update for the smaller A-Class. Due for release in the second half of the year, the new A-Class gets a slightly revised look, a revamped interior and a cleaner engine range.

New to range is fuel saving engine stop-start technology for the volume A150 and A170 models as well as the addition of an ultra-frugal A150 BlueEfficiency model, which gets by on just 5.8L of petrol per 100km (40.5mpg) yet still delivers a reasonable 95hp. Other fuel saving technology include aerodynamic enhancements, low rolling resistant tires and an extensive weight saving program. The most economic model remains the 82hp A160 CDI, which consumes just 4.5L of diesel per 100km (52mpg).

The cabin gets new material choices for the seats and door linings, plus buyers can also opt for brushed aluminum or wooden trim.

Key visual differences between the 2009 model and its predecessor include new shape headlights, wraparound taillights, and revised bumpers sporting larger air-intakes. The range also features several new grille designs depending on whether the car is equipped with either Avantgarde or Elegance specifications.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/2009-mercedes-benz-a-class-facelift/

LG's 5.1 megapixel OZ: a Casio W53CA hides behind the curtain

Well lookie here, LG just announced a followup to its LH2300 Touch Web phone. This one's for the twisty-fold clamshell fans -- a design which makes it look positively Japanese superphone-like. In fact, we're pretty sure it's just the Casio W53CA with LG branding and new Hello UI for Korean consumption. Interesting given that Korea certainly isn't lacking in mega-spec'd phones. Anyway, given the Exilim underpinnings it's no surprise to find a 5.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 28-mm lens, color correction, 9-point auto focus, and built-in anti-shake technology bunged into the backside. The LCD measures 2.8-inches (down from the LH2300's 3-inch LCD) yet still manages the same 800 x 480 pixel resolution for DMB television and landscape or portrait web browsing. Inside the little 18.9-mm thin handset you'll find 4GB NAND / 1GB SDRAM and microSD expansion for all your snaps and VGA / 30fps video. Coming to a 3G, CDMA network near you in April... just long as you live in South Korea or Japan.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/lgs-5-1-megapixel-oz-a-casio-w53ca-superphone-behind-the-curta/

PSP to get ColorWared on April 14th

Look, who could blame you for wanting to personalize your PSP a little. At the moment you can wait around for limited edition models like the God of War or get your kitchen-beige or month-old-mint models from a friendly, price-gouging, Japanese importer. Else, why not hold out until April 14th when ColorWare plans to unveil its new PSP colorization service. Although nothing has been announced, it's probably safe to assume the same level of "buy new" or "send in" service ColorWare already offers for the DS Lite.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/colorware-taking-on-psp-april-14th/